The Going Out Gurus
of the washingtonpost.com City Guide
Thursday, August 28, 2008
1:00 PM
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:
____________________
washingtonpost.com: Is it just me (Rhome) or did summer practically evaporate in a flash? I really didn't meet my required quota of cook-outs but I'll find somewhere to show up with a six-pack this weekend. The weather should cooperate. Fritz and I are back but our third musketeer has taken his leave. The rest of us are waiting to hear how you plan to bid farewell to summer. Let us chat.
_______________________
Hello Cupcake: Seriously, what's with all the hate toward Hello Cupcake? If people want to spend three bucks on a dessert, what's the big deal?
Rhome: I was out of town and missed all of that. I'm just hating that I didn't come up with the idea first.
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.: Gurus:
What are some places on H street to take a date for dinner? Granville Moore and Sticky Rice?
Thanks
Fritz: That's about it, though I think that if a girl turned up her nose at Horace and Dickey's -- on a casual date, mind -- I might have second thoughts about whether we'd go out again.
You could also share sweet potato fries at the Argonaut, or maybe dinner at Langston.
Julia: I'd say Sticky Rice is your best bet for a dinner date. Sova's a cute spot for a let's-just-have-coffee-make-sure-you're-not-a-pycho-from-the-internet date. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. I love that place.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: A friend and I (both non-gov't types) are hitting Capitol Hill tonight to watch Obama's speech. Would you recommend any particular bars that'll draw a good crowd to good-sized TVs? Politiki? Capitol Lounge?
Fritz: Everywhere I've called on the Hill (Hawk and Dove, the Lounge, Lounge 201, etc.) has said they'll be showing it on TV with the sound on. I'd try those three.
There are plenty of parties off the Hill, too: Arlington Young Dems at Bailey's in Ballston, Obama supporters at the Park at 14th, the whole crowd at Stetson's, Busboys and Poets, etc.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Fritz: In Sweden, it falls mostly on the fjords.
_______________________
Shaw, D.C.: Other than ice cold beer, what drinks do you prefer at a tailgate? I'm going to DC United on Sept 3rd and want to bring something a little different.
Fritz: The beauty of ice-cold beer is that it's a self-contained package. Unless you're doing shots of Jameson or drinking Makers neat, which are two of my United standbys, it's too hard to do anything else.
Well, I suppose you could make sangria at home.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.: New to the area and looking for a bar that plays LSU games. Are there any Bayou-friendly places out there in VA or DC? Thanks!
Fritz: Bailey's in Ballston Common has been the big LSU spot for a few years now (football and basketball), but I haven't heard from the group yet this season.
_______________________
Silver Spring, Md.: Sister's coming into town this weekend for Labor Day and for my birthday celebration as well. So besides catching a DC United game, a Nats game and the NSO performance at the mall. What new D.C. item or place would you recommend checking out for my sister who grew up here to check out as well?
Julia: Hmmm. How long has it been since she was in town? By the way your question is phrased, I'm guessing a while. Got dinner plans (and some cash to spend)? You might consider going out to a nice meal at one of Penn Quarter's restaurants. Rasika, Proof or Zaytinya leap immediately to mind. I think people who grew up here (me included) are always amazed/interested in how things have changed on 7th Street (Chinatown) and U Street. If you go the Chinatown route, you could always take her out for some skee-ball at Rocket Bar. The sort-of-recently revamped Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery is another one that's good for people who grew up there. I went on so many field trips to the place that it was neat seeing it all spruced up.>Nats Park is near the top of my list and you're already doing that one!
_______________________
Reston, Va.: Hubby and I got good deal on hotel room in DC, so we are staying in town. Know of anything we can we do from around 1 PM Sat until bedtime within walking distance of 10th and H? Already have dinner plans for Dupont Circle area (we'll cab it). Thanks.
Stephanie: You could hit up the new gigantic Lichtenstein statue outside of American Art, and then pay a visit to Michael Phelps (or his picture at least) at the Portrait Gallery. Then you could go bowling for a bit followed by a pre-dinner cocktail. Have fun!
_______________________
Bethesda: Hi, we're going to Liz Phair tonight.. any suggestion on where to grab a couple beers and maybe a burger near 9:30 club beforehand?
