1. Subscribe Now
  2. Follow Us
  3. Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
  4. |
  5. Advertise

Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

A Night Out: Sugar & Champagne Affair

By Gwendolyn Purdom

Photograph by Chris Leaman.

See our slideshow of the event here.

What: The Ninth Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair to benefit the Washington Humane Society

Where: The Ritz-Carlton in DC’s Foggy Bottom

When: Wednesday, January 27

Ticket price: $90, VIP $150

Who: Washington animal lovers and their canine companions filled the Ritz-Carlton’s ballroom for the soirée’s ninth year. Hosted by Ellen and Todd Gray of Equinox restaurant and Salamander Hospitality, the fundraiser brought together area chefs and sommeliers to honor the Washington Humane Society’s Human Law Enforcement and Animal Control Officers. The 6 PM VIP reception featured such chefs as Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel’s, Brasserie Beck, and Brabo; Todd Gray of Equinox and Salamander Hospitality; RJ Cooper of Vidalia; Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve; Kyle Bailey of Birch & Barley; and Ryan Witcher of the Ritz-Carlton.

For the main event, pastry chefs from restaurants such as Art and Soul, Blue Ridge, Co Co. Sala, Trummer’s On Main, and Citronelle brought sweet treats for both humans and dogs. Pastry chef David Guas, author of the cookbook DamGoodSweet, and Katie Githens, who penned The Dog Lover’s Companion to Washington DC, were on hand to sign and sell their books. Mixologists Gina Chersavani of PS 7’s and Simo Ahmadi of Equinox manned the island bar, and Fox 5 Morning News anchor Holly Morris was the emcee. Guests brought four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes from 1½-pound Chihuahua puppies to slobbering Great Danes.

The scene: Tail-wagging attendees were well-behaved in the hotel’s dessert-filled ballroom, though it got a little noisy as the night went on. Tables with sweets—dog-shaped cakes, gingerbread doghouses, and bone-shaped beignets—rimmed the room, while bartenders served Champagne, wine, and cocktails from an island in the center—with water bowls at its base. Humane Society volunteers paraded dogs in orange “Adopt Me” vests. Silent-auction prizes included a home-cooked dinner party for 12 from Todd Gray, a one-night stay at the Ritz, and gift baskets stuffed with dog toys. For a $20 donation, guests could take photos with their pets.

On stage, Humane Society president Lisa LaFontaine introduced Lila, a pit-bull puppy who was rescued from an abandoned crate and nursed back to health with the organization’s help, and Scott Giacoppo’s, chief programs officer, honored his team with certificates. The State of the Union address kept special honoree DC Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier from attending, but Giacoppo made sure her cooperation was recognized.

On the menu: Desserts included lavender/vanilla truffles, cupcakes, gelato, rootbeer floats, Key-lime icebox cake, and coconut/caramel chocolates. The VIP pre-party included savory tastings such as scallops three ways and chestnut agnolotti with truffled Brussels sprouts. The evening’s program book doubled as recipe cards for goodies such as the apple/crème-fraîche cake from Equinox and Citronelle’s chocolate bar.

Best display: Buzz bakery’s elaborate cupcake tree offered frosted dog faces on each cake.

Cutest mascot: Belga Café’s black-and-white Great Dane, Rena, who spent the evening sprawled in front of the restaurant’s table wearing a Belga T-shirt.

Ratings:
Boldface guests: 3.5 (out of 5)
Swankiness: 3 (out of 5)
Food and drink: 4.5 (out of 5)
Overall exclusivity: 3.5 (out of 5)

Total score: 14.5 (out of 20)

Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
 

More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos 


Category Tags: Scene, Reads, Nightlife


Comments


you must read <a href=http://dvd-to-ipod-touch-converter-free.weebly.com/>dvd to ipod touch converter free</a> for promotion code <a href=http://dvd-to-ipod-touch-converter-free.weebly.com/>dvd to ipod touch converter free</a> with confident

Posted by: creftmarilee, Feb 05, 2012 05:08:02 AM

for <a href=http://dvdrippers.weebly.com/>dvd ripper</a> at my estore <a href=http://dvdrippers.weebly.com/>dvd ripper</a> for more

