Weekend Now

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 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, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

Get your calendars out because this week we're offering a guide to the biggest festivals and expos -- as well as highlights in theater, dance, music, art and sports -- coming to the area in the next six months.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

A transcript follows.

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Curt Fields: Welcome to the weekly Weekend Now chat. If you saw the section today you can tell that we're in a planning mood as we ran a selective list of major events in the area for the next 6 months. So we can help you pencil in plans on your long-range calendar. Or we can help you come up with ideas for this weekend. Whatever you need, we're here to help. (Tipping not only allowed but encouraged.)

Also, you can ask Ellen about the new Stoney's, or Eve about Cafe Panache and other dining spots. Or we can talk music, movies, DVDs, whatever's fun. Let's get started ...

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Washington, D.C.: My group of friends usually gets along, except now during the football playoffs. Where can a group of Saints and Bears fans go to watch the game together? Metro accessible in D.C. or Virginia. Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: Hmmmm ... so probably a place where you can spread out would be best, huh? You could head to Ballston at grab seats at Rock Bottom or Bailey's. Mister Day's in Clarendon might fit the bill too, as would McFadden's on Pennsylvania Avenue in the District.

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Alexandria, Va.: I don't know if you can help, but I wanted to try.

I want to go to a five-star hotel that also has spa treatments in the area or maybe Baltimore.

My Google search gave weird responses (like hotels that don't have spa treatments even though I distinctly asked for that)

My birthday is President's Day weekend -- when a lot of people will be booking hotels post-Valentine's Day, so I will need reservations quick. Thanks!

Eve Zibart: I can't believe you had trouble finding a spa around here! Just as a sample: Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Willard Hotel, Lansdowne Resort, and a little farther away, the Homestead.

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Washington, D.C.: I love the chats! I was going thorugh your guide for upcoming plays and I saw that "Aida" is coming to the Warner Theatre in Feb. However, the Warner Theatre Web site didn't have "Aida" listed. Do you know for sure if it's coming? And if so, when tickets go on sale? Thanks.

Scott Vogel: Hi there -- I have just checked with the Warner Theater people, who told me that unfortunately the February performances of "Aida" have been canceled. The planned Warner dates do still appear on the "Aida" tour Web site, but the producers have apparently changed their minds about a Washington stop. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but thanks for bringing this to our attention.

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Elkton, Va.: "A Taste of D.C." used to be one of our favorite annual D.C. festivals. Is there any chance it will come back?

Eve Zibart: It was off in 2005 but back last year, so don't panic; haven't seen a date yet but it's usually in mid-October.

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washingtonpost.com: Weekend Section (Post, Jan. 19)

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Baltimore, Md.: Robert Mitchum? A box set? C'mon! He's not really that good, is he?

Curt Fields: You scoff? Tsk, tsk. Check out "Night of the Hunter" or "Macao" or "El Dorado" or ... well, you get the idea. He's underrated because he made it look easy. He cultivated an air of nonchalance and indifference but he was an acting pro. He's worth not only a box set but more than one, considering the number of films he's been in.

And offscreen he was one of the first to really capture the public's imagination with a bad boy image, causing some to dislike him and many others to think of him as the epitome of coolness. It would be interesting to see how a young Mitchum would've coped with today's 24-7 celebrity press/blogs.

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Joyce Jones: If you're a movie fan and you haven't looked at Weekend yet today, turn to page 39 to read about our Favorite Movie Contest. We're asking readers to tell us their fave film and explain why they like it so much (in 100 words or less). You can enter on the Weekend page www.washingtonpost.com/weekend. Just send an e-mail to wkndcontest@washpost.com with you name, age, phone number and address. Give us the title and your essay on why you love "Catch 22" or "Finding Nemo" or "Stranger Than Paradise" or I could go on..... To learn about the Great Prizes! and to get all the rules, see today's Weekend or go to the Weekend page right here on washingtonpost.com.

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Northeast: Myself and two friends are catching "The Last King of Scotland" tonight. Where do you suggest to grab a drink and snack around the E Street Cinema?

Eve Zibart: I sometimes go to the earlier show, since I'm going out later; but I've had good luck with warm-ups at Zola, Poste and Oceanaire, all short walks. (In fact, I keep meaning to go into the Hotel Harrington's old bar -- anyone been?)

