Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's City 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 City Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions .

The transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Hey there, spooky chatters. Lots of you want help with Halloween plans and we will do our best to assist you. Might I suggest using our fancy new search engine , though? I'm sure you have all noticed it, some of you have chimed in with your thoughts and we encourage more of you to chime in as well. Write in to us here or e-mail us . Spend lots of time with it and get back to us at your leisure. If you are interested in our Halloween costumes, here's the quick rundown: Fritz=D.C. Smoking Ban. Erin=Erin Broccoli-vich. Julia=Painter (she just moved). Anne=Gromit. David=Crazy Tea Bag Man. That's all of us that are here today. So let's get going...

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Washington, DC: My parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, and I would like to do something for them in the District. Maybe dinner at a specific place? Would like to add a personal touch also. Any suggestions?

Erin: You can contact 1789 about possibly printing up special commemorative menus. Otherwise, my picks for a special dinner spot would be Tabard Inn , Palena , Vidalia , Firefly and Corduroy . You could arrange to have a special bottle of wine/champagne brought out to them. These D.C. restaurants let you bring a bottle of wine (with a corkage fee).

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Washington, D.C.: Could someone please recommend a salon in DC or nearby VA/MD that has great color/cuts for reasonable prices? Please recommend something other than VSL, PR-Partners, Bubbles. Thank you!!

Julia: Erin and I were just chatting about this yesterday. Can't say I've tried every salon in town, but I adore Bang . The prices are reasonable and the people are all really nice. Their Web site says that foil highlights are between $70-90.

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Court House: The eternal rumor, she has returned. I heard this week that Dr. Dremo's is closing, for real this time, no kidding. True or false?

Fritz: If it's true, I haven't heard about it, and the people at Dr. Dremo's are keeping it a secret. But, on the other hand, if you know for sure and have something beyond being told by your best friend's sister's boyfriend who's going out with the developer who heard it from an Arlington County Commissioner who was sipping Guinness at the Four Courts after a board meeting the other night, I'd love to know.

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Fairfax, VA: Hey GoG, just wanted to ask a quick question. I'm from NY and just moved down to DC. I met this girl and I want to go out on a casual date. In NY there's this place I used to take dates, you'd go grab some cupcakes (they are the BEST you've ever had), and take a walk in the park just adjacent to the place. Are there any places like that around DC? Some place I could go that's really unique to DC and has a outdoor place I could enjoy it at?

Erin: Let's see. You can get a crepe or frites from Snap or a cupcake from Baked and Wired and walk along the canal to the monuments, get a great cup of coffee from Misha's and wander the waterfront in Old Town or stroll Dumbarton Oaks and head for hot chocolate at Marvelous Market after. Which cupcake place was your NY favorite? I just had Buttercup Bake Shop's cupcakes for the first time on a trip a couple weeks ago. YUM.

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Washington, D.C.: Heya GoGs!

So this weekend is my birthday and I can't decide - midtown, Georgetown, midtown, georgetown, midtown, Georgetown! Which will be better for Halloween? I'm turning 25 and want to go all out - sometimes Georgetown has a younger crowd, but it is halloween. Please help. Where should I go???

Much Love!

Fritz: It depends what night you want to go out. If you're thinking Saturday, I'd take the Nightmare on M Street bar crawl over the nightmare that is Wisconsin and M streets -- you have drink specials and music at a dozen bars, so if you don't like the place you're at, you go somewhere else. There will also be a pretty decent post-college crowd, if past crawls are anything to go by.

On Halloween itself, though, all the action is in Georgetown. It will be young. It will be a little rowdy. You can squirrel yourself away in Modern or Blue Gin whenever you get tired of the craziness and crush barriers.

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Parlai l'Italiano?: Are there any foreign bookstores in the area that would sell popular lit (say, Harry Potter) in other languages?

Erin: Penso che Chapters e Candida's World of Books vendono i libri popolari. If you cannot find what you're looking for, you may be able to borrow titles from the Italian Embassy.

