Got Plans?

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, is everybody all recovered? We're still dragging a bit -- especially Fritz, who's at home sick after almost a full week of 4 a.m. nights/mornings -- but we're getting there. In case you missed it, check out all of our Inauguration nightlife coverage. We sure got around, if I may say so myself. Was there a favorite party/ball/concert/etc. you went to? Send it in, let us know. My highlight was clearly the Jay-Z show at the Warner Theatre on Monday. Yes, that was fun. Looking ahead, Restaurant Week details are out. Questions, recommendations, places to avoid? Let us know. We're all here except Fritz, so let's get to it.

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Springfield, Va.: Hi! I'm not sure if this is the appropriate chat, but I'm hoping you can help. I was wondering if you could recommend a salon that provides consultations or classes to women on how to style their own hair, whether it be with a blow dryer, hot rollers, etc? Thank you.

Julia: It's probably not the right chat, but I do have a sort-of answer. Back in 2007, The Washington Post wrote two stories about how to master the perfect blow out -- you could contact the salons quoted in these stories and they might be able to help you.

Our fashion and beauty editor Janet also suggests just talking to your regular stylist. They know your hair best anyway and can tailor their suggestions.

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Washington, D.C.: I was one of the many disappointed by the power outage during the Moby show at 930 Club. I appreciate his attempts to entertain by drumming on garbage cans and empty kegs but I can get that any weekend from the guy on 9th and G Streets. Whats the word on refund / reschedule? Thanks.

David: Fritz was there and wrote about it. Basically, no refund or reschedule. Moby spun for a bit, the power went out, the power went back on, he spun for a bit more. Therefore, it is a concert according to the 9:30 club. Even if it did come with "an extended set break." Yes, it's kind of a gray area, sort of like when Jerry agreed to take Bania out for a meal and they went to Mendy's and Bania just got soup and Jerry thought that was a meal but Bania thought just soup didn't qualify ... wait, what were we talking about again?

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Washington, D.C.: Oh favorite gurus. I've been distracting myself all morning with the list of Restaurant Week locales trying to pick the perfect dinner spot. I'm sure you'll get the question a ton in this week's chat, but since some of my standbys are no longer on the list, I was wondering if you could make a recommendation for best value + most delicious food during restaurant week.

Julia: To be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed in the list this year. There just weren't a ton of places that I was like, "Oh! I so want to go there and could never afford it except at Restaurant Week!" Am I already jaded with only nine months into the restaurants job?

For dinner, I think Bistro Bis, Acadiana, Cafe Atlantico, Rock Creek at Mazza or Taberna del Alabardero could all be good bets.

Man, these tables fill up fast! I made an Adour lunch reservation today and the best time I could get was 1:30.

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Holla for a Dolla: Hello My Loves, I am embarrasingly broke. What can you tell me about that is going on this weekend that is not included on the "Free Events" section that is on the very cheap or free front. I like cultural events, unique exhibits, music, booze, and men. My wallet thanks you!!

Stephanie: I hear that! Well I'm not sure what to tell you on the man front, but I can say that the Chinese New Year celebrations are starting, and you can check out one at the American Art Museum on Saturday, complete with lion dancers. For interesting exhibitions, I'd either check out the new show of photographs that Robert Frank shot of Americans in the 1950s at the National Gallery or see Cory Oberndorfer's colorful take on roller derby girls and candy at Flashpoint. If you're into offbeat theater, check out the Madcap Players's Carnival of New Works. Tonight's show is pay what you can.

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Arlington, Va.: I was listening to the radio on the way into work today (I think it was washingtonpost radio) and they did a segment on the arts. They mentioned an exhibit of teapots somewhere and I've searched everywhere on your Web site and can't find it. Do you know what they were talking about? Details?

David: Washington Post radio? I think you may have got caught up in one of those "Lost" time travel dealies. Anyone out there know anything about a teapot exhibit?

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Washington, D.C.: All-knowing gurus, I'm adding to what I'm sure will be a pile of Restaurant Week questions. Do you have any suggestions/ ideas about restaurants that will be offering their full menu for Restaurant Week? Thanks much!

Julia: Thanks for your concern, but actually the RW questions haven't been too crazy! I'm afraid with it being so early in the game, I don't have too much intel on this yet. Will share when I do.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you know of any Chinese New Year celebrations happening this weekend?

David: Here's a bunch of upcoming Chinese New Year events.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus!

Any idea if the Ritz Carlton will be holding their Chocolate Decadence event this year? If so, do you know details about dates, times, and price?

Thanks so much!

Julia: It's on Friday and Saturday evenings in the Lobby Lounge during the month of February. The decadence itself is $35, champagne flights are $38. Reservations are encouraged; call 202-835-0500.

