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.

The transcript follows:

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washingtonpost.com: Hiya chatters, welcome to another edition of Got Plans? Mid-August is here and there's plenty to do from the final Fort Reno concert tonight (assuming those thunderstorm rumors aren't true) to Restaurant Week and tractor pulls to the comic stylings of Mike Birbiglia. We have a smallish crew today, but Anne, Julia, David, Janet and I (Steph) are here for you, so let's get started.

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San Francisco, Calif.: Hey, GOGS, it's been a while! I'm wondering if you have a San Francisco cousin. I was fortunate enough to find y'all when I moved to DC some years ago. You immediately made me a local. Now I've relocated to the Bay Area and am really missing your kind of guidance. Please tell me I can find some Gurus out here -- it's hard to know where to start. Thanks lots and keep up the good work!

Stephanie: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but as someone who just moved back to D.C. from the Bay Area, I'm sorry to say you won't find any gurus in San Fran. Check out 96 hours in the Chronicle of the Bay Guardian for weekend entertainment suggestions.

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Arlington, Va.: You guys know about an annual event where they sell designer clothes at a discount price? At this event, you have to pay a cover fee at various rate and depending on the ticket price, you get a goody bag which can include a gift certificate of botox service?

Janet: Are you talking about the District Sample Sale?
Never got a gift certificate for botox, though.

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Fairfax, Va.: I have tickets for the 9:30 Club next week. How safe is the walk from the Metro?

David: Yes, it's safe, it's not even two blocks. Take the lower-numbered street exit (forget exactly which number it is), cross over U Street onto Vermont, walk a block on that and then you will see the club across the street. Really nothing to worry about, especially since there will likely be people walking along with you.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs - I want to check out the jazz concerts at the Sculpture Garden. Performances start at 5, but will I be able to find a place for me and a few friends if I don't get there until 6? Is it usually crowded? Thanks!

Anne: The Sculpture Garden concerts are perfect no matter when you get there. Sure, it's crowded, but I have always found at least some spot, even when I get there as late as 7:30. People are always coming and going. And my hunch is that since it's mid-August, the concerts might be less crowded, like my morning commute was today.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Does anyone (probably Fritz because he used to live here) know what MoCo's laws are on recorking wine? If I go to Adega in downtown Silver Spring and get a bottle of wine, can I drink half and ask them to cork it and take it home? Just wondering before I go there, I'm trying to figure out where the super nanny state that Montgomery County is comes down on this one. Thanks!

Julia: Not Fritz, but I've got your answer nonetheless. Adega tells me they're more than happy to re-cork your wine bottle for you, wrap it up and let you take it home; sans corking fee. If you want to do this at other restaurants in MoCo, call first. I think restaurateurs over there err on the side of caution given the strict laws.

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Major Cravings: Recently returned from a trip to Egypt and I have been craving some koshary (super delicious Egyptian dish of pasta, rice, lentils, onions and tomatoes) ever since I got back. I know there are several Middle Eastern cuisine restaurants in the area. Do any of them serve up this dish?

Julia: Can't say any places spring to mind. Chatters -- li'l help?

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Fall = concert season!: I wrote earlier in the summer complaining of lack of great concerts...well I guess I've just learned that fall is real concert season for me -- my calendar is booked! My Morning Jacket, Walter Meego, Dandy Warhols, NICK CAVE (!!) and Mason Jennings! Now that you've got my taste in music, do you have any other recs for me?

David: Those are some very solid choices, especially Nick Cave, which you correctly put in all caps with a pair of exclamation points after. In fact, three exclamation points would have been fine. Some other things that might be up your alley: The Walkmen at the 9:30 club (9/6), Cut Copy at the 9:30 club (9/26), Ratatat at Black Cat (10/2), Langhorne Slim at Black Cat (10/13), Dr. Dog at Iota (9/5), Liam Finn + the Veils at Rock and Roll Hotel (9/6). Any of those look good?

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Gurus, how does one get to the H Street bars from the Metro? Should I take a cab from Union Station (someone who lives near Union Station said cabs are reluctant to go there). How does one get back (I thought I heard there was some kind of shuttle bus that goes back to the Metro)? Thanks

Stephanie: When I've gone to H Street, I've taken cabs without too much trouble. Last I checked, Atlas had a shuttle to Union Station on Friday and Saturday nights as well.

