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 .

A transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Hot enough out there for everyone? Glad you can chill with us for an hour. Let the questions begin.

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Washington, D.C.:

My friend and I are self-proclaimed "foodies." She'll be in DC a Friday evening and Saturday at the end of August. I would like to visit some neat food-related destination spots - maybe a more unique restaurant, ice cream shop, or some other store or factory tour. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Erin: Wow, that sounds like a great time. Let's see...I would suggest a walk through the U Street area perhaps sampling food at different Ethiopian spots. I love Eastern Market (and endure the crowds) on Saturdays as well. For ice cream, I like Max's Best in Glover Park. They have great homemade flavors and cakes (it's where the Clintons used to get their ice cream cakes). You can also do gelato at the National Gallery. If you like beer, you could sample a few offerings at the Brickskeller , do a tour of the Brewmaster's Castle in Dupont Circle and brew your own in Alexandria at Shenandoah . If that doesn't suit you, Washington Walks offers the Moveable Feast tour.

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Zola:

Are there any happy hour deals at Zola? The bar and drink menu looked cool when we went there for Restaurant Week, and we wanted to try it out on Friday. Thanks!

Erin: I was just there the other night. They don't offer any happy hour deals, but they do have a lively scene during the typical after-work hours and some great drinks.

I'm actually glad you mention Zola because I've been griping a little about my bar experience since I went earlier this week. Evidently, they "don't do change." When I forked over $10 for my $8.75 cocktail (the admittedly delicious Blue Sting), the whole $10 was deposited into the till. I thought I'd misread the menu price, so when I asked, the bartender jokingly started digging out change from his pocket. Now, I wouldn't have been miffed except for two things. First, if they don't do change, then price drinks with tax included to avoid confusion. Second, my dinner bill charged me for change. Interesting discrepancy, don't you think?

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Washington, D.C.: I think you guys delete negative comments from the Web site when you give more favorable comments for certain establishments. For example, I left a very negative review of Blue Gin, it was well articulated and did not use inappropriate language, and now it is gone. I find readers opinions helpful, particularly when the reader's opinion is from a cute twenty-something woman like me, rather than an old male GOG.

Fritz: I didn't read or remove it, so I can't speak to this particular case, but I can tell reader reviews are taken off the site after they've been up for a few months.

But I'm hurt by the insinuation that the opinions of twenty-something male Gurus (who may or may not be cute) are less than valid.

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Arlington, Va.:

Why can't the Post Weekend section come out on Thursday? - BEFORE the weekend! I am looking for something offbeat for Saturday afternoon/night in Alexandria - any decent concerts or festivals?

David: Remember that you can always search for events by date on the Entertainment Guide front , so there's no need to wait for Weekend. As for Saturday in Alexandria, you can give the Irish Festival at Waterfront Park a shot. Irish arts, crafts, food, drink, music, dancers, etc.

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Washington, D.C.:

When does Breeze (Is that its name? I mean the new outdoor party at Yuca) start? Also, any idea on what type of crowd they are attracting. It sounds like it could be cool but all the info I've seen has been really vague. Any info would be appreciated.

Fritz: I have a big run-down in the Nightlife Agenda today. It starts this Saturday in that office building courtyard outside Yuca at 18th and M. They're going for an Air/Young Professionals crowd; I expect lots of twentysomethings and thirtysomethings dancing to hip-hop and top-40 music.

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Beach Bound:

Hey GOGs, I'm headed down to Ocean City this weekend. Can you recommend any good spots for dinner?

Jen: Lucky you.

I usually chow down in Bethany or Rehoboth, but there are certainly plenty of worthwhile places in O.C. Check out Eve Zibart's recommendations from Weekend's beach guide

here

; I've been to Galaxy, one of the places she mentions, and I would recommend that.

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Midtown:

What's your favorite place for roof-top happy hour drinks around Adams Morgan/Dupont?? I've been reading about the Reef, but I thought it was more of a brunch place?? Did I think wrong?

