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: Hey, how's it going? We are so counting down the days to a three-day weekend, and for all you Valentine's (pro or anti) celebrants looking for things to do, let me direct you to Stephanie's ideas for some out-of-the-ordinary ways to celebrate (almost all of them are free) and Fritz/David/Rhome's picks for Valentine's week nightlife. Jen is excited about the Oscar nominee marathons coming up. There's also a new anticipated restaurant opening tonight, but of course, the biggest thing going in the run-up to the weekend, is tonight's second ever Going Out Guide happy hour. There'll be free food from Oohhs and Aahhs and a special night of Kostume Karaoke. We'll see you there! And on with the show.

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Arlington, Va.: Hello -

A friend mentioned a new restaurant in D.C. that has demonstrations - culeanari (?), can't find the right name or any information. Have you heard of anything like this?

Thanks!

Julia: CulinAerie isn't a restaurant, but is a cooking school. They have a really top-notch roster of instructors from great restaurants across town. I'm heading over in a week or so to check it out... I'll let you know what I find out!

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SW D.C.: What is your take on the Artomatic event going on by the Navy Yard this weekend? We are thinking of walking over there on Friday night. Thanks.

Stephanie: I think Luck of the Draw sounds like fun, and if Artomatic's inauguration celebration was any indication, they know how to throw a party. There are supposed to be a bunch of bands, DJs and artists. What's not to love? If I weren't going out of town for the weekend, this would be at the top of my list.

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Washington, D.C.: I saw the new play at Ford's Theater. It is long (almost 3 hours) but it did not feel long (it helped having two intermissions). Also, all three acts were good (I often find that new plays lose their way towards the end). I would recommend it. The play gives a totally new view (to me, at least) of Lincoln. It is true, as a previous poster mentioned, that there is not much leg room in the seats, so if you are tall, try to get aisle seats.

Stephanie: For the chatter who was asking about The Heavens Are Hung in Black last week, here's one reader's view. Our own critic gave it a pretty solid review as well, though he said there were moments that dragged.

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Frustrated, D.C.: So myself, husband, sister, and friend all logged on to ticketmaster at 10am last Friday to try and buy Flight of the Conchords tickets. Only at the same time they went on sale, it seemed they were sold out. Not one of us could get a ticket. What's the deal? This is not the first time something like this has happened. Any tips on how to get tickets to future events before online ticket companies do? and yes, I did try the pre-sale but that also sold out. Now they are selling for over $100!

David: You are not the only one who had no luck with Flight of the Conchords tickets. Those Aussies are quite popular. I wish I could give you tips, but it's really all about luck. And I know it just makes it even more frustrating to see good tickets being sold for well above face value mere minutes after they go on sale. And with this week's developments, who knows what the future of ticket buying will be like? This is a problem that has only been getting worse.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello! I would really like to take someone swing dancing or possibly ballroom dancing Valentines Day at a (metro accessible) place in Alexandria or DC. Is there anywhere in King Street or downtown DC to do this? Thanks!

Fritz: Eh, there's not much swing dancing going on downtown these days, and in Alexandria, I have to say I'm not familiar with the jazz trio playing at Alexandria's Carlyle Club. (The leader plays trombone in the current Artie Shaw Ghost Orchestra, for what that's worth.) I do think it's worth joining Zipcar or buying/begging/stealing a ride to get up to the historic Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom on Saturday for the Red Dress Ball with the always-awesome Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra. They have some of the best musicians in the area, and the $15 cover includes an hour-long beginning swing dance lesson with Ellen Engle and Marc Shepanek -- great teachers, and the only D.C. swing dance couple I'm aware of who appeared on "What Not To Wear."

Anyway, I can't think of too many things more romantic than swing dancing and slow dancing at Glen Echo on Valentine's Day.

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Attire for V-Day Dinner: Eeek! I am going on a V-Day date! Normally I just wear cute jeans and a nice top to dates. But what should I wear for V-Day - I feel like it is supposed to be more fancy. (The place I am going is the type of place Id normally wear the aforementioned casual-cute outfit to.)

