Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's Going Out 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 Going Out Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions.

The transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: So, how's the winter weather treating you? This is Fritz, here with David, Jen, Julia, Rhome and Steph. We're excited about the grand reopening of the American History museum, free beaujolais nouveau at Napoleon, the Source Theatre's open house and a number of other free events this weekend -- what about you?

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Chevy Chase Circle: Parents coming down for church on Sunday. We're hoping to go over some wedding details/spread out with "the binder" and laptop/be THOSE people at lunch somewhere after. Any recommendations around Chevy Chase circle beside American City Diner?

Julia: Ha! That's really funny actually. Shortly after my husband and I got married we saw a couple just like this at the Pour House (of all places) -- and it made us really glad we were done with all of that.

Anyway, that place right near the American City Diner -- Arucola Osteria -- might not be a bad choice actually. I had a very pleasant weekend lunch there with my father and grandmother not too long ago. It might be a little too nice to completely take over with your binder and laptop and all, though. You might also consider the more casual Senor Pepper, just across the street...or Chadwick's over in Friendship Heights.

Good luck!

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Arlington, Va.: I am DYING to see the newly renovated American History Museum! However, how many weeks do you think one should wait for the crowds to die down? I'm starting to think maybe 2009...especially since the holiday season is upon us!

(Also, have any of you gotten a sneak preview??)

Stephanie: Hiya Arlington. I've gone to the revamped American History Museum twice now (and once I got to wear a hardhat -- oh yeah!) and it is amazing how much portions of the building have changed. It's so light and open, which is a far cry from its old appearance. The new Star-Spangled Banner exhibit is also fantastic; the flag is huge and it looks like it's floating in its case.

As for when to go that it won't be crowded, that's a tough one. Can you hit it up on a weekday? That would be my suggestion. Take a long lunch and head down to at least see the renovated portions.

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Metro Center, D.C.: I would love to try this year's Beaujolais Nouveau tonight! Do you guys know if any of the wine bars or restaurants will be serving it? Thanks!

Fritz: Your best bet for FREE Beaujolias Nouveau is at Metropolitain, where it's all-you-can-drink until it runs out. Chris Burns will be spinning, and that cat spins better house and disco than most folks in town.

Just hope it's not the Georges Dubouef. I had that last night and it was an abomination unto God.

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Washington, D.C.: I am looking for a fun place to take a date out to dance tonight. It could be a club, a beaujolais nouveau party, a bar -- as long as there is good music with rhythm. What do you suggest?

Fritz: Check out this week's Nightlife Agenda, which has seven choices for tonight alone.

As I said earlier, the music is going to be great at Metropolitain's Beaujolais Nouveau party. Second choice for you would be the monthly Brazilian Rhythms night at Saint-Ex, which is always packed and crazy fun.

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Washington, D.C.: Will the monuments, museums etc. be open the day after Christmas?

Stephanie: All Smithsonians are open every day except Christmas. As for the monuments, if you're thinking Lincoln, Jefferson, etc., you can go to those any time. As for the Washington Monument, the only days it's scheduled to close are Christmas and Independence Day.

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Curious: So how was the beaujolais?

Julia: Funny you should ask. Fritz can't talk right now due to the Beaujolais Nouveau parties he attended. Being the sweetheart that he is, he's keeping us all entertained with the raspy rattle that has replaced his voice.

Fritz: It wasn't very good overall. The parties were much, much better than the wine. The Brightest Young Things party was lively, and Bistrot du Coin was, well, Bistrot du Coin, so it was absoultely rammed, the wine was flowing like water and there was dancing on the bar. Only good wine I tried was the Bouchard Aine et Fils, which would make a good vin de table on Thanksgiving.

(BTW, I'm just getting over a cold, but took one for the team last night.)

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Be Bar: What's the deal with this place? My boyfriend got invited to a birthday party there, but I've heard its a gay bar? Would I be welcome there?

Fritz: It's a packed little bar with a fun crowd. There are usually some straight people there, especially at the X art nights, but it's a predominantly gay crowd.

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Washington, D.C.: For a Christmas gift, I would like to purchase jewelry (likely a necklace) for my girlfriend for the first time. Do you have any tips for me? Can you recommend any local stores that will offer me something different and perhaps more unique than the national chains? Thanks!

