The Going Out Gurus
of the washingtonpost.com City Guide
Thursday, October 23, 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:
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washingtonpost.com: Hi there. Everybody feeling Halloween in the air? Looks like we're going to be talking a lot about that today... let's get to it. We're all here.
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Washington, D.C.: My friends and I are thinking about going to Nightmare on M Street. Is the armband price worth the bars and specials? Do you have to be in costume to get the armband? Thanks!
Fritz: Costume not required, but lots of people generally are. I'm curious how the events are going to play out since the crawl's actually on Halloween this year -- more people dressing up at work? Anyway, the Nightmare on M Street will probably draw thousands and thousands again this year for hopping between 15 bars downtown. The specials -- $2 beers, $4 rail drinks, various half-price apps -- aren't mind-blowing when you factor in the $12 ticket price, but if you want to get out and see as many costumes as possible on Halloween, I recommend it.
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Washington, D.C.: Hey guys,
My parents are coming to visit this weekend and of course it is going to rain on Saturday, so that kind of kills going to check out some memorials. Are there any interesting exhibits in town at the museum's? My dad loves history, but I'm pretty sure the American History museum is still closed. I was even thinking of heading out to Mount Vernon, but with the rain that may not be a good idea. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks
Stephanie: American History doesn't reopen until November 21, but there are definnitely some other indoor options. If your dad digs history, you MUST hit up the Pompeii exhibit at the National Gallery. It is seriously amazing. Another good bet would be the Newseum. You can see large portions of the Berlin Wall, plus I thought the G-Men and Journalists exhibit was really interesting, especially now that the FBI building is closed to visitors (although be forewarned, Saturday is Family Day so it could get busy).
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Arlington, Va.: Can you recommend a reputable place to get Japanese hair straightening that is under $400? I know that places like NYC have salons starting at $250 for this treatment, but I haven't seen anything in the DC metro area. Thanks!
Janet: The only one in DC that I know does the treatment that I can recommend is Roche at Washington Harbour, but I don't think it's less than $400. Sorry.
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Alexandria, Va.: Hello Gurus! I was wondering if you could tell me more about the Vivienne Westwood display at Muleh and the event there Thursday night? Is it free? What exactly is it?! Thanks!
Janet: It's tonight from 5-8 and you get a chance to preview (and pre-order) from Westwood's Anglomania spring collection. Plus, the designer has loaned the wedding gown she made for Carrie Bradshaw in the "Sex and the City" movie to the boutique for the event. DJ and champagne, too.
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Buffalo Meat?: Gurus, this is not a going out question, but I thought I'd try.
I am trying to find buffalo/bison meat, as I heard it's fantastic and is lower in fat. Do you know any markets or butchers that sell it?
Maybe chatters would know?
Julia: Go to the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cibola Farms is there and they sell buffalo meet. My husband and I were particularly fond of the buffalo-fennel sausage for a while. Not wild about the meat....kinda gamey. It's worth a try, though. (And check Cibola's retail page; they're at other local markets as well).
You could also call Let's Meat on the Avenue in Del Ray (703-684-6328) or The Organic Butcher in McLean (703-790-8300).
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Arlington, Va.: Just got back from vacationing in London and Paris where I had this awesome Strongbow Jacques Fruit Cider.
Where can I buy it? ps - It's different from the regular Strongbow cider.
Thx.
Fritz: Not only does Strongbow sell weaker cider in the U.S. than in the U.K. -- 5.0 percent in cans here, 5.3 percent there -- they don't import any of the variations, like high-alcohol Super Strongbow or the flavored Jacques. Sorry.
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Petworth: Gurus, it's so flattering to be missed when I miss the chat! So, I'm reading the transcript from 10/16, and I see the person asking Petworth questions. Of course I have thoughts! In case you find them useful, here goes.
(Oh, also, before I get going, there's a great upholstery place on H St NE (for the chair person in the transcript) - Ross's Upholstery, at 5th and H NE.)
Possible homebuyer, based on your question, I don't recommend Petworth. Actually, I don't really recommend any of the city neighborhoods I love, based on what you wrote. Yeah, I'm being a snob, but I think I can back it up. Hear me out here.