Julia: What's your date like/likely to wear? I think that plays into it. I'd probably dress it up a notch though. Maybe skinny black jeans, pencil skirt, something flirty.

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Washington, D.C.: How does one let you know about a SUPER COOL kid event happening in the city??

Anne: Same way you let us know about anything you want us to include in the Guide. Send an e-mail to events [at] washingtonpost.com. Or look on the bottom right of the page, and click Submit a Listing.

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Washington, D.C.: Any thoughts on a good coffehouse/lounge with wireless internet on the weekends? Tryst would be perfect, but they don't have their internet available on weeekends. I'm looking to hang out with a friend this weekend but we're going to need Internet access to plan some trips. Dupont or NW DC is preferable. Something like the cafe at Politics and Prose is probably too small.

Fritz: I'd vote for Open City -- really good coffee (and tea) while you surf, plus beer. Busboys and Poets, too.

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Washington D.C.: My boyfriend and I are both trying to save money, but we want to do something nice. What is out there that is low-cost but also romantic?

Stephanie: I actually just wrote a blog post on some low-cost Valentine's Day options courtesy of local galleries. Hopefully between the free chocolate tasting, the dance party at the Navy Yard and arts and crafts at Transformer, you find something appealing!

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Washington, D.C.: GOGS,

This question is probably for Fritz, though others can probably answer. I'm a bit embarrassed, but I'm going to a fancy bachelor party this weekend at a swanky club that I would normally never go to. My problem is with ordering drinks. I'm strictly a beer person, and in my college days it was straight Jack. The place where we're going supposedly make good martinis... and I have no idea how to order one. With Vermouth or without? What kind of vodka, or is it gin? I really have no idea and I'm hoping you guys can save me from looking like an idiot. Thanks and sorry for the dumb question.

Fritz: Not a dumb question at all, my friend. The classic martini is gin and vermouth. Most good bartenders -- especially at your better bars -- can make a great one if you just ask for a gin martini. If they start getting too technical about gins that you're not familiar with, do what I'd do: Just smile and shake your head and say "I'm in your hands." Most bartenders like to show off their skills.

Which bar are you going to? I might have some other recommendations...

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Logan: I live close to U Street but rarely go out there. Girls night out this weekend, we will probably end up at Saint Ex to shake our booties at the end of the night, but where do you suggest we go for a few drinks beforehand? Not looking for something that's terribly expensive or pretentious. What is Tabaq like?

Julia: Tabaq's okay for what you're looking for. You can sometimes feel like you're interrupting the waiters there when you order something, but it could work.

I like Marvin's back deck (even in the cold) for a few drinks with girl friends. It helps if you guys like Belgian beer because the outdoor wine-by-the-glass options are lacking. Vinoteca and Cork are both cute for wine and cocktails. The Gibson would give you great drinks, but you may find the reservations policy "pretentious."

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Washington, D.C.: My question involves trying to get home after you've gone out. Last weekend, my friends and I left Chi Cha Lounge at various stages around 2:30 am and it took 45 minutes for some of us to get cabs! There were tons of cabs available, but they would not pick us up. They were either stopping for groups, while driving past single women out on the street entirely alone, or wouldn't open the door until we told them where we were going -- and then would just drive away anyway when we told them, which is completely illegal. And it didn't matter where we going -- VA, Dupont, Columbia Heights -- they just drove off. What are we supposed to do in that situation? Jot down the cab company and number and call the police? That still won't get us home though. As much fun as I had at Chi Cha, I feel traumatized to go back now. This type of thing is the reason I haven't been to Adams Morgan at night in years. Something must be done!

Julia: Oooh, fun topic for today, I think. Yeah, I get *really* annoyed when they ask me when ask me where I'm going and then refuse to take me there. Inauguration weekend was the worst! I think the right thing to do is to jot down their hack number and call the Taxicab Commission the next work day. Usually, when I ask to have their hack license number, they take me where I want to go. Or call me nasty names.