Janet: This is a little tough because I don't know what price you're thinking about -- do you want to buy her costume jewelry or fine? If the former, I would suggest a store in Bethesda (their Gtown shop is no longer, alas) called Pirjo. They have a large selection of unique pieces of jewelry for relatively good prices. One of the designers they carry is Alexis Bittar, who works in lucite and produces some interesting stuff. That's one suggestion, but you really should go in and have a look.

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Logan Circle: My brother the margarita fan is visiting this weekend - any favorite places in DC for margaritas?

Fritz: Cafe Atlantico and Oyamel are still the best for my money. Ceiba's house version is good, too.

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Help!: Hello Gurus. You've saved me from embarrassment many times before, so I'm turning to you again for help!

A friend of mine, who is a senior in college (think casual/cheap), is coming into town this weekend with one of his friends that I have never met. I haven't see this guy since he was 17, so I don't know exactly what he wants to do. I know that he wants to see local D.C., not the tourist attractions and history. He likes food a lot. He likes ethnic cultures. Doesn't like drinking a lot. Any fun events or unique restaurants come to mind?

We can travel, but I'm located in Chinatown if that makes things easier.

Julia: Seems like Etete or one of the other Ethiopian restaurants would be a good fit for you. If you opt for Etete, you'd be right in the heart of the U Street district, so that would give you the chance to stroll around landmarks like Ben's Chili Bowl or clubs like the Black Cat or St. Ex.

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Rockville, Md.: Hey Gurus,

Any idea if the Metro will run on an extended schedule next Wed (night before Thanksgiving)? I looked on their website and couldn't find any info on if it would be different than a normal weeknight schedule. Thanks! You guys are the best.

Fritz: I can't remember Metro ever extending its hours before Thanksgiving.

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Washington, D.C.: Besides Bukum and Ghana Cafe, where in the DC are do they play live reggae music?

Thanks!

Rhome: ESL on Wednesdays. Zanzibar.

Chatters? Where else do you find dub stylee?

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Hangin with the old man: Hi trying to spend some time with my dad this weekend and found a mutually interesting activity - checking out the newly renovated American History Museum and then try and catch the slideshows that they are doing on various buildings for foto week. Two questions: what is the closest location to the museum that they will be showing the slideshow and what time does it usually start? Also helpful would be the hours of the museum so I can try and schedule accordingly. Thanks so much!!!

Stephanie: This sounds like a good plan for a little father-daughter QT, and you're in luck because the closest place to the Museum of American History that NightGallery DC will take place is ... at the Museum of American History! The FotoWeek slideshow will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the museum will be open until 7:30 tomorrow night for the big reopening festivities. Otherwise museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Guys! I was wondering if there was a going out gurus equivalent in NYC? I'm trying to find a bar/club in NYC for my wedding afterparty and I could definitely use some advice. thanks!

Janet: Try New York magazine's Web site or Time Out.

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Shirlington, Va.: This one's for Fritz.

I saw that in celebration of Repeal Day, the DC Craft Bartender's Guild is doing a big drinks/dancing celebration in Georgetown. My girlfriend is graciously offering to buy the tickets for the event, and we're excited...but do you know what the scene will be like there? Older? Younger? Preppy? Hipster? Anything you can pass on will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Fritz: The Repeal Day Party should be a blast. I'm expecting a mix of cocktail-loving hipsters and the City Tavern Club's older, preppier members. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend the night dancing to 1930s jazz while bartenders from the Gibson, PX, Eatbar and Bourbon mix top-shelf cocktails?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to be in Georgetown Saturday evening and was hoping to catch the Terps game. Do you have any suggestions?

Fritz: I dunno if Georgetown is really prime Maryland-watching territory, but I'm sure Champions will have the game on. If you haven't checked out the reborn sports bar, it's definitely worth a look.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, any good first date restaurants (read: not expensive, can hear the person talk) near metro center?

Julia: Tough call. You could do small plates and wine at the bar at Cure Bar and Bistro, but if I remember their prices accurately, small plates is about it. McCormick and Schmick's maybe? Matchbox if you're willing to travel a bit.

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College Park, Md.: For the person looking for more unique jewelry for the girlfriend: etsy.com has a really cool selection of jewelry, if she's into the more funky, craftsy stuff.

Janet: Here's a suggestion for the guy who's in the market for buying his girlfriend a necklace.

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Boston: Do you all have any place that you like for High Tea? I'm not looking for a holiday tea, but I am looking for something with sandwiches and sweets, that's not Asian. The 4 seasons, where I've been before, no longer has an afternoon tea.

