Got Plans?

Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's Entertainment Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We have the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.

Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.

Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the Entertainment Guide.

Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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The Going Out Gurus: New idea: Should it come to pass that St. Patrick's Day and the first day of the NCAA Tournament fall on the same day, a national holiday shall be proclaimed. Because seriously, who's getting much work done today? It's days like this that you should thank your lucky stars that you've got someone like Fritz working for you. He's got the low-down on where to go for St. Patrick's Day revelry and March Madness. Those two links should take care of many of your questions. But we're here for the rest of your going out queries. We are minus Maura, Alexa and Janet this week. We suspect they are all at a bar somehwere, Guinnesses in hands, green top hats on heads, with their 17 brackets each spread out over multiple tables. I'm David, I'll be steering the ship this afternoon, and one of my Sweet 16 teams is already down by 13 points. Great.

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Chevy Chase, MD: Gurus:

Last week, you helped out a guy looking for English ladies. Can you help a guy find out where the Canadian ladies hang out? If you don't know, can you throw it out to the crowd?

Thanks
playas!

Rhome: If you're the playas, why do you need our help, eh? It definitely can't hurt to get some group input on this one though.

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Wilson Blvd: Hi Gurus!; Looking for a place in the Wilson Blvd area to hold a small party. We're thinking 30 people or so. We'd like a space where we can have an open bar for an hour or so and order some finger food for the guests. We're were tossing around Cafe Asia and Guarapo. Has anyone has any events like this at these places? Any other suggestions in the area? Thanks so much for the help!;

Fritz: Either of those would be fine; we've had similar company events at Cafe Asia, and Gua-Rapo will let your group take over the upstairs on most nights (I think hours are limited on weekends). I might also suggest Eleventh Street and the "Sand Bar" room at Whitlow's on Wilson.

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Arlington, VA: Love your chats!; Is there any way to get to any beach (Rehobeth/Ocean City) from DC via public transportation? I dont have a car, but would really like to be able to go to a beach during summer.

Jen: I believe Greyhound has buses that run to the Maryland and Delaware shore. Not sure how much a ticket costs. You might do just as well renting a car and driving down, if it's feasible for you to do that. Has anyone ever taken the bus to the beach? Can you describe the experience for us in 10 words or less?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm planning on going to Finn mac Cool's tonight. Will they still be showing March Madness??

Fritz: Yes. Most of the Irish pubs I spoke to will have the TVs on. I'd arrive early -- and I mean early to allow yourself a view of the TVs at Finn's, which are kind of jammed into corners behind the bar.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: This might be a retorical question, but, where will be playing the GW game on Friday night? Anywhere besides GW area bars? Or will most bars in my area cover it?

Fritz: I'd bet that it will be on everywhere, for a couple of reasons: they're a local team; they're playing an ACC team (Tech); and there's probably more interest in that game than Michigan State-OD.

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Washington, D.C.: I Need to get rid of two Indigo Girls tickets for Sunday at the 9:30 club. I've never done this before -- do you think I'll have any problem selling them at the door?

Joe: Hello DC,
I don't think you'll have trouble selling them at the door, but there are easier ways to go about it. Check out the Ticket Xchange on the 9:30's website (www.930.com). People are often looking for tickets there and you can make arrangements to meet beforehand. Or go somewhere like Craigslist and post your tickets on there.

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Reston, VA: Gurus, gurus, gurus. I'm going to see the musical Rent tomorrow evening at the Warner Theatre. Has anyone reviewed it yet? Any buzz on it? Thanks!;

Jen: I'm not sure if "Rent" will be reviewed since it comes to town so frequently. It's sort of the "Cats" for the new millennium.
If you've never seen it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The music in it is fantastic, if a little dated (hard to believe, but "Rent" is a decade old now). Because it's been around for so long, the casts of the touring shows aren't always as uniformly strong as they could be. But if you've never seen it, you probably won't care too much. The strength of the play itself should carry you through.

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Alexandria, VA : Finally, my students are taking a test so I am sneaking in a question. With Spring Break upon us, what short day trips would you recommend for two antsy, 20 something, teachers looking for a short vacation? We are up for anything, provided that it doesn't involve small children (We already have enough of that during the rest of the year!;) Thank you - your advice is invaluable!;

Anne: Turn to the Escapes column, where you'll find a slew of ideas in the archives. Most recently, a sprint to Florida that gives new meaning to the word day trip. Other recent suggestions: the epitome of shabby chic in New Hope or a B&B run by an ex-NFL player. All fab ideas. My teacher friend is trying to get me to go to Vegas for her spring break.

