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.

They will be online Friday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. ET.

This week the section offers step-by-step guides for foolproof pumpkin carving, two of Spain's most electrifying young musical artists, an interview with Tobin Bell of the "Saw" movies and a visit to the Matisse exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Submit your questions and comments any time before or during the discussion.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Curt Fields: Hello and welcome to Weekend Now, the weekly chat with members of the Weekend staff. We'll be your umbrella-ella-ella-a-a-a on this rainy day for the next hour.

If you have a question or comment about fun things to do in the area or about the Weekend section, please send it in.

Let's get started ...

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McLean Va.: I have friends coming to town who will be staying near Dupont Circle. Can you recommend a nice, quiet restaurant near there where we can catch up?

Jenny Abella: The Tabard Inn on N Street between 17 and 18 is nice. If that's a little out of your price range, you could try the Thai place Bua, at 17th and P. Both are yummy and pretty quiet. Who else has a suggestion for McLean here?

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Rockville, Md.: Thanks for the tips on the new pre and post game places by Verizon! I count on you guys to be my advance recon team for places to go party!

Jenny Abella: You are most welcome -- flattery will get you everywhere in this chat! I actually stopped in at Bar Louie last weekend and liked it. A great meeting place.

Curt Fields: And we'll pass the thanks along to Fritz. I'm sure he'll appreciate the appreciation!

Curt Fields: we'll link to the story shortly...

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Fairfax County, Va.: I have no plans to see "Saw IV," but I really enjoyed the interview with Tobin Bell. It was a big improvement over those "what's on your iPod" bullet points with the guys from "Rendition," which read like the "turn-ons and turn-offs" from a Playboy centerfold. I'd much rather read what Bell had to say about the training and experiences that helped him and about coaching flag football than find out that he doesn't like the licorice jellybeans or whatever. Mr. Harrington, is Bell now too associated with this role to translate his success into bigger parts in other movies?

Richard Harrington: well, he's a lifelong character actor, with some memorable roles (loved him as the Nordic Man in "The Firm") who has even done comedy (as a record store owner on "Seinfeld"). Bell told me he'd done a pilot for a restaurant sitcom (didn't get picked up). But truth is Tobin is 65, so the roles available to him will be limited, Plus, he's probably somewhat typecast now: witness his "Buried Alive," just out on DVD. BTW: this one should be buried alive.

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Arlington, Va.: Welcome back Michael. Where have you been?

Michael O'Sullivan: Nursing a repetive stress injury in my left arm. Better now. Looking for my second Purple Heart.

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Looking for a movie: And you guys hardly liked anything this week? I've read the review but do you guys have any personal suggestions?

Ellen McCarthy: So consider this your catch-up weekend. There's still some good stuff out and you'll be inundated with choices in the next month as Oscar season heats up. Think about "Gone Baby Gone," or "Michael Clayton," or "The Jane Austen Book Club," if you're in the mood for something sweeter.

Jenny Abella: I second Ellen. I saw "Gone Baby Gone" last weekend -- it's one of those really gripping movies that you're not sure you could watch again (and I mean that in a good way).

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washingtonpost.com: New Reasons To Meet Before The Big Game ( Post, Oct. 26)

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Washington, D.C.: Is the play at Ford's Theatre still going to happen even with the rain? I might leave in a few minutes...

Ellen McCarthy: Yes! Bring an umbrella and wander over. Just talked to the folks at Ford's Theatre and they promise the show will go on...

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Bethesda, Md.: I'm tempted to make the drive for the Matisse show. Can you tell me more about it (something you didn't include in your review) that would help me make up my mind?

Michael O'Sullivan: Hmmm, lemme see. There are lots of statues of naked people? (Don't know if this floats your boat or not, but there you have it.) Keep in mind, though, that some of Matisse's nudes, notably his famous "Serpentine" of 1909, look like they were sculpted outof pasta (in this case, linguini). Kind of like Kramer's "Fusilli Jerry," if you've seen that episode of "Seinfeld."

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Nirvana fan?: How's the new Kurt Cobain movie?

Jenny Abella: Our Ann Hornaday gave it a hearty thumbs up: "a must for anyone who still loves Cobain, or still has hope for cinematic portraiture."

