INSIDERS GUIDE

A SHORE THING
The town of Easton, located in Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is alreadya destination for epicureans in the know. On October 5 and 6, it will be the center of the wine universe for local oenophiles as well when the Talbot County International Food and Wine Festival kicks off. Featuring a schedule packed with events that will tempt any traveler, rooms in town will fill up fast. For tickets call 410-822-4653 or visit www. talbotfoodandwine.com.

FALL FOR DESSANGE
For many of us, fall is the social season. Look your best with Dessange Beauty Makeup, a 120-piece fall collection created with the influence of hair color and face shape on cosmetics in mind. Available at both local Salon Dessange locations (8020 Towers Crescent Dr., Vienna, Va., and 5410 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.).

GIVING YOU YOUR DAILY BREAD
Full is how you'll leave Le Pain Quotidien, the Belgian bakery and cafe that just opened a Georgetown location (2815 M Street NW). From baguettes to brownies, with everything from omelets to salad in between, you're sure to find something to please your palate. www.lepainquotidien.com.

EXTRA! EXTRA!
An update from our May 2007 Embassy Row feature "Turkish Delight": The Murillo/ Malnati Group has been awarded a "Mayor's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation" for their work on the residence. The award will be presented during an October 9 ceremony at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street NE). Reservations required; www.planning.dc.gov.

LIQUEFIED DIAMONDS
Even one of the world's strongest minerals can be liquefied - in the financial sense at least. CIRCA an international buying house that provides a market for pre-owned jewelry, is set to open a Washington office. Items that have been traditionally frozen in the vaults as "non-performing assets" can now be as liquid as possible in a family's portfolio. As soon as a client accepts the firm's offer, they get a check. www.circajewels.com.