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: Rhome here, and it seems like half of y'all are trying to escape your families and party on Christmas night, the other half still don't know what to do for New Year's Eve. If you can't find anything in here, then you're either staying home (I'm never mad at a good house party) or you're impossible to please. Being the Gurus that we are, we will do our best anyway. Vacation has depleted our ranks but the true soldiers in the trenches are still available. Joe, Janet, Fritz, David and Jen are with me for THE LAST CHAT OF 2004!!!!!

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Hey GOGs, this is a great column! I am coming to DC for New Years and wanted to take my girlfriend out for a nice new years evening. First, I see that there are a bunch of parties for NYE, is there fireworks? If so, where? Thanks for info.

Fritz: The only places with fireworks are the family-friendly First Night parties in Annapolis and Alexandria. You might just want to choose a bar/club party in one of those cities and slip outside to watch the celebrations. (I was told that the Old Town Fireworks, launched from the George Washington Masonic Memorial, will be visible from Old Town Alexandria.)

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Ellicott City, Md.: Hello GOG! My (younger) fiancee turns 21 next month. Her style is much more sophisticated than her peers, so I'd like to take her on a circuit of quality lounges and bars to start her legal drinking experience (so no college beer-swilling joints). Any suggestions on where to start? Good mixed drinks and a non-meat-market atmosphere would be pluses. Thanks!

Fritz: In Ellicott City (i.e. Baltimore) or Washington?

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Arlington, Va.: So what's the scoop on the waterskiing santa? I heard he's on at 1 pm tomorrow, but what's the best place to perch on the VA side of the Potomac to see the festivities? Also, is it dog friendly? Thanks, love the chats!

David: Yes, the Water-Skiing Santa -- along with his posse, which includes knee-boarding reindeer, a pair of flying elves, a jet-skiing grinch and Frosty the Snowman -- will be cruising up the Potomac at 1 p.m. The best place to watch is Lady Bird Johnson Park, but you should park (for free) at Columbia Island Marina. And just make sure the pooch is on a leash.

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Farragut Sq, D.C.: All my father wanted for Christmas was a Nationals ballcap. So I, ever the good daughter, order it days ago from the MLB website. Then this this Council brouhaha comes along, and the MLB -cancels my order-!! (And could they tell me about it? Of course not! I go online to track my package, and whaa, no package?!) So, now I am hatless, & leaving for my parents' tomorrow. Please oh please, wise gurus and faithful readers, don't make me beat up a little kid & take his hat. Where can I pick up a Nationals cap -today-?

Joe: I can sell you one. How much do you want to spend? No, your best bet is to head over to the Nationals store in the parking lot at RFK. I believe they've opened back up for business. There were reports of long lines at the store yesterday. Here's the team's official site.

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Silver Spring, Maryland: I'm Jewish. Boyfriend's not, but family lives way across the country. Any ideas on what to do Xmas Eve or Xmas? I'm used to a "Jewish xmas" -- Chinese and movies -- but wonder if anything else is open those nights (restaurants, bars, anything). Want to keep him from being too bored/lonely. Thanks!;

Fritz: Well, there are always the Matzo Ball (Xmas eve) and Gefilte Fish Gala (Xmas night), which will be packed with people celebrating the "Jewish Xmas." You defintely won't be lonely. To recap from yesterday's Entertainment E-mail Newsletter: For those folks who just need to get out of the house this weekend, the Black Cat is offering no-cover DJ nights on Friday and Saturday; the Red Room bar will also be available. Lots of bars will be closed on Christmas Eve; spots that will be operating include Cafe Saint-Ex, Helix Lounge, Bar Rouge, Topaz Bar, Degrees, Dr. Dremo's, Mon Ami Gabi and Fado Irish Pub.

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Fairfax, Va.: Nevermind us, what are you gurus doing on NYE?

