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 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, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

This week, Weekend looks at some of the different "boot-camp" options for getting in shape and previews some of the more interesting events coming up, including British singer Lily Allen at the 9:30 club and The Kennedy Center's revival of the musical "Carnival!"

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Curt Fields: Hola, bon jour and greetings. We're glad you joined us. It's cold out there but there's plenty of fun to be had regardless. So let's talk about it. Got questions or comments? Let's hear them!

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Washington, D.C,: I need a unique idea to do later this weekend as a break. Lately I've been working 60 hour weeks, coming in on weekends, and will probably be working Monday when the rest of the office is closed to finish up this massive project. Any suggestions for something completely different and yet relaxing to take my mind off work? It could involve driving somewhere, within reason, too. Thanks!

Jenny Abella: Talk about a "Calgon, take me away!" moment. You definitely deserve a break. The Phillips Collection has a new exhibit opening tomorrow: "Moving Pictures: American Art and Early Film," the first exhibition of its kind to compare artworks with early experiments in film (by people such as Thomas Edison, etc.). That's different. There's John Epperson as Lypsinka as Joan Crawford at the Studio Theatre, too. And hey, if you have to work Monday, I say party on Tuesday: Clarendon's having its Mardi Gras parade Tuesday at 8. Let the good times roll...

Any others have suggestions? What do y'all do to get away from it all?

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Curt Fields: Just a heads up for those of you wanting to catch DAVID NEWMAN at Twins Jazz (we ran a review of his CD on page 9 today). He will be there on Saturday and Sunday but the weather made it impossible for him to get a flight out of the south (where he was earlier this week) before Saturday. So Newman won't be there tonight but his trio will be there performing. We found out too late to get the info into print, but wanted to get the word out to those of you who stopped by the chat.

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washingtonpost.com: DAVID "FATHEAD" NEWMAN "Life" HighNote ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Eastern Market, Washington, D.C:. Weekenders,

As with most of us who live here, we're slated to receive out-of-towners in the coming weeks and would like to "show them the town" in a literal way: what are 3-4 of the best dining venues in the D.C. area with good views of the monuments and/or cityscape? Anything in close-in Virginia/Maryland would be okay, too, but we're basically thinking D.C.

Eve Zibart: Ouch! That's a lot tougher question than it used to be. It being winter (and suddenly a cold one at that) a few of the roof options are closed; plus the Key Bridge Marriott closed its top-floor steakhouse and recent development has all but blocked the view from the Hyatt-Crystal City's restaurant; but Cafe Mozu at the Mandarin Oriental has a nice view. You could call the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace (be sure to specify a window table). Phillips on the waterfront has some tables with a cool view of the monuments up the river. And while the view isn't obvious from the dining room, the folks at Charlie Palmer Steak might be persuaded to show your folks the view of the Capitol dome from their roof.

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Germantown, Md.: So of the DVDs coming out this week, which one or two should I definitely see?

Curt Fields: Of the ones coming out on Tuesday (the 20th) I'd say must-sees are "Shut Up and Sing" and "American Hardcore." Both are great music-related documentaries.

If you didn't catch them in theaters, then "Babel," "Flushed Away" and "The Prestige" are worth considering depending on whether you want drama or comedy.

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Of the ones that came out on the 13th and are available now I'd say "The Departed" and "Half Nelson" are the best of that batch.

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Tea time ...: Please help! I have been to a few teas in the area (Ritz Carlton, Morrison House), but this time I'm looking for a tea suitable for multiple generations -- grandmothers and granddaughters -- any suggestions for something that fits the bill? Thanks so much!

Ellen McCarthy: Well, I would think both of those spots would be happy to serve all the members of your brood--no matter where they fall on the family tree. But, if you're looking for something less formal, you might consider Teaism in Penn Quarter, which offers both traditional and Asian afternoon teas.

Or if you want to make it even more special, you can sign up for a "Tour and Tea" afternoon at the National Cathedral--they run most Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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Alexandria, Va.: I grew up watching musicals, but I haven't heard much about "Carnival!" ... What's it about? Is it any good?