Just had dinner at Farenheit at the Ritz on Tuesday -- thanks, Charlie's parents! -- man, that place is good. The lounge is a lovely space as well.

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Teapots....: Google is your friend.

"Teapots IV exhibition is opening at Baltimore Clayworks, January 10th 2009, This soda fired teapot by Joy Tanner is in the exhibition. If you're in the area, don't miss this great show of 100 teapots. The exhibit is up until February 27th."

David: Shhhhh. Don't mention that G-word. We'll all lose our jobs if that thing takes off!

But thanks for the teapot info, here's that link. The blog is called Teapots Teapots Teapots. Truth in advertising.

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Restaurant Week Again: I'd like to take my mom to restaurant week this year since I just broke up with my boyfriend (who usually went with me to try new places) and was wondering what would be a good place for dinner that wouldn't be too romantic/couple-y? Thanks!

Julia: Seems like few places *are* romantic during Restaurant Week since they're just so packed. Even still, I'd pick a dining room like Oya, Ocenaire or Cure Bar and Bistro. Or a neighborhoody place like Sushi-Ko.

Oh, this reminds me. For the person who was looking for a dinner value, don't sleep on Tosca! It's generally pretty expensive, so you're likely to get a good deal during RW.

Actually, maybe I am starting to get a little excited about Restaurant Week.

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Jay Z: Loved David's review of the Jay Z show on Monday night, but did he mention that Adrian Fenty was there, looking sharp in a tux, shaking hands and working the crowd? And he got a shout-out from Hova himself. What a great night for DC!

David: Thanks! I didn't run down all the celebs that were there. It was a pretty long list. But Fenty did indeed get a shout-out from Hova, I think he said something to the extent of, "You know things have changed when the Mayor's listening to rap." Jason Campbell was sitting a few rows in front of me. Eric Benet was actually sitting right next to me for half the show, looking incredibly bored, then he left. Don't know what his problem was. Apparently Michael Stipe, Lars from Metallica and Tom Waits (!) were backstage before the show. Baseball HOFer Dave Winfield was hanging with Samuel L. Jackson. I think I might have spotted Nas and Kelis, too. Maybe not.

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Arlington, Va.: Am I the only one who thinks Restaurant Week isn't really worth it? Once you factor in drinks and tip, it's still an expensive meal, and the restaurant is usually crushed with other customers. I'm usually pretty disappointed when I participate. Also---props to the Obamas for checking out Equinox. Love that place!

Julia: You are not the only one who feels this way.

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Arlington, Va.: So with Valentines Day right around the corner (yes, I'm aware its amateur hour, however I'm determined to make this year fun) I'm hoping you can help me with this. I'm looking to get away from the typical romantic stuff and have a day (since its on a Saturday) of activities followed by a fun dinner. I have a reservation at Central but I'm stuck for what to do all day...the significant other has mentioned really wanting to check out the Aquarium in Bmore, what do you think about that? Any other suggestions?

Stephanie: I'm impressed with your ability to plan ahead. I'd look into the matinee showing of Avenue Q at the Warner Theatre. If you haven't seen it, it's pretty hilarious (especially if have a completely immature sense of humor, which I do). For an aquarium-like feel without actually going, you could head to Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum and then check out the new orchids exhibit. Of course, the Baltimore Aquarium is pretty fantastic, so that may be a good route to go.

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Washington: Re: teapots - this is probably what you heard about.

David: Another teapot exhibit?! (Another babka?!)

Sorry, I think I'm stuck in that "Lost" time warp too with all the "Seinfeld" references today.

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Speaking of Seinfeld...: ...I saw the inauguration parade from the Canadian Embassy, where I spotted Lloyd Braun (aka Mark McCoy), the guy from Seinfeld who went to a mental institution and then everyone had to pretend like everything was totally normal when he came out. I'm not sure this even qualifies as a celebrity sighting.

David: There were actually two different Lloyd Brauns over the years. McCoy was the second one. And yes, I was the assistant to the traveling secretary for the Seinfeld Appreciation Club at my high school. And yes, I should really stop volunteering that information.

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20009: When Fritz is out, can we officially rename the chat Teetotaler Gurus? It's drier than Bourbon County up in here. :-)

Stephanie: Even if Fritz were here, we could call it that. He's taking a little (and much-needed, in my opinion) break from drinking.

David: Don't worry, Julia and I are picking up the slack. At least we did this past weekend. Egh.

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Restaurant Week: Has Equinox participated in the past? Do you know what kind of offerings we might expect?

(Yes, I might have picked that one because the Obamas just ate there. Mock away.)

Julia: No mocking here. I know they have participated in the past, but can't say I remember a menu.