You don't want SE, and I'm guessing it's because you're either assuming it's dangerous, or you aren't comfortable with the racial mix you're assuming you'll find there. That you are willing to write off entire sections of the city based on those kinds of assumptions raises a big old red flag in my mind. The comment about "cool flips" also raises a ton of red flags. And what do you see as the upside (?) of Shaw? It's hard to address that part of your comment since I don't know what appeals to you about Shaw.
Back on topic - My wonderful neighborhood is wonderful. It really is. And yes, you can find a nice house here in your price range. But it's not sanitized, it's an urban place. And it's not all hipsters. Other people live here too, and many of us have been here for many years, and care deeply about our neighborhood and our neighbors. We hope that those who are moving in also love the place and people, but we fear that some of the new folks aren't comfortable with us, and don't want to take the time to get to know us and to get to know our neighborhood. Basically, we fear these people - http://www.theonion.com/content/node/51852 And I'm not just talking about Petworth here; I think people in most of our wonderful neighborhoods feel this way. We are happy to have new people join us, but we want those people to want to be here, in this place, not to want to turn us into their vision of a sanitized city.
Oh, and on the topic of flips - look, those people come in, buy up houses, do a quick and dirty gut job, and move on. The quality of the work is really unimpressive. Look for a place that hasn't been flipped, pay less, and put the difference into a quality renovation. Really, you'll end up with a MUCH MUCH better house that way. The District is such a wonderful place, and I am so happy that it is my home. I love my neighborhood, and will happily tell you how great it is, and why it is so great, all day. But it's not the ideal place for everybody. Come visit and see how you like it. And while you're out, stop by some other unfamiliar neighborhoods. You never know what amazing places you will find when you do that. So, sit down, think about what you really want in a house and in a neighborhood. Then you'll know where to start looking. Chasing the wave doesn't work. Analyzing your wishes and how they relate to what's out there is always the best place to start.
Julia: This essay (from one of our most beloved regulars) is in response to last week's thread about where to buy a home in D.C..
Thanks for your take, Petworth. The Onion article s/he linked to is a really funny read.
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Columbia Heights: Hi Gurus! So my Dad is coming into town this weekend for some D.C. and daughter fun. I've got days and dinners all planned out, but do you have any suggestions on where to take Dad post-dinner? He's a relaxed and casual guy, loves rock music and jazz. I'm looking to stay in DC somewhere, but he loves himself some Old Town so I'm open to that too. Overall, I'm at a loss for Dad-friendly places. Any suggestions?
David: This is an easy one, at least for this weekend. Take him to see D.C. jazz icon Buck Hill at Twins Jazz. The Wailin' Mailman is playing 9 and 11 p.m. shows on both Friday and Saturday.
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Washington, D.C.: Gurus--HELP. I am moving out of the District (alas!) in a few weeks and would like to get a performance in at the Kennedy Center before I go. Have you heard anything about the symphony performance or the ballet (Genius2)?? I like both arts but can't decide which one to go to! Any advice would be appreaciated.
Stephanie: No! Don't go!! Well if you must, then I'm going to recommend Genius2. It looks like it will be a fantastic show, plus you can't go wrong with a little Twyla Tharp.
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For buffalo meat...: Cibola farms also appears at the Dupont Farmer's Market (in case that is more convenient). Additionally, you can find it at Whole Foods, but why not support the locals instead?
Julia: Agreed. The Cibola guys are always really nice too. If you ask, you'll learn WAY more than you ever wanted to know about meat.
A couple of suggestions just came in for trying buffalo meat on the menu at the various Ted's Montana Grill locations around NoVa.
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HH in Bethesda or Reston: My favorite happy hour buddy just got transferred to Reston and we are wondering if there is any place in Reston (or nearby--Herndon, maybe?) for happy hour. We are looking for a late-20s, early 30s group--maybe wine or cocktail specials and some food/appetizer specials?
Thanks so much for your help with this! I know you usually just answer questions about the city, but I'd love any knowledge you have of the 'burbs.
Fritz: I'll answer questions about anywhere there's booze. Or music. But mostly booze.
