Fig & Olive Fête

THE PARTY It was a French affair at the launch of Fig & Olive, a New York-based eatery specializing in fare from coastal France, Italy and Spain making its first foray into the District. Guests embraced the A Night in France-themed soiree as they mixed and mingled in the two-story restaurant’s expansive bar, lounge and outdoor terrace while sipping Veuve Clicquot Champagne. THE PEOPLE Roughly 675 guests received the VIP treatment from the Mougins, France, Mayor Richard Galy, who hosted the elegant event alongside chef Denis Fetisson of restaurant La Place de Mougins. Other notables in attendance included Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, and Kathy Hollinger, president of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. BEST IN SHOW The chic theme also included a raffle to win a free round-trip vacation to the South of France in support of nonprofit Knock Out Abuse; the raffle raised more than $17,000 for the organization. Following the reception, an exclusive invite-only dinner party was held, where 75 guests sampled a four-course tasting menu by Fig & Olive Executive Chef Frederic Guerin and chef Fetisson. –Photos by John Robinson