Foodies, Fashionistas & The Famous Flock To Dupont; STK D.C. "Not Your Daddy's Steakhouse"

Be sure to check out all 271 of our photographs from this event HERE!

The Guest List:

DUPONT CIRCLE -- While Bourbon Steak, BLT Steak, and all the other top-rated 'Steaks' might be the gold standard used by Washington's expense account set when power-dining out on the town, a sexy new upstart from the north is set to shake things up a bit this weekend.



And, to be sure, tonight's public unveiling of the New York City-inspired STK steakhouse and lounge, in the heart of Dupont Circle, has already caused more than a few foodie tongues to wag.



For most of this past week, the venue has been conducting a series of mock services for industry insiders and close family and friends to work out any kinks in the "steak for the stiletto crowd" concept.



On Thursday evening, all pretense of secrecy was lifted, however, as STK hosted a massive VIP grand opening party for some of the District's top tastemakers.



Lines stretched around the block for hours into the celebration and guests began lining up well before the announced 7:00pm start time, as the city's social set leaped at the chance to check out the much buzzed about new hotspot.



Of course, a handful of lucky VIPs, such as Microstrategy's billionaire CEO Michael Saylor, Reggie Love, President Obama's former "body man", and a handful of professional athletes (e.g., Redskins, Nationals, etc.), were able to bypass the red carpet wait, with a quick nod to the intimidating security team guarding the door.



Leggy models, temporarily branded with colorful STK tattoos, posed for pictures with curious onlookers and attendees alike. Indeed, it wasn't hard to get people to strike a pose given the beautiful company.



Inside, a phalanx of radio-wearing managers and wait staff stood at the ready, with a continual parade of both savory and sweet passed bites streaming from the kitchen. And the poor bartenders more than earned their keep yesterday, with a very thirsty crowd all too eager to sample the craft tequila ("Sterling Silver") and vodka ("Green Intensity") cocktails.



The District's new STK sits on the location that used to be occupied by Casa Nonna at 1250 Connecticut Ave., NW. Far from feeling like an interloper, however, The ONE Group property merely picks up where another New York brand left off, with ESquared Hospitality (owners of the Casa Nonna and BLT Steak brands) serving as the former tenant.



The idea behind STK is relatively simple: To create a steakhouse for women. That means replacing the traditional smoky and clubhouse atmosphere with a more modern, sexy vibe. And doing away with massive portions in favor of more modest cuts of meat (don't worry; a "large" cut is still available when the situation calls for it).



While lobbyists and lawyers might dominate the booths at the District's existing high-end purveyors of (cow) flesh, celebrities and athletes are expected to be frequent guests of STK Washington, D.C.



Private parties with various household names have already been booked and the freshly remodeled space will even play host to a private event next week, during the madness that is White House Correspondents' Association Dinner weekend.



"Not Your Daddy's Steakhouse," indeed.

Be sure to check out all 271 of our photographs from this event HERE!