Fritz: The Reef is the only rooftop spot in Adams Morgan that really gets going at happy hour (it opens at 5). I like it a lot -- great beer selection with discounts, nice breeze, good bartenders.

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Arlington, Va.:

Love your chats. Where do you suggest eating some ceviche Saturday night in Arlington (preferably with outdoor seating)?

Erin: Definitely Caribbean Breeze . They have outdoor seating and several types of ceviche.

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Arlington, Va.: Do you know when the new Ingmar Bergman film, "Saraband," is coming to the Washington, D.C. area? It's gotten rave reviews.

Jen: "Saraband" was originally scheduled to open here next Friday, Aug. 12, but the date was recently changed to Sept. 9. On the positive side, that gives you more time to revisit Bergman's "Scenes From a Marriage" as preparation for seeing the follow-up.

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Washington, D.C.:

In response to the chatter last week looking for Garrett: Garrett Johnson (formerly of Fiddleheads) is now at Spalon 1605 17th St. NW, 202-462-9000. I panicked when I read that he was gone (and, of course, could get no info from the salon) and was so relieved to find him (the Web is really amazing)!!!

Janet: Garrett Johnson is alive and well and working downtown. Thanks for the info.

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Chevy Chase, Md.:

It seems like there are many gay establishments particularly in the Dupont area. What's there for lesbians who don't necessarily want to do the random ladies' night club scene?

Fritz: There's Phase One on Capitol Hill, which is the big fish on the scene, and draws a crowd filled with regulars. You can also try Liquid Ladies, with is Jayme Foks' party every Saturday at Apex. It's been around for a while and has a fairly solid reputation.

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Unmentionables:

Do you or any of the chatters know of a full service lingerie store where they will do a real bra measurement and fitting?

Janet: I'd try Underwraps in Bethesda.

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1223:

What is the dress code like at 1223 for Thursdays? Blazer and designer jeans going to work?

Fritz: Sure, that'll work. I've been there wearing sneakers and didn't get hassled. The all-you-can-drink-for-$20 promotion draws a just-out-of-the-office crowd.

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Washington, D.C.:

Fritz, any review on Oya's food? I know you thought the drinks were overpriced.

Erin: Fritz hasn't eaten there, but I have. It's a tough question these days, though. The chef and dessert chef both left last week, so they're in the process of revamping the place.

When I went a couple months ago, I thought it was a beautiful space with many kinks. The flavors just didn't mesh like they could have. My companion was not thrilled with his whole fish (and crispy bones that could be eaten like chips), but I liked their baked Alaska. Anyhow, it's anybody's guess how things will be when it settles.

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Washington, D.C.:

Going to Liz Phair at the Birchmere Thursday night; I've never been there before so I had a couple of transportation questions. First, am I right that there's no opener? She'll just go on around 7:30? Also, is it pretty easy to get a cab from the club afterward? Or is there maybe a bus route from there to the Metro? Basically I want to make sure it won't be a problem to get back to the Pentagon City metro in time to get a train back into the city.

David: Liz will have an opener, and that's Cary Brothers, who is one person, not siblings. So she won't go on at 7:30, it will probably be closer to 8:30, maybe even 9. You can always call the Birchmere later this afternoon (after 5) and they would be able to give you more exact details. The club will surely help you get a cab after the show since they encourage people to take a cab from the Pentagon City stop.

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McLean, Va.:

In the Tysons area, are there any fun places to go get a drink and meet young people in their late 20's early 30's? I only hear of people going to E-Citie's and that mostly an "older" crowd.

Fritz: The one place I'll recommend is Mister Smiths (an offshoot of the Georgetown legend). It's a saloon with stained glass and the like, but the happy hour crowd has been much younger than eCitie's on my visits.

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Washington, D.C.:

Hi, Gurus, I want to take my husband out for a really nice dinner on Wednesday for his 35th birthday. He'd like to try somewhere new, I'd like somewhere with a nice cozy/romantic feel, ideally within walking distance of Dupont Circle, but anywhere in the District will work. And we're both vegetarian. Any suggestions?