Fritz: I just wrote about Duffy's last week, and you can get a pretty good burger there, plus $2 cans of Schaeffer, Natty Boh, Schlitz and other "retro" beers until 7.
_______________________
Rosslyn: Here's one for David... I'll be moving soon and would like to go to Blues Alley before I leave. It seems too much a part of DC for me not to visit. The problem is, although I like blues, I know nothing about it. The venue has a calendar up that runs through November 28. If you had your choice, what show would you see?
Rhome: I shall be proxy David. The blues pretty much only factor into the venue's name. It's a jazz room and definitely an important DC experience to get under your belt, especially since you can see the biggest names in an intimate space. Your question reminds me that I haven't been in a while, so if I were to make a wishlist now, I'd start with Billy Cobham, one of my favorite drummers of all time. Rachelle Ferrell would be next, although she might put a hurting on my budget. War would get the third slot, partially for nostalgia reasons and also because I heard a recent live recording that gave me hope that they weren't just coasting on the good will of their old hits.
_______________________
Cleveland Park: I highly recommend Sticky Rice! I've been going there for years (the location in Richmond) and their food is delicious (and reasonably priced)!
Julia: We like it too.
_______________________
Silver Spring, Md.: Gurus, this is probably more of a question for Tom S., but I missed his chat yesterday and maybe you can help. Do you have any idea when Gillian Clark's new restaurant in Forest Glen is opening? It looks like they've unpapered the windows, which I figured was a good sign, but there's still no indication that they'll be opening soon.
Anne: I heard Robin Smith talk about the General Store/Post Office Tavern last week, but I'm not remembering that she gave a date. Now that she's dividing time between that and the Avenue Oven project in Takoma Park (in the old Taliano's space), my guess would be that it's not super imminent.
_______________________
"Heeeey you guys": Will tonight's outdoor screening of "The Goonies" be rescheduled?
Jen: I can't seem to find any info about what they do at the Stead Park movie screenings when it rains. If it's not a thunderstorm or horrible downpour, they may try to go forward. Chatters, if anyone knows of a phone number folks can call for info, by all means, pass it on.
_______________________
Downtown: Speaking of H Street, I heard that they're starting work on the gourmet pizza place at the Ohio. Got any inside details or timelines, Fritz?
Fritz: It's run by the owners of Tonic and Radius (as well as the Palace of Wonders). I spoke to them about it much earlier this summer. I'm not sure it'll be open anytime soon -- I'd have fingers crossed for the winter, which is a shame, since they applied to have outdoor seating.
_______________________
Dinner on H Street: Is Napa up and running again? That could be a good date place.
Julia: Just called. The word from Napa 1015 is that they are reopening -- after that crazy car crash -- on the 3rd of September. Good to hear. Never had a full meal there, but the desserts are lovely. It would be a cute date place too; I still think Sticky Rice would be your best bet, though.
_______________________
Washignton, D.C.: Finally making it to the Black Cat this Sunday. I have heard it gets really crowded. Is there a need to buy tickets before hand/line up early? I will also be skipping over to the 40's night at St. Ex so I wanted to be sure to plan my night accordingly.
Thanks!
Rhome: Dredd's jams tend to pack 'em in so you will indeed be happier if you avoid the scrum by getting advance tickets. Avoid the Ticketmaster "screw you" charge and stop by the Black Cat after 8 p.m. Then go get dinner or something and come back later with ticket in hand.
_______________________
Sweden doesn't have fjords: It's Norway.
Fritz: As someone who just went to a wedding in western Sweden, I can tell you that they most certainly do have fjords.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: I am planning to go to Wolf Trap next weekend for a matinée of Les Mis. I've never been there before - what do people tend to wear?
Stephanie: Summertime shows at Wolf Trap tend to be a pretty mixed bag because so much of the seating is outside on the lawn. People who are picnicking tend to dress really casually since they'll be reclining on blankets all evening. You certainly wouldn't be out of place dressing up a little, but there's no need to go all out.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Cleveland Park Bar & Grill usually has some LSU fans- head for the rooftop bar
Fritz: Good to know. Thanks.
