Asian food – Stylish Heath

This past weekend, a few of us got timed entry tickets to the National Gallery of Art. On Friday the museum reopened after a six-month hiatus due to a surge of varying viral strains. There were no current exhibitions to view, but while triangulating the galleries one can always find something exciting to see within their “special installations” such as, Marc Chagall’s Orphée mosaic wall c.1968 which was a gift to the Nef family for their Georgetown garden. The artist project — SORRY outside the East Wing by Sarah Cain, Avish Khebrehzadeh, and Kay Rosen. The East Wing is undergoing transformative construction and this artist sign will be up until summer. I’ve listed a few favorites from the outing starting with the colorful banners brightening the outside of the gallery.

_{The National Gallery of Art and East Wing located on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets, NW in the District of Columbia.}_{Still life with figs and bread}_{by Melendez c.1770.}_{The Game of hot cockles}_{by Fragonard c.1775/1780, the colors in this painting are intriguing and make for a summer palette guide.}

^{The Empire Style has always intrigued my attention, especially since visiting the Borghese Gardens in Rome. Seeing Paolina Borghese reclining [nude] in Canova’s depiction of Venus is breathtaking. The Classical world greatly influenced France and its new emperor, Napoleon. This settee or couch by Hugh and John Finlay is Greek inspired from the 1780’s, and lastly The Square of Saint Mark’s, Venice by Canaletto c.1742/1744.}

**The 33-foot Buddha heightens your dining experience, as well as adding a level of charm.**

**Shanghai Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings**

After several hours of perusing art, it was now time for a bit of Pan-Asian ambiance from Grace’s Mandarin. We ordered appetizers; shanghai chicken wings, salt & pepper wings with popcorn shrimp to share over glasses of Sauvignon blanc and martinis. Lunch was the Szechuan string beans with shrimp and the jumbo lump crab-meat fried rice. I even ordered a few items to take home for dinner to share with family, which by the way was the perfect end to an extraordinary Saturday!

Venture out safely,
Kathleen

Freer Sackler Gallery
If you are in the Washington DC area plan a visit to the Freer Sackler Gallery (Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art) to see the Roads to Arabia exhibit. Here you will find archaeological and historical artifacts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These beautiful objects will be on display until February 24, 2013, a definite must see.

Grace’s Mandarin
After a busy afternoon of museum hopping or even shopping, you have to try the salt & pepper chicken wings or the pan-fried calamari from Grace’s Mandarin at the National Harbor. There is a three-story waterfall, a 33-foot Buddha and a spectacular view of the Potomac River. The décor is an exquisite red which reminds me of the shops and streets of Shanghai.

Saks Salon & Spa
Having regular facial treatments with Quy from the Saks Salon and Spa at Tysons II is a definite must. She is a fabulous aesthetician and a consummate professional. Always willing to share her beauty techniques and wisdom with all who are devoted to maintaining their complexions. My visits to the Spa are a wonderfully relaxing treat. Book your session soon!!!

SH2 Soft Jazz Playlist
Music has always been an integral and important part to relaxing in our home. Soft jazz or classical music are constantly playing as a soothing backdrop. These songs are relaxing and the perfect way to decompress after a hectic day! Try adding these tunes to your playlist and enjoy!!