Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's City Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We have the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.

Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.

Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the City Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions.

Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.

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washingtonpost.com: Hey there everyone, it's time to chat. If you went to see Radiohead on Sunday night I hope you are dry by now. We're still bummed about yesterday's Fort Reno news but aren't giving up hope just yet. It doesn't sound like the park will be re-opening any time soon but maybe the scientists will determine that everything's fine after they run whatever tests they need to run. Lots of stuff going on this weekend from Post Hunt to a big Greek Festival. What else is going on? Fritz, Julia, Jen, Anne, Rhome and myself (David) are here, so let's get going.

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Fairfax, Va.: Please help! I took a trip to the Caribbean a few weeks ago and was introduced to a fabulous beer called "Presidente." The Presidente Web site says that it is exported to several U.S. cities, including D.C. ...any idea what stores may carry this (or what bars have it on tap -- or is that asking too much)? Thanks!

Fritz: Ah, Presidente. My favorite wet, cold Caribbean beer. I drank a lot of it on a trip to the Dominican Republic last year, and I still pick up a six-pack every now and then when friends are having some sort of outdoor party. Honestly, it's like a light, sweet American lager, so it won't knock you over with taste, but it gets the job done in the heat.

As far as buying Presidente, it seems pretty easy to come by in D.C. I can think of several liquor stones in the Woodley Park/Cleveland Park area alone that stock bottles. In bars, I know the Brickskeller has it, I'm pretty sure the Islander on U Street does -- fantastic Trinidadian food -- and I think Zanzibar does. I know I'm missing one or two places at least, but that's a start.

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Springfield, Va.: Prom - Dinner suggestions

Can someone please suggest good pre-prom restaurants in Georgetown for a group of 8-10 teenagers?

Julia: Well, you could do Sequoia, which is where I went to dinner before prom, and many others went to dinner before prom before me. The view is nice; the food is so-so. (But feels really fancy to 18-year-olds).

Hook is a better bet for delicious seafood, but it's pricey. Since they're high school kids, consider the more affordable Cafe La Ruche. Try to arrange for a big table outside in their lovely garden.

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Arlington, Va.: Looks like there are a lot of choices on the Around the World Open House on Saturday; any tips on which embassies are can't-miss or are completely skippable? I poked around the Cultural Touism Web site and couldn't find much info beyond the map, and no specifics on the events at the different embassies. Thanks for putting such a unique-to-D.C. event on the blog.

Fritz: Well, some do look better than others -- too bad the Pisco Sour classes at the Peruvian Embassy are already sold out -- but I'm of the opinion that some of the less-popular tours are bound to be more interesting and informative. Do I want to see the gardens and tea house at the Embassy of Japan? Sure -- but so will thousands of other people. Same with the tango demonstrations at the Argentinian Embassy. I'm up for anything that's different: An outdoor party at the Ghanaian Embassy with live music sounds great. I have no idea what Mongolian folk music and dancing are like, but I can't wait to find out. Same goes for a Nigerian opera star performing traditional music. And really, I'm looking forward to learning something about the Federated States of Micronesia.

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Washington, D.C.: Any word on whether the Black Cat will be having the "DC Supergroup" cover bands charity night?

David: Good question. This usually happens in June or July and there's no info on it yet. Last year was the sixth straight year, so you'd think it would be back. I hope it is, if only so Fritz and I can play one of our favorite games where we guess which bands are being covered based on the names of the groups. I'll dig around and see if I can find some info.

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On the roof with a cold one, D.C.: Any idea if the Dupont Hilton still does summertime happy hours around the rooftop pool? Any other warm weather happy hours with a view to recommend? Thanks!

Fritz: That happy hour ended back in 2006, sadly enough, but Euronet, which hosted parties on the Hilton Embassy Row's roof, is launching a weekly poolside happy hour at the Washington Plaza Hotel, beginning tonight. They sure lucked out with the weather, didn't they?

Next week, my favorite happy hour of 2007 returns: Cocktails, sun and swimming at the Omni Shoreham Hotel's secluded pool and cabana bar.

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Presidente: Habana Village also serves Presidente. Or you could just plan another trip to DR. That would be my preference.

Fritz: Seriously. It's about time for an extra-long weekend in La Romana.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus--per your recommendation, me and a friend tried out the wine tasting happy hour at Vidalia and loved it (including the yummy hors d'oeuvres)! For tomorrow night, we are looking for a happy hour spot in the District with cheap cocktails and decent food (including vegetarian options)--suggestions? Thanks!