Rhome: Fritz: party hopping (gets more booze that way, and a bigger variety)
Jen: she has yet to decide
Joe: doesn't have any plans, but he might cop a bucket of Popeye's for himself and new wifey.
Rhome: selling my dj services to the highest bidder... accepting only a house note and up
David: sitting at home watching "24" on DVD
Janet: hangin' with the homies in West Virginia
Kim O'Donnel - celebrity guest Guru: getting her Scrabble on while drinking bourbon

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Fairfax, Va.: We were planning on enjoying a romantic evening downtown seeing the Christmas trees decorated by the various States and of course the National one. Unfortunately it's raining. What indoor holiday type romantic activities could we try for tonight?

Jen: How about going to see "It's a Wonderful Life" at the AFI Silver? You could get a bite at Jackie's before or after. If I wasn't still frantically trying to finish shopping, that's what I would do.

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Silver Spring, Md.: So, New Year's Eve is upon us -- also called "amateur night" or the most overrated night of the year. I'm torn between going out and staying in -- my boyfriend's new to the area, so it might be fun to find something to do. The enormous overpriced parties aren't our style. Any ideas for some early-30-year-olds (we like the Black Cat and 9:30 Club, but not necessarily the acts those clubs are having that night ... boyfriend's from superhip Portland, OR) who don't want to pay hundreds for an all-you-can-drink party (who ever drinks hundreds of dollars worth of alcohol, anyway, without dropping dead)? Pardon my loquaciousness!

Fritz: I'd steer you to some of the free parties out there at cooler bars -- Asylum, Cafe Saint-Ex, Wonderland -- or maybe the party at DC9, though I'm not sure how anyone's gonna drink $50 of free Schlitz or Bud Light. (But there are food and DJs...)

Actually, I made a bunch of your same points on WAMU's "Metro Connection" a few weeks ago: I think New Year's Eve is overhyped, over-rated and over-expensive. It's no better than, say, Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you think about the Big Hunt for New Years?

Fritz: Been there, done that, wouldn't go again.

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Greenbelt, Md.: Any suggestions for men's clothiers with a decent selection of tuxedo vests and ties for sale at reasonable prices, <= $100?

Fritz: The Masters Tuxedo warehouse in Arlington. Web site is www.yourtuxedo.com.

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USA: Where do you go for a casual date to get to know someone a little better before you become serious?

Joe: Hmm, a motel? Wait, that's rude. How about a cafe? Or bowling. Or lunch. Or any one of the free Smithsonian museums? A Wizards game? Any one else want to offer ideas?

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Arlington, Va.: I am thinking of seeing Meet the Fockers tomorrow, and I have seen the first one and loved it very much. My question is, how good of reviews did Meet the Fockers get from critics? And is it worth spending my $8 on?

Jen: I missed "The Fockers" but the Post's critics didn't care it for much. It's gotten some pretty bad reviews from other critics, too. I might consider a matinee rather than an evening show, just so you can save a few bucks if it's really bad.

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Nationals Gear: There is a sports store on 8th (I don't know name and don't know exact location; my roomie told me about it), that has stacks of Nationals paraphernalia, and NO ONE KNOWS IT'S THERE. You could beat the crowds and try that store.

Joe: Good to know. Thanks for the tip.

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Arlington, Va.: What would you recommend for New Years Eve for a couple who are on their first date? I don't want to go overboard, but I don't want to do too little as well. Thanks!

Fritz: I'd recommend you have your first date BEFORE NEW YEAR'S EVE. Seriously. No matter where you go, it's going to be crowded, loud, probably expensive, and you'll have no chance to get to know one another at all. Isn't that what the first date is all about?

If you're set on it, though, check out our list of New Year's Eve events and pick one of the free-and-cheap spots. Most are at least offering a free glass of champagne.

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Nats Cap for Farr. Sq.: City Sports carries Nats merchandise and has hats left (at least at the 19th St. location, don't know about Gallery Place).

Joe: More helpful info.

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Where can we celebrate Festivus?: Any ideas on where to get a Festivus pole in Fairfax county? We are having our Festivus gathering Sunday and need it before the "Feats of Strength", and "Airing of Greivances" begin.