_______________________
A ridiculous question: Hey Gurus, I have a ridiculous question. I'm going to the preseason game today at FedEx, and am at a loss as to what to wear. I'm not much of a dresser-upper, though I do wear black to DC United games. Can I just wear whatever to a Skins game? (This is important because at the last game I went to, I got really really cold, snuggled up into my coat, and slept through 2 touchdowns and an entire quarter. And I was sober. So I'm looking to redeem myself)
Julia: Actually, they have a new policy at FedEx this year. You have to paint your chest in order to gain admittance. Seriously, hon, you can wear whatever you want to a football game. Burgundy and gold (obviously) dominate the stands, but beyond that the choice is yours. Given the forecast, our colleagues at the Capitol Weather Gang recommend a light jacket and an umbrella. I agree with the jacket -- not so much with the umbrella. So not cool to open up an umbrella in the stands!
_______________________
20th & K: Any bar/social recommendations for 40-45 year olds in the West End or Georgetown?
I seem to be missing the age mark by 10 years and it's not good...
Fritz: Start with Nathan's, Cafe Milano and Degrees at the Ritz Carlton. Some of the hotel bars, like the Venetian Room at the Hotel Lombardy, also hit the mark. Something livelier? There's usually a mix of ages at the Saloun and Martin's Tavern, as long as it's not late-night Friday and Saturday, when the crowd skews much younger.
_______________________
Timonium, Md.: Do you know of any romantic picnic areas in D.C.? I was thinking of a taking a trip to the National Zoo. Do they allow you to bring your own food inside?
Fritz: Bring your own food and drinks to the National Zoo. You can snack while overlooking the pandas. I also like Haines Point, around the FDR Memorial and the World War I Memorial.
_______________________
Good Stuff?: Is it worth it to try Chef Spike's restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery?
Any other new places you'd recommend trying?
Julia: Yes, it is definitely worth trying Spike's newish joint. I wanted to hate the place, given all the hype, but the shop definitely offers a great burger. The toasted marshmallow milkshake is my idea of heaven. If it's a great burger you're after, don't sleep on Ray's Hell-Burger. This is the best burger in town these days (in my humble opinion).
_______________________
Washington, D.C: I would love to plan something for this weekend involving a hike on one of D.C.'s trails (i.e., Rock Creek Park or Roosevelt Island) and some good, cheap ethnic food before and/or after (dim sum or Vietnamese a huge bonus) nearby. Still, I'm not really sure how to logistically plan all of this, where the best place to eat would be, and what the best trails are. Needs to be Metro-accessible. Thanks!
Anne: Rosslyn + China Garden + Roosevelt Island = easy. (I know I've recommended that combo before.) There's a Vietnamese place in Cleveland Park (although I would vote for Spices or takeout if you're not too sweaty), and from there it's a short walk to the short Melvin Hazen tributary entrance-- bouncing down that is lots of fun with cross-creek zigzagging. Or if you're going north, get out in Silver Spring, and you will have tons of cheap eating options.
_______________________
Logan Circle: My parents are coming to town and my father gets seriously antsy if he can't eat Indian food. Should I take them to Rasika? The Bombay Club? Somewhere else. It has to be in DC. Thanks!
Rhome: Those two should well satisfy your pops' curry jones. You could try Indique too if you want to get creative. Heritage is also solid.
_______________________
McLean, Va.: Hubs and I staying in town this weekend - any farmer's markets still going? Also we have an affinity for ping pong and I found Comet Ping Pong which we'll probably try - any others out there? Thanks GOGs!
Fritz: Be warned: Comet has a live show with Pup Tent on Saturday, so there won't be ping-pong in the back room. Just rock. And other than a Monday/Tuesday slot at Breadsoda, that's the only real ping-pong restaurant going. Some others only bust out their tables for beer pong tournaments.
Julia: There are a ton of farmers markets still going -- and probably at their best given the August haul! Click on any day in this map and find a market near you. My personal preference is for Adams Morgan or Dupont, but near you, Reston's got some good ones.
_______________________
Goodbye, Cupcake: They deserve the hate -- I got there half an hour before closing, waited, waited, waited...and then they ran out of cupcakes well before closing and kicked everyone out. If you have the word "cupcake" in your name, and run out of cupcakes, you're just not competent enough to run a business.