Fritz: Ceiba's bar impresses me every time I stop in. You might also try the outstanding house-infused cocktails and special after-work menu at Restaurant K.

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Logan Circle: Hey GoGs,

When is the new restaurant in the old Dakota Cowgirl space opening? Thanks!

Fritz: My money says we'll see the still-unnamed D.C. branch of Rustico around Labor Day. Not surprisingly, there have been delays...

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Re: Presidente: I've seen it in Mt Pleasant liquor stores.

Fritz: Ah, si. Yo tambien.

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Washington, D.C.: Once the fascist regime of the Bush cartel is gone, do you see the possibility of there being concerts on the Mall, again?

David: Did you miss the huge (mostly rained out) Earth Day concert a month ago? Anyway, if Obama wins then the Arcade Fire will have a monthly residency on the Mall. But if McCain wins he'll just yell at people to get off his darn lawn.

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Birthday Steak: Hi guys,

I want to take my husband out for a birthday steak dinner next Tuesday. Price isn't really an object, but good food and good service are, and a fun atmosphere would be nice. Somewhere where they won't look down on us for not ordering a bottle of wine, since I am pregnant. Sietsema seems to like Charlie Palmer. Do you have any good suggestions? In D.C. or Md. please. Thank you!!

Julia: Tom is certainly fond of Charlie Palmer's and I'd second that recommendation for a special occasion.

For another option, try District ChopHouse. It's less formal than Charlie Palmer's, but if your husband's a beer man, it might be worth a visit.

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Fairfax, Va.: I know the Blue Angels have an air show this weekend at Andrews AFB but I can't find information about the time and exact location. Do you know?

David: 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday for the Blue Angels. And remember that if you drive you have to park at FedEx Field and there will be free shuttle buses running from there to Andrews Air Force Base.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs! Heading to Ocean City next weekend with a group of 30-somethings, and want to know if you can recommend any good bars that we might enjoy? Any kind of music will do, but would prefer a place that's not overly crowded and full of college kids. Thanks!

Fritz: I'm curious how the new Bamboo Restaurant and Tiki Lounge at the Paradise Plaza (9th and Boardwalk) is going to do once the season gets underway. It's essentially a hotel bar/restaurant with mai tais and a Hawaiian menu, but they also have a large (70-foot?) deck overlooking Baltimore Avenue, which is a definite plus. (The outdoor seating, not Baltimore Ave.)

I didn't make it to the Shark on the Harbor when I was out on the Eastern Shore doing research for this year's Beach Guide, but the restaurant just moved to West OC, and its lineup of wine tastings means it should draw an older crowd -- and happy hour, with $2.50 pints of Guinness. $6 slider trios and $2.50 house wines, should be a good bet.

Then there's Liquid Assets, which has been around for a while, but still offers great wines by the glass as well as martinis.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: I just heard a couple nights ago that Run for Cover is not coming back. The kid who ran it moved (to NYC, I believe) and, well, that's the end of that.

David: Hmm, well that's kind of a bummer. Nobody can pick up the slack?

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Alexandria, Va.: Got company in from out of town. First time here. Looking for the best place to take them tonight. Looking for a lounge, maybe live jazz, with a good urban group, in an area that shows off D.C. (U Street, Dupont, A Morgan, etc.). Thanks for the help

Rhome: If the weather holds you might be able to hop about on U Street and sample multiple vibes. JoJo has live jazz and blues. Chi-Cha has Latin and other international flavors. U-Topia gets going late, but it's my favorite on that strip and you can't go wrong with Wayne Wilentz. For Adams Morgan, Bossa is my favorite live music spot. Tonight you can check out Improviso, as long as you're cool with a start time around 9:30 or so. Columbia Station is always reliable for good music, too.

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Columbia Heights: Happy Thursday, Gurus! Hoping that you can help me out. I'm moving to Columbia Heights on Saturday and the most time I've spent there to date has been my walk to and from the Metro when I looked at the apartment. I've lived in Van Ness (excitement!) and Eastern Market for two years each and, frankly, know NOTHING about Columbia Heights. It seems like there's a lot of great new stuff (do tell!) but I'd also love suggestions for oldies but goodies (like the best pupusas in town?) Help a girl out! Thanks!