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Dupont, Washington, D.C.:

Not really a going-out question, unless it's to meet up with people on time ... does anyone know of a watch repair (not a jewelry)shop that they could recommend for bulova or swiss army watches? I haven't had much luck at jewelry stores, even when they sell the very watch I need fixed. Thanks!

Fritz: I've had good luck and good service from Swiss Watch Works in Georgetown. (It's at 1512 Wisconsin.)

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Let's Do the Time Warp Again: Hi GOGs!

Where can a gal catch a Halloween "Rocky Horror" show? I'm talking makeup, props, floor show, and merciless torturing of RH virgins. Thanks!

David: Maybe there are some "Rocky Horror" experts out there than can shed more light, but all I can come up with is the showing at GWU's Marvin Center. They have showings Friday and Saturday, and they are advertising "Virgin Games" starting at midnight on Saturday. I don't really know what that means and I'm fine with that.

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Alexandria, VA: I work downtown and live in Old Town. Are there any coffee shops besides Starbucks and Cosi? They burn their beans and it tastes horrible! I'm originally from the land of Dunkin Donuts so I'm used to just plain old coffee. Please help-

Erin: Misha's in OT has my favorite coffee, Firehook is good and the newly opened Fresco (at King/Washington) serves a good one. There's a Dunkin' Donuts in Potomac Mills and another in Foggy Bottom.

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Washington, D.C.: I've got a group of about ten people looking to go out for margaritas in DC on Monday after work. The only place we could come up with is Cafe Citron, do you Gurus have any other suggestions/recommendations? Thanks!

Fritz: This needs to go in the FAQ.

Cafe Atlantico is tops. Erin and I also like Ceiba where the Mango version is better than the regular, or some of the more offbeat versions at Andale, though the house margarita has REALLY fallen off. And (pitchforks out) we both thought of the margaritas at Rosa Mexicano. We can take or leave the rest of the menu, but the straight versions (my favorite) and the frozen pom version (hers) are pretty good.

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C-GP-PQ: Broken Social Scene may have been the best show I've ever seen. Thoughts?

David: None of us were there, so we can't comment on the show. But personally, I find BSS to be rather insufferable. I've absolutely had it with all of these Canadian bands cramming as many members as they can onto the stage to create these faux-cathartic anthems. But that's just me. I'm much more looking forward to the Clientele at IOTA on Saturday. Only three of them, and the songs are much more direct.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey GOGs! I need some lunchtime help. I work near the Mall at the Smithsonian Metro and the only place I have found to eat lunch is the USDA cafeteria. There have to be other places around here, right? If anyone knows about them, you will!

Erin: If I worked there, I would eat at the top-notch cafeteria at the American Indian Museum everyday, but you could also hoof it to Cafe Mozu and Ten Penh for splurges. Anybody who works in that area have a favorite to pitch in?

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BOOO! New Entertainment Guide!: Can I just give a big BOO to the new layout? It's so much harder to search for restaurants. I want to find a restaurant in D.C. that serves brunch and it pulls up 50 places, most of which don't fit the bill! It's not intuitive and much more confusing. You seem to have to scroll up and down to choose variables with those little "+" signs. Ugh. I love the Guru's work, I wish it was easier to take advantage of it!

Anne: Thanks for writing us. The site is brand new today and we're very interested in your feedback. I think the choices on the left hand side can help you narrow down to find what you want. You can get places in a particular neighborhood or cuisine, or get just the editors' picks, for example. Please tell us more -- what kind of brunch are you looking for?

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hello! I hope you all are staying warm! A few years ago around this time of year, a friend took me somewhere in Maryland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge where we ate steamed crab by the pound on tables covered in butcher paper. It was very reasonably priced and way fun. However, I have no idea where I was or where to look. Any ideas?

Julia: Hmmmm...you could be thinking of Mike's Crabhouse in Riva, Md., right outside of Annapolis. It's not particularly near the Bay Bridge, but it's got great crabs and it's right on the water. I was there over the summer. The medium crabs weren't cheap ($35 a dozen) and the jumbo crabs definitely weren't cheap ($90/dozen!), but the atmosphere at the place is always great.