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Washington, DC: Can you recommend a reasonably-priced bar (preferably in the Georgetown/Foggy Bottom/Rosslyn area) that one can go to alone, sit at the bar, have a good drink, and some good conversation with the bartender/other patrons?

Fritz: For me, that sounds like a night at Degrees (in the Ritz-Carlton) or Martin's Tavern. I might throw the 51st State in there, too, if GW isn't playing.

Readers, have an suggestions?

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Waterfront, Washington, D.C.: Hey there, I wanted to give a big thumbs up to the Old Crow Medicine Show at 9:30 last night. My heels are sore from all that foot-stompin'. Problem is, there's this new trend of people going to live shows and huddling in little circles and having REALLY LOUD CONVERSATIONS while the band is playing. One group near me was asked to be quiet at least twice. Any suggestions on how to deal with loud concert talkers, aside from punching them in the nose? Maybe some will be reading this and mend their ways. One can only hope.

Joe: If a simple request to be quiet doesn't work, I recommend punching in the nose. I've also found that flashing a weapon usually quiets people down pretty quickly. Seriously, DC, you've hit on one of my pet peeves. I really don't understand why people pay good money to go to a show and then talk all the way through it. The worst are the people who talk throughout the song and then when it ends they applaud along with everyone else. The problem with talkers is that they really just don't care that they're ruining the experience for the people around them. They'll often say, 'Hey, I paid my money, I can do whatever I want.' Well that doesn't work at the movies or the opera or a play, so it shouldn't work at a show.

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Washington, D.C.: Are there any places to go tanning along the orange line in DC? It seems like DC has a serious lack of tanning salons.

Joe: By orange line do you mean how tan you want to get or the metro line? We'll assume the latter. Any orange line tanners have a place to recommend?

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Suburban MD: Looking for something free, or at the very least, low-cost, to do in the area this weekend. A few of us friends, female professionals in our mid-20s, want to get together and talk, but would like something to do as well, without straining our wallets. Any ideas?

Anne: My first thought is the Environmental Film Festival, which ends Sunday. Check the site to pick some free movies you might like. On Saturday, American History screens three shortish films, each a chance to pretend you're jetting off the West, and ending with a documentary on Yosemite National Park that's narrated and produced by Robert Redford. You'll have beauty all around. Reflect on movies and your week over sundaes at the museum's ice cream parlor, a vintage soda fountain. Sunday, the opening day of "Toulouse-Lautrec" at the National Gallery is sure to draw crowds, but what a way to imagine yourself among Parisians celebrities and nightlife.

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Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Just an FYI regarding buying U2 tix last Saturday. Per your suggestion, both a friend and I attempted to purchase tickets on-line through Ticketmaster as SOON as they were available. Unfortunately, we were not able to procure tickets, as the concert sold out after 20 minutes.
My friend talked to a couple of people who went to down to the MCI ticket office. It seems that only the first couple of people in line were able to obtain the general admission seats and that some people who showed up at 7:30AM that morning were lucky to get seats up in the rafters.
It looks like my friend and I will be at the mercy of friends with connections or entrepreneurs lucky enough to get the tickets.
I guess the next time I really want to go to a concert, I'd best be prepared to camp out.

David: Not surprisingly, there were plenty of disappointed U2 fans at about 10:30 Saturday morning. Ticketmaster was obviously getting insanely heavy traffic on their Web site, and it's really dumb luck as far as who was lucky enough to get the page to load in time. But as I suspected, there were just as many disappointed line-dwellers. I figure if you're going to be shut out, may as well stay in the house. But don't worry, those kind scalpers on eBay are only asking $650 a pair!

Jen: Here's an even sadder story. I went to my super-secret Ticketmaster spot at White Flint Mall on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. I was first in line and sat there for about an hour and a half with three or four other people, at which time the customer service people at White Flint showed up, looked at us like we were idiots and said, "What are you waiting for?" "U2 tickets," we responded. "We don't sell Ticketmaster here anymore," they said. This, despite the fact that Ticketmaster's site still listed White Flint as one of its locations. Luckily, I was able to reach my husband at home, who was lucky enough to get through to Ticketmaster's Web site and score decent seats. But what a fiasco.
With all the technological advances in the world, there should be an easier way to get concert tickets. And they shouldn't cost $163 ... but that's another story. Check out e-Bay, or, if you get desperate, try buying tickets night of the show outside MCI Center. I did that for a U2 show at Baltimore Arena; bought them from a kid (not a scalper) at face value ten minutes before the concert started. And they were great seats.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a friend who has a bday on the 25th.. I am trying to think of something fun to do with her on Thursday, the 24th. We were going to go to FUR to see k'alyn and jon b, but that is a bit pricey. We are not trying to do the lounge thing (she does that all the time) wanna bring the big day in with a BANG...

