Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

Weekend Section (Robert Crawford)

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, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

Get your cotton candy here! Candy apples? We got 'em. This week

Weekend

goes to the fair, with a roundup of all the events in the area. Plus:

The Germs

are back and still contagious at the Black Cat. The

National Symphony Orchestra

goes for the joystick with "PLAY! A Video Game Symphony." The

Dixie Chicks

play at Verizon Center. We've got racing turtles and

Laurence Olivier

on DVD. Now all we need is you at our chat.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

A transcript follows.

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Scott Vogel: OK, so the celebration was a bit premature. This morning's temperatures were ... yes, they were an improvement but not exactly a rest for the heat-weary. Still, it's not in our nature in Weekend to dwell on what might have been, or, for that matter, to allow something as trivial as withering humidity affect our recreational plans. The same is true of our growing community of chatters, who meet here each Friday morning at 11 to kibitz on the best in upcoming entertainment opportunities and quiz our resident experts. Join the fun!

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Largo, Md.: Does anyone there think there's a problem that I am well past my teenage years and still seem to live for the American Idol tour? I've also recently gotten involved watching "So You Think You Can Dance," and despite my better judgment, I plan to get tickets to that tour as soon as I can.

Richard Harrington: Are you having fun with American Idol? Do you enjoy the people, the music, the spectacle, the drama? Do you watch the show and become invested in the contestants' lives, dreams, aspirations? Obviously you do. So what's the problem? Idol may not be everyone's cup of talent but if it speaks to you, that's great. It's no worse because some people despise it and similar programs; it's no better from other people considering Idol the pinnacle of pop culture. It is what it is--entertainment--and it brings pleasure to you, so unless you're feeling some silly peer pressure about the experience, there's no problem. However, in terms of "So You Think You Can Dance,"---just kidding, enjoy that one too.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a recent college graduate who's now fully immersed in the professional world. I've been a jeans and t-shirt girl for my entire life, so I'm slowly building up a wardrobe. Makeup still eludes me, however, and I feel like I should learn what to put on and how to do it (I need really basic lessons). Is there somewhere around here that will quite literally teach me how to do my makeup? And on the cheap? (I'm still on a student budget!) Thank you SO MUCH.

Eve Zibart: A lot of the department stores have counters, of course, but some are just pushing sales. I'd say wander around Nordstrom--they have younger-targeted lines such as Laura Mercier and Bobby Brown--and let the sales people try things on you (just don't feel pressured to buy anything; take down what they've used and walk around and see yourself in different lights). But if you can get to Georgetown, you have a whole lot of options: MAC, Sephora, Aveda all will let you play with the samples as much as you want but are also willing to help.

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Clarendon, Va.: Wonder something: do concerts at places like Wolf Trap ever get canceled because of the heat? I'm wondering because I have tickets to this video game thing at Wolf Trap tonight.

Richard Harrington: According to Wolf Trap, the show will go on because the show must go on (Performance 101).

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At Work: Help. Going to Dixie Chicks tonight and need a quick bite to eat for two people without a reservation. Suggestions?

Eve Zibart: A lot of the nearby places turn over pretty quick: Clyde's, Legal Seafood, McCormick & Schmick all would be good especially if you are thinking more along the lines of sandwiches or salads (Clyde's has a carryout, too); Capital Q barbecue, Austin Grill or Matchbox and Ella's pizza would be fast; and you could try sticking your head into Jaleo or Zaytinya and eating tapas at the bar. Teaism's bento boxes would also be quick. If you're thinking heartier....maybe a burger at RFD or District Chophouse.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, I'm new in the D.C. area and foolishly offered to organize an outing for a small group of friends in the 25-30-year-old range -- a cheapo comedy show, play, live band, something like that. Can you suggest anything for either Friday or Saturday night? Thanks!

Jenny Abella: Well, welcome to the area! (It's not always this hot -- promise.) One place to see some affordable entertainment is Iota in Arlington, right near the Clarendon Metro station. They always have great bands, and the food is pretty good, too -- you don't even have to leave the restaurant to hear the show. Another option: Tonight, there's also the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe from 6 to 10 at the Natural History Museum. $10 cover, and they have food for sale as well. Anyone else have suggestions? Have a good time!