You won't find any mocking here! Obamas or no Obamas, Equinox is a great choice because its entrees are generally in the 30s -- thus making RW a good deal. As I noted in the post I linked to above, that's generally the way I decide whether a restaurant is worth it. The entrees have to be really expensive usually for it to be a "good deal." It's one of the reasons I'm bummed Adour is offering lunch only, but, you know, if you were making that call at Adour, you'd probably choose the same thing.

This just in from the PR reps who work with Acadiana, Ceiba, DC Coast, PassionFish and TenPenh: These restaurants will offer a smaller menu of apps and desserts, but all of the entrees on the regular menus will be available to RW diners. (Expect a supplement charge on steak or lobster).

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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to a play Saturday afternoon at STudio Theatre and I'm wondering if any of you have suggestions as to where to eat for an early dinner (5pm?) after the play in that area. Not too expensive (15-20 dollars an entree range)or too dressy please. Thanks for all of your advice.

Stephanie: I'm partial to Rice for Thai food, Coppi's for pizza or Saint-Ex for their delicious fried green tomato BLTs.

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RW: You really have to do some research to figure out if it's a good deal. Too many places just tack on tons of upcharges for a lot of their options, and a lot of these places offer good meals for much less than the RW price as well. Some places already have a prix fixe deal they do all the time (Cafe Atlantico has been mentioned as doing this in the past) in which case it's not worth making a hullaballoo about.

Julia: You're 100 percent right on a lot of this. But to be perfectly honest, there just isn't enough time. I made my reservations this morning and already decent hours for eating were snapped up at Adour and Vidalia. I got a table, but the good ones just fill up way too fast.

Oya and 1789 come to mind as places that offer great prix-fixes all the time, so it may not be worth it on this busy week. Also check out Jane Black's recent story on the prix-fixe phenom for those of you who want to avoid the week's hype and get dinner some other time.

But I hear you -- those upcharges drive me crazy! They're always on the items I want to order.

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Stirred, not shaken...: May I rant for a second?

Why is it so hard to get a properly made Martini? As a former bartender I know that Martini drinkers are particular about their Martinis and making one well can win you many hearts. So why is it that so many bartenders in this town insist on shaking their Martinis until the gin is bruised to a milky white and there is an inch-thick layer of cracked ice on top?

On a recent trip to the West End Bistro I sat at the bar for a Hendricks Martini. I forgot to specifically request that it be stirred and what I was given was no longer a Martini, but a gin slushie. The second time around I requested that the bartender stir it. She put it in a shaker, stirred twice and poured. My Martini was lukewarm and practically undrinkable.

Please, DC bartenders, learn the art of a Martini! We will be forever grateful!

Rhome: Speaking of lax standards, it seems like too many folks think a martini is any liquor mixed with a brightly colored and sweet Kool-Aid like concoction in a martini glass.

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"Restaurant Week isn't really worth it": I agree with this poster! My husband and I participated in Restaurant Week years ago and realized that we ended up still spending a lot. We also don't think it is worth is and haven't participated since!

Julia: As I mentioned before, I also agree with you guys and wrote a mild rant on the subject. It can be much more romantic to just check out the restaurant at a quieter time.

These days, though -- especially now that I'm a gym member and all -- I don't mind any excuse to eat out:)

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NE DC: Hi Gurus--

The bf and I have an anniversary coming up around Restaurant Week time. Can you recommend something that is 1. romantic, but not stuffy, and 2. out of our comfort zone? I live in NE, so we tend to stick with what's quick and easy (H St., Barracks Row, etc.). THANKS!!

Julia: Congrats on the anniversary. I do think Bistro Bis -- even though it's close to your comfort zone -- could be a good fit for you. Bistro Lepic, PS 7 and Vermilion might be other good choices...a little further from home.

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German outings??: I'm German and in need of some good AUTHENTIC German food. Where am I to go? I've tried the places in D.C. (Cafe Mozart, Cafe Berlin) but wasn't happy. Where else do you recommend? I would prefer someplace have live German music also.

Also is there anything around here that does like a German Fest? I'm from Wisconsin and they have a German fest every year that shows the culture and food and entertainment etc.

Julia: You have hit most of the big spots. Tom Sietsema gave big ups to this place -- maybe it's worth the drive for you?

No real annual German fests come to mind locally -- except for Oktoberfest, but I have a feeling that's not what you're looking for.

Guru boss Anne -- who's got a crazy memory for every annual event in town -- thought Baltimore might have a German fest. Indeed, it does.

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Washington, D.C.: I desperately need your help! My boyfriend has been traveling over the last month so this will be the first weekend we will get to spend together in a while. I'm looking for something that we can do in/around D.C. Something fun and romantic, and new! So, not the run of the mill "movie date night"! Thanks!!

