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: This is Rhome and I'm in the driver's seat today. We know what you all really want though. I'm not going to touch it, I'll just pass the buck to Fritz. In the meantime, make sure you take a stroll through this nice section. Folks are still buzzing about this here too. This is your last weekend to see for yourself. I've got Anne, Maura, the aformentioned Fritz, Jen and Janet on deck with me. Let's chat.

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Logan Circle, Washington D.C.: Hello dear gurus!

So do you know what the deal is with that Molly Malone's in Clarendon? Is it a restaurant or can one grab a drink there? I work in Arlington and was considering. Or should I head on over to Tallulah instead?

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Fritz: I went to Molly Malone's last weekand and was completely underwhelmed. It's a bland, by-the-numbers Irish pub, although I like the windows and the long wooden bar area. But my beer tasted funny. So did the second. They were nice about it, and I'll give the place another shot, as it seemed like it could be, if nothing else, a nice neighborhood joint. (More than half of Molly's, by the way, is a restaurant, but there are plenty of barstools.)

If you just want to grab a drink, I'd head two blocks over to Eleventh, which is still my favorite new Arlington bar. Good cocktails, decent beer selection (although they were out of some, including the new Moroccan beer, last week.)

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Arlington, Va.: Oh wise GOGs,

The story that prompts this question is a little long, so I will cut to the question. Where can I find contra dancing in this area? I have a car, so it doesn't need to be metro accessible.

Please help! I did this once and it was so much fun I'd like to find a local place to start doing this!

Fritz: Saturdays at Glen Echo Park's Spanish Ballroom.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I want to really dress up, long sequin gown and all, but don't know where to go. Any ideas?

Janet: I don't know how much you want to spend, but here are two options that both have lots of dressy dresses to choose from: Nordstrom and Loehmann's.

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Arlington, Va.: My friends and I are going to see "Seasonal Disorder" by Washington Improv Theater this Friday night. Where's a good place to go afterwards? The show is at Flashpoint, 916 G St NW - we went to McCormick and Schmicks last time we saw WIT - looking for something similar but would like to try something new. THANKS!

Jen: You should try Zaytinya or Zola, both very close to Flashpoint and fun places for a group of friends to dine.

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NW Washington, D.C.: Sorry I missed your I chat. I was hoping I could still hear back from one of you though since you always have good advice. Is there place that has a happening club scene on Sunday nights? Preferably in the Dupont area? Got a new job and I don't have to work Mondays. Thanks

Fritz: Our picks would be Red, which has one of the best soulful house music DJs in the city in Sam "The Man" Burns every Sunday until 3 a.m. or so, or Lizard Lounge at MCCXXIII, which has a cruisey party vibe for gay men and their friends. Five has an "alternative lifestyles" party, but none of us have been.

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McLean, Va.: Hey Gurus,

I'd like to get my mom a gift certificate to a day spa for Christmas, but I am totally lost as to where to get it. Can you or any of the readers recommend a good day spa in the Tyson's/McLean area?

Thanks!

Janet: What a good person you are. My recommendations in that area: Serenity Day Spa and Elizabeth Arden Red Door.

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Washington, D.C.: Back from LA where I was taking a Brazilian battle/fight/Martial arts class called Copeira. Looking to find Brazilian Copeira classes in DC or MD. Do you first have ANY idea about what I am talking about and 2nd do you have any suggestions??

Rhome: The main club I know of for Regional is Quilombo do Queimado. They're headquarted on U Street. Angola has a longer history in the District through the ICAF. Capoeira is definitely drawing a lot of converts locally these days.

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Springfield, Va.: Hi Gang, As a Christmas gift I would like to send my lovely wife to a day spa. What would you suggest for someone over 40 who may be a bit on the plus size? Someplace that would really make her feel comfortable and welcome?

Janet: Elizabeth Arden Red Door has a good reputation for pampering.

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Petworth: Hey Gurus!; What's up?

So, I'm going on the annual quest to find and cut down a Christmas tree this weekend. Will tomorrow's weekend section be the annual directory of cut-your-own tree farms?

Thanks.

