Alphabet City
Going Global in Washington, From A to Z

By Julia Feldmeier
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 15, 2007

Ah, Washington. So aesthetically charming. So intellectually vibrant. So fabulously foreign. Don't believe us? We've devised an A to Z guide of international fun in and around the District.

Oh, sure, our area has Embassy Row and the World Bank. We have Parisian streets (thank you, L'Enfant), three international airports and floods of foreign tourists, such as those from Europe, Asia and eighth grade. (Kidding! We heart all those distracted tweens milling about the Tidal Basin. Really.)

But it's easy to become insulated in our own cultural bubble or to dream of traveling abroad to exotic places -- forgetting, of course, all of the foreign opportunities here on our home turf.

So read on for our alphabet soup. It's an eclectic dish, we know -- but isn't that what's so great about America?

A

A. Litteri. Ah, the Italians -- bless 'em. They gave us pizza, which, in turn, gave late-night revelers something to chew on: the jumbo slice. But for an even better taste of Italy, visit A. Litteri, Washington's oldest Italian grocery store. Open since 1926, it's still a draw for Italian Americans looking to buy red wine vinegar by the gallon or a prosciutto "end," the hoof section of meat that's left after the leg has been sliced away, used to flavor pasta and soups. Check out the house-made sausage, buy ready-to-bake pizza crusts or, for a prepared meal, try Litteri's meaty sandwiches -- a six-foot Italian cold-cut sub will serve 22. Mangia!

A. Litteri, 517-519 Morse St. NE. 202-544-0183. http://www.litteris.com/.

B

Bhangra. This upbeat folk music, native to the Punjab region in northern India and Pakistan, is funky and fun, distinguished by the beat of the dhol, or two-headed drum. The accompanying dance is a hip-swiveling, shoulder-shaking, hand-twirling kind of country line dancing -- fluid and flashy, if also a little frightening for beginners. For guidance, check out the bhangra dance lessons offered at Dhoonya Dance School.

Dhoonya Dance School, new sessions begin Sept. 9. Classes at Coors Dance Studio at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW; Dhoonya McLean Studio, 1340 Old Chain Bridge Rd., McLean; and 2614 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $20 for drop-ins. 703-678-8700. http://www.dhoonyadance.com/.

C

Cricket. You know, the funny-looking sport that's so popular in the United Kingdom and its former territories? The one that resembles baseball, except for the flat bat and a scoring system that's positively dumbfounding? Well, it's played here, too. Check with the area's two main leagues -- the Washington Cricket League ( http://www.wclinc.com/) and the Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board ( http://www.wmcb.org/) -- to find out where you can get a glimpse of the game.

D

Dim Sum. Brunch can be a delightful event -- a lingering meal on a lazy Sunday -- but why not add an ethnic flavor? Try dim sum, Cantonese for "touch the heart." With a huge selection of small-plate dishes (shrimp dumplings, vegetable buns, pork pot stickers), your chopsticks will be busy and your heart content. A few spots to check out: New Fortune in Gaithersburg, Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton and Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Falls Church and Reston.

New Fortune, 16515 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. 301-548-8886.

Hollywood East Cafe, 2312 Price Ave., Wheaton, 301-942-8282; 2621 University Blvd. W., Wheaton, 240-290-9988. http://www.hollywoodeastcafe.com/.

Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant, 6249 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, 703-538-3333; 1428 North Point Village Center, Reston, 703-318-8898. http://www.fortunebanquet.com/.

E

Eden Center. This Seven Corners shopping center has become the epicenter of the local Vietnamese community. The interior arcades are filled with tiny shops selling such varied goods as herbs and fancy jewelry, and Vietnamese restaurants abound. The experience at the eateries varies. Huong Que, for instance, is more Americanized, while places such as Hai Duong are more authentic.

Eden Center, 6795 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church. http://www.edencenter.com/.

F

Francophile. If you hear the word "French" and immediately think, "Je l'adore," then you'll love Le Village Marché, the recently opened home store in Virginia. Stocked with items one might find at a Parisian flea market -- fleur-de-lis bookends, antique armoires, wrought-iron trellises for the garden and smaller trinkets -- this shop has something for tout le monde.

Le Village Marché, 4150 S. 28th St., Arlington. 703-379-4444. http://www.levillagemarche.com/.

G

Gaelic football. A cross between soccer and rugby -- with hints of basketball and volleyball -- this Irish game is fascinating, if perplexing to the uninitiated. Players move the ball up the field toward the goal by kicking it to a teammate or passing it with a hand punch that resembles a volleyball serve. They can take only four steps while carrying the ball in their hands; to move it farther without passing, they must bounce it off the ground or off the tongue of their cleat. The D.C. Gaels, a group that runs Irish sports leagues in the Washington area, has men's and women's football teams.

http://www.wdcgaels.com/.