If you want to find out more, washingtonpost.com is hosting a chat with the director, AJ Schnack, in just a few minutes...

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Gaithersburg, Md. : Can you tell me more about the upcomign Museum Shoparound? Is it really a good way to take care of holiday shopping in one day?

Michael O'Sullivan: If you like museum shop merchandise, but don't particularly like shopping, it's not bad compromise. If your tastes run to the more idiosyncratic, or you're shopping for people whose tastes run that way, I'd recommend visiting a few of the museums themselves. The National Building Museum has one of the best and quirkiest museum shops in the area. If you have to go to just one, go there.

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NC: Do you know anything about Vespucci Restaurant in Fairfax? I need to get a gift and was thinking of a GC from there.

Thanks!

Jenny Abella: Nancy Lewis of The Post's Fairfax Extra says "Vespucci serves real Italian food that's well-prepared, and that's a good addition to the neighborhood." Can anyone out there speak from personal experience?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi -- This might be more of a Gurus question, but I am desperately seeking information about Blob's Park....I have organized a group of about 10 friends to go up there tomorrow night, and have been calling them every day, leaving messages and e-mails. They never answer their phone, the e-mails have all bounced back, and they did not return my calls. Now their voicemail says "do not leave reservations on the answering machine, we are full for the weekend." Do people go to this place without reservations? None of us has ever been!!

Eve Zibart: Haven't been in ages, and don't remember that the response time was particularly swift even then...but with Halloween on the verge, I'd be a little leery of going without any info or someone picking up the phone....anyone tried it recently?

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Michael O'Sullivan: And for those who didn't get my "Fusilli Jerry" reference, you may want to pick up "The Complete Seinfeld" DVD box set, which Curt is reviewing next Friday.

Curt Fields: It's every episode, plus HOURS of bonus material. If I go back to viewing it right after the chat and don't do any other work, I should have the review ready just in time!

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Rockville, Md.: I'm the poster from last weekend that said I'll be moving from the D.C. area soon. We followed up on your suggestion and visited Shenendoah last weekend, and loved it! Thank you, again!

Jenny Abella: Hi again! Glad you enjoyed yourselves. We're sorry you're leaving -- but come back to visit, okay? The fun never stops in DC...

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Planning: Where's a good place to meet a friend for dinner in the Cleveland Park area?

Ellen McCarthy: Ohhh, so many. If you're looking for good food that's easy on your bank account, consider Spices. Dino's is pricier, but has some great Italian dishes. If you just want a nice, relaxed hang out, head to Cleveland Park Bar and Grill. And there's always the bar at Palena. You might just want to hop off the metro, wander around and see what fits your mood at the moment.

Curt Fields: Actually, my wife and I just did that very scenario one night earlier this week, meeting an old friend who was visiting from out of town.

We met at Spices and then did post-dinner conversation at Aroma down the street. It was an enjoyable evening that worked for us and I bet it would work for you as well!

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A little late: I didn't get a chance to chat last week. But wanted to ask what Sinead was like in person or on the phone or however you talked to her. How does she come across in conversation? (I love her voice by the way)

Richard Harrington: She was in Dublin, I was here. She seemed cool, a survivor who was so relieved to find out the root of her long-term depression. Didn't use it as an excuse for anything she's ever done, but it does explain some things. Sinead seems to be in a better place, making music from a positive, spiritual place that's always been part of her, long obscured by the SNL incident.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any recommendations for a restaurant Thanksgiving dinner? I'd like it to be nice but not excessively expensive (like under $100/person for dinner/drinks), and to have some traditional options.

Eve Zibart: A lot of restaurants are offering fixed price dinners or buffets that day (almost any restaurant that's in a hotel is a good bet). Even some of the "fancier" places such as 2941, Citronelle, Blue Duck and Maestro are open; Legal Seafood is "stuffing" lobsters instead of turkeys. But I would call your two or three favorite places and you'd be surprised. If you think not everyone wants turkey, etc. Vidalia is doing an a la carte menu; historic atmosphere is a fringe benefit at Gadsby's Tavern; olde inne look at Angler's; and so on.

