Congratulations to DC's José Andrés!

Chef José Andrés, of D.C.'s Café Atlantico, Jaleo, Oyamel, minibar, and Zaytinya, did not pick up a James Beard Foundation award last week, after scoring a nomination as Outstanding Chef. He did, however, win the A-List Chef title at the taping of Bravo's new A-List Awards at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom last Wednesday.

Hosted by comedienne Kathy Griffin, the show, which aired Thursday at 10 p.m., mixed food (New York's Bar Boulud nabbed the A-List Restaurant award) and fashion (Anna Sui won A-List Fashion), with the inevitable reality TV shout-out (MTV's Tila Tequila took home A-List Drama Queen).

Andrés' win brought the most action. Before walking offstage with his award, the chef was called back for a quick-fire challenge à la Top Chef—on which Andrés has made a guest appearance—against the show's judge Tom Colicchio. The two chefs quickly worked up sea bass dishes and named them both for Griffin, who spilled the plates onstage before they could be judged.

After the two-and-a-half-hour award show, some 300 guests convened at the Cellar Bar for the official after-party. —Danielle O'Steen

Eco-Friendly, Disposable Dishes Made From Leaves

VerTerra, a new eco-friendly servingware line, features dishes, plates, bowls, and cups made entirely from fallen leaves and water—no plastics or chemicals. The pieces have a wood-grain look and are oven-, refrigerator-, and microwave-friendly. They are sturdy enough to be hand washed and reused, but will naturally compost in under six weeks. Retail pricing (for packs of 100) ranges from $70 to $90, and wholesale pricing is available through the company. — Lisa Cericola

The Incredible Hulk

I went to see this movie today. Thinking I would beat the masses, I went to Hoffman at 10:00am and to my surprise the lot was kinda full. I guess everyone else was thinking the same thing. The movie was A LOT better than "Hulk", directed by Ang Lee that released in 2003. Plus there is a teaser at the end of the movie that'll make you go, "hmm". I will definitely try to see it again this week.

Congraluations Michelle and Chris!

On Friday June 13, 2008, Michelle and Chris wed at the picturesque Raspberry Plain in Leesburg, Virginia. The event was attended by 100 of their closest family and friends.

Pictures coming soon!

Table Linens Not Required

You can cut linens from the budget by renting the new Parsons table from Party Rental Ltd. Part of the company's new spring line, the 66-inch square table has a sturdy wood frame and is covered completely in a shiny faux-leather material, with a textured surface that eliminates the need for tablecloths.

The tables come in black, white, and bark and can be rented in the New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., areas, with prices available upon request. — Danielle O'Steen
Party Rental Ltd.'s new square tables are covered in faux leather.
Photo: Courtesy of Party Rental Ltd.

Cocktail Time

This beautifully blush-colored Champagne cocktail is wonderful for toasting a newlywed couple at their wedding reception. It's also very easy to make and serve to a larger party. As with any Champagne drink, pour the non-Champagne ingredients in to the glass first and top it with Champagne. Don't stir the drink as it will cause quite a mess, besides, the bubbles do it for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz peach schnapps
• 1 oz grenadine
• 4 oz Champagne

Preparation:

1. Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine into a Champagne flute.
2. Top with Champagne.

Courtesy: cocktails.about.com

10 Hot Wedding Dress Trends

This season, bridal designers showcased wedding gowns with just a dash of uniqueness, but overall they kept the look on the classic side. Here's a peek at the trends from the spring 2008 bridal collections sure to make your wedding dress a standout.

Tiers
Whether it's a ball gown or an A-line, tiers of tulle and soft lace offered volume and texture to this season's gowns.

Short Hemlines
This season, just about every designer sent a short dress down the runway. If you've got great gams -- and want to show them off on your wedding day -- embrace the newest high-hemline styles.

High Necklines
Bridal designers must have had Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn on the brain when creating their collections, seen in dresses with high necklines that are loaded with playful sophistication.

Sheer Overlays
Channel your inner goddess on your wedding day with a flowing overlay. From organza overskirts to layers of soft tulle, designers sent light-as-air creations down the runway.

Crumb-Catcher Bodices
To really stand out from the rest, choose a strapless dress with this origami-like treatment on the bodice, which is great for framing the face.

Embellished Belts
Dresses with sashes are everywhere, but to really define your waist and add a little sparkle, try an embellished belt.

One-Shoulder Gowns
The asymmetrical neckline made a comeback this season -- perfect for making an undeniably chic statement.

Dropped Waists
Nothing elongates the torso like a gown with a dropped waist, and designers made this a prominent style fixture on the bridal runways.

Twisted Fabrics
From straps to waistlines, bridal designers added interest to simple dresses with twists of fabric, proving that just a little detail can make a big statement.

Trumpet Skirts
Dresses that hug the body in all the right places graced the runways, with big, flared skirts and beautiful, flowing fabrics.

Courtesy: TheKnot.com