Waterman's was mentioned in a Post story a while back about Rock Hall, Md., so that might be your place.

If neither of these suit you, check out our list of crab houses in Maryland.

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The first to Say: Thank You for the new searchable site. It really is great and very much appreciated! Now, I just gotta hook up my Ipod and I will be all set. Keep up the great work GOGs!

Anne: Yeah, well, we do what we can.

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Alexandria, VA: Hey Gogs- I thought you might have a recommendation for a hip place to have a wedding rehearsal cocktail reception (as opposed to a dinner). It will be on a Friday night in late January- thinking this will be a slow month for bars/restaurants/clubs. Most guests will be from out of town and staying in Old Town, so I'd like to start there. Total count of about 60 people, and hoping to keep the dollar figure $2000 for drinks and munchies. Any GOG thoughts...?

-soon to be married and want to show the guests a good time.

Erin: My first pick would be the No. 9 Lounge above Evening Star Cafe , but I think that maxes at 50 people. Union Street Public House has private rooms to accommodate 60 people or you could try Vermilion . The bar at the Morrison House hotel is cozy and could be nice for January.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Hi Gals and Guys,

RED is dead, so what's the alternative for late-night (after-hours) dancing? I'm at a loss. I'm also quite sad that I'll no longer be able to move to the beat of Red's music at Fuddruckers come 5 a.m.

Fritz: If I was a betting man, I'd drop a few coins on the D.C. Sanctuary picking up some of Red's die-hard house-heads. The Sanctuary always has stellar DJs, goes late and has the same kind of houseparty vibe that made Red so special. Its location on the up-and-coming H Street NE strip means that it's not as convenient for folks who are wandering in after getting drunk on Connecticut Ave, though.

Five also offers dancing until, well, five.

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Re: Fairfax, VA: Hey GOGs, what about the cupcake place on U Street for the ex-New Yorker looking for a date place? I can't remember the name.

Julia: Love Cafe , Cakelove's darling little sister, has fantastic cupcakes, with lots of yummy icing. It also has a small, but comfortable outdoor seating area. I suppose the the New Yorker could take his date for a stroll around nearby Meridian Hill Park , but I've noticed a few unseemly goings-on after dark. Meridian Hill is probably better for an early-evening stroll. It has a great view of the Capitol.

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Washington, DC: Does DC have a gay sports bar? If not, is there a place, or places, that attract a gay clientele? Thanks.

Fritz: Good question, and we don't really have an answer, so we'll throw this one out to the crowd.

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Annapolis, MD: RE: Crabs

They may be talking about Cantler's Crabhouse - the granddaddy of the crabhouses around town. Mike's becomes more restauranty come winter - Cantler's stays butcherpaper crabby all winter long. And the crabs are FAT right now!

Julia: A suggestion for the crab-seeker.

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Washington, D.C.: This might be more of a Tom question, but what can you tell me of Kolumbia on K Street? Worthwhile for a girls' night out birthday celebration?

Erin: Kolumbia is very erratic and a bit heavy for my taste. My first pick for that area would be DC Coast followed by Taberna del Alabardero .

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Washington, DC: Any GoG ever been to Restaurant Eve? I'll be there -- in the tasting room! -- next week for our anniversary, but we'll likely lounge at the bar beforehand and enjoy a couple cocktails. They seem to have some VERY interesting drink options there -- any suggestions? Thanks.

Fritz: Ask what the special off-the-menu cocktails are. That'd be the first thing I do. My fallback is Jose's Yin and Tonic, which the restaurant makes with its own homemade tonic water.

Erin: Happy anniversary and get excited. Just don't enjoy too many cocktails before you go in. The tasting room is one of my favorite culinary experiences in the city. The most recent menu example I saw featured some pretty amazing dishes. Yes, I'm jealous of you.

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U Street: Erin and Julia - Who are your preferred stylists at Bang? I just moved in the neighborhood and am dying to try it out but there are so many stylists to chose from. They all sound great, but an insider opinion would be great.

