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.

It's almost opening day at the Nats' new stadium. But even if you don't have tickets, you can still enjoy some baseball. Amy Orndorff writes about the many non-Nats baseball things to do around the region. Plus, we visit one of the many (yes, many) tango classes in the area, chat with Jim Sturgess of "21" and review Olazzo in Silver Spring.

A transcript follows.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Curt Fields: Hello everyone.

Welcome to Weekend Now. I'm afraid we have fewer people here than usual to answer questions so be patient if there's a lull between answers. We'll type as fast as we can.

It looks as if it'll be a nice weekend for getting out and doing something fun. So let's start coming up with a plan so we don't let it go to waste.

Here we go...

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Great idea: to have Ben's Chili Bowl and other local favors at the Nats park!

Eve Zibart: For sure -- although I have to say, the idea of thousands of people eating chili dogs in one place does give me a little pause!!!

Curt Fields: Yes, it's definitely cool that they're incorporating a taste of DC into the makeup of what's available. That'll help provide character for the park.

Any of you chatters going to opening day?

If not, be sure and check out our cover story from today.

We'll post a link shortly.

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washingtonpost.com: Not Necessarily the Nats ( Weekend, March 28)

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Kids in tow: Is there a kid-friendly restaurant in the Dupont area?

Eve Zibart: You didn't specify ages, but everybody can do Pizzeria Paradiso, Levante's, Vapiano. Kramerbooks/Afterwords, Raku and Zorba would be fun, especially if you sit outside. Mimi's and Luna Grill are probably good bets as well. And of course anything connected to a hotel, i.e. Dupont Grille, has to be prepared. Another idea: Peacock Cafe.

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Rockville, Md.: Where are some good spots to ride bikes near Rockville? I'm new to the area and am ready to take advantage of impending spring.

Eve Zibart: From Rockville you have pretty easy access to either the C&O Canal (put in at Lock 6 near Glen Echo, Carderock or near Anglers Inn) or could go to Bethesda and take the Silver Crescent Trail. Check out www.go-maryland.com/Rockville-Bethesda/Biking for more infor.

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Union Station, D.C.: Going with the idea of local baseball...

There's also the University of Maryland team in College Park, the Bowie Baysox, the Potomac Nationals, the Fredrick Keys, the Adberdeen Ironbirds in June, the Hagerstown Suns, the Salisbury Shorebirds and if you want to puch a bit farther out the Norfolk Admirals, the Richmond Braves, the Harrisburg Senators, the Altoona Curve....

There's a heck of a lot of baseball around here. Oh, and there's the Phillies too....

Amy Joyce: Absolutely. And on a day like this, don't you just feel like you should be sitting in the stands of one of these with a lemonade?

Eve Zibart: If you're toward the NW and worried that the Ironbird won't start up for a while, check out the Wilmington Blue Rocks -- they are fun as well. I got to make the minor-league circuit for Weekend a few years ago and they are all a lot of fun.

Curt Fields: The great thing about the minor league games is that they can work for everyone from the hardcore baseball fan to a couple looking for a fun outing to a family with kids. I've gone to see the Keys a few times and it's always been fun.

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Wisconsin Ave.: So, what concerts are you going to this weekend?

Curt Fields: There are a couple I wish I was going to (Stephen Malkmus on Friday @ 9:30 club and Hamell on Trial @ Iota on Tuesday). But the only one my schedule is letting me get to in the next few days is a family outing to Laurie Berkner at Strathmore.

Jenny Abella: I have plans to see the Reduced Shakespeare Company downtown Saturday, but I'd love to see the Raveonettes at the Black Cat. They're cool.

I'm kinda bummed I didn't know they were coming (I've been out of town, and hence out of the loop, most of the past two weeks)!

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Tango at ESL: Arethe dress code and whims of the doorman as arbitrary on tango nights as they are on most other nights?

Amy Joyce: Considering there aren't the lines at 18th Street Lounge on Tango night that there typically are on weekends to get in, I'd say you're fine no matter what you wear. (I just tried to get in touch with Ylan Mui who wrote the piece, but she doesn't seem to be around.)