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Event Question: Hi guys,

Do you know anything about the OnLokation event at the Numark Gallery this weekend? Do you have to RSVP?

Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: Ahhhh, you're referring to the "new age retail concept," bubbling up at Numark Gallery on E Street tonight, right? Okay, here's the scoop, owner Kellie Crawford pulls together interesting lines of clothing, art, photography and interior design wares and turns unusual spaces around the city into temporary shops. But it's also a social event, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a DJ, etc. And a portion of the profits go to charity, this time Dress for Success. It runs tonight from 6-11 p.m. and tomorrow during the day. Crawford says RSVP's are preferred, but they won't turn anyone away.

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Beach Bound: Hi there. I keep hearing that certain beaches are closed in Maryland because of contamination, bacteria or something. First off, is that true, and does it affect the beaches at Ocean City?

Eve Zibart: No, although Sandy Point State Pak and some areas of Virginia Beach's North Shore have been found with high levels. The OC beach patrol takes weekly samples, so it would be marked.

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washingtonpost.com: On Lokation

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Rockville, Md.: Am interested in taking the little ones to Hershey Park this weekend. Do they have a section with little kid rides? And do they have one of those ride-switch things like they have at Disney where one parent can stand in line and then switch with the other when kids are too small to ride?

Jenny Abella: Hershey Park is a great place for kids -- and big kids, too, while we're at it. Lots of fun rides for little ones (their web site says there are 20!) and all the chocolate you can handle. When I went, there were no kids in our party, but a co-worker swears they do have a ride-switch program. Bring lots of water and have fun!

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Boston, Mass.: I know you probably get this question a lot in the summer. But with all this sweltering weather, what are your recommendations for indoor activities that do not involve a game of Checkers or a TV screen of any kind? I'm tiring of the bar/coffee shop scene, movies, etc., as well. Maybe I'm too picky and should just be thankful for AC.

Curt Fields: Well, in Boston you can always follow the ins and outs of the Big Dig story. It has more twists than a summer movie.

Also, Harvard Square Records is a good place to kill time.

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Arlington, Va.: Believe it or not, my sister has never been to D.C. She arrives tomorrow and is interested in seeing everything. What is the VERY FIRST THING you would suggest that she see? She doesn't mind the heat, she lives in Florida.

Eve Zibart: It may sound kitschy, but I'd tour the "greater Mall"--down the Georgetown waterfront, past the KenCen and Watergate to the Lincoln Memorial past the Tidal Basin, Jefferson memorial, Holocaust and Smithsonian museums to the Capitol. If you need a break, get off near Lincoln and visit Ave, Tom, FDR and the Vietnam Veterans Memorials. If you don't want to drive, or don't walk that much, look into one of the tour mobiles or trolleys for an overview.

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Massachusetts Ave.: I know you've probably not been to every fair that you listed, but I wonder if you can tell me the best place to get funnel cakes, maybe deep fried candy bars, and fresh lemonade. I'm willing to travel all over for fair fare.

Michael O'Sullivan: You're right. I haven't been to every fair we listed, but over the years I ''ve been to almost half of them. I think I can safely say that they ALL have decent fresh lemonade. I haven't tried the funnel cake at every one I've visited, but I seem to remember that the Calvert County Fair (Sept. 27-Oct. 1) and the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair (closes this weekend) had nice funnel cake. Deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies I've had, but never candy bars. Wow. Maybe this year I'll see if I can find me some of that!

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Md. Weekend: If you love water: We took our kids to Greatworf resort in Williamsburg, Va., and had a great time.

Scott Vogel: I think you're referring to Great Wolf Lodge . Thanks for the tip. Always interested in hearing about area swimming holes.

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In da Burbs: Out of town friends are here this weekend staying in Bethesda. Where in Bethesda do you suggest we meet on Saturday for a late breakfast/early lunch (avoiding "brunch" term since that seems too narrow). They and we both have a preschooler in tow.