Jen: I don't know where to get a Festivus pole, but I hear the Costanzas throw a killer Festivus party. I'm planning to hit that after I drop by Seth Cohen's Chrismukkah party.

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Washington, D.C.: Four or five friends and I will be in the area for New Year's Eve. We are poor law students, so all the parties with big cover charges are a little out of reach. Any chance there's a low key place we could see the ball drop on TV and have some affordable beers (other than at home)?

Fritz: Yes. And a number of options are right here.

Y'all are hurting my feelings.

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Alexandria, Va.: The HOT 99.5 DJ's at Five? What the hell is going on?

Fritz: Money-makin'?

Seriously, though, they'll have breaks and house and electro until 5 or 6 a.m.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hey Gurus,

I am headed to the O.A.R. show at the 9:30 club next Thursday. All tickets are to be picked up at will call. How early should I be at the 9:30 club in order to pick up my tickets. What time will they actually open the doors? Thanks...you guys are the best.

David: There's no specific time you need to be there to pick up your tickets. Doors will open at 7:30, but the band won't go on until a couple hours after that, so it all depends on how long you want to hang around the 9:30 club. If you want to make sure to get a parking space in the club's lot or you want to be right up front for the show, then by all means get there around when doors open, or even a little earlier. But otherwise, there's no rush. And be sure to check out tomorrow's Weekend section, which has a nice feature on O.A.R.

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Washington, D.C.: What is a fun thing to do on a first date, with someone you just met and don't know well?

Rhome: Talk! Find a nice place without too many distractions, get some grub and drinks in you and have conversation. If either one of you is shy, try some sort of cooperative activity where there is a regular stream of stimuli that requires you to comment and interact: a sport of some sort (skating, bowling), a class (bartending, pottery). Do you have any idea of your date's interests? You might want to make some basic inquiries and then do some research. Do they like jazz? Bargain hunting? Book talks?

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Bowie, Md.: Help!

I'm going to be alone in my office next week.

What do I do instead of WP.com chats?

Jen: Duh: Start coming up with questions for next year's chats. Believe me, if you don't devise a creative way to ask where to go on your third date, someone else will. That's a chance I wouldn't take if I were you.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to the Grand Hyatt DC Downtown Countdown hosted by Lindy Promo, it was pretty expensive (ranges from 119-159 general admission), but has open bar and food all night. Should I expect it to be good and fufill its "one bartender for every 75 guests" promises? I am hoping for the best, as there are 15 of us going!!!

Any word on this event?

Laura

Fritz: You know, I've had complaints about almost all of those big-time hotel parties: long lines, couldn't get a drink, too crowded, ran out of alcohol at some bars, etc., etc., but I've also heard from a number of people who like them.

Lindy are usually pretty good promoters, but when you have thousands of people in the same place, all demanding "free" food and drink, there are going to be snags and problems and lines. Since I haven't been to this year's party -- and I heard the increase was to stave off complaints about last year's affair -- I'd hate to give you a straight "yes" or "no." Best I can say is relax and enjoy yourself -- and try to order a few drinks at once. You may look like a lush, but at least you won't be martini-less.

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Arlington, Va.: There's a restaurant with views of the Iwo Jima that I've been meaning to try for months, but I can't seem to remember the name. I think they sell crabs, and they're slightly off the beaten path.

Rhome: You're thinking of the Quarter Deck. When the warm weather comes around, 'tis a beautiful thing. Beer and crabs outside after a hard day's work.

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Washington, D.C.: How are we hurting Fritz's feelings? Surely, not be refusing to pay too much on NYE for our Stella or other stein of foreign beer a'la Fritz.

Fritz: Naw, I was kidding. But I had all that information in a story that (apparently) nobody read.

And I refuse to pay too much for anything on NYE, even domestics. (Mmm ... Sierra Celebration ...)

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Sterling, Va.: I'm relatively new to the area, and don't have many friends that live near me...

