Tag Archives: georgetown

Life is Always Sweet at Macaron Bee

This new pint-size confectioner in Georgetown is the buzziest spot in town! The adorable, homey storefront is welcoming and the colorful display case beautifully displays a wide array of the different types of macarons.

Each macaron is handmade and proudly sports a different personality. The blood orange and raspberry ones are filled with sweet, smooth jelly center fillings and the vanilla bean, rose, coconut flavors are packed with a light aromatic cream.

The one characteristic that these 12 vibrant personalities share is that each macaron is made with the finest, freshest jam fillings and pure butter.

One bite of these feisty little bees leaves the victim in a euphoric state with intense cravings for just a few more bites.

La Chaumiere: Relaxed, French Country Dining in the Heart of Georgetown

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Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and enjoy a warm, rich meal at Georgetown’s, La Chaumiere, a hallmark of unpretentious French cuisine with a country inn atmosphere.  Cozy up at a table near the central stone fireplace and make yourself at home within the rustic, stucco-covered walls of this authentic French gem.  With a knack for seasonal ingredients, consistently delicious French specialties and an inviting atmosphere, La Chaumiere is the perfect spot for a romantic evening out. 

Start off with a delectable pate or refreshing salad niçoise for a truly French beginning, then opt for an order of the authentic Moules Mariniere, or mussels steamed in white wine.  La Chaumiere also offers a variety of house specialties, including the Quenelles de Brochet (Pike dumpling in lobster sauce), or traditional cassoulets prepared with rabbit and lamb. On Tuesdays only, the chef prepares the rich Crabe en Chemise – French crepes filled with Jumbo Lump Crab, mushrooms and a champagne cream sauce. Whatever dish you choose, La Chaumiere will certainly transport you to France with one simple bite. 

Insider Tip:  It’s no secret that the French know how to please a sweet tooth. Don’t request your bill until you’ve ordered the chef’s special soufflé for dessert.  Offered in both Grand Marnier and Chocolate flavors, this light and fluffy treat will definitely end your fabulously French evening on the right note!

Travel to The City of Lights at Cafe Bonaparte

For those unable to make it abroad, but looking for a delectable European dining experience, travel no further than Georgetown’s quaint, Café Bonaparte.  Take a trip to The City of Lights at this small French bistro packed with big flavor and an authentic Parisian atmosphere.bonaparte

Breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, Café Bonaparte is equally delicious with a wide variety of traditional French favorites mixed with a few creative twists on classics.  Try a sinful savory or sweet crepe, or opt for a creative omelet to satisfy your morning cravings.

For an evening out, start off with the crispy Crepe Chips topped with apples and brie before losing yourself in rich, French specialties: Beef Bourguignon, Steak Frites and Duck Confit with Orange Demi Glace. With limited seating in a cozy, upscale bistro atmosphere, Bonaparte is the perfect spot for an intimate, yet relaxed meal – and a tiny piece of Paris hidden in our very own Capital.

Insider Tip: In true Parisian style, Café Bonaparte offers equally alluring cocktails.  Take advantage of the Café’s half price cocktails every Monday.  The Café Couture (Grey Goose pear, cardamom, fresh lemon juice and honey) is an exotic concoction that will have you speaking the romance language by the end of the evening.

Old World Charm at The Latham Hotel

For a comfortable stay in the District, settle into a roomPicture 5 in the The Latham Hotel, nestled conveniently on M Street right in the heart of Georgetown.  With European-like accommodations and a hidden, yet elegant exterior, this boutique hotel is the perfect pick for those looking for a charming stay in the midst of a bustling metropolis.

The Latham’s quaint interior reflects simple refinement, typical of historic Georgetown.  Take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center or window shop along famous M Street before basking alongside the hotel’s exclusive rooftop pool.  Need a little more VIP service?  Order room service from famed chef Michel Richard’s award-winning Citronelle, located adjacent to the hotel (or make a reservation for an unforgettable dinner for two!).  The Latham also boasts green initiatives and pet-friendly accommodations (for a small fee and deposit).