So, in Reston Town Center for happy hour, there's the American Tap Room, which isn't bad -- feels kinda corporate, but good beer and appetizer specials. Champps Americana also gets crowded after work, and is really popular when sports are on, so it might be a good place for the World Series. And, of course, there's always Clyde's.
In Herndon, I'm a huge fan of Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, which has tons of loyal regulars, plus foosball tournaments, a quiz night and lots of cheap deals. And don't forget about Carpool, which is a little off the beaten path, or feels it to me, but has half-price beer and food, plus occasional live music.
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NW D.C.: Submitting early since I will be at a meeting during the chat. Friend in town this weekend who, for whatever reason, just loves brunch. Can't get enough of it. My usual brunch spot is Bourbon (in the neighborhood), but what are some of the best brunch spots in D.C.? Bonus points for any places that are very "Washington", whatever that means.
Maybe that can start a separate thread for this week? What does it mean to be very "Washington"?
Julia: Lately, I've been digging on Creme -- mostly because the brunch food is good & the bloody marys are strong. But I also think that the restaurant gets at some of that quintessential Washington-ness. It's on U Street, which has been dubbed the heart of the city for decades -- and more importantly, the crowd is always really reflective of the city. Young, old, white, black, city-dweller, suburbanite, whatever. If you live in the Washington area, you're welcome at Creme.
That doesn't make it any easier to get a table, however. Wait times are astronomical during normal brunch hours. Saturday's usually a better bet than Sunday.
Fellow gurus, chatters, your take on what it means to be very Washington?
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Vacant Lots, D.C.: Hey GOGS, quick question: is there anything planned to go into the spot in Cleveland Park that used to occupied by Yuenching Palace (RIP)? And what about the spot where Platinum used to be and is now for lease? I live near one, and work near the other!
Fritz: Yenching Palace is going to be a #@&$&!!* Walgreen's, because Cleveland Park needs another drugstore.
Platinum -- I've heard lots of rumors about it but nothing concrete yet. I know the owners of some other D.C. clubs have looked at it.
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Alexandria, Va.: Re: Buffalo meat - they're frozen but Trader Joe's also sells buffalo burger patties. You can also always head over to the Brickskeller to get a buffalo burger fix.
Julia: Funny you should bring up the Brick. Last night, Fritz and Steph and I we were just debating about the food there -- and talking about the Brickskeller paradox. So many beers on the menu, so few actually in stock....
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Washington, D.C.: Ok--Halloween question. For my outfit, I need a pair of antenna (like insect ones). I have not beem able to find a pair. I've checked a few CVS stores, a few Target stores, and the Halloween store in Cleveland Park. Any other suggestions? Must be Metro accessible (or within 2 miles of a metro station). What's the world coming to if you can't get the classic antenna headband for Halloween. Is this another indication of the economic recession?
Rhome: Get crafty and make some? Chatters?
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Bison Meat: My Organic Market (on Mt Vernon Ave next to Birchmere) has steaks and ground buffalo/bison all the time, both fresh and in the freezer, and it is, of course, organic and free range. They also had frozen ostrich burgers the last time I was there.
Julia: Another buffalo suggestion.
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Reston, Va.: Hey GOGs!
This year will be my first time out in the area for Halloween so I was wondering which bars/ clubs are having special events. I read about Nightmare on M Street bar crawl, but what else is there for the 20s crowd? I've heard Georgetown is good, but have never been. I usually go to places like Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Clarendon Ballroom, Dupont places. Any suggestions?
Fritz: There are dozens of choices if you browse this search return, which is featured on today's City Guide page. There are many parties happening in Adams Morgan, Clarendon and Georgetown, while most of the bars around Dupont (Front Page, Hoban's, Porter's, Rumors, etc.) are all participating in the Nightmare.
Generally, things are going to be zoo-like whereever you go. Adams Morgan allows for the most barhopping, while Georgetown, for some reason, is still the place to go just stroll around the streets in costume while people gawk.
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Alexandria, Va.: RE: Strongbow - Norm's beer and wine in Vienna sells the regular stuff so you might want to ask them if they can get you other flavors. If it's at all possible, they can usually get it.
Fritz: Norm's is probably the best liquor store in NoVa -- well, my favorite -- and if they can't get it, you can't get it.
