The 11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair to benefit the Washington Humane Society Tickets Giveaway
January 21, 2012 by: diningindc
Photo by Lisa Shapiro
The 11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair to benefit the Washington Humane Society, hosted by Chef Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox & Watershed Restaurants and Muse at the Corcoran Gallery of Art is just two weeks away! Dining in DC is very proud to offer the chance to win two (2) tickets to the Affair on Wednesday, February 1st to my readers and fans! Comment below about how a pet has affected your life for a chance to win. Winners will also receive one “Two-for-One” Todd Gray’s Muse Brunch card.
On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, more than five-hundred people will pack the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) to honor our local crusaders against animal cruelty: Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Control Officers, and Humane Educators. This celebration of all things sugary and sweet, showcases the DC area’s most talented pastry chefs with confections and savory entrees from some of DC’s best restaurants, including, my recent favorite, Graffiato (Yes, Mike Isabella will be there!), Marcel’s, Restaurant Eve, Bastille, Cuba Libré, Trummer’s On Main and ZENTAN among many other area restaurants.
PR Maven, Jill Collins with her furry friend, Louie, 2011. Photo by L. Shapiro
Three of DC’s top mixologists such as Gina Chersevani, PS7; Simo Ahmadi, Equinox Restaurant; and Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar’s, Alex Strange, Todd Thrasher, Restaurant Eve will be on hand to shake and stir — doing what they do best.
The Grays will welcome gourmands and animal lovers as well as their four-legged friends for an evening of fine wines, savory treats and gourmet desserts from some of the metropolitan area’s most talented chefs and pastry chefs. The benefit will be emceed by 94. 7 Fresh FM Radio Host Tommy McFLY. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to meet contestants from TLC’s hit show Next Great Baker, and four-legged guests will enjoy fresh fare at the ‘Doggie Bar.’
Cuba Libre's Chef, Guillermo Pernot. Photo by L. Shapiro
In addition, an assortment of free-flowing champagne and sparkling wines will be available in both the VIP and General Receptions. The VIP Chefs’ Tasting Room will feature a selection of savory bites from restaurants including Equinox, Watershed, Think Food Group, Restaurant Eve, The Source, Brasserie Beck and Kushi. The VIP event will also offer an exclusive, ultra-premium Scotch Whiskey tasting presented by DIAGEO, the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of alcoholic beverage brands across spirits, beer and wine.
Tickets to the general reception are $90. VIP tickets to the Chefs’ Tasting Room are $150; these include a special 90-minute savory reception prior to the unveiling of the desserts. All proceeds from the Sugar & Champagne Affair benefit the animals and the critical programs and services of the Washington Humane Society. For more information, visit www.sugarandchampagne.org.
Winners of the 2 tickets giveaway will be selected on Friday, January, 27th. Comment below about how a pet has affected your life for a chance to win. Winners will also receive one “Two-for-One” Todd Gray’s Muse Brunch card. Good Luck!
Congrats to Brian Frederick won the 2 tickets!
Don’t laugh, but my guinea pig Bonnie made a huge impact on my life. She was the most pampered guinea pig of all, being fed warm milk soaked bread at night, and a healthy diet of mezclun. It got to the point where she became such a foodie that she would pick out the radicchio and Belgian endive and eat that first before eating the rest, and of course turning her nose up at some3 leaves all together! I bathed her regularly, and watched tv with her wrapped up in a cashmere blanket. I can’t say she taught me anything, other than how to take care of someone that you love, but she meant a lot to me, and when she finally died, I was devasted. Rest in peace, Bonnie!
Such a sweet story! Thanks for sharing. p.s. I didn’t laugh!
My dog taught me unconditional love. When I was a kid, I had a dog. I liked my dog but he wasn’t everything in my life. One day I got very sick from flu. I had high fever and couldn’t do anything but sleep. My mom told me that I slept for 2 days and unconscious. Finally the fever went down and I woke up. When I woke up, I saw my dog sitting next to me. My mom told me that my dog didn’t move for 2 days and he sat next to me till I woke up. I saw his eyes wet when I pet him. I still remember my dog and his love.
That’s why they say Dogs are Man’s best friend. They are so loving and faithful.
My big old cat runs to the front door and greets me and is very vocal when I come home work. As he ages he had become more of a lap cat. I love that he will curl up in my lap and keeps us both warm while watching TV.
People laugh when I tell them that my cat Thomas has outlasted every boyfriend I have ever had. The day I went to the shelter 13 years ago, I had no intention of coming home with a pet. I walked into the cat room and looked into his cage. That big grey tom cat looked back at me from under the newspapers he was playing with and it was love at first sight.
He always seems to understand my mood and reacts accordingly. He is so easy going. He wakes me up 5 minutes before the alarm clock in the morning and greets me at the door every day after work. He snuggles up with me at night until I fall asleep, then sleeps on his blanket at the end of the bed.
He depends on me to keep him safe and take care of him. That is just fine with me.
Our dog Scrappy has been a blessing ever since we got him seven years ago. He’s constantly displaying affection towards my daughter and me. Whether it’s sitting by my daughter’s side as she studies or watches tv, as well as accompanying me while I do some gardening or laundry. The greetings he gives us daily definitely fulfill our days. We are so happy he is in our lives!
