Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

The staff of Weekend , The Washington Post's weekly entertainment guide, covers what's happening in the Washington area. We'll field your questions on everything in the section from performances and new DVD's to weekend getaways and kids' activities. We write about all kinds of fun things to do and we're happy to talk to you about it.

The Weekend staff was online Friday, July 14, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

This week, Weekend plays dirty. We take you into the new dimension in adventure racing -- mud, slosh and muck -- and find that these muddy affairs are more social and fun and not quite as serious as traditional adventure races. Richard Harrington interviews the influential Leonard Cohen , and Christina Talcott chats with the chatty Owen Wilson . We can also fill you in on the new Henri Rousseau exhibition, where to take your kids to pet a python, the Screen on the Green and anything else you want to ask about.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

A transcript follows.

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Curt Fields: Hello and welcome to our weekly chat. We're glad you've joined us. Today's Weekend had a little of everything didn't it? A good exhibition with the Henri Rousseau show. Conversations with Owen Wilson (who was the answer to a question on the entertaining World Series of Pop Culture show last night on VH1) and incredible songwriter Leonard Cohen. Lots of options on our Weekend's Best page. And of course people playing in the mud. Let's talk!

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Olney, Md.: Did Rebecca DeMornay come up in your interview with Cohen? If so, what did he say?

Richard Harrington: She didn't. But if you Google "Rebecca DeMornay Leonard Cohen" you'll find all sorts of stories about their romance, from Entertainment Weekly,Interview and so on. I'm sure if I had asked, Cohen would have been a gentleman. After all, he's long since apologized for outing Janis Joplin as his groupie in "Chelsea Hotel #2."

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Alexandria, Va.: We're a couple of guys 27-32 whose wives are out of town, so we're looking to have a good time over the weekend. Nothing fancy, a few drinks, not too many teeny-boppers and good music. Can you recommend some places for us to go? Thanks.

Curt Fields: Well, my go-to places in such a situation are Iota in Arlington and Black Cat (if in a rock mood) or Club Five (if in a DJ mood) in DC.

A couple of good places in your area for just hanging out are the Majestic and the Bayou Room.

I'm sure there are a ton of other possibilities that would fit what you're looking for. Chatters, where do you suggest they go for a fun evening?

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Alexandria, Va.: The Muddy Buddy race is actually sold out in Richmond. I tried signing up last weekend and I got the message.

Joyce Jones: You're right. There are about 1600 people signed up to go and get muddy with their buddies near Richmond Sunday. We wrote about these races to get some insight into who is doing this and why. Chris Davenport, who wrote the story and was a spectator for the race near Boston, says that these are fun races for spectators (who are mostly around the mud-pit finish cheering the teams on) and that the kids' Mini race will probably still be open Sunday. So, if you're curious, you can go check it out. If you want to do similar races, our story includes info on some races coming up closer to home. There's the VentureQuest Adventure Race in Fairfax in September (for more serious racers). Also, a race that seems more in line with the Muddy Buddy aesthetic is the Half Wit Half Marathon near Reading, Pa., Aug. 13.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi! I'm looking for a good, authentic Chinese restaurant in the area. One that's not of the "they have french fries and other American food on their menu" variety. Thanks!

Michael O'Sullivan: I'm not an expert, but I like Chinatown Express in DC's Chinatown (746 Sixth St. NW). Absolutely no french fries on the menu, and you can watch the guy who makes the restaurant's Chinese noodles by hand "performing" in the front window. Dinner and a show!

Eve Zibart: Full Kee (509 H)is another good bet; it's open late and the shrimp dumpling soup is legendary. This is assuming you meant downtown--are you looking in another neighborhood?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi. We're new to the area. Where can we rent kayaks or canoes? Is there anywhere we can go without a car?

Scott Vogel: First off, welcome to DC! It seems I always find myself recommending the Thompson Boat Center , but that's in part because their central location (in Georgetown) makes for easy access for the automobile-challenged. Single and double kayaks are available for rent at reasonable prices, as are canoes. And the DC Circulator bus -- itself a bargain at just a buck -- stops on K street just a block from the Potomac.

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Middle, class: This may sound like a dumb question, but I didn't grow up in a metropolitan area and didn't really get exposed to live theater. Now I'm sort of interested in checking it out but I don't really know what to expect. Is there a dress code? Do I have to wear a suit and tie? Is it super formal or more like going to a reasonably nice restaurant? Educate me please!