Is there any hope of going out alone and finding a good place within a reasonable driving distance to spend New Year's? I'm running out of options, and spending New Year's with my dog sounds very, very lame. Any help?

Fritz: Hey Sterling -- Head to O'Faolain's on NYE. I like the pub, the food and beer are good, and they're having live music and dancing. There's a $5 cover after 9, and it shouldn't be hard to get home.

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Pentagon City, Va.: Hey there, I know others have already asked this, but what's the deal with inaugural balls (or other parties on inauguration night)? I am trying to weigh the options but want to know what they are.

Fritz: Most of them haven't been announced yet. As we get info, though, we'll post the events in our Inaugural Guide.

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Silver Spring, Maryland: A suggestion for a lovely first date in DC in winter: ice skating in the sculpture garden followed by hot chocolate at the little cafe next to it or a fun meal and Jaleo on the way back to the metro. Going around the rink eliminates awkward silent moments and you get to watch and comment on everyone else when resting. Works well for group outings too.

Rhome: Can't beat that with a stickball bat.

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Washington, D.C.: Nats hats are sold at Union Station - I just saw a bunch during my lunch break.

Rhome: Get 'em while they're hot!

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Twentysomething D.C.: Hi gurus. I have recently become a happy hour convert and am now determined to go to as many as possible. I loved half-price bottle of wine night at meze (highly recommend!)the only problem is I usually can't get out of work until 6. What bars/restaurants have the latest happy hours? Thanks!

Fritz: Cafe Asia goes until 7:30. Many go until 7, though, and some, like Capital City Brewing Company and McCormick and Schmick's, have happy hours that start up again at 10.

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Washington, D.C.: A lot of my friends who don't celebrate Christmas have an annual tradition of going out for Chinese food and seeing a movie on December 25th. Newly opened Grace Bamboo (a block and a half from the Loews Georgetown) has the best Chinese food in the city. Do you have any other recommendations for places that may be open on the 25th?

Jen: You could hit Yenching Palace and see "The Aviator" at the Uptown. The food at Yenching is so-so, but my friends and I like to order a variety of wacky drinks, then spin them around on the lazy susan so we can sample each one. Afterwards we have a contest to see who feels nauseous first. It's fun for the whole family!
Another option: Go to Chinatown -- maybe Tony Cheng's or Eat First -- then hit the Regal Gallery Place, a very nice, new theater. Do make sure to call these restaurants first to be absolutely sure they're open. They probably are, but checking is always good.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Fritz, if it makes you feel better, I did read your well-written and organized article. Just wanted to get an answer super-targeted to me, and I also wanted to make sure you had enough questions today. See, I'm only thinking of you.

Fritz: That's really nice of you, Silver Spring. Thanks. Um, which question was yours again?

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Arlington, Va.: Waddya say, Rhome and/or Fritz, spend New Yrs Eve with a GoG fan of yours? (Doesn't everybody need groupies...even writers?)

"Maybe it's much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You'd receive

Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?

Joe: I think Rhome and Fritz will be much more intrigued if you can rephrase your request as a limerick.

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Arlington, Va.: How about the Irish bar in Dupont that has a fireplace and a big window. I know you have rec'ed it before but I didnt write it down. Keep up the good work.

Fritz: Ah, Biddy Mulligan's. It's closed for NYE, though, as the whole hotel's been taken over by the (SOLD OUT) Euronet International gala.

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New Year's First Date: While on the surface this could seem like a terrible idea, my boyfriend and I had our first real date on New Year's 2 years ago and it was fantastic, plus it's just something we'll never forget. The key was that it was at a low-key bar, and we both were along with groups of friends. If the date stinks, you still have your friends to hang with. If the date is great, well, what better way to ring in 2005? Seriously, just treat it as any other night out. Good luck!;

Fritz: That's what I think -- if you go to something that you might otherwise do on a first date, then you're fine: shooting pool at Buffalo Billiards, checking out an Irish band at Fado or Flanagans, sampling beers at R.F.D. ... But I think that paying $50 for a ticket for a first date sets expectations for the date way too high and sounds like a recipe for disaster.