Rhome: Hmmm... have you already tried this link? It's free before 9pm. Does 'BANG' necessarily mean a night out at an upscale club? If not, you could try something totally different, like perhaps King Sunny Ade. That's where I'd be.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus!; HELP PLEASE!; For two years I have been searching for this item and I don't know who else to turn to!; In addition to this week being St. Patrick's Day, the 19th is St. Joseph's Day. Growing up in an Italian household in NY, each year we would have St. Joseph's cake also known as the "sfinge." Any idea if a restaurant or bakery would have it? I work downtown and live in Northern Virginia, but am willing to drive a bit for this!; Thanks so much!;

Joe: Well, my mom always goes to mass to say an extra prayer for me on St. Joseph's day, but I never heard of St. Joseph's cake or "sfinge." Can any religious foodies help DC out with an answer for this one?

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Germantown, MD O's fan: Hi Gurus,

Even though we now have baseball in DC, I can't give up on my O's. I have tics to the 4/17 game against the Yanks, and I would prefer not to drive up, is there any public transportation to Camden Yards on the weekends?

David: It looks like you should be able to work something out. You might want to look around the Maryland Transit Authority Web site, but it seems that for a Sunday afternoon game, your best bet is a bus that goes from the Greenbelt Metro Station to Camden Yards. Of course, that means you have to drive from Germantown to Greenbelt, which might defeat the whole purpose. I wonder if the Orioles and Nationals will be able to combine for as many wins as the Yankees this year?

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Alexandria, VA: Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am subjecting myself to Four Courts tonight for the boyfriend, but tomorrow is about me and sweaty young men bouncing balls! So where's the best place in Arlington that's not Bailey's or Crystal City Sports Pub to watch the greatest American sports event?

Fritz: I'd chose between Mr. Days (crowded, but lots of televisions) and Summers (not great food, cheap beer, smoke-free).

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Washington, D.C.: Gurus,

My wife is from Dublin, and is very amused by the whole St. Patrick's Day buzz here in the States. To show her it can be a good time, we're headed to Finn Mac Cool's around 3:00. How crazy will it be that early on?

Fritz: Not too bad, I hope. It may be one of the better parties, actually, especially with the Flying Cows of Ventry and Scythian, two of my favorite "Irish" bands despite their widely varying styles.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a friend in the Army visiting for the weekend. He just finished a tour in Iraq and is now stationed in Germany. We're checking out a couple law schools for him and then watching b-ball and drinking some beers. How is RFD's with TV's? Any other thoughts on what to do with a soldier home for a short time? And Fritz, loved the Bah Humbug blog. So true!

Fritz: R.F.D. is okay -- three big projection screens over the bar, a few smaller TVs in corners. Sit at the bar and you'll be fine. You may want to also consider Porter's or the Ugly Mug, both of which will give you want you want (screens and beer).

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Arlington, VA: For the person looking for a tanning place along the orange line...there's a place called Hollywood Tan a block from the Clarendon metro stop.

Joe: I'm sure the tanner thanks you.

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Virginia: Hey GoGs!; Erin Go Bragh!;

Any ideas for a good anniversary event to attend with my boyfriend? We've been together a long time and I want to treat him to something special, but not completely break the bank. I looked at the Odyssey cruises, and they're nice, but a little out of my grad-school-poor price range. By the way, we love dining out and live music events, and are looking for anything in April or May. Thanks so much!;

Jen: I feel like a broken record saying this, but you could see something at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage -- all of those performances are free, and there are some good ones, too. You also can dine pretty reasonably in the bar area at Palena. The food there is delicious -- I ate there on Valentine's Day and it was fantastic.

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Bethesda, MD: Hey GOG's love the column I read it every week, and always try things and usually love them. My office plans on jetting out early to do some drinking. Where should we go in Bethesda.