Christina Talcott: No dumb questions here! DC is a great town for live theater of all types, from dressy operas at the Kennedy Center to casual shows at the Warehouse Theatre. Most venues fall somewhere in between, so you can't go wrong with dress pants/khakis and a button-down shirt. Theater tends to be like restaurants - the more you pay, the more dressed up you want to be, if only to make it feel a little more special. So, maybe throw on a tie for a $50 seat, jeans for a $15 one. With the upcoming Fringe Festival, I'm imagining most shows will be come-as-you-are. Last thing: It's a cliche, but a true one, that all eyes will be on the stage, not on you. So find a clean shirt, check out our stories, mini reviews and listings (starting on page 21 in today's section), and jump in!

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washingtonpost.com: Capital Fringe Festival

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Where can a guy who's not a good dancer take his girl who loves to dance?

Eve Zibart: Most of the bigger dance places are downtown, but a lot of them are near Metro stops, if that helps: for Latin, check Latin Alley or Habana Village, both on Columbia Road in Adams-Morgan; for Top 40/disco-ish stuff there's MCCXXIII (say "1223") at 1223 Connecticut--in fact there are eight or 10 clubs around the "five points" of M Street NW, 18th and Jefferson Place, between the Farragut North and Dupont Circle stops--and Platinum at 915 F; Dream (1350 Okie NE) for international; and DC 9 (1940 Ninth) for a complex of indie and electro...the last two probably require a car, though.

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Cubicle land: Read the review. Can you tell me more about Katie Melua?

Richard Harrington: Melua's British singer who was born in Georgia and raised in Northern Ireland and England, went to a performing arts school and got noticed by producer Mike Batt (the man behind the Wombles), possibly looking for a Brit equivalent of Norah Jones. Her 2003 album "Call Off the Search" was a mix of covers and originals and one of the year's best sellers there. She played the Birchmere a couple of years ago and was quite impressive. Her new album "Piece by Piece," just released here, came out last September and has more originals and fewer covers. And it's less Brit-Norah-ish, that title now belonging to the fine new singer Corinne Bailey Rae.

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Clarendon, Va.: Does Owen Wilson sound as much like a slacker dude as he does in the movies?

washingtonpost.com: Owen Wilson, Mixing Fact and Fiction ( Post, July 14 )

Christina Talcott: Ha ha, good question. Well, he's got that drawl, and he definitely sounded laid-back and laughed a lot during the interview. But he was a pro and quick with good answers to all my questions, especially considering he'd been on Leno the night before and had just flown into NY when we talked. As far as I'm concerned, you can't be a slacker when you're promoting a movie like that - I get tired just thinking about it!

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washingtonpost.com: KATIE MELUA "Piece by Piece" Dramatico ( Post, July 14 )

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Re Chinese restaurant: I'm mostly trying to find a place to take the parents when they come to visit, which means they'll have their car, so a bit of a drive is okay by me. Any restaurants a short drive away?

Eve Zibart: In pretty much all directions! Mark's Duck House in Falls Church, Szechuan Boy and China Star in Fairfax, Hunan No. 1 in Clarendon, Bob's Noodle 66 in Rockville, Good Fortune in Wheaton, Hollywood East in Wheaton, New Fortune in Gaithersburg.....

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Washington, D.C.: Which do you prefer for a weekend afternoon of neighborhood exploring with the family (dad, mom and a 4-year-old) -- Bethesda, U Street or somewhere else?

Jenny Abella: I like U Street. Other fun places to explore could be the Eastern Market area (plenty of people and things to catch the eye of your 4-year-old), Cleveland and Woodley Park (why not stop in at All Fired Up and paint a ceramic plate or mug when you're tired of walking?) or you could take a stroll down the lanes of townhouses in Old Town Alexandria. Anyone else have suggestions?

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Anonymous: My birthday is coming up (yay!) and I'm looking for a fun, special way to celebrate with a group of friends. Any fun destinations worth checking out on a day trip? Nothing too strenuous though -- one friend is just getting over a broken ankle (eek!).

Joyce Jones: Okay, I'll start the suggestions:

Harpers Ferry, W.Va.: nice drive out west, but not too far. Beautiful, historic town. If you just want the town scene you can walk around, eat visit the shops and historic sites. If the ankle is feeling okay, you can walk up (and i do mean up) to this amazingly lovely old (and I mean ooooldd) cemetery. If you really feel like a walk you can hop on the C&O canal towpath (by the Potomac) or the Appalachian Trail (through the woods). Both pass through town.

Scott Vogel: I just spent a great day last weekend in Annapolis. First of all, you can't beat the place for convenience (just 20 mins from metro DC if the traffic gods are smiling down on you). Hotels are plentiful, there are lots of quaint shops on Main Street and Buddy's Crabs and Ribs, on the same street, has one of the most ostentatious-yet-worthwhile Sunday brunches I've ever encountered. (Kids 5 and under eat free, natch.)