Julia: I can't say enough good things about Patrick. He's awfully busy, but if you can get an appointment with him, it's totally worth it. I've also heard good things about Bryce and Brennan. Erin's got her first appointment coming up with Elena, so we'll have the goods on her soon enough.

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Washington, D.C.: I'd like to take my parents, who are in their mid-50's and from out of town, to see some live jazz in the city over the weekend. Which local club is the most parent-friendly (i.e., not too loud and where the show starts before midnight) and most enjoyable for those who used to listen to Davis and Coltrane back in the day? Thanks.

David: Either Twins ( Jazz or Lounge ) would probably work. You could try the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe on Friday night, for something a bit different. Blues Alley is always reliable, if sometimes a bit pricey.

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Arlington, VA: Do you know anything about the Halloween festivities at Dr Dremo's on Saturday? Or Clarendon Ballroom?

Fritz: Dremo's isn't doing much special, but they're offering a $100 prize for best costume. Clarendon's Monster Bash will likely be a much bigger, more crowded deal.

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Re: Bang: Bang is awesome, and I can't believe how reasonably priced it is. Just want to mention that Lindsay has done miracles with my hair, and I've also heard good things about Brennan. Be prepared to have to wait a few weeks to get in with them. If you need color, it's also best to CALL them, not to make an appointment online, to get the proper amount of time for what you are trying to achieve.

Julia: A vote for Lindsay at Bang.

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Cleveland Park: Any word on the bar that replaced the Park Bench Pub? I think they call it the Pptown Tavern.

Fritz: It's the Uptown Tavern. They've cleaned the stale beer out the corners and added flat-screen televisions. Only the basement is open right now, and I hear there will be late-night dancing...

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Washington, D.C.: Erin,

The cupcake place he was probably talking about was Magnolia (West Village), which I think uses the same recipe as Buttercup (2nd Ave, 50's area). Everyone who goes falls in love.

Erin: Perhaps, but there are lots of cupcake treasures up there (Billy's, Cupcake Cafe and Amy Sedaris's). The park across the street from Magnolia isn't big enough for strolling, so I wondered if he was referencing someplace new that I could add to my cupcake rolodex.

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Adams Morgan. Washington, D.C.:

If you wanted to go to a bar in Adams Morgan tonight around 9:30 and wanted a good atmosphere and cheap drinks (maybe 2 for 1 specials?), where would you go? Does the 80's dance party have cheap drinks? Is it acceptable to go for the cheesy music and not dance? You guys rule! Oh, and Go Terps!

Fritz: You can go for the cheesy music and not dance. Lots of people do, though they're outnumbered by the folks swarming out onto the dance floor the second they hear the synth riff that opens "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

Cheap beer -- Millie and Al's or the Common Share. (If you've got four people, you can get cheap drinks at Tom Tom, but don't tell 'em I told you about the unadvertised special, okay)?

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Rockville, Md.: Hey guys! After a long hard week at the office my husband and I like eat out Friday nights. Hitting the TGIF or Ruby Tuesday on Rockville Pike is not our idea of a good time. We live close to Bethesda, but frankly I'm just looking for a good meal in a relaxed atmosphere that won't break the bank and that DOESN'T involve a white linen tablecloth and the pretentiousness common in Bethesda dining. Any suggestions? We like Guapo's but are looking for other places. Thanks!

Anne: Bombay Bistro gives you a family feel and home cooking and Amici Miei brings Italian to an area with fewer restaurants. I like Red Dog Cafe for comfort food, especially the baked mac and cheese. These all have parking lots, so you won't be hunting for space like you would in Bethesda.

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BSS Fan D.C.: Wow - after reading David's opinion of Broken Social Scene it is no wonder you guys always are about a year behind on suggesting good live bands. Maybe when they are on an OC comp you will recommend them.

David: I don't know what you're talking about ... on a side note, I just found out about these two really great new acts you all must check out: Franz Ferdinand and Kanye West. Watch out for these two, I'm expecting big things.

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Book signings: Hey, Gurus! Thanks for the great advice you all dish out week after week! Is there any place I can find information about upcoming book signings in the area in advance? I've seen listings in Express but because those are generally the day of, it's too late to make plans. Short of checking the web sites of every major book retailer in town, is there one place where they might all be listed? Thanks!