Fritz: Ri-Ra is the obvious answer, whether it's a place you'll want to visit or avoid is up to you. Lately in Bethesda, I've been going to Uncle Jed's (pool, beer, televisions) or Rock Bottom. And hey, Rock Bottom has $1 beers at happy hour...

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I've heard rumors that Polly Esther's is closing...where does a girl get her 80s cheesy music dance fix once it's gone?

Fritz: Oh, something will spring up to plug the gap. I mean, can every bachelorette go to Coyote Ugly and Rumors? I wonder if Heaven and Hell would start a weekend '80s night. Just thinking out loud, though.

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Arlington, VA: Re: hemmed jeans from last week. There's a tailor located in the breezeway at the Market Commons, Clarendon that keeps the original hems. She's great!;

Anne: Thanks for the suggestion. We're always on the lookout for recommended tailors.

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14th and U St.: Have you heard Amigos Invisibles? I am not sure if they will be a hit at Black Cat tomorrow night... are they worth 15$?

Rhome: The bill is Los Amigos Invisibles AND Tortured Soul (whose praises I have sung many times in this space). No worries about vetting Los Amigos at the Black Cat, they've played that venue before and rocked it. And Tortured Soul only know how to rock spots, I don't think they understand the concepts of "wackness", "boring" or "catering to wallflowers". They came on at 2am a while back at Five and still whipped the cranky crowd into a frenzy. $15 spent at the Black Cat tomorrow night is a smart expenditure.

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Washington, D.C.: Joe, I loved your story about Pancake Mountain. But I can't find the show on tv. When does it air?

Joe: Thanks. Glad you liked the story. It is a little hard to find on television. Right now it's only on District Cable, but I think new episodes won't air until April. But check out www.pancakemountain.com to see great clips from the show including clips from bands like Arcade Fire, the Evens and Fiery Furnaces.

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Rockville, MD: Oh Great ones. Where can 2 older girls go in this area to have a makeup application done and learn how to do it themselves. I was thinking maybe Aveda or a counter at Sheshido. Thanks so much, love you guys and gals !!

Jen: Aveda's probably a good bet. Also, I've never done this myself, but Ulta has specialists who do make-up applications. The closest one to you is in Congressional Plaza. I saw a woman getting her face done last weekend, and the guy spent a good amount of time walking her through it, from what I saw.

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Clarendon, VA: Hi,

Any suggestions for chill, not too crowded non-Irish bars to go to in and around Dupont for St. Pats? Also, if they'd at least have one tv on for the NCAA tournament would be appreciated too. Thanks.

Fritz: Hmm. Not-too-crowded rules out Lucky Bar and Big Hunt, which will have games. 21P and Cloud don't have TVs (or I didn't notice them).

Townhouse Tavern it is -- good beer, pool, great jukebox. That place doesn't get enough love. Runner up would be 15ria. Yes, it's a hotel bar with pricey cocktails, but there are a couple TVs.

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Falls Church, VA: Any ideas for a good Easter brunch? We'll have a party of 5 people who are willing to try anything from pub grub to upscale cuisine.

Anne: Have a look at Alexa's suggestions for Easter feasts, and then dial up to reserve your table.

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Looking4Pants, VA: Quick clothes question. Need to find mens white pants for casual beach wedding. I'm guessing linen or cotton. Know of any stores in the area that help me out? Hopefully not too expensive... thanks GoGs

Jen: Fritz tells me that he got a pair of linen pants at Millennium in Georgetown for $50, which isn't too bad. Nordstrom's or Bloomingdales's might be options, too, if you can find one of their less expensive pairs.
Check out Filene's Basement, too.

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Arlington, VA: What bars are showing the the GW-Georgia Tech game on Friday night? Some friends and I would like to cheer on the Colonials!;

Fritz: If you want to be surrounded by GW fans, head for Foggy Bottom. I'd try 51st State, McFadden's, Lindy's Red Lion or the Froggy Bottom Pub.

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Washington, D.C.: I don't understand the people who have indepth conversations at shows either, but sometimes I'll want to exchange a few words and get the devil's glare. I'm of the opinion if you're standing on the floor of the 9:30 this seems like more of an open area or if everyone's rockin' (standing) on the lawn at WolfTrap. (When music is loud enough that you're not obviously talking over). Seats give the impression of quiet - everything else is grey area.