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Arlington, Va.: Hi Gurus! Do you have suggestions, other than JR's and Fox and Hounds, of bars/restaurants to watch the High Heel Drag Race on Tuesday? Thanks!
Fritz: First, if you're on the patios at JR's or F&H, you can't actually see the race because there so many bodies in front of you.
That said, in the interest of expediency, I'd eat/drink somewhere else nearby and make my way over to 17th. In the past, I've met friends at Larry's Lounge or Straits of Malaya on 18th, which is just a short walk.
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Arlington, Va.: Don't you think it's a little irresponsible to link Late Night Shots in your favorite sites list on the blog? Did you read the Citypaper article about this group?
Fritz: No and yes.
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Silver Spring: I need some Guru help! I'm not a fancy club girl. Generally I either hit up dive bars or go out for expensive dinners with friends. But I'm headed out to Park on 14th with some friends this weekend. (after 10 p.m.) What's a girl to wear? I'm completely stumped. Would nice jeans work? The ubiquitous black pants?
Rhome: If you dress up the rest of your ensemble, I'd take nice jeans over the black pants, those joints are PLAYED OUT. I only go on weekdays and it's usually one chic/sexy notch above business attire. You might want to plan for a few notches beyond that on a weekend and maybe rock a nice dress.
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Antennae: You can try the costume shope on 8th SE - I wish I could remember the name. About 3 blocks from the Eastern Market Metro (toward I). Last I was in there they had everything you could possibly want and never need for a costume.
Rhome: And there you go.
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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Gurus! My (30th) bday is this Saturday and I'm planning on doing some museum hopping with my husband. Any recommendations for exhibits open right now to go see? We're open to anything. Thanks!
Stephanie: Happy 30th! Since I don't have any idea what you like, I'll just throw out some of my recent faves. As I mentioned, Pompeii is a must. Garden and Cosmos sounds promising for Indian art at the Sackler, and the Richard Avedon photos of famous faces at the Corcoran is fantastic. This is not an exhibit, but if you're looking for something else special, you could catch a matinee of Henry IV, which is one of the best plays I've seen in recent memory.
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Happy Hour Help!: I'm meeting my boyfriend's work friends for the first time tomorrow. I am tasked with finding a place to meet for drinks - ideally somewhere on the quieter side. We'll all be in business attire, so nothing too divey or clubby. They're on the edge of Foggy Bottom (closer to downtown) and I'm near Farragut North. Any ideas for a place in between? Thanks.
Fritz: Skye Lounge would work -- nice decor, large windows, plenty of tables, good mojitos and batidas. A little fancier than some of its neighbors. Might also try
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Foggy Bottom, D.C.: I am looking for restaurants in D.C. that have a chef's table for a special occasion. Could you tell me what restaurants do this and the approximate cost?
Julia: I can name a few: Indebleu, Tosca, and Citronelle.
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Adams Morgan: For another suggestion on buffalo Reef has both burger and hot dogs on pretzel rolls that I really like plus good beer.
Fritz: I am addicted to the bison dog and a large glass of Oktoberfest beer.
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For Reston Happy Hour: A new restaurant/bar just opened in Reston Town Center called Jackson's. Its in the same chain as Sweetwater Tavern and Costal Flats. I was there last Thursday and there was a large crowd, late 20s early 30s. Might be what you are looking for...
Fritz: Heard about it from their PR folks, but haven't made it out yet, so I can't pass judgment.
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Alexandria, Va.: Norm's again - there are exceptions though. Last time I was there I wanted to get some Budvar, which you would think would be a sure thing, but they explained that b/c of some weird regulation or something, you can find it in D.C., but they can't get it in VA.
Fritz: Yeah, but that happens everywhere, because there are different distributors in every state. Before you could get Bluecoat gin in D.C., for example, I used bring bottles home from Philly. I knew what it was, where to get it -- heck, where it's distilled -- but I couldn't buy it a short train ride away. Madness.
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Georgetown: What's the scoop on Lotus? Is there a line? How much are the drinks? Is it worth going?
Fritz: Well, they're free for an hour at tomorrow night's anniversary party, covered in your handy Nightlife Agenda. No line, no cover and free food/drinks if you RSVP.
