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 DVDs 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. 18, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

Shop, shop, shop. And shop some more. When shopping is fun -- and not a burden -- life is good. When you know which neighborhood to hit, what the do-not-miss destinations are and a great spot for lunch, your shopping trip is a success. Ellen McCarthy gives you all that info and more in this week's cover story. Plus: "Snakes on a Plane" slithers into theaters. Eve Zibart dines near Sugarloaf Mountain. Richard Harrington gives the heads up on a British soon-to-be star. And we take a bus ride to D.C.'s Hollywood locations. Hop on board and send us your entertainment questions and comments.

Weekend learns some old and new dance steps this week, with a cover story on lessons, including stately regency dance, sassy salsa and hyped up hip-hop. Ellen McCarthy talks with Maria Bello of "World Trade Center." Eve Zibart visits Adams Morgan mainstay Perrys . And we go head to head for a drag race at Maryland International Speedway. Start your engine and join in our chat.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

A transcript follows.

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Scott Vogel: Well, good morning, all. OK, so we've got the whole town to ourselves this weekend. I mean, sure, there are a few tourists here and there, but they're mostly clustered around the Usual Suspects. Where do we go first? And should we decide to brave the interstate, what destinations will be worth the traffic? Once again, the staff of the Weekend section is here to offer suggestions on how to make the next few days truly special. All you have to do is ask.

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Novice Foodie: HELP! Not very familiar with the restaurant scene downtown, and want to take advantage of Restaurant Week on Sunday. Any recommendations for restaurants that are Metro accessible (on any line), open Sunday for dinner, and offering portions and items from their regular menu? Thanks!

Jenny Abella: Hey, a few of us here did Restaurant Week yesterday at David Greggory! We enjoyed it a lot. There are plenty of good restaurants that are Metro accessible and serving dinner on Sunday. Indique in Cleveland Park, DC Coast downtown, Georgia Brown's downtown. Whether they're serving portions and items from their regular menu, I'm not sure about though. You can call and ask when you make a reservation -- which are sometimes hard to come by, depending on the restaurant. So you might want to move fast. For more restaurants go here . Anyone else have a Restaurant Week suggestion out there?

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Washington DC: My husband and I were lucky enough to get reservations for restaurant week this weekend. My question is, what is a fair amount to tip, assuming you are not adding anything extra? I was going to err on the side of 25 percent of the total rather than the regular 20 percent, but perhaps someone who has dined this week can provide a suggestion? Thank you!

Ellen McCarthy: Ooooh, hope you're going someplace fabulous. A 25 percent tip seems perfectly generous to me. You'll certainly endear yourselves to your server. Have a great meal!

Eve Zibart: I agree; the wait and cook staffs expend just as much effort on your dinner, whatever it costs you. (For the same reason, if you are gifted with a glass of wine or dessert for some reason, you should tip on what you estimate the bill would have been; the "freebie" comes out of the overhead, not the tip jar.)

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Shopaholic: When you say the Boulevard at Capital Centre is closed to the Largo Metro station, does that mean the shops are right at the top of the escalator -- or do you have to hike a bit? I'm curious about making the Metro journey. Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: It's really, really close. Basically, when you get off the Largo metro, you're in the parking lot of the Boulevard at Capital Centre. The money you save on gas might put another shopping bag in your hands.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello! This question isn't for this weekend, but for labor day weekend. I want to go away, but I can't decide where to go. The options I've come up with are the Outer Banks of N.C., Harpers Ferry and backpacking in the Shenandoahs. Part of my dilemma is not quite knowing what there is at the Outer Banks (besides the gorgeous beach) or at Harpers Ferry. Any intel or recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Depends on what you like. The Outer Banks is mostly about scenery, fishing, and getting caught up on reading, but there are a lot more upscale restaurants and little shopping areas, especially around Corollo and the Sanderling Resort, than in the old days--even some brewpubs. Harper's Ferry is a lot of little shops and taverns, but there are plenty of battlefields and historic sites within easy drives, and the river for kayaking, etc. I would guess that driving west is going to be easier to competing for Carolina shores, however--you pretty much have to go the Williamsburg route.

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Washington, D.C.: In a sing-off: Corinne Bailey Rae or Erykah Badu?

Richard Harrington: Different strokes....Bailey Rae's coming from a slightly different place--Audrey Hepburn ingenue who's in love and digging the soul, rock and pop sounds of the '70s and a little hearkening back to classic jazz singers....Badu's got some of the same influences but also more of a hip-hop grounding and a more socio-political POV. They're both terrific, so no OR for me, just AND. Would be fun to get all the Holiday-referenced singers ona Holiday tribute album...