David: I'll chime in with my thoughts on this subject. I'll admit to exchanging a few words during a performance, but when I do this I will lean directly into the ear of the person I'm talking to, rather than shout above the music. I don't think that people should have to take a strict vow of silence, but the least they could do if they want to chat is to go to one of the bars on the side of the floor. This goes for 9:30, Black Cat, IOTA, etc. It drives me crazy when I'm 10-12 rows back from the stage -- prime area for actually watching a show -- and there are people nearby yakking it up.

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Alexandria, VA: To the person looking for a tanning salon off of the Orange line, Casa del Sol off of the Courthouse metro station in Arlington is your best bet.

Joe: More tanning info.

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Alexandria, VA: Fritz!; Why are you so against green beer? Is there some medical reason not to drink it, or do you just think it's creepy????

Fritz: It's creepy.

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Re: Washington, DC: For the person looking for the reasonably-priced G-town bar to strike up some good conversation with the bartender, try Clyde's or the Tombs. The Clyde's corporation actually trains their bartenders to work this angle.

Fritz - Were you serious with Degrees? I mean, reasonably-priced it's not...

Fritz: Ah, CLyde's. I love the bartenders at Clyde's. That's my bad.

And no, it's not reasonably priced, but it always works for me when I'm hitting bars solo. Friendly bartenders who like to get their customers talking.

But really, for that, no one beats the Saloon or Aroma.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hi GOG's!

I've been trying to solve this dilemma for ages and need some help. Where can a very petite girl go to buy a winter coat? I've searched all of the department stores and all the stand-alones (incl. Banana/JCrew, et al)and haven't found anything that's small enough in the shoulders. I'm sick of envying all the tall girls in their well-fitting manteaus.

Jen: Have you tried the petite sizes at Banana Republic? You can order them on their Web site if they're not available in-store. What about petites at Ann Taylor?
Those two immediately come to mind. If even the smallest petite size is too bulky in the shoulders, you may just want to buy something and have it altered. Or you could hold off on the coat until next season. By the time you find one, it will probably be 75 degrees out.

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U Street: David Segal had a great, great, great article about a year ago about all the different types of annoying people who talk (and sing) during concerts. Perhaps you can link to it.

Joe: Here's David's article.

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Petworth: Sfinge appear to be cream puffs? Rather like Zeppole, they appear to be a regional thing for St Joseph's day which is, after all, all about the food.

Anyhow, googling Joseph and Sfinge brings up a bunch of recipes. But if you want to buy them, I'd call Litteri's and if they don't have them, Vace. And as a last resort, perhaps the Italian Store.

Joe: Thanks.

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Falls Church, VA: For the St. Joseph's day cake, try Vaccaro's www.vaccarospastry.com/.

They have locations in Union Station and Foggy Bottom, but the mother ship is in Baltimore's Little Italy.

Joe: Thanks to you, too.

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DanO in DC: Love this chat...best thing to happen to DC since the re-election of Barry. For those of you who enjoy flash-backs...and I'm talkin 60's and 70's alt/psychedelic/punk rock, then check out upstairs of Chief Ike's on Wed. nights. Chris the bartender is bringing back the sounds that help music expand the mind.

While I'm writing, do you or anyone else know of a real bar that has a drum & bass night around here? (Trying to avoid 5 or other "clubs" looking for more of a place with cheap beer and cheaper decor)

Fritz: Chief Ike's rocks. I don't think you can ever go wrong at the Cosmo Lounge.

As for d'n'b, I'm never disappointed by the Rudebwoy Shuffle at Red. (Next one is the 23rd.) It's run by 2Tuff, and those guys bring it HARD. If you're really into d'n'b, they've got Bailey from Metalheadz stopping in next week. 10 p.m., $10 to get in.

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Washington, D.C.: Fritz, what's the word on the Earnest Hemmingway-themed bar that the owner's of Saint-Ex are opening up on 14th? Do you know if it's open yet?

Fritz: Not open yet. I talked to Mike at iPod night last week, and he said Bar Pilar going to be open in April. (It's taking the place of El Camino Real II, which I liked because it was so very different than Saint-Ex or the Black Cat.)

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Gaithersburg, MD: I'm freshly broken up from a verbally abusive ex and need some advice on where I can go to meet others who can help me remember how fabulous I am...I love cooking classes and poetry...I'm 30...Any tips to help?