Erin: Happy birthday to him. In the Dupont vicinity, Restaurant Nora and Asia Nora come to mind as sweetly romantic places. Each only offers one vegetarian entree, but there are several great choices for starters. RN has a vegetarian tasting menu that I've enjoyed in the past. Heritage India might not be cozy enough, but I'm enamored of their delicious veggie dishes. Galileo, 1789 and Ceiba also have some nice vegetarian dishes. (Galileo is offering a 1/2 off discount for customers on its email list for lunch/dinner Sun-Tue through early September. It might be wise to sign up!) Any other suggestions, chatters?

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Washington, D.C.:

Could you please recommend a place to pick up pre-made picnic food for Screen on the Green. Also, what is the alcohol policy? What time do people start getting there?!

Jen: Let me answer your questions in reverse order. People get there as early as 5 p.m., so if you're very concerned about getting a prime seat, plan to arrive early.

No alcohol is permitted.

And as for pre-made food, you could try Balducci's. I was just at Wolf Trap last night and a friend picked up boxed meals for us for our pre-concert meal; each one contained a sandwich, chips, pasta or fruit salad and a brownie. Plenty of food and very easy to clean-up. If Balducci's is not convenient, you could try Whole Foods. I'm sure they offer similar meals.

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Washington, D.C.:

Hey GoG's, Hoping you can help with a little piece of info. Some friends and I want to go to the Washington Social Club, Monopoli, Cartel show at Black Cat tomorrow night, but Ticketmaster has taken the show down from their listings and I haven't been able to get through at the Black Cat. Is the show sold out?

David: No, the show isn't sold out. Was it ever listed on the Ticketmaster site in the first place? It never came in through our feed, not every show at the Black Cat does. If you plan on arriving early to see all of the bands, you should have no problem getting in. It'll surely get crowded later in the evening, though.

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Washington, D.C.:

Hi Gurus! I can not take another happy hour with Bud Lights!! Please help me find a place that has decent drinks, and when I say decent i mean NO rail, for happy hour. Added bonus is if they have yummy martinis on special!

Fritz: How about the Circle Bistro? The cute little Foggy Bottom hotel bar has premium martinis for $5, and a poolside happy hour kicking off tomorrow that will extend the specials until 11. Topaz and Bar Rouge have $5 martinis every day. Tapatinis on the hill has $5 top shelf drinks from 5 to 8 tonight, and a nice flavored drink menu.

Skip the M Street Bar and Grill, though -- those $3.50 martinis are made with bathtub liquor.

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Washington, D.C.:

My friend's 25th birthday is coming up, and she wants to shake it. I know you often get questions about swanky lounge bars, but I'm looking for something trashy. Some place to throw back shots like they're going out of style. There will probably be around 10 of us (both men and women) on a Saturday night. This is SO not my usual scene, so I'm at a complete loss. And, no, we don't want to go to Coyote Ugly.

Fritz: Tom Tom, McFadden's, Third Edition or Rumors all have dancing and crowds that love, love, LOVE to do shots.

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Northern Va.:

Two unrelated questions for the GoGs. What is "rose" wine as opposed to white wine? Do you know of any fun sushi places that have karaoke in D.C.? (I don't want to sing, but I enjoy watching others)

Erin: Rose is a light red wine. I think that the difference between rose and red is that the grapes' skins are removed early in the wine-making process. Fake rose is make by adding a little red wine to white wine, but that's a faux-pas.

As for sushi and karaoke, go to Cafe Japone in Dupont.

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Fritz: This just in: Dream is changing its name to Love, as of August 26-27. Why? I have no idea, but I'll let y'all know when I do.

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Washington, D.C.:

Re: the Birchmere, it's not easy to get a cab after a show. They didn't help us, just told us we could use their phone to call one. We ended up calling 3 different companies and waiting about 45 minutes for one to show up, and we weren't the only people waiting (in fact, we had to ask strangers if we could share theirs, since ours never came) I couldn't figure out a bus to take there. If you have access to a car, I would HIGHLY recommend driving. Also, I was surprised when we walked in to learn it's actually a dinner club, so the tables and chairs that are on the floor stay there the whole time. I'd get there early if you want to be up front.