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Arlngton, Va.: I love shrimp cocktail, but I keep getting food poisoning from various restaurants in town that shall remain nameless. Is shrimp cocktail really that dangerous? What are signs that it might be dangerous? Where can I get shrimp cocktail that is safe?

Eve Zibart: Yikes!!!! Stop going wherever you're going, that's for sure! The best answer (besides sticking to reliable sources) is to follow your nose. Shrimp that is less that fresh has an acrid, ammoniac scent that lingers ever after it's cooked, though it gets fainter. If the shrimp comes already doused in sauce, that's a hint. Also, if it has that kind of weird texture, almost like pencil eraser nubs, it's probably been frozen at least once, and partial thawing, even inadvertent, can be dangerous. But for sure, inform the manager whenever you have any question; I did that for some bad caviar at a top restaurant once, and it turned out the entire case was bad--something some other diner might not have realized in time.

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Alexandria, Va.: Best concert for my money this week?

Eve Zibart: Well, if you're really counting pennies, two of the best are free; Saturday's tribute to Danny Gatton at Carter Barron and Wednesday's tribute to Neil Young at Strathmore, both full of top local artists. Otherwise, Lyle Lovett at Wolf Trap Tuesday or Dylan on Saturday. Richard?

Richard Harrington: Thinking Dylan in Frederick Saturday at the Keys baseball stadium. I keep thinking this never ending tour of his really can't go on forever and he's been in such great spirits the last few years, loving the road and fronting a rock and roll band...In terms of genuine living legends, he's the best one working. And you ought to get XM just to hear his program. The man is not only knowledgeable, but projecting his enthusiasm in a very winning way.

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Dupont: Do you guys know anything about Snakes on a Plane? There was no review in today's paper.

Christina Talcott: Hi Dupont! Well, the studio didn't screen "Snakes" in time for us to get a review in the paper, but I caught a screening last night at my local theater, so here's my (non-critics) pronouncement: It's ridiculous, it's gory, it's campy, and it's totally fun. I saw it in a full house at Regal Gallery Place, and the audience's energy - and their intermittent hissing sounds - made it that much more entertaining.

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Bethesda, Md.: I'm planning a day trip to the beach with young kids. Looking for smaller crowds, no parking hassles, and a place to clean up before heading home. Are the Delaware parks a good alternative to Rehoboth, Bethany, etc.? If so, which park -- Delaware seashore, Cape Henlopen or Fenwick Island?

Eve Zibart: All are nice. Henlopen is the most outdoorsy, I'd say; walking, birding, biking, fishing--the pier has soft drink machine and snacks--but not a lot more; but of course it's so close to Lewes. I really like the Delaware beaches, if you don't need much more than the bathhouse to clean up; beautiful sand and lots of space.

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Kensington, Md.: My husband just got a child seat installed on his bike for our 2-year-old son. He and I would like to start bike riding on the weekend but do not know where to go that is safe and not too crowded.

We live in Kensington and do not have bike rack for the car so trails we can bike to from there is helpful. I know Beach Drive which we can get to quickly. Are there others? We also want to try an avoid major streets since our son is now along for the ride.

Thanks!

Joyce Jones: It's good you've discovered Beach Drive, it's a fun place to be on the weekends when parts of it are closed to traffic. As you can see in the Post today and on the front of washingtonpost.com, some of the wide, paved "rails to trails" bike trails are suffering the same fate as our wide, paved roads. Too many people/vehicles creating a not-so-fun environment. My favorite biking trail close to you is the Capital Cresent Trail. It can be crowded around Bethesda but once you get closer to the Potomac, it can be nice. If you have mountain bikes, riding on the C&O canal is great -- lots of areas where you are the only bikers in sight. If you really want to get into this, I'd say get the bike racks and try some of the Rails to Trails in the out lying areas. Check the WABA Web site for trail info.

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Washington, D.C.: I know you guys don't usuually cover this, but I love books. How can I find out about book events and authors appearances in town?

Christina Talcott: We list some readings by authors at local bookstores and other venues, but our pals at Book World compile a list weekly. The link's below.

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Sterling, Va.: What's a good place to get dinner here in Sterling? I'm new to the area.