Christina Talcott: Louisiana Express is one of my all-time favorite breakfast/lunch spots, and I see kids there all the time. There are great po'boy sandwiches (breakfast ones, too), cafe au lait and beignets with fruit or just dusted with powdered sugar. It's on a quieter part of Bethesda Ave but just a block from the shops and activity at Bethesda and Woodmont, and another few blocks from the Farmwoman's Market on Wisconsin. Other breakfast favorites: The Original Pancake House (there's plenty for kids to eat) or the classic, Tastee Diner, for a bit of Bethesda history with your scrapple. Any other suggestions out there?

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Anonymous: I've been to places like Hotel Washington and love bars with a panoramic view. Anything else to recommend like that?

Ellen McCarthy: Hotel Washington is definitely the quintessential place for a view. The top floor of Tabaq, on U Street, is more restaurant than bar, but you can see a whole lot of city from there. Bars along the Georgetown and SW Waterfront both have great views, though on Fridays and Saturdays it can be hard to see past the masses crowding around you. Chatters, where else should we send our view seeker?

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Curt Fields: for the person seeking a view ... the rooftop at the Beacon Bar & Grill (on Rhode Island Ave.) isn't a bad choice either.

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Thanks: For your response about the Numark event. Do you know how much it costs? The Web site doesn't say.

Ellen McCarthy: There's no cover charge, so it'll only cost as much as you buy!

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Arlington, Va.: My parents are in town this weekend. Do you have any ideas for an ethnic restaurant to try in the Arlington area? I'm thinking along the lines of S. American food -- my parents recently went to Ecuador and loved it, or African food too?

Eve Zibart: Well, not Ecuadorian in particular, but Pike Pizza (seriously)is a great Bolivian restaurant on Columbia Pike; El Charrito Caminante on North Washington is Salvadoran/Mexican and La Granja de Oro on Annadale Road in Falls Church is Peruvian.

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In town: What's the best new movie opening today?

Michael O'Sullivan: "Little Miss Sunshine" gets my vote. Our critic liked it too. Read the review here

It's a dark/sweet indie comedy starring Greg Kinnear, Toni Collete, Alan Arkin and Steve Carrell as members of a dysfunctional family who go on a road trip from Arizona to California in a beat up VW van to enter their little girl (Abigail Breslin) in a Little Miss beauty pageant. Very funny and offbeat.

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Eve Zibart: For the Bethesda not-quite-brunchers with kids: Cafe Deluxe on Woodmont is really good with kids--crayons and so on--and the menu is varied enough for several tastes. And Austin Grill is family friendly, too.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Is there a good used bookstore in town? I've been to a few but they are really small. Is there a warehouse type place in our area with good prices?

Curt Fields: If you're willing to travel a little bit, Wonder Books & Video in Frederick is one of the larger ones in the area. It's big enough to while away a few hours in and has a wide-ranging selection so you're likely to unearth something of interest no matter what you like.

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D.C. bound: Is it true that Jon Stewart is coming to D.C., and what will he be doing? Stand-up?

Richard Harrington: He'll probably sit in a car or an airplane until he gets to Merriweather Post Pavilion on Sept. 16. Once there, he will do stand-up.

Joyce Jones: Richard, you're so funny. Thought of doing stand-up?

If Stewart is as funny live as on "The Daily Show," sounds like a must see. (I'm partial, he went to my old school.)

Scott Vogel: One more thing: tickets go on sale today!

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Takoma Park, Md.: The 'rents are coming into town and love the National Art Gallery. I'm thinking of other similar places they might like. Any good word on the National Portrait Gallery? Will it be crowded this weekend?

Michael O'Sullivan: I don't think the National Portrait Gallery (and the institution with which it shares a building, the Smithsonian American Art Museum) should be too crowded this weekend. Hard to say for sure, but with temperatures expected to drop into the 80s, a lot of people will probably be doing outdoor activities. The tourist factor is another thing, but I was at a couple of downtown museums recently, and neither was especially crowded. Museum staff recommend coming late in the day, when crowds are thinnest (NPG/SAAM stay open late, until 7 p.m. daily).

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Washington, D.C.: Where are some great consignment shops? I'm looking to sell some clothes and buy some as well!

Ellen McCarthy: There are a ton of great consignment shops to choose from around here. Have you been to Secondi on Connecticut Ave. in Dupont? It's easy to spend hours rifling through their racks. You should also check out Inga's Once Is Not Enough on MacArthur Blvd. if you like the couture. New to You in Falls Church is worth checking out when you're in that neighborhood. What other must-hits am I missing?

