Carolyn McLean Robbins

Deacon Exclusive: Young Adult Sneak Peek

deacondoesdc — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Deacon recently had the exclusive chance to chat with Young Adult mastermind J.W. Crump. We sneak some insider details from this budding actor/director/writer nearly a before the pilot of his show airs.

What is it, you ask? Young Adult is a glimpse into the life of 20-something DC male friends who meet weekly at a local trivia night to catch up and share details about their lives. It’s a uniquely DC-centric show, and one, Crump says, that focuses on an area so many other sitcoms ignore – the male friendship.

Want to see it for yourself? Check out YouTube for exclusive clips, Stay tuned: a screening will be held April 28th at E Street Cinema.

Enjoy the Q&A, below.

Give a brief overview of what we can expect from the pilot of Young Adult.
I really wanted to create a show that encapsulates the years right after college but before relationships and careers get solidified. In the pilot, you’ll meet five DC guys who are all just starting their careers, relationships, and living situations for the first time. Hopefully, you’ll also laugh your face off.

Why trivia night? Is DC a trivia heavy town?
Trivia Night was where I met a lot of my first good friends in DC, so it’s personal on one level. DC contains a lot of intelligent–but fun–young people, and I think bars host various trivia nights to attract that market. There’s something special about being the only one in your group of friends who knows the first female X-Men.

What can we compare your show to (others on TV)?
I think in terms of general plot, you can compare it to TBS’s My Boys: drop the female lead and sports analogies, set it in DC, and de-age everyone by about ten years. Stylistically, we have nods to Scrubs, Life As We Know It, and Community. We also have some stuff that I think is completely new and original, which I hope sets us apart.

What’s the funniest thing that happened on set?
At some point during the third shoot day, we all broke out into Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing. We didn’t capture that on camera, but there is a behind-the-scenes video that includes our rendition of Part of Your World.
(starts about 3:20)

What’s the most “DC” location you shot at?
The Argonaut on H St. NE was a wonderful location, which hosts its own Trivia Night on Wednesdays. We also filmed in front of the National Zoo, which made for a beautiful background.

Can you share a secret about the show that nobody else knows?
With the exception of Nick, not a single member of the main cast is over 6′ tall. Most of the time, we’re also not wearing shoes while on camera. We look incredibly short all together in real life, but not on camera!

Who’s going to be the “hunk” of the cast, and why?
There’s this one dude named J. W. who’ll be dropping panties left and right…just kidding. I’ve been told that I put together an incredibly attractive cast by a few people, and there’s a great degree of diversity. Our main cast includes an African-American, Asian-American, two Jewish-Americans, and three Caucasians of every hair color. Another featured actor in the pilot (Roberto Carmona) grew up in Venezula. What I’m saying is: there’s something for everyone to fawn over. Though if anyone likes the brown-haired Caucasian, I’m available!

Did everyone get along, or was their drama? Dish!
Like I said, I appreciated the degree of comradarie we had on set. My Co-Executive Producer Ishu Krishna jokes with me that we agree 90% of the time, agree but don’t realize it 5% of the time, and disagree the other 5%. That last 5% is usually about something minor like a sound effect.

Several of the cast/crew emailed me as production wrapped and told me what a pleasure it was to work on the show. Being that this is a my first project as Producer, I couldn’t ask for anything more gratifying.

What’s next for Young Adult?
Besides thanking my favorite blogger for this interview? We’re about a month away from total completion and will have a screening in the DC area in late April. After that, we start the journey of submitting the project to various film fests, studios, and networks. I think we have a terrific product, and I want to make sure that the people involved get the attention they deserve.

Mark Your Calendars: Rebecca Taylor Trunk Show

deacondoesdc — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:36:00 +0000

Jetset: Sugar Ridge Antigua

deacondoesdc — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Looking for a warm weather getaway? Deacon has just the spot. Sugar Ridge is Antigua’s latest luxury property – and we know you want the deets. Check it, via JuliB.

In Case You Missed It: U Street Music Hall Opens

deacondoesdc — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:09:00 +0000

Get your dance on. We’ve got the deets, via JuliB.

In Other News: Near and Dear Causes

deacondoesdc — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:18:00 +0000

Two causes near and dear to Deacon’s own heart – the plight of soldiers and the needs of rescue and abused pups, are combined in this happy tale out of Walter Reed Medical Center. Thanks to NBC Washington for producing this wonderful piece.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video.

If you feel so inspired and wish to help, you can still donate here to Deacon’s fundraising efforts for the Washington Humane Society, or contribute to the TAPs program, one of our favorite veteran assistance organizations.

Say Yum: Congrats to the 2010 RAMMY Nominees

deacondoesdc — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:36:00 +0000

DC’s restaurant Oscars may be a few months away yet, but last night, a star-studded DC foodie crowd gathered at the Ritz-Carlton DC for the annual RAMMY nominations fete, celebrating the precursor to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) awards party on June 6.

Selecting the RAMMY nominees, and ultimately the winners, involves four separate processes, two separate panel of judges, the voting public and, for just one award – the Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year – RAMW. Votes for the four publicly voted categories can be cast through a special ballot appearing in The Washington City Paper on April 29th or online at www.ramw.org.

The 2010 RAMMY Award winners will be announced at the RAMMY gala on June 6, 2010 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2010 RAMMY Awards is “We’ll Always Have… Restaurants,” and is a play on a famous line from the 1940’s movie Casablanca.

A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Association Education Foundation to fund scholarships for culinary education students, enabling them to develop and expand their career opportunities in the restaurant industry.