It was like going to Staples and having them run out of...staples.
Rhome: Dag, yo. Dessert Fail.
_______________________
No Umbrella at Fed Ex Stadium: They will confiscate that umbrella faster than you can say, "Please, don't take my umbrella!" Every time it rains there is a big pile of umbrellas outside (which you can pick through, hopefully, after) and a big pile of aggravated fans inside.
Julia: Thanks for chiming in. I was looking at the Skins site to find the stated rule on this topic before I answered that question, but I couldn't find it quickly. Yeah, umbrellas at sporting events are pretty much the worst. Rain jackets, people! Rain jackets!
_______________________
Washington, D.C. : A guy friend of mine is having a difficult time. For any of my girlfriends I would arrange a day at the spa for the two of us to cheer her up. I don't think my guy friend would enjoy this. Any ideas for fun happening this weekend I could take him to? Baseball game has been done recently and we have spent far too much time at bars. Looking for something a little different. Thank you
Stephanie: Awww. What a good friend. Fresh air is always a good idea, but if baseball is out, you could always go for a hike. The irreverent Jerry Springer: The Opera could also do the trick to turn his mood around. Or maybe, since misery loves company, an afternoon of free blues is in order.
_______________________
Alexandria, Va.: My parents are visiting this weekend and I think I'm going to take them to the DC Blues Festival up at Rock Creek - having only been to the park once myself, what can I expect at the festival? Is it worth it? Is there ample parking (the park's website doesn't explain things very well). Also, are there any inexpensive places around there to maybe catch some dinner at the festival is over?
Thanks!
Fritz: The D.C. Blues Festival can be a great time -- if the weather holds. It's held in the Carter Barron Amphitheater, which means everyone has a seat and a view of acts like Zac Harmon, Lil' Dave Thompson and a host of local and national blues artists. (It's free, so yeah, it's worth it.) There's parking near the tennis stadium. Not many places to eat around there, though, which is a shame. Your best bet is driving down 16th to Columbia Heights and checking out the new places down there, like the Heights or Mayorga.
_______________________
McLean, Va.: Ideal romantic DC picnic recommendation = National Arboretum!
Fritz: Yes. Duh. Sorry.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Are umbrellas allowed at Nationals Park?
Julia: From the Nats' site:
"Small umbrellas are allowed in Nationals Park. Any umbrella that is not collapsible and will not fit into a 16"x16"x8" bag will not be permitted into the ballpark. Any umbrella that blocks sight lines or becomes a nuisance for any reason to other guests is not permitted. Ushers reserve the right to ask guests to lower their umbrellas for the enjoyment of all guests in attendance."
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: What are the chances of the Nats game going on tonight? I'm in my cave like office and can't see a window. Thanks!
Fritz: It's baseball. It'll probably go on. (And I have tickets tonight, too.) Our friends at the Capital Weather Blog are calling for light showers.
_______________________
Cupcake: It's opening week... they have to work out some kinks. Most places go through this--ie, I went to Sticky Rice on H Street opening week, waited 2 hours for a table, and they ran out of sushi. But, now it's great, full of sushi, and little to no wait.
Patience is a virtue.
Rhome: If I'm not doing Guru research, I never go to things right when they open.
_______________________
Silver Spring, Md. (for a week): My parents are coming into town to babysit my 4-year old son this weekend, so my husband and I have time to pack up our apartment for our move. Any kid activities this weekend that my parents can bring my son to? (keeping in mind that it will probably rain, so the zoo is out)
Anne: How long are they staying? Sunday and Monday look clear so far, right? But I'll toss in some indoor ideas, too. It is a perfect kid weekend. Legos, airplanes, free (and very short and fidget-friendly) theater, pet show and peanut race, any of that sound good? That last one, the Greenbelt Labor Day festival, is closest to you, so that gets my biggest vote.
_______________________
Washington, DC: Any idea what time Obama's speech is tonight? I have free tickets to the Nats game but I want to make it home in time to watch the speech. Thanks!
Rhome: 10pm.
