Got Plans?

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: Happy Thursday afternoon. I'm Fritz, and I'm kind of watching England play the very industrious Trinidad & Tobago as I type this. Despite the heat, these aren't the lazy days of summer -- Fort Reno starts tonight, the World Cup is still going, a slew of exhibits are opening this weekend and Silverdocs wraps up on Sunday. If you need more ideas, we -- Anne, David, Erin, Jen and Julia -- are here to help.

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Washington, D.C.: Is it worth even trying to see Martin Scorsese at Silverdocs tonight if we didn't buy tickets in advance?

Jen: It's certainly worth trying to see "The Last Waltz," which is screening around 9 p.m. in the plaza behind the AFI. It's free and open to the public, so you can go even if you don't have a ticket to the Guggenheim Symposium, where Scorsese is being honored.

Now, if you're trying to sneak a peek at the man himself, you could hang around the sidewalk in front of the theater, near the red carpet. But I have a feeling other people may have the same idea, so police/security will probably be out in full force. The tickets for the event itself are sold out.

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Pittsburgh, PA: Hi Gurus! I'm heading into DC for a wedding this weekend; I have reservations on Friday at 5 for Jaleo because I will be attending the Nationals game at 7. I have two questions: What are Jaleo's super special not-to-be-missed plates? What would appropriate clothing be for my boyfriend and me, especially in light of the baseball game later? We'll be walking around DC all day and don't want to tote around extra clothing. Thanks for the great chats!

Erin: Jaleo has lots of good dishes. You likely won't make a bad choice, but here are a few suggestions. My favorite tapas buddy loves the endives with goat cheese, oranges & almonds. Rosemary lamb chops, octopus, garlic shrimp and fried spicy potatoes top my choices for hot plates. If you want a pre-game libation, I'm a big fan of the white sangria.

In terms of clothing, anything goes. I would suggest not sporting your jerseys and hats, but there's no set dress code and jeans are normal there.

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Bethesda, Md.: A few questions for you GOGs:

First, I have two happy hours coming up, one at Science Club, the other at Elephant and Castle. How are these happy hours? The second is that I am celebrating a birthday dinner at Sonoma and I wanted to get your advice on whether I should get a table upstairs or downstairs? There will only be 4 of us. Thanks so much for all your help!

Fritz: 1. Science Club's happy hour is okay -- $3 Yuengling, $4 Amstel, a trio of $5 wines -- and it has a very different vibe after work than on a bustling Saturday night. (This is a good thing.) Don't expect it to be super sceney. E&C's draws a number of office workers. The happy hour menu is a decent deal (little fish and chips, etc.), and I like the Fullers beers.

2. Upstairs and Downstairs at Sonoma are very different. Upstairs is airy, modern and quiet. Downstairs, the tables are packed closely together, the chatter is loud and it feels very busy and lively.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you know of good places to watch the Brazil game on Sunday? Will the Grill from Ipanema have bigger TVS?

Fritz: I heard from the Express that Cecilia's -- a salsa club I love on Columbia Pike in Arlington -- has huge projection TVs and a passionate crowd of Brazil supporters. The Grill from Ipanema was packed the other day, but I didn't get a chance to go in and see extra TVs. Anyone know?

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Washington, D.C.: Gurus...I need help.

My boyfriend's birthday is coming up, and I really wanted to take him to the tasting room at Restaurant Eve. But I just can't afford it. Where could I take him that would have yummy food, great atmosphere and would maybe be a little unexpected? Cuisine isn't a issue, just some place that's a bit more budget friendly that Restaurant Eve. In the district would be great, but it's not necessary. Thanks!

Erin: I love Rasika . You could do the tasting menu with wine there. It's upscale and fun. Up the street is also Indebleu. Komi on 17th is another thought. The food is excellent, but that's getting to be a bit more pricey. My final suggestion is Notti Bianche. Delicious Italian food and the setting feels as if you've been tucked into a Roman cellar. I love that.

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Washington, D.C., 20036: Can you tell me more about the concerts the Post is sponsoring at Carter Barron starting this Friday? Is it mostly families? What is parking like? Thanks.

David: Weekend's Weekends is a series of free shows featuring local acts, and each show has a different theme. Tomorrow is Latin Night, and Richard Harrington has a nice article in tomorrow's Weekend section talking about the performers. It's family-friendly, but not really specifically aimed at families. There's a big lot right next to the amphitheater, so parking should be easy. You can pick up tickets at Carter Barron starting at noon the day of the performance.