David: OK, here's some more for the Liz Phair concert-goer. I'm not sure if it's plausible to call a cab company earlier in the day and arrange to be picked up at a set time as opposed to just calling when the show is over, but that might be an option. And yes, it's all seated with tables and chairs at the Birchmere, except for some shows in the Bandstand. Which this isn't. And the seating is first come-first served, and since these shows sold out pretty quickly, there's a good chance the line will start early.

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Washington, D.C.:

I have been unable to locate Bourbon in Glover Park; what is the address? Thanks!

Erin: Really?

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Chocolate City:

Allmighty gurus, I am a transplanted country boy living downtown and am missing the smell of fresh-tilled earth. I heard rumors that there are farms around here that allow regular folks to work either as volunteers or in exchange for a share of the produce. Have y'all heard of anything like this? If so, where can I find one of these rural oases?

Anne: I'd suggest asking around at some local farmers markets . Get to know the farm workers and tell them about your experience and see what they say. Or, you could approach some of the B&B/working farm type places and see if they need a hand.

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Alexandria, Va.:

Wanted to try out the bar in Hotel Helix. What to expect? Dress code, is it crowded on Saturdays, etc.?

Fritz: It's a cool little '70s mod-flavored spot with white vinyl walls, booths separated with gauzy curtains and funky furniture. I'm partial to the patio, which mixes sleek metal tables and chairs with comfy all-weather couches and tables held up by garden gnomes.

No dress code, but it can be crowded well-dressed women on Saturdays; it seems to be very popular for girls' night out. Go early and try the half-price Electric Lemonade (the restaurant's lemonade spiked with Ciroc vodka) from 5 to 9.

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Arlington, Va.:

The Beacon Bar and Grill on Rhode Island has a nice $4 martini menu including classics, appletinis, peach martinis, etc. A group of us went on a Monday night--the jazz was loud and the service was a bit slow (they didn't seem to have enough staff) but the food was great and $4 martini's made it worth the trip.

Fritz: I went with two friends and our drinks were poorly made and nasty, and service was creakingly slow. I'd go down the block to Topaz or Rouge for $5 martinis (that's 5 to 7, I think).

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Washington, D.C.:

The person looking for bra fittings should also try the Dor-Ne Corset Shop, relocated from 9th and F to Georgia Ave in Silver Spring. They are wonderful!

Janet: Thanks for the info on that.

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OC Eats:

Just got back from Ocean City. Galaxy has changed hands, although it is still reported good. The Galaxy gang now runs "Nebula" which is very dark, very blue, very martini-lounge trendy, and my wife loved it for her birthday; "Liquid Assets" next door runs out of the same kitchen, and is probably a cheaper version of the same, but looks like a package good store (which is what it is). The food at Seacrets is always better than we expect, but for a bay side shack-bar experience, we hit Mackeys or the venerable M.R. Ducks (try the shrimp salad, the recipe is right off the side of the Old Bay can and it rocks). Watermans is considered the standby for seafood, but we had very good and very pricey crabs at Bahama Mamas. I'm too sentimental to evaluate Fager's Island, but the steamed shrimp, the onion soup and the sunsets remain the best. Refuse to divulge our secret favorite, but you have to take the Route 90 bridge towards Bishopville.

Jen: Thanks for all these recommendations. I'm with you on Mackey's and Fager's, though I'm not a huge fan of Seacrets as a place to dine. If you're looking for a party atmosphere, it's probably a good choice. If you just want to have a nice meal, some of the other options might be more appropriate.

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Washington, DC:

We have a few friends visiting us from New York. We want to go out Friday night. What's a good, not very expensive place to take them where we can get a table and talk and get good drinks?

Erin: Well, that's a little tricky since it's Restaurant Week and things are jam-packed. Little Fountain Cafe, Mama Ayesha, Cafe Divan and the cafe at Palena are places where you can avoid the hullabaloo of Restaurant Week and get some good food.