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.: Ladygurus -- would you or the chatters have a recommendation for a wax technician at the Red Door at Friendship Heights? The woman I had last time was lovely, but didn't really know what a Brazilian was, so I had to explain, and well, I'd really prefer not to have to do that. Thanks.
Julia: I don't, but . . . chatters? I will give a shoutout to Rosa at Spa Mesu. She is a master-technician.
_______________________
Beach bound: Not really an event question but me and the BF are heading to Rehoboth Beach for the long weekend and heard about the construction on the bridge. Need some help on our route, leaving aroun 6am tomorrow morning. Do we just chance it?
Fritz: I have friends leaving tonight, which I think is the best plan of action, unless you want to drive around Baltimore.
_______________________
Bethesda with an AA, RP: Hi Gurus - help! My spunky, 91(!) yr old great-grandmother is coming to DC from WI for the AARP convention this weekend, staying near Gallery Place. She's eager to get out in DC, and has done the older monuments and attractions in years gone by. I'm stumped because she doesn't walk too well and doesn't want to "waste money eating out somewhere fancy". Any suggestions for museums, restaurants, or other things to do that are appropriate for the elderly crowd? You're lifesavers!
Stephanie: If she likes theater, then you two could check out the Page to Stage Festival this weekend. It's basically a sampling of readings and previews of new plays, and there's no walking required! But if your grandmother would prefer to go the museum route, then I would try to go one place that has a lot to offer, like the National Gallery or the Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum, because even though those museums are huge, everything is self-contained; you won't have to walk outside in the heat and you all can just take your time walking from exhibit to exhibit.
_______________________
Birbigs: Gurus - I'm not sure if you follow your own advice, and if any of you attended the Mike Birbiglia show last week... If not, you should know that Birbiglia made special mention of the GOGs during his performance. He even went so far as to read some of your commentary aloud. It was, as always, hilarious, but perhaps not as flattering as you might like. Were any of you all in the audience? I must know.
Anne: Oooh, we must know, too. What did he say?
_______________________
Washington D.C.: I'm going out with a group of ten ladies on Saturday night for dinner at Central. Where do you recommend we go for drinks afterwards? We're not looking for the club scene. Someplace spunky where we may possibly be able to get a seat (or at least be able to hear our conversations). Thanks!
Fritz: I'd probably go down the block to Ten Pehn for Singapore Slings and other cool, quasi-exotic cocktails.
_______________________
Arlington, Va: Re: romantic picnic spots. I wouldn't recommend the zoo unless your idea of romance includes hordes of strollers and young children.
Fritz: Diff'rent Strokes for diff'rent folks.
_______________________
Oxygen Bar?: I just got back from Vegas and tried an Oxygen bar for the first time (twice in fact) and LOVED it! Are there any around here? Thanks!
Fritz: Oxygen bars are very much a Vegas/L.A. thing. None around here.
_______________________
Birthday Girl: Where should I go out to dinner with 11 of my friends for my birthday. Something moderately priced...
Fritz: You've really got to give us more than that.
_______________________
Alexandria, Va.: Speaking of Ray's Hell-Burger, I been wanting to try that place but I'm not seeing a menu online. I'm an omnivore but my wife sticks to seafood or vegetarian dishes - do they have any offerings for non-meat eaters, or should I make that trip solo?
Julia: To be honest, I was so busy slobbering over the burgers on my couple-o-visits to the place, that I didn't even really look at the non-meat offerings. Just talked to Michael Landrum and he tells me that the restaurant offers grilled cheeses. This ain't your average grilled cheese, he said (he didn't quite say it like that, but you get the idea). Toasted on the grill, put under the broiler, topped with all the goodies you could get on a burger.
Either way, the meat is the thing to get here, so I'd make this visit solo, but if your lovely wife wants to come -- by all means....
_______________________
Hottest tickets in town: After watching three days of the Democratic convention I've got Obama fever. Could you guys do a story on how the inaugural balls work? Is there any chance ordinary people can get tickets? Are there groups I should join now to better my chances? Places I should be sending donations to? I really want to join in on the celebration! Thanks
Anne: Ordinary people can get tickets, but you have to move fast. We'll have all the info here when the time comes, but for now, hook yourself up with some state societies, like say, Illinois.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Haven't yet been to the DJ Dredd Prince parties at Black Cat, and this time I am determined to go. Is it recommended to get tickets before? Don't want to miss out again!