Julia: Blue Duck Tavern serves afternoon tea these days. Haven't been myself, but that's one worth looking into.

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Washington, D.C.: Happy Thursday Gurus. I have a lot of free time on my hands now (unfortunately not by choice) and I figure I should make the best of it. I remember hearing about a temporary exhibit that was either about historic interior design or historic fashion, something along those lines. Obviously since I'm not sure what it is I'm having a hard time locating the where, when, what, etc. Any guidance would be much appreciated!

Stephanie: Well it's good that you're making the most of your free time, despite the circumstances. I'm unfortunately drawing a bit of a blank though. Could it be something about green design at the National Building Museum? Or African and Asian textiles? Or possibly about the link between fashion and identity at the Museum of African Art? Maybe the peanut gallery has some ideas...friends?

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Washington, D.C.: Any thoughts on this weekend's Oyster Riot. I have my tickets and am very excited! But I do see a lot more tickets than normal on Craig's List this year.

Julia: I wouldn't be worried about seeing tickets on Craigslist. I'm sure it will be as fun as always -- oyster slurping and bozing into the wee hours. If I wasn't so broke, I'd buy tickets myself (but I'm a sucker for oysters).

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Gurus,

We have just bought a house, and so we are pretty broke. Any ideas of how we can celebrate New Year's Eve without breaking the bank? Thanks!

Fritz: Don't worry, Gaithersburg: Every year, I put together a big list of all the FREE bar parties happening on New Year's Eve, ranging from dive bars to DJs. Look for it in the Going Out Guide as we get closer to the 31st and slacker bar owners start making plans.

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Centreville: We went to see Kooza last night and what a disappointment it was.

It was my 5th Cirque du Soleil and I have loved everyone one until now. There were only 8 acts, far fewer than any other show I have seen. A few of them were excellent (contortionist, wheel of death), but several that just weren't up to the normal magical Cirque du Soleil standards. There was so much filler, that the show seemed long and extremely slow paced. I would estimate there was probably close to an hour devoted to the clowns who spent a lot of time running aimlessly around and relying on toilet humor and sexual innuendo for their laughs (should I really have to sit through jokes about humping and Viagra at a family show??). During the 2nd act, we sat and watched while the clown played pickpocket and spent 10 minutes making fun of the contents of a man's suitcoat pocket. For this I paid $75??

I'd recommend other Cirque du Soleil's but don't waste your money on this one.

Stephanie: Frequent Cirque patrons, be forewarned: Kooza may be a let-down. Although we've gotten a lot of positive comments about the show during chats in the last few weeks.

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Adams Morgan: Hey there GOGs. My boyfriend is 12. Kidding! He's in his mid-20s, but for his birthday, he enjoys a good laser tag-esque activity. I'm coming up empty this year - aside from laser tag and paintball, any suggestions for games big kids can play in the area? Thank for the help!

Fritz: I think any girlfriend who would take me indoor go-cart racing would qualify as a keeper.

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Woodley Park, D.C.: Hey Gurus,

I'm going to a show a the Black Cat's this weekend. What's the dress code like?

David: Ironic t-shirt + hoodie + ratty jeans + Chuck Taylors + tattoo + four days scruff.

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Arlington, Va.: I've recently gotten into house music and haven't been able to find a good DC venue. From my research, it looks like DC Sanctuary was the spot but it's closed. I can't find any details about Alcatraz nightclub either. Anything I missed or any good recommendations? Thanks, gurus!

Rhome: You probably mean Almaz on U Street. You just missed the last jam there but if you follow Louis P. or these pages, you'll stay in the know. Also check out the Underground Soul Solution, Loda, Eleventh Street Lounge, Gua-Rapo and the Hometown Heroes series of parties that we also write about. And The Loft too, there's a huge lineup there this Saturday: Louis P, Chris Burns, Gavin Holland, Aaron Sparks and many more.

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Washington, D.C.: A friend of mine asked me the other night what bars he might find beautify European women at. I have no clue. Any suggestions?

Fritz: Well, he could start with the Planete Chic party at Midtown tomorrow, or the Soiree Carte Blanche tonight at the Phillips. I've met European women at Josephine and Current recently.