Jen: Well, we think you're fabulous, Gaithersburg.
I have two suggestions for you, both in Bethesda (so not too far away).
L'Academie de Cuisine offers cooking classes; some are a little on the expensive side but they're lots of fun and might be a good place to meet people. On the poetry side, The Writer's Center in Bethesda offers classes of all kinds, including some in poetry. And they also have open-mike nights -- at least, I think they still do -- where writers can stand up and read their prose and poetry to the group. Even if you don't meet anyone in the process, perhaps you'll become Maryland's next poet laureate. And then you'll be too busy composing heart-breaking verse to care about relationships. Hope that helps.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hey GOGs! Have you heard anything about a new place called Avenue that is opening near the new convention center?

Fritz: Yes. I just got an e-mail from uber-promoter Howie Kitrosser (Air, Live on Penn, Fur, etc.). He says it's opening next month and he'll have more news soon.

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Arlington, VA: Palm Beach Tan, Clarendon metro, right on wilson. Also within a few blocks of clarendon (total walking distance) are like 2 or 3 other places.
I also think they opened something up in Ballston, across from Gold's Gym.

Happy Tanning.

Joe: With all of these tanning places on the orange line, how come every one I see on the metro looks so pale?

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Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: FYI: GW is on spring break, I think, so I bet the bars in FoBo won't be swarmed with GW students for the game. I would imagine they'll be crowded with the usual Friday horde, nonetheless.

Fritz: I'm betting there will be a few people around...

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Rosslyn, VA: I have a few questions: Where can I find good bubbletea (somewhere in Chinatown, I assume)? Where (other than Tryst) can I get an Espresso Martini? and Where can I find gelato (does DC have any type of Italian section?).

Anne: No Italian section, but there is Vace and the Italian Store. Gelato, nearest you, can be found (I think) at Euro Market near Courthouse, but it's everywhere: Natural History cafeteria, Magruders in Cleveland Park, to name a few. For bubbletea, some stars include Teaism, A&J restaurant, Fu Shing Cafe in Gaithersburg (301-330-8484), which also has bubble coffee, and several more. Let's hear from the crowd. What are your favorites?

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Arlington, VA: Can the Italian cook?

St. Joseph's Day Cream Puffs (sfinge Di San Giuseppe)

Cream Puff Shell
1 cup pastry flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
4 eggs
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon, rind of
Filling
1 lb ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon orange rind
2 tablespoons finely grated chocolate
1/2-1 ounce Creme de Cacao (to taste)

12 servings Change size or US/metric
Change to: servings US Metric

1 hour 15 mins prep
ADVERTISEMENT - Remove this ad
Preheat the oven to 400F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Puff pastry shell: Combine first five ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Cook, stirring constantly until the dough leaves the side of the pan and starts to form a ball.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the grated orange& lemon peel.
Drop by tablespoon on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees F.
for another 25 minutes.
Cream Filling: Stir the filling ingredients together until smooth.
When the puffs have cooled, cut a small slice off the top.
Fill puffs and replace the small slice on top of filling.
Enjoy.

Joe: Wow. Now that is really helpful. Thanks for the research. If any reader decides to make these, let us know how they turn out.

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Washington, D.C.: This is more of a comment than anything else...went to Finn MacCools to celebrate the day with coworkers. It was my first time there and was excited to eat some Irish fare....except the menu had three items on it and was mostly "brunch." Also, the wait staff was horrible...didn't ring up the right prices on the bill or anything. I don't know if they didn't staff appropriately or not today, but sheesh!!!

-A very disappointed Irishwoman

Fritz: Today? Yes, they were doing a short Irish Lunch menu, followed by a limited Irish dinner menu. Don't know about the staff, but you'd think they'd cancel leave and call in reserves for the Biggest Day of the Year.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: I can't find the blog! Can you help?

David: Sure can ... BLOG!

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Georgia ExPat, Now Virginia: I know people keep asking where to go watch the GW-GaTech game tomorrow, but any idea where I could find like-minded Yellow Jacket fans around town??? Thanks!;

Fritz: Bailey's in Ballston has a rep for attracting Yellow Jackets.

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Arlington, VA : Hey GOG- Well my friends are taking me out tomorrow night to Mr. Smith's in Georgetown becuase they said I needed a little cheering up because I just broke up with my boyfriend. Any info on Mr. Smith's? Dress code? people? music? I have never been there so any information would be helpful bucause I am back on the market!