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Alexandria, Va.: A friend wants me to go see Iris deMent at the Birchmere this weekend. Should I? Or would I be better off lobbying for a change in plans?

Richard Harrington: I love Iris Dement. She's a great songwriter -- exploring faith, family, love and loss in wonderfully poetic terms, always direct and honest -- and I have always been taken by the pristine grace and innocence of her voice; she sounds like she's from another time. Some people hate her voice; Merle Haggard thinks Dement is the greatest singer he's ever heard. There's an emotional clarity to her singing, full of compassion and connection -- Let the Mystery Be is a classic, as are Mama's Opry, Our Town and Easy's Getting Harder Every Day -- and some fine humor (check out her duet with John Prine on In Spite of Ourselves). So go -- your friend has great taste.

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Day trips: We're looking for a good day trip on Sunday. Any ideas of fun things to do this time of year?

Ellen McCarthy: I'm a lover of Virginia's wine country and when you head out to the vineyards this time of year, you're much more likely to get lots of personalized attention at tastings, tours and such. You could head toward some, like Chrysalis Vineyards and Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, in the Middleburg area and have lunch in the quaint downtown there. It's a great way to feel like you're really out of the city without spending the whole day in the car.
Annapolis is always fun too -- an hour's drive to some great crabs, window shopping and water.

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Art history student: Hey, thanks for taking my question!

I seem to remember that the Washington Post usually puts together an article about all the year's planned museum exhibitions around this time, but I haven't seen one yet. Has something like this been published, an if so, can you give me the link? Thanks!

Joyce Jones: We've always included the coming exhibits as part of your annual preview calendar. Last year for the first time, we made it a separate story, however this year we pulled it back into the package with all the other events. So, you'll find our list of the biggest exhibits for the next 6 months on page 31 today.

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Silver Spring, Md.: After being sick for the past two weeks, my boyfriend and I decided to lay low tonight and go out for dinner and a movie. Any suggestions on what to watch and where to eat? We're both on a budget due to credit card bills from the holidays so a cheap eat would be great. It would be a bonus if it was right by the movie theater. We're driving so it could be anywhere in the D.C. area. Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Here's a couple of matchups: "Pan's Labyrinth" at Rockville Regal and dinner at Tara Asia (think you can get a discount when you buy movie tickets there); "Curse of the Golden Flower" at Regal Gallery Place and pizza at the new expanded Matchbox or nibbles at Zaytinya ... and what might be a really cheery thing for ex-sickies if you haven't seen it, is "Happy Feet" is at the IMAX at National History, so you could do the Jazz Cafe thing at cocktail hour and go right into the movie. (Actually, you wouldn't even have to drive to any of those.)

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Joyce Jones: Wanted to give a clarification regarding our calendar that ran today: tickets for the Millenium Stage 10th anniversary free entertainment series Feb. 5 will be released Saturday, Jan 27, at staggered times. (For folks who don't get tickets, the concerts will be simulcast on large screens in the Grand Foyer.)

Here's the Feb. 5 line-up, and the schedule to pick up free tickets on Jan. 27: Sufjan Stevens, at 9 a.m. in the Hall of Nations; the National Symphony Orchestra, at 10 a.m. in the Hall of States; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, at 11 a.m. in the Hall of Nations. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office starting at noon. The Navy Band's Commodores jazz ensemble will also perform; tickets are not needed for that show.

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Temple Hills, Md.: Hello. My birthday is next week and I want to go to a seafood restaurant. I'm interested in something more casual than Oceanaire. Any suggestions.

Eve Zibart: Both Hank's Oyster Bar and Johnny's Half Shell would be upscale in terms of food -- it is your birthday -- but more casual in price and atmosphere. I have friends who think the Bonefish Grills are good bargains, too.

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Arlington, Va.: We've got a 17-month-old daughter. On the days that it's too cold outside, any recommendations? Nothing holds her attention for long, and a lengthy car ride is also not an option. Thanks!