Twila Waddy: You can check out downtown Silver Springs. There is a lot there to keep you busy. There is the AFI theater, that shows things like documentaries and host film festivals. There is also a regular movie theater. Also, there are plenty of shops and restaurants. There is plenty of places to sit down and rest for your friend. Most important part is the parking. There are plenty of garages there. Also, it is walking distance from the Metro station

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Wheaton, Md.: Heard the Who are touring? True? Are they coming here?

Richard Harrington: The answer is yes. Keep your ears peeled for a major announcement on Monday.

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Northern Va.: Is it going to be a hassle to get into the Rousseau exhibit?

Michael O'Sullivan: No, I shouldn't think so. No special tickets necessary. Judging by the number of people I know who have framed posters of Rousseau's "The Dream," it should be a popular show, but far from a blockbuster like, say, "Van Gogh's Van Gogh's."

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Alexandria Va.: I'm in a pinch! My husband and I are celebrating our first anniversary by going to Rehobeth for the weekend. We've never been there before. There are a lot of dining options, but we want something romantic and seafood entrees would be great. Any suggestions? Please help! Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Call Espuma and ask for the chef's table, a little nook by itself, and tell them you're especially interested in seafood . . . If you don't mind driving into Ocean City, call Galaxy 66 and ask if the rooftop table is open....

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Rockville, Md.: Where can this pregnant woman get some good chicken fried steak (aka country fried steak)? I've been craving it lately. I have a car and ride the metro..thanks!

Curt Fields: Well, it's a chain, and I actually prefer the chicken-fried chicken, but there's always the Cracker Barrel up near Frederick. Travelers have been pulling off the interstates all over for food from that chain.

Michael O'Sullivan: There are Cracker Barrels in Dumfries and Manassas too. I agree with Curt, and I love their perfectly overcooked greens.

Eve Zibart: Diners are good bets in general: American Diner in Chevy Chase, Route 29 Diner in Fairfax, etc; also Southside 815 in Old Town Alexandria, Whitey's and even Blue Mountain Cafe in Derwood, which is near you, where it's called bistecca a la Milanese (but no cream gravy, sorry).

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Arlington, Va.: Hi -- I'm looking for a lounge that has not-too-loud music, a dim/candle lit atmosphere, and a dance floor. Someplace where you could go and have a drink and actually hear/have a conversation. Where would this place be?

Christina Talcott: I like the upstairs room at Soussi in Adams Morgan (18th and Wyoming), though it doesn't have a real dance floor. You can lounge on the couches lining the walls, order a snack (like bruschetta or grilled merguez), sip a Heffeweisen or Stella, even smoke a hookah. People do dance there, but the lounging's more the point. The covered patio is great for people watching, too. If you can get a table on the first floor of Havana Village, you can hear the live band and take a spin between mojitos. It's not exactly lounge-y, though. Anyone out there have another suggestion?

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Rockville, Md.: Hey there! My fiance just started a job in Alexandria and I work in Rockville and we have a date tonight in the early evening. What is a good Metro accessible bar/restaurant that is mid-way between us? Thanks so much!

Jenny Abella: Why not meet in downtown DC? I like Ceiba or Zaytinya. If you're going more casual, there's RFD or even Ella's, which is a bar and good pizza. Anybody else got good suggestions?

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washingtonpost.com: In the 'Jungle,' Success In Failure (Rousseau) ( Post, July 14 )

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Arlington, Va.: Re: The Kennedy center world music concert tonight

I saw a poster for it on the metro and wanted to check it out; but,it starts at 6 p.m. Can I bring food?

Joyce Jones: The show is scheduled from 6 to 9 on the South Plaza. And the people at the Kennedy Center say, yes, you can bring food. (Also, snack carts will be available.) If rain comes, the show will move inside to the Millennium Stage. And you can bring your food with you. Sounds like a fun plan. Have a good time.

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Eve Zibart: Another day-trip idea: Since it's so hot, why not head for the hills? Front Royal, perhaps, or how about Middleburg, a lovely old-town for strolling and you can stop at Market Salamander and carry out a gourmet picnic or follow in the footsteps of Jeb Stuart and JFK and stop in the Red Fox Tavern.

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The District: It seems like the amphitheater in Rock Creek Park isn't very accessible without a car. Am I wrong? I'd like to go to the NSO concerts there this weekend.

Richard Harrington: You can take any of the buses that run up and down 16th Street, connecting from Metro stops in Silver Spring or Farragut North, McPherson Square etc.