Julia: One reason our new search engine rocks. Go to the new City Guide page and type in "book signing." We update these events daily so check back often!

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Annapolis, MD: How does one submit an event to the new format?

Anne: Same as you did before. Send an e-mail to events@washingtonpost.com.

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Glover Park, D.C.: I heard a rumor that the Barney's COOP was opening today ... is it true? If not, have you heard anything about when it will open?

Julia: The word from Janet is that it's not opening until November.

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Vienna, VA: My friends and I are always looking for interesting restaurants THAT ARE NOT CHAINS in the Fairfax Co. area. We do "Moms night out" everyone once in a while and would like to enjoy a child-free dinner. Any moderately priced suggestions?

Erin: Artie's , Bellissimo , Sunflower Vegetarian and Bombay Bistro come to mind.

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Washington DC: Hey All,

Any idea where one might find pumpkin ice cream in the D.C. area?

Erin: If you find yourself in Georgetown/Glover park, you can taste the pumpkin flavors at Dolcezza , Thomas Sweet and Max's Best . All three have the seasonal flavor. Gifford's should have it out right now (as well as my favorite peppermint) and you can chuck in your favorite mix-ins at MaggieMoo's . That Custard Play in Del Ray (formerly the Dreamery) also has it.

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"Faux-cathartic"?: Over half the songs on BSS' "You Forgot It In People" taper off (granted, I haven't picked up later albums, and couldn't make the show--I was at the OTHER big Canadian collective performance). If you don't care for their music, fine, but labeling a band "insufferable" just because they have more members than your ideal pop group seems pretty ludicrous to me. Especially when many of those groups bring in session members for studio recordings anyway.

David: Man, BSS sure have some devoted fans. I didn't label them insufferable just because they have lots of members. I said that because they have terrible/boring songs! And all those extra folks are there to try to hide that fact. But that's just my take. I think there are plenty of local rock bands that are much, much, much better than BSS: Nethers, Sounds of Kaleidoscope, Alcian Blue, Metropolitan, Medications ... that's just a few.

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Cake Love...: I went there with a friend, ordered two coffees, a piece of cake and a cupcake and the total was $14.00. The cake was dry with too-buttery buttercream frosting, and the cupcake was nothing special. Don't waste your time. There are better places on U St, and more arriving every day now.

Julia: It certainly isn't cheap, but I gotta disagree about the frosting. I think it's amazing. But I've also been known to eat about 15 freeze pops in one day, so I might be a little biased toward anything sugary.

You're right about U Street, though. If he wants to go the U Street route, the New York date guy has a bunch of places to choose from.

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Re: Margaritas: Go to the bar at the boutique Ritz in Georgetown. Fresh grapefruit margaritas? DELICIOUS.

Fritz: I like Degrees. Just don't leave the Platinum card at home.

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Fairfax, VA: Someone told me about a Halloween event in Old Town, where all of the stores are open and you can bring your dog in costume. However, I can't find any specifics on the web. Does anyone have any info as to date/time?

Erin: I'm not sure about all of the stores being open, but the last Doggie Happy Hour of the year is a Halloween-themed event tomorrow night from 5-8 p.m. with a costume contest and dog treats.

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No! CANTLERS: The poster about crab house in Annapolis was talking about JIMMY CANTLERS... frequently visited by Jimmy's friend, Jimmy Buffett.

Crabs were a bit off this year, but the covered patio will still be open.

Julia: I'm a Virginian so I probably shouldn't have even answered this question anyway -- Marylanders being the true local crab experts -- but, yeah, here's another crab suggestion.

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SE Nest, RFK: Hey Fritz and all DC United Fans: There is a Blackout Party tonight at Brasserie Les Halles, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 5:30-7:30 pm. DC United players will be there. Great way to start preparing for the playoff game on Sunday.

Fritz: Yeah, I meant to get something in the Nightlife Agenda about this, but it's REALLY last-minute. United is taking over the back room and bar. Les Halles is promising free food (maybe miniburgers) and special "black" drinks.