Fritz: Mr. Smiths ... interesting choice. It's a piano bar where you can sing along with the music (I've been handed lyric sheets before) while drinking beer. It's very laid-back, a mix of students, tourists and neighborhood office folk. Get ready to hear "Piano Man" -- or not.

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Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: Has anyone tried the new Segways tours of DC? Was planning on going with my family and haven't heard anything about it.

Anne: No, have anyone else? Here's what we know about City Segway Tours.

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Wash, DC: Look, I'm an Irish guy who gets in the spirit but gets put off this one night of the year when the rest of the country acts like I do the other 364. Any good place to go where I won't have to fight some red-bearded, GW punk, wearing a green derby hat to get to the attention of the bartender?

Fritz: Murphy's of D.C. in Woodley Park. It's relatively calm, they pour a good pint, and there's live music until late tonight.

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Shortie on the Hill Again: Hi, Jen.

Yup. I've tried Banana and Ann (my two favorite stores), but still no love. If any of the clicksters can share their secrets, I'd love to know.

Jen: These shorties are asking other shorties: Help this poor petite lady find a coat before spring starts.

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Dupont for Rosslyn: The best gelato by far can be found at the National Gallery of Art's Atrium Cafe.
Guru's have you tried Issey, the new brazilian (at least i think it's brazilian) place between g-towne and glover park? Yum!;!;

Anne: How could I forget? Isee Icy, the impossible to spell, wonderful tasting Argentinian ice cream was on the tips of our tongues last summer.

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Green beer...: ...is unnatural and creepy and should be outlawed. Plus, you can't dye Guinness green, so what's the point?

Fritz: Dyeing Harp green would be bad enough, though not a tragedy. But there are bars out there serving GREEN MILLER LITE.

That's wrong on so many levels.....

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Espresso Martini: Yum! Try Panache on DeSales. Complete with expresso beans!

Anne: Yes, forgot to mention that too. Thanks.

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Arlington, VA: The real question is where do you find New Zealand men in this town??

Rhome: What's up with the kiwis?

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Bubble Tea!;: I may be short, but I know where to get good bubble tea. There's an ice cream place in the Tyson's Corner II shopping center food court (AJ's Old Fashioned, I think) that has tons of flavors (as opposed to Teaism where the bt is good but only comes in one flavor).

Anne: Yes, I knew our Virginia experts could round out those suggestions. Thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: Short girls should have some love for the tall girls because really, aren't we all in this together? What you're trying to find is the "weird" sizes. Look online at j.crew, banana, etc. for the end of season sales when they get rid of weird sizes (like xxs and extra long!). Good price and you're set for the next season. Same goes for Loehmanns, Filenes, etc. where good clothes go to be discounted. And when in doubt, start a tailoring fund.

Jen: We're jealous of the tall girls, but we love them all the same.
I forgot to mention Loehmanns and Filene's good call. There are also stores like Petite Sophisticate; I bought a winter coat there once when I was in the same predicament.
Thanks for the advice, D.C.

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Falls Church, VA: Six Nations Rugby, Scotland v. England, this weekend. Know of anyplace I can watch and root for the thistle, preferably without an enormous cover? Thanks!;

Fritz: Flanagan's Irish Pub is showing it in Bethesda (at 1 p.m.), as is Summers in Arlington. If you want to make a day of it, both are showing Wales-Ireland (which I'd like to see) at 10:30.

And there's a $20 cover, but I've heard that's being imposed by the satellite companies, not the pub themselves.

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Silver Spring, MD: Want to go to a fun Hour Hour with singles in their 30s downtown, where are the current in spots?

Fritz: IndeBleu seems to be hotter than ever, and gets an older crowd because not many just-out-of-college folks will spend $15 for a martini.

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Centreville, VA: Any sugguestion/comment for a small group getting together at Rosa Mexicano Restaurant near the MCI center? Food? Atmosphere? Drinks?
Thanks.

Fritz: They have good guacamole and tequila drinks. That's about it. I'd head elsewhere, unless you simply must have Mexican.

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Micky Mice: Any of you smart people have any idea why 40 or 50 six-foot Mickey Mouse statues appeared some time yesterday outside the Reagan Building? Seriously creepy, man.

Fritz: It's part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, actually. Mickey Mouse is the grand marshall of the parade, so they lets some celebrities "dress up" the statues.

Haven't made it down yet, though. Any good ones (relatively speaking)?

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Downtown: Is Oya ever going to open?

Fritz: Next week, I hear.