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Washington, D.C.: Now that the Red & the Black is open, any word on when the Rock & Roll Hotel will as well?

Fritz: I've been told August, but then again, the place was supposed to open in February, then May, etc. Latest info says the capacity is 400, twice the size of DC9. Should be interesting, and may be the venue that actually tips the balance of H Street NE from "that sounds interesting" to "can't-miss entertainment strip."

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Dinner Dilemma!!: I'm posting early because I forgot to ask Tom yesterday and you gurus are my last hope!

I'm taking my boyfriend and his family out to dinner tonight. But - I'm on a LIMITED budget. I'm looking for something from Rosslyn - Ballston (near metro) that would provide good atmosphere (nothing fancy), good food, and reasonable prices (entrees $10-15 tops) for a group of 5. We're open to any food (except pizza/Italian) - but I'd like something fun that will entertain his out-of-town family.

I'll take ANY suggestions!

Erin: I hope that doesn't mean that we're typically your last resort.

Between Courthouse and Rosslyn, Cafe Asia has an expansive menu and a large patio. The food isn't awesome, but there are enough choices to suit most eaters.

In Clarendon proper, Boulevard Woodgrill and Tandoori Nights come to mind. The latter is a fairly new Indian restaurant above Barnes and Noble with a beautiful interior and a small patio. Boulevard Woodgrill is good American fare. If you want a bit more entertaining, Mexicali Blues has a more exciting and vibrant scene, but I'm not enamored of the Tex-Mex food.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there,

My boyfriend and I are planning on checking out Silverdocs this weekend, but there are so many choices. Any suggestions as to which films have good buzz? Or are they all equally good?

Jen: Personally, I think it's best to just choose what interests you and check it out. That's the fun of a film festival: The notion that you could discover a real gem or an utter piece of garbage, but you won't know until you see it.

Having said that, the Silverdocs folks are pretty smart about what they admit to the fest, so it's doubtful that anything you see will belong in the garbage category.

I have been making recommendations all week in the

GoG Blog

, but for this weekend, I would recommend "Danielson: A Family Movie," which screens tomorrow, and "Wordplay," which screens on Sunday. I haven't seen "Air Guitar Nation" yet, but I've heard good things. That screens tomorrow night, and I may very well show up at the AFI to check it out.

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Washington, D.C.: Ok, I've never actually seen the appeal of a sport that requires no upper body strength, and, except for the goalie, no hand-eye coordination, but I was willing to be tolerant of others' interest while the US had a shot in the tournament. But now that the US has been pretty much eliminated from the international version of kickball, are there any sports bars reliably showing America's game? The ones in Cleveland park seem to have been taken over by futbol aficionados (figures, they like white wine probably, too).

Fritz: Wow, catty much? I was at Cleveland Park Bar and Grill the other night and there was no soccer on the HD screens, just some game where 7 guys stood around for minutes on end waiting for something to happen nearby. (I kid, kind of.)

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Arlington, Va.: Happy Thursday! I'm looking for a photography exhibit somewhere metro accessible that is still running on Sunday that my boyfriend and I will both enjoy. Any ideas?

Julia: Hey Arlington! There are a bunch out there. Are you into sexy art photography ? How 'bout environmental art photography ? The National Gallery's got some old-school photography and National Geographic has jumped on the soccer bandwagon . If you feel like having a drink with your art viewing, I recommend checking out Bossa's photography exhibit , too. It's beautiful.

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Crystal City, Va.: Any idea if Happy Hour with a Heart will be crowded tonight? Do you think that we would need to get there early insure getting in? Sounds like a great event!

Thanks!

Fritz: First, I'd RSVP. (The link is in the Nightlife Agenda.) If you're on the list, you probably stand a better chance of getting in.

Second, yeah, I'd arrive on the early side. The free food and drinks are sometimes limited at these events.

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Washington, D.C.: What's the best ice cream in D.C.? I'm hoping to have an ice cream outing this weekend...

Erin: That is a fantastic question. Peanut picks?

My favorites include: enduring Max's eccentricities for a scoop of Max's Best, dashing out for a magical serving of the flavor of the day from the Dairy Godmother (keep your eyes open for Mint Oreo, Texas Sheet Cake and Oatmeal Cinnamon Cookie), peppermint ALL YEAR LONG at Gifford's and dreaming of Buenos Aires at Dolcezza.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hey Gurus!

Are there any drive-in movie theaters around here? You can take a girl out of the country (but you can't take the country out of the girl)...