But that just seems so passive aggressive, so I usually just wait for the next cab/feel like a chump.

I don't think the Police will do much for you here.

Fritz: BTW, it's illegal for a cab to ask you where you're going before letting you in.

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Glover Park, D.C.: I have noticed yet another new bar in my neighborhood (Glover Park), called Kitchen. It is billing itself as serving "southern comfort foods" but I am skeptical about how long it will serve food because the owners own Gin & Tonic, the notorious frathouse next door. A year ago, I would have called myself crazy for asking this, but is it possible there are now too many bars in Glover Park?

Julia: I may regret saying this, but I really doubt food is going to fall off the menu at Kitchen. It's owned by the Latin Concepts folks, who have brought you such eateries as Ceviche, Yaku, etc. Yes, Fritz tells me, Mauricio of Latin Concepts is a partner at G&T, but I think the focus here is a little more on food. I mean, they did hire a guy with Jaleo on his resume.

I don't think there are too many bars in GP, but then again, I don't live there. I just come to visit. And get Max's Best.

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NW DC: Gurus,

I need your help to keep my budding relationship alive. I live in Upper NW near the Cathedral. He is in Dulles... ugh. I have figured out that Tyson's is middle of the way for both us. Any non chain restaurants/coffeehouses/good date places we can seek out during the week?

Fritz: I just spoke to John Wabeck of the week-old Inox for this story about Valentine's Day wine, and I'm dying to get out there. Not only does Wabeck's wine list sound intriguing, he's nicked one of my favorite bartenders, Andrew from New Heights and the Gibson to set up the cocktail program. Can't wait to make it out there.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus! We are going to Central for dinner on Saturday night, but our reservations are at 9pm. Can you suggest any activities/places to grab drinks beforehand? It is a late dinner for me, so I will need a distraction from hunger!

Julia: Hmm, that's tough. Downtown can be pretty dead on Saturday evenings.

Maybe head to Rocket Bar for shuffleboard/pool/darts/etc or Lucky Strike for bowling. I imagine you'll be all spiffed out for Valentine's Day, so the more loungey Lucky Strike might be a better choice. Co Co. Sala would be a great spot for a pre-dinner drink, but I just think that place is going to be slammed on Saturday.

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Washington, D.C.: Last night my gf and I went down to Domku Cafe in Petworth for pierogi night. I really enjoyed the place and it was certainly worth the trip. My question is: are there other exciting places (bars, restaurants, etc) in this area that I don't know about?

Fritz: Ah, Domku has some fantastic pierogis, don't they? And the aquavit. God, the lemongrass and ginger aquavit.

Anyway, for food, I'm a big fan of Sweet Mango Cafe, a Jamaican place at the corner of Rock Creek and Georgia, right across from the Metro. Cool outdoor deck. Looking Glass Lounge is a nice little neighborhood spot, but I'm way more likely to be found a few blocks away at the cozy little Red Derby, which is one of my favorite bars in the city. Great local atmosphere, friendly people, top-notch all-can beer selection and they'll let me plug my iPod in and pick some songs. Great spot.

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Washington, DC: Hello Gurus, For the documentary features being shown at the National Archives, do I just show up to see it or do I need to get tickets ahead of time? I looked at the information, but it doesn't give any specific information on this. Thanks.

Jen: Thanks for asking, D.C. You make a good point, and we should add that information to those records. I was in such a rush to get them on the site that I neglected to include that detail, but it's an important one.

The tickets can not be acquired in advance. You get them on a first-come, first-serve basis. They begin handing them out an hour before showtime, and I understand the lines can be long. So you may want to get there 90 minutes or more ahead of time.

Anyone out there who went to one of the Archive Oscar screenings last year, and can speak to how bad the lines were?