Anne: Pet, have you been taking a long winter's nap? We missed you. Actually, that annual list of tree farms and nurseries ran last week. Happy chopping, and please where you find the best tree.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi GOGs...love the chats! I am submitting WAY WAY WAY early, I know. But that's how desperate I'll be for your help when I return from Thanksgiving festivities. I am in charge of putting together a holiday happy hour for my 14 person K Street office (we are a young office; mid-twenties to mid-thirties) and would like to visit a bar that has holiday inspired specials (for example, a candy cane flavored martini?)...Oh and it must be metro accessible! Thanks for all your help!

Fritz: All three of the "hip" Kimpton hotels (Topaz, Rouge and Helix) are offering seasonal cocktails -- Helix's "Cinnamon Blast," for example, is a coffee cocktail with cinnamon schnapps and creme liqueur, and Topaz offers the Silver Bells (E&J Brandy, eggnog, nutmeg, etc.). Those would all be great ideas. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Willard's Round Robin Bar, where bartender Jim Hewes never fails to impress me with his incredible original holiday drinks.

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Wonderland: Help! I just saw "What the [Bleep] Do We Know," and I've gone so far down the rabbit hole I can't seem to find my way back up. Can you recommend a good ol' superficial, materialistic movie to help me get my feet back on the ground for awhile, so I can get my holiday shopping done? Thanks!

Jen: I missed that one, but I heard it was a mindbender. I'm not sure if I can recommend anything that's simultaneously a good movie and materialistic, but if you're looking for something fun and not too mentally taxing, try "The Incredibles." And if you want to get into the holiday spirit, check out the holiday films at the AFI Silver. Starting Friday, they're showing "Elf," followed the next week by "A Christmas Story" and the week after by "It's a Wonderful Life." Those should dig you out of the hole, I'd think.

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Petworth: Dear wonderful Gurus-

So, what's up with Chez Antoine? Are they really gone (I will be so sad if that is the case), or have they just been MIA lately?

Fritz: They are closing, I'm told, but they haven't closed yet; I've seen the lights on sporadically while wandering down 18th. It's a real loss for the neighborhood -- I like late night crepes as much as late-night falafel.

But in happier Adams Morgan news, Cafe Toulouse will reopen as a jazz restaurant and lounge in the next few weeks.

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Courthouse, Va.: Hi GOG's

I want to make all of my friends jewelry for Christmas presents this year. I am looking for a higher end bead store. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Janet: About the only place I can think of is Beadazzled. Hope that helps.

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Arlington, Va.: Would you suggest 11th for dinner?

Fritz: The food I've had there has been good, but I haven't sat down for a full meal. Anyone?

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I am going to buy my first christmas tree in DC this weekend. Does anyone have any recommendations as where to go? I have a car so distance is not a problem. I just want a decent small tree for a good price. Also I want to get mistletoe so a place that also carries other stuff is a plus. Thanks and here's hoping I get kissed!

Anne: Here's a list of tree farms -- maybe some expert tree gatherers can share their favorite place? The ones in Prince George's County are probably closest to you.

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Washington D.C.: Girlfriend is pregnant and want to give her a maternity spa treatment for Christmas. I am in the DC/MD area and want something that is really nice where she can be pampered and made to feel special while she is caring and carrying our new baby.

Janet: Georgetown Aveda offers a special pregnancy massage that $55 for a half=hour and $95 for an hour.

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Bethesda, Md.: Not a question for the Gurus, but more of a question to pose to the readers. Has anyone ever successfully used Craigslist.com to get a date or a casual encounter? Just wondering if it worked.

Rhome: Who feels like dishing?

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Shop for Life, D.C.: You may already have this posted somewhere, but just a note (no, I don't work for or with any of the sponsors, it's just such a cool idea). And remember, it's also the tax-free shopping weekend in D.C.! So, you can shop tax free and have 5% of your purchases go to Whitman-Walker Clinic. Sounds pretty awesome to me (remember, many newly marrieds are registered at C&B -- so buy those wedding gifts on Saturday, it's not just for Christmas shopping).

Saturday, December 4, 2004
Shopping for Life
Sponsored by Neiman Marcus

Shop on December 4th at the following stores and a portion of your sale will be donated to Whitman-Walker Clinic

Crate & Barrel
Montgomery Mall, Bethesda, MD
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington, VA
The Market Common, Arlington, VA
Tysons Corner, Vienna, VA
4820 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

go mama go!
1809 14th Street, NW

Lambda Rising
1625 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Rhome: Can't front on a plug for a good cause.