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14th and W : All-Knowing Gurus: What I really need is a serious party store. Throwing a big 30th bash and have the need/desire to purchase lots of mylar balloons and maybe some fake gold teeth to give out as party favors. Willing to rent a zipcar to get this done. Any suggestions? In return I offer this nugget- Oneside (my friend's band- yes shamelss promotion) is playing at Ri Ra this weekend - Arlington tonight and Bethesda tomorrow night. If you have never heard Gin and Juice played with a banjo you really must check it out.

Julia: First, I should note that EVERYone has heard Gin and Juice played with a banjo. There was that much-shared mp3 a couple years ago that was often attributed to Phish, but was actually The Gourds or something. Just a note to you chatters, no shameless plug will go un-smacked-down. (Except of course for the possible plug I just posted about the Oyster Riot....sigh.)

Anyway, there is a party store in Falls Church -- Economy Party. Give them a call. They might have what you're looking for. Bruce Variety is a personal fave for weird party favors so they might be worth calling as well: 301-656-7543.

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RE: Places for High Tea: Are there any places that do Low Tea- or at least Mid-Waist Tea? Which sounds a little like a sarong, but I guess that's off topic.

Julia: You can do better than this, chatters. I know you can.

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Washington, D.C.: It's November, I'm already frozen, and I don't have any vacation plans on the horizon to help me muddle through.

What would you recommend I do in the region on a weekend to pretend I'm at the beach?

Fritz: Head for Mango Mike's and sip tropical drinks in parrot-shaped glasses. Usually works for me.

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Washington, D.C.: Where's the best "no reservations" brunch in D.C.?

Julia: Front Page probably has the best options -- I mean, it's a full buffet, lots of champagne, etc. It's also pretty easy to just walk in and get a table.

But I like Creme's food a lot better -- worth the sometimes-insane wait. Fritz, if I may speak for him, would probably also throw in a vote for Bourbon.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Gurus! I have a group of old college roommates (and significant others) coming in for the New Year's Holiday. I have been put in charge of organizing NYE festivites, but am drawing a blank. Part of my problem is that I need to find something that appeals to everyone (boring married couple, New York hipster/actor, South Beach bachelor, beer-swilling former fratboy, and assorted others all in our mid-late 20s). We have done the Reef in the past, but the general consensus is to go a little bit more upscale. Im trying to find a place in DC (possibly, but not exclusively, around Adams Morgan/U Street) that would have an open bar for the night, fun but not crazy late-20s/early 30s crowd, upscale setting, preferably with a heated roof deck or patio, and big enough where we dont feel like we are the only people in there. We dont mind paying for something in the range of $100 give or take, but nothing too expensive. Ive checked with Local 16, but they have a private event on NYE... I was also thinking of Tabaq or maybe Marvin- but Im not sure if they are going to be the right atmosphere. Anyway, if you have any ideas, Id love to hear them... Thanks!

Fritz: While I'm not usually one to recommend the big hotel bashes, I think this is one case where it might be the best bet. Something like the Downtown Countdown can handle the something-for-everyone situation much more than some of the smaller bars can.

While plans haven't been finalized yet, though, I'd highly recommend looking into getting tickets for Eighteenth Street Lounge's New Year's Eve party. Always one of the best in the city and meets most of your criteria.

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Black Cat dress code: What if the questioner is a girl?

Fritz: Ironic t-shirt + hoodie + ratty jeans + Chuck Taylors + tattoo + four days scruff.

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Re: Design or Fashion Exhibit: I heard about a fall design exhibit at the Washingon Design Center. Not sure of the details though-- how much, when it closes or if its any good.

Stephanie: Thanks for the tip. Maybe the person with all the free time is thinking of the Design Center? It just occurred to me that the Building Museum also has their Cityscapes Revealed exhibit.

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Washington, D.C. where we will have a low of 25 degrees tomorrow!: Okay Going Out Gurus I could really use your help in how to deal with a situation and what I should expect from a restaurant in this situation. Last night I was a patron at a very nice restaurant downtown, I checked my coat and scarf as well as a small tote bag that he hung on the hanger with them. I joined friends for a few drinks then a large group of us sat down for dinner. When we finished and I fished out my claim ticket and went to retrieve my checked coats, there was only one left on the rack -- it was that of another person in my party! I saw that the tote bag I had checked with my coat was now on the floor but my wool coat was nowhere to be seen, neither was the host who was in charge of the coat check. After checking with remaining guests to see if someone in the dining room had accidentally picked it up, the management which was very apologetic took my card and a very detailed description of the coat (by the way I made this heavy wool duffle coat myself for a sewing contest a few years back in which I won Reserve Grand Champion so I know every inch of this thing).