Julia: Welcome to the neighborhood. I live just across 16th Street in Mount Pleasant. For your first few weeks, I'd say that your must-trys have to be: Taqueria Distrito Federal for tacos, RedRocks for pizza, the Wonderland on a weeknight and the Raven for cheap, domestic beers and a killer jukebox. Chatters, wanna add a few? This summer should be more interesting in terms of new arrivals. We're getting a gastropub from the Hank's Oyster Bar owner.

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Adams Morgan: Hello Gurus! My cousin is coming into town from Middle of Nowhere USA and she is dying to go to the mall (no, not the National Mall) so we're headed to Tysons Corner directly from the airport tomorrow. Do you know if any of the new restaurants in the mall have happy hour specials? I figure after all that shopping, I'm going to need a cocktail. Thanks!

Fritz: I don't think it has happy hour specials, but I've been soothed by the handcrafted beers at Gordon Biersch after a day of shopping. I hear the margaritas at La Sandia, Richard Sandoval's new Mexican place, are pretty good, but I haven't been.

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Washington, D.C.: Now that the weather's finally turned, I'd like to spend Saturday outside. Any suggestions for outdoor events, or a park that won't be completely over run with tourists where I could take a picnic?

Anne: Right, thank goodness for the sun, just in time for festival season. Some of the ones I like this weekend are McLean Day (for the rides and carnival food), the Lucketts antique market (for country music and bargain antique shopping) and Cheverly Day (for nighttime fireworks), but there are tons of them -- although not quite as many as there are parks. Tourist-free parks are great, but totally empty parks, with no people watching to speak of, feel kind of creepy to me. Just recently I saw that there wasn't a soul on the Zoo's Tiger Hill -- even as the stroller traffic piled up down below. Good vantage point and good for staying out of the fray. Downtown, Mount Vernon Square itself or the green by the National Building Museum wouldn't be a bad spot to plop down with a sandwich from Cowgirl Creamery.

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Ulaanbaatar: Mongolian folk singing = throat signing

I got to see some of it live on a trip to Mongolia two summers ago. Some of the strangest music you'll ever hear, but totally fascinating!

David: Here's a review that our pal Chris Richards did a year ago on a Tuvan throat singers show, just for some more info. Sounds truly unique.

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Mint Juleps: Ever since the Kentucky Derby, I can't stop thinking about those tasty mint juleps I had at Bourbon. Is there anywhere that serves them regularly? Maybe Round Robin?

Fritz: The reason those juleps were so good is because Bourbon's bourbon-loving owners took a cask of very yummy (and pricey) six-year-old Willet and infused it with mint for a couple weeks. Your average julep won't have that smoothness or intensity of flavor. That said, yes, Round Robin is my go-to for mint juleps.

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In Need of... uh... Adult Items: I'm new to the D.C. area and would die before I'd ask this of my parents or my new co-workers.

I'm the maid of honor for a wonderful bride for whom I'm throwing a bachelorette party on the 31st. I need some games and gifts for the party, but I don't know where to shop.

She's classy with a great sense of humor. She won't want anything in bad taste, but she's not a total prude either. Are there any stores between downtown and Dupont that cater to the conservative, yet slightly kinky bride?

Julia: Hit up Pleasure Place on Connecticut Ave in Dupont. They'll hook you up. For a classier, more upscale present for the bride, Coupe de Foudre might be a better bet.

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Washington, D.C.: Is the Thursday Omni happy hour pool pass still good for the following weekend? Or, am I making that up? I feel like that was the deal last year.

Fritz: Don't remember that, actually. I know you could win a membership, though...

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus! I have a co-worker in from London for six months and is already tired of working--where is a good English bar to take him to cheer him up (bonus points if they have Carlsberg)--Thanks!

Fritz: While it's not a strictly English bar, the Elephant and Castle has outdoor seating (tell him it's a pub garden), an okay range of English ales served in imperial pint glasses, a carpeted floor and -- oh yes -- Carlsburg.

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Chocolate!: Any news on Co Co. Sala? My fingers and toes are crossed that it's delicious. Can you hang out and get drinks there? Thanks!

Julia: It *is* delicious. See my write-up on the first night of service for details. I think stopping in for drinks and dessert is probably the best way to dine there. The cocktails are delish and the desserts are top notch. The savory dishes were good, but too small to really make a full meal out of them.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm new to the area and looking for some information on the nearby beach scene. What would you recommend for late twenty-something girls looking to have a fun and crazy, but not trashy, beach weekend: Dewey, Rehoboth, or Ocean City?