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The Old Whitey's Space, Arlington, Va.: What's the scoop on this place Talulas that reportedly just opened where Whitey's once lived?

Fritz: Tallula is run by the owners of Alexandria's Evening Star Cafe and Arlington's Clarendon Grill, and they're positioning it as a restaurant/bar/wine shop. There are something like 300 bottles, 65 wines by the glass and a too-precious-for-its-own-good martini list. The place is going to need some time to get its footing, I think, but I'm hoping for the best.

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Alexandria, Va. : Can you recommend any good "drivable" ski resorts for a group of 5-10 for a weekend? We're looking for a good mix of slopes to keep everyone busy (beginners and up) for a day or two, but also some other options for those who don't want to ski 20 hours in two days.

Looking for more of renting a condo with a bunch of rooms (maybe two depending on the size of the group) than a hotel. Hot tub and other amenities a big plus.

Oh yeah and cheap!;

Maura: Alexandria, I know Wisp is having super cheap specials next weekend, but you might find better skiing elsewhere. Check out this recent list of nearby ski resort profiles. Maybe some readers want to chime in with recommendations?

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Clarendon, Va.: Hi! I'd like to give something new this year for Christmas: guitar lessons! Any insight as to where I could buy them for someone or where to get more info?

David: The Guitar Shop in Dupont Circle is sort of a local institution and offers lessons. That might be a good place to start. Most guitar shops have someone on hand to offer lessons, but there's always the chance that he could be one of those '80s metal freaks who just wants to teach you how to play "killer solos." Anyone out there have any positive guitar lesson stories?

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Arlington, Va.: Hey, guys -- I have a dancing question. Where can a group of 29-36 year old women (about 5 of us) go in Virginia or DC to dance that's non-cheesy this Saturday night to celebrate a 30th birthday? Preferably not someplace that plays techno/house music -- more like 80's or Top 40 if possible (I know...it's hard to balance Top 40 with non-cheesy, but if anyone can do it, it's you!!!)

Fritz: Clarendon Grill or Clarendon Ballroom are probably your best bets, Arlington. I'm wary of places like, oh, Crush, and while you might find a decent mix of music at Tequila Beach, it's off the cheese scale, I think. But still, it can be fun.

Readers, where do you draw the line between Top 40 and cheese?

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Swinger's joint: I've never been to a swinger's club, but I heard of www.entrenous.com (not work-safe) and it takes place on Saturday's at Bar Nun several times a month. Has anyone been? I'm curious, and have a girl that would accompany me there to satisfy our curiousity. Is it real trashy/gross/ugly or do actual good looking people go? Thanks to all responders!;

Rhome: It's varied. It's mid-20's to 40's, and a fair mix of social backgrounds and appearance (but nothing gross). It's pretty festive actually, not trashy, although it's definitely adult. We are Gurus, it is our job to know such things.

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Washington, D.C.: Whats a good casual/fun spot in Adams Morgan area possibly not overrun with college students? For a Saturday night...........

Fritz: Asylum, Chief Ike's Mambo Room, Bossa, Soussi. Each has its own appeal -- the first two are grungier, the latter have more of an internation flavor. But Rhome and I like 'em all. If you want to go high end, try the Blue Room.

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Washington, D.C.: In your last column, a guy emailed you about some place he could go solo and be around friendly, outgoing people in a social environment. There is a new group called Professionals in the City (www.prosinthecity.com). It is a replacement for D.C. Society of Young Professionals, which no longer hosts events. Anyway, I've gone to about four of their events in the past two weeks, and they are great to go to alone. They have a greeter at each event who offers to introduce you around if you do not know anybody. It is such a simple thing, but it really works. I recommend that your reader check it out.

Maura: Thanks, Washington. The D.C. Young Professionals split (too unwieldy) and Professionals in the City is one offshoot. Glad to hear you're enjoying it.

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Arlington, Va.: Hey guys:
Kim O'Donnel here, with a shameless moment of self-promotion. Maybe some of your readers have a tried-and-true cookie recipe they'd like to share for Baker's Dozen, an upcoming feature for What's Cooking. They can <a href="mailto:kim.odonnel-wpni.com">e-mail me</a> with their faves.

Fritz: We'll publish this for the readers who, like Yan, Can Cook.

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Arlington, Va.: Looking for stocking stuffers--do you know where I can get Washington Nationals paraphernalia(hats, t-shirts) locally? I know mlb.com has them but would rather not order on-line? I figure if we get them now and the city council screws up the deal, they could be collectors items.