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Arlington: So I've been watching the Olympics and really want to try gymnastics. Any idea if there is somewhere in the area that teaches adult gymnastics? Metro accessible.

Anne: Metro-accessible, I don't know. Gymnastics centers seem to me to always be near industrial parks or train tracks -- places that have lots of warehouse-size room, I guess. Last week's Weekend section had one idea: Capital Gymnastics National Training Center in Burke. 703-425-5707. Not classes per se, but the staff there will offer you some coaching. Chatters, any of you have some flipping suggestions?

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Eastern Market: Hi. One of my guy friends and his partner will be visiting from NYC on Saturday. I am to meet up with them for lunch after they tour the Washington Monument. I am often at a loss when it comes to lively lunch spots near the National Mall, by the Monument or even a short drive away. Can you make any recommendations? We are all in our 30s. Thanks!

Julia: True, it is rather dead around there on the weekends. I post ed about this (with a few suggestions) a few months back. I'd add Jaleo to the mix because tapas is always fun. Seventh Street is usually bustling on the weekends too -- much livelier than vacant downtown.

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On the Mall: I noticed a huge stage and many a port-o-potty being erected on the National Mall this morning (or was it being taken down?). Any insight on what's going on, and whether it may be worth going to?

Stephanie: The final Screen on the Green was last Monday. Maybe it was from that?

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Jazz in the Garden: If I head to the Sculpture Garden tomorrow afternoon, will I be out of place if I'm by myself? I was planning to go with a couple of friends, but they had to bail and now I have no plans. I'm really interested in checking it out, but not having been before, I wasn't sure if I'd be out of place flying solo. Thanks!

Anne: Go for it. You won't be out of place at all, because no one will notice. Sit right on the edge of the fountain for a while and enjoy the people-watching.

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RE: H Street Cabs: I heard from someone that the shuttle service was stopped. Nonetheless, as H Street becomes more and more popular, there are more and more cabs. I remember when there were never any cabs in that area, and now they're everywhere. The chatter won't have a problem getting a cab there or getting one back.

Stephanie: More thoughts on H Street transportation.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm planning a night out with my wife and we're looking for a restaurant near the Verizon Center or in Dupont that has good desserts. The dessert menu at Matchbox looks interesting, but I haven't found anyone that has tried the sweets there. Any ideas?

Julia: I smell a plant on this one, but I'll bite because Tom Sietsema's review of Penn Quarter's Co Co. Sala comes out today.

Matchbox's desserts are delish. I'll also submit Darlington House as a Dupont suggestion. I had some great desserts there last night as part of Restaurant Week.

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Gazpacho in D.C.: Afternoon all. Any idea on where to get a good bowl of gazpacho? Thanks

Julia: Great question. I haven't had a really good one this summer. I know Jaleo and Oyamel have one on their menus. I haven't had either in ages, but it could be worth a shot. Chatters?

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Stop recommending Poste for drinks: While the setting is nice and the restaurant cool, our waitress was nasty when my bf asked to eat on the patio Wednesday night. And it took a while to get drinks. Not worth the price.

Stephanie: All right, but only if you say the magic word. In all seriousness though, I've had similar complaints about Poste's service. Love the patio though...

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Cleveland Park, D.C.: Good afternoon, Gurus! I'm itching to do something Friday night, live music perhaps that won't break the bank? Thanks!

David: There's a question in the queue from someone asking how we can tell which questions are plants. Sometimes it's obvious, if it's just an unsolicited out-and-out rave of something. We can usually tell if that's from an actual chatter or someone trying to promote themselves. But people know we've caught onto that so they get a little more subtle. For example, every time local band the Dance Party has a show coming up, we get a question like the one above. Every time. So I know to be on the look out for it. Instead of being straightforward and asking about the band, they've moved on to asking a question with strictly defined parameters hoping that we'll suggest their show, since it fits the criteria. So there's an insider's guide to sniffing out plants.

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Washington, D.C.: So I've been enjoying Restaurant Week (went to Sushi-Ko and Tabard Inn... yum!), but since even those relatively reasonable prices are outside of my normal budget I'm somewhat broke now. Since I'm only in D.C. for the summer, and it's drawing to a close, there are at least three going-away parties I will be attending. Any suggestions for some cheaper drinks/food for these events? Metro-accessible is really the only constraint. My friends and I are generally adventurous but it is great (not required) to find places with fair amounts of seating (6-10 people can sit together). Help a few broke law students out?