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus,

What would you recommend for Valentine's for restaurants with good bars that have food service? To save money we just want to get some good appetizers and a few nicely made cocktails.

Julia: Hmmm. I like what you're thinking. If you're willing to give the new guy a shot, check out Eventide. It'll be day three of service at the Clarendon newcomer -- so I think you'll have to cut the service some slack -- but from what I've seen of the new restaurant, it looks really cozy. Hope the food's good!

Other places off the top of my head: EatBar, bar at Jaleo, Co Co. Sala (but, uh, see above).

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Downtown Silver Spring: Okay Fritz, time for the annual "when the heck is the Hook & Ladder restaurant and bar going to go open in the old Silver Spring firehouse space on Georgia ave" question. I was over there last weekend and looked in: there is absolutely no work being done. What's the deal. Have the lunatics with the People's Republic of Montgomery County red taped it to death?; I honestly don't understand the people that run MoCo, it's like they are against all fun.

Fritz: I have no idea, honestly. Inspired by your question, I just tried to give owner/founder Matt Fleischer a call, but no luck. If I hear back, I'll let you know.

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Annapolis, MD: Fritz will you be my Valentine?;!!

Fritz: If I say yes, will you take me to Davis's Pub?

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Silver Spring, Md.: Curious if any of you guys have been to Restaurant 3 in Claredon and what your thoughts are. Thanks.

Julia: I haven't been in about a year or so, but I wasn't super impressed. Food was good, just really pricey. I think the bar is a better bet. I'm giving the place another shot though... I'll be judging a cocktail competition there in March. Details to come.

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Bethesda, Md.: My friends and I want to check out a Jazz club some weekend this month or next month because we've never been. We don't want to spend too much money on tickets (so no Blues Alley). What are your other suggestions? Bohemian Caverns? SR-71? All we're looking for is some good music and a cool atmosphere. Thanks!

David: Whew, this one made me laugh. SR-71 = bad alt-rock band from the beginning of the decade. HR-57 = cool, low-key BYOB jazz spot on 14th Street. So that's a possibility, as is Twins Jazz. You mentioned Bohemian Caverns, too, so let me recommend a specific show for you -- Alice Russell on Thursday, March 5. I know it's not a weekend and tickets won't be terribly cheap, but I think if you went to that, you would not regret it.

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NOVA: Hello- My husband and I have been working so much we keep missing each, but are taking Saturday to spend the day together. We'd like to start with breakfast in DC, any recommendations?; And then visit some of the museums, any thoughts on some must see exhibits?; Thanks for your help!!

Stephanie: I probably sound like a broken record, but I'm a big fan of Matchbox for weekend brunch (the cinnamon rolls are TDF). If you're willing to head up to Dupont, there's also the old standby of Tabard Inn and Darlington House, where I had a great brunch recently. As for exhibits, the National Gallery is brimming with good stuff, from the Pompeii exhibit to Dutch Cityscapes and photos by Robert Frank. I'd also recommend the Orchids exhibit at Natural History, if you haven't seen it yet.

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Co.Co. Sala: I'm making a reservation for a few weeks from now for my girlfriend's birthday and I've heard that it gets slammed (and loud) at dinner time. Do you guys think we will be okay with a 5:30 pm reservation on a Wed night?

Also, from your experiences, is the food good here in addition to the deserts or should we just do desert here and eat somewhere before?

Julia: Get the food! It's not really a big, full meal. Like you'd have to order 3 of the $7 sliders to get a smallish dinner. But the food is really tasty. I think I like it better than the desserts.

You should be fine at 5:30 on a Wednesday.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for a fun place to watch some college basketball tomorrow night. It needs to be centrally located and easily accessible (Dupont/Downtown/Penn Quarter, etc). The game is on ESPNU. We've had bad experiences with bars that are overly crowded and expensive and hope to find a new location.

Do you have any suggestions?