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Very Washington: In your very own newspaper, John Kelly is running this "contest" right now. He has asked people this question and is soliciting reponses.
Julia: Yes, I am aware of the contest (believe it or not, I actually READ our very own newspaper -- in print! delivered to my house!).
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Springfield, Va.: My husband and I would like to go out on Saturday and looking for a nice Jazz spot/ R&B with a mature crowd (30's). Any suggestions?
Fritz: I will highly recommend the Saturday night appearance of saxophonist Buck Hill at Twins Jazz, since he's a local legend, and though in his 80s, the man can still blow. Twins is a cool, quiet spot with good food and drinks. Option B is HR-57, where Junebug Jackson and his quartet are performing.
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Rosslyn: Are there any Halloween events on Saturday Nov. 1st besides the event at Fur I saw on your calendar? I have two costumes and want to utilize both without running home to change mid-way through barcrawl Friday.
Fritz: I've been on the lookout and have been stymied so far. I expect to add another dozen or so events today and tomorrow, though -- surprising how once we put up a list of events, bar owners are a lot more responsive about wanting to be included.
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D.C.: Do we have a list of election night gatherings yet?
Fritz: Working on it. I can safely say that just about every bar that had a debate-viewing party, from Capitol Lounge to B. Smith's to the Red Derby, will be hosting an election night party. This is Washington. It's like Dork Super Bowl.
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Planning in advance: Gurus--I have tickets to the Coldplay concert for my boyfriend and my anniversary. Can't find if they have openers or not. Do you know what time they actually go on? I'm trying to decide whether to keep Acadiana reservations or not...
David: Duffy's opening for Coldplay at Verizon Center next Friday. (She's really boring, IMO.) As of now I think she's the only one, which means Coldplay could be on as early as 8:30 or so. Should have more concrete info next Thursday, not sure if that helps you with the reservations, though.
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Washington, D.C.: How will the marathon affect access to Arlington cemetery on race day? Will it be harder to get to/in the cemetery?
Stephanie: Getting to Arlington Cemetery could be a challenge during the big race. Actually, getting anywhere could be a challenge. Check out the course map for more information on the many road closures. And then take Metro.
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Non-costumed, Virginia: Where might be a good place to snag an old skool powder blue tuxedo, a la Sexual Chocolate from "Coming to America" Gracias!
Anne: Now there's a powder blue tux reference I'd totally forgotten about. I know this would be a schlep for you for Virginia, but Polly Sue's in Takoma Park would be a great place to ask.
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Dupont Circle, D.C.: Hello GOGs, Have any of you tried the beer pairing tasting menu dinners at Pizzeria Paradiso or Rustico. I have a big birthday coming up and love beer and want to do something that incorporates good beer pairings but the price difference between the two is high enough that I have to ask if one is truly better than the other. Or if you have other/better suggestions. Thanks!
Fritz: I've done both, and they're very different affairs. Birreria is definitely a low-key affair that's about the beer, while Rustico has edgier gourmet cuisine and high-end beers. (It's also a lot more expensive, at $98 a person.)
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Brookland: Actual question: I'm a huge fan of Chicago-style hot dogs, celery salt, sportpeppers and all. I have been unable to find them in D.C., and I've found a number of bloggers who've tried and failed to do the same. Supposedly M'dawg is missing sportpeppers and celery salt, for example. Anyone have an idea where to find these delicious frankenstein's-monster hot dogs?
Non-question aside: I'm new to Brookland from Chinatown, and I have to say I'm loving this neighborhood. Nightlife is almost non-existent but the people are great and the overall feel of the place is college-town-stuck-in-the-middle-of-DC. Loving it. Any can't-miss stuff out here? See how I slipped that extra question in all subtle-like?
Julia: M'Dawg is also closed.
Fritz: I have to say I liked the dogs at Billy Goat Tavern, a Chicago import that's set up shop near Capitol Hill.
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Georgetown: Lotus Follow Up. Okay so the drinks are a little pricey, but would you chose Lotus over a nice warm spot on your couch on Saturday night?