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Washington, D.C.:

Hey GOGs! I have some friends coming to town this weekend from Hotlanta. Friday night is taken care of, we're bbq'ing during the day on Saturday and then I don't know what to do with them Saturday night. This seems to be a constant problem for me in DC. We like bars, not necessarily big clubs, but bars with dance floors that play hip hop/top 40s. Any suggestions?

Fritz: If you're dressing up, I like Modern, with Stylus Chris. Cool-looking place, good drinks, mix of hip-hop, old school and reggae. Some friends dragged me to the upstairs Zipper Lounge at Felix for a party, and the DJ there was spinning a good mix of current hip-hop and dropping in some classics alongside 50 Cent and Jay-Z.

If you're not dressing up, try Chief Ike's in Adams Morgan. It's a little gritty, but the music's usually good.

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Olney, Md.:

Oh mighty GOGS - What is the best restaurant in Chinatown? So many from which to choose.

Erin: My votes go to Eat First and Tony Cheng's. I also like Burma, but it's obviously not Chinese.

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Bethesda, Md.:

Hi all! I'm looking for some help on my eyebrows. When I lived in NYC, I knew just who to see, to get a little help with shaping them. I don't want them waxed, so preferably, I'm looking for someone great with tweezers. Just wasn't sure where to direct this question, and thought one of you might have a suggestion, since you have great suggestions for such varied questions!

Janet: Hi, Bethesda,

Have you seen our Summer Survival Guide, which has a section devoted to eyebrow shaping?

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Bethesda, Md.:

Hello GOGs! I need help for tonight. My co-workers are going over to Smith Point for Happy Hour in Georgetown. I don't normally go out with them so I am not sure what to expect. What's a girl to wear? Do they have music? What's the age range?

Fritz: This is the place that's a favorite of the Bush Twins, and I think the overall look is club-meets-preppy. Plenty of spaghetti straps and strappy sandals mixed in with polo shirts with collars popped, plus the occasional blue shirt and khakis. Mostly a 20s-early 30s crowd. Don't remember anything about music at happy hour.

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RE: Unmentionables:

I went to DorNe corset shop in Silver Spring. They were GREAT. Very fast and friendly service. 8126 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, Md.

Janet: Another happy customer for DorNe corset shop!

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Washington, D.C.:

What's the word on Tabaq Bistro. Looks dope in there. Also, I went over to Cafe Creme last night. That place is chill inside, too.

Fritz: Some guys involved with Tabaq have been talking my ear off about the place for the past few months, but I haven't gone in yet. (I'm trying for this weekend.) I want to see the glassed-in rooftop with retractable windows -- they're telling me it's like a convertible. Sounds interesting, right?

The guys who opened it were the original owners of Meze, and they're bringing in some good bartenders and managers, so I'm hoping to be impressed.

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Washington, D.C.:

Hey gurus, I am looking to run a few 5k races in the fall. Do you know where I could find a list of all upcoming races in the DC/NoVa/Maryland area?

Anne: My favorite source for upcoming road races is http://www.runwashington.com/calendar/smu.html. The Poolesville Day 5K on Sept. 10 sounds like it has scenic course, and there's a parade immediately afterward to celebrate. In Arlington, also on Sept. 10, the 9-11 Memorial 5K raises money for Sept. 11 charities.

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Columbia, Md.:

How is the Fairfax County fair? Is that the best fair that is going on this weekend?

David: If you don't want to head to Fairfax, there's a fair starting this weekend that's a whole lot closer to you, the Howard County Fair . Sunday looks to be action packed: pie eating contest, pretty animal contest AND cow milking contest. Not to mention the swine showmanship contest. Ah, county fair season.

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Washington, D.C.:

Fritz-- I recently checked out Wonderland and enjoyed the jukebox, beer selection and scene. IMHO DC needs more neighborhood places as an alternative to the cookie-cutter bars one finds in Dupont or Adams Morgan. Can you recommend any other local places with a similar neighborhood vibe?

Fritz: Bourbon. Pharmacy Bar. Twins Lounge on Colorado. Bar Pilar on a Sunday night. The Lil' Pub on Capitol Hill. Trusty's at Potomac Avenue.