Deacon highly suggests you check out these nominated spots now, because once they win the coveted RAMMY title, the rezzies will be increasingly difficult to get. Plus, who doesn’t want to dine at one of the best spots in town, as recognized by the most knowledgeable DC industry insiders themselves?

This year marks the return of many old favorite categories, plus a new addition, honoring the area’s best beverage/mixology program.

Fine Dining

The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates an unwavering standard of dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
2941, Falls Church, VA; Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC; Minibar by José Andrés, Washington, DC; The Oval Room, Washington, DC; The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington, DC

Upscale Casual

The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates a commitment to dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The dining experience may be more casual than Fine Dining, the price point lower, but the commitment to excellence is paramount. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
Central Michel Richard, Washington, DC; The Liberty Tavern, Arlington, VA; Proof, Washington, DC; Vermilion, Alexandria, VA; Zaytinya, Washington, DC

New Restaurant

A restaurant that must have been opened between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and service.
Bibiana, Washington, DC; Birch & Barley, Washington, DC; Bourbon Steak, Washington, DC; Eventide, Arlington, VA; Inox, McLean, VA

Chef

The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food, exhibits an ongoing commitment to the community and may be from any type of establishment. The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Bertrand Chemel – 2941, Falls Church, VA; Scott Drewno – The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington, DC; Daniel Giusti – 1789, Washington, DC; Vikram Sunderam – Rasika, Washington, DC; Haidar Karoum – Proof, Washington, DC

Rising Culinary Star

The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future. The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years.
Michael Isabella – Zaytinya, Washington, DC; Liam LaCivita – The Liberty Tavern, Arlington, VA; Shannon Overmiller – Majestic Café, Alexandria, VA; Nicholas Stefanelli – Bibiana, Washington, DC; Jon Mathieson – Inox, McLean, VA

Pastry Chef

The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef who prepares desserts and pastries and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry. The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee must have been a pastry chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Anthony Chavez – 2941, Falls Church, VA; Amanda Cook – CityZen, Washington, DC; Josh Short – Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Washington DC & VA; Fabrice Bendano – Adour, Washington, DC; Travis Olson – 1789, Washington, DC

Wine Program

The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program. The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
2941, Falls Church, VA; Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC; Dino, Washington, DC; 701/Ardeo/Bardeo/Bibiana/Bombay Club/The Oval Room/Rasika, Washington, DC; Proof, Washington, DC

Beverage/Mixology Program

The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, creativity, clarity and value of its beverage program. The nominee’s beverage program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the restaurant experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009
Brasserie Beck, Washington, DC; EatGoodFoodGroup, Alexandria, VA; Founding Farmers, Washington, DC; PS7’s, Washington, DC; Tabard Inn, Washington, DC

Neighborhood Gathering Place

This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of quality and congeniality rooted in its neighborhood.
Bar Pilar, Washington, DC; Belga Café, Washington, DC; Cork, Washington, DC; EatBar, Arlington, VA; Kemble Park Tavern, Washington, DC

Restaurant Power Spot

This nominee is a top choice member restaurant, a spot to “see and be seen” with the movers and shakers on the national and local political and business scene. It best exemplifies “how Metropolitan Washington works.”
Art & Soul, Washington, DC; BLT Steak, Washington, DC; Bombay Club, Washington, DC; The Source, Washington, DC; Teatro Goldoni, Washington, DC

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene

This nominee is a member restaurant or hotel bar that is innovative with an energetic scene (atmosphere, drink menu, etc.) with a hip and eclectic crowd and is a great people watching and meeting place.
Birch & Barley and ChurchKey, Washington, DC; Bourbon Steak, Washington, DC; Masa 14, Washington, DC; Posto, Washington, DC; POV, Washington, DC

Tickets to the RAMMYS may be purchased by calling 202.331.5990 or by e-mail at rammys@ramw.org.

You’re Invited: Meet Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Robin Givhan

deacondoesdc — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:55:00 +0000

Luxe Life: Rodarte at the Cooper Hewitt in NYC

deacondoesdc — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:51:00 +0000

We just had to share this great video (thanks to our friends over at Nordstrom for sending it) detailing behind-the-scenes action at the just-closed Rodarte exhibition in the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in New York.

Luxe Life: Boutique Blowout From Your Fave DC Stores on My iLive

deacondoesdc — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:44:00 +0000

Are you ready to save on some of your favorite stores? Enjoy special discounts from places like Zelaya, Rue 14, Caramel, Simply Soles and more over on MyiLive.com/Sale. The madness started yesterday, so get on it before the good stuff is gone!

Luxe Life: Relais and Chateaux on your iPhone

deacondoesdc — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:31:00 +0000

If you love luxury and technology, take a gander at this latest melding – the iPhone app from Relais & Chateaux. Avail for free, this new app allows for geo-location of member properties, availability, a telephone tab that connects directly to Relais & Chateaux, proposed itineraries to help get the most out of a stay, and Google Maps. Each of the 480 properties comes complete with panoramic photo images and personalized pages, so there’s no need to return to your laptop before booking. You can also forward the details to friends, in case you’re interested in planning a group outing.

“Relais & Chateaux constantly adapts to the needs of its guests by offering both innovative and efficient interactive services and information. Following up on the upgrade of our central reservations and our website, the development of applications for mobile phones is the next logical step to ensure that travelers can get information anytime they wish,” said Jaume Tapies, the International President of Relais & Chateaux.

We’re just excited that booking at some of our fave hotels, including The Jefferson and the Inn at Little Washington, is now even easier!