Scott Vogel: If you're not familiar with "Carnival!," you're in good company. Though it was a modest hit in the early '60s and boasts a score by Bob Merrill (most famous for his lyric-writing for "Funny Girl"), "Carnival!" has never been revived on Broadway. I must confess that I haven't seen it either, but it has a few well-known songs that make me quite curious to see the Kennedy Center's new production, which begins performances tomorrow evening. And I was even more curious after interviewing the show's lead, Ereni Sevasti, who's beyond thrilled to be making her local debut. "Carnival!" has a reputation as a sweet, endearing show and it deserves to chance to make its case for inclusion in the musical theater pantheon. We'll see!

Curt Fields: A link to that interview will be posted soon.

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Elkton, Va.: Did the WaPo do away with the Best Bets column in the Weekend section? I used to check it online every weekend for fairs, street festivals, car shows, and things like that. I know you have a column called Our Picks, but the announcements there are more cultural in nature (theater and concerts, etc.)

Joyce Jones: No, the Weekend's Best column appears each week on page 3. I just looked at the Weekend page (which you can reach today by clicking on the link on the lower part of the Front page or at washingtonpost.com/weekend) and, you're right, I can't find the Best page either. I think it is meant to be under the heading "Happy Birthday, George!" which is the first headline on that page, however there's only one item there. I'll see what I can find out. It may not be fixed today, but it will be by next Friday. Thanks for the heads up.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi! I was thinking about a weekend trip to Baltimore -- I don't get up there as often as I'd like. I want to do the Walters and Baltimore Art Museum since I haven't been there. Can I do them both in a day? If so, what else is there to do in B-more?

Michael O'Sullivan: If you get up there when they both open (11 a.m on Saturdays and Sundays).....maybe. They're both big museums, and there's lots to see. I've done it, but I felt like I was racing. What else is there to do? Well, there's the Contemporary Museum's "Cell Phone" show too. That's right near the Walters. Oh, and the American Visionary Art Museum. Better wear running shoes.

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washingtonpost.com: Taking a Chance on A Wide-Eyed Heroine ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Joyce Jones: Sorry, a correction on that note about Weekend's Best Page. I looked again, and all the info on the page is under that headline "Happy Birthday, George!" It just took it a while to come up on my computer. We do need to figure a way to have it slugged Weekend's Best in the future, but it is there. Also, the headline "Piano Across the Years" is for page 4 "Rest of the Best." Sorry about the confusion. We'll put up a link to both.

Curt Fields: There is a way, and it's already fixed for next week.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi, Weekend Staff. I have a friend and her eight-year-old daughter visiting me this weekend. This is their first trip to D.C. Any suggestions for kid-friendly activities this weekend that will show off the city to them? Thanks!

Christina Talcott: Head down to the Mall for lots of kid-friendly options. We've actually got an 8-year-old visiting today, and he says he likes the Air & Space Museum, and he likes the food at the American Indian Museum. His family also goes ice skating at the National Gallery, drives around to see the monuments at night and visits the zoo - especially the baby panda and the other baby animals. Anyone else have favorites to suggest?

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Sorry if this is a repeat question, but it's certainly worth the repetition for this weekend! Aside from the Tabard Inn, where else can I enjoy a drink by a fireplace in the District?

Eve Zibart: You bet! Just across the try Iron Gate Inn, Hotel Lombardy, Sea Catch, Le Chaumiere..

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Alexandria, Va.: Anything fun for kids coming up?

Jenny Abella: What kid doesn't like a parade? There are a couple this weekend: Alexandria has a parade in honor of George Washington's birthday on Monday at 1 in Old Town. And Mount Vernon has its own parades for the founding father Saturday through Monday. (Also, pssst, Mount Vernon is free on Monday, opening at 8!) And don't forget about the Chinese New Year Parade on Sunday at 2 in Chinatown. Dragon dancers, bands, etc. They all sound fun.