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Washington, D.C.: Now thanks to the Fringe, I'm getting interested in local theater. The only thing is: there's nothing happening. Why isn't there anything on stage in August?

Christina Talcott: Wow, that's great to hear that Fringe piqued your interest in theater! You might enjoy a non-Fringe-related show going on now at Martin Luther King Library. "The 70" is made up of scenes from the 70 bus (Silver Spring-Waterfront) written by two local guys (Sherwood High School, class of '01). It's playing for free at the library through Aug. 12. I saw it last night. The audience was in stitches, but it also had many thought-provoking and touching moments.

Jenny Abella: You can also check out "3/4 of a Mass for St. Vivian," by Phoebe Rusch, a young -- and I mean young (17!) -- playwright. It starts Aug. 10 through Sept. 3 at the H Street Playhouse , and the buzz is good. Shameless plug for us: Check out our On Stage section next Friday for an interview with her.

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Eve Zibart: Rooftops R Us: The Kennedy Center Roof Terrace restaurant; Indigo Landing at the marina north of Old Town Alexandria; Perry's in Adams-Morgan; Sequoia in Washington Harbor; National Cathedral; the rooftop restaurants in the Crystal City Hyatt and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Crystal City; the view from the top of the Old Post Office Pavilion.

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Germantown, Md.: Have you guys taken any of the L.L. Bean kayaking or fly fishing trips? Any feedback, positive or negative, from the experience? Also, where do I see the racing turtles mentioned in the intro?

Christina Talcott: I don't know about the L.L. Bean trips, but the turtle derby is tomorrow at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, Md., not far from BWI airport. The story's on pg. 48 of today's section, and a link's coming up, too.

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washingtonpost.com: Slow and Steady Wins This Race ( Post, Aug 4 )

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Another Newcomer: Hi there. How good is the Arlington County Fair? Being carless, it's probably the only one I'll be able to get to. But is it worth it?

Michael O'Sullivan: The Arlington County Fair is great for families with kids (plenty of rides) and people who like ethnic food. It probably has the most variety of food, because of its diverse population. It's definitely a fun time. They even have some animal exhibits.

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Proud Wife: Looking for a restaurant in D.C. or Va. to take my husband to celebrate his new job. Not cheap and not too pricey. He likes ethnic, steaks and Southern.

Curt Fields: For Southern, it's hard to beat Flavors Soul Food in Falls Church. Fried pork chops, fried fish, fried chicken, yams, black eyed peas, collards, red beans & rice, etc.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you recommend a nearby, clean waterway where I could take my young son canoeing? It seems like everything nearby is polluted/contaminated and I'm worried about what would happen if he fell in.

Scott Vogel: I could be wrong, but I've not heard anything about the Shenandoah River being contaminated, and I can tell you that my young son and I had a wonderful time there last weekend. We were tubing, but the river was full of happy canoeing and kayaking types. Truly a gorgeous place.

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Arlington, Va.: How often do you check listings for restaurants that have closed? You list the restaurant YUCCA under "jazz". I called them last April. No answer, but a friend and I went anyway. It was closed. Chairs were stacked. Last week, I called. The phone was disconnected. Maybe it's time to remove the listing?

Scott Vogel: Thanks for the info. I'll alert our listings editor, Barry Barriere.

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I know everybody is sick of poker, but: where can I find hold'em tournaments in Virginia, money or no money is no object, thanks.

Curt Fields: Bailey's in Arlington, Clarendon Grill, and Nick's in Alexandria used to have poker nights at one time. I don't know if any of those are still continuing.

You could try the National Pub Poker League Web site for current info on where games are being held.

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Cocktails?: I'm in the market for a cool summertime drink. Any suggestions? I don't like tequila or places with loudmouths.

Ellen McCarthy: Have you read Fritz Hahn's Nightwatch column this week? He writes about some cool concoctions at Rasika and Agraria that might have you sneaking out of work a bit early this week.

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Falls Church, Va.: We're headed to Rehobeth in a few hours through the rest of next week and I wanted to find a nice brunch spot around there. Any ideas?