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Silver Spring, Md.: To whoever is responsible for running "Tom the Dancing Bug": Thank you! It's always the first thing I read. (Sorry, staff writers).

Michael O'Sullivan: No offense taken here. It's the first thing I read too!

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Hoboken, N.J.: I'd like to head down to D.C. and check out a Nationals game. How are the baseball games? Does the metro stay open, or do you need to drive? I happen to be particularly sun-conscious, so is it really hot and sunny in most of the stadium, or are there some seats that are covered?

Eve Zibart: The subway is a good bet; you could probably park the car at New Carrollton (off the Beltway off I-95) if you didn't want to come farther in. (Or train to Union Station, even cooler.) There are covered seats, lots of them if you don't mind sitting up a bit; or you can get club seats in the 500 level. Also, if you do drive down 95, look to your right as you pass Aberdeen, MD and you'll see the Ripkin Stadium complex; it's a beauty, if you like the minors....

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West Falls Church, Va.: OK, so what's the deal with Barbra Streisand? I still see ads everywhere, including the Weekend section, but I also hear that all the good tickets are gone. The cheapest seats still available are $200, but my question is, will there be a good enough sound system to justify buying the cheap seats?

Richard Harrington: Streisand needs a sound system? Just kidding. Verizon Center says there are tickets available in all price ranges, though--either oddly or not surprisingly, take your pick-the fewest remaining are at the lower end of the spectrum, those $100 nose-bleed seats. And you should be able to hear Babs there.

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New in Town: Is the Screen on the Green worth going to?

Twila Waddy: Yes it is. I have gone for the last five years and always enjoy it. It could be good for a date or a nice outing with friends. You can bring food and have a nice dinner on the mall and watch the movie.

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washingtonpost.com: Metro/WMATA

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Alexandria, Va.: Is there a listing of local fairs and when they will take place this summer? I'm craving some greasy fair food! Thanks!

Curt Fields: Look for our annual guide to local fairs in early August.

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Washington, D.C.: For those that didn't get to sign up for Muddy Buddy but want to run a fun race with friends, the "Rockville Twilighter" 8k race is this Saturday night. It starts at dusk (8::45 p.m.) and goes thru Rockville neighborhoods. You probably won't get muddy, but lots of neighbors are out there with their water hoses to cool you off. The best part of the race is the band and beer truck after the race. They are still taking sign ups:

Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest

Curt Fields: Passing this along for those interested.

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Christina Talcott: FYI that Metro link is for Hoboken's question about getting to RFK. It's got a map of the area around the stadium.

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Small town?: I want a taste of down-home simplicity but don't want to drive for hours to get there. Where can I go today and find that small town charm?

Joyce Jones: It's kind of amazing, considering how type A this area is, but just about any direction you drive in going away from DC, you can find that small town charm. And since you mention "taste," if you're looking for dining in these places, it's there but just takes some local knowledge. Often the small towns are populated by longtime locals plus Type A escapees, an interesting combination. Some examples:

The Plains, Va., lovely and quieter than Middleburg. Small place but a few restaurant choices there. Try The Rail Stop.

Warrenton, Va., Truly small town. Strangers smile and make eye contact in the grocery store aisles. Best food: Claire's.

Sperryville, Va.: farther out in Rappahannock County, but nice and quiet. Good food at Sunnyside Farms Famous Reststop on 211.

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Curt Fields: Well it's been fun. Thanks for stopping by. From the topics of your questions it sounds as if more of you plan on indoor fun this weekend than getting muddy. I can relate. But whatever you do we hope it's fun (and if it's REALLY fun, tell us about it next week. Come chat with us again on July 21 when our cover story will be about the Fringe Festival. Also, don't forget you can hear us on Washington Post radio on Thursday afternoons at 2.

Curt Fields: Also next week, Richard Harrington talks with India.Arie, we'll have our usual collection of movie reviews, a review of "Dreaming Their Way: Australian Aboriginal Women Painters" at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and much more. Check us out!

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Outside alone: Due to various friend reasons I am on my own this weekend. I want to do something outside but not necessarily sporty. Something where I can get some sun but will not stand out being by myself too much. ( although if some nice 30-something guy notices that's not bad either)

Eve Zibart: Don't forget that underused resource, the Mall...You can take a book along, sit, ride the carousel, see a museum, have a glass of wine at the outdoor sculpture garden, watch a pick-up volleyball game, visit the Peacock Room at the Freer (and a great group of female portraits). If you can't find a few nice guys around, you're REALLY too much in the shade. We have faith!

Curt Fields: one last question.

Have fun one and all. Bye.

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