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Washington, D.C.: I think I will be in NYC for New Year's. I realize that DC is your area of expertise, but do any of you know any "can't miss" events (other than Times Square, obv) that I should check out? Thanks much.

Jen: There's tons of cool stuff going on in New York. The Road Runners have a party and four-mile run in Central Park that night, which sounds fun if you want to skip the drinking scene. Wilco, The Flaming Lips and Sleater-Kinney are also playing Madison Square Garden that night and tickets should still be available. There's a piece running in Style on Wednesday about other out-of-town New Year's options. If you're still planless like some of us, it might be useful.

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Casual date?: A pool hall like Bungalow or something? Casual and social... or if all else fails, a Capitals game. I mean, they're playing right?

Fritz: Ha. No, really, that's a good one.

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Alexandria, Va.: My husband and I are looking for a nice place to have dinner on New Years Eve near Alexandria. Without calling everywhere, where's a good place to look online to find special dinners/menus for New Years? We have a modest budget, but would be willing to pay a little extra for something nice. It's our first New Years married!

Fritz: Our Alexa wrote a piece on that very subject, which you can find here.

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Washington, D.C.: HELP! A friend got married on New Year's Eve last year, but her husband has to work the night shift this year, so their first anniversary will be spent apart! My husband and I and two friends of ours all have to find a way to entertain this friend so she's not sad on her anniversary. What could we do that would be group- rather than couple-oriented? PLEASE HELP!!!

Jen: Honestly, I would just do something simple. Maybe go out to dinner as a group, then hang out at someone's house and play games or have drinks. If you're really concerned that she'll feel sad, going to a big party seems like a bad idea. When midnight rolls around and her hubby's not there to kiss, she'll probably feel better if she's just with you guys and not surrounded by random couples making out.

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Dupont lady, D.C.: I love reading your email each week. So, my family is coming into town for the holiday. I'd like to find a great caroling concert on christmas eve. (But I am not looking to attend a christmas service) Have you heard of any good ones? And is anything exciting happening at the national cathedral? Thanks so much. Happy Holidays!

David: The National Cathedral is having a caroling event at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but at this point the only way to get the free passes necessary to get in is to get there early and stand in line. And if you aren't looking to attend a service, a caroling concert doesn't look to be in your future.

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Washington, D.C.: Please suggest bars for bourbon tasting in Washington, D.C. Thanks!

Fritz: Um, Bourbon. One of my favorite new bars last year, and still a great place to hang out and sample whatever the new bottles are. (It's worth getting to know your bartenders here.) Another good option is Old Glory in Georgetown, which has a nice selection.

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Washington, D.C.: I want to hear about Joe's wedding.

Joe: It was perfect (if i do say so myself). Thanks for asking.

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First night: I attended a First night Celebration in St. Paul several years ago and see there are several around. Have you heard anything specific about the First night in Annapolis?

Fritz: I went to that one as a kid/teenager and thought it was pretty cool. You get to wander in and out of all the historic houses, there are plenty of good bars along the way, and there are fireworks at midnight.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm planning a birthday party for my husband who loves reggae music. Do anyone of you know of a party room/hotel where they have a house reggae band?

Rhome: You might want to head over to Izora or Bukom and talk to the bands that play there directly. I'm sure you'd be able to negotiate for one of those groups to play your event. Both of those spots have great bands.

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Largo, MD: Happy Holidays Gurus!; I am a 20 year young college student seeking a "off the hook" New Year's Eve/Day. I know I will be at church for a part of my New Year's nite, but is there anything going on in the DC metro/Baltimore City on a college students budget? I love hip-hop,reggae(dancehall), r&b soul... I am just looking for a great nite. Can you help me please.
Thanks!;
-Christina D.

Fritz: Christina -- the problem isn't budget, it's that there aren't many NYE parties open to the under-21 crowd. I think your best bet (for hip-hop, at least) may be Platinum. It's a big crowd in a big club, but there will be plenty of people your age and it's not ridiculously priced.