Eve Zibart: Start with San Vito in Ashburn for Italian, Minerva--Indian, not Greek food--and Thai Basil, both on Lee Jackson Highway; Sweetwater Tavern for all-American, and Wegman's for almost anything you might want to take out.

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Road tripping: Hi! We're planning a road trip to the three presidential homes in middle Virginia soon and are wondering what else there is to do in Charlottesville. Also, on the way back home, we're stopping at Luray Caverns: Is there anything interesting we should see/do on the drive back?

Ellen McCarthy: Charlottesville is such a great weekend trip from here. You should definitely visit the beautiful University of Virginia campus, to see where so much great thinking has occurred over the years. And there are a bunch of wineries in the area you can hit on your way back--Barboursville Vineyards is probably the most well known. Where else should we send our Charlottesville visitors??

Eve Zibart: The presidential haunts--Monticello and Montpelier--are both within nice drives, especially if you're headed to Barboursville.

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washingtonpost.com: Literary Calendar: August 14-20, 2006 ( Post, Aug. 13 )

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Moviegoer: I've seen Talladega Nights, I've seen Little Miss Sunshine (twice). Best movies out this weekend?

Ellen McCarthy: I liked The Illusionist very much. It's an enchanting movie that's visually intriguing and felt like a great relief from the action/potty humor/teen flicks we see so many of in the summer.

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washingtonpost.com: Washington Area Bicyclist Association

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Shrimp Cocktail: If Arlington keeps getting sick from shrimp cocktail, it's not food poisoning. He/she most likely has a shellfish allergy, shrimp can be the worst for this allergy. Real food poisoning is rare, and you'll know it when you get it. You'll wish you were dead for at least 3 days.

Go see an allergist.

Eve Zibart: Good point, sorry! I assumed that he/she was enjoying shrimp at other places, but you might well be right. Shellfish is a very common allergy.

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washingtonpost.com: Literary Calendar: August 14-20, 2006 ( Post, Aug. 13 )

Christina Talcott: Here's a list of readings and book events through Sunday. Pick up Book World this Sunday for next week's lineup.

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Washington, D.C.: My parents are in town along with my 18-year-old brother. They have been to D.C. before and have seen most of the touristy stuff. Anything else going on this weekend you would recommend, looking for relaxing/low-key events, etc? Thanks!

Jenny Abella: You could see if slots are still available for the Washington Walks' "Bus, Camera, Action! Reel Washington" movie tour. The bus/walking tour will give you a taste of Hollywood with your Beltway politics. Read more here . Anyone else have suggestions?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi!

We were only able to try two restaurants during restaurant week (all available slots were at 10 or 10:30 p.m. for tonight and tomorrow), after having made reservations last Friday.

We tried Mie nYu in Georgetown on Wednesday night for restaurant week, and it was very exotic and we enjoyed it.

We have reservations for Sunday lunch at Bistro Lepic. Are there any dishes you all would not miss there?

Thanks!

Eve Zibart: I'm more familiar with the dinner and wine bar menu, so I'm not quite sure what they offer at lunch but I've always liked the scallops there, veal cheeks, quail, pate...

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20036: Here's a tall order that may not be possible: a restaurant week location that is also showing the So You Think You Can Dance? Finale.

Eve Zibart: You got me there. I'd kinda think RW is so busy that televisions might not be the biggest draw, but various restaurants have patrons that are addicted to shows, so I'' throw this open to chatters. Anyone?

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Washington, D.C.: Where would you send someone who is shopping for school clothes for the first time?

Ellen McCarthy: If you want to stay in the city, Chevy Chase is probably your best bet. The Hecht's is closing, but there are still a few stores with decent clothes for kids--Gap Kids and the like. But you might also want to think about taking advantage of Maryland's sales tax holiday, which runs the 23rd through the 27th, and head to the Hagerstown outlets or White Flint mall in North Bethesda.

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Arlington County Fair: Honest answer - is this worth attending or is it kind of too little to bother going to?

Joyce Jones: I have not been to the Arlington County Fair, however, Weekend's resident fair expert, Michael O'Sullivan, (who's not chatting today) said this to a similar question two weeks ago:

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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Alexandria, Va.: I have late reservations for restaurant week tonight and a boyfriend suffering from a seriously frustrating day. While I'd like to say let's go see Snakes on a Plane pre-dinner to avoid all rational thought, I am PETRIFIED of snakes and turn away even when they're on TV. Can you suggest something else to start the weekend before dinner--preferably sans hissing noises?