H

Hashing. This irreverent sport-cum-treasure-hunt -- or drinking game, depending on how you look at it -- has gained a cult following worldwide, but it's believed that British expatriates living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, held the first hash in the 1930s, based on the 19th-century British schoolboy game Hares and Hounds. In hashing, the leaders (hares) drop clumps of flour to mark the way. The runners (hounds) follow, watching for false leads. The reward for finding your way? Ice-cold beer. (Which is why hashers dub their subculture a "drinking club with a running problem.")

http://www.dchashing.org/.

I

Ikea. What, it isn't a country? This Swedish megastore is so big you might need a map, if not a passport. Ikea furniture is known for its modern, utilitarian design, DIY assembly and, above all, low price points. Products typically have Scandinavian labels, so you'll want to check out, say, the Dalselvs and the Gustavs if you find yourself in the market for a new bed and desk, respectively. Oh, and while you're there, grab a plate of Swedish meatballs from the in-house cafeteria -- you'll need some fortification for all that furniture assembly later, naturally.

Ikea, 10100 Baltimore Ave., College Park, 301-345-6552; 2901 Potomac Mills Cir., Woodbridge, 703-494-4532. http://www.ikea.com/.

J

Jambo. That's "hello," in Swahili. So say "jambo" to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, home to an array of traditional and modern artworks, including a collection of masks with some dating to the 18th century and others made of wood, brass tacks, pigment and teeth. We figure you'll get so wrapped up in this exhibit, you'll never want to say goodbye.

National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW. Free. 202-633-4600. http://www.nmafa.si.edu/exhibits/index.html.

K

Kilts. How 'bout them Scottish, eh? And their bagpipes? They produce beautiful music and their handlers wear funky skirts -- what's not to love? For some melodic tunes, look to the City of Washington Pipe Band ( http://www.serve.com/cowpb). Book the whole band or a lone piper for a party -- or hear the musicians practice on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 of the University of Maryland at College Park, off Campus Drive near Adelphi Road.

L

Little Mexico. For herbs from Oaxaca, fruits and veggies such as mamey and guaje, plus a dizzying selection of tacos, tortas and conchas (soft and chewy egg-based bread coated in sugar), head to Riverdale Park and Bladensburg, where a stretch of Kenilworth Avenue and adjoining streets are filled with Mexican restaurants, markets and bakeries -- earning the area the moniker "Little Mexico."

Little Mexico, along Kenilworth Avenue roughly from Good Luck Road to Annapolis Road in Riverdale Park and Bladensburg.

M

Meridian International Center. Billed as the place where "the world comes together," this nonprofit organization brings in international speakers, art exhibitions and guides designed to help fulfill its motto. On display through July 29 is "Wishes and Dreams: Iran's New Generation Emerges," an exhibition of young, up-and-coming artists -- works that provide a window into the generation's heritage, dreams and beliefs.

Meridian International Center, 1630 Crescent Pl. NW. Free. 202-667-6800. http://www.meridian.org. http://

N

Noraebang. Terrified of making a karaoke spectacle in the barroom? Consider noraebang, a Korean pastime that's essentially karaoke but in private rooms. So while there's still a good chance of embarrassment, at least it's only among friends. Check out places such as Cafe Muse in Annandale, which rents rooms for $31 per hour for the first three people and $4 per hour for each additional person.

Cafe Muse, 7356-B Little River Turnpike, Annandale. 703-658-9351.

O

Oktoberfest.

Okay, so the annual festival on Oct. 6 in Germantown isn't quite the same convivial debauch as the one in Munich, but it's a nice nod to the town's Bavarian roots and an excellent opportunity to imbibe German brews. Ein Prosit!

Ridge Road Recreational Park, Route 355 (Frederick Road) and Route 27 (Ridge Road), Germantown. Free. http://www.germantownoktoberfest.org/.

P

Pins and needles. Washington traffic giving you a headache? Politicians making you nauseous? Try acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of using hair-thin needles to balance chi (the body's life force or energy) and fix ailments. Despite the intimidating number of needles used, aficionados say the procedure is relatively painless. Check http://nccam.nih.gov/, a Web site of the National Institutes of Health, to determine how various conditions respond to acupuncture, and consult the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ( http://www.nccaom.org/) to find certified acupuncturists in the area. One local favorite is Gao Jingyun, a native of China who has been practicing for 25 years at the Comprehensive Health Clinic in Georgetown.

Gao Jingyun, Comprehensive Health Clinic, 4590 MacArthur Blvd. NW. 202-338-3422.