Anyway, as she said in the story, most people looked like they came from the office, though many traded their workaday shoes with something sassier. You're not going to get booted on a weeknight, particularly if you're coming for the tango class. In fact, I doubt they have doormen.

I'm guessing you're pretty much posting this because you're annoyed by the arbitrary dress code at these places, though, huh?

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washingtonpost.com: Transformed by Tango Nights ( Weekend, March 28)

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Arlington, Va.: I was planning on driving down early on Saturday morning (6 a.m. early) to see the Cherry Blossoms before they are swarmed by the crowd. I was planning on parking on Constitution and then walking over to the Tidal Basin area. I saw the National Marathon map on B3 this morning and it wasn't clear to me if parking will be allowed on Constitution during the race. They mentioned that some street parking will be allowed, but they didn't single out the streets that will allow it. Obviously I can't leave during the race, but I'd like to make sure that my car isn't towed. What have you heard?

Twila Waddy: They are urging people to park at Hains Point this year. There are 800 free spaces there and if you go early you wont have any problems. The walk would be about the same depending on where you end up parking on Constitution. Any other suggestions out there?

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Alexandria, Va.: I've lived in Northern Virginia for all 26 years of my life (minus 4 at school) but have never been to the Cherry Blossoms. I was planning on going to the Tidal Basin EARLY tomorrow (pre-sun up). Is the best place to park still going to the point -- or could there be another place that would be better at that early in the morning?

Eve Zibart: As you'll see from the marathon question above, even more parking than usual is off limits Saturday; I've had fair luck parking in the area around the Kennedy Center and walking from that end. Remember, Metro is opening early -- 5 a.m. -- so if you can possibly use it, I would.

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washingtonpost.com: The National Marathon Route and Closings

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Curt Fields: Be patient, chatters. We have several questions that people are answering. Some of them require a few phone calls to verify. More coming in a moment!

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Parking this weekend: With the marathon, the Cherry Blossom Festival and the million other things going on this weekend, Metro said they're starting up service at 5 a.m. I would take Metro, even though I have a beef with them because they usually manage to mangle up my commute to and from work.

Amy Joyce: Good idea, of course. It will be incredibly crowded, but on ridiculous (in a good way!) weekends like this, Metro seems to try to really ramp things up. So maybe they'll be on, er, track.

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From the South: Is there a D.C. place to go if you're in the mood for GOOD fried catfish? And hush puppies on the side would be a big bonus.

Eve Zibart: Hard to argue with a place called Catfish Friday's! It's on Fourth Street NE near Rhode Island Avenue.

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Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Do you all know of any bar in northwest that will be playing the D.C. United season opener? Go United!

Ellen McCarthy: Hey, just talked to the DC United folks who say the blackout has been lifted so you should be able to see it at any of the bars that usually carry soccer games. Most convenient spot for you probably is Lucky Bar in Dupont. Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle is another good option if you feel like heading north. Also, if you don't want to hit the bars, but have a good cable package, the game will be replayed on Comcast Sports Network at 11 p.m. Saturday night. Cheers!

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Poolesville, Md.: Lots of good baseball ideas in your issue today. Amy, which one is the most fun?

Amy Orndorff: I liked them all! But if I must...

I really liked sitting in the dug out at Camden and visiting the press box. I could get used to those seats. I think that was one that appeals to all auidences, the kids on the tour seemed to like it just as much as their father.

I think the little museum on the east coast was such a find. There was just something special about it. I am going to go back as soon as the Delmarva games start up again.

I met the best people in UVA. As a Terp going right after our big loss to them it was kind of hard, but I had a great time with those guys, anyway. Plus the stadium is beautiful with the mts.

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Serious drinker: Okay, my friend and I enjoy having a drink. Usually several. We're well behaved, we don't get rowdy. We sit, we talk, and we people watch. We don't hit on other patrons or anything like that. And we don't really want to be surrounded by people who think that a bar is just another frat party. He likes Bourbon. I like Scotch. And we both like quality music that's not top 40. Where in NW or Arlington should we go? We haven't found the perfect while away an evening bar yet. And believe me, we've looked.