I went to the party last year at La Tasca; Dema Kovalenko, and a couple of other players were there, along with Peter Nowak.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Gurus - Do you know of any bars that will be offering drink specials to celebrate tomorrow's indictments?

Fritz: I am all ears if anyone has any suggestions or hears about anything cool.

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Bang: Whatever you do DON'T go to Nikki. Many of my friends feel the same way about her. I asked her to texturize my hair, and she just got out the back..literally making me look like I had a mini mullet when my hair was in a ponytail. I have been scared to go back to the salon ever since that incident!

Julia: Bummer!!

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Coffee in VA: "There's a Dunkin' Donuts in Potomac Mills and another in Foggy Bottom."

I think you meant Potomac Yards, right? Hoofing it to the outlets for coffee would be a little much for me...

Erin: Yeah, whoops. I meant Yards, but I am sure that there are people out there who'd make the trek to Mills if the coffee was good enough. Sorry, guys.

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The ATL: GOGs...I'll be returning to D.C. this Monday for a business trip. I'll be in D.C. through the weekend and am staying at Hotel Helix. My boyfriend (gay couple, both 30) will be flying in for the weekend. Any suggesstions for a laid-back, sit and lounge type environment where we can have drinks, dessert, and sit in-front of/near a fireplace that's metro accessible? Also, any suggesstions as to a dance club for Sat night other than Apex, Velvet, or Cobalt? Five still hosting the M3 party?

Fritz: A few blocks from Helix is the Tabard Inn, which many of us love -- it has a cozy library-style den with a fireplace and couches. I'd also suggest you head over to Sonoma, the new wine bar on Capitol Hill, which has a fireplace in its new upstairs lounge. The wine-by-the-glass selection is intriguing, and the bartenders know their stuff.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs,

I was the one who wrote in a few weeks ago about ripping the knee part of my jeans. Well, I wound up going to Do's in Georgetown, which was on your recommended list, and thought they did a pretty darn good job! They wound up sewing up the rip so that it wouldn't get any bigger, then inserted a piece of denim underneath. They charged me $25, so for that, I might consider trying to tackle this kind of repair on my own, but I'm glad that I can still keep wearing my Going Out jeans.

Thanks, guys!

Julia: Some good news for those of you who always seem to be on the look out for tailors.

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NW D.C.: Help, dear gurus! Where can I get a rockin' halloween costume in NW? And maybe a wig? Thanks much!

Anne: Here's some D.C. costume shops , but don't forget about thrift stores and rummage sales as a place to find kooky outfits. I bank on the St. Margaret's rummage sale in Dupont since it's usually the Saturday before Halloween and will be again this Saturday, 9-2. Past years have turned up actual Halloween costumes and crazy deals -- an actual Chanel handbag that the church volunteer ladies tried to price under $10. I hear a "Vote Arnold for Governor" T-shirt was among the donations for this year, and I can only hope that has already been snapped up.

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Falls Church, VA: Why did Del Ray Dreamery change its name?

Erin: The word dreamery is copyrighted by Edy's/Dryer's ice cream, so now it's just That Custard Place in Del Ray. I'm of the opinion that they should've changed the name to Dreamerie, Dreemery or something to spite the man.

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New Years' Eve!!!: It's not too early to plan!

My wife and I have a hotel room in Georgetown for New Years, but nothing to do yet (at least nothing that takes more than 5 minutes). We are mid-30's, drinkers, and are hoping to walk to our destination. Within reason, price does not matter.

We are looking for a very fancy night out. Please give us some ideas, (or at least tell me where I can find out what is going on by myself so I can stop writing this question in every week).

Thank you.

Fritz: This is a tough one.

I've written the New Years Eve Guide for this Web site and the Post's Weekend section for the last few years. The reason I don't have much to tell you is because most bars and restaurants have NO IDEA what they're doing for New Year's Eve, and won't until Thanksgiving or so. (The info I've received so far is about one hotel party and two clubs.)