Fritz: The full Beach Guide launches later today -- those of you subscribed to the City Guide's e-mail will be the first to see it -- and will be in the printed Weekend section tomorrow, with updates on the bar, restaurant, arts and live music scenes from Delaware to Virginia Beach. I'd say Dewey's your best bet; you can bar-hop to your heart's content, and there are tons of other twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings around. Rehoboth can be fun, too, but it's not as crazy as Dewey.

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Roller Skating!: So I just bought a pair of roller skates and am looking for some flat paved surfaces outdoors around D.C. The skateparks around here seem to be for inline skaters and skateboarders only. So far my best idea is the public parking lot off of 10th Street downtown (which is always half empty). Or maybe the Mt. Vernon trail that goes by the airport. Any other suggestions?

Jen: I bought some skates myself a few years ago. Still sitting in my closet. I admire your determination to get out there and put the wheels to good use.

Another suggestion is Beach Drive, not long after Candy Cane Park in Chevy Chase as you're entering the city. There is a stretch of very wide pavement that is closed to traffic and nice and flat, so perfect for skating.

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Farragut West Patio, D.C.: So is Skye Lounge better than Karma was or what? The only downtown patios are Rumors, Porters, etc. Some of us don't get out at 4 p.m. to start happy hour! Please tell me Skye is decent...

Rhome: They're still getting settled but I've stopped by once so far on a nice day. The service was really pleasant but the food prices were a bit expensive. I liked Karma's down to earth energy and when I saw the Web site I worried that Skye would be silly with the flossiness. A softball team took over the place along with suited up professionals and World Bank folks, so I guess they're proletariat friendly. The best feature is the outdoor space. It would be hard to ruin the benefit of having another patio in that area of town. Any other reports?

Fritz: I think the prices are skyy-high -- $8 mojitos at "happy hour"? -- but I love the patio, and the batida cocktails are on point. You get a good mix of folks rubbing elbows at the bar, and despite the renovations, it's less flossy than just attractive.

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Ballston, Va.: Hi Gurus,

Recently our office moved from downtown D.C. out to Ballston. We frequently have client lunches and while in D.C. we had plenty of options, however Ballston has proved very challenging. We've been to Willow a dozen times and are branching out to Clarendon (been to Liberty Tavern) as well. We are willing to explore the area if there are more options. Tallula is closed for lunch unfortunately. Any other restaurants along those lines in the area that won't require us to go into D.C. or drive more than 15 minutes??

Thanks so much!

Julia: I'd throw Sette Bello,/a> into the mix as well. Nice Italian food in a chic setting. Me Jana also comes to mind.

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Arlington, Va.: Friday night Jazz in the Sculpture Garden on tap again this year?

David: Sure is, starts next Friday and runs into the first weekend of October.

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Baltimore, Md.: I have been wanting to try out the D.C. nightlife and have never been downtown before. Can you recommend a good place to go for bar hopping? Something similar to what is offered in Fells Point, Baltimore City.

Thanks

Fritz: I don't think we have anything exactly like Fells -- maybe Georgetown, but its bars aren't as interesting for the most part. Adams Morgan and U Street are the big nightlife strips. Start at 18th and Columbia and you can browse dozens of bars offering everything from live reggae to dozens of whiskeys to patios filled with patrons smoking hookahs and drinking Belgian beers. On U Street, there are jazz bars, dives, coffeehouses and indie rock clubs. Both merit a weekend of exploring on their own.

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Northwest D.C.: Presidente - Pretty much any bodega-type Hispanic grocery shop stocks it. Try anywhere on Mt. Pleasant Street or Columbia Road.

I don't think I've ever seen it on tap, but it strikes me as a beer that is best enjoyed from the bottle - draught Bud is hardly a huge improvement over the bottled variety, compared to draught vs. can Guiness for example.

Personally I also enjoy a Pacifico (which I think is Mexican) in that beachy, beer with lime type category.

Fritz: Pacifico rocks. Better than most Mexican beers I've ever tried.

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Re: Columbia Heights: Pollo Sabroso on Mt. Pleasant St. for Peruvian chicken. If you've never had it before, you are in for a treat.

The new pizza place (Pete's Apizza) next to the Columbia Heights Metro is really good, too.