Amy Joyce: Are you looking for something quiet or something sorta crowded? I usually think first: where can I get a seat. Then I go from there.

I like Cafe L'Enfant, a small place on 18th Street. It's got a great bar and usually a table or spot at the bar. There's also nice outdoor seating on warm days/nights like this.

Cafe St. Ex can get crowded, but, again, a good bar and a great place to people watch. Its neighbor/brother bar down the street (on 14th) called Bar Pilar is another goodie. Fritz Hahn will have a good piece in next week's Weekend about its new "fancy" cocktail night.

How about checking out nice bars in restaurants/hotels? Cashion's on Columbia is lovely restaurant with a bar that is nice enough to sit for a long time, nursing (or chugging) a bourbon.

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For Ellen:"21" seems to be getting lukewarm reviews at best. Did you see it before doing the interview? If so, what did you think? Also, do actors ever admit, even if only between them and you, that their movie is bad?

Ellen McCarthy: Hey there... good questions. I do see the movies before I interview the actors or filmmakers. For my purposes it matters mostly as a career choice that can hopefully provide some insight on the person. Every once in a while it becomes apparent that an actor knows they picked a bomb, but they'll often rationalize it with something about being versatile or making those choices as a way to financially supplement the indy flicks they actually care about.

I liked "21." Found it entertaining, though a bit long.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi. Are there any other places to see the Cherry Trees other than the Tidal Basin?

Tracy Grant: Lots of them and one of my favorites is right in your neck of the woods. Brookside Gardens, part of Wheaton Regional Park is gorgeous this time of year, with weeping cherries as well as upright varieties.

Also the kenwood neighborhood in bethesday is just breathtaking, with the branches creating a canopy over the streets. it's not far off the capital crescent trail so it makes for a beautiful bike/walk trip.

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Cherry Blossoms: Hi,

Is there a good market or cafe where we can pick up sandwiches to have a picnic while enjoying the cherry blossoms or is it better to bring our own stuff?

Eve Zibart: aHA! You don't get Post Points! we had a tip on that today. (maybe a friend will share) Short version: Kaz sushi bistro, the Fairmont Hotel and the Mayflower's Cafe Promenade are doing special boxes, but the easiest might be the National Gallery's sculpture garden cafe or Marvelous Market on Seventh Street.

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Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Can you tell me more about the Shakespeare Meets Manga event?

Amy Joyce: Looks totally interesting, doesn't it? Not sure what more I can tell you other than you can get up close and personal with the author/artist and the venue (the Folger Library) is awesome. This is just the sort of interesting, smart, cool thing about Washington that makes me love this city! (No, I'm not running for mayor.)

When I spoke with the helpful folks at the Folger last week, they said they didn't expect it to sell out since it's on a Monday, but now that it's run in the Post, you might want to decide sorta quickly about whether to buy tickets.

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Amy Joyce: Back to the Tango night at 18th Street Lounge, Ylan says this: "There's usually not even a bouncer at the door at that time of night. But the Lounge is notorious for randomly barring people for things they deem fashionably offensive."

Then Queen of Hot Shoes/resident Post dancer adds: "But for ladies I would NOT recommend wearing slingbacks or any shoes that might "flop" as you walk. It makes dancing harder."

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Chugging a bourbon?: No, don't do it! Don't ruin it!

Amy Joyce: I joke because I love.

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Eve Zibart: More cherry blossom sightings: The Foxhall neighborhood, Stanton Park in NE, Birdsong Lane near Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg; Sligo Creek Park in Silver Spring; Cherrydale in Arlington; Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna; and Watts Branch Parkway and College Gardens in Rockville.

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washingtonpost.com: '21' Is Stuck With a Losing Hand ( Weekend, March 28)

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Germantown, Md.: The bike-riding question got me thinking along the same lines about taking advantage of the weather. But I have a little boy just learning. Are there some nice bike trails that aren't overly hilly or overly crowded that would work for a child using training wheels that are pretty enough for the parents to enjoy too?