Fritz: Don't worry about getting tickets in advance. There's usually a line around 11, but it moves quickly. Make sure you're there by 10:30 for no line/no wait, but I don't think this will be as crowded as his parties on, say, Columbus Day or Presidents Day. I think a lot of people are getting out of Dodge this weekend.
Wait. Not Dodge. D.C. Don't Stand for Dodge City. (Happy birthday, Chuck Brown!)
_______________________
Washington: I want to have an outdoor Mad Hatter style tea party picnic with friends to celebrate my birthday. I'm looking for somewhere less-traveled but with close parking so I don't have to lug things to far, and people don't have to wander far to find the party. I haven't been to the Arboretum - do you think it would fit the bill? Is there somewhere else that might work?
Fritz: Arboretum, sure, especially if you can do it around the Capitol columns or the Japanese gardens. Those would be lovely.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Speaking of the Nationals, have you guys heard of any bars/restaurants slated to be up and running by the 2009 season? How about the Half Street strip?
Fritz: Rumors, rumors, more rumors and nothing concrete. Apparently this whole banking crisis has scared off some investors.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Lady gog's! Any advice on where to get a reasonably priced veil for my wedding?? (not looking for anything fancy, as its a Jamaican beach wedding!) Thanks!!
Julia: Jeez, they're all so expensive, right!? It's crazy! Being a bit of a DIYer, I'd suggest you at least try making it yourself. Looking online and seeing if there are some easy-to-follow instructions. For buying it, I think the online shops might be your best bet. We got my flower girls' dresses at flowergirlsdressesforless.com (or something like that) and it was actually super cute!
_______________________
Arlington, Va.: This is more of curiousity question than a going out question. It seems whenever a new restaurant or cupcake/fro-yo place opens, it gets swamped and talked about ad nauseum. Washingtonians' reaction is that of a small town getting its first Walmart. Does this happen in other major cities-New York, Boston, San Francisco or is it just D.C. culture? Also, for the person interested in Vietnamese food, he/she should check out Eden Center that is near East Falls Church on the metro.
Fritz: Have you ever been to a new bar in Brooklyn, restaurant in Manhattan or a new club in Vegas? It's a worldwide phenomenon. Everyone wants to be the first to try something so they can tell their friends they've been there.
_______________________
Woodbridge, Va.: I've heard good things about the trails along Sligo Creek in Silver Spring. I'm not familiar at all with the area. Where is a good place to park and set off?
Rhome: You can start at Wheaton Regional Park and do the whole 9.5 miles of the Northwest Branch, depending on if you're jogging or cycling. Be aware that you need to keep your speed down if you're on two wheels because the trail narrows in some places and you have to share with non-cyclists. The Northwest Branch ends in my 'hood, West Hyattsville. I would normally recommend picking up the trail that heads to the Bladensburg waterfront but there's a section near the southern end of the Northwest Branch that is closed due to a water main break.
_______________________
Petworth: Fritz - the Mayorga at Columbia Heights is no more. That is, it's apparently still open (?), but not Mayorga.
Fritz: Damn. Go out of town for a few weeks and everything gets turned upside down. Oh well. Always expensive beers at Commonwealth!
_______________________
L' Enfant Plaza, DC: For the person with the grandma staying at Gallery Place.......
Definitely the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum since they're, you know, right there. During the week there is a pair of Mystics games on Tuesday and Saturday, though I bet AARP already has that staked out. The Newseum, the Spy Museum and the Museum of Crime & Punishment are all right there, though they charge.
For food, Austin Grill is decently priced. The Chinese restaurant row on H is always there. Zaytinya, Oyamel and Jaleo can be cheap if you order right and don't overwhelm yourselves. Worse comes to worse, California Tortilla, Chipotle, Chopt!, Five Guys and McDonald's are all right there...
Stephanie: For the person with the AARP grandma, L'Enfant's got you covered.
_______________________
Alexandria, girls night out: Hi -- Looking for a restaurant in Old Town for a Saturday night girls night celebration (8-10 30-something women). Hoping for a festive atmosphere, good drinks, and decently priced food. any suggestions? thanks!
