Each of the three rooms has a different feel, and it sometimes seems like the restaurant is trying to be as unlike Whitey's as possible -- you can't get much further from broasted chicken and Pabst Blue Ribbon than mini steak tartare sandwiches and the pink Wimbledon cocktail, made with champagne, fresh strawberry puree, a dollop of honey and dusted with pink Pop Rocks, or having a burbling fountain in the middle of the dining room. "We didn't want people to be able to categorize us," says co-owner Peter Pflug, who also owns the neighborhood's Clarendon Grill and Clarendon Ballroom. "We didn't want to be just a wine bar, because we want to be a fine dining establishment . . . and we want to be a neighborhood place."
THE KING AND I
When it comes to Elvis-themed parties, there are really only two options: an homage to the King in all his youthful, brooding, snake-hipped glory, or the more predictable (and camp) gathering that remembers the Vegas-era Elvis of white satin jumpsuits and fried peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches.
Saturday would have been Elvis Presley's 70th birthday, and four Virginia venues are covering the entire spectrum of his life, from rave-ups to "Rock-A-Hula."
J.P. McDermott and Western Bop play traditional rockabilly, roots rock and classic country as well as any band in town, if not better. On the menu at the out-of-the-way Neighbors Restaurant (262-D Cedar Lane SE, Vienna; 703-698-8010) are early Elvis songs played with plenty of moxie and slapped acoustic bass. There's no cover, and the music begins at 9.
The Elvettes, if you can't tell by the name, are an all-female group dedicated to the King. But don't let the novelty fool you -- among the Elvettes are musicians from better-known bands like Honky Tonk Confidential, the Fabulettes and the Outskirts of Town. The Elvettes open for Wicked Jezebel at JV's (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-241-9504), a wonderful honky-tonk bar that opened its doors before Elvis ever ventured into a recording studio. Music begins at 9:30, and admission is free.
At Dr. Dremo's Taphouse (2001 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-528-4660), meanwhile, "It's going to be a huge extravaganza," says general manager Brandt Fletcher. "Seven to 10 professional Elvis impersonators" take the stage beginning at 8, representing a mix of young, leather-clad Elvises and older, scarf-throwing Vegas performers. Between sets, audience members can participate in an Elvis karaoke contest or partake of a special Elvis menu that includes peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches and burnt-bacon-and-mustard sandwiches -- "all those crazy things the King ate," Fletcher laughs.
Older bargoers may remember that Dr. Dremo's was once a popular brewpub called Bardo Rodeo. In honor of Elvis's birthday, Dr. Dremo's is bringing back Bardo's popular, award-winning Graceland Imperial Stout -- a strong, dark, hoppy beer now crafted by Alexandria's Shenandoah Brewing Company. Again, there's no cover charge to join in the fun.
The final Elvis tribute comes from the Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-838-4827), an Alexandria-based community arts group. Through Jan. 30, the exhibit "Aloha Elvis" features works inspired by the King and his music -- portraits, landscapes of "Blue Hawaii" and mixed-media installations. On Saturday night, though, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery is the site of a special birthday party with swinging surf music by the Hula Monsters, dancing, food and tropical cocktails. It's the last that has me most excited.
Of all the nightspots that disappeared in 2003, the one I'll miss the most is (or was) Honolulu, an Alexandria tiki bar that offered pupu platters, Don Ho music and the area's best mai tais for more than 25 years. The restaurant was displaced when the Wilson Bridge project necessitated enlarging an interchange, and owners David and Anna Chan decided to retire. Saturday night, though, former Trader Vic bartender David and Anna will be back behind a bar, mixing exotic cocktails and donating some of the proceeds to the Del Ray Artisans.
The $15 admission includes food, but drinks are extra. Hawaiian and Elvis attire is requested. Doors open at 8.