Fritz: Let's see -- Buffalo Billiards has a ton of TVs, it's large enough to spread out and never feels packed to the rafters. I'd start there. Maybe throw in Porter's (which can get way crowded, but not always), the Grand Slam Sports bar at the Grand Hyatt, the Irish Channel in Penn Quarter, maybe RFD?

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Passive aggressive???: How is asking for a hack # passive aggressive? It is merely standing up for what you are entitled to as a customer and possibly preventing an unethical cabbie from taking advantage of people, besides you, in the future. Having a spine is, in fact, the opposite of PA behavior. Do it, people!

Julia: Look, I'm just saying, I'd personally just wait for the next cab than ask the guy for his hack number in a not-so-veiled attempt to strongarm him into driving me home. After a particularly loud and expletive-filled altercation with a cab driver last summer after asking for the hack number, I'd just rather wait for someone who's willing to drive me than to fight about it. Life's too short to be spent arguing with cab drivers.

So yeah, I guess you're right. Asking for the hack number isn't passive aggressive. Just aggressive. Something I'm sick of doing with cabbies. (Particularly since I'm now known in my apt. building as the girl who had a cabdriver follow her down the street yelling all sorts of nasty things....)

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Ellicott City, MD: Do you have any suggestions for a wine appreciation class, or series of wine tasting events?; I'd like to give my "immature palate" a chance to mature.

Fritz: I've done wine-tasting classes through TasteDC.com, and though it's a narrower focus, I've enjoyed the classes/events I've been to that were put on by the French Wine Society -- some nice embassy evenings. You could also check some of the monthly tastings put on by wine bars like Enology.

The best budget option is to try the daily free tastings at Vidalia or the Tuesday night sessions at Bistro Lepic, then pick the brains of the sommelier or wine rep.

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Washington, D.C.: So how many of you gurus are on the "pro" side and how many are on the "anti" side for Valentine's Day?

Julia: Put me down for being squarely in the middle. It's perhaps my least favorite night on the planet to visit a restaurant, but I like the idea. Got my man a totally awesome card today.

Fritz: I'm firmly in the "Amateur Night" category, whether I'm single or coupled up at the time.

Anne: A blend of practical and sweet: Definitely in favor of celebrating (and that could mean sending a card and cookies to your friends) but for dinner dates, best to do it on any day besides Feb. 14.

David: I'm pretty much anti-everything.

Stephanie: I usually opt to hang with my single friends, who might otherwise feel a little lonely on V-Day. I can have a nice dinner with my sweetie anytime, right?

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Aussies: "David: You are not the only one who had no luck with Flight of the Conchords tickets. Those Aussies are quite popular."

That was a sly joke, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs_rXxi0zhM

Julia: That better have been a joke -- David knows how much I adore those cute little men from N-Zed.

I was one of the many turned away from FOTC tix. So bummed.

David: Yes, I'm hilarious. I actually just started watching a few episodes after everyone in the world told me I should. And since so many of my favorite bands come from New Zealand, I figured I should.

Stephanie: Phew. I was about to think much less of David. And not to rub it in or anything, but I managed to get tix. I get to spend an evening with Jemaine (swooon)!

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Washington, D.C.: Teaism is always a good spot for breakfast and close to the museums. I think the oats in their Salty Oat cookies qualify as them as a breakfast food. Their hot chai is wonderful!

Stephanie: Such a good call. Those salty oat cookies are magical.

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Arlington, Va.: On the cab question, when a cab picks you up in D.C. for multiple stops in VA (these stops are all within a 10-minute walk of each other between Rosslyn and Courthouse, mind you), is it legal for them to re-set the meter? It seems unreasonable to me...

Julia: It seems unreasonable to me too, but I actually believe it's not only legal, but encouraged. Can't seem to find any info on the internets (quickly) to support this though. Anyone know for sure?

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Wardrobe girl again: Julia, I will be at the HH tonight, so maybe I will find you and you can help me obsess about my outfit choice! :)

Julia: Nice! I am wearing a green shirt.

