Washington DC Wine-New Year's Eve Global Gala 2008: An International Celebration of Many Nations

From the charming streets of Europe's classic cities, through the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, to the Majestic Metropolises of America, tonight you are invited to circle the globe and celebrate New Year's Eve in nine different styles in the most unique and popular, culturally diverse, cities throughout the world (including three United States landmark cities!)

Keep in mind, this person party sold out SEVERAL WEEKS IN ADVANCE LAST YEAR, so do not procrastinate!

Experience:

• THE MAJESTY OF AMERICA

- THE ECSTACY OF TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY

- THE WONDERS OF 1920s CHICAGO

- THE EXCITEMENT OF LAS VEGAS

- THE EXHILIRATION OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY

• THE FIESTA OF HAVANA, CUBA

• THE CHARM OF JAPAN

• THE ELEGANCE OF FRANCE

• THE SPIRIT OF IRELAND

• THE STIMULATION OF JAMAICA

Each year, we host the most elegant New Year’s Eve Gala for thousands of Washington’s young professionals and this year is no exception. Last year, we hosted over 2,500 young professionals at our annual Global Gala. This event sold out two weeks in advance!

This year, we have once again gone above and beyond and invite you to one of the city’s most prestigious hotels: the Marriott Wardman Park. This exciting and very popular Woodley Park venue has been the site of many American and international galas, including official Presidential Inaugural Balls and has played host to hundreds of world leaders and celebrities. The Marriott Wardman Park also features one of the largest ballrooms in the entire area.

Full details below. (For additional info, call (301) 519 8030 or email events@thingstodoDC.com)

SIX COUNTRIES - NINE THEMED ROOMS - NINE UNIQUE CELEBRATIONS

Experience the entire world without ever leaving Washington. Tonight we ring in the New Year and celebrate 2008 in four American and five other International styles! Mingle, feast and dance your way from city to city and continent to continent -- nine separate rooms (including several huge ballrooms).

From the hottest clubs in North America to the adrenaline pumping excitement of Las Vegas and the Kentucky Derby; From a Jamaican celebration, to the wild Latin scene of our South; From to the modern karaoke bars of Tokyo, to the streets of the Champs Elysee, to the revelry of historic Irish bars, and to the forbidden fruits of 1920s Chicago (Prohibition era); Tonight, you can bounce from ballroom to ballroom and truly celebrate the World!

Each room will have its own distinct menu - chosen to represent the respective city theme.

1, 2, 3, and 4) CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(1) NEW YORK CITY/WASHINGTON D.C.

From the Center of Times Square to the majestic streets of the Nation’s Capitol, tonight we combine the excitement of New Year’s Eve in Manhattan with our Nation's Capitol. The enthusiasm of the center of 42nd Street, along with the spirit of Pennsylvania Ave. comes alive in our Grand North American Ballroom

Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy upscale American nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and other dance hits! A giant midnight balloon drop and light show will dazzle you into 2007.

Our American experience takes place in the luxurious Grand Ballroom, the largest luxury ballroom in Washington!

Full menu presented below.

(2) 1920s CHICAGO (featuring the Tom Cunningham Orchestra)

Nearly a century ago, Prohibition hit the cities of the United States hard. But the fun, debauchery and excitement was kept alive in Chicago! Tonight we take you back in time, where guilty pleasures became the norm. Join us for an all night classic party with the Swingin'est band around!

Featuring the live sounds of the well known Swing Stars - THE TOM CUNNINGHAM ORCHESTRA!

This is Washington's Premiere Swing Band since 1976. The Tom Cunningham Orchestra plays the best Basie since Basie, the best Goodman since Goodman, the best Ellington since Ellington, the best Miller since Miller… Simply put…the best swing music since the Prohibition days.

This band's resume is impressive: They've traveled as far as Australia to perform and teach the fundamentals of swing to school students. The band has performed at the Smithsonian, The Barns of Wolf Trap, Blues Alley (all to standing ovations), presidential and gubernatorial inaugurals, the Cherry Blossom and other major Balls; they've been a "radio orchestra" and made several TV appearances, including BET's Jazz Central and Maryland Public Television's "Big Band Battle," where the viewers voted them a 2-to-1 winner

According to Mike Joyce of the Washington Post, "...the Cunningham repertoire is surprisingly strong ...the band's collective strength is best displayed in richly colorful passages ...and amid the jaunty, boppish harmonies. [The Tom Cunningham Orchestra] is bound to please.... Tom Cunningham's swinging, hip!"

Whether you’re a Swing enthusiast or just learning the basics, hit the dance floor, hide from the police, sample classic Chicago food, and relive the exciting underground decade.