Aroma may not look like a neighborhood spot, but go in on a Sunday or Monday (or even a Friday) and watch how many folks greet the bartenders by name or run into friends at the bar.

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Washington, D.C.:

Do you know if DC is going to get a chocolate cafe/bar? I've been reading that they exist in other cities like Chicago and L.A. There are enough chocoholics to support something like this here, I think.

Erin: That's a fabulous question. I don't know of the one in L.A., but the New York bar is amazing. The amazing brunch at Four Seasons has a chocolate fountain. Seasonally, hotels like the Willard and Topaz offer different chocolate bonanzas, but sadly there isn't anything permanent.

You can get really great chocolates (and hot chocolate mix) from Jacques Torres at Balducci's and Kingsbury Chocolate has some tempting offerings.

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Washington, D.C.:

Good afternoon! I keep getting all of these e-mails about the "pool parties" at hotels, like the one on Sunday and the one on Friday. Do people actually go and party in their bathing suits, or is it normal clothes and you just stand around a pool?

Fritz: Are you talking about the Embassy Row Hilton? On Sundays, people actually go swimming. (Locker rooms are available; bring your own lock and suit.) Fridays (aka Afterlight) are more just people standing around by the pool after work and enjoying the music and the view.

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Sterling, Va.:

I generally try to stay out of the suburbs, but need a really good date idea for tomorrow night. Please help. I don't even know where to begin.

Fritz: Tomorrow in Sterling? I'd go to O'Faolain's for a pint and some darts, or maybe get snacks and drinks at Bungalow Billiards, followed by a game of pool.

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Washington, D.C.:

In response to the eyebrow inquiry, Alicia at Progressions in Rockville, Md., is GREAT. A little pricey, but it's totally worth it.

Janet: Thanks for the recommendation.

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Hooray Restaurant Week!:

Boyfriend and I have reservations at 1789 for Saturday night. I've never been -- does anyone have food recommendations? Or any scoop on the place?

Erin: Oh, I love it there. It's such a special D.C. setting. If it's on the menu, their scallop margarita is phenomenal. I like their pine nut chicken and I don't eat lamb, but that's a house specialty. Also, they make their own ice cream (roast their own nuts, mix their own hot fudge), so while it seems like a boring choice, their hot fudge sundae is amazing.

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Arlington, Va.:

Have any of the gurus been to the new Kitty O'Shea's in Arlington (formerly Joseph's)? I went in last week, and frankly, was underwhelmed. It is an improvement over Joseph's though.

Fritz: Is it really an improvement? At least Joseph's had character.

I've been a couple of times, and it's a yawner. But my Guinness was well-poured, my glass didn't stay empty and my sandwich was good. I suppose that's all I ask for. Oh, and they had the Nats on TV. Which means I can't take Erin there, as she's a dirty Dodgers fan...

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Washington, D.C.:

Hi there. I am planning a Scottish-themed pub crawl. British pubs will do as well. Any musts besides Flying Scotsman?

Fritz: A couple pints of Fullers at the Elephant and Castle.

And if you're going on Metro, the Royal Mile Pub is Wheaton is an excellent Scottish pub with good food, friendly regulars and the largest number of single malts in the region.

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Re The Birchmere:

Don't plan on going late just because there's an opening act. For popular artists, you absolutely have to get to the Birchmere before the doors open (usually 6 p.m.). They start giving out entry numbers at 5. We have attended several shows there, and it's almost always nearly full by 6:30, which means you will have to sit in the back if you arrive late (and your party might be split up if it's more than two people). Transportation shouldn't be a problem, though. There's probably a bus, but I'd cab back to the Metro because the neighborhood is sketchy at night.

David: Yep, this is sort of what I was saying before. This show has been sold out for a while, so expect a considerable line to start forming quite early. Liz has devoted fans.

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Lingerie:

I'm a guy, what do I know, but I did have a real good experience shopping with the ladies at "Coup De Foudre" around the corner from the FBI. They seem to take their lingerie very seriously and I can only assume would do measurements. I'm almost positive Trosseau in Vienna talks specifically about the importance of fit. But I'd call both places first.

