Italian Film Festival in Gerogetown

The third annual “Washington, Italia - The Italian Film Fest” will be held at the Loews Cineplex Theatre from October 12 through October 17. Wellknown Italian actor Giancarlo Giannini will appear at the festival, which is free to the public— on a first come, first served basis. The festival will feature films by Academy Award-winning directors, including Pupi Avati, Martin Scorcese, Roberto Benigni and Lina Wermullet. Following the festival, Giannini will join an Italian delegation of film personalities in Washington for screenings at Catholic University (a partner in the festival) and an Italian- American gala. Currently, Giannini can be seen in “Man on Fire,” starring Denzel Washington, and “The Shadow Dancer,” with Harvey Keitel and Claire Forlani. For more information on the festival, please visit www.washington italia.com.

Blackie’s: Not Just a “House of Beef” Anymore

Blackie's has been recognized with the coveted 2004 Wine Spectator magazine Award of Excellence. The popular restaurant's extensive wine list includes over 300 domestic and international labels and 5 by-the glass selections. The Washington landmark opened in 1946 as one of the city's premier steakhouses, catering to politicians and other D.C. notables. In 1999, the traditional family-owned “House of Beef” branched out with Provencal cuisine prepared by executive chef Claude Rodier. Trained in Nimes, France, Rodier previously served as chef of the award-winning restaurant at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Critics have raved about the fresh seafood selections, and as always, the fine steaks. After a $5 million, two-year renovation, Blackie's now offers four uniquely-designed dining rooms for private parties and events, including the stately Truman room, featuring a wood burning fire place, and the New Orleans Room, with iron lace balconies and its own Mardi Gras bar. The restaurant is located 1217 22nd Street, N.W., just across the street from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Blackie's Truman Room is one of four uniquely-designed dining rooms available for private parties. Right: Flourless Chocolate cake is one of the delicious desserts on the menu.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Want the chance to cast your presidential vote early? Stop by the swank new Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Southwest waterfront to support your candidate of choice at the “cookie vote-off.” The hotel's pastry chef, James Satterwhite, has baked Laura Bush's Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Teresa Heinz Kerry's Pumpkin Spice Cookies and placed ballot cookie jars at the registration desk. Every Friday, the number of cookies removed from the containers will be tallied, and the results displayed. Your sweet tooth may determine the outcome of this election. If you haven't visited the hotel, it's easy. From N.W., take 12th Street to S.W., take a right on Maryland Ave., S.W. and you're there.