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Bowie, Md.: I usually agree with Hornaday's reviews, but I've seen the Cobain movie, and omg. It's the most boring thing I've ever sat through, and I wasn't the only one who thought that. You have to really be in love with that egotist to enjoy the flick.

Jenny Abella: A dissenting opinion. Thanks for writing in. We love to hear everyone's viewpoint.

Michael O'Sullivan: You might want to check out "Kurt and Courtney" on DVD. The 1998 documentary--by "gonzo" documentarian Nick Broomfield, who always injects a little bit of himself into his work--is anything but boring. Broomfield also did excellent docs on "Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss and serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

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Falls Church, Va.: Anything supercool on the "My So-Called Life" DVDS?

Curt Fields: Yes, several nice bonus features. Among them the featurette "My So-Called Life Story" about the show's origins, a 1995 Museum of Television and Radio Panel (a little dry at times but good for context), "A Conversation with Claire Danes and Winnie Holzman," a piece looking at the backstories and relationships of the characters,an interview with Danes and some other stuff.

Plus there's the book that accompanies the set. It's got original art with full-color cast photos and liner notes from Holzman, Joss Whedon, Janeane Garofalo and Michele Byers (author and co-editor of new book "Dear Angela: Remembering My So-Called Life" - due out this year).

All in all, if you're a big fan of the series you'll probably enjoy this set.

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Washington, D.C.: So, central to making plans this weekend: When are the cabbies ACTUALLY striking? I've heard Wednesday, October 31, and I've heard this Saturday, the 27th. Which is it? Thanks much!

Michael O'Sullivan: All the reports I've heard say that SOME cabbies are calling for a Halloween (Oct. 31) strike.

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Eve Zibart: PS to Cleveland Park: Indique is very nice, and the Ardeo/Bardeo twins, as well as Dino and Palena, have good wine lists.

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Washington, D.C.: Wanted to get your input on something I've noticed. I caught a show at the Black Cat last week and it was maybe the twentieth time I've been there to catch a show. One thing that always shocks me is how poor the customer service is there. Now I understand the whole apathetic, rich kid hipster thing. You ride a fixed gear bike, you wear tight pants and you don't comb your hair. But you're 'rogue' ways shouldn't spill over into your job. When a patron addresses you, you should be cordial and helpful. Unfortunately, I get the exact opposite response, if any (save a few of the bartenders). There are those of us who go to see shows because we like the music but don't dress it. Is this just me or does the club exhibit very poor customer service?

Richard Harrington: This hardly ever happens in a hip, happening club! (just kidding). Actually, it's sadly common, particularly if you're not a near or exact reflection of the waiter/bartender/security/whatever person. As an older (dare I say tubbier) concert goer, I'm sometimes dismissed or ignored, though never as badly as by a clerk at (NOW SHUTTERED) Tower who once, when Iwas buying a bunch of music magazines, asked "are these for your office waiting room?" Never thought I looked like a dentist or doctor, but maybe I do (kidding). You could say something, not in anger, but pointing out that PR is part of any job.

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Rockville, Md.: I just wrote in thanking you for the Shenendoah advice. May I pick your brain again on other weekend must see suggestions for a family with to young kids leaving D.C.-area. (We've seen most of the well-known area attractions and want to visit some hidden gems, even open to day trips).

Jenny Abella: Have you been to Fort McHenry in Baltimore? It's actually pretty cool -- you can go inside barracks and artillery depots; it's right on the water with places to run around. And, you know, there's the whole Star Spangled Banner allure. The best part is that it's one of those "only in this region"-type places. Where else (besides the closed-for-now American history museum) are you gonna learn about the flag?

Another option this weekend is the National Symphony Orchestra's family Halloween concerts on Sunday at 1 and 3. Your family can take in the grandness of the Kennedy Center and the NSO before you leave. I saw this concert last year and had a blast (and I went on my own without any kids in tow).

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Casual but good: Do you have a recommendation for a restaurant that four of us can hit after the Maryland football game tomorrow? The game is at 3:30, and we will be in stadium gear but appreciate good food and wine. Is this an impossible task?

Michael O'Sullivan: I love Franklin's on Route 1 in Hyattsville. The food is good and stadium attire would not be inappropriate. Better for beers than wine, but the little general store adjacent to the restaurant sells an interesting selection of wine. Take a bottle or two home for later.