Janet: Sorry, I don't know. Anyone have any ideas?

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The Going Out Gurus: By the way, Fritz is also looking for reader contributions for an upcoming piece about New Year's Eve. He's looking for people who love huge hotel parties, people who have New Year's Eve horror stories, and those who'd rather just head out to their neighborhood bar. Send your thoughts and comments to fritz.hahn@washingtonpost.com. Thanks.

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Capitol Hill, D.C.: This is a question related to a discussion you had on tipping hair stylists several weeks ago. I was just wondering why the school of thought was to tip 20%? I thought we tipped servers 20% because they get paid like a buck and some change an hour, but that's not the case with hair stylists. I don't tip the delivery person 20% either; I usually give them a few bucks. Have I been (gasp!;) undertipping everyone? I'm interested in what other chatters think about this too. Thanks!;

Janet: I don't think there is one set answer on this question. It depends on the service to a large degree whether you ante up the tip or give the basic minimum, which in the case of a hairstylist, I'd say would be 15 percent. A friend of mine doesn't tip the guy who cuts her hair because he owns the shop but she does give him a holiday gift at the end of the year.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm totally stumped and I hope you can help. Every year we go to the candlelight tour of Mount Vernon and then have dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn restaurant. Unfortunately this year the restaurant is booked so I am desperately looking for something (preferably in Old Town Alexandria, since we have to drive through there to get to Mount Vernon anyway) where we (4 adults + 1 baby) can have a similar type of dining experience (i.e., charming and with a historic atmosphere, in keeping with the mood of the evening). With a baby (8 mos.) we certainly wouldn't want anywhere that is too quiet lest we annoy the other patrons but, frankly, he's a very good baby so anything too noisy isn't necessary either. Can you help?

Maura: Over Alexandria-way you might try Ecco Cafe, Cafe Salsa or maybe even Vermilion.

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Need a Martini: Hi!; I am looking for a place to go for happy hour that has specials on martinis. Must be in DC and preferablly hip!;!;

Thanks!;

Fritz: Topaz and Rouge have daily $5 specials. And it's not the hippest spot around, but the M Street Bar and Grill (in the St. Gregory at 21st and M) has daily $3.50 martinis. You might also like to nosh at the happy hour at Heritage India, which has $4 cocktails among its deals.

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Re: Trees: You might want to try the South Arlington Lions Club lot on the corner of Columbia Pike and George Mason Drive. They partner w/ the Better Sports Club of Arlington and all the proceeds go to support youth sports programs.

Rhome: Mo' trees...

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Dearest GoG's...
I am in a rut!! I am a 27year old female who is totally over the whole 1223/FIVE/Vida/Saki scene....is there any hope? How is Fur?

Rhome: Sure there's hope! Try another scene! There are a lot to choose from. Give us some options you've considered and we'll give you suggestions. Fur looks really cool. Fur has a great sound system. Fur is really jiggy. Fur is not cheap.

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Rich, Sterling, Va. RE: Craigslist: Unless you are looking to pay for your encounter or would like a real "classy gal/guy," I would recommend sticking to the standard "dating" sites

Rhome: Heed the words of Rich.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I want to go to the Black Cat with some visiting friends next weekend (12/10-11), but I've never been and I have some questions for the all knowing. Is it just music, or is it a bar as well? I'm assuming no dress code, correct? What's the typical cover charge—is there a cover charge? As you can see, I'm rather uninformed. Thanks! Oh, and how would one get there—is there a close metro?

David: There's music and a bar at the Black Cat. The music is upstairs (and occasionally downstairs, on the backstage) and there is a cover charge for that, usually no more than $12 or so. There's no cover for the Red Room bar downstairs. There is certainly no dress code, but depending on what you wear, you may get some sneers from some of the more snarky patrons. The two nights in question should be pretty busy, as there are shows on mainstage as well as DJ nights on the backstage (with a separate cover). The 12/10 show is Lars Frederiksen, a member of punk rockers Rancid. The next night is local favorite Citizen Cope, whose sound combines blues, rock, hip-hop and other genres. As for Metro, the U St./Cardozo stop on the Green Line is only a few blocks away.

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Bethesda, Md.: What do you think it will take to give Bethesda a good weeknight bar scene. There is absolutely nothing do do Sunday-Thursday. Help!