Eve Zibart: The Back Porch Cafe and Blue Moon are longtime favorites; Cafe Azafran in Lewes is a personal fave but it's a little small (tables for two if that's okay) and Fish On in Five Points; or the Buttery, which is the big Victorian spot. Also look into Magnolia's in Bethany.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: You mentioned the demolition derby, but besides that what are the main draws at the Frederick Fair?

Michael O'Sullivan: Horse pull competition; midway rides; tractor and truck pull. In concert: Bill Engvall; George Jones. Decorate a potato contest; Equine Expo/Showcase, etc., etc.

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Baltimore?: Is it worth a weekend trip? I know it's as hot as here but at least there would be a change of scenery. Somewhere I heard they had something special in August.

Christina Talcott: Yes, Baltimore is worth the trip, heat or no heat. Spend the day around the Inner Harbor, visiting the American Visionary Arts Museum, the Maryland Science Center and the aquarium, and feast on seafood while watching the boats go by. Or check out the Walters and the Baltimore Museum of Art along Charles Street, and get a beer and a meal at the Brewer's Art or in Charles Village. (For museum times and addresses, see our listings starting on page 45.) Other parts of town to explore are Hampen, with West 36th Street's thrift shops and Hon Cafe, or Sunday's Farmer's Market under the Jones Falls Expressway. That's just for starters. Any chatters have Baltimore tips?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm the only person who can't leave town this August in the entire city, it seems. Where can I go now that I otherwise couldn't go because it's usually too crowded. Does that make sense?

Joyce Jones: August is our little secret. The metro gets less crowded (unless we're in the middle of a heat wave) and you can get reservations on short-notice at great restaurants. Some of us really like being around in August. The way to determine where you'll get a break from crowds is to pick a local hangout and not a tourist spot because, as you may have noticed, the tourists are still here. You could try some of the steakhouses (Charlie Palmer's?)on Capitol Hill since the power players are leaving town. Or maybe one of the off-the-Mall museums like the Phillips. It also might be a good time to stroll around a popular neighborhood, say U Street or Bethesda.

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Airport?: Any good places to eat at National Airport?

Eve Zibart: I think the Legal Seafood there is good--I tend to eat light before I fly, and things like shrimp cocktail suit me, plus they have a lot of half-bottles which are plenty for even a delay--and the Matsutake sushi bar is pretty good.

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Alexandria, Va.: What's a cool winery to go to that isn't too far away that my boyfriend and I could make a day trip out of?

Ellen McCarthy: Ooooh, there's a bunch of them actually. Tarara Winery in Leesburg is lovely and has concerts almost every Saturday during the summer. Oasis Winery and Rappahannock Cellars in the Hume area are just down the road from each other so you could easily hit both of them in one day.

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Fairfax, Va.: I may regret mentioning this, but I'm always shocked that Frying Pan Park isn't on more people's radar. The 4H Fair is this weekend, so it will be a zoo, but normally it's deserted on weekend mornings when we go. It's a great place for folks with young kids--there are all sorts of farm animals to look at and pet (if they cooperate), tractors for kids to play on, and a fabulous playground complete with shaded benches for parents. Plus plenty of room to just run around. And it's all free.

Scott Vogel: Another secret's out. Let the stampede begin!

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washingtonpost.com: National Pub Poker League

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washingtonpost.com: Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

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Poker: Hard Times Cafe in Old Town has poker nights.

Curt Fields: Here's another suggestion for the person seeking a spot to play poker.

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Jenny Abella: For the chatter going up to B-more: Strolling in Fells Point is one of my fave activities up there, as well as stopping in at the Sound Garden for some used-CD shopping. There's also the Babe Ruth Museum . If there's not a home game in town, see if you can tour Camden Yards. That's always fun.

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washingtonpost.com: Virginia Wines

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Clifton, Va.: Shenandoah is contaminated with runoff from pigs, bovie and poultry along with high levels of other dangerous chemicals from mines and industrial plants. The Anacostia at D.C. waterfront is cleaner

Scott Vogel: Where were you last weekend!!?