Julia: The new(ish) Thai place in Dupont, Pasara Thai, is lovely for a big group on a budget. Entrees are under $15. Moira McLaughlin, the WeekendsSection's new reviewer, also gave big ups to Jaipur and Las Placitas recently.

I'm also always fond of bars like Stetson's and the Big Hunt for bar-food-and-beer fests.

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National Mall: No, this wasn't Screen on the Green. The stage is much bigger and there are three times as many port-o-potties. Anyone have any idea what's up? I love the free stuff on the Mall (and why can't Screen on the Green have more showings? Its schedule is too short).

David: It's something called TheCall and it's an all-day thing on Sunday. "TheCall is a divinely initiated, multi-racial, multi-generational, and cross-denominational gathering to corporate prayer and fasting." So there ya go.

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San Francisco again: I was afraid that was going to be the answer, Stephanie. Sounds like you're the closest I'll get to an SF GOG. So can I pick your brain just this once? I live in the East Bay and BART into the city. My office is at Sutter and Van Ness. So my question is this -- one of my favorite things about D.C. is that there seems to be some kind of gallery hop or free outdoor concert or something going on every week. Where can I find that here? Thanks again and can I also say how CRAZY it is that it's 60 degrees here in the middle of August? This place is trippy.

Stephanie: First Thursdays! Free admission to various art museums, including Berkeley Art Museum (since I was an East Bay girl too). Every summer weekend in San Fran there's a different neighborhood festival too, so check those out.

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NoVa: Hi, GOGs. Going to the beach is out, with the current state of (our) economy, so I thought about water parks. Can you all recommend any for older kids (11-12) that seem clean and safe? Thank you.

Anne: Waterpark + Virginia, here you go! I'd vote for the Splash Down WaterPark in Manassas -- it has a couple giant slides your tweens could get into. Seemed clean enough to me... safe is always a very personal definition, but I can say that there are lockers for your valuables. To save cash, go after 3 on weekdays, when it's $9 (instead of $15). Now, is that really cheaper than the beach? Consider a day trip to the beach at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis for just $4-6/person.

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8th and I: Hey guys! Any idea where I can get some really good bubble tea? I've been to a place in Georgetown and a few in Rockville, but are there any other good ones around? Good food is a plus.

Julia: Bubble-tea guy, I have to ask. What is up with you, man? I see you in Tom's chat all the time (I'm the behind-the-scenes-producer girl). He even answered you yesterday with the suggestion of the Shanghai Tea House in Georgetown. And now, you're all up in our chat. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad that you're here and I wish I had other suggestions to give you on top of Shanghai and Snap Crepes and the TNR Cafe across from our office in Courthouse, but seriously, what gives? Where do you get your intense bubble-tea craving?

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H St. Transportation: Duh- There's the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro right in the middle of the H St. hubbub as well as the red Circulator busses that only cost $1.

Stephanie: I think the original poster was talking about H Street NE. BUT if anyone is looking for a way to get to Chinatown, here you go!

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Re: places near the mall: I had a lovely lunch at Teaism near the Navy Memorial. I got lucky and found a spot outside. Plus there was a band playing at the memorial. That and their salted oat chocolate cookies made for a nice afternoon.

Julia: Yeah, I love Teaism too. It's hardly "lively," which I think is what the other poster was after, but it's just so pleasant.

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Silver Spring, Md.: For the Chatter asking about gymnastics, Arlington County has adult classes, as does Preston Gymnastics in Gaithersburg. If you have a Zipcar membership, you can Red Line to Shady Grove and pick up a car there, and then it's a 5-10-minute drive to Preston. I'm not sure if MarVaTeens in Rockville offers adult classes, but they are about a 10-minute walk from White Flint on Randolph Road.

Anne: The gymnastics tips are rolling in.... thanks!

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Northeast D.C.: Hello, Gurus: I'm going to brunch Sunday at Station 9 on U Street. Any opinions about this restaurant? Also, any opinions on Salon Revive on U Street? Thanks!