Julia: I was trying to remember the name of that place (which is pathetic because I live pretty much across the street)! Pollo Sabroso is really good. Haven't been to Pete's Apizza yet, but I'm looking forward to checking it out. New Haven style . . . mmmmm.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Columbia Heights! It's so great. I wholeheartedly concur with Julia's suggestions, especially noting the weeknight suggestion for Wonderland. The area also has some great coffee shops -- Mayorga, Sticky Fingers and 11th Street, all with wireless. Not sure where in Columbia Heights you are, but it's worth the trek a bit north to Red Derby on 14th and Domku and Temperance Hall (now Looking Glass Lounge, but you don't have to call it that) in Petworth. There's also supposed to be an amazing pizza and Salvadoran place at Moroni & Brothers in Petworth, but I've never been.

Julia: Great call on the coffee shops.

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Rockville, Md.: Hi Gurus, I'm planning to go to the Greek festival at Saint Sophia's this weekend, and wondering the best way to get there. Will there be parking available? I guess Woodley is the closest Metro, but it's still a bit of a hike. I've never been to this before so didn't know what kind of crowds to expect. Thanks in advance!

Anne: Julia is currently besting Fritz as the biggest St. Sophia's festival fan in the office, I must confess -- I haven't been in years. We think you could park on the street; it definitely won't be more crowded than the Cathedral light show. If it's nice out Saturday (we hope, right?) a walk from Woodley wouldn't be terrible. Or catch a bus: the N2-6 series runs on Mass, or you could get a bus on Wisconsin and walk the short distance down Mass to the festival.

Rhome: Ride a bike! That's what I'm doing.

Fritz: I think parking's a little restricted because of embassies, but if you try to park on Garfield, you'd be fine.

Personally, I walk, and I live next door to the Woodley Park Metro. It's only 15 minutes or so, I'd guess. Option B -- especially if you're coming from Rockville -- is to take Metro to Friendship Heights and grab one of the 30-series buses (30, 32, 35, etc.) down to the intersection of Wisconsin and Mass. St. Sophia's is just across the street.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey GOGS - This is random, but heading out this weekend with a good friend who is more about the people watching than the drinking. Any suggestions? Hudson came to mind, but was trying to think of other ideas. Thanks!

Fritz: Washington Harbour in Georgetown. The House of Sweden party on Friday night. Upstairs at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Saturday. Seats on the patio at the Islander, just watching U Street crowds wander by. Tunnicliff's at Eastern Market.

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Washington, D.C.: Submitting early: I have a date with a woman who has a dog and I was wondering if you had any weekend daytime date ideas where we could go with the dog?

Anne: You are in luck this weekend, as it seems a bunch of festivals have gone to the dogs. Bethesda's Strutt Your Mutt Parade, with its Owner Who Looks Most Like Her Dog and Whose Dog Is the Best Kisser contests, seems tailor-made for hilarity. You pay to be in the parade, but it's for a good cause.

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Washington, D.C.: Looking for some ideas to celebrate a birthday tomorrow night with friends (I know, we are awful planners). I'd like to venture outside our usual locations in the Adams Morgan/Dupont Circle area. Any suggestions for a place with a good beer selection and music for dancing?

Thanks!

Fritz: Well, I can't speak much for the beer selection, but the Out of Town Blues Band at New Vegas Lounge would be my choice for a birthday band -- they do Motown, Stax and funk covers that will knock your socks off.

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Woodley Park, D.C.: Fritz, we've been neighbors for years now. We should hang out more.

Fritz: I know! If only we could make that whole calendar thing work.

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Washington, D.C.: Presidente - Beware, the exported to U.S. version is brewed to U.S. standards (read - crazy additives that give some a headache and therefore we only drink beer overseas) Signed a Presidente drinker that loves it in RD (that's what the natives call the Dominican)

Fritz: I hadn't heard this, but it wouldn't surprise me. (See German beers on draft vs. the exported versions.)

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OC, Md.: Make sure you go to West Ocean City!! Iguana Surf moved our there two summers ago and it's pretty awesome, good food and atmosphere. Also you MUST go to Mickey Finns. Sit outside and ask the bartender for an Orange Crush. Beautiful view, great drinks and lots of gorgeous boats to ogle.

Fritz: Ah, Mickey Finn's. I haven't been there in YEARS.
But WOC is a good way to get away from the tourists and T-shirt shops.

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Washington, D.C.: I have some clients coming into town in the next few months and they need to host a few dinners for their clients and they've asked me for some suggestions. They're looking for something fun and trendy or historic that will impress their clients. They'll be staying at the Marriott Wardman if that matters. I'm thinking along the lines of Dumbarton Oaks for a historic evening or Rasika for fun and trendy. Any suggestions of other great spots will win me many many points and I promise to sing your praises!! Thanks!