You can also take 'em to the DAR Museum for a fun "Myth or Truth" exhibit about American Colonial life. And starting next weekend, there will be a few maple-sugaring festivals in the region. You might want to bring some wet wipes for those....

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washingtonpost.com: DAR Museum Sorts Colonial Fact From Fict ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Please Help!

My parents (ages 62 and 53) are coming into town this weekend. We want to go out to dinner one night (Saturday or Sunday) but don't want to break the bank. I'd like the $11-$20 range for entrees (although when I do that in the City Guide I get a lot of places that are actually more expensive). I'd like to take them somewhere that feels more city-ish in neighborhood (i.e., Chinatown, Dupont, something)... and probably something with some "safe" bets on the menu -- my mom and I are adventurous, but my dad loves him a good old steak (but likes seafood too). Any suggestions? I'd like to stay away from any kind of chain feel -- THANKS!

Eve Zibart: One safe bet might be the Clyde's in Gallery Place--certainly a broad enough menu, and you would be walking around Chinatown and the museum district with all those neat old buildings first. Johnny's Half-Shell is on the Hill near Union Station. Obelisk in Dupont Circle might seem more expensive than you want, but the fixed price gets you four courses, and who doesn't like Italian?

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washingtonpost.com: In a Wonderfully Sticky Situation ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Washington, D.C.: Wow, all your reviewers seemed to like every movie! Is that a first? They all sound good -- which one should I see first?

Scott Vogel: Ann Hornaday was not exactly a big fan of "Family Law," but in general you're right, it's a good weekend for movies. Those who've seen "Breach" -- about the Robert Hanssen FBI spy case -- say it's quite good, but if you're in the mood for a comedy, don't overlook a small film like "Only Human." The Spanish movie, about a Jewish woman who falls in love with a Palestinian, is laugh-out-loud funny, believe it or not (so says the Post's Desson Thomson).

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Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.: Mr. Harrington, I'd be interested in hearing your take on the performances at the Grammys. If you watched.

Richard Harrington: Well...

The Police...missed the faux-reggae vocals...and this was supposed to be the 2007 Grammys not the 1980s refrie. We'll see what happens when Sting trades in the lute for the loot

sorta the same with Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson, who seemed ancient next to energizer bunny Chris Brown. Didn;t need his kibitzing on the James brown moment. Odd that the most eloquent moment on the Grammys was JB's cape draped on the microphone....

Corinne Bailey Rae (whom I adore) was a bit sleepy, John Legend a bit too earnest, John Mayer still fighting to overcome his looks and charm, and winning

Poor Carrie Underwood--western swing is not her thing and didn't we already have that country stars-do-Eagles tribute project a few years ago? Rascal Flatts--a good argument for radio, rather than television...

The Dixie Chicks have a great song but when did Emily get so buff? Are they recasting Alias?

Mary J Blige is Mary J Blige--love her or fast-forward. You get the same passionate performance, and the same humbled-and-renewed speech.

Aguilera as James Brown? Interesting choice, and she mostly proved she's git chops, and not enough self-control.

Timberlake? Saw him at Verizon recently and thought he had surprisingly little presence, vocally or dancing, which may be why he surrounded himself with the most ridiculous dancers in recent memory....

Shakira sings? Just kidding. She's actually lots of fun, more so than Wyclef

Beyonce? She's trying to overcome Jennifer Hudson in the "this is my moment" song department. And coming in second.

James Blunt? Blunted.

And Gnarls Barkley was weirdly disappointing, given Cee-lo's somewhat stiff rendering of the song that should have won Record of the Year honors and inexplicably got shafted by not getting a Song of the Year nomination.

Overall, not a memorable night of performances....

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Washington, D.C.: I have been looking for a nice place to take my wife for dinner and dancing. We're 50-something's and don't do rap and hip-hop. I'm not looking for a club that serves food, but rather a nice restaurant that has music (preferably live) and dancing.