Fritz: Sangria, live Gypsy Kings-style music and tapas at Las Tapas sounds perfect to me. There's also salsa dancing and mojitos at Cafe Salsa... If you're in the mood, try karaoke at Rock-It Grill, but eat elsewhere.
_______________________
Rays the Nonvegetarian: Ray might not realize that most cheese is not vegetarian, so you might ask if it is (if he does not know, assume it has rennet in it). This is unfortunately something I run into a lot -- the "vegetarian" option is loaded with cheese, and thus, usually not OK. I could be wrong and he might well know and have bought non-rennet cheese. If yes, my apologies to Ray.
Julia: "Ray" is actually a gut named Michael, but your point is noted for all the rennet-free vegetarians out there. The last chatter's wife eats some fish, so I'd be surprised if she's not down with rennet, but there you go. A lot of the vegetarians I know are fine with eating all kinds of cheese. For better or worse, I think the term vegetarian means a variety of things to a variety of different people.
_______________________
Avenue Oven thingy in Takoma Park: What's up with this? I walked past recently and it looked lit changes had been made, but I can't figure out what they're doing. Any word?
Anne: They're basically gutting the interior and getting rid of the bar and the stage in the back. The kitchen will be on the side, sort of where it was for Taliano's, and there'll be tables along the front windows where you'll be able to see through to the kitchen. Gillian Clark said it will be American food through an "Eastern European immigrant lens" and she tossed out thoughts about knishes, house-made pickles, pastries on Sunday, strudel and chicken pot pie. Under $30. They said the target date would be before the end of the year(!)
_______________________
Cincinnati, Ohio: I'm visiting D.C. this weekend and I'm looking for some really nice, upscale restaurants to scope out for the design magazine I work for. Any suggestions?
Julia: Zaytinya, Proof, The Source -- oh and definitely Redwood in Bethesda.
_______________________
Arlington: Ok so my googling didn't produce any results - is there anything fun to do this weekend in Annapolis? Thank you for being wonderful.
Fritz: Argh, there's a really big regatta NEXT weekend in Annapolis that I'd totally go to if I wasn't going to be downing medivka -- the nectar of the gods -- at the Baltimore Ukrainian festival. There's always the Renaissance Festival, a Navy football game, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra playing for free at Quiet Waters Park. That's about what I got, in addition to cruising the bars of Eastport, or sipping cocktails on the water at Pussers.
_______________________
Rain jackets, people! Rain jackets!: Puke ponchos! Puke ponchos!
Julia: Well, there is that.
_______________________
Cafe Salsa: For the girls' night out in Old Town, Cafe Salsa is delicious and fun!
Fritz: That's what I figured.
_______________________
Nats game on Sunday -- Food options: Hi! My boyfriend's parents are coming up for the Nationals game on Sunday. Where should we take them for lunch before OR dinner after? Somewhere healthy, either near the stadium or in the Clarendon/Rosslyn area. Thanks!
Julia: Near the stadium's tough for a lunch with boyfriend's parents.... I think I might opt for Liberty Tavern in Clarendon or Piola in Rosslyn. If you do want to do something by the stadium, I think Belga Cafe could be your best bet.
_______________________
French Fry Feud: GOGs, What are your votes for best french fries in D.C.?
Fritz: Granville Moore's are usually pretty good. And Poste's. Oh, and the specialty category, sweet potato fries from Argonaut.
Julia: Tom Sietsema has been raving about the ones at Et Voila (which I have yet to try). These days, I'm partial to the sweet potato fries at Big Buns in Ballston. Fancy fries? I'm a fan of Marvin's.
_______________________
Petworth: Gramma at Gallery Place might also enjoy the Building Museum. Everybody misses it, but it's really cool.
Stephanie: Good call. I love the Building Museum, and their new fridge exhibit.
_______________________
Frequent Flyer, D.C.: So with Stephanie answering questions about New York restaurants and Rhome and Fritz off on other continents, have the GOGs ever thought about putting together special travel guides? Can you start with New York City? I'm going up for Labor Day weekend and would love to hear about affordable restaurants and bars in Red Hook and probably Williamsburg.