Christina Talcott: I'd head down to the mall for Jazz in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery. Pack appetizers to hold you over till dinner, grab a few beers or sangria at the cafe, stretch out on a blanket and just relax. Lately it's been my favorite way to start a summer weekend.

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So You Think You Can Dance? Finale: Sorry, you missed it. Already happened.

Eve Zibart: so now you know--I don't watch it!

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For the shrimp lover: I'm not a doc, so this is completely anecdotal. I had a very similar experience with continually getting bad shrimp until I discovered I was mildly allergic to them. It might not be the shrimp at all, especially if it happens in more than one or two places.

Scott Vogel: More evidence that our earlier poster might need to see a doctor. Thanks for your input!

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washingtonpost.com: Blog: 'Snakes on a Plane' Review/

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Washington, D.C.: For my birthday next weekend ... we're going to visit Monticello/Ashlawn/Montpelier. Do you think we can also fit in Luray Caverns into the weekend before coming back to D.C.?

Eve Zibart: If you really like historical houses, maybe not: While Montpelier and Ashlawn are fairly easy to get around, Monticello has a lot to see. But if you're talking about stopping overnight and taking two days, I'd think so.

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Rosslyn, Va.: My friend and I are going to the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe tonight for the first time. Where would two young urban 20-something ladies hang out after (not at a club)?

Eve Zibart: How about the bar at TenPenh, a short walk to Tenth and Penn, where you can get a drink and a light bite? Or Cafe Mozu at the Mandarin Oriental, behind the mall?

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Washington, D.C.: Interested in proposing to my girlfriend in a hot air balloon. What places allow this?

Eve Zibart: Several of the inns out in the nearer "countryside" can arrange a ride: L'auberge Provencal in White Post, for one (and you can't beat the ambiance and food for later--very romantic). But if you just want to go up, there are a lot of places in the area; ride the Google airlines for a few minutes and see what's nearest.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Any cool billiards/pool hall places that aren't as expensive? I've been to Atomic and Buffalo Billiards ...

Also is there any other place than Buffalo Billiards to play some table shuffleboard?

Ellen McCarthy: Have you tried Cue Bar on U Street? That might be a fun alternative to your regular haunts. I'm not sure about shuffleboard, but they do have ping pong. Any shuffleboard suggestions out there?

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Say Cheese!: When's the due date for your photo contest? Do I have some serious competition?

Christina Talcott: Send them in ASAP - the deadline's Tuesday. I've only seen a few, but I have to say, Washington's got talent!

Christina Talcott: Ok, here are the rules: Send in prints (4x6 or 5x7) with a sticker attached including your name, phone number, address and a detailed caption, addressed to Weekend Section Photo Contest, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001. Or e-mail them (with all the info listed above) to wkndcontest@washpost.com, with Photo Contest in the subject field. The pics must have been taken after Memorial Day, and all photos are non-returnable. Again, the deadline's this Tuesday, Aug. 22.

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Charlottesville, Va.: What a great town! Definitely check out UVA. The student run tours should still be in full force even though it's summer. There are a lot of great restaurants on "The Corner" (a strip along University Avenue adjacent to the Rotunda). Check out "Take it Away" for great sandwiches or "The Biltmore" for a little more ambience and seated dining.

About a mile further east will lead you to the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian mall with tons of great restaurants and shops. "The Hardware Store" is a fun place for good burgers. It's shady, so nice for a stroll on even the hottest days.

The suburbs are not much to see -- avoid Rt 29 north of C'ville if you can. If you head west on Ivy Road, you will see a lot of the great horseland that the area is famous for. Other than that, just hang out on The Lawn!

(Thanks for the ability to rave about my favorite place!)

Jenny Abella: Wow, great suggestions for the C-ville visitor-to-be! Thanks for sharing. Now I want to go, too!

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Reston, Va.: RE: STERLING: Minerva is on Centreville Rd./ ELden Street ...right?

Eve Zibart: There's that one, one in Fairfax on University Drive and the one I mentioned in Chantilly.

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Washington, D.C.: What's a good weekend hike in the woods that isn't too far away? I did Great Falls a few years ago and I really wasn't impressed (looked more like rapids than falls).