Scott Vogel: Have you been to an indoor waterpark lately? They're paradise for the short attention span set (of which I count myself a proud member). Was just at a new one last weekend -- a sparkling clean facility, the North Arundel Aquatic Center in Glen Burnie, which opened in September -- and was amazed and how toddler-friendly it was, with plenty of splashing fountains in 3" deep water, etc. In your area, I'm a big fan of the Cub Run center in Chantilly, and the Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas. Both have very shallow waters and wonderfully warm temperatures. For a list of more places to go, please see the forthcoming link to a story in last week's Weekend.

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washingtonpost.com: Indoor Aquatic Centers (Weekend, Jan. 12)

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: My few friends in the area are all busy this weekend. Where do you suggest I go during the days, to meet friendly 20- or early 30-somethings? I'm a 20-something female who moved to D.C. a year ago.

When I've had weekends to myself in the past I've read in coffee shops and visited museums. These are good ways to get out of the house, but are solo affairs. Any organized way to meet new friends that you know of? Thanks.

Ellen McCarthy: Check out the stuff going on at ThingstodoDC.com -- it's a group that organizes fun activities around town almost every day of the week. Looks like this weekend they've got a snow tubing adventure, a scavenger hunt, a Spanish dinner and a bunch of other choices. Also, you might want to check out some of the Women's social groups I wrote about recently -- they're a great way to mix up your social life a bit.

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washingtonpost.com: For Women, A Circle of Many Friends (Post, Nightwatch, Nov. 17)

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washingtonpost.com: thingstodo.com

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At Work: So are you going to publish your favorite movies? Might be fun to see what you guys really like when you're not wearing your newspaper hat.

Joyce Jones: I never wear my newspaper hat, it messes up my hair. But anyway, I think it's really hard to pick one favorite movie. However, entries have already started rolling in, so there are lots of people out there who are not so conflicted. If I tell you my favorite now and the winner also likes it, you might think I fixed the contest (oops, I'm acting like I have my newspaper hat on). Anyway, I should have mentioned in my earlier note that the Weekend staff will narrow the entries to several finalists, but then we're going to bounce the big decision to you. Our deadline for entries is Feb. 7 and everyone will be able to vote on washingtonpost.com starting Feb. 23.

Curt Fields: Actually, most of the folks around here tend to be beret-wearing types (with a couple of trucker caps thrown in). But you probably knew/suspected that.

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Bethesda, Md.: So if I can only afford one, should I get tickets for Chick Corea or for Pat Metheny?

Richard Harrington: Tough call. I'm intrigued about what Corea will be doing with futurist banjoman Bela Fleck -- they have recorded an album together, no word on its release date. Chick is always the explorer, as is Bela (we've profiled both in the last year) and I suspect this will be the more adventurous, boundary-defying concert. On the other hand, Pat Metheny is often inspired by pianists (since the days of Lyle Mays) and Brad Meldhau is top-notch. Oh drat....

Curt Fields: We'll try to post a link to those profiles of Corea and Fleck later in the chat.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: I love Indian food, but I think it's silly when a restaurant tries to make it an "upscale" dining experience and charge four times what a samosa should cost. What are your suggestions for where to go for great Indian food that's not trying to be a fancy night out?

Eve Zibart: I haven't been in a while, but I used to go to India Bistro on Gaither Road and thought it was very good. Cafe Spice in Rio has been up-and-down but can be very good. And of course there's Bombay Bistro in Rockville --"mother" of Indique and Indique Heights but much lower-key. And Delhi Dhaba in Bethesda...

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Washington, D.C.: My friend and I are going to the E Street Landmark tomorrow to see "The Queen." Any suggestions for a late lunch/early dinner for after the movie?

Twila Waddy: In that general area, there is the Austin Grill at 750 E St. It is mainly Tex-Mex with reasonable prices. I have been there a few times and thought it was okay. Also, there is a sports bar, ESPN Zone, up the street from the E Street theater. If you like to walk a little, you can had toward Chinatown and there is plenty to pick from there. There is Ella's, which is a great wood-fired pizza place.

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Bethesda, Md.: What to do tomorrow? Any good ideas?

Ellen McCarthy: Do the one thing in Washington you've always promised yourself you'd get to, but keep putting off. Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library, have cocktails at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard, watch planes land from Gravelly Point, explore Roosevelt Island. There's no excuse for boredom in this town.