Twila Waddy: The National Arboretum off New Your Ave. is a great place to go biking. Also there is the Critical Tour at the Patuxent River Park in Prince Georges County. It has a great trails for walking, running or biking.

Tracy Grant: Here's a great new trail that I bet lots of people won't have heard of. It's the Mathew Henson trail that runs from Georgia Avenue to Layhill Road. There are plans to carry it further west but this is new, through woods, not very long and has cool boardwalk bridges which make the wheels go clackety-clack in a way that boys love. Just a little bit up Georgia Avenue (maybe 2 blocks on sidewalks) from where the trail comes out is a Rita's ice stand, perfect for slightly warmer days.

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Amy Orndorff: bike rider, I have two trails for you: the Millennium Trail runs around Rockville and is pretty flat and the Rock Creek Bike Path that goes through the woods to Lake Needwood.

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Annandale, Va.: I hadn't noticed your mention of the Smithsonian's annual Kite festival this Saturday. I believe it's from 10 - 4:00 on the Washington Monument grounds, going to be great weather, and there will be all levels of kiting enthusiasts/contests, plus kiosks to build or buy your own kites. Going with my wife and kids via Metro (bringing my stunt kite), then catching an IMAX movie at the Smithsonian. Tell everyone!

Amy Joyce: I hope the weather is good. The Kite Festival is a wonderful event that always reminds me spring is here. (We have it listed large on page 3 of the Weekend section today.)

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Olney, Md.: Where are the best Thai restaurants in this part of town?

Eve Zibart: I like Thai Farm in King Farm, Ocean Nine in Gaithersburg, Benjarong at Wintergreen Plaza and Thai Pavilion in Rockville Town Square. Thai Tavern near Norbeck used to be good but I haven't been there in a very long time. Anyone?

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Arlington, Va.: I'd really like to bike from the Arlington/Shirlington area to the cherry blossoms this weekend -- but I don't have a bike and I don't know of any back paths that are car-free. Do you have any suggestions on paths or where I could rent a bike?

Amy Orndorff: You're in luck, Arlington is very bike friendly, try checking out bikearlington.com

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Washington, D.C.: Is there a good diner-type place around the 9:30 Club that is open late? I'm a fan of Florida Avenue Grill, but I'm not sure if they stay open late?

Ellen McCarthy: You have lots of choices along U Street. Think about Busboys and Poets, Saloon, Dukem, Nellie's Sports Bar and, of course, Ben's Chili Bowl. I'd just walk that way after the show and see what appeals...

Twila Waddy: Busboys and Poets in a great place. Went there recently and had a great time.

Amy Joyce: Check out a piece Fritz did for us 2/29 (we're going to post a link here in a second). It profiles a ton of great late eats around the area. Florida Ave. Grill is open until 4 am Friday and Saturday (until 9 Tues.-Thurs. and Sunday until 4:30 pm.).

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washingtonpost.com: Patuxent River Park and The U.S.National Arboretum

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Arlington, Va.: Have any of you been to Restaurant 3 in Clarendon? It's in the neighborhood but I haven't had the opportunity to go yet. The bar area looks beautiful but I've been hearing mixed feedback on the food. Thanks!

Eve Zibart: Neither Tom nor I have been yet, either, sorry -- but I agree, the word is mixed; either wait a few weeks or be tolerant.

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Curt Fields: Well, that about does it for this installment of Weekend Now.

There's a ton of stuff going on this week. It's that time of year where the entertainment options really start to ramp up. So look around, pick out something that appeals and then get out there and have some fun.

But do it safely, 'cause we want you back here with us next Friday. Until then ... bye.

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Curt Fields: p.s. to calamari questioner. Eve will answer that one next.

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Curt Fields: um, I meant "next week"

Bye all.

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washingtonpost.com: Nightlife Agenda ( Post, Feb. 29)

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