The Older Fashioned Cocktail At The Rye Bar

May 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Rye Bar

Are you a fan of Rye Whiskey cocktails?  I have a confession:  I wasn’t always.  But that has all changed!  Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s The Rye Bar has helped to change my opinion by introducing me to a series of specialty rye cocktails, each prepared with one of their featured Rye Whiskey’s and each with its own flavor profile.

The Rye Bar

The Older Fashioned Cocktail recipe features a striking and smooth Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, which has a slightly spicy, yet lighter rye flavor and a long luxurious finish.  This sophisticated Rye combined with the dense and velvety Pedro Hidalgo is truly an explosion of flavor.   The Pedro has hints of raisins, figs and honey which work perfectly with the addition of muddled Luxardo Cherries and oranges.  I was surprised by the complexity of flavors and really enjoyed the sophistication of the drink.

I decided to let you in on the secret of this cocktail.  In fact, I joined forces with staff from The Rye Bar to create a video tutorial with all the steps needed to create the Older Fashioned Cocktail.  Let me know what you think on Twitter!  Tweet me @CapellaDC #TheRyeBar.

Recipe:
1 shot Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
½ ounce Lustau Pedro Ximenez
2 Luxardo Cherries
2 Oranges Slices

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A Visit To Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival

April 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Cherry Blossom Festival

Earlier this month Washington D.C. began the spring celebration of the 101st National Cherry Blossom Festival!  Hundreds and thousands of visitors from all over the world attended this special two week event that began on March 20th and ended April 14th.  During this period I had the chance to watch each cherry bud grow into flowering pieces of art on my way to work.  It was during the days of the peek bloom when I had the opportunity to actually walk through the Tidal Basin, taking photos; admiring the beauty of the trees and interviewing a few Cherry Blossom visitors!

Over two thousand cherry trees arrived in Washington, D.C. as a gift from Tokyo on January 6, 1910.   I could see the remarkable difference between the stunning ancient tree trunks of the original trees versus the more recently planted saplings.  After speaking with one of the ladies at the help desk, she said this season was particularly wonderful because of the great weather during peak bloom.  The cherry blossom trees bloom when the weather reaches above 70 degrees.  But it is the evening time that can’t be missed, as that is when the flowers truly start to flourish.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown is located less than 3 miles from the Cherry Blossom Festival, making it the perfect destination for springtime.  I look forward to next years events!  If you join us during the Cherry Blossom Festival be sure to let your Personal Assistant help plan the experience for you.

 

Photo Credit, Sarah Corneal

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Opening Capella Washington D.C. Georgetown

April 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Capella Washington DC

I will never forget the memories created the morning of Friday, March 22nd, 2013 when Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown first opened doors to the public!  But before the doors opened the enthusiasm behind-the-scenes reached a fever pitch.  Excitement had been building days prior to opening, with events such as orientation with our corporate leaders, to daily training sessions with department heads from other Capella Hotels and Resorts locations, to our employee Pep Rally event the Thursday before opening!

Each happening made me feel closer and closer to my colleagues, managers and corporate leaders, and gave all of us here at Capella Washington D.C. inspiration and the required tools for success.  I have never been a part of a hotel opening before, but now that I have and as Peter Schoch, VP of Food & Beverage says, “no one will ever take that away from me.”

The morning of Pep Rally was my personal favorite.  I arrived at 8:00 am to ten boxes of Krispy Cream doughnuts and knew it was going to be a great day.  Alex Obertop, General Manager and CAO, Owen Dorsey, opened with some speeches.  They let us know today was a party- not only for the hotel, but also for all of us.

Opening Capella Washington DC

That’s when the marching band arrived!  The band from Dunbar High School in Washington D.C., positioned themselves in the middle of 31st street, outside of the hotel and began their march through the outdoor patio into the main lobby entrance.  From there it was one big celebration.  A fantastic DJ played music and plenty of delicious food from our neighboring restaurant was served.  Everyone was clapping, dancing and smiling.  There was even a great video montage of everything we had done to get to this point— opening a hotel is hard work!  And after all of it, this was just what we needed.  The celebration really was the ultimate kick off to the journey we are now on.  I am so proud of what we’ve created and I am excited for you to experience it for yourself.

To hear more, be sure to follow me, your Capella Washington D.C. Insider, on Facebook & Twitter and keep a look out for my next blog post, featuring an annual spring specialty in Washington D.C.!