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Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C.: Darn, I just found out that the traditional Christmas Eve concert at the Kennedy Center has been cancelled. Any suggestions for a substitute daytime activity in the DC/MD area so my siblings and their children (age 4 and 7 years) can be entertained before dinner? Thanks!!!

Jen: Take them to the Home for the Holidays event at the Botanic Garden. There was an article in last week's paper about the cool trains on display there. The kids might be wowed by that; plus it's free.

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Saturday: What is a Jew, a lonely Jew, to do on Christmas?

Fritz: The Gefilte Fish Gala. It's free, there's kosher pizza and thousands (literally) of singles.

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Washington, DC: Trying to decide between Front Page or McFadden's for NYE--anyone been to either? Is Front Page really crowded (as usual)?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!;!;

Fritz: Yes, the Front Page is crowded. And McFadden's wants $120 at the door for an open bar, dinner and DJ? What's up with that?

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Traveller: What is the best party to go to when im in town to meet single cute coeds going wild on new years eve?

Fritz: Let's throw this one out to the crowd.

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Fritz, does the Matzo Ball's admission include an open bar?

Fritz: Nope. Sorry.

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Springfield, Va.: Hi Gang (Kim too), What are your favorite hangover remedies? I always thought a tall glass of water and some aspirin before bed worked pretty well.

Fritz: Drinking enough water the night before to prevent the hangover in the first place. (A good rule is one glass of water for every other drink, or so a couple of respected bartenders have told me.)

Kim likes an egg sandwich.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Thanks for answering my questions!

Janet's not from Charleston, WV, is she? (That's my hometown. I get excited when I hear about anyone from WV.)

Janet: Hi, there, SS,
No, I'm not from Charleston, but one of best friends is, and I'm spending New Year's at her house in Shepherdstown. That's the WV connection.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: So with everyone concerned about x-mas and NYE, whats a guy to do on a date on the 24th?

Fritz: We just listed a bunch of places earlier up in the chat -- I'd say Saint-Ex, Halo or one of the Helix/Rouge/Topaz bars.

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Giftless, Washington, D.C.: Instead of buying my boss a last-minute gift (he bought me one this yr, what?, by not decorating this yr didn't be boycott Xmas?) I'm reading the chats. Guilty, guilty pleasure. Where can I find peanut brittle and some Beatles memorabilia that he may not already own or get this year from his wife & kids? Peanut Brittle, is my only hope, help me G-O-Gz!

Janet: Hi, there, giftless,
I was in Whole Foods yesterday and there was a table full of nice-looking boxes of peanut brittle. Go before supplies run out.

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NYE-less in Washington, D.C.: What do I do for the new year? I can't stay home. Not even Dick is hosting the ball drop & who likes Regis? What's a cool single girl in her mid twenties to do? I don't want to be alone but all my friends are hanging in exotic locales or with their significant others. Surely, I can go solo or with a small crew to a cool place for a chill evening that will last after the ball drops, but will not involve a tobacco-tasting kiss with a drunk Brit like last year, where I paid way TOO much 2 stand in line for only 3 glasses of champagne.

Fritz: Surely you can. Where would you usually go by yourself to just hang out?

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McLean, Va.: Anyone know of a good tailor in the Northern Virginia area? (I'm a female, in case that matters.)

Janet: we hear good things about Kim's Custom Tailoring.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a friend coming in from San Fran for the week between Christmas and New Years. Any good bets for the week ahead?

Thanks

David: Well, that certainly depends on tastes. If I were the one doing the entertaining, I might check out the end of the Jean-Luc Godard Film Series at the National Gallery, perhaps head to the 9:30 club to check out The Roots. There's always the Auto Show!

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Arlington, Va.: Posting early so I can face the maddening crowd at Hecht's. I'll be off work the 29th-Jan. 3rd. More than likely I will be in D.C. or NoVa. What exhibits & activities are worth seeing? Please tell me this town stays alive even with snowbirds out skiing or sunbathing in FL?