Ellen McCarthy: Hmmm... it seems like there used to be more of this around, doesn't it. One you might want to consider is Colvin Run in Tysons Corner. They have a live band on Saturday and samba lessons starting at 8. Any other classy dancing/dining suggestions out there?

Eve Zibart: Give a call to Le Canard--Peter Robinson is always good--and also call 701.

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Baltimore, Md.: Just thought you'd like to know that Dan Zanes won a Grammy this week.

Curt Fields: another Grammy-related comment, clearly from a regular chatter (for those of you aren't, Mr. Zanes has been the subject of some discussion in previous chats).

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Upper MoCo: Does Strathmore in Rockville have any good jazz for their Open House Monday?

Christina Talcott: On the main stage is jazz pianist Junior Mance & his Trio with vocalist Everett Greene at 1:30, and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Band is in the lobby at 3:30 - they're usually impressive.

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washingtonpost.com: Our Picks ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Happy New Year Oink: What Lunar New Year events are planned in the metro area?

Jenny Abella: Happy Lunar New Year to you! (It's the Year of the Boar, if you don't get our chatter's name here.) Well, you got your annual Chinese New Year Parade downtown on Sunday from 2 to 5. Lion and dragon dancers, troupes, bands and other entertainment. Firecrackers are scheduled to be lit at 4:15. It was crowded the last time I went, but always fun.

Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg is also holding a celebration through Feb. 25 with art demonstrations, games, entertainment and more. Anyone know of others?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm treating my family (parents, brother, and girlfriend) to lunch tomorrow due to a bonus I got at work (my parents rarely let my brother and I pay). I wanted to force my suburbanite parents and brother to come to the city but with this weather I'd rather go to a place where parking would be easier so that my mom doesn't have to brave the cold for too long. Are there any good brunches in the Tysons/McLean area on Saturdays? If not, we're going to do Sweetwater Tavern in Merrifield.

Eve Zibart: How about the Carlyle Grand in Shirlington?

Curt Fields: I'm a fan of Sweetwater that's a great Plan B (heck, it's worth being Plan A).

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Vienna, Va.: Are any of you heading to the Wammies on Sunday night?

Richard Harrington: I am.

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washingtonpost.com: Strathmore

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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to Easton, Md., in a couple of weekends ... anything I should definitely do while I'm there? I've never been, but I like the idea of the shore in the winter. Thanks!

Michael O'Sullivan: Check out the Academy Art Museum. It's showing works on paper from the collection of DC art collector Grover Batts. Perhaps a nice lunch at Mason's (22 S. Harrison Street)?

Eve Zibart: I like it too! I just did a piece on the shore in the winter a few weeks, in fact, and we'll get you the link. In the meantime, there's more news: The Tidewater Inn, which was bought a little while ago (by the same folks who have bought Coolfont in Berkeley Springs) has a very nice new restaurant and wine bar. For more, read on:

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Get away from it all: Are Eastern Shore bed and Breakfasts open this time of year? That might be nice if they have a fireplace.

Twila Waddy: Yes. Last March I went to St. Micheals, MD and stayed at the Five Gables Inn & Spa, 410-745-0100. All of the rooms have fireplaces and spa tubs. It was still a little cold and before the season started. But, it was great to go without all of the crowds. Also, enough of the shops were open for me to do some shopping.

Curt Fields: and for more on the area, we'll post a link to Eve's piece on the beach in winter. Look for it below.

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Birthday Girl: Not exactly a weekend question, but maybe you can help me out! My birthday is Tuesday and we're looking for any Mardi Gras going-ons in the city for poor graduate students to attend. Nothing too fancy, just fun. Thanks!

Christina Talcott: Hey, anything about getting out and having fun is a Weekend question! It's not in the city, but it's close enough: Head to Clarendon for their Mardi Gras parade, starting at 8 on Tuesday. Beads, music, costumes - that's my kind of birthday party! We've got more info on page 14 of today's section, or you can call 703-812-8881. Happy birthday!

Curt Fields: That's right. Here at Weekend Now we think EVERY day has a little Weekend in it.