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Arlington, Va.: Jodie Whitaker sounded remarkably real and down to earth. Was that really your take too or did it just work better if you framed your story that way?

Ellen McCarthy: Oh, no. Believe me, if she had been arrogant or affected, I absolutely would've have let you know that. I was really struck by her humility, which seems rare these days -- everywhere, really, but especially in that profession.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any suggestions for a visit from the parents this weekend, something apart from the museum/monument thing ... it's their fourth or fifth visit, and a sendoff before a long overseas assignment. I tried the GoGs, you're my last hope!

Eve Zibart: Yikes! Shakespeare has most of the stages locked up (and almost sold out) ... are they sports fans? The Wizards are home Friday and the Caps Saturday...

Joyce Jones: If the weather's nice take them to Great Falls. If it's not so nice visit the U.S. Botanic Gardens on the National Mall across from the U.S. Capitol along First Street, S.W., between Maryland Avenue and C Street.
If you've done that before, try different scenery at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. (There you can walk outdoors or tour their conservatory if it's too cold for you outside.)

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Re: Capitol hiller who wants to meet friends: The person could also consider joining an athletic club, like the local Road Runners or Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Road Runners do organized runs all the time and there are tons of young people there. You don't have to be a crazy runner either, there are lots of beginners. And the PATC does hikes both locally and in the netherworld of western va/md.

Ellen McCarthy: Excellent thought. Thanks for chiming in!

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Washington, D.C.: I love your event calendar you print every year. A great service would be to offer our annual event calendar in a CSV format that could be uploaded to MS Outlook and other computer calendars. Also check out Google's calendar associated with it's e-mail. One can directly upload many calendars.

Christina Talcott: So glad you like the calendar, and great suggestions! As a recent convert to Gmail, I've yet to explore all its offerings. Thanks for the tip!

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Arlington, Va.: I know there is a Border collie competition sometime during the year in the D.C. metro area. Can you tell me when and where it is? Thanks!

Joyce Jones: At the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival (May 5-6, Howard County Fairgrounds) there are usually what they call Working Sheepdog Demos. I think you'd see lots of Border collies there.

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Arlington, Va.: Thanks in advance if you take my question! A few friends (mid-20s females) and I are trying to decide where to meet up for dinner tonight. Definitely NW D.C., low-key and not too expensive, but not your typical Friday night hangout. Any suggestions? No limitations on cuisine. Trying to stay away from mainstream options like Clyde's, La Tasca, etc.

Eve Zibart: What about the bar menu at Acadiana? I've also found the back room at Bobby Van's (the one at New York Avenue) to be sort of fun in an old-fashioned Manhattan sort of way. It's a little farther away (judging from your examples) but I also like Nage a lot, at 16th and Rhode Island.

Twila Waddy: Also, you can try Utopia. It is a bar and grill. Has live music on some nights. I have always like the feel of the place. It is located at 1418 U Street, NW. There is the Chi Cha Lounge, located between 16th and 17th on U Street. It more of the bar that has food. It has several areas and rooms where you can sit and have fun.

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Washington, D.C.: Any suggestions for a neutral or Bears-friendly bar for the championsip on Sunday? Thanks!

Curt Fields: Lots of Bears fans congregated at the Union Pub on Mass.Ave. for the playoff game vs. the Seahawks (and during the regular season too I think). No doubt there'll be a crowd there rooting for Da Bears again this week.

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Dupont Circle. Washington, D.C.: So what's the draw for Stoney's?

Ellen McCarthy: In a city of $11 glasses of Zin, VIP rooms and crowded meat markets, the draw is comfortable bar stools, good beer and legendary grilled cheese sandwiches. And for me, that's a lot.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Good morning. Your team always give such great tips for weekend activities. I tried to access the online link for families activities in the Weekend section, but everything is dated for Feb/March.

Any suggestions for family activities in the Maryland area for a family of four -- 2 kids, 9-years and almost 4 years.

Thanks and have a nice weekend.