I can tell you, though, that if you're jazz fans, you won't want to miss Ahmad Jamal at Blues Alley. He's there every year, and his late-late show (which starts after 1) is a great way to wind down the night.

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Washington, D.C.: I am trying to decide between Perry's drag brunch and the Pajama Brunch at the Cloud Dining Lounge as an outing for my friend about to be married (a bachlorette brunch if you will). I have been to Perrys and it is fun but have not been to the PJ brunch. Do people actually wear their PJ? I would feel awful if we showed up all decked out in our jammies and turns out we are the only ones. And what is the deal with the $10 per person for a "bed?"

Fritz: Avoid Cloud. Go to Perry's. It's a lot of fun.

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Non-Pretentious Bethesda Dining: We feel the same way. Two of our faves are Addie's and Sweet Basil. The latter is the best Thai food this side of Duangrat's, yet always quiet relative to the Bethesda scene.

Anne: Nice idea with Sweet Basil , thanks. And Addie's almost makes you forget you're on Rockville Pike.

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Washington, D.C.: It's occurred to me that I, a woman in her late 20s, am a little rough around the edges. Nothing at the "raised in a barn" level, but not quite as socially polished as I'd like. At the risk of sounding a wee bit sexist, are there any finishing school-type seminars in the area I could attend? Not focusing on etiquette alone--I could read a book if I wanted to do that--but instead taking a broader look at social graces, entertaining, etc. Thanks.

Erin: Hm, that makes me think of the scene from "A League of Their Own" when they must walk gracefully and grandly. Steppin' Out works with teens/youth, but I wonder if they could refer you to other local specialists.

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20009: Gogs,

Please help! My friends and I have been going out to the same ole tired places for a few years now (most of the bars in Adams Morgan, the Hill, Dupont etc. where people go to meet each other) and we're SICK of them.

I don't want drinks spilled on me by drunken undergraduates or to be accosted by guys as we "pass" by each other. Where are the bars that you can have a conversation in? Where are the good drinks at decent prices? Where do you go if you don't care about being seen?

Please don't make me feel like I need a plane ticket to find a good, casual bar, with good, casual people.

Thanks!

Fritz: Dear 20009,

We get this question so often that I'm surprised that more bar owners don't take it upon themselves to open just this kind of establishment.

First thing I have to ask, though -- are you mostly going out on weekends? I love the Reef Sunday-Wednesday because it's not slammed with weekend warriors and feels like a neighborhood bar (and if you live in 20009 you get 10 percent off your tab). Same with Saint-Ex, which I can't stand on Saturday nights.

The Saloon on U is my most frequent response to your question, but that's because it does exactly what you want. Pharmacy in Adams Morgan, Townhouse Tavern or Larry's Lounge in Dupont, Nanny O'Brien's and Aroma in Cleveland Park ...

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Arlington, VA: I have some nice suits that I don't wear anymore and would

like to get rid of. However, they're too nice to just donate to

the Goodwill. Where can I get money for them in the DC

area? Are there any stores that pay for clothes?

Julia: There are stores that pay for clothes. Try Secondi in Dupont or Inga's on MacArthur Boulevard.

There are a lot of good charities that would surely welcome your donation. Suited for Change donates suits to low-income women who are job hunting. If you are a man, this clearly won't work for you, but please do check out your donation options. Someone else really could benefit from your used clothing. Plus, if the suits are really nice, you can probably even get a tax deduction.

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McLean, VA: This is completely random and retro, but my boyfriend and I have this urge to go to a planetarium. Are there any around that are open to the public? You guys know every thing! Thanks!

David: Here's a list of planetariums , which you can sort any which way you like thanks to our wonderful new system. Have fun re-creating the magic of those fifth grade field trips!

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Alexandria, VA: Good afternoon gogs! I'm treating my mom to a birthday trip to Arena Stage. I'd like to take her to dinner ahead of time - nearby would be good, but I don't mind driving. Maybe something to show her a taste of Washington - she's from out of town. I'm thinking a little trendy, but not outrageously expensive. On the other hand, I could be convinced to show her a more "establishment" type of place. But of course cash is always an issue. Am I being difficult?