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Craving: With this chilly, rainy weather, do you or the chatters know of any restaurant serving a good marrow bone these days?

Christina Talcott: I feel like I'm hearing about bone marrow on menus a lot these days. The new Il Mulino on Vermont and L has it, as do the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in Foggy Bottom and Montsouris in Dupont. Cashion's Eat Place may have it the night you visit (call to be sure). Anybody else have marrow recommendations?

Eve Zibart: Other possibilities: CityZen and Marcel's (usually a fringe benefit of the veal shanks). Intriguingly, I saw a set of long Victorian marrow spoons in an antiques store not long ago: wish I'd bought them.

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Arlington, Va.: I hope you can help. I can't find the info on Ghost house tours in Old Town Alexandria. I know they're offering couple programs and I was wondering if one of you has gone to one and how it was. I have a 10-year-old I'd like to take this weekend.

Jenny Abella: I've been on ones in the District, but never Alexandria (though I've always wanted to). Anyone have any input? Check out Alexandria Colonial Tours -- they do a couple of tours and even a few tickets are available for Halloween tours (Oct. 28 and 31).

If you can't make those, you could wait until Nov. 11 for the ghost tour at the National Building Museum. We have a story about it in today's section and it sounds super creepy and fun (lanterns, spectral figures, etc.). Registration is required and limited to 25 people, though so you might want to act fast on this one...

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washingtonpost.com: Museum by Day, Mystery by Night ( Post, Oct. 26)

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Ryan Adams?: Are there still tickets available? Is he worth seeing live?

Richard Harrington:70 tickets left as of 11:49!!!!!

worth seeing/depends on your tolerance

Curt Fields: there's always the chance he'll have a meltdown/rant on stage (as he occasionally does, so that ups the curiosity factor!)

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Washington, D.C.: Great tips on how to pick a pumpkin! The Food section had a recipe for dinner in a pumpkin, which made me wonder: are all the pumpkins they sell at the store edible?

washingtonpost.com: Dinner in a Pumpkin ( Post, Oct. 24)

Michael O'Sullivan: All varieties of pumpkin are edible. Some are sweeter than others, so would be better for, say, a pie.

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On the lookout: For a good place to just sit and drink in Rockville? More neighborhoody than loungey, but latter okay as long as it isn't snobby loungey. Any suggestions?

Eve Zibart: Although it can get busy, I like the fireside sofa area (the Sinatra Shrine) at Timpano. Potomac Grille has a small but very neighborly bar. Tower Oaks is huge, but there are some nice little corners and such; similarly, if it's not just swamped, the PGA Tour Grill bar folks are very nice. I prefer Houston's bar to the dining rooms, myself. Nick's Chophouse in King Farm has a great bar (very good bartender). Sad to say, a lot of the great old dives are gone, but one of the greatest and diviest goes on: Hank Dietle's, across from White Flint.

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Curious: Is that a drag queen in the pink hair on your cover today?

Curt Fields: Our art director says the answer is no.

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Fairfax, Va.: How does PX work? I know where it is, even though there is no sign. But do you just show up? And is there a dress code (other than not looking like a schlub)?

Ellen McCarthy: Yeah, tricky, huh? But that's intended to be part of the allure. They recommend you make reservations, especially if you have a group of folks. But you can always try your luck for a walk-in table, if you happen to be in the neighborhood. There is a dress code, but it's not too strict. Just business casual. Report back on which cocktail you choose, okay?

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Eve Zibart: I would slightly disagree about the pumpkins. If you want to cook, ask your patch leader. There are varieties much better suited, and they're usually smaller and easier to handle, more like their cousins the acorn squash.

Curt Fields: We can all agree to avoid the foamcore fake ones from your local crafts store though! Not tasty at all.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Re pumpkins for cooking -- I find the smaller pumpkins (sometimes called pie pumpkins) have a better texture once cooked than the larger, bright orange ones.

Curt Fields: thanks

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Curt Fields: Well folks, that's it for another week. We're glad you stopped by and joined us. We hope we were helpful for those of you seeking some advice on your entertainment planning and amusing for those of you just killing time.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you next Friday.

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