I am worried because it was not just a case of someone taking my coat accidentally and leaving theirs behind, there we no other coats left. Honestly a man or woman could have walked out with it since it has a rather boxy cut, and it irks me that since I made this coat myself there wasn't a tag where you would be like sure this is my Gap coat...

While I am hopeful someone realizes their mistake this morning and returns my coat promptly, what if it never shows up? What should I expect from this restaurant? They have been very nice so far, but I'm curious what sort of compensation I should expect having had my rather expensive winter coat stolen from their coat check?

Please Help - I'm Chilly in the City

Julia: This question makes us really, really sad. I'm so sorry to hear about your coat! I'm not sure what compensation -- if any -- you can expect from the restaurant, but that being said, I hope you are in contact with the manager/owner. Any owner of a competitive restaurant in this town would be wise to make amends for a situation like this. Whether they are legally responsible for your coat is sort of beside the point. It's in the restaurant's best interest to make up for the fact that something of value was basically stolen on their watch.

Please let us know how this turns out. julia (dot) beizer (at) washingtonpost.com

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Washington, D.C.: would the LUMAS grand opening in D.C. be a good place to take a date?

Stephanie: This feels vaguely plant-esque, but I'll bite. Yes, I think the LUMAS opening would be a great place to take a date, and stay tuned right after the chat for a blog posting about the gallery.

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Bethesda, Md.: Greetings GoGs! Can you recommend a Cigar bar/lounge/room in the District, besides Aroma in ClevelandPark? I'm talking somewhere a little more posh where I can huddle with friends while sipping and puffing. Thanks for your words as always. Cheers!

Fritz: Well, the number of legal cigar-puffing options is small, but I think Ozio is the most upscale spot left for a stogie.

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Clifton, Va.: What are your recommendations for bars around Verizon Center for a large group to go to after a Wizards game?

Fritz: Bar Louie is generally tops on my list, since most of the bars I actually like around that area couldn't handle a large group after yet another Wizards loss. Green Turtle is a little bit cheaper.

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More wedding : The earlier post got me thinking. Getting married in May on Capitol Hill. Can you guys suggest a hotel with a bar that will a) stay open late and b) accommodate roughly 200 people? Bonus points for a hotel that doesn't cost $300/room

Julia: Ha! Yeah, I had you for 2 out of 3. You might want to consider the Liaison on Capitol Hill. Not sure what the room prices are like, but the bar at Art and Soul could certainly accommodate you. Fritz and I went to some opening party there a few weeks ago. The space was really nice.

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High Tea: High Tea includes a full meal. I think the chatter is looking for an Afternoon Tea. I would highly recommend the afternoon tea at Blue Duck Tavern, but they only serve sweets with the tea - no sandwiches.

Julia: More on tea.

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Oyster Riot: We have stopped our annual tradition of going because it is SO CROWDED these days, I think they are releasing more tickets....my advice to the poster is get there early and don't forget to try out the great selection of "also ran" wines in the back. That's my favorite part.

Julia: Tips for the oyster rioter.

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Washington, D.C.: For the high tea searcher....the Hillwood Estate does a nice tea in their Museum Cafe.

Julia: Another tea suggestion.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus,

So I feel pretty confident that you've address this question quite a few times before, but I'm hoping you can help settle a 'debate' between me and my fella...

Here's the scenario: let's say a bartender hooks up your tap for a small group of people - he doesn't include a round of beers, or leaves off a round of shots - how is it that you're supposed to figure the tip when the check arrives?

One of us says it's 20% based on whatever the check is even though all the drinks (or food) wasn't included. The other one of us says it's 20% based on what the tab would actually be if you add in the deleted items.

What does a guru do in this situation? Is there a rule of thumb?

Thanks!

Rhome: I would calculate my tip based on the freebies you got. If you got the hook-up, pay that karma back with a fat tip. You'll still come out ahead monetarily and you might get taken care of again in the future.

Spread the love, yo.

Julia: This Guru agrees. I'd also pay 20 percent on the would-have-been check.

David: I'm surprised there's an even a debate about this. When in doubt, as long as the service wasn't awful, always overtip.

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re: Black Cat: If you're female, aren't you turned away at the door if you don't have chunky black glasses?