Cutting Edge Fashion at Cusp

cuspAs Yves Saint Laurent once reflected, “fashion fades; style is eternal.”  At the chic Georgetown boutique, Cusp, both fashion and style are ever present with a perfect selection from edgy, yet sophisticated designers such as Elizabeth and James, Alice & Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs.  Created as a younger, edgier boutique by infamous fashion giant, Neiman Marcus, style mavens can rest assured that Cusp will definitely have what’s in vogue.

Fashionistas will drool over flirty Milly dresses, sky-high Loeffler Randall stilettos, and a variety of the best accessories and beauty products available. Treat yourself to a day of shopping in quaint Georgetown and heat things up later with a hot new addition to your travel wardrobe – one trip to this trendy shop and you’ll be on the cusp on what’s hot in no time!

Get a Taste of “Art in Motion” at the Hotel Palomar

Looking for comfy accommodations with a little something extra? Marked by the theme “Art in Motion,” DC’s Hotel Palomar prides itself on its unique partnership with the Smithsonian and the Phillips Collection – national institutions marked by their artistic prestige. The boutique hotel, part of the well-known Kimpton group, pairs modern accommodations with a bit of avant-garde panache – perfect for the out-of-town guest looking to see the trendier side of the District.

hotelpalomar2From the oversized modern art in the striking two-story lobby, to the attentive staff trained in graceful service by the Washington Ballet itself(!), the Hotel Palomar exudes creative touches that seek to intrigue and inspire guests from the moment they enter, to long after they have returned home.

With nearly 350 rooms inspired by 1930s French Moderne design aesthetic, the four star hotel boasts some of the roomiest accommodations in the city as well as a variety of appealing amenities.  The hotel showcases a 40-foot heated outdoor pool (open seasonally) that serves lunch daily, as guests lounge in trendy cabanas.  Additionally, guests can utilize the well-equipped fitness center, in-room spa services and nightly, complimentary wine receptions (known to host creative speakers and guest artists).

Insider Tip: For those who can’t bare to part with their favorite companions, not to worry!  The Hotel Palomar is a pet friendly hotel (free of charge) with a variety of amenities geared toward all types of furry friends.  Grab a glass of wine at the evening reception while your pup relaxes at The Dish, the nearby pet lounge, complete with tasty treats!

Splurge at Bourbon Steak

The traditional “gentleman’s club” steakhouse just got a serious makeover with celebrity chef Michael Mina’s new addition, Bourbon Steak.  Located in the heart of Georgetown at the Four Seasons, Bourbon Steak is attracting both foodies and power diners alike, with its simple, yet sophisticated menu and smart, contemporary décor.

bourbonsteak Outfitted in warm, modern neutrals, Bourbon Steak exudes a cool masculinity fitting for a Mad Men-worthy steakhouse, with a menu that reflects the same sensibility.  Start off with a classic cocktail with an updated twist paired with the Ahi Tuna Tartare that’s prepared tableside with Ancho Chile, toasted sesame oil, fresh mint and crunchy Asian pear.  The perfectly aged cuts of meat, locally sourced and poached in butter, will change your life, while classic American sides prepared with a gourmet hand only enhance the meat with a decadent simplicity.  Be sure to try the Black Truffle Mac & Cheese or Wood-Roasted “Magical” Mushrooms.

The new hotspot on the DC restaurant scene, Bourbon Steak, has definitely shown patrons such as Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson exceptional American cuisine.

Insider Tip: For a real splurge, try Michael’s lobster pot pie (enough to feed two) at $85 a pop.  Be sure to ask Executive Chef, Dave Varley, his wine recommendation as well – aside from executing a flawless menu, Varley has extensive wine knowledge.

Amazing Deals-And Location-at The Georgetown Inn

For a true taste of Georgetown, book a room at the characteristically quaint Georgetowgeorgetowninnn Inn.  Minutes from the waterfront, great shopping, and award-winning restaurants, the boutique hotel offers accommodations with proper Georgetown sophistication and an element of elegance reminiscent of charming European inns.