I’ve always had cats. And some of them have been the meanest animals ever. But all of them have this sixth sense, and when you’re having the crappiest day ever, even the meanest of them comes over and parks in your lap, or headbutts your shins, just to say they sensed your vibe.
I have had cats most of my life – they are so loving and wonderful without expecting anything in return. Last Spring I was diagnosed with breast cancer and spent a lot of time in bed recovering from my treatments during the summer. I have 3 cats and it was as if they set up a schedule to always keep me company while I was in bed. I now call them: Nurse Contessa, Nurse Tazmanian Devil and Nurse S’ghetti Eddie.
my cat Trouble gave my wife companionship while she was in Alaska for a year alone. She loved the presence of her pet, and now Trouble is an amazing and integral part of our family
Growing up with animals teaches you something new at every age. Having animals as a toddler you learn gentleness and caution. As a child and teen you learn about responsibility, patience, and dedication. As an adult and pet owner, you learn to balance love and discipline, how to deal with crises and sickness. At all ages you learn about the fragility of life and how important it is to appreciate every day you have.
Animals are trial runs for human relationships. They have taught me about compassion, loyalty, love, death and companionship. I have had cats all my life and each and every one teaches me something new.
After my 10 year marriage ended and I had to pick up and move to a city I didn’t know for a new job, my 2 furry boys were the one constant familiar in my life at that point.
My dog has been a part of my life for 7 years and got me through a really tough breakup a few years ago. I knew that I had to get up and get out of the house everyday to walk him, even if I was really down in the dumps. He’s always there to greet me when I get home from work and nothing beats having him curled up on my lap on a cold day.
Oscar and I met in an unusual way. He was “on sale” as he had a little kennel cough. I have asthma and we bonded immediately. Upon receiving his papers, I discovered his birthday, was the day after mine. Fated from the beginning. He is my best friend and has been for 12 years. He has seen me through 2 husbands, 2 countries, 4 states and multiple apartments and jobs. He has been a city dog, a country dog and a suburban dog, all the while keeping his amazing temperament and lovable personality. I am the luckiest dog owner in the world.
As an only child, I was so excited when my parents got me a kitten for my 16th birthday. We “adopted” her from the Humane Society. She was like my little sister and best friend for over 11 years. I would talk to her and share my deepest secrets and she would always greet me when I came home. Sadly, she passed away 4 years ago and I miss her terribly. It is so funny how pets have their own personalities and really become members of your family. I would love to win tickets to this event and help honor our humane heroes.
One of my dogs from my childhood days was a sad-sack black lab. She and my other dog had everything they could want — acres of land at their disposal, toys, high-quality food, water, nice beds, and us to play with them. Still, to this day I swear the girl needed Zoloft. Her ears were always back and her tail was more often than not tucked between her legs. She almost never made a sound.
She was nonetheless an amazing dog. Her sweetness aside, she was able to sense, when she was around me, when my blood sugars were going low and would sit at my feet and stare at me until I fixed it. I don’t know if it was a smell she picked up on or a change in perspiration or something else entirely, but whatever it was, it made a huge impact and probably prevented some pretty undesirable outcomes.
Our family dog Patrick Danger Thomas has taught me that picking up after someone else is only easy when there is a cute furry face attached to it. I wouldn’t go outside in the cold, clean up “messes” and let anything else drool on me for no good reason except for him. Ok and maybe the children I don’t have yet.
My cat Minna has taught me the importance of healthy, scheduled life. Just as Minna expects her food and play at specific times, other people, jobs expect the same of me. Have the responsibility of planning my cats day has help me plan mine better.
As I fondly remember my godmother Jackie, who passed away this weekend, I remember how her pets became part of my life. My mother is alergic to fur/dander, so I was only able to have fish growing up and always wanted a dog or cat. When I started spending time at Jackie’s after Sunday mass, I got to know her three welch terriers: Butch, Mike, and Rascal. They were such bundles of energy and love that gave joy and companionship to Jackie, who remained single her whole life. After Rascal and the boys were gone, Jackie got Sam, an adorable bichon frise. In high school, I got to “dog sit” for Sam when Jackie went on business trips. My best friend would come over to keep me company and we would throw awesome parties. But I always made sure that nobody gave any chocolate or beer to the dog. I guess you could say that Sam gave me my start as a hostess and party animal. Good times!
Donna, So sorry for your loss.
Thanks Lisa. She had Alzheimers, so she had been mentally gone for quite some time. I’m glad that I went up to CT a couple of weeks ago to tell her “I love you” one last time.
My dog has affected my life in teaching me about loyalty and responsibility. When I was young, I learned that even though it wasn’t fun, my dog Buddy depended on me to take him out for walks so he could get exercise and go to the bathroom. I also learned that he would love me no matter what–even if I sometimes got annoyed at him or didn’t play with him as much as I wanted to. He is now 13 years old and I am so sad at the thought that he won’t be around much longer!