Stephanie: I'm not just a one-trick pony, my friend. I can also help out with Bay Area questions. That being said, my knowledge of Brooklyn is pretty scarce; I hear Aurora and Dressler are good for restaurants, which are both in Williamsburg, I believe. And I'm turning bar recs over to Fritz...
Fritz: Yeah, stay tuned for my guide to Swedish and Russian bars.
I don't know much about Red Hook, being more of a Williamsburg/Greenpoint kind of guy.
Mark Bar in Greenpoint is the way to go if you're looking for middle ground -- great beers, good people, dog-friendly, great music. In Williamsburg, I'm partial to the Radegast Beer Hall, which is a spacious 19th-Century Czech-style beer hall with great drafts and a wide mix of people. And Spuyten Duyvil, which has one of the best beer selections on the East Coast. And Barcade, because they've got Tapper among their vintage video game selections.
_______________________
Petworth: Baltimore Ukrainian Festival? Do tell?
Fritz: Patterson Park. Saturday and Saturday. Dance performances, live music, vendors, lots of food and a beer garden. I go every year, and it's always one of the best days out... Check www.brama.com for more info.
_______________________
Cozy and calm in Dupont?: This maybe asking too much, but I am meeting a grad school friend for dinner tonight in Adams Morgan/Dupont. Given the weather and the fact we have lots to catch up on, I was looking for some place cozy and calm. Is that asking too much?
Julia: Perhaps the Cantina at Darlington House? Etrusco on the same block (which was recently mini-reviewed in Tom's First Bite column this week)?
_______________________
VA: Beach Party of the year -- party with 20 thousand of your closest Parrott Heads both Saturday and Monday at Nissan Beach - er Pavilion. Wastin away again in Margaritaville!!
Fritz: ... and topping the list of songs I would like to never hear again ... Actually, after the last "Yacht Rock" episode, I found myself humming Jimmy Buffet songs. Insidious.
_______________________
Alexandria again: Thanks - she loves grilled cheese, so it's on! I was using the term vegetarian as in not chicken, beef, pork, or other dead mammals. Given the cheese selection I've heard about I'm guessing they can make a mean one indeed.
Julia: Thanks for writing back! Enjoy your burger.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Do you know of any place within a short drive the D.C. area where you can swim in freshwater lakes/creeks/rivers that won't cost an arm and a leg?
Fritz: There are a ton up near Baltimore. I used to go to Gunpowder. Great place.
_______________________
In defense of the cupcake: I understand why people are frustrated about standing in line only to have Hello, Cupcake run out of cupcakes, but they just opened on Monday. When Georgetown Cupcake opened it was the same deal--they would run out of cupcakes throughout the day and close, then reopen a few hours later (or not at all, if it was close to closing time).
It is understandable that they might not have known exactly how much interest they would get in their first week, and weren't prepared. As a general rule, if I don't want to deal with a hassle or potential complications, I avoid a new food establishment for the first month or two, until it has gotten into its groove. You have to expect growing pains in the beginning.
Julia: I agree. I think it takes a while for a new place to work out its kinks.
_______________________
Good Stuff Eatery: I don't think it's lived up to the hype. My burger and fries--which sounded great on the menu--were soggy by the time I was served. I went within the first week or so of the opening, and it didn't seem like the kitchen line had their system down yet. Milkshakes get two thumbs up, though.
Julia: Just want to add this last counter-opinion to Good Stuff. Kinda dreaming about that milkshake now....
_______________________
Ballston: I have been hearing mixed reviews on Surfside - but I am dying to give in to my fish taco craving as I haven't had a good one since San Diego. Any other places here that make it like the real (SoCal) thing?
Julia: Surfside's the best I've found, to be honest. It's really good -- and cheap!
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.: My heritage is Scandinavian. Are there any good Scandinavian restaurants or bars in the D.C. area?
Fritz: You might try W Domku for herring and aquavit. And beers that are waaaaaay cheaper than at my New Favorite Bar in the World, Ohhallen 7 in Gothenburg.
_______________________
washingtonpost.com: That's all for now. See you next week. Vamos United and alladat. And let us bring peace to our quests for cupcakes.
_______________________
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.