Janet: Don't know about Trousseau, but I just called Coup de Foudre which recommends that you make an appointment for bra fittings.

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Washington, D.C.:

For my girlfriend's birthday, I'd like to get her dance lessons. Do you know anywhere in the District that offers couples dance lessons?

Anne: Joy of Motion, Chevy Chase Ballroom are a few to get started...

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Washington DC: Fritz, did I see you doing karaoke at the Reef the other night?; Rock on my brother. How often does that happen?; Not you, but the event?;

Fritz: Yeah, that was me. I blogged about Glam Metal Karaoke, too. It's going to be every Tuesday now. I'm sure I'll be back, singing more German metal under an assumed name.

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No Bud or Rail Drinks For Me Either: To the person looking for yummy martinis for happy hour, I tried Matchbox in Chinatown last night, and had 3 of their 5 or 6 special "infused" martinis. They were yummy and only $4 between 5 and 7 pm. Ella's also does $4 martinis on one of their happy hour nights, I believe. Not sure which night, though.

Fritz: Matchbox is good. I forgot about Panache, which also does infused martini specials.

The martinis at Ella's are on Friday. Then again, I already think free pizza and $3 Pilsner Urquell drafts are a match made in heaven.

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Centreville, Va.:

My friend and I went to Dream last Friday night and had a ball, we want to hang this Friday again, is there another club w/ the same atmosphere as Dream or is it worth going twice in a row?

Fritz: You should try H2O or Avenue. Avenue is smaller and a little less crowded, but has the same hip-hop vibe and great DJs. And you can't beat a free premium open bar, either -- all you can drink from 6 to 8, no rail drinks need apply. (All the details are in my write-up on this site.)

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Alexandria, Va.:

I live near the Birchmere. You can take the 10A or 10B bus to the Braddock Rd, Pentagon, Pentagon City, or even Ballston Metro stations. The buses on the Birchmere side of Mt. Vernon Ave. go north (10B to Ballston; 10A to Pentagon/P. City); buses across from the Birchmere on Mt. Vernon Ave go south to Braddock Rd. So you could stand at the bus stop as you call a cab, and take whichever comes first.

David: And I think we have now satisfactorily closed this issue. Thanks, chatters.

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Veggie Birthdays:

Sit on the roof deck at Straits of Malaya. It's gorgeous and romantic. I'm a vegetarian and they have great veggie options.

Janet: For the vegetarians among us.

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Washington, DC: Fritz - re: the Reef glam metal karaoke. What do you have against every rose has its thorn?; One of Poison's best, in my opinion.

Fritz: It's not that great. Come on. I would have preferred "Talk Dirty To Me" or something off "Look What The Cat Dragged In." Please, God, no "Unskinny Bop."

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Washington, D.C.:

Sylene is the place to go for bra fitting.

Janet: Oops. Thanks for reminding me!

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Washington D.C.:

Help. Dad's birthday is tomorrow and I need to take him somewhere special or at least interesting that serves "man" food (no tapas for him) and has a decent energy about it, takes reservations. Anything on the waterfront anybody would suggest? Anything in Chinatown? I am desperate. Are there any activities you would suggest I try? A "must see" show that I could get tickets to for five people the day before? Has anyone been to New Heights? Don't want to do anything that feels to stiff or formal. Will Tony and Joe's be too much a twenty-something scene or can I expect decent service and treatment even on a Friday night!

Erin: I suggest that you head away from the waterfront. First, it's restaurant week, so the usually packed scene is going to be total madness. I'm not sure what price range you're looking for, but Signatures might be fun.

Depending on his political leanings, " The Persians" looks interesting at Gala Tivoli. Donald Knaack's show at Millennium Stage looks really interesting, too.

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Washington, D.C.:

A couple of weeks ago my brother came home raving about a new place he discovered in the Capitol Hill area. He said he didn't remember the name of it but it had French flags hanging outside and it was a really cool vibe with unpretentious people and lots of bar singing. Do you know what the place is called?