Another huge midnight balloon drop explodes over the floor and its swinging inhabitants at midnight!

Full menu presented below.

(3) LAS VEGAS

Sin City comes to Washington…Hit the Strip and try your luck with mock gambling at blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas Hold-em. While gambling, overlook the main ballroom and the incredibly huge midnight ballroom drop. Of course, a visit to Vegas would not be complete without a Vegas style hotel buffet.

4) KENTUCKY DERBY

It happens once a year – except this year of course! Tonight, we re-create the Kentucky Derby with a fast-paced, fun-filled game that is much more exciting – because it puts you in the center of the action! Including a twenty-five foot long track, betting windows, odds boards, play money, race tickets, and a professional announcer who calls the race in true track form and jockeys in racing attire. When you hear the cheering during the races, you’ll believe you are welcoming in 2008 are at Churchill Downs!

(5) CUBA - 1950s HAVANA

Not Fidel Castro's Cuba, but the wild times of 1950's Havana where Americans vacationed, relaxed and danced! Enjoy salsa and meringue all night as we bring you a taste of the hottest Latin music.

Our Havana celebration will be packed with flavor from the table to the dance floor! The irresistible sound of the live Salsa band Origem will lead your feet to the dance floor for an exciting night of dancing to Latin sounds! Don't forget to try the mouth-watering quesadillas and fajitas served sizzling hot!

Full menu presented below.

(6) IRELAND

Forget the royals of England, France, Austria and Vienna. Join the commoners for an unrivaled evening of fun and entertainment at our authentic Dublin Irish Pub. Enjoy a live authentic Irish band featuring some of your favorite Irish tunes. Regenerate the St. Patrick's Day Spirit of Ireland's leading leprechauns! And don't forget to grab a glass of green beer for that added Irish touch!

(7) JAMAICA

Want to take a break from the busy streets of a Metropolis? How about a visit to the beach and a live Jamaican band! The Spirit of the Caribbean comes alive as you enter this tropical paradise with a New Year's style island celebration!

Here you will experience one of Washington's most celebrated live Reggae/Island/Calypso bands – Oasis. Do the limbo, dance the Conga line, raise your hands, and dance like crazy all night long!

(8) JAPAN

MAKE YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT

Tonight we take the mystique and mystery out of Japan and make you the star. Take center stage and participate in this treasured Asian interactive experience. That’s right...it’s karaoke time. Choose your song and perform…live in front of everyone.

(9) FRANCE

When you are ready for a nice quite break, then absorb the spirit of Paris France, as we invite you to relax in a comfortable setting. When you want to relax and celebrate Old European charm, visit the epicenter of elegance with members of leading symphony orchestras and enjoy the classical music compositions of Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert and more!

Take home a special free souvenir as a leading local caricaturist draws your picture with a unique background. A magnificent Parisian buffet permeates the room that would challenge the top bakeries of all Europe.

Plus look out for that Parisian Mime – who may creep up on you when you least expect it…

So… for your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:

- Washington’s Best DJs

- The Tom Cunningham Orchestra (Live Swing Band)

- A Live Salsa Band

- A Live Irish Band

- A Live Jamaican Reggae and Calypso Band

- Karaoke

- Live Classical Music

- Magic and Comedy

- Two Huge Balloon Drops

- Mock Casino Gambling, the Kentucky Derby, Special Guests, Caricaturist, and much much more!

...including one of the BEST MAGICIAN IN WASHINGTON! Recognized by Washingtonian as perhaps the greatest Magician in the greater Metro Area. Witness the production and disappearance of large silver coins, one by one; visualize the image of a floating playing card only to discover it magically printed on a blank card; experience the wonderful materialization of a beautiful white dove from nowhere; observe up close the expert manipulation of playing cards and of your imagination; and so much more. As Bob Davis of WGMS writes, "the most impressive magician I've ever seen...and I've seen David Copperfield, Penn & Teller and (Las Vegas') Siegfried and Roy.

FOOD AND BAR

(Menu is subject to slight modifications with selections of equal or superior quality)

Experience a different taste for each country! This year, we have arranged for more top shelf open bars and food stations than ever before to minimize your waiting time in lines. In addition to our premium open bar and midnight champagne toast, the Marriott Wardman Park’s award winning chefs have prepared many unique menus for each continent for you to experience and enjoy, including:

AMERICA

Manhattan Clam Chowder Soup

Pre-Sliced Roasted Whole Turkey Breast, Served with Miniature Rolls, Cranberry Sauce, Honey Mustard and a Chardonnay Reduction