Julia: Never been there for brunch, but I rather like Station 9. I only had one dinner visit there and it was really nice. Friendly service, good food, neat atmosphere. My only gripe about the place was the price tag, which seemed a little high for what the food was . . . but then again, I could probably say that about half the restaurants in Washington.

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Washington, D.C.: H Street Transport from the Metro: I take the X2 bus all across H Street from the White House. You can pick it up under the "friendship arch" in Chinatown at that Metro stop. It runs really frequently.

Julia: That's Fritz's preferred method of transport over to H Street. I am lazy and drive over (and lay off the sauce so I can drive back) . . . mostly because I vividly remember a long walk in high heels after a late night at the Rock and Roll Hotel.

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Washington, D.C.: I just broke up with my boyfriend and am nursing a broken heart (4 years gone!). I'm taking a few days off and was wondering if you had any suggestions for a getaway within four hours drive, as well as any local activities coming up over the weekend and next week. I'm thinking low-key, not too touristy or crowded - someplace I can think and cry my eyes out! Thanks

Stephanie: I'm so sorry about the breakup. I think Charlottesville is an excellent place to go (although I'm biased, I admit it). There's amazing food, wineries nearby (although that might exacerbate the crying), tons of outdoor activities, from hiking to rafting, and the people are friendly, which might be exactly what you need!

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RE: Gazpacho: I know that a chatter just complained about Poste's service, but I had a great Restaurant Week meal indoors on Monday (complete with excellent service). One of their three appetizer choices was an excellent heirloom tomato gazpacho. Although this may not be exactly what the chatter was looking for, the cafeteria at the National Museum of the American Indian has an incredible chilled avocado soup.

Julia: Mitsitam . . . always a good suggestion. Thanks!

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DSS, Again: So about the District Sample Sale, is it worth the entry fee (to a great cause)? Have you ladies been?

Janet: If you're a dedicated bargain shopper, then, yes, it's worth the price of admission because you can get clothes at half the price you'd pay for them in one of these participating stores. At the last sale I got a Barbour jacket from Sherman Pickey that I've worn many, many times. Although I liked the look of it, I never would have bought it for full price. Does that help?

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Gazpacho : Not wanting to be a (tomato) plant, but Cheesetique makes a homemade gazpacho.

Julia: Another option for the gazpacho-seeker.

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Teaism = good bubble tea: I like Teaism for their bubble tea! I'm not the original poster -- but I do have a thing for bubble tea. It's the sugary sweetness and black tea combo that does it for me. So refreshing. Then there's all the bubble fun.

Julia: The bubble fun has never quite done it for me. Give me a regular tea anyday. Even so, for you, bubble-tea guy, here goes.

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Washington, D.C.: The best bubble tea I've found in this area, in all seriousness, is at a little stand in the Wheaton Plaza Mall. It isn't quite my favorite place in Los Angeles, but it's good and cheap.

Julia: Erin Hartigan, is that you? Fantastic about Wheaton, though. I kind of love those random stands at malls. I always get sushi at Pentagon City food court, which I know should be gross, but it's just so good!

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Hmmm: "TheCall is a divinely initiated, multi-racial, multi-generational, and cross-denominational gathering to corporate prayer and fasting."

Wow, they're going to need a lot of port-o-potties - that sounds like a wild booze fest!

David: This weekend I will kindly refrain from my usual Sunday afternoon activity of cruising Constitution Avenue with the windows down while blasting Slayer's "Reign in Blood."

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Black Cat: Hi GOGs, I'm going to the Black Cat tonight and don't know where to have an inexpensive dinner beforehand. I'm thinking Rice, but their Thai food isn't the best (I'm loyal to Regent). Any suggestions? Also, do you know the order of the performance tonight? Is Thao opening or is she the main event? Thanks!

Julia: Regent isn't that far if you were game to walk a bit before the show. If not, I'd add Busboys, and (my fave) Polly's to your short list for consideration. Thao is definitely the main event.

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Gazpacho City, D.C.: Best gazpacho I've ever had was at Acadiana last week! With the topper - avocado ice cream to keep the chill in the bowl!

Julia: Wow. That sounds fantastic. Acadiana is one of my favorite restaurants in the city ... always something interesting going on there.

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Gazpacho: Had a great gazpacho at Mendocino the other night for Restaurant Week-- complemented with side of avocado and sweet shrimp!