Jen: The closest drive-in is near Baltimore, unfortunately. But it might be worth a drive; it's called Bengies and it's truly retro. You'll feel just like Sandy in "Grease." Just watch out for the drive-in dust.

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World Cup Viewing: How early should I get to a place like the Grill from Ipanema or the Lucky Bar to watch the Brazil match on Sunday?

Fritz: MINIMUM 35-45 minutes before kickoff -- an hour if you can swing it.

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Arlington, Va.: My boyfriend and I are huge fans of Jaleo (Downtown) and I'm wondering if there are any other tapas-style restaurants that are of the same quality that would be worth checking out.

Thanks!

Erin: I like Cilantro in Georgetown. You can also snag awesome small plates at Bardeo. Who out there has Jaleo substitutes worth sharing?

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Glover Park, Washington, D.C.: I hear that the Deck at the Savoy is officially opening Saturday night. I am new to the neighborhood and have heard mixed reviews. What's the scene like? Is it here to stay or will the new condo building towering over it put it out of business?

Fritz: That place... The Deck (at the Savoy Suites at Wisconsin Ave. and Calvert) had buzz three or four years ago. I stopped by three times after work last summer and found it incredibly dead. I think it can be fun on a Saturday night, but honestly, if there's no crowd, it's nothing special.

Bourbon's planning a back patio. When that happens, I'll be excited.

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Washington, D.C.: So I want to go see the BEST. CONCERT FILM. EVER. (Last Waltz) tonight in Silver Spring. It says "on eh silver lawn". Having never been there and not finding much information about it, can you guys fill me in? Can we bring chairs, alcohol? Is it on the campus of AFI?

David: I'm assuming it's at the same place that had the Joe Strummer documentary/Ted Leo concert last year. Here's a link from the Silver Sprung Web site, to help you figure out how to get there. Worst case scenario, someone at the theater can direct you, it's all in the same general area. Bring a folding chair if you like, but no booze.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus,

This may be more of a Tom question, but hopefully you can answer it anyway. I'm moving out of DC in about 3 weeks, and wondered where you would go if you could go out to one last, great meal in DC before you left for good. All kinds of food are fine. Thanks!

Erin: That's an epic question. It depends on where you're going. There are certainly the normal considerations to keep in mind: Do you take advantage of our rocking Ethiopian food and hit Etete ? Do you swoop into Oval Room for a meal at a political hotspot? Do you dine at 1789 for some borderline hokey old-line Washington formality?), but my picks for most amazing send-off spots would be the Tasting Room at Restaurant Eve , a drink overlooking the Potomac at Indigo Landing and a last brunch of French toast and donuts at Colorado Kitchen (or blueberry pancakes at Market Lunch).

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs...I'm headed out on a Thursday and it's been awhile. I was wondering if ESL still had live bossa nova on their outdoor deck? Also, what is the crowd at Local 16 like on Thursdays? What's the scene at Bar Pilar like? I hear they have a photo booth in the back and that's at least enough to make me walk in and check it out.

Any other suggestions for places with fun over 30s crowds?

Thanks

Fritz: 1. No band at ESL tonight (or so they tell me), but I like the deck, and the music is generally perfect for a laid-back afterwork session in the sun. Local 16 has a solid, dress-up crowd that gets more sardine-like as the evening progresses. (Don't bother after like 10 or so). Pilar is just a laid-back tavern. Sometimes it's packed, often it's easy to get a table before 9. The photo booth in the back is a trip.

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Bourbon, D.C.: Doesn't Bourbon already have a little patio in the back? I think I was there a week or so ago.

Fritz: The one in Glover Park? I must have missed that one. The Adams Morgan branch has a secluded back patio that's among my favorites in Washington.

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Bethesda, Md.: Is Reston's Taste of the Town on Saturday worth the drive? What sort of crowd are they expecting?

Are there any other festivals/events going on this weekend that are worthwhile checking out?

Anne: If you live nearby and have some kids to entertain and haven't eaten at many of places at Reston Town Center, sure, why not? Taste of the Town is a community gathering events and a way to sample tidbits from lots of the restaurants at the Town Center, like McCormick & Schmick's , Market Street, Obi Sushi . I'd expect thousands. You can find more summer festivals in our Summer Guide , and one coming up that I'd say you definitely can't miss is the D.C. Caribbean Carnival .

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Capitol Hill: GOGs -- Serious question here. What's the deal with the new Palace of Wonders bar on H Street NE? A circus-themed bar? Please tell me it's as good as it sounds.