Fritz: What, besides the pub quiz at Ri-Ra (Tue), the $1 beer happy hours at Rock Bottom (Mon-Tue, Thu), karaoke at Tommy Joe (Tue) and Golden Tee at Caddies?

I heard Willie and Reed's has karaoke, but haven't checked it out yet.

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Guitar lessons: The local music chain "Music and Arts" offers guitar lessons. My nephew took lessons from a guy named Charlie at the Oakton branch and thought he was great.

David: Here's one guitar lesson recommendation...

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Washington, D.C. 20011: The House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park also has guitar lessons.

David: ... and another.

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Anonymous: Exactly what kind of thoughts and comments is Fritz looking for regarding New Years?

Fritz: I'm curious about what people like to do, whether they prefer big parties, concerts, First Nights or low-key bar events. Also, I'm looking for stories (good or bad) about past NYE events.

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Capoeira: Don't know if it's still there or anything about it, but there's also a capoeira place a couple of doors down from Takoma Station (jazz club?), just a block from the Takoma metro.

Rhome: That's the ICAF that I mentioned earlier.

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Farragut North, D.C.: Help me out, gurus!; I have a friend coming in to town from Dec. 28 - Jan. 3. He is a total political junkie, "West Wing" nut that hasn't been to D.C. since his 8th grade class trip (we're now 27). Where can I take him that will impress? Will Crossfire be taping that week? Any White House, Capitol holiday tours open to the public? Thanks!;!;!;

Anne: You're such a good friend, Farragut. There's a lot of options that week. The folks at Crossfire are thrilled to tell you that since it's a live show, you can sit in on it any day in December except the 24th and 31st. So 28-30 are wide open. Call 202-994-8266 for tickets. A tour of the Capitol is a good choice too -- first-come, first-serve same day tickets are available at a kiosk on the West Lawn, every day that week but Christmas and New Year's. As for the White House, you're on your own. Tickets must be reserved through your senator or congressional representative. Call the visitors office at 202-456-1414 and ask to be transferred to the tours recording. Your friend may also enjoy new exhibits at American History and the National Archives.

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Wine Searching: I recently took a trip to Spain and discovered a great Spanish Wine, that I havent been able to find here. Do you have any suggestions for a wine store that sells hard to find imports?

Thanks

Maura: Some of the biggest -- and most helpful -- wine shops might work. Try Rodman's on Wisconsin, Calvert Woodley on Connecticut and the Wine Specialist on M. I've actually picked up some nice Spanish bottles at the Bethesda Chevy Chase wine shop next to Vace.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi,

Do you have information on the lighting of the big menorah on the mall?

David: We can tell you that the National Menorah Lighting is Tuesday at 5 p.m. It's free, but tickets are required. There will be Hanukah goodies for those who attend, like latkes and dreidels and such.

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Washington, D.C.: Rhome, you mention a few chats ago about old school reggae at the Marxx Cafe. Do you have any more info on that? I think you said they only do it one Friday a month. Would you know exactly when those Fridays would be? If not can you give me another place that plays old school reggae where my g/f and I could really get into the music?

--Thanks

Rhome: It's the last Friday of the month and still going strong at Marx. Most of the other roots/culture/dub reggae events where cats are dj'ing are usually one-offs but you can hear live reggae bands regularly at Bukom.

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Naples, Italy: I love your discussion, its very helpful for new people!; My cousins are visiting from Italy, and they leave tomorrow. I want to take them to see the National Christmas Tree tonight, but I don't have tickets to the opening ceremony. Can we go by after the ceremony, around 8pm-ish? I know the exhibit officially opens tomorrow, but my cousins will be gone then.

Anne: You can go by tonight's National Christmas Tree Lighting even at 7 p.m.-ish. One the prez clears out, so does the security hassle. And the crowd. This is a swell idea, Naples. Thanks for suggesting it.

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30's dancing question: The ballroom is closed on Sat. night, and Clarendon Grille's website still has the calendar from November up...any more suggestions? (And I agree...21 year old girls in bikinis serving beer probably isn't the best market for us!;)

Fritz: So much for Gurudom. There's a hip-hop DJ at the Grill on Saturday, according to the e-mail I got from owner Peter Pflug earlier this week. Let's see .. Modern has hip-hop, MCCXXIII may/may not work. Home has an excellent DJ (fomer U.S. champion Enferno), but it depends on whether the intimate club scene is your thing.