Christina Talcott: I'm posting a link to this week's For Families list. How about a trip to Baltimore to the Maryland Science Center and Porst Discovery? There's also a schedule of Imax and Planetarium shows at the Science Center in our Repertory list. (See links below)

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washingtonpost.com: For Families (Weekend, For Families, Jan. 19)

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washingtonpost.com: For Families (Weekend, Jan. 19)

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Arlington, Va.: I saw a commercial saying the Broadway show "Wicked" was coming to town, but I can't find additional info about it. When and where will it be playing and when do tickets go on sale? Thanks.

Eve Zibart: Don't think it's coming back here -- at least it's not coming to the KenCen -- but it IS about to go into the Hippodrome in Baltimore, Jan. 24-Feb. 18. And I absolutely recommend it; I have T-shirts and a witch's hat necklace and if they just made earrings to match I'd be in heaven. (Well...) After all, you're talking to a Halloweenie here. But it's a great, great musical for all ages.

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Arlington, Va.: RE: Harry's at Hotel Harrington -- love the place! I haven't been in a few months but they have pretty good food (burgers, etc.) and it's a very eclectic crowd. People are friendly and we've always managed to meet fun/interesting people to talk to. Met a behind-the-scenes guy from Ford's Theatre who shared some inside info on the play that was going on at the time -- nothing earth shattering but little bits of info on the cast (wonderful) and some of the workings of the theater. Lots of locals and tourists alike -- great location and you can always head across the street to ESPN Zone to work off some calories.

Eve Zibart: Thanks -- it's always smelled pretty good! and anything that survives that long has to have something going for it.

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Alexandria, Va.: I remember hearing/seeing something about the Met simulcasting operas in the near future. Can you please provide any details? Thank you!

Christina Talcott: After the unexpected (to the Met, anyway) popularity of their first simulcast of "The Magic Flute" a few weeks ago, they decided to rebroadcast it on Jan. 23, and there are three others coming up. Check out the link below for all the details.

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washingtonpost.com: Metropolitan Opera (Fathom Entertainment)

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks to tips from you and the Gurus, I was able to see the free preview show of "Into the Woods" at the Signature open house last weekend. I really enjoyed it! Is there a review forthcoming? (Or did I miss it?)

Scott Vogel: So glad you got to see it (and so glad you enjoyed it -- I'm going tonight and can't wait! Amazing facility, no?) The Post's Peter Marks has yet to weigh in, though you won't have to wait much longer. The official opening is tonight, so watch for a Style section review in the next few days.

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Random blind date: I have this random blind date with someone from out of town tomorrow. I think we're going to dinner around Woodley Park, but will probably meet up before. Any suggestions as to a fun activity or place to meet? I think it might be too cold for the zoo.

Eve Zibart: How about a sporting (not serious) start? Billiards, darts and board games at Atomic just up the street in Cleveland Park, or darts at Four Courts if your prefer the Irish background. (And yes, it's going to be chilly Saturday but supposed to be clear, and there is so much neat indoor stuff at the zoo now that maybe you could take a shorter trip there.) If you want to start in Adams Morgan, there's Atomic's brother Bedrock...

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Leesburg, Va.: Hi -- I'm looking for fun performances/cultural experiences for two pre-teen/teens. We had great success with the staged reading of "Twelfth Night" at the Kennedy Center -- any other ideas?

Joyce Jones: I know this might seem a little unusual, but your kids might find it interesting considering the convergence of this with the new movie on Beatrix Potter: Linda Lear, a professor of environmental history, will be discussing her book "Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature" at the Borders in White Flint Mall at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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Near You: My office is near yours. Where's the best coffee here? Want to know if you guys know of a spot I haven't found yet (and please, don't say Starbucks).

Christina Talcott: Can I plug two newish, local establishments a few blocks east of here? Breakwell's (9th and M) and Azi's Cafe (9th and O) both have WiFi, and Breakwell's has couches and all sorts of spots for lounging, reading, chatting, etc., without all the shouting. Other suggestions?

Eve Zibart: It's a little farther up, but I know people who really like Jolt n Bolt on 18th in Adams Morgan (depends which way you come in to work). (Puccini's isn't always great, but considering it's going head-to-head with a Caribou, I do like to give it some busines every once in a while.)

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Curt Fields: It was fun. Come back next week for more chat. Bye.

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