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South Riding, Va.: How big do you think the crowds will be at Mount Vernon on Monday? I would normally drive, but are there other options available to get there?

Thanks

Joyce Jones: Checked in with Mount Vernon, and this is what you will be looking at on Monday. Yes, surprise, it's a BIG day. Last year there were 12,000 visitors. There will be satellite parking with shuttles. If you don't want to drive you can take the Metro to Huntington Station and there is a Fairfax Connector bus that you can take. It only runs once an hour and you should check the Metro Web site for the bus schedule. President Bush will be there in the morning. While he is there the mansion and the tomb will be closed. If you're more interested in seeing the mansion than the morning events, you may want to wait until the afternoon to arrive. They will be opening at 8, and there will be a security checkpoint. How long before 8 you want to arrive is up to you, if you're trying to get parking for the morning event. On the bright side, admission is free this Monday!

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washingtonpost.com: DAR Museum Sorts Colonial Fact From Fict ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16) and In a Wonderfully Sticky Situation ( Post, Weekend, Feb. 16)

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Washington, D.C.: Is "Cats" a good show for an 11-year-old?

Scott Vogel: Good question! It absolutely is. In fact, 12 is too old. Kidding! And your question reminds me that a touring production of "Cats" will be at the Warner Theatre from March 6-18. Ads say "Last Chance!," although a healthy amount of skepticism ought to be applied to that claim. They don't call it "Now and Forever" for nothing.

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Bethesda, Md.: Is there a seafood place that does equally good non-seafood dishes too? I'm the non-seafood eater in the family...

Eve Zibart: Sure! DC Coast, Kinkead's, Sea Catch, Oceanaire and M&S Grill have stuff for the fin-phobic.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I'm dog/house sitting in Silver Spring, Md., this weekend and since I rarely go north of within the Beltway I'm not too familiar with this area. Can you give me any suggestions for fun activity -- I've already read up on the AFI Silver Theater and am planning on checking that out at some point.

Michael O'Sullivan: If you're looking for a great neighborhood bar, check out the Quarry House Tavern (8401 Georgia Avenue). The basement establishment is a nice change from all the chain restaurants that have opened since the revitalization.

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Herndon, Va.: I'm taking my 15-year-old brother into D.C. this weekend. He's never really done the tourist stuff. We've decided to go to the Museum of Natural History. What else would interest a 15-year-old? He also wants to try Indian food -- any suggestions?

Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: The Air and Space Museum seems like a natural. And I bet he'd like the Spy Museum too--especially if go see Breach at some other point in the weekend. If you do end up in that Penn Quarter area, IndeBlue is where you want to be for dinner.

Eve Zibart: And if that's booked, you can always check Rasika.

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Chinese New Year Parade: What time should we get to Chinatown to be able to see something in the parade? Thanks!

Christina Talcott: The parade starts at 2 and goes till 5, with the jumbo, 5-story-tall firecrackers getting lit at 4:15. Get there before 2 and you should be able to get a good spot anywhere along H St between 6th and 8th or on 7th Street between G and I. Have fun!

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Arlington, Va.: I like Lily Allen's CD but I get the feeling she's not that good live yet. What say you?

Richard Harrington: She's still pretty new to it, but from clips I've seen, she's a natural entertainer, and a charmer. No one will mistake her for Amy Lee or Mary J Blige....

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Gaithersburg, Md.: What are some good BUDGET-minded restaurants in the District?

Eve Zibart: Any kind of food in particular you like? Asian places are generally good bets, so Chinatown's a destination possibility. Yazuzu in Dupont Circle (Mediterranean), Skewers (ditto), Matchbox pizza, Teaism, Burma, Moby Dick in Georgetown, Kanlaya...and any of the tapas places can be if you go carefully.

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Phillips Collections: Just FYI, for that exhibit it is $12 a person! Not quite like the Smithsonian ...

Jenny Abella: True, true. It's $12. But we can't get everything for free (try as we might)...