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V-Day wardrobe girl: Thanks, Julia. I have no idea what my date will wear, this is only our second date. But I think the idea of a skirt is best. I wonder if its too early in the season to be wearing open toe/heel shoes.... that always confuses me.

Julia: Oh -- just saw this one! I think it is too early for open toes -- especially with the weekend forecast dropping again.

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Washington, D.C.: The trick to getting the Flight of the Conchords tickets was getting the password for the presale on their fansite. Chatters should note that for future gigs.

David: This is another issue with getting tickets for shows these days. There are so many different presales. There are fan club presales, venue presales, corporate tie-in presales, etc. So you have fewer tickets available for general on-sale, but sometimes you end up getting a ticket in the presale but then logging in during the general sale and finding out you could have gotten a better ticket then. It's always something.

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After a particularly loud and expletive-filled altercation with a cab driver last summer: Ooooh. I took a cab from Glover Park to the Hill once, and the guy who picked me up was so put out that I needed to go to the Hill. I didn't tell him where I was going until I got in the cab. So he yelled for the 1st 5 minutes of the ride, and drove really fast and dangerously. I kept saying, let me out if you don't want to take me there, I'll find someone who will. But he wouldn't stop either! That was scary.

Julia: Yeah for real! I saw my guy the next day too, in one of those DC-really-IS-a-small-town coincidences. It was so scary.

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Bethedsa: What is the best brunch that is along the red line? Taking my parents and family along so it can't be too loud -- I heard the Tabard Inn is very loud!

Julia: Shame the Tabard won't work for you because it's great for parents.

I like Matchbox's brunch in Chinatown -- inventive. Tenleytown is usually a little slower on the weekends and I think either Le Chat Noir or Matisse could fit your needs.

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cab, stories: I had a cab driver chase me down the street once too. He was trying to jerk me around on zones, and I told him I'd pay him, but he was wrong. So then he dropped me off about five blocks from my house at like 230 in the morning saying that I hadn't told him exactly where I was going. I paid him in full, and he got out and walked down the street behind me yelling. It was really really scary. I hate being a woman and being at the mercy of cab drivers. I do think the meters help a little bit though.

Julia: I think the meters help too.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'd like to purchase sushi making classes for my honey's valentine present...any idea where one might find such a thing? The previously mentioned Culinaire didn't have anything coming up.

Julia: I know Uni A Sushi Place offers them, as does the Sur la Table in Pentagon Row. Good luck!

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Re: Restaurant 3: Just a report from the field on Restaurant 3. I went for dinner last Friday for the first time. The cocktail I had was pretty good, the atmosphere was nice, but the food was pretty disappointing and service was weird (not bad...but certainly not good...just kinda awkward) - especially for the price. The snapper (?) and short ribs were good, but the pork chops and veggie brunswick stew were just okay/boring. Appetizers and desserts fell into the just okay category, too. Definitely not worth the $50+/person (to me, at least). Anyway, overall review - was decent but we probably won't be returning. Hope that helps any decision making!

Julia: Funny -- the pork chops were one of my favorite parts!

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Washington: I promised my girlfriend a good Valentine's Day this year since I kind of flaked on her last year. Problem is I have not had any time to plan until today! Please tell me that they is something awesome I can still take her to do, so she doesn't know I didn't think ahead AGAIN!

Fritz: Okay, I am going to plug myself here and tell you that tomorrow's Weekend Section cover story (which you can preview here is all about this very topic. I talked to maitre'ds, restaurant managers, sommeliers, bouncers, florists, a dance instructor, even a dating coach to get tips on last minute valentine's day ideas.

Here's the main thing: You really had to plan weeks ago to get the best tables or tickets or what have you. Looking at the list of restaurants on Open Table, it seems like all the times left or either really early or really late. What you need to do is find something that fits into the schedule. How about this: Dinner at Corduroy at 6, nice meal, cab over to National Geographic to watch "Departures," a Japanese film that's nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, then over to 1905 for a night of slow jams and love songs hosted by the Fatback DJs?

