All photographs by Rich Kessler for REVAMP.com.
NORTHWEST -- Everything came up roses and more than a few people walked away with feathers in their caps on Saturday evening, as the
Corcoran Gallery of Art's signature
Artini benefit returned inside the marbled walls of the venerable institution.
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Hosted each year by the nonprofit's enthusiastic
1869 Society, which is geared at rising business, civic, and social leaders, the cocktail-inspired event attracted hundreds of Washington young professionals.
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The premise behind the night is relatively simple. Ten of the District's top bars, lounges, and restaurants (including sponsor
Celebrity Cruises) faceoff in a friendly competition to fashion the best cocktail, inspired by a single work of art within the Corcoran's famed (and priceless) collection.
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In the weeks leading up to Saturday's main event, each participating venue -- P.O.V at the W Washington, D.C., The Gibson, Oyamel, Quill at The Jefferson, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Range, Ripple, Jack Rose Dining Saloon, and City Tap House -- hosted a special 'Feature Night', which was designed to allow D.C. cocktail hounds to preview each of the competing drinks, with the final winners announced at the actual Artini celebration.
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As in prior years, the two categories of competition were a daunting "Critic's Choice" (judged by a panel of experts) and a more popular "People's Choice" (determined by an overall cumulative vote), with
Jack Rose winning the former and
Quill the latter.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/2927/19.jpg)
The occasion, of course, was made all the more memorable to participants as a reminder of the city's continued support for the Corcoran, as Washington's oldest private art museum charts
a new course for itself in the years ahead.
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Cheers to many more!