Anne: This is on the "around D.C." side of your question: Manassas's Winterfest is small-town sweet, if you're into a retro-style date. You have to pay to ice skate on the small rink, but the s'mores are free and you can even play broomball. Last year I topped it off with burgers, fries and a shake at the chain burger place by the train station. I know you said no movie date, but I can't help tossing in that this Wednesday at 6:30, the Building Museum is screening "A Room With a View" for people looking for a romantic film in a gorgeous setting.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus, I'm going to the Corcoran on Saturday morning to catch the Avedon exhibit. I plan on going early and then getting breakfast afterward. Any suggestions for a breakfast place nearby?

Julia: I may see you there!

As for breakfast . . . tough call, since most nearby places are closed on Sunday, for lunch anyway. Old Ebbitt Grill could work, as could Cafe Asia or Founding Farmers.

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Capitol Hill: I had tickets to the Huffington Post party which I have to admit was the only bright spot to this fiasco of a weekend. Very odd to find yourself in an elevator with Kate Walsh and Rick Schroeder! And can you guys send out some sympathy to those of us who waited 5 hours with tickets to the swearing in who didn't get in? I think it may take years for me to get over this disappointment.

Julia: I can send out some sympathy. Those stories were very very sad.

I met Rick Schroeder too! And his wife -- who is smokin' hot. I somehow didn't expect this...

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Washington, D.C.: Try Old Europe for German food.

Julia: A tip for the Germany-phile.

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German: Can I be friends w/ the German person from Wisconsin? I, too, am from Wisconsin and was used to get German food at every turn. I recently tried out Schmankerl Stube, and it was pricey, but pretty good. I have yet to try out Old Europe, but that's supposed to pretty good, as well...certainly more convenient.

Julia: Another tip! And yeah, if you guys want to be friends, please do. That's what the gurus are all about. We'd love to see more of you at our next happy hour, coming up in early Feb. Details are still being worked out, but we'll be sure to let y'all know.

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Washington, D.C.: O.K. Gurus, what was your assessment of the bar/club scene this weekend? I was only able to make it out on Friday due to having the parentals in town, but Friday was dead. As in dead for a normal Friday. How did the rest of the weekend shape out? Were people just in town for one day?

Julia: My take? Sunday through Tuesday was off the hook. U Street on Monday was super fun.

Rhome: Friday the entire DC metro area was pretty much Antarctica. I think the cold made things sparse, and out-of-towners hadn't arrived yet. I anticipated that visitors would start reaching critical mass by Saturday night but my estimate was off by about 36 hours. There was actually parking to be had. But all in all, I was struck by packed bodies and pumping music in spots that never would do that any other time.

Stephanie: Bar Pilar on Friday was definitely more crowded than usual, but not unbearable, and the lines were definitely pretty crazy outside Chi-Cha and Local 16 on Saturday. But Julia's right -- the real action was Sunday through Tuesday; let's just say I'll be needing to detox for a while.

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D.C. Volunteering: Do you know the best way to find out about after work/weekend volunteer opportunities in the city? So far I am running across a lot of postings for tutoring (which I would love to do), but they are all after-school opportunities. I ran across onebrick.org and it looks like a good site - any other suggestions? Thanks!

Stephanie: I used to teach ESL through Language etc and it was awesome. It was also a little later in the evenings (7-9, I think), so it was easy to make it after work.

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Adams Morgan: Hi all! Looking for a good after-dinner drinks spot near Adams Morgan or Dupont. Preferably loungey, not too fancy, moderately priced where the boyfriend and I can unwind and chat. Thanks!

Julia: It's tough to find exactly what you describe in Adams Morgan. Maybe L'Enfant (not loungey, but definitely cozy)? Maybe Napoleon for champagne cocktails? (It sounds like you're more interested in the latter.)

ChiCha -- which is on U Street, but so so close to Adams Morgan -- could totally fit the bill.

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Volunteering: Check out DC Cares: http://www.dc-cares.org/

Stephanie: Another volunteering suggestion!

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Drum activities?: Hi Gurus,

My aunt, uncle and 15-year-old boy cousin are coming into town for the weekend. I have a 5-month-old. I am looking for some activities for us to do on Saturday. We already did Spy Museum. My cousin is a drummer, so might be into something related to that. Any inter-generational fun activities around for this weekend?

Anne: First thing I'd suggest is Saturday's show at Millennium Stage -- it's the Duke Ellington school's jazz orchestra. I'd bet both the 15-year-old and 5-month-old would love to watch high school kids play. And it's free, so what do you have to lose? But next time your family comes, see if Coyaba Dance Theatre is playing for some get-you-moving drumming.

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washingtonpost.com: Thanks for joining us. And don't forget to check in with Jen during her "Lost" chat with Liz Kelly at 3 p.m. Later!

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