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 there everyone. Getting ready to join us for tonight's Going Out Guide Happy Hour at Rocket Bar? Of course you are. It'll be from 6-8, there will be free pizza and sliders courtesy of Matchbox, drink specials and a shuffleboard tournament that I plan on winning, even though I've never played shuffleboard before. So if you want to be on the winning team, find me. I'll be the guy that's not Fritz. We're all here today -- Julia, Anne, Stephanie, Fritz, Rhome, Jen, I'm David, let's get to it.

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Washington, D.C.: Punch Club? Worth going to tonight or not? I read a couple of bad reviews on the place recently (also read your review), but it is the last time.

Fritz: Bad reviews of Punch Club? Really? Okay, so they do sometimes run out of those fantastic old-school alcoholic punches if you get there late, and it can be kind of an awkward setup, but I can't see a reason to hate on the place at all.

In fact, I'm willing to bet I'll head over there for a drink after the Maryland game -- and, of course, our happy hour.

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Arlington Tea Drinker: I was wanting to try Yerba Mate (S. American tea). I keep hearing about it and don't necessarily want a full meal at Cafe Atlantico to try it. Any suggestions?

Stephanie: I know Teavana stores carry yerba mate. That seems like a more economical option!

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Takoma Park, Md.: If I planned to attend DC 101's Kegs & Eggs, what time should I get in line? The doors open at 7:15 am. It is at the 9:30 club this year. Filter, Hoobastank, and Carbon Leaf.

Fritz: I'd be there by 7, probably. Free concert + St. Patrick's Day revelry + beer + heavy promotion on DC 101 = a lot of people coming out on Friday.

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Yerba Mate: Teaism has it too. Yum!

Stephanie: And another option for the tea-lover.

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Washington, D.C.: Gurus, can you suggest a yummy, casual lunch spot in Georgetown pre-pedicure at the Four Seasons? Thanks!

Julia: Tackle Box could work, but I still maintain it's too expensive for what it is. I prefer Surfside, but that's a bit further north.

Snap Crepes or Wisey's could work if you were game for something super casual. I haven't been to Bodega (the newish tapas place on M) or Los Cuates yet, but I keep hearing good things.

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Foodndrin, KS: Hey Gurus,

Excited about your happy hour tonight. I hope you don't run out of food...that would be really lame!

Julia: You hear that, Matchbox? You're on notice. The people want sliders!

Seriously though, we had a ridiculous amount of food at Solly's (I ate like 7 pieces of cornbread, give or take), so I'm hoping for the same thing tonight! Looking forward to seeing you all!

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Clear Lungs, USA: Hey GOGs - I am going to a concert in Ballston on Friday night and we have copious amounts of time before the 8pm show to catch an afternoon drink (cider or good beers preferred, no swill thank you) and/or dinner.

However, I can't be near cigarette smoke or I very inconveniently stop breathing. Ireland's Four Courts was my top choice but unless I pay for their party room, I'm stuck with a smoking atmosphere.

Any ideas? Should we just spend time in DC until it's time to head to the show?

Fritz: I've never paid to get into the Four Courts' non-smoking bar, and since it's right near the office, I've been there on ... more than one occasion. Just turn left when you walk in, unless it's reserved for a private party.

As for other non-smoking options, here's my Go Out List of the best smoke-free bars in Virginia. In and around Arlington, I'd say the Liberty Tavern and Capitol City Brewing Company are my favorite smokeless bars, or if you are driving, Rustico.

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Washington, DC: Hey Fritz,

Have you been over to the Laughing Man Tavern on 13th and G? I've been twice, the first time I loved it, but the second time it was eh. Also they were closed once on a Saturday (around 5pm)with no hours posted on the door. I feel like they have no clue as to what kind of bar they want to be, though any bar in the area of the city is desperately needed. any thoughts?

Fritz: I'm going to say that I tried to stop by once (on a weekend) and found it closed, so I can't answer your question yet.

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Billy Joel/Elton John concert tix- where to get some for less than $100: And is Matchbox 20 EVER coming to town??

Thanks supergurus!

David: You're going to have a hard time finding tickets under $100, at least through official channels. There's a chance that as it gets closer there will be some cheap tickets on Craigslist or something like that, but this is not a concert for the thrifty. As for Matchbox 20, don't hold your breath.

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Washington D.C.: I have a three day weekend ahead of me. It doesn't look like the weather is going to be so great. I'm thinking about going to the American History Museum (haven't been since it reopened) and maybe also seeing a movie at E Street. Any other ideas for things I can do alone? Thanks.

Stephanie: The American History Museum is a good option, and I'd probably also hit up Golden Seams, an interesting show at the Sackler, and the Philip Guston exhibition in the newly reopened tower at the National Gallery. If you find yourself up in Dupont, the Morandi show is also worth a look.

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new restaurants to try?: Hi GOGs, I'm going out with a friend tomorrow night who I haven't seen in a while and we'd like to go to a restaurant that is new-ish but wallet friendly. We are adventurous eaters and are looking for something new to try. Either in D.C. or Arlington/Alexandria would best. Any suggestions?

Thanks :)

Julia: Did you see Tom's favorable First Bite column about Eventide yesterday? The Clarendon restaurant could fit your criteria, but I'd eat at the bar. The dining room menu gets up into the high $20s.I like the atmosphere *and* the food at 1905, but it can be hit or miss. The atmosphere makