Mari Vanna Fetes One Year Anniversary; Russian Restaurant Counts Ovechkin As Biggest Fan

DUPONT CIRCLE -- "Za vashe zdorovie" ("here's to your health" in Russian) was a common chorus in the District on Tuesday evening, as Dupont Circle-based restaurant Mari Vanna feted its one year anniversary.

Originally scheduled in late January, a certain chilly vortex and the ensuing city-wide shutdown scuttled plans for the initial celebration. But yesterday's festivities more than made up for the temporary delay, with the all-day affair even boasting a private VIP party on the venue's top floor in the early evening.

Since it first opened in January 2013, the D.C. outpost of the sprawling Mari Vanna franchise has been a staple among both local and visiting celebrities.

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin counts the restaurant among his favorites. And in the days leading up to President Obama's inauguration last year, The Creative Coalition made it a base of operations, with stars like Paula Abdul, Omar Epps, Marlon Wayans, and David Arquette stopping by.

Last night, it was all about Mari Vanna's extended D.C. family though, as ABC 7's Scott Thuman, NBC's Danielle Leigh, DC Vote Executive Director Kimberly Perry, DC Office of Motion Picture and TV Development Director Pierre Bagley, D.C. Senator Paul Strauss, WPGC 95.5's Sunni And The City, GILT CITY Senior Curator Marissa Schneider, and Echostage Partner Antonis Karagounis all popped-in to extend their respective congratulations.

Managers Victor Star and Sergii Andriushchenko ensured that the complimentary pelmeni (Russian dumplings) tasting station was always plentifully stocked and, naturally, the vodka flowed liberally.

Encouraged by Mari Vanna's in-house accordionist and resident DJ, DJ Freddy, or perhaps the aforementioned libations, the party quickly transformed from a foodie fete into a full blown dance party.

You only turn one once after all.