The key is to be creative. Good luck...

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Kid-friendly restaurants?: Help, gurus! My nephews (toddler age) are visiting this weekend -- we have lots of great plans for activities during the day but I'm stumped on where to take them to eat. One's a picky eater, the other eats everything under the sun but is a bit of a handful (I say that lovingly). Are there any good restaurants in the District or Arlington that are kid-friendly but have decent food for the grown-ups?

Julia: Tom just gave a pretty good review to Restaurant Vero -- sounds like what you're looking for.

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Taxi Cab Confessions: My girlfriend just moved into one of those brand new condo buildings right by the Nationals Stadium and is having the same problem. Since I live in Georgetown (as do most of our friends) we always start the night around here. Since the Metro doesn't go to Georgetown and neither of us have cars it's always a problem. She usually calls at least 2 or 3 cab companies and on average only one will show up and she still has to wait on average 45 minutes.

Then on the nights she (or we) have to go back there almost half the cabs won't take us. They don't say any reason but I know it's because that used to be a bad neighborhood and they know they wont get a far out of there.

Any suggestions?

Julia: I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions, but just some good luck wishes. I've heard similar tales from folks down there.

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Can't Wait for Secrets: I'm so excited that Zigfield's/Secrets is reopening this weekend. Its been too long for DC to go without all nude male strippers.

Fritz: It's a great sign that one of the numerous gay clubs displaced by the baseball stadium is returning.

Zeigfeld's and Secrets is holding its grand reopening tomorrow night, beginning at 9 p.m. in its new building at 1824 Half Street (the former Club Lime). The lovely Ms. Ella Fitzgerald and her queens are performing at 11. And naked guys will be dancing next door. Everyone's a winner.

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Annoyed with DC cabs who hate on Virginia: Yeah, I live in Rosslyn and I have had cab drivers pick me up in CHINATOWN only to promptly throw me out on the street when they find out I want to go to Rosslyn. Thats right, not like Dulles, or Stafford, or even Fairfax, ARLINGTION - which in some cases is closer than most parts of DC.

I HATE DC CABBIES. Which is why I keep Red Top Cab on speed dial on my cell phone (they are the only authorized VA cab company that can pick up in DC).

Julia: I didn't know that about Red Top. If true (not calling you a liar, just saying I haven't confirmed) could be good intel for the rest of you VA folks!

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SuperAggressive: My little brother and I were in a cab and the guy didn't want to take us from The Morgan back to our place in Georgetown after the bars closed. So without saying a word my brother reached across the front seat and grabbed the guys licence off the visor and without blinking said "okay buddy either take us to the police station or take us home."

Needless to say we got a free ride home that night! Score one for the passengers - zero for the driver.

Julia: Hahaha.

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ballston dude: does tonight's venue charge for club soda?; for drivers?;

too busy to read the chat today. argh.

Fritz: No. When I'm on the wagon, Club Soda (with lime) is always free at Solly's.

But dude, it's two blocks from the Metro.

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Dupont: Be careful in cabs! I had a cabbie lock the doors on me once I got to my stop and I started freaking out and yelling and he only let me out once I said I wasn't paying until he opened the doors. Freaky. Also had a clearly intoxicated cabbie last week...

Julia: Actually, this reminds me of something I should have said way earlier in the hour. There are a lot of good-guy cabbies out there too. I talked to one guy over inauguration weekend who told me he had to carry a passed-out girl up the steps to her house. That's a rough and thankless job.

So anyway, I know I've been hating on some of the bad ones as much as anyone here, but just wanted to point out that there are some good apples. I've certainly been driven by many of them.