Q

Quark. This curd cheese originated in Central Europe. Soft and unripened (like ricotta or even cream cheese), it's a favorite for dips and sauces. At Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei, an Austrian coffeehouse in Georgetown, quark is a key ingredient in the cheesecake and spaetzle. Grab a tub for $6.35 at Cafe Mozart German Deli in Northwest Washington and bring a Central European staple into your kitchen.

Cafe Mozart German Deli, 1331 H St. NW. 202-347-5732. http://www.cafemozartgermandeli.com/.

R

Reggae.

For some Caribbean flavor, check out the Oasis Band, led by Peter Humphrey, a native of Grenada in the West Indies.

The group, formed in 1988, plays popular dance music of the Caribbean, infusing it with reggae, calypso, steel drums and African tunes.

http://www.oasisbanddc.com/.

S

Salsa. The spicy Cuban- and Puerto Rican-influenced movements have caught fire on dance floors here in Washington. To keep pace, consider taking lessons. Alexandria's aptly named Cafe Salsa gives lessons Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ($15), and Habana Village in Adams Morgan offers instruction Wednesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ($10).

Cafe Salsa, 808 King St., Alexandria. 703-684-4100. http://www.cafesalsarestaurant.com/.

Habana Village, 1834 Columbia Rd. NW. 202-462-6310. http://www.habanavillage.com/.

T

Tropical Fish. Torpedo barbs! Piranhas! Silver arowanas! Sound like the contents of a medieval armory? Nope, they're just fish -- cool, exotic fish from India and South America. Stroll through Tropical Fish World, an exotic fish store in Gaithersburg, for a look at what lurks beneath in other parts of the world.

Tropical Fish World, 16529 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. 301-921-0000. http://www.tropicalfishworld.com/.

U

Unagi. That's Japanese for freshwater eel -- the scale-less, snakelike fish that, when wrapped in rice and served with wasabi, is considered a delicacy. The meat is firm and sweet -- try it at Sushi-Ko in Glover Park, where it's rolled with crab, mushroom and cucumber, or served crunchy with pickled relish.

Sushi-Ko, 2309 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-333-4187. http://www.sushiko.us/.

V

Vodka. You'll find more than 90 flavors of this spirit on the menu at Russia House, the Dupont Circle restaurant and lounge patronized regularly by expats from the former Eastern Bloc. Flavors include Soyuz-Victan, a Ukrainian vodka infused with honey, red cayenne pepper and sweet grass; Mernaya's On Milk vodka, which is filtered with milk; and a pickle-and-garlic-infused vodka by the distillery Russian Garant.

Russia House, 1800 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-234-9433. http://www.russiahouselounge.com/.

W

Wombat. This hairy-nose herbivore is one of Australia's more unusual animals (and, incidentally, the late Princess Di's pet name for Prince William). So if you want to be in the company of people who can talk wombats with cool Aussie accents, check out events hosted by the Australia America Association, a group dedicated to strengthening relations between Australia and the United States. And where better to bond than at the annual Australian and New Zealand Wine Expo? Held Oct. 20 at the Australian Embassy, it will feature tastings of more than 100 wines.

http://www.australiausa.org/.

X

Extra, extra! Read all about it! And we mean all about it. At the Newsroom in Dupont Circle, choose from more than 450 newspapers from around the globe, printed in full (with advertisements) from a giant computerized copy machine. Curious about Icelandic politics? Select the Morgunbladid, the country's daily paper. Want the headlines from Kenya? Behold, the East African. Invested in Ukraine? Check out the weekly Kievskiy Telegraf. The cost varies, but most print for about $2 or $3.

The Newsroom, 1803 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-332-1489.

Y

Yebeg wat. The Washington region is home to the nation's largest Ethiopian community, so the Ethiopian cuisine served here is authentic -- and delicious. One favorite dish is yebeg wat, a lush and peppery lamb stew. Try it at Etete, an Ethiopian restaurant near U Street NW that's named for chef and owner "Mama" ("etete" in Amharic) Tiwaltenigus Shenegeleg, a longtime neighborhood caterer.

Etete, 1942 Ninth St. NW. 202-232-7600. http://www.eteterestaurant.com/.

Z

Zen. Get one step closer to inner peace by enrolling in the Transcendental Meditation program at the Maharishi Peace Palace. The series of seven classes is designed to help you "enjoy clearer thinking, better health, more happiness" -- an achievement that, doubtless, will make you feel far, far away from Washington.

Maharishi Peace Palace, 5504 Edson Lane, Bethesda. $2,500 for the series, introductory class free. 301-770-5690. http://www.bethesdapeacepalace.org/.