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3 weeks ago | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
I could feel the humid mist on my face as I inhaled the fresh scent of Sichuan mountain air. But it was the loud panting noise that grabbed my attention, louder than a large dog but softer than a dragon. I stared fixated at a massive black and white bear just feet away from me. The panda, E Mei, named for a holy mountain in China, stood up on it hind legs and playfully waved as it tumbled around its enclosure at the Dujiangyan research base in China knowing that feeding time was minutes away.
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3 weeks ago | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
The 2019 film “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” — often called Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to L.A. — is set in 1969, a time of transition from old-school glamour to the birth of a new era of cinema.
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1 month ago | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
When you think of wine and Argentina, one word comes to mind: malbec. Even though the grape has a long history in France, it’s most often associated with the land of Lionel Messi and Eva Perón. Malbec’s superiority in Argentina is due to the fact that the grape thrives in the country’s characteristic climate and terroir, especially in the Mendoza region. The vineyards here are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world, at an average of 2,000 to 3,600 feet above sea level.
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2 months ago | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
Is it a cocktail? An art installation? A science experiment? What is this glowing, psychedelic, lava-lamp-looking illumination in front of me? These are a few of the questions I asked myself while visiting Zimplex, an unassuming bar in Phuket town, the main city on Thailand’s famed resort island.
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Feb 18, 2025 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
The new year hasn’t gotten off to a very promising start. It kicked off with the area’s biggest snowfall in years, then limped into the inauguration of a convicted felon. Within days, domestic terrorists were pardoned, the USAID agency was routed, trade wars were instigated and Elon Musk started ravaging through federal computer systems. Things are looking gloomy as people worry about higher prices, job security and basic rights. There are certainly a lot of sorrows to drown.
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Jan 15, 2025 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
Seeking an expatriate from D.C. to share his or her experiences, The Georgetowner turned to Jody Kurash, longtime contributor of the popular Cocktail of the Month column. In recent years, her column has included colorful descriptions of Asian dining and imbibing. What’s the most important step to take when you finally decide to move abroad? Jody Kurash: I think you need to have the right mindset. Moving abroad is an adventure. Almost every aspect of your life will change in some slight way or other.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
The world lost a shining star in late December. Former President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was dedicated to human rights, democracy promotion and conflict resolution, died at the impressive age of 100. However, his legacy through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity will continue to inspire and assist others for decades to come. Let’s make a toast to the man who redefined life after the White House.
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening.” So goes the opening to the classic holiday tune “Winter Wonderland.” Across the U.S.A. and Europe, Christmastime and winter go hand in hand. That’s why so many holiday jingles feature frosty weather. Images of warming up next to the fire with a toasty glass of mulled wine, or opening gifts while sipping on some velvety eggnog, conjure up cheerful and festive thoughts.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
Every spicy cuisine has a chili pepper that gives it its distinctive kick. In Mexico, it’s the jalapeño; in Thailand, it’s the bird’s eye; and in Jamaica, it’s the Scotch bonnet. But in China’s Sichuan province, diners must prepare for a double punch. Not only is the fiery food loaded with Chinese xiao mi la chilis, but the tiny Sichuan peppercorn adds a tongue-numbing dimension. Famous dishes include kung pao chicken, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. The piquant smack applies to cocktails as well.
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Oct 9, 2024 | 
georgetowner.com | Jody Kurash
September finally brought some good news from across the pond about the royal family. In a heartwarming and deeply personal video, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she had finished the chemotherapy portion of her cancer battle. It featured images of Kate, Prince William and their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, sharing hugs and laughs.