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Pick me, DC!: Is Saint Ex having their old school hip-hop and 40s party on Sunday?; They used to do this Sunday's before a holiday. P.S. it would be helpful to link to the discussion from the sidebar in your blog

Fritz: No. Sunday night is a listening party for Saint-Ex bartender/extremely talented singer-songwriter Benjy Ferree, whose new album "Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee" is out on Domino Records next week. (I know his Web site says the CD came out on the 3rd, but it didn't.)

Still worth a trip, though.

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Bethesda, MD: Hey Gurus, I'm skipping the usual V-Day BS to take my honey out on Monday. (We're both off work.) So far my plans involve a romantic outing to the National Gallery of Art Pompeii exhibit. Any ideas on a good romantic place for lunch afterward?; I want some place quiet so the often-suggested cafeteria at the National Museum of the American Indian is out.

Thanks!

Fritz: My vote would be a short stroll up Pennsylvania Ave. to 701, which is offering a special lunch menu for restaurant week. (And hey, since you're off work, you can pick a nice glass of wine with lunch.)

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Dancing: Hi Gurus - My friends and I need somewhere to shake our butts this weekend. I know it is valentines day and all, but I'm not that type of girl. We're each 26ish and our usual spots are St. Ex, Clarendon Grill, Local 16, etc. I'd like to avoid Adams Morgan or any of the really big clubs like Platinum. Thanks!

Fritz: Hmmm. The INCREDIBLE Dennis Perez of Afrorykan Vibe is going to be spinning house, Latin and anything to make your body move at Eighteenth Street Lounge, which would totally be my choice for dancing. If you love hip-hop, you probably shouldn't miss Bilal in the intimate confines of Liv at Bohemian Caverns. And I can't forget Feedback at DC9, which combines Stereofaith spinning rock, electro and hip-hop around a live performance by U.S. Royalty. Should be a great night -- free drinks from 9 to 10 make it even better.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus, I am planning/playing Pub Golf for a friends birthday this Sunday. We need 9 holes/bars in the downtown area that are open on Sundays to "play" at. We are starting at Buffalo Billards and ending at Rocket Bar. Any suggestions?;

Thanks!

Fritz: Oh man. I haven't played pub golf in years. (Everyone who doesn't know should just google it for the rules.)

How about:
Buffalo Billiards
The Front Page
The Big Hunt
Lucky Bar
Mackey's Porter's

METRO TO METRO CENTER
Capitol City Brewing Company
Gordon Biersch
R.F.D.
Rocket Bar

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mack

Arlington, VA: Two single twenty-something ladies looking for the hottest Valentine's (or anti) Party in DC or VA....drink specials, single men, etc. Where do we go?;

Fritz: Did you see the options in the Nightlife Agenda? I'm thinking the Shred Your Ex party at the Bottom Line sounds like a blast, though in the past, it's always been a little heavy on single ladies. (Good for me, maybe not for you.)

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DC: Is there a cover to see Dennis Perez at ESL?;

Fritz: If you get there early and say hi to the wonderful doorman Mustafa Akbar (and you're female), there might not be a cover. After midnight, it's usually $10. Before that can vary widely.

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Washington, DC: Hi all,

My aunt is coming into town on a business trip this weekend and wants to meet up with me for a drink with her at the Willard, where she is staying. She said there is a bar there- is it the Round Robin? If so, what is the dress code there on a Friday night? Bartenders any good or should I stick to beer? Thanks!

Fritz: The Round Robin is slightly stuffy but still fun in an old-school Washington way. Good bartenders, especially if Jim Hewes is behind the circular bar. They just opened a new Scotch-focused bar with a list that will make your head spin if you like single malts. Pricey, but worth it.

No dress code, but most people are suits/business casual on a Friday night.

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U Street: Been a long time since I've chimed in here, but I just want to give mad props to Fritz. Way to hook that guy up with 9 really great hole suggestions for pub golf. Plus you inspired me -- Wanna be my (early) Valentine tonight at Sollys?;

Fritz: I'll be around, that's all I'll say.

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washingtonpost.com: We're done chatting here, but join us tonight at the happy hour, and get your questions answered in person.

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