Rhome: Mmmm... need more detail. Care to peruse through these?

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Downtown, D.C.: Hey gang! I'm hoping that, in your Infinite Wisdom, you could suggest some good first-or-second-date places downtown (anywhere from Farragut North/West to Chinatown). Places with some personality but not pretention, where it's possible to get to know someone and have a drink or bite. I'll save you from suggesting Zaytinya and Jaleo, which in my experience are stock first date locations. Thanks in advance!

Fritz: Ummmm... Matchbox, the bar at Les Halles, Teaism, the Town and Country Lounge in the Mayflower, Le Bar ...

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Re: Meet the Fockers: A matinee show would be great in order not to spend too much if it ends up being a bad movie, but keep in mind that a lot of theatres do not offer matinee prices for a movie on its opening weekend.

With all the hype this movie has been getting, I have a feeling that few will be offering matinees.

Jen: It just depends on where you see it. Loews Georgetown, for example, only offers matinee prices on the first show of the day on weekends. But plenty of other theaters still do bargain matinees before 6 p.m. no matter what. Wisconsin Ave. and Loews Rio -- where I just saw a movie yesterday --are two that immediately spring to mind.

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Washington, D.C.: Fritz, I read your review, then went to Cococabana on Saturday for my birthday. I tell you, this is what my girlfriend and I have been looking for. She is from Guatemala and loved it. At first we were unhappy because the restaurant area was large and not cozy at all, but once we hit the dance floor and the opened up both areas, we had a ball. From reggaeton to reggae to doing the two step, it was great. Are there any other places like this place?

Lastly, do you know anything about the club next door called The Setting? I hear they do old school reggae on Saturdays.

Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo

Fritz: Aside from Cococabana, which I really enjoyed, I like Cecilia's in Arlington and Yuca; Also, the promoters at Pearl on Friday are playing South American music, from salsa to Colombian pop music to rock to reggae. It's a pretty fun night.

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Washington, D.C.: Looking for an easy place in Adams Morgan to go to on New Year's Eve. We're doing cocktails at home and planning on joining the masses for the ball drop. Any suggestions with good music but without the $100 cover?

Fritz: Asylum, Adams Mill, Millie and Al's, Bossa. Not sure about Bukom, but if you like reggae, it's worth checking out.

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Arlington, Va.: Where are the best places/nights for well-worn mainstream cheezy techno/euro stuff? I can never seem to find it when I want to go out dancing!

Thanks Gurus!

Fritz: Surely you jest.

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Nats Cap: They were selling all sorts of Nationals gear at "Out of Left Field" in Union Station, even during the MLB hiatus. I would call first, because they were low on caps.

Rhome: To the chatter whose question is still in the queue...

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Rosslyn, Va.: I am considering Home for New Years because it would give me a great reason to break out some vintage clothing. I've never been there before though...what's the crowd usually like?

Fritz: Usually young, international, house-and-hip-hop lovin' folks with a proclivity for low-cut spangly tops (women) and dark pants and shirts (men).

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Takoma Park: Hey - (please don't call me "TP" in your response!;)
I've been trying to get tickets to the Rouge/Helix NYE party, but to no avail. No one from the business office picks up the phone or returns messages. Do tickets need to be purchased in advance?

Thanks!;

Fritz: No. Just show up at either bar on the night.

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Washington, D.C.: Where are the hotties going to be tonight? We are some late-20's looking for areas that won't be crowded with the college kids who are on break.

Fritz: Hey, hotties, where you gonna be tonight?

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Giftless, Washington, D.C.: Quick question. The poster who said they saw National hats at Union Station, where? Also, is the only Whole Foods near the Farraguts metros the one on 14th & P? U think peanut brittle would be there?

Janet: you could also try Chocolate Moose for peanut brittle.

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Re: Hotties: Home!;

Rhome: Score!

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Fairfax, Va.: I'm a Marshall University Alumn. Where would be a good place to catch the Fort Worth Bowl Tonight and drink lots of beer? (I would prefer locations in NW DC) Thanks Gurus and Go Herd!

