GEORGETOWN -- As the saying goes, you never forget your first. And Georgetown's
Capella Washington, D.C. hotel was quick to ensure that its first anniversary celebration on Wednesday was decidedly memorable -- albeit still in the 'ultra luxury' brand's signature discreet manner.
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Without even a hint of pretense, the early evening party (which was open to the general public) drew a crowd some one hundred strong, with new faces continuously popping-up throughout the night as the city's powerbrokers gradually wrapped-up their work day.
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Staying true to Capella's myopic focus on both guest services and local culture, the location's most loyal customers were at the top of its invitation list yesterday, with a lucky group of first responders gifted complimentary glasses of
The Rye Bar's unforgettable barrel-aged Manhattan.
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No one left thirsty or hungry, however, as both Head Bartender
Angel Cervantes and
Grill Room Executive Chef
Jakob Esko stood at the ready, with a parade of trays piled high with complimentary, spring-themed cocktails and canapes.
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Speaking of spring, Wednesday's birthday bash served a dual purpose in also kicking-off the seasonal opening of Capella's picturesque patio overlooking the C&O Canal, as well as its private rooftop deck (sorry, hotel guests and close friends only).
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Many in attendance last night left the party early to join one of the hotel's much talked about special 'experiences', which can involve anything from
a designer fashion show to a backstage tour of a
Washington Ballet performance at the Kennedy Center (Wednesday's experience paired a gourmet dinner with a star-gazing rooftop excursion led by an expert astronomer).
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HBD CapellaDC!