Georgetown's recently opened
Dog Tag Bakery and acclaimed Washington restaurant
Cafe Milano joined forces on Sunday evening, for a charitable Oscar screening party in support of veterans.
The crowded celebration began with a cocktail reception on the restaurant's first floor, where guests were invited to 'walk the red carpet' while sipping chilled glasses of champagne.
Everyone then adjoined to Milano's storied private dining room overlooking Prospect Street for a sumptuous buffet dinner and to watch the awards program.
Guests in attendance included
Colonel Adam Rocke, Director of the Soldier for Life Program to the Chief of Staff of the Army, Cafe Milano owner
Franco Nuschese, Fox News Senior White House Correspondent
Ed Henry and his wife,
Shirley Henry, who is a Senior Editor on NPR's Washington Desk, CNN's
Matt Dornic, recently appointed
MORE Magazine Contributing Editor
Betsy Fischer Martin, and TV producer-turned-political and media consultant
Tammy Haddad, among many others.
Joining them, most notably was the first graduating class of Dog Tag's work-study program for veterans, which combines formal classroom training with storefront and practical experience in order to help them successfully transition to the next chapter in their civilian lives.
Beyond the night's charitable component, however, Sunday's watch party was a double source of distinction for Cafe Milano as 2015 'Best Actor' nominee
Bradley Cooper counts himself an alumnus of the restaurant's extended family. Indeed, the 'American Sniper' star waited tables there just a few years ago, when he was studying at nearby Georgetown University, and continues to count Milano manager
Laurent Menoud as a good friend despite his newfound international fame.
And a little glitz and glamour is never bad for business, especially for those who are
#BakingaDifference.