Fritz: I never, ever choose my couch on a Friday or Saturday night unless there are extenuating circumstances, like being sick, or having spent the afternoon at a beer festival. Not much of a Staying In Guru at all.
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Chevy Chase, Md.: where's the best places to get costumes for adults and children?
Julia: Near you? I'd go to Bruce's Variety in Bethesda. Not the widest selection ever, but cheap and adequate. Costumes Creative has a looooooooot of costumes if you're looking for something more elaborate.
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AVOID Nightmare on M Street: 1. Too many damn people to get in too any bars or have to wait FOREVER to get in
2.impossible to actually get TO the bar for any drinks and when you do, have to scream at the top of your lungs in order to be heard and then wait forever for the drink
3.impossible to move/drink/breathe once inside a place, and then we're supposed to move on to another insane location???
4. drink specials run out quickly
A nightmare indeed. Went once, never again- if anything, just go to mill around and see the costumes/chaos.
Fritz: I've never seen the specials run out -- seriously, Rumors has no more Miller Lite? -- but I agree with you that the places can be madhouses. As I said in the writeup, you may want to keep places that aren't as popular in mind, like Steve's Bar Room or the Black Rooster, for when you need to take a break from ridiculous crowds.
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Falls Church: It's been 6 months since my bf dumped me, and now I've just hit 40. I'm thinking of becoming a cougar. Are there any special places to shop or hang out? Is someone holding a Cougar 101 class? I really need some help here.
Fritz: Cougar 101
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High Heel race- next Tuesday or not? : And what time, where, what time should I get there?
Thanks Gurus!!!
Julia: Yes, the High Heel Race is Tuesday. Earlllllllly. I'd aim for 7.
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Rockville: Hi there. Tomorrow night my husband and I are going on our second date in seven months (might give you an idea of how old our son is). But we don't know what to do with the time?! We'd like to actually talk with one another, so a movie is probably out. We eat dinner earlier than the babysitter is arriving, so need to waste time with that. So other thoughts? P.S. We're super cheap and so the activity needs to be as well. Thanks!
Rhome: Is this show too costly? It shouldn't be too loud. Or you can get some relief from the mania of this election by taking in the work of someone who could skewer the absurdity of it all.
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Meat: What about ostrich meat? Is that harder to find?
Julia: Try that Let's Meat on the Avenue place. They can order Ostrich meat.
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Re; Antenna: Check out Bruce's Variety Store in Bethesda--they have EVERYTHING there!
Julia: Yeah, I love that place.
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Arlington, Va.: If you were free this Saturday from late afternoon on, wanted to do something fun and different but not super intense or expensive and were thinking indoor because of the weather prediction, what would you do?
Anne: If I were free, I would go to Udvar Hazy, which is open until 8 this Saturday, and watch the people getting their pictures taken with Star Wars characters at the Air and Scare event. Or check out the karaoke and fake tattoos. Do a free simulator ride. See the first ever "Jetsons" cartoon, screened in Imax, for free. It will run you $10, true. Does that count as relatively inexpensive? It's Halloween indoors -- plus they have all these planes to look at too. You know, I think I may have just talked myself into it.
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Off the Red Line: I have plans to meet up for happy hour/dinner on a Wednesday evening. I haven't been out in D.C. in a very long time but used to go to happy hour all the time so I'm looking for something new. Can you suggest somewhere that's opened up in the past 1.5 years and that's also off the Red Line? We are a small group of 30-year-old women and we're not looking to break the bank if that helps. Thanks so much!
Fritz: Current -- the lounge that used to be Dragonfly -- has a sweet sushi bar and happy hour food/drink specials.
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M Street: I go every year, but Miller Lite often runs out at the bars. One year they were serving warm beer because they went through all the cold beer so quickly...
Fritz: Nasty. At that point, I'd ask for a refund. (and email Lindy Promotions, lindypromo.com) to complain.
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Glover Park, D.C.: No question. Just wanted to say the Fritz's Dork Super Bowl comment is now my gchat status. Thanks for the laughs.
Fritz: I kid about D.C.'s dorkiness because I love. I mean, when you grow up in the area, there's really no getting away from it. "Hollywood for ugly people"? No. But when you have dozens of bars putting the breaks on Friday night plans to televise a debate, with specials on beers and wings -- I mean, that's pretty dorky.