Posted by: Emorswendie, Jan 20, 2012 03:53:43 PM

for with confident <a href=http://indaiatubanet.com.br/rede/index.php?p=blogs/viewstory/31872>best-knockoff-designerbags.com</a> for less

Posted by: MYMNamal, Jan 17, 2012 04:05:54 AM

7 At the end of the air filled with the desire to shop, windows everywhere Sale, the people involved in purchasing again and again the tide. As long as you look accurate, it is cheaper to buy a variety of favorite long can the good goods. can be concentrated in such raids without reckoning wanton procurement, but also easy to lose, so their reduced to "junk woman".
shopping, celebrities have always charge the former, experience is particularly rich . The stars of the shopping in Hong Kong after discount on large numbers of summer vacation in Hong Kong were more strongly into China. But the star, after all, not a fashion designer, was at a higher level, the reason gold, this issue also invite more place the most active designers and fashion people, personally surgeon, to help you sort out the change of the fashion pulse of new and old, peeling silkworm spinning, out of season rush to buy discount focus and dedication from their losses and gains experience.
Cecilia
raids Location: Times Square, Causeway Bay shopping
focus: the rebate, is cost-effective to buy cosmetics. In addition, Times Square, selling all kinds of girls clothing all year round, it is suitable for Cecilia’s style.
link Beijing: China Friendship Department Store < br> bag bargains key: even if a discount, the top big things, or very expensive. Therefore, learning to Cecilia, a down to meet their own tastes, purchasing power of local girls shopping for their installed it.
Vision Xuan
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com
raids Location: Pacific Place shopping
focus: Jessica, said: "buying things, the mood is most important, a discount is still followed. discount when the mind to keep the wrong reason will not buy a shirt. "seasonal, the Pacific Place and other brands such as D & G will hit 5 discount, shoppers are crazy. Jessica shopping frenzy does not belong to the girl, she likes to enjoy a leisurely way to try on clothes in the environment.
Link Beijing: Palace Hotel
bag bargains focus: a world-class brand of seasonal goods, but also enjoy five-star shopping environment. discount store dressing room to be some period of long lines, very annoying.
Carina Lau
mop Location: Central, The Landmark
shopping points: famous discount, the Carina is often the first time in the Landmark in Central to buy some clothes. waiting there almost every day, paparazzi photographed celebrities visiting the shop shapes and sizes. If there were paparazzi be exposed Shu Qi in the Landmark bought the former boyfriend Dawn LV purse.
link Beijing: International Trade
bag bargains focus: mature women have the economic strength of the F1 layer of the LV,cheap jordan shoes, Max & Mara and other big discount, absolutely immense interest.
Shirley
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com
raids Location: City Plaza shopping
points: Shirley admitted that discount when buying more for the family, prefer the design of flu in some famous small jewelry, see the chic, will be more to buy some souvenirs. Shirley that time to the mid-range priced discount shopping, more affordable, cost-effective.
link Beijing: Oriental Plaza
bag bargains focus :louis vuitton handbags There are many new jewelry store in particular is worth watching.nike shoes
Tsang
raids Location: Causeway Bay shopping Crawford
key: Do not look to see Eric Tsang, in fact, but his authentic "human fashion . "discount in August each year seven seasons, Crawford boutique often as low as 6 fold, Eric Tsang usually discounted selection of men’s time,replica IWC, including attending events to wear suits, usually wear casual clothes when shopping and so on.
Link Beijing: Lufthansa
bag bargains focus: Lufthansa Men do not fancy, but definitely has the quality of content, clothing brands such as BOSS, Xenia class brand, should be the successful man not to be missed Taobao focus.
Anthony Wong
raids Location: Causeway Bay SOGO SOGO shopping
focus: shopping is clearly not just a small girl’s patent, even if it rough as Anthony Wong’s "character man" is also keen to Shopping, I once SOGO SOGO Department Store in Causeway Bay and saw Anthony Wong, accompanied by the Assistant buy clothes. He admitted that from time to time the discount SOGO activities is to attract one of the reasons he went. Anthony Wong preference with punk-style clothing, hand-painted T-shirts and with nail jeans will let Anthony Wong put it down.
link Beijing: SOGO, Parkson
bag bargains key: do not discount timing activities,mbt shoes give you a lot of value for money windfall.
Ekin Cheng
mop Location: Sai Yee Street, (Shoes Street)
shopping focus: not so in love with actress and cosmetics to buy pretty dresses everywhere, like the movement of Ekin Cheng usually buy more emphasis on sports and leisure shoes, so Sneaker Street in Mong Kok he must be free to visit the place. Shoes Street stores selling NIKE, ADIDAS and so on of the newest sports and leisure shoes are usually sold at prices of seven Bazhe it off for the birth does not know how frugal is Ekin Cheng It is a very economical choice, so he does not shoot as long as it will go to buy a few pairs of sneakers Street favorite shoes home.
link Beijing: SOGO Oriental Plaza Sports 100
bag bargains Focus: Sports class clothing. Movement like you, discount,mbt shoes be sure to buy some more.
She Poetry Man
raids Location: Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui shopping
points: Poetry Man She always busy filming, not so ordinary girl visit this store a lot of time, so she likes to Harbour City, you can also see the works of famous fashion designers and international famous brand stores, discount focus when, against a lot of things to be able to Amoy.
Link Beijing: World all Stores
bag bargains focus: people who do not have much time, the best brands on all of this high place,replica Rolex, one will be able to scrape together almost.
1. Fast shipping ,Best quaity products,
2. Payment Method : Accept Paypal,Western Union ,Money Gram,
3. and give free shipping, Accept the smallest order,
4. EMS,DHL,TNT,FEDEX etc.
Welcome into our WEB: http://www.cheapsneakercn.com
or http://www.newsneakerswholesale.com