Fritz: Palace of Wonders is every bit as good as it sounds. I blogged about the new bar on Tuesday:

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up to see the remains of the last living unicorn, an amazing beast that traveled the world with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus! Gaze with wonder at the bull with two faces! Be awed and horrified by the life-size wax statue of the Elephant Man! And enjoy a cocktail or cold beer while you're at it!

If I were a carnival barker, this is the pitch I'd make on the sidewalk outside Showbar Presents the Palace of Wonders, a two-story funhouse of the bizarre on H Street Northeast."

Full review is

here

.

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Capitol Hill: Gurus, help. Another Father's Day approaches and I am again at a loss as to what special thing to do with a 2-year-old boy and his Dad. We've done the zoo, and have been hiking a fair amount in the last few weeks. Any special activity ideas for a fun, active family trying to mark Father's Day?

Julia: I've always liked the Reston Zoo -- known as the Pet a Pet Farm in my day. I know it's kind of a hike from Capitol Hill and similar to a visit to the National Zoo, but your kiddo can touch and feed the animals -- something I think all kids like to do.

Paddleboating

on the Mall is a treat -- if a little tough on Dad's legs. If you're interested in doing something the day before, the

yo-yo performance

at American History sounds like a pretty good time for all ages and the

family activity

at the National Building Museum could be a good bet too.

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Washington, D.C.: Any word on how good tonight's Fort Reno acts are? Who they would appeal to? Want to know if it's worth the trek or if I should save my energy for the Evens.

David: Who would they appeal to? I guess if you liked '90s alt-rock or D.C. indie rock, you'd dig tonight's bands. Headliners Gist are very solid and always give good performances. I'd say it's worth the trek, especially with the weather this glorious. I think you'll still have enough energy left for the Evens in a month and a half.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs-

How big is that Common show going to be? I'm not really into rap/hip-hop, but I actually really like Common (someone who has something to say other than bling n' nasty #$!-s). So I'd go if it weren't going to be completely crazy...

Thanks!

Fritz: Mirrors is NOT a big venue -- maybe a couple hundred max. I expect it to be popular because it's overlapping with Big Tigger's Celebrity Weekend, but if you buy tickets in advance, I wouldn't worry too much.

It's Common, it's for charity. That's win-win, and you get to see Afi (the D.C. neo-soul singer, not the California band), whose current single "Baby It's Cold Outside" is now on rotation on my iPod.

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D.C. Burbs: Hi gurus- Is there anything new and different in the Gallery Place area these days? I'm planning a gathering for cocktails after a movie on Friday night. Is there anyplace in that area like Kramerbooks/Afterwords in Dupont that has tasty beverages and great dessert?

Erin: There isn't anywhere as casual as Afterwords, but you could settle in with great cocktails and dessert at Poste . You could also hit Cafe Atlantico for tres leches and sinful mojitos or Clyde's for brownie sundaes and strawberry rhubarb cake.

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Tysons Corner, Va.: Hi GOG's,

Would you recommend any of the new(ish) restaurants at Tysons Corner Center as a post-movie dinner destination? I enjoy the beer at Gordon Biersch in DC, so I would guess that the Tyson's one is much the same. Have you tried the Tuscan place? It seems a bit more upscale than GB. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Erin: The new location of Coastal Flats . has good fish dishes. I would recommend that above Pauli Moto's. I haven't tried Brio Tuscan Grille, but you'll find the standard sandwiches/pizza/pasta at Gordon Biersch. If you're looking for good beer, that's definitely the best spot.

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Arlington, Va.: I know it may be a little early for this, but I was wondering if you (or anyone out there) has advice on how to buy tickets for the Legg Mason Classic tennis tournament in August. Aside from buying tickets to the semifinals or finals, is there any way to increase chances of seeing moderately well-known players, or are we just at the mercy of the scheduling gods?

Anne: I'm with you in assuming that Legg Mason is like any other tournament, in that the matches at the end are most in demand. But maybe some tennis fans give us the inside scoop? Either way, you can get your tickets here .

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Georgetown: What's the deal with the third-Thursday shopping promotion in the U St/14th st area? I'm on the e-mail list, so I got a message yesterday that said what specials everyone's offering, but had no information about when the specials start or how late stores are staying open.

Help out a girl who wants to do some shopping after work!

Fritz: All the info is on the official Web site . Most deals begin at 5 and last until 8. Perfect chance to sneak into Carbon or Pop or check out the new boutique Caramel.

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Washington DC: Hey Gurus,

I was cutting through the Reagan Building's courtyard yesterday to get to the metro after work and saw a bunch of outdoor tables, a grill, and an outdoor bar. What's going on?

