by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
Eat, drink and be merry – it’s that time of year. At the Renaissance Hotel in Dupont Circle you’ll find some garland and a lovely Christmas tree, but they are celebrating another tradition as well……Festivus. Yep, that’s right. It may have started on an episode of Seinfeld, but the tradition is real now and the Renaissance has it all.
There’s an aluminum pole. There are the feats of strength; and of course, the airing of grievances (with a twist).
During the month of December, guests are encouraged to take part in the fun in the hotel lobby as well as taste some delicious themed items from chef Devon Capili.
The aluminum pole actually has a charitable twist, patrons are encouraged to pick an envelope from the Festivus “Giving” pole and donate to two local charities. Instead of airing grievances, the hotel created a special wall located in the lobby to encourage guests to answer “How Could You Make the World a Better Place?” and post their “grievances” on the wall. And the miracles of Festivus will go on all month with portions of proceeds from the beverage and food specials going to So Others Might Eat (SOME) & Children’s Miracle Network of Hospitals.
The food specials are precise and delicious and will have even the average fan salivating when they think of the Seinfeld references that inspired them. Whether it’s a marble rye reuben sandwich, jambalaya that would make the soup nazi sweat or fried chicken that even Kenny Rogers would approve of, there are many options. Wash it all down with a Cosmo Kramer Cosmopolitan, naturally.
It’s a Festivus for the rest of us and you’re invited. Don’t miss it.
Seinfeld does Festivus: Courtesy of Seinfled TV