I'm open to suggestions, '80s fans out there.

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Petworth: (Thanks for the hello Anne. No, I wish it were napping, but I've actually just been REALLY busy at work!; Like too busy to have lunch and read you all even.)

For the person looking for a small tree and mistletoe - I think you get your best trees at choose and cut places, but if you don't want to do that, Garden District has some nice trees right now, and so do the stands at Eastern Market. SO not cheap though!;

And mistletoe - good luck. I struggle to find it every year. Garden District did not have any on Saturday. I found it the last 2 years at Johnson's on Van Ness and Wisconsin. I have yet to find it at a tree farm.

Anne: Thanks for the expertise, Petworth. Here you go, tree decorators. And Maura concurs that Johnson's has the goods on mistletoe. Happy smooching.

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Wil in Arlington: We're looking for a good New Year's party. We went to one of the big hotel parties last year and were severely disappointed by the 30 minute drink lines and them running out of booze at 11:30. I've called around to a few bars but can't seem to find any other than Mackey's who are hosting a party. Any ideas?

Fritz: I'm SO feeling your pain, Wil. I've got a list up that I'm adding to when I can, but I've called a number of places this week (From Dream down to Buffalo Billiards and the Helix Lounge), and they either don't have plans finalized or aren't sure exactly what they're doing. They have four weeks, but still, that's cutting it close. It seems the people who are most ahead of the game are the big, crowded hotel parties and the clubs with live music (9:30 club, IOTA, Black Cat) that are used to making plans in advance.

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Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus, longtime reader, firstime poster.
I'm having a holiday cocktail party this weekend. what's a fun and simple cocktail that's hip this season?

Maura: Having just made some myself, I'd say pommegranate margaritas (Fritz agrees). Get inspired at Oyamel or Cafe Atlantico, if you're unsure. Delicious!

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Dupont: Have never been, but a friend of mine keeps pushing to go to Liberation Dance Party on Friday nights at DC9. What's it like? FWIW I'm a Mousetrap kinda person........

Fritz: Yeah, then you'll like it. Went to Liberation two weeks ago and they were playing Pulp, as well as Franz Ferdinand, Dizzee Rascal, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, etc. You'll be fine. It's not as crowded as Mousetrap, either.

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Christmas Time in Washington: In a couple of weeks my family will descend en masse to D.C. I want to start planning early in case reservations are needed: I'm looking for cool, not just the mall/museums, free-ish activities, in the DC area, keeping in mind that we have one person in a wheel chair. Any suggestions are appreciated!;

Anne: Millennium Stage keeps going, all year 'round. And community holiday decorations are up all the time. Personally, I think you can't miss the Waterskiing Santa. Freebies, all.

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Farragut West: So what exactly ARE the programs at 9:30 club, Black Cat, Iota, etc. for New Years?

Fritz: They're available for browsing in our Holiday Guide -- but as a shortcut, 9:30 has the excellent ska band the Pietasters, and the Black Cat and IOTA stick with their annual lineups: Peaches O'Dell and her Orchestra ('20s/'30s swing) and Last Train Home (alt-country), respectively.

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Washington, D.C.: I have heard great things from a friend about piano bars (she lives in Indianapolis). Are there any good ones here in D.C.?

Fritz: Try the Four Seasons, Kinkead's or 701. But dress sharp.

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Downtown, D.C.: Gurus,
In your opinion, what are the best scenic runs you can take (let's keep it under 4 miles) near the metro? I'm tired of Rock Creek Park and want some new scenery.

Anne: My old roomie swore by the two bridges run. You could start at Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom, and run by the riverside and across Memorial and Key bridges. Or start at the Smithsonian, make a long Mall circuit. You'll have grandeur all around.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi gurus; when are 18+ college nights at Fur and Dream? Fur - tonight only (Thurs), Dream - Thurs and Sat? Thanks

Fritz: Fur is Thursdays, as is Dream. (Not Saturday). Home is Thursday for everyone, Friday and Saturday for women only (men have to be 21). Platinum is 18-and-over at all times, last I heard.

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The Going Out Gurus: Now it's time to say goodbye until next week. We've got a pack of rabid hounds chasing down New Year's Eve party promoters as we speak. Adieu.

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