Posted by: sneakercn, Jun 29, 2011 04:27:37 AM

Dr. Story said no true cause-and-effect relationship has been proven, a point upon which University of Colorado researcher Michael Chonchol agrees. A clinical trial comparing the effects of fructose to other kinds of sugars is needed, he told
http://www.bootscheapoutlet.com

Posted by: uggs outlet, Oct 26, 2010 11:06:47 PM


On stage, Humane Society president Lisa LaFontaine introduced Lila, a pit-bull puppy who was rescued from an abandoned crate and nursed back to health with

the organization’s help, and Scott Giacoppo’s, chief programs officer, honored his team with certificates. The State of the Union address kept special

honoree DC Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier from attending, but Giacoppo made sure her cooperation was recognized.
<a href="http://www.bootscheapoutlet.com/">uggs outlet</a>

Posted by: uggs outlet, Oct 26, 2010 10:59:55 PM

i liked it.

Posted by: dinesh, Jan 31, 2010 08:25:49 PM

u r blog s very informative..

<a href="http://champagnegiftbasket.net">champagne gift basket</a>

Posted by: raji, Jan 31, 2010 08:24:35 PM

Has anyone ever seen the Washington Humane shelters? They are DISGUSTING, dank, dirty and dark. The staff is tragic. Does anyone in these photos ever think where their $150 VIP ticket money goes? A night of champagne and sugar at the Ritz is a heartbreaking juxtaposition to the conditions the animals, supposedly the beneficiaries of such an event, have to endure.

Posted by: shame on you, Jan 29, 2010 07:51:48 AM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.

Click to download our new iPhone mobile app

 

  1. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (60 Entries)
  2. Academia (2 Entries)
  3. Blogger Beat (94 Entries)
  4. Dating Diaries (50 Entries)
  5. DNC Convention (8 Entries)
  1. More
  1. February 2012 (26 Entries)
  2. January 2012 (65 Entries)
  3. December 2011 (41 Entries)
  4. November 2011 (42 Entries)
  5. October 2011 (24 Entries)
  1. More
Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif
Newsletter Signup
  1. Washingtonian Deals
  2. Bridal Party
  3. Dining Out
  4. Kliman Online
  5. Shop Around
  6. Where & When
  7. Photo Opps
  8. Learn more sign_up.gif
 

What to Do This Weekend: February 9 to 12

Woo at the Zoo, the opening of “Genesis Robot” at Synetic Theater, and the Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival. more

Music Picks: Jack’s Mannequin, All Things Gold, Steve Aoki

Our recommendations for the best in live music over the next seven days. more

Follow Us Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
Get the Magazine Washington Lives By

It's your source for dining, nightlife, news, health, shopping and more in Washington.

Subscribe to Washingtonian

Washingtonian Magazine provides the best insights on:

Subscribe today for only $29.95 for 12 issues.