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Anonymous: To Petworth- Thank you for that. I live in Columbia Heights and have heard one too many friends lament about the "danger" or the "sketchiness"- which I makes me want to say exactly what you did. I love that people sit on their porches and say hello to people on the street and the weekend soccer games in the school playground. My previous neighborhood (which shall remain nameless) people would trample you on the street because "you were in THEIR way" and signs went up to keep dogs out of all local parks. I, for one, appreciate a neighborhood that has personality- and a good one at that.
Julia: Yeah, over Mt.P, we have some great characters too. Like the 70-something guy who wears a jumpsuit that says "Cash Money." He makes my day.
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14th St NW: Hey all-knowing GOGs, I'm planning to take my SO out to dinner NEXT Thursday to thank him for being so great. I was thinking about Cork (which he's never been to because it's been to hellish of a wait). Are they even more mobbed since Tom Sietsema gave them a nod in the Dining Guide? I'm thinking Thursday on the early side - 6ish.
For a follow up I was thinking Jazz at HR-57, but have never been on a Thursday - is it good?
Thanks!
Julia: I love Cork -- and I think you stand a better chance if you really get there at 6 p.m. I think Cork's a pretty known-quantity at this point, so Tom's Dining Guide nod may not have led to overcrowding. Our own Jen Chaney got a table at 7:30 on a Saturday with a 15 minute wait! Call when you're about 1/2 hour away.
Fritz: HR runs a jazz jam session on Thursdays, so it's an unknown quantity -- could be fantastic, could be merely good. I'd suggest going up to U street for U-Topia's killer Thursday night Brazilian Jazz night with the Wayne Wilentz trio. If you're dining early, you should be able to get excellent seats at U-Topia's bar.
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DC: Superbowl of dorks, wearing flip flops, while standing in line in looking to donate the $150K in used dress code passing clothes they wore to clubs where real people don't go.
You just can't quit poking your audience in the eye, can you?
Julia: Come on, we're not that bad, are we?
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No Bar Halloween: Where can we go Halloween that doesn't involve a bar and drinking? Haunted Houses, ghost tours etc? I tried to search it on your website, but am not really finding anything other than the bar parties.
Anne: I typed in haunted houses and ghost tours -- try those links.
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Going to coldplay on halloween sans costume...help!: My friends and I are headed to see Coldplay on Halloween at Verizon. I'm guessing Chinatown is going to be a zoo afterwards - any suggestions for somewhere we could go after to get a drink that isn't totally infiltrated with halloweeners?
Fritz: Rasika's lounge for inventive cocktails, Oyamel for margaritas, maybe Cafe Atlantico? I'm guessing the usual spots will be Halloweened out -- one exception may be the upstairs bar at District Chophouse. People who come in tend to just hang out on the main floor, which I don't get -- so narrow.
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Washington, D.C.: We are organizing a holiday party for our govt office. There will be approximately 60 people and the cost should be in the neighborhood of $30/person. Can you suggest a place to accommodate us? Somewhere near the Farragut North/West or the White House is preferred. Thx!! (we've been to Tony & Joe's before and are looking for some place new)
Julia: Old Ebbitt comes to mind quickly, as does Ceiba, DC Coast and Equinox (the last one might be a tad pricey).
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Washington, D.C.: I am all alone this Halloween. My friends are either sick, bar running (not interested) or not up to doing anything this year. What is a single, 38-year-old woman to do on her favorite day all by herself? I just want to have fun on Halloween, but without going to a bar or nightclub. Any suggestions?
Anne: If you truly love Halloween, I say you should go to Holtorf's pumpkin display, where close to 200 pumpkins are lit up and carved in all creative ways. It's open until 10, and it's such a community event that you can't possibly feel alone. Maybe you'll strike up a conversation with someone about the pumpkin carved to look like, say, Paul Newman. As another option, I've heard that shooting off the pumpkin cannon at this Frederick farm can be very satisfying.
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U Street: Fritz, you mentioned that Current has happy hour sushi deals?! Good to know! What's the breakdown, homeslice?