All my dogs have brought me so much happiness. It’s like they could sense my mood and do whatever it took to make things a little bit brighter. In turn, I always did my best to provide a good life for them as well. We’ll all have a great reunion one day!
Chocolate Labs have been in my life for the last 20 years. For 16 of those years my family and I were blessed to own the most fun loving and loyal dog, Chelsea. I literally grew up with her and over the course of those 16 years she managed to teach me more about responsibility, loyalty, forgiveness, compassion, and friendship than most of the friends and people I’ve met along the way. As any dog owner will tell you, a dog can sense your ups and downs. Chelsea was there with me through it all – elementary school, the turmoil of the teenage years, graduating high school and moving off to college, breakups, makeups, earning my bachelors, and even meeting my husband. Through every high and low, all the failure and success, there’s no feeling quite like knowing you have one friend who always loves you equally and unconditionally. When Chelsea passed of old age, a piece of my heart went with her and I knew she could never be replaced. But not long after, my husband and I decided to get our first pet: a Chocolate Lab named Lady. While there are so many things that remind me of Chelsea, Lady is definitely all her own. And while some of the lessons Lady continues to teach me are the same, she comes with all new ones as well. Owning a dog, or any pet for that matter, is without a doubt one of the most rewarding things you can do not just for the animal, but yourself.
Our family dog Twinkie (a toy poodle) brings joy into our lives every day. But the most amazing thing about Twinkie was her love for my late grandfather. He suffered from Parkinsons which for an 8 pound dog can be hard to handle. But dogs are truly remarkable and Twinkie knew that my grandfather loved her. She would sit with him the entire day in his lap and after he passed away, she sat under his chair for and entire week.
Twinkie teaches our family what unconditional love is every day. Everyone should be so lucky to experience that love.
Just over 15 years ago when I was working in the hospitality industry, I adopted my first cat to have someone greet me when I got home from a long day at work. I had never had a cat before and I just fell in love with the species. A few years later, I started working in rescue to help other cats get adopted, then moved to helping rescue dogs. I volunteered in animal disaster relief after two hurricanes and slowly realized that this type of work – helping people and their pets – was more than a hobby; it was a passion. I started to think about a major career change and going to veterinary school. I didn’t want to wonder what would have happened if I had done it or have any regrets about not trying. I had to start with the very basic science prerequisites courses just to be able to apply which I did while working two jobs to be able to afford this new extracurricular habit of taking biology, chemistry and physics classes. It was a long haul just to get to the point where I could apply to vet school. But I am proud to say that I am currently a third-year vet student and will graduate in 2013. I’ll be 42 years old, but I believe that it is never to late to discover and pursue your passion.
Congratulations, Lori! Way to follow your dreams!
My dog has been a constant source of happiness in my life. She’s getting old (almost 17!) and slowing down, but she still is an adorable little thing.
I’ve had my rescue Bichon, Flake, for only three years, and yet, it’s tough to imagine my life without her. When I first adopted her, she was so scared of humans and the city. She was in pain from five years of abuse and neglect and was 12 pounds overweight from overbreeding. Now, she is the sweetest, most loving dog, and she receives compliments wherever we go. Research studies show that 87% of dogs can smell a chemical in a cancer tumor, and I believe that’s why Flake started sleeping at the head of the bed next to me. She stood by me through cancer treatment, developing tummy issues because she was so stressed out by my illness. I never understood why dogs were known as man’s best friend until I adopted her. She melts my heart and makes me smile every single day.
When I moved to DC, I left my wonderful 10-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix Jake with my parents in Kansas because they had 500 acres of woods for him and the other dogs to run around. A couple years later, he was in bad shape and my father told me he was worried he was going to have to put him down. As it turns out, my father was killed in a bicycling accident a week later. On the funeral program was a picture of Jake and my father. While I was home for the funeral, I figured I needed to put Jake down so my mother wouldn’t have to deal with it. I took him to the vet fully prepared to leave him and called my Mom one last time from the vet’s office. She confessed that even if it was for just a little while longer, she needed Jake because she couldn’t deal with any more loss. For the next nine months, Jake served as a source of inspiration and constant conversation for my Mom and me, helping fill the giant hole left by my father. When we finally lost him, it was like we lost my father all over again. They both had such big hearts. My Dad would have loved that Jake was such a great comfort to us both.
My dog Jack has helped me survive the pain and flares with my lupus. He is always here to cuddle with and is so much fun he makes me laugh and smile. He is a better companion than most humans!
I brought home my mini doxie, Sasha, when she was 8 weeks old and 1 pound. I was also studying for the bar exam at the time. She was my first dog and I had no idea what I was doing (both in raising her and studying for the bar!), but her unconditional love helped keep both of us sane. She is the sweetest dog ever and is the dog that people who don’t like dogs LOVE. My mom hates dogs and now she calls me when the weather is bad to see how her baby, Sasha, is handling it. Sasha is amazing and smart and such a little love bug. Through the bar exam, moves, many boyfriends and life’s ups and downs, she has always been there. My life is infinitely better with her in it and as we approach her fifth birthday, I couldn’t be happier with my impulse decision during a bar exam study break!