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Arlington, Va.: I loved that exhibit that was reviewed today. What is the name of the artist who did the piece with the pins? And know of a gallery around town that represents him/her? I'd love to see more of their work.

Michael O'Sullivan: Her name is Lisa Kellner. I'm afraid I don't know much more about the artist, but I'm sure you can get some info from the Ellipse Arts Center, where her "Oil Spill" piece is on exhibit. 703-228-7710.

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Eve Zibart: More wineries in easy reach: Barboursville and Horton, both in Barboursville near Orange and within five minutes of one another (one Rhone style in a German castle, the other Italian in a Jeffersonian estate with octagon ruins you can picnic in); or the Breaux vineyards in Hillsboro, really pretty drives in both directions.

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Northwest, Washington, D.C.: Are there just county fairs here? Don't they have state fairs too like in the Midwest?

Michael O'Sullivan: Yeah, our list included the Maryland and Virginia state fairs. They're both really huge, with tons to see and do. There are are also a couple of quaint, small fairs below the county level, such as the Bluemont Fair and the Lucketts Fair (both in Virginia).

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Tarara Winery: Is having their annual Blackberry Festival on Saturday.

Ellen McCarthy: Oooooh, delicious.

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Washington, D.C.: Are strip clubs illegal here?

Eve Zibart: Nope, or we wouldn't have any. Check Good Guys Archibald's on K between 15th and 16th, Camelot on M just west of Connecticut and the grande dame, Good Guys, on Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park. I hope you know your ecdyastical etiquette.

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Tenleytown. Washington, D.C.: Just a comment. I love you guys. You're the reason I buy the paper on Friday! I just read it on the Web the rest of the week except for Sunday.

Jenny Abella: Awww, that's sweet... You like us! You really, really like us! Thanks for the kind words -- we're certainly feeling the love over here. And make sure to keep reading. Things around town are going to pick up once the dog days of summer are over.

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Washington, D.C.: What do I need to know about First Friday? I am going to try it out tonight and have no idea what it's all about.

Michael O'Sullivan: Well, you picked a slow month to get acquainted with First Friday, since a lot of galleries shut down in August. Conner Contemporary, at 1730 Connecticut Ave, NW, might be a good place to start, and I know they're having an opening for their annual exhibition of work by recent art school grads. The galleries that usually participate in First Fridays are centered around Dupont Circle.

Michael O'Sullivan: What it's all about is this: people wander from gallery to gallery, sipping from little plastic cups of wine, eating cheese cubes and mingling with other aesthetes. Oh, and looking at art too.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi all,

Another recent transplant here! We like Rasika and Jaleo for Indian and tapas, but are getting in a rut. Can you suggest some new ethnic ("exotic") places that are relaxed and in the Friendship Heights/Tenleytown/AU area?

Christina Talcott: A few Indian faves nearby are Heritage India on Wisconsin near Calvert and Delhi Dhaba in Van Ness. Across the street is Sushi-Ko. In Tenley, I like Murasaki for delish sushi. Check out the City Guide's listings - they're quite thorough.

Christina Talcott: Sushi-Ko is across from Heritage, I meant. Bon appetit!

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Re: Dixie Chicks: To the poster heading to the concert -- I strongly urge you to make dinner reservations. My boyfriend and I regularly head to the Penn Quarter for dinner, shopping, etc. Anytime there is a popular game or concert going on, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a bite to eat without waiting forever.

Ellen McCarthy: Unbelievable, and pretty great, how much this part of town has come to buzz in the last few years, isn't it?

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Baltimore, Md.: Maryland Art Place is part of a goofy development called Power Plant LIVE! Cool show up now by leading artist and curator Jason Hughes' Show features emerging local, regional, and national artists, including Laura Burns, Liz Ensz, Cliff Evans, James Johnson, Joel Kyack, Daniel Rich and Jason Zimmerman , as well as international artists Adrian Lohmuller (Berlin), Walterio Iraheta and Simon Vega (San Salvador) in an exhibition focusing on "sociopathic tendencies within our society by appropriating various examples found in consumer culture and social indifference." It's also located near the kids joint and the big fish tank