Julia: Dumbarton Oaks is a nice choice for something historic, but they'd have to be out of there by the time the grounds close at 6 p.m. (or else arrange something special, and potentially quite pricey, with the Dumbarton staff). Decatur House is another option along those lines.

Your take on Rasika is a good one. I'd also add Olives, The Source or Brasserie Beck. Nora isn't trendy, but it's always struck me as a great place to bring clients.

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Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights: I can't believe no one suggested Haydees. Cheap food, cheap margaritas. It rocks!

Julia: Another one to add. And it's got that great Christmas mural in the windows. Still festive after all these months.

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Un-D.C. Bar: Usually people are asking for cool places that are very "D.C." to entice friends to visit -- I need you to point me in the most UN-D.C. direction possible. Trying to convince a BFF from college that she should come up for Memorial Day weekend, but I need think of some good dives, maybe some places that play beach music, etc, so I can assure here she'll like it. I've already got Jay's on the list (Yay PeeWee spinning the great oldies tunes on Fridays)...got anything else for me?

Fritz: The already-mentioned New Vegas Lounge is a good one, especially if you're going to do some shag. HR-57, too -- how many BYOB jazz clubs double as nonprofits? Crabs at the divey Quarterdeck? Beers at the Raven or the Red Derby? (Bonus: BYO music.)

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a new intern working at Farragut West -- what's a good place to get some dinner and drinks before hitting up a YOUNGER bar later tonight (maybe Adams Morgan or Dupont)?

Fritz: I like the half-price Indian food at Heritage India. You can stop in there on your way up to Lucky Bar ($2 Bud night starts in an hour and runs until close) or the Front Page (the intern favorite has a taco bar and cheap Miller Lite and Corona bottles until 8).

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Arlington, Va.: Hey GOG - I see in this week's Free Events, the embassies are having an "Around the World" Open House on Saturday the 17th. I htink some may even have some free drinks/hor d'oeurvres....What is the dress code?

Fritz: You'll see everything from twenty-somethings in jeans to dads in khakis to kids in shorts; I'd go business casual, really -- collared shirt and khakis. Maybe jeans, but probably not.

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Chinatown: Hello. I read the blog entry of Co Co. Sala, and looked at the menu online, but I'm a little unclear about how it works. Can you order any dessert on the menu a la carte or only the "entree dessert?" I'm not sure I can handle five courses of dessert, but I'd love to stop in after dinner and sample one or two -- if I'm not restricted to the 4-5 "main entree desserts." Can you clarify the concept here? Would you go again?

Julia: Sure, no problem. It is actually a little confusing. The four five-course menus each have one main dessert. You can order any of those a la carte for $12. You can't get the other desserts a la carte. So, you are limited to those four desserts, but really, they're the ones you probably want to order. Of the other four courses in the five-course meal, one's a sorbet course, one's a cheese course and the two other sweet dishes are tiny.

I would definitely go again, but I should disclose that I am a complete and utter sweet tooth. This is my kind of place.

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Re: Carlsburg: Isn't that beer from Denmark? Is it popular in England?

Fritz: Among lager-drinkers and (especially) Liverpudlians.

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Orange Crush @ MR Ducks: We sat next to the Juicer at MR Ducks last weekend and they were caranking through the Orange Crushes. Eventually my bride had to have one, they are very good and a little dangerous.

MR Ducks I would say has the most varied crowd, locals, boat people, touristas, good for sunsets too (although we still favor the over hyped Fager's sunset)

Fritz: The OCs will sneak up on you -- good to know about the sunsets, though.

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Ooh, beach season!: So what's the best one for actual swimming/wading in the water? I am sad to admit that it has been more than 10 years since I last set foot in the Atlantic Ocean.

Fritz: This is a tough one, but I'm going to say Bethany, simply because the whole town is so laidback, especially compared to the madness that is the Dewey/Ocean City experience. You don't feel like the next wave is going to knock you into five other people, who will then scatter like duckpins.

Jen: I would agree with Fritz although, depending where you are in Bethany, it can get a little more crowded during high season.

Another place to try is the Delaware Seashore State Park, in that stretch between Bethany and Dewey. You have to pay to go to the park but it's not as crowded and the beach is very large. In certain areas, dogs are even allowed, which is great for pet owners.

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washingtonpost.com: That does it for us. Thanks for stopping by, as always. Enjoy the weekend, see you back here next week.

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