Apricot and Cranberry Stuffing

Large Display of Fresh Vegetables

Zucchini, Broccoli, Radishes, Endive, Peppers, Celery, Cauliflower, Baby Carrots and Cucumbers

served with Spinach Artichoke Dip and Blue Cheese Dip

Artisan Cheese display:

Assorted cheeses to include stilton, saga, Chevre, Cheddar, Port-Salut, Bel Paese, Jarlsberg, Havarti, St. André, and Brie; Sliced French Baguettes and Assorted Crackers

Tapas Mezza’s Antipasto

Rosemary Ham and Smoked Sausages with Artichokes and Peppers

Shrimp Cilantro Tomato Salad

Spicy Meatballs with Roasted Garlic, Onions and Green Peppers

Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli and Tomato Basil Sauce

Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Manchego Cheese with Tomato and Olives

Marinated Anchovies with Roasted Peppers and Olive Oil

Sicilian Olives and Olive Tapanade served with French Bread and Focaccia

Ice Cream Sunday Bar

Scoops of Vanilla and Chocolate Haagen Daz Ice Cream with Toppings to include Hot Fudge, Caramel and Strawberry Sauce, Toasted coconut, Chopped Nuts, Maraschino Cherries, Crumbled Heath Bars and Whipped Cream

JAMAICA

Roasted Top Round of Beef

Served with miniature Rolls, Chardonnay reductions and Dijon Mustard Sauce

Baked Potato Bar

With Toppings to include Bacon, Shredded Cheese, Scallions, Chives and Sour Cream

Sonoma Valley Field Greens tossed with Raspberries, Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette

Cubed Fruits and Berries

Marshmallows

Warm Dark Chocolate Sauce

Brown Sugar and Whipped Cream

JAPAN

Peking Duck Stations

Marinated Crispy Roasted Duck

Hand Rolled in a Mooshu Pancake with Green Onion Flowers and Hoisin Sauce

Sushi and Sashimi Display

Made in the Traditional Fashion Assortment of Fresh Seasonal Sushi and Sashimi Selections to include Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp and California Roll

with Shredded ginger, Wasabi Mustard and Soy Sauce

Fried Rice

Sticky Rice

Mooshu Pancake (Pre – Rolled) with Green Onion Flowers and Hoisin Sauce

Thai Chicken served with Thai Noodles

Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies

CUBA

Fajita Station

Choice of Fillings to include

Chicken and Shrimp

Grilled onions and peppers, Jalapenos, Green Onions and Diced Tomatoes

Cuban Salad

Sliced Tomatoes, Avocadoes, Red Onions on a bed of fresh Field Greens

Beef Empanadas Served with Guacamole Sour Cream and Salsa

Plantains

IRELAND

Smoked Atlantic Salmon Display

Atlantic Smoked Salmon with an Assortment of

Accompaniments to Include Dill Aïoli,

Chopped Onions, Chopped Eggs, Capers,

Party Rye and Pumpernickel Bread

Mini Irish Sandwiches

Traditional Potato cake

Chocolate Truffles and Petit Fours

FRANCE

Baked Brie

Baked with Glazed Almonds Mango Chutney

Sliced French Bread

Steamed Mussels in a White Garlic Sauce

Steamship Round of Beef, Au Jus

Served with Miniature Rolls, Horseradish, Mayonnaise and Mustard

Crème Brulee Vanilla

Apricot Compote

PLUS AN INNERATIONAL ARRAY OF ADDITIONAL DESSERTS

Sacher Torte

Lady Finger

Vienna Christmas Stollen

Petit Fours

Lace Cookies

Mini Linzer Hearts

Chocolate Truffles

Pear Pecan Tarts

Chocolate Rum Cake

Carrot Cake

… and the Exciting CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN

Includes freshly brewed gourmet bean premium roast blend coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and a selection of Taylors of Harrogate ® teas

VIP OPTION

A special VIP option with a full early dinner, prime balcony seating and other special amenities are available. See our general calendar for the full details on the VIP option.

OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY:

TTD has arranged with the Wardman Park Marriott for an optional overnight hotel stay on New Year's Eve - at the incredible rate of $149 for the night!

For an additional $38 ($187 total), full breakfast and one night self parking will be included.

Room amenities include: Choice of 1 king or 2 double beds; Separate shower & marble tub; Goose down and non-allergenic foam pillows; In-room safe with electrical outlet inside; Computer and fax hookups; Network dataport and High-speed Internet access; Portable phones; and terry bathrobes. Services also include room service; Valet parking; Evening turndown. If you would like a hotel room at the Wardman Park Marriot, please call 202-328-2000 and reference the New Year's Eve Gala.

See our archived photo gallery for previous New Year's Eve galas.

Suggested Attire: Black Tie Optional