Thanks guys

Fritz: Aria, the restaurant in the Reagan building extends into the courtyard in the summer. Okay for the occasional visit, really not worth going out of the way for.

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Re: Dinner Dilemma : For the dinner dilemma person - how about Guajillo as another choice? They have a great atmosphere, great food (mole chicken enchiladas are my fav), and I'm sure 5 people wouldn't be a problem for them to seat - maybe even call and see if they have any reservations open for tonight?

Erin: Yeah, that's a good call. I'd lump it with Cafe Asia as a place that isn't directly Metro-accessible, but it's a local favorite for Texican food.

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Neyla: Erin, What do you think of Neyla? I never hear you mention it... it's been open forever apparently, and it's still there. I went there first time a few weeks back... It was pretty good.

Erin: You're right. I don't ever mention. Our beloved Alexa adores it, but I've never been a fan. It turns into quite the scene when dinner service stops and the patio is nice, but the food is far from exceptional. If you think it's good, I might give it another shot.

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I need my Journey!!!: Hey GOG's! Do you know what happened to the Journey/Def Leppard show at Nissan? I've been trying to get tickets and can't find any links or info. I've checked tickemaster's web site and the City Guide and it's been all dead ends! Is is sold out? Was it cancelled? What happened???

Erin: Say it ain't so! This has me in a total panic. David's looking into it.

David: Don't worry (or stop believin', I suppose). Tickets are still available; get 'em here . In fact, there are still very good tickets available. Shocking, no?

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Guys,

Are there any bars around with live country music acts? I just want to kick back with a Lone Star beer and hear some good, live, old-fashioned country music with a steel guitar. Since Shania and Faith became popular, this kind of music is also called, puzzlingly, alt-country. Iota used to put on some good acts, but I haven't seen too much on their schedule as of late. Any ideas? Thanks!

Fritz: Okay, let's see. There's Nick's in Alexandria, which brings out the hardcore country heads and local bands (I saw Southern Winds last time there, and they were pretty good), and my standby remains the Thursday night parties at the American Legion on Capitol Hill with the Wil Gravatt Band. Closest thing to that Whitey's vibe that I've seen in a while.

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baseball fan, dc: Ummmm Fritz... there are 9 fielders and 1 batter on the baseball field at all times. Not 7. Just saying.

Fritz: Right. And the pitcher and the catcher are the only ones busy most of the time.

Did I mention I played baseball in high school?

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Lost in Bethesda, MD: Hi Gurus, promised a date that I'd take her out for cosmojitos. She tried one on the Eastern Shore a few weeks ago and fell in love with the drink. Problem is, can't find anywhere in DC that serves them. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Fritz: Cosmojitos? Who would do such a thing???

Honestly, if you asked for a little cranberry juice in your mojito at Citron, I'm sure they'd accommodate you.

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Washington, D.C.: Gurus -

I'm driving to WV this weekend to hit Harpers Ferry and Antietam, and maybe the casinos at Charlestown and the outlets. Anything else you can recommend? Any thoughts on Charlestown - good, cheesy fun or bad, Vegas-wannabe? Thanks!

Julia: Vegas-wannabe is like the overstatement of the century. The slot machines in Charlestown are BUDGET! Good, cheesy fun is a nice way to put it, but I really couldn't spend more than an hour at the slots in the dark, neon-filled cavern they call a casino. Looks like there's a horse race going on that day, so that might be fun though.

Otherwise, I think you've got the right idea about how to spend your time up there -- soaking up the natural beauty. If you have time and are interested in tubing or canoeing -- it's really nice to get out on the water up there. Check out these

two companies

if you need a place to start.

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Arlington, Va.: Common? Mirrors? more info, please. Thanks!

Fritz: Arlington, I'd like to introduce you to the Nightlife Agenda . Every Thursday, it's full of happy hours, concerts and other events that Rhome, David and I are jazzed about. Today's edition features all the news about Common's charity event at Mirrors on Saturday night, which is raising money to send a group to District students to Senegal, where they'll work with the AIDS Orphan Project.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hello, my friend and I are looking for a new venue to hang out in Adams Morgan. Our usual hangout is Bukom Cafe, however we want to try out something new where it gets good on the weekend, drinks are cheap, music is either hip hop,reggae or top 40, a diverse crowd and possibly dancing (have already checked out Heaven and Hell). Any recommendations we can check out? Thank you!