Erin: Did he go on July 14 (Bastille Day)?

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Del Ray, Va.:

What's the standard for tipping during an open bar that I paid a cover to get into? Since I'm not paying for a drink each time I walk up, it seems silly to keep pulling cash out. I'd rather just tip the bartender at the end of the night. I was scolded recently in Adams Morgan over the issue ("this is your third drink without giving me a tip.") So, should I bring a wad of ones and tip every time I get a weak, bottom-0shelf vodka and cranberry?

Fritz: Yes.

If it makes your bartender happy, do it that way. I, too, prefer to run a tab, but I also like to have the bartender pay attention to me instead of looking right through me.

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Arlington, Va.:

Hey GOG's! Does anyone know of any walking groups in the Northern Virginia, D.C. area? Thanks!

Anne: It's my experience that running clubs often have members interested in walking, too. The Northern Virginia Running Club hosts several weekday gatherings. You could also go to a local running store like Gotta Run at Pentagon Row and ask the staff for suggestions.

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Need Help in Washington!:

Help! My mother is coming to town and she wants me to take her somewhere she might be able to find a dress to wear to my brother's wedding. I have no idea where to go for dressy attire for older women. She's young at heart but I'm sure she wouldn't like something at BCBG. Also, it would be nice to go to a local boutique to find something unique, since she could go to a department store at home. Any ideas?

Erin: Saks Jandel has a great selection. If you don't find something there, you can resort to the rest of Friendship Heights.

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Washington, D.C.:

Know of any nice places in Arlington (Wilson blvd and/or Crystal City) to get a good Mexican meal? Looking for moderately priced meal and a fun place for a bunch of girls to get dinner.

Erin: Oyamel would be perfect for you. I also love Taqueria Poblano . Come to think of it, Rio Grande would work, too. Take your pick.

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Silver Spring, Md.:

Hiya, I've got a question for you all. I just moved to the states from London, and I'm looking for some good pubs in the area. I live in Silver Spring (though as far as I can tell there aren't many pubs/bars here, right?) But I'm also looking for a good after-work place to go and relax with my chums and actually carry on a conversation and have a decent pint. I've been to Fado, that's the sort of place I'm looking for. close to a Metro station would be nice. Any recommendations?

Fritz: There are decent bars in Silver Spring. One of my favorite little corner bars is the Quarry House Tavern in downtown Silver Spring -- it's a dive with a great beer selection, greasy bar food, staff who will get to know you and a neighborhood clientele.

But I think you'd really love the Royal Mile Pub in Wheaton. It's a Scottish-themed pub that pours Tetley's, Smithwicks, etc., serves great food and boasts the largest selection of Single Malts around. They have tastings every Thursday, and the regulars know their stuff.

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Solomons, Md.:

Quick question - Where to go for a quick bite before a Nats game. A friend suggested the Ugly Mug; I hear Finn McCools is better. Any other suggestions for a quick bite in that area? We're driving in from Southern MD, so near Metro isn't important.

Fritz: Finn MacCool's is livelier, but I'm not sure the food (or the service) is better. I like the Mug's miniburgers and happy hour. Finn's is crowded, though, and the Irish fare is good.

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Mother of Bride dresses: The place to go...Gossypia in Old Town

Erin: Good to know.

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Washington, D.C.:

Besides Tom Tom, where in Adams Morgan is a great place to go dancing with the girls, without having to pay cover or spend a week's paycheck on drinks?

Fritz: The Angry Inch (top 40s, retro) or Chief Ike's (hip-hop, retro). If you like house and electronic beats, the basement at Mantis. You can have Asian snacks in the lounge upstairs first.

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Parking woes:

Hey GOG's! I hear my favorite guru's group (poemcess) will be performing tonite at Mirrors on New York Ave. The parking must be horrendous in that neck of the woods. Are there any parking lots in the area?

Fritz: If Rhome was here, I'd let him take this. But I don't think there's really anywhere to park around there. Sorry.

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washingtonpost.com: That's all, folks. 'Til next week.

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