Joyce Jones: The closest hike in the woods is right in the middle of DC: Rock Creek Park. Don't take the paved trails. Go on the hiking trails (i think the horses also use these). There are ups and downs and it's a good workout. The area I'm most familiar with is near Van Ness. Not impressed with the Great Falls Hike? Sounds like it was the scenery that didn't wow you. If you really want a hike in the woods, hop on the Appalachian Trail. You can find access to it in many places west of DC. A good one is Gathland State Park near Burkittsville, MD., (don't let Blair Witch scare you). Find an AT map and plot your course for other alternatives. Another hike in the woods that's a challenge and rewards you with a great view is Weaverton Cliffs a few miles east of Harper's Ferry.

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Arlington, Va.: Ever been to the Arlington County Fair?

Arlington County Fair

It is this weekend !

It always has great food and an eclectic mix of exibits.

Joyce Jones: here's someone who has an opinion on the Arlington fair...

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BOYS IN MARYLAND BACK TO SCHOOL: What is a FUN place to take my boys this weekend! They start school Monday YEH! I live in Maryland, Clinton area.

Joyce Jones: Can you tell us a little more. Your boys ages? What are they interested in?

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Clarendon, Va.: Do you have a recommendation for a dinner cruise? My guess is that the food on these things is not exactly stellar, but who do you recommend?

Joyce Jones: Any chatters have a recommendation on this one?

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Beach for Small Kids: I like Lake Anna in Virginia -- just don't go on a weekend -- it gets crowded! But during the week and early, it's very nice. It's fairly shallow so I feel that the kids are safer.

Scott Vogel: Here's a nice idea. Thanks for writing!

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washingtonpost.com: Steps In Time (Post, Aug. 11)

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Washington, D.C>: Weird question: I just moved to D.C. and have become totally obsessed with driving on the G.W. Parkway. It's gorgeous, and I feel like it's an East Coast version of the Pacific Coast Highway. The question is: where should I go? I'm only ever on it for a few miles at a time, so if I wanted to drive along it for much more than that, is there a good place to end up?

Ellen McCarthy: If you haven't been as far a Mt. Vernon, you should definitely do that--park and explore the grounds for a couple hours. It's a beautiful spot and the views are spectacular. You could also spin into Gravelly Point, next to Reagan National Airport. You're close enough to the runways there to actually feel the vibrations of the planes.

Eve Zibart: If you'd like to continue out the other way, have you cruised the Georgeown Pike? Entrances to Great Falls Park and some hiking trails, and if you're looking for a place to end up dining, you could eat outdoors in the garden at L'Auberge Chez Francois, on Springvale Road off the parkway.

Scott Vogel: Wow, another GW Parkway fanatic -- and I thought I was the only one!

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Suburban Maryland: Good place for beginners salsa/Latin dance? I can't seem to stay on this bandwagon.

Christina Talcott: Last week's cover story was on dancing, so we're posting a link. I've been to lessons at Lucky Bar and Clarendon Grill (yes, I'm a perpetual beginner), and Havana Village sometimes has lessons and is a great place to practice your moves once you've mastered the basics. N.J. McAteer's story has more info about places to find lessons, and there's a list at www.dcdancenet.com/salsa.

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Re: Restaurant Week: If you can, go to Corduroy! Excellent food and their entire dinner menu is open to Restaurant Week. I ate there on Monday night and it was delicious. Closest Metro is Metro Center and it's about a three-block walk from there.

Eve Zibart: I agree--one of the underrated restaurants downtown. Another hint; I'll be reviewing Butterfield 9 soon.

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Eve Zibart: Also check Latin Alley in Adams-Morgan; lessons and dance Wednesday through Saturday.

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washingtonpost.com: Steps In Time (Post, Aug. 11)

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Washington, D.C.: We had been planning a trip to Roanoke. But are now waiting for gas prices to subside. Well, at least I didn't think that our economy would be able to sustain $3.00 per gal gas. But it seems to be doing so very well (it kinda feels lonely since our family is the only one hurting). Wanted your inpu t... if we wait for gas to go down, will we being waiting until next year?

Christina Talcott: Sorry you're hurting, but I'm sure you're not alone! I have no idea about prices going down, but the Sunday Source ran a story a few weeks ago in their Green Issue about hypermiling. Maybe it'll be helpful. If anything, it's worth considering ways to cut down on gas when you can't avoid driving. (BTW Greyhound goes to Roanoke, but at around $100 per person, it's no cheaper than driving...)

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Scott Vogel: Well, from killer snakes to bad shrimp cocktail, there's a lot to avoid this weekend, it seems. But also plenty to love. Enjoy your weekend, folks, and we'll see you next Friday at 11.

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washingtonpost.com: Increase Your Gas Mileage ( Post, Aug. 6 )

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