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Washington, D.C.: Since the 9:30 club seems to be a popular topic today, I'll throw my question in. I desperately want to see Queens of the Stone Age coming up in a couple weeks there, but it is sold out. What are the odds of another night getting tacked on? Where can I look for extra tickets? Can you offer any advice to a forlorn fan?

Joe: I'd say the odds are not good. Queens of the Stone Age plays the night before DC in Hartford and the night after in Boston (with that back and forth, they can't be happy with their scheduler). As I mentioned to another poster, check out the 9:30's web site and the ticket xchange. Try message boards on the band's web site if it has one. Try Craigslist. If none of those works, try a ticket broker in town, though you'll have to pay a lot more than the price on the tickets. Good luck.

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Alexandria, VA: Sad U2 story: the girl ahead of me and one other woman in line, who had been at the Little River Turnpike Tower since 6:30 AM, was the victim of the lottery system and ended up last in line. I was second and got 3 98 dollar behind the stage seats.

Jen: That's just downright unfair. I heard that U2 may be performing with an open stage set-up. If that's true, those behind-the-stage seats may not be so bad.

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In Search of Sports Bar: Is it me or is there a shortage of sports bars in DC?? A group of us wants to go to HH today and watch some Bball without dealing with Irish revelers (i'm irish, just don't want the mass hysteria!;) Where o where can we go in the district that has enough TVs to watch basketball, that isn't an Irish bar???

Please help an irish sister out!;

Fritz: Good happy hour and television combos: Porter's, the Pour House, Ugly Mug, Lucky Bar, Brick's Tavern.

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More espresso martinis: Palena and Firefly both have them.

Fritz: Yeah. I'd take the one at Palena, I think. Or Panache.

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Washington, D.C.: Where to find New Zealand men is at a rugby game.

Fritz: True. New Zealand women, too.

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Washington, D.C.: I took a bus to the beach many years ago, but my recollection was that it was fine, lets you off right near the beach in Rehobeth.

Try Talbots petites for a coat.

Jen: In fact, wear that Talbots petite coat on the bus to Rehoboth, thereby completing the Got Plans? circle of truth.
Seriously, thanks for the tips, Washington.

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Silver Spring, MD: To try and help the very petite girl find a coat...My suggestion is try an upscale department store like Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman that carries high end designer brands. This may work because I have found designer brands to be on the smaller side whereas a company like Banana Republic has increasingly made their sizes bigger over the years so a size 0 there is not a size 0 with a designer.
Just a thought.

Jen: Another suggestion for petite-girl. Could be a pricey one, but worth checking out if desperation has set in.

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Washington, D.C.: How do I tell the person sitting next to me that they eat potato chips like they have the jaws of a dinosaur and I would appreciate it if they would close their mouth. Basically I can hear the person chewing (and they sit 15 feet away) the daily 20 minutes of CRUNCHING is driving me nuts.

Jen: Why don't you send them a link to this discussion, point out this question in particular and say, "Man, it really would be annoying to sit next to someone who eats so loudly and doesn't realize it."
A little tip from Madame Subtlety.

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Stay away from Townhouse: Fritz, I read your comments in the chats b/c you seem to be right in tune with the kind of bars I enjoy. But you've done it again. A lot of people really LISTEN to your suggestions, and you've just sent an additioanl 100 to the Townhouse Tavern, when my group of 5 was banking on no-crowd fun.

Is there any way you could balance the demands of your job and the rookies who don't know any better without exposing the secrets of those of us who do?

Fritz: Sorry. If it's any consolation, I've mentioned that bar (known hearafter at TT) in the forum before and it hasn't shown that many negative effects. I think F&H has a really strong gravitational pull, and TT is a bit off the beaten path.

Now, when Zack's gets overrun, I'll be sad.

Oops, I did it again.

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Arlington, VA: Hello Everyone,
Has anyone tried Chicken & Waffles Restaurant in Largo, MD?

Fritz: Is that Gladys Knight's? Haven't been there yet, but I'm dying to go back home to P.G. at check it out (it's a Largo Town Center, convenient to the Blue line).

In other news, the Common Share has apparently morphed into a Chicken and Waffles joint. Read that again. I'm feeling a strange, almost queasy, disconnect, but I think I'm going to check it out this weekend.

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The Going Out Gurus: That does it for us. Thanks for tuning in. Have a fun and safe evening. Go Terps! Oh, wait...

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