Fritz: Chief Ike's and Bossa are two spots I'd gravitate towards for dancing. Maybe drinks on the patio at Soussi, too.

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Heavenly Souffle: I recently had a raspberry souffle at Morton's, and now I day dream of it! Are there other places in DC that serve a yummy souffle - dessert or main dish?

Erin: La Bergerie in Old Town, La Chaumiere in Georgetown and probably a few other French spots. DC Coast does a daily souffle.

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Washington, D.C.: Looking for a spa that offers services for pregnant women in the area. Preferably one that has a variety of services, and prices- I am cheap!

Thanks

Jen: I haven't looked into this in-depth, and Janet, our usual expert in the area, is not here today. But I would imagine that many spas offer services like pregnancy massages, etc. I believe Elizabeth Arden and the spa at the Willard Hotel both do this. I'd suggest choosing a place you like and calling to ask about the services they offer for pregnant women. Seems like it would be fairly common and that most day spas would be happy to accommodate.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus,

We're celebrating my roommate's birthday this weekend and she has requested an evening of dancing - preferably to Eurotrash music and ideally in the Adams Morgan area.

I'm not that familiar with clubs in DC - care to shed some light on the best/brightest?

Fritz: I'm not that familiar with "Eurotrash music." What's she looking for, exactly?

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Washington, DC: Have any of the GOGs checked out Cowgirl Creamery yet?

Erin: I blogged on it before it opened, but it gets my enthusiastic thumbs up. If you're a cheese-fan, it's paradise.

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Washington, D.C.: Have you ever seen the movie Mo' Better Blues? I just moved into DC and I'm looking for a jazz/blues club in the city with a similar atmosphere and feel, but without a heavy amount of smoke. Do you have any suggestions?

Fritz: Twins Jazz on U Street is smoke-free in the concert area, and pretty intimate. Blues Alley in Georgetown is the biggest and best jazz venue in town, and has been smoke-free for years.

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Washington, D.C.: Thinking about going to Indigo Landing tonight...but the reviews online are terrible...what's the real story? Thanks for your help!

Erin: The restaurant's biggest selling point is its view. The food alone doesn't make it worth the trip, but it's not horrible. I would encourage you to stick with the things that are more simply prepared (and not drenched in heavy sauces). You could splurge on the seafood tower. Also, save room for dessert.

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Washington, DC: I've been to the Legg-Mason a bunch of times. The only way to ensure seeing well-known players is by purchasing tickets to the evening match on the stadium court. Typically there are two marquis singles matches played per evening, followed by a doubles match. Of course, the real tennis fans know that the best fun is to be had wandering around the outer courts and watching the so called lesser-known players (lesser known to Americans, anyway). But that's where the real fun is! Roddick is a bore.

David: You mean to say that serve/desperate return/volley winner/repeat isn't your idea of exciting tennis? Thanks for the info...

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Anonymous: For Jaleo substitutes: I went to La Tasca (La Tosca?) this past weekend and loved it. The sangria was excellent as were the tapas. The steak I had was excellent-very tender and tasty, as was the chicken and roasted garlic cloves. YUM!!! It's right across the street from the movie theater in Chinatown.

Erin: Yes, it's very centrally located, which is a huge plus. It's certainly a viable alternative when you're looking to branch out.

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Park View, Washington, D.C.: HELP. Mother-in-law is coming. Tomorrow. She is lovely, but without many opinions about, well, anything. It makes planning for her arrival very difficult. Honestly, she will do just about anything, but loves to tell tales of her visits to son in Big City. Ideas, suggestions, edicts, all are welcome.

Anne: Hang in there, D.C. Even if you have one thing to show her that she'd never be able to experience in Momville, you'll impress. Everyday at lunchtime, there's a free concert on Woodrow Wilson Plaza . I bet she'd enjoy seeing the crowds gathered to watch the performers and to get a sense of how community happens in a city. The National Museum of American History is closing for renovations come Labor Day, so I'd recommend a visit now to catch up on its treasures. (You can even download our audio tour of collection highlights to take with you.) For Friday evening, I'd say it's a toss-up: you could get tickets for a screening at Silverdocs or relax to a free jazz concert in the National Gallery of Art's sculpture garden.

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Lounging in Washington, D.C.: Hey Y'all, how's it going? Hope you can help me out. I started dating a beautiful young lady who just moved to DC and is really into the lounge and downtempo music scene. We went to Gazuza last week and really enjoyed it. Any other lounges with similar music and style that you can recommend for a fun night? Also, any chillout-techno places to go dancing on a Friday night? Any part of town is ok with us. Thanks!