Julia: And another one.

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Arlington, Va.: What's on H Street? Heard there's a thriving "arts scene." What does that entail, and what makes it worth the commute anyway?

Stephanie: H Street is pretty happening these days, with music venues, entertaining bars, late-night food and lots more.

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I smell a plant on this one: From the look of the line outside Matchbox I don't think they need a plant.

Julia: I was actually talking about Co Co. Sala, because the restaurant is THE dessert place near the Verizon Center.

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Dakota Cowgirl?: Hi, Gurus. What is up with the beer-themed restaurant that is supposed to open in the former Dakota Cowgirl location?

Julia: As we discussed last week, Tom Sietsema reports October.

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Virginia: Do county fairs have age limits? Can all rides be for kids 0 to 4 years old?

Anne: You mean, will the carnies stop you from taking your infant on the twisty turny upside-down rides? I dunno, but common sense might. The best part of the fair (especially for kids living in an urban area) is to stare at real live animals. MoCo has a kids area, where, if I'm remembering right, they can play in a sandbox filled with corn, bang horseshoes together and other kinds of things you generally don't do at home. And don't forget the pig races. If you want to take your toddler on a ride, how about Prince William's pony rides?

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Dupont Circle: What are your suggestions for late-night dining (other than pizza)? It's hard to find a decent place where the kitchen stays open past 11 on a weekend. The Diner, Clyde's in Gallery Place and Bistrot du Coin are the only ones I can think of. Thanks in advance!

Stephanie: My favorite late-night food: falafel! Except I always put way too much of that spicy green sauce on my pita and end up getting all teary-eyed.

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Washington, D.C.: Simple formula for the summer term final: roving birthday party for 44-year-old and buddies + need for music = x. Solve for x. Seriously, I've had this fun caravan going every August 16th for six years and we've had good food and fun all over from Old Town to Chinatown to 8th Street but never heard any good music. Even a good jukebox or bad karaoke will work. Can you bail me out?

David: Well to continue the H Street theme of the chat, you can always head there for some roving. Plenty of places you can go within a few blocks, live music at Rock and Roll Hotel and Red & Black, jukeboxes on the non-live-music floors of both places, plus other bars like Granville Moore's and the Pug nearby.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey, GOGs! Where in the District can I find some cheap and authentic West African food? Thanks!

Julia: It's been a long time since I've eaten there, but I remember the food at Bukom Cafe in Adams Morgan being pretty good. I have no idea how authentic it is, having never been to West Africa, but there you go. If you go, go early. Once the Adams Morgan party crowds set in, even the dining room gets crowded.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus, where's your favorite place to play pool in the District? I'd rather find a place not too crowded so I can practice the game without getting dirty looks from people who want tables... Thanks!

Julia: Bedrock Billiards, hands down. I play there often, but go on a weeknight if you really just want to practice alone. If Fritz were here, he'd agree.

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Bethesda, Md.: Gurus, please help! I submitted my question before and it did not get answered, and time is drawing near. I know this is not technically a going out question, but have you ever written an article about good places, such as boutiques, to find wedding dresses in the D.C. area? I need to find a beachy wedding gown and the chain stores just are not doing it for me!

Julia: Hey girl. Sorry about the delay, but I'm afraid we just don't have a good answer! We've never done a story like this that I can recall. Gossypia might be a good bet (but probably not beachy enough). I'd also check out the boutiques on upper Wisconsin in Georgetown. I almost bought a cocktail-length dress for my wedding in Urban Chic. If you're willing to go the consignment route, try calling the consignment shops like Inga's Once Is Not Enough or Mustard Seed or Secondi to see if they have anything you might like.

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Arlington: Wow, lots of snarky yet wrong people on here today. Best gazpacho I've had is at Bread Line at 18th & Pennsylvania NW. And I don't even like gazpacho. It's amazing.

Julia: Taberna del Alabardero and McCormick & Schmick's have come up as other suggestions.

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Bedrock Billiards: Sunday late afternoon/early evening is the best. Everybody really does know your name!

Julia: So true! But these days, my broke self is wishing that the liquor wasn't all top-shelf.

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washingtonpost.com: Thanks for coming out chatters. Good luck with your gymnastic endeavors; we'll see you next week.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.