Fritz: Somewhere, Ann Jaeger is scowling at your poor attempt at a joke.

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Mr. Smith's Goes to Washington:: What can you tell me about Bobby McKey's Dueling Piano Bar that opened yesterday at the National Harbor? Tom mentioned that they have an all "dip" menu but I was wondering if it would be a good place for a birthday party?

Fritz: Well, since none of us have been, we can't comment ... but am I the only one who just really doesn't get WHY people go to dueling piano bars? Can someone explain?

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Cigars: Shelley's Backroom is another great cigar spot downtown...

Fritz: Reread the cigar question -- "upscale" is the LAST thing I would call Shelley's.

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High tea: A bit of a hike from D.C., but the Royal Tea Room in La Plata does an awesome high tea.

Julia: Wow. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Charlottesville for a weekend getaway, yes or no?: Would the cold hamper any sightseeing?

Stephanie: Depends how much of a pansy you are, I guess. There are plenty of things to do inside if the weather is bad: Monticello, wine tastings, great restaurants, concerts, etc. If you can handle the cold, then head to the downtown Mall, get a historical tour of UVa. (part of this would be indoors), hike Humpback Mountain and walk around The Corner.

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Cleveland Park, D.C.: Hey there, Gurus! So I just moved to Cleveland Park and was wondering what your favorite restaurants and bars are in that neighborhood?

Julia: I like Atomic for pool, Bardeo for wine and apps and Dino for date-night Italian.

Fritz: The bar at Palena is one of my favorite (relatively) inexpensive dining options in the city. Best burger in D.C. for only $10. Indique's not a bad option, either -- good place to eat at the bar. And the Siam House hasn't let me down for Thai. (And they deliver.)

I used to go to Dino for cocktails when Chris Cunningham was behind the bar. He's moved up to Enology, and that all-American wine bar isn't too far from CP. Aroma's good for meeting up with friends. And the rooftop bar at Cleveland Park Bar and Grill is surprisingly good.

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Arlington, Va.: For some reasons, I missed all the craft fairs this year. Are there still any before Christmas? Thanks.

Julia: Our girl Lavanya just wrote about some craft fairs a few weeks ago, so that might help.

The Downtown Holiday Market -- one of my personal faves -- starts again on Dec. 5.

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Brunch option: It's less traditional, but my favorite brunch in all D.C. is at Austin Grill. They put their usual delicious Tex-Mex twist on standard brunch fare like eggs benedict and pancakes. Plus, any excuse to eat chips & salsa at 10 in the morning is OK by me.

Julia: Nice.

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Sat Night?: Two single mid 20s girls looking for a good night on the town idea for Saturday night that does not include a techno/top 40/etc club. Any ideas? Could probably spend $25 each.

Fritz: Go to Glover Park. Wander between the four bars until you find one that feels right. No matter where you wind up, you'll be around people your age, and none of them have cover charges or are terribly pricey.

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Black Cat: I like to wear pearls and a fur wrap to the Black Cat just to mess with the hipsters.

David: But if you wear that to see Peaches O'Dell on New Year's Eve it might actually be appropriate.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus! My friend recently moved to Annapolis, and tonight is the first time I am seeing her in months. Can you please suggest a fun happy hour place in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter area for us to catch up? Thanks!

Fritz: Proof for wine.

Rocket Bar for people-watching.

The cafe in the courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery for the beautiful all-weather setting. (They're open until 7 and serve wine until 6:30 or so.)

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Shameless plug: Hey Gurus,

This weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the Marriott Wardman Park is the Junior League of Washington's A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops. It's a great opportunity to start or finish your Christmas shopping and proceeds go to the Junior League's literacy work.

Fritz: On this blatently shamless note, we'll end the chat. Sorry if we didn't get to your questions. Please note that we're off for Thanksgiving, so we'll see you in December. Get those holiday questions ready.

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Greenbelt, Md.: Could I get a plug for The RipOFF at Science Club tonight?

The spread of Djs tonight is covering club bangers (Matt Nordstrom of Nadastrom and Ca$$idy), downtempo (IllEffect from Expansion Broadcast - www.expansionbroadcast.com), dubstep (Harry Ransom - shout to Rhome, I still talk about the Soul Controllers radio show from the WMUC days) and some drum'n'bass & electro from the residents Houston and Scotbot.

Thanks!

Fritz: Okay, David, Rhome and I approve this shameless message.

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