Fritz: I'd check with your local chapter:
Greater Washington, D.C. Club
President: Joe Head
Home: (703) 978-9110
E-mail: joehead@herdalum.org

Otherwise, I'd wager it would be on at most sports bars, or they'd put it on for you... I mean, I saw the Champps Bowl (or whatever) at two different bars last night and I couldn't tell you who was playing.

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Arlington, Va.: WOW, it seems like everyone has a date during Christmas week, I feel like I'm missing out! Ought to ask out that cute girl two cubicles over, she doesn't have NYE plans yet, though I hear that's a bad night for a first date...

Love you guys and your infinite wisdom.

Any thoughts on an easy way to catch a hockey game in the next couple weeks, I'm bumming because of the NHL lockout, closest AHL teams are in PA or Norfolk?

Rhome: If you're confident, sincere and have a good plan you probably should ask that cute girl out. The worst that can happen is that she says no. Take one of the tips from this chat, ask her out, then report back on what happens.

Re: hockey. Yeah, you're short on that one.

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Hangover Remedy: I always found it to be helpful to take a B Complex vitamin before drinking (since alcohol robs your body of it), water as you're drinking of course, and in the morning, 1 (only 1) cup of coffee, and a banana and honey smoothie.

Rhome: Operating a blender while hungover? Yikes.

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Limerick? Washington, D.C.: If you want cocktails sublime,
Or beats with rhythm and rhyme,
Ask Fritz online every Thursday,
Just don't expect his "time of day,"
Even if requested in poor metric time.

Joe: nice

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Lesbian in Suburbia!;!;: Hi,

Please direct me to some GLBT New Year's Eve events!;!;!; I can't seem to find any..suburbs preferred but city ok. Thanks!;

Fritz: That's because there aren't many gay bars in the 'burns, except for De Lounge in Wheaton. There are (inexpensive) dance parties at Cobalt, Apex and Chaos (I'd take Cobalt out of that bunch), and Halo's just going to be open for the night.. No word from Phase One when I called.

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Arlington, Va.: Happy Thursday, GoG's! Where can a few 20-something professionals find a good grown-up happy hour in town? We're looking for something a little less rowdy than the typical Rock Bottom or Whitlow's meat market. Thanks!

Fritz: Do you mean "Arlington" by in town? Then I'd say Eleventh Street and Talulla should be your first stops. Boulevard Woodgrill is cool. I don't think Harry's Tap Room is all bad, though it can get crowded.

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Tallula New Year's Eve: Happy Holidays, Gurus!; Just wanted to share a NYE option with your chatters...

Tallula is having a cocktail bash New Year's Eve with heavy passed Amuse items, a raw bar, and champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. More information can be found on the website at www.tallularestaurant.com. Doors open at 7 PM and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Thanks!;

Fritz: Thanks for the tip.

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Rockville, Md.: Happy holidays! Want to take sister out dancing for her 21st b-day next month. Haven't been to many places in D.C. Big, loud and crowded works. Any recommendations?

Fritz: You won't go wrong with Five, H2O or Dream (in that order), depending on the night and style of music.

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Washington, D.C.: What about New Year's Eve plans for us single, dateless, over-40s crowd? Are you guys too young to be able to help us?

Fritz: Yacht Club? Blackie's?

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The Going Out Gurus: And... CUT! It's been real folks, and now we close the ledgers and venture forth into the unknown wilds of 2005. Have fun and be safe. We'll see you in a couple of weeks. And oh yeah, please READ! Love y'all like some play cousins.

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Arlington, VA: Nope, no joke. I can find house, house, and nore house, hip hop, and a little bit of latin everywhere but very little cheezy techno/international techno stuff Where to go? (And please don't say Platinum!;)

Fritz: Oh. I'm sure I'll get emails from people about this, but ... Glow on Saturday nights at Fur, Cubik on Fridays at Nation, Fridays at Five ...

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The Going Out Gurus: Ok, we're done for real now.

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