Fritz: The obvious (probably) answer is Eighteenth Street Lounge, which can be a little tired at times, but still delivers a good mix of crowd and energy.

Andalu is a fun one. Science Club, too, if you hit it at the right time and night and it's not overcrowded. Bossa in Adams Morgan is a bit of a gem on weekends.

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Springfield, VA: OK, I know this is kinda early, but there's nothing wrong with planning ahead, right? I was planning on going to the Folklife Festival on the Mall, and as I was researching on their web site, I found that it says it'll be open June 30-July 4 and July 7-11. It can't possibly be open on the 4th of July can it? I mean, the huge tents would have to come down for the fireworks and stuff, right?

Julia: The Folklife Festival is open on July 4. In fact, it always is. The tents don't have to come down because the fireworks are fired from a different spot on the Mall.

Nothing wrong with planning ahead! Starting next week we'll have a whole resource available for those of you who want to check out the Festival.

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washingtonpost.com: Re: Lounge question. For some reason, I left out Gua-Rapo. I'm sorry. Put that near the top of your list. -- Fritz

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Barracks Row, DC: Hi GOGs

I'm taking my dad to the baseball game on Saturday and wanted to take him to dinner for Father's Day afterwards. He doesn't eat meat. Which of the various restaurants on 8th st. SE would you recommend for good seafood and cocktails?

Erin: No seafood restaurants come to mind in that area. Las Placitas , Banana Cafe and Meyhane are all nearby and would have non-meat alternatives.

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re:Brio's: I have tried Brio's Tuscan Grille. It was very good. Fresh, tasty food, excellent service, good wine list. They served free appetizers at the bar, as a way of making up for a longish wait on a Saturday night. The waitress told me there take a limited number of reservations on weekends, so that might be the way to go. It's worth going for the bread basket alone!

Erin: Good to know if you're craving Italian at Tysons. I like the free apps at the bar idea.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey, Gurus: Any suggestions for a bar tour in the Chinatown area? We have some friends coming in from out of town, and they want to start our Saturday evening at Fado because of a certain beer that's on tap there. The question is, where do we go from there? What are some other fun spots within walking distance (low-priced options would be great, too)?

Fritz: What beer? There's nothing on draft at Fado that you can't find anywhere else.

Places I like in Penn Quarter at the moment: The patio at Poste, the Gordon Biersch and District Chophouse brewpubs, the the bar at Rasika (probably not on a Saturday, though, and it can be expensive), the little Irish Channel pub at 5th and H.

Oh, and Lucky Strike, if you're in the mood for bowling.

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Washington, DC: Probably too late, but do you know anything about Ramshead Live in Baltimore? I'm not a clubgoer, but a group I REALLY like is going to be there and before I buy tickets I'd like to know a bit more about the place.

Thanks.

Fritz: Rams Head Live is very similar to the 9:30 club in layout and size. Here 's what I wrote about the place last year, and not much had changed on my follow-up visits.

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Vienna, Va.: GOGs, I have a very unusual question for you today. My cousin is visiting DC after a long time. She has a 3 month son and last 6 months have not been very good for her. I want to take her to a nice and quiet place where she can sit and relax on a Friday/Saturday night. Any suggestions?

Erin: Do you mean for dinner? Ardeo, Tabard Inn and Al Crostino seem like ideal places to unwind. If you'd like to grab a drink, I found the Science Club patio to be surprisingly (and pleasantly) low key last Friday night. Teaism is also a relaxing spot.

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Alexandria, Va.: I have a summer house guest from Hamburg, Germany. He's 20 and not necessarily looking to spend a lot of money. And of course, he's been spending his days at the Monuments and Museums.

But, what is there going on socially, for a 20-year-old on the inexpensive side?

Fritz: For people under 21, there's not a whole lot going on in terms of bars and clubbing events. I'd suggest he check out our Interns' Guide , which has suggestions on where to go if you're under 21.

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Aussie Aussie Aussie!: Where are the Socceroo fans going to be on Sunday for the game against Brazil? Is the Aussie embassy planning anything?

Fritz: If anyone knows, I'd love to help spread the news. The embassy wasn't planning anything offical when I spoke to them for my World Cup story, but there are links on their Web site for a group of local ex-pats -- who also didn't have anything planned.

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Mt. Rainier, Md.: Hi everyone! I'm usually not entertainment-challenged, but I REALLY need your help on this one.