Joyce Jones: that sounds provocative. good. thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Eve, you're my go-to girl for restaurants in the suburbs. Can you recommend somewhere casual/ethnic/inexpensive to stop this evening on the way back to D.C. (upper Conn. Ave.) from BWI? I.e., off 95 or the Beltway. And do you think going for Indian food in Langley Park at night is safer than it was a few months ago? Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Well, who can resist an opening like that? I do think Indian food is generally a good bet at the old reliable's such as Udupi Palace and Woodlands, especially vegetarian fare, because it's so much less susceptible to spoilage and so on in the heat. As for this evening, have you eaten at Tavira? nice Portuguese place in the Chevy Chase building just near the ramp? Very nice. And you wouldn't be all that far from La Ferme if you're feeling old-fashioned...

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Arlington, Va.: It seems pretty dead right now. When will the cultural scene pick back up? September? October?

Joyce Jones: Funny, but what seems dead to us would be a godsend in a lot of cities. But I know what you mean, we're kind of spoiled culturally. Yes, the scene will pick up in September, but there is still plenty to see now. In today's Weekend, we feature innovative dance performances (including Trey McIntyre Project at Wolf Trap)and a standout group exhibition, "Conversions," at the Ellipse Arts Center in Arlington. You can also see the restored 1928 French silent film "Verdun, Visions d'Histoire" at the National Gallery East Building.

Yes, the fall will be overwhelming, but you can find good options now, too.

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Another Newbie: I'm a guy who starts a job at a law firm this fall. D.C.seems like a pretty conservative town, and I have to wear a tie. But I don't want to look like these workday types. Where can I go for cool work clothes?

Michael O'Sullivan: One quick suggestion, Buy a few funky ties from museum shops. Good bets: Textile Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Also, Franklin's General Store, a quirky shop attached to a cool brewpub and restaurant in Hyattsville, Md., has a great selection of very hip neckties.

Eve Zibart: And believe it or not, H&M and Banana Republic sometimes have really cool guy's stuff for less. And I'm very strict about ties. Also check Nordstrom Rack.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Are there any good beer specials on Saturdays in the District? I've looked in the past and have come up with nothing.

Curt Fields: You might try Asylum in Adams Morgan. They've been known to have some good Saturday specials.

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Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Everyone says that the bars in this town are full of attitude. I don't see any attitude. In fact, I LIKE attitude. So where can I find it? Also, what bars would I most likely see D.C. celebs? Politicians?

Eve Zibart: Cafe Milano is a celeb-spotter's heaven; for pols check Capital Grill, Charlie Palmer, Hay-Adams, Tosca, Caucus Room, Oval Room, Old Ebbbitt, Palm, Citronelle, Monocle and Two Quail, as starters.

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D.C. Daytrip: When is the Smithsonian less crowded?

Michael O'Sullivan: Depends. If you mean the Air & Space, Natural History and other of the Smithsonian's most popular museums, they're almost always crowded around this time of year. National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, which alone among the Smithsonian museums stay open until 7, slow down around dinner time. And they're off the mall.

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Indian in Friendship Heights: Don't forget Indique Heights! Amazing food, great service.

Eve Zibart: I never forget---see Fare Minded two weeks ago!

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Re:Indian food in Langley: Actually, I was thinking of the crime factor, but good point about food safety! (I also like spicy stuff in the heat.)

Eve Zibart: Oh, sorry--food on the brain. Yes, I think easing a little, but best to travel in groups.

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Falls Church, Va.: I believe there are supposed to be bicycle races at RFK this weekend. Do you know anything about it? Are they free to watch? Will there be food and drink vendors?

Joyce Jones: You're referring to the City Bikes RFK Criterium. The Washington Area Bicyclists Association web site calls it the "only professional bike race" in DC. The race goes around RFK's grand prix course. Races begin at 8 am and the last race is set for 4 pm.

Eve Zibart: The races are indeed frp.m.ee to the public, and while the usual concessions aren't open, there will be a grill of food for sale and "lots and lots of water" according to the smart folks at City Bikes.

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Scott Vogel: And with that, another exciting and, shall we say, eclectic Weekend Now chat comes to a close. Be sure to join us on the radio on Thursdays from 2 to 3 (WTWP 107.7 FM), and of course, meet us right back here next Friday with your usual bounty of questions and ideas!

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