Fritz: From 5 to 7 on weekdays, there are rotating half-price sushi specials. Manager Mood Bacho says there are usual about four different fish nigiri and six or seven rolls on offer, plus some cooked items. (Start with the miso soup, though, which I've always loved.) Drinks are just discounted: $6 house cocktails, beers around $5 or so.
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Chevy Chase DC: Save me! I promised two 10-year-old boys I'd take them to Kings Dominion on Friday -- but the park is closed. Now I'm looking for a fun, active, thrill filled day and I wondered if the pumpkin patches at Burke's or at Cox Farm are too juvenile? Other ideas for tweens?
Anne: Oh, I think a 10-year-old boy is *the* target audience for the slides and swings at Cox Farms. Go for it.
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Serious question...: Is it just me...or are the guys who hang out in the D.C. area either 22 or 42?? Not to offend anyone, but where are all the guys in their early 30s? Married? Working? What's the deal?
Fritz: Older than 22, younger than 42, as are most of my friends, and we're all over the place. Probably not still slamming $1 beers at the Pour House (probably), but out there. Where are you looking?
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L'enfant Plaza: Hey Gurus!
PLEASE help me out. I have a major jonesing for...pinball. I know you've tackled it before, and I also know that there are machines at Black Cat and Asylum. But really, are there no other dive-ish bars with pinball machines in the entirety of D.C.? Are we that pretentious?
Fritz: Those are where I usually spend my quarters (badly), along with Galaxy Hut's vintage tabletop model. Anyone else got suggestions?
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Arlington, Va.: I just read an interview where the current James Bond said the Vesper martini got the better of him. Any drink that kicks Daniel Craig's ass I've got to try - any ideas where around here I might find a Vesper martini?
Along the same lines, is there a mixed drink called "Quantum of Solace"? If not could someone please invent it? That would be fun to order - I'll have a Quantum of Solace please.
Fritz: A Vesper, which I absolutely love, is 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka and a quarter-part Lillet. When it's made right, it's heaven in a glass. Places I've had it include the bar at the Tabard Inn, Lounge 201 and Bar Pilar. Gina, formerly of Rasika and now Eatbar, has made a great one for me in the past.
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washingtonpost.com: We're gonna roll on out of here today. See you at the High Heel Race.
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Beck, Poste and DC Coast have chef's tables that seat up to 10.
Cost varies depending on the restaurant.
Readers?
At the LiLo/SamRon party last week, it was $10 for a small Makers and ginger or Sapphire and tonic.
Perhaps I should have phrased my question differently. I was responding to the previous poster's request to find a *place* that's very Washington. I suggested Creme -- not quite as stereotypically Washington as, say, Old Ebbitt, but it's more reflective of the city to me.
Short answer: keep checking back. Sounds like a cop out, I know.
If you want to go the chef's pairing route, I'll suggest you take a look at Beck, where you can get the tasting menu at the chef's table with Belgian beer pairings instead of wine. Definitely on my list of things to try.
Off the top of my head, I don't know any places that are known for the massive dogs. The Source is currently running a promotion for the election that offers a Chicago-style "half smoke." This DC-Chitown hybrid is topped with mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, dill pickle, and peppers and retails for $14 in the lounge. Haven't tried it myself, but I have a feeling it's not going to have the authenticity you're looking for. Chatters -- any tips?
I dig Brookland myself. Drove through the other day and kinda wished I lived there. Never been to Cafe Sureia but I've been meaning to give it a visit.
And yeah, we love how you slipped that in all subtle like.
Now, would I choose Lotus over its neighbors? Probably not -- I still prefer Josephine and Tattoo, though both can be more of a hassle to get into. (Josephine for its door policy on weekends, Tattoo because it's so small and fills up quickly.)
1. Go to bar in Georgetown or Lower Dupont (Rumors, Madhatter, Sign of the Whale). Bring wingwoman.
2. Pretend to be 23 again, though without the no-name tequila shots. (You do earn more now than you did then.)
3. Duh. Just know when to choose new prey.
If Cork fails, you could cross the street and hit up Bar Pilar for small plates or head up to Marvin for big plates (that are probably better for a special occasion anyway).