I'm dating a terrific guy who just moved here from NYC. He's always lived in a neighborhood with tons of family, friends, and all sorts of activities. He's a little lonely here, so I'm excited about showing him around DC.

But are two factors that make this more challenging. First, I work two jobs and can only go out in the evenings. Second, he's blind. So I don't want to drag him to a lot of art shows, soccer games, plays, and movies - because I know he misses all the visual action and it's not as fun for him.

So far, we've mostly just gone to restaurants and it's getting boring. Clubs and concerts are okay, but require extra planning because the music is too loud for his guide dog - so he can't take the metro to meet me.

He's really terrific and I want to show him how fun DC can be. I don't want to let little inconveniences like my schedule and his blindness get in the way of that.

So I would really appreciate it if you could do some brainstorming. Do you guys have any suggestions for creative evening dates - either near a metro, or near Alexandria?

Thanks!

Anne:

How about a visit to the FDR Memorial? It's a tranquil place, and this relatively recent memorial is designed to be accessible to lots of people. There are sculptures designed to be touched, and many fountains to hear, and the quotes from FDR are good conversation-starters. This weekend, there's the Alexandria Waterfront Festival, which goes until 11 on Saturday. Outdoor concerts like this are ideal dates for hearing music at controllable decibel levels, and you can find more of them in our Summer Music Guide.

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Scoop on Silverdocs: Dear Gurus:

I am eager to check out the Silverdocs festival, but according to their website, only day-of tickets are available. Do you know how likely it is to get tickets to a Friday or Saturday night show? Do you know how many they will have?

Jen: Yes, I noticed that about the day-of tickets. I suspect they're doing that because a lot of people may have passes and they don't want to overbook the theaters.

Depending on which show you're seeing, I don't think you'll have a problem. I don't know exactly how many tickets they will have available in each theater -- my guess is that it varies. But here's my recommendation: Book in some extra time, buy your ticket at the box office, then go grab a drink or a bite to eat nearby. That way you won't have to worry about scrambling to make the show.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi! Love you guys and gals!

Planning a last minute bachelorette thing and your guide has been helpful - very helpful - except we need to find a fun dinner place. We are thinking the Chinatown/MCI/Gallery Place area. 10 of us or thereabouts. Would love to do Cafe Atlantico - no space - and Matchbox doesn't take resevations even for big parties. What are other fun, delicious places to go for a group of fun-loving, slightly sophisticated (at least for that night) ladies? We're not doing the veil/suckabuck thing, we'd rather have a great girls night out - though wet is in the picture!

Erin: Atlantico really has no space? That surprises me. Zola, Ceiba, Poste and even Les Halles have space for larger parties. I would only recommend Zengo as a last resort.

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Pregnant massage: Try the Serenity Day Spa in Old Town Alexandria. I've sent my wife there twice, and she was most pleased.

Richard

Jen: A tip for our pregnant friend. Thanks, and kudos on being such a thoughtful husband.

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Arlington, Va.: What's the best thing happening in Arlington/Georgetown tonight? I don't get to go out very often and took Friday off so I want to do the damn thing.

Fritz: I hear you. My #1 overall would be DJ Tittsworth at Modern. Hip-hop (old-school and new), Baltimore club -- he's just one of the best DJs in the city. Period. It's a small place, but has a great vibe. $5 cover, the action starts around 10.

If that's not what you're looking for, Gua-Rapo in Arlington has house music and dancing, and I like chilling at the bar at Mie N Yu. Actually, you should take advantage of the sun. Clarendon Ballroom's rooftop deck is quite the scene, and happy hour runs until 8.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GoGs! Submitting early today because I will be in a meeting but I am really, really hoping you can help me with this! I know you get a lot of brunch questions and I have looked at the brunch guide, but I have a foodie father who just now decided to come into town for Father's Day and I am frantically trying to find a good place for brunch that will still have reservations available. Price not really an issue (it is Father's Day, after all) but we need somewhere with great food that won't make use eat at like 9am because that's all they have open. We are definitely willing to be adventurous and will travel around the metro area. Please help me! Thank you!!

Erin: How about Chef Geoff's Uptown (and hope for the patio), Tabard Inn, Firefly, Peacock Cafe, Viridian, Dahlia or Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray?

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washingtonpost.com: We've already run over our allotted time, and there are still questions we want to get to. Sorry if we didn't answer your queries this Thursday, but we'll all be back next week at 1. Don't miss Jen on Channel 9 News at 5 today, talking about Silverdocs, and I (Fritz) will be on WTWP in the 5 o'clock hour sharing my weekend plans.

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