Erin: You could take her for seafood at Phillips , but an early dinner at Signatures might be a little more mom-friendly.

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Washington, D.C.: Re: Bang:

Elena is quite abrasive, but regularly extends the salon's strict 30-minute per cut policy (which is nice, as 30 minutes is NOT enough time for a shampoo and cut - beware a blow drier will cost you extra). Bryce has trouble listening to what you want. Honestly, I tried to love Bang for two years, switching sylists and time slots desperately trying to get someone I could be happy with. Finally I gave up and switched to PR-Partners at 20th and K. Try Clifford - he listens, he takes his time, he's a perfectionist - and the price is right. I have also heard great things about other PR stylists, but prices vary so do your research.

Julia: A not-so-satisfued customer.

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Fashionable Sneakers in DC: Just an FYI, I was treated very rudely by doormen at Left Bank and Cloud for trying to get in with sneakers on. I'm not talkin' my running shoes that look all funny, I'm talking hot, stylish, European freakin' shoes! Both places acted like I was insane for even trying to get in with them.

All this, and I have gone into tons of really nice clubs in NYC, Madrid, Milan, and many other big cities with the same shoes. What's the deal? Just two places to avoid in general? That's what I'm thinking.

Fritz: Yes, they are places to avoid in general, and yes, D.C. is really stuck up about shoes. I know exactly what you mean -- limited-edition Pumas will get you into most nightspots in London or Paris (well, maybe not the REALLY fancy ones), but people here think that anyone who wears sneakers ...

Then again, we've seen club promoters come around on designer jeans, so maybe people will realize that the folks dropping $200+ on those ultra-stylin' black-shop Pumas is not going to wear them to Gold's Gym.

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18th & California: 20009: It didn't take long after I moved into Adams Morgan to get really tired of those over crowded bars. My solution is to go out during the week, The Reef, Asylum, Toledo, Pharmacy all have great weeknight crowds.

Fritz: ding! ding! ding!

We have a winner!

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Isn't it odd...: how haircutters don't seem to have last names?

I'm just sayin'.

Erin: Maybe so that unhappy, frizzed-out customers can't track them down in the night and exact revenge?

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Washington, D.C.: I consider the GOG's to be the know-ers of all things important, so I knew to ask you guys about something I saw yesterday. I was at Cleveland park metro yesterday (around noon), and I saw hundreds of people standing around. I also saw film crews, etc... they actually filmed some very tall woman with bobbed blond hair running onto a train... what are they filming? Who was that??

Julia: You've got to be kidding right?!? Ms. Nicole Kidman is gracing our fair city! The Reliable Source had a good scoop yesterday about Metro's super-strict policy about turnstile-jumping. Only in Washington....

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Crab House!: The crab house was probably Harris' -- across the Bay Bridge

on the water.

Julia: Last one on the crabhouse.

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WashingRarely, DC: Hey,

Are there any good hippy bars in the area? Someplace where people weak Birkenstocks, and talk about ways to save the world? Where they serve organic microbrews, and NO big-name beers? Where I can meet a granola-girl who will make me happy????

David: Anne thinks maybe Dos Gringos , but there's no beer there. Same with Mark's Kitchen , although those are both probably close to the atmosphere you're looking for. Busboys and Poets could be what you're looking for, but it might be a little more socialist than hippie. And I mean that in a good way. When I went to school at UMD there were more hippies than you could shake a stick of incense at at the Co-Op there.

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Washington, D.C.: So, Gurus. I trust your judgement. Should I be a witch or Brunhilde for Halloween? What are you going to be?

Julia: Brunhilde, no doubt!

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Alexandria, VA: Hey GOGs,

I just moved to the area and need to find a place to meet up with a couple of friends in Old Town on Saturday. Something not too crazy, but fun.... any suggestions?

Erin: Tiffany Tavern , Bayou Room , Vermilion and Stardust Lounge come to mind.

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washingtonpost.com: OK, we went way over our allotted time today, thanks for sticking around. Have a safe and fun Halloween, enjoy the new CityGuide and we'll see you back here next week.

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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.