The six-story hotel houses a variety of accommodation levels, all with Capital-worthy namesakes.  Try the Senate Room for a simple stay with one queen or king size bed and gorgeous city views.  For a more luxurious night away, stay in one of the ten Georgetown Suites, complete with an additional living room and entertainment center.  Depending on the time of year, the Inn usually offers rooms for well under $250 – a great deal for DC.

Head next door for a drink and a bite to eat at The Daily Grill, the Inn’s cozy restaurant and  local favorite amongst the Georgetown after-work crowd.

See and Be Scene at George

Tucked away in a courtyard about as obscure as a place on the coveted guest list, lies George, the newest addition to the semi-private bars that encompass the popular Georgetown social scene.  George’s ultra-exclusive vibe caters to young Washingtonians looking to mingle with a hand-picked crowd, in a relaxed yet refined setting.

Just opened in August 2009, George has an upscale, tavern-like feel with oversized brass bars studded with substantial leather bar chairs.  Washed in warm, olive hues and outfitted in historicPicture 16 decor inspired by colonial Georgetown, George lends a nod to tradition with a uniquely modern sensibility – perfect for its young, conservative crowd looking to party with some class.

Lured by a DJ spinning popular late-night favorites, list members and their guests tend to pile in after 10pm on weekend nights.  A nearly pitch-black dance floor is the place to be if you’re looking to party hard with some Georgetown movers and shakers. Who knows, you may even learn a move or two from Washington Nationals star, Ryan Zimmerman, a frequent patron of the bar.

Insider Tip: List or no list, the bar is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays for Happy Hour from 6-9 PM, so grab a comfy leather seat at the bar and get a feel for what its like to be a card-carrying member.

DC’s Only Pre-Revolutionary Home: The Old Stone House and Garden

Picture 58Washington, D.C. may be named after America’s Revolutionary War Hero, but there’s only one building remaining from that period: The Old Stone House & Garden. Known as the last Pre-Revolutionary building standing in Washington, D.C. on its original foundation, this house has been a part of American history since the beginning.

In fact, part of the reason the house was preserved was due to local legend. According to the folklore, the architect of D.C., Pierre L’Enfant, stayed in the house while he was designing our nation’s capital. Although the legend proved to be false, it has still made a mark on the city.

Today, the house is host to a museum that recreates life in the late 1700s. The house is about 85% original to its 1700’s construction, and it is furnished to reflect upper-middle class living. It even contains a grandfather clock that was originally inside the house.

If the museum is not for you, the house also has a beautiful garden outside. Containing benches and flowerbeds, the caretakers have done a great job keeping the house as it was before America was the United States.

Random Harvest’s Eclectic Mix of Old and New

randomharvest1This beautifully edited furniture store in D.C. looks like a well designed home. At Random Harvest Antiques & Home Furnishings, you can find the perfect mix of antique, vintage and newly manufactured furniture to make your own abode look like it came out of a design show makeover. From elegant to rustic, formal to casual, each piece is of high quality and is refreshingly affordable.

Random Harvest is the perfect spot to find the one item you’re missing or to make your home unique and special. Random Harvest has four stores in the D.C. area, including this jewel in Georgetown.

Go Ga-Ga for Dawn Price Baby

With locations in Georgetown and Capitol Hill, Dawn Price Baby has what it takes to make sure every little one gets off to a stylish start. Whether you’re prepping for a new family member or just gift shopping, you’ll go ga-ga for the adorable inventory from a variety of well-known children’s wear designers.

Offering everything from perfectly put-together infant outfits, to versatile cribs and carseats, Dawn Price is the one stop shop for all things high-end baby!  Opt for a gorgeous, antique cradle for that newest addition, or a fresh copy of Goodnight Moon for a  first birthday gift.  Sign up for the store’s baby registry and stock up with tons of cute, yet quality newborn essentials!