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Introducing Capella Washington D.C.’s Resident Stylist

March 19, 2013 by 1 Comment
April Yvonne Resident Stylist

We are now just a few days from opening!  The past few months I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most creative people who have all been involved in the opening preparations of Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown.  More recently I had the opportunity to meet our new Resident Stylist April Yvonne.

April Yvonne Resident Stylist

April has been styling since she was a young girl in grade school, which over the years progressed into a part-time gig with her co-workers and friends.  Later, her styling passion and skills transformed into a full time career that has taken her to New York Fashion Week and throughout the world.  Traveling from Tokyo to Buenos Aires and even landing a styling job for Dior, April has developed a keen understanding of fashion and personal style.  In 2010 April brought this fashion knowledge to D.C. and established her blog MyDCStyle.

Recently I had the chance to ask her a couple questions about her role as Capella Washington, D.C.’s Resident Stylist.

What are you most looking forward to about being the Resident Stylist for Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown?

I’m truly looking forward to being a part of an amazing team – which in my opinion is comprised of the best-of-the-best.  There is absolutely nothing like the Capella Washington, D.C. and I’m eager for guests to see first-hand just how fabulous this hotel is.  As the Resident Stylist, I’m excited to work with the guests to bring them the finest fashions and introduce them to the fashion scene in DC.  I also can’t wait to partner with some of the hottest designers to deliver high-end fashion shows for the guests.  There is much more planned and I just can’t wait to get started!

What unique personal style services will you offer for guests?

I am here to fulfill all of their fashion styling needs!  I can arrange exclusive shopping excursions including private after-hours shopping at some of the area’s finest luxury stores or should they wish to remain in the comfort of their suite, I can curate a selection of amazing looks to bring to them to try on and choose from.  I also have a great relationship with many designers (even those based in New York or Paris!), making it a seamless process for me to obtain unique pieces.

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Signature Cocktails At The Rye Bar

February 27, 2013 by 1 Comment
The Rye Bar

If you haven’t heard by now Capella Washington DC, Georgetown’s, The Rye Bar will feature a unique and special selection of cocktails, featuring the finest Rye Whiskey available.  Food & Beverage Manager Will Rentschler devised the plan to create our own barrel aged Rye Whiskey cocktail on the menu.  After some fun tastings and a few meetings, the recipe was finalized and plans were made to meet the distributor at his facility to mix and barrel the cocktail.

We began with an American Oak Barrel and then added the ingredients: Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey, Dolin Vermouth and Byrhh quinquina (the term for sweetened fortified aperitif wines containing quinine and spices).  The barrel was then sealed  with a soft oak cork and gently mixed together by rolling the barrel  slightly back and forth a few times.

The Rye Bar

This process was so exciting that I was fascinated to learn more.  Hicham from LeDroit Brands, LLC explained to me that the inside of the barrel is charred, which is where the Rye will pick up colors and flavors of caramel, toffee, vanilla and wood.  He further explained that the barrel aging will remove some of the sweetness from the Vermouth and mellow the flavor of the rye whiskey.

If you are a Whiskey lover, I know you will enjoy this sophisticated cocktail that is the perfect balance of spice, fruit and sweet.  I know that I am looking forward to enjoying one when The Rye Bar opens!

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The Washington Harbour Ice Rink

December 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Do you recall your last ice skating adventure?  Well, as the cold winter approaches in Washington D.C., the Washington Harbour in Georgetown has unveiled its newest attraction: the Washington Harbour ice rink, D.C.’s largest ice rink measuring at 11,800 square feet!  This is something I am very excited about and already have a visit planned with friends.

The gorgeous ice rink is located just one block away from Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown and looks over the historic Potomac River.  I cannot think of a better way to embrace the icy temperatures, bundling up in your favorite winter coat and hat.  The rink, which opened in November, will be available through March and has both daytime and nighttime hours.

To ring-in the Holidays, the Washington Harbour ice rink recently celebrated “Winter on the Water,” a new celebration held this past Saturday, December 1st. The event featured strolling ice skating entertainers, skating performances, choral singers, a St. Lucia parade, and artistic lighting effects.  Guests also indulged in exceptional foods and beverages prepared and served outdoors by the top restaurants located in the Harbour waterfront.

Hopefully you will have an opportunity to visit the rink.  And, if you are staying with Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown then your Personal Assistants can help organize your excursion!

For more information, visit TheWashingtonHarbour.com

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