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Washington, D.C.: Okay, I'm going away for an overnight trip this weekend and am looking for the best, biggest, warmest indoor pool at a hotel in the area. if you could choose the best one within two hours of here, what would it be?

Eve Zibart: That Hyatt Resort we mention in the beach story has a big glassed in pool, as does Lansdowne.

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Arlington, Va.: For the person looking for a place with a great city view, I wholeheartedly recommend the revolving skydome at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City. I've lived in D.C. a couple years but just went there for the first time last week, and the spectacular view took my breath away.

I'm not sure if the skydome serves dinner (I was only there late at night for drinks), but it's very close to D.C. and I plan to take all my visitors there in the future.

Eve Zibart: Thanks---I just realized I'd missed it! I think one room is a dining room and the other the club.

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Bethesda, Md.: Mr. Vogel, are there any plays closing in the next couple of weeks I should make it a point to catch before they go?

Scott Vogel: If you've never seen Lypsinka -- a one-of-a-kind female illusionist, as we used to call them -- I've heard great things about "The Passion of the Crawford," a show made up entirely of Lypsinka (aka John Epperson) bringing to life some sound clips of interviews of Joan Crawford and snippets from her movies. Sound intriguing? Hurry, it plays only through 2/25. Closing the same day is Signature Theatre's "Into the Woods," the inaugural production in their new Shirlington space, and you gotta see the new space to believe it....

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Clarendon, Va.: Help! My parents are coming in to meet my new girlfriend on Saturday afternoon. That should be fine (hopefully), but given the weather and my somewhat small apartment (and 6 p.m. dinner reservations in Clarendon)... would you have any thoughts on quickie getaways to break up the day?

They've been to D.C. enough before; they've done most of the general touristy bits. I'd simply like to know if there's anything special this weekend has to offer, especially if it's close to Clarendon or Arlington.

Thanks!

Joyce Jones: It looks like we're expecting a high of 40(!!!) on Saturday. Isn't it funny how 40 used to be COLD but now even the 30s seem so comfortable? So, you may have more options than you think. Here are some quick getaway ideas in NoVA. How bout hitting Mount Vernon before the President's Day rush? There you can do inside or outside depending on how cold it feels to you. Rather be inside? There's the Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center. If you have a little more time and like quaint old downtowns, head out to Middleburg or the Oldtown part of Warrenton. If you want to take a lovely drive, head out I-66 and take the Rt. 15 exit to 55 and then to Blantyre Road (look at a map before you do this). One of the prettiest drives and right off I-66. When you reach 17, you're a few miles from Warrenton.

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Annapolis, Md.: I'm actually looking to get away from the water ... How are the roads in the mountains? If they're okay, where should I go? I've already been to Harpers Ferry ...

Christina Talcott: Your best bet is to either contact your local AAA or go online and check out up-to-the-minute road conditions on state Dept. of Transportation sites, we'll post some map links below. You can zoom in and see if the roads you want look ok. The drive up through Frederick and Washington counties in MD can be spectacular. There's something about seeing those mountains in the distance near Cumberland...

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washingtonpost.com: Maryland Dept. of Transportation

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Best G and T in town?: Where can a girl get the best Gin and Tonic in town? No frills really necessary, just a great drink to chill out!

Ellen McCarthy: You should be able to get a respectable G and T almost anywhere in town--that's a pretty hard cocktail to screw up. (Though I succeeded in doing so once, when someone put me in charge of serving drinks. I was quickly relieved of my duties--hurrah!) Go to one of the hotel bars for great service--Degrees in the Ritz, Round Robin Bar in the Willard, Off the Record in the Hay-Adams.

Eve Zibart: Add the Mayflower Lounge to that list: Bartender Sam Lek is a legend, and for a reason; plus it's another of those great old hotel rooms with armchairs and fabulous piano music from Dan Ruskin (no place to dance, though)

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Curt Fields: Well that concludes our hour of entertainment power. Hope we were able to help with your planning.

Have a good week (and holiday weekend). Do some stuff we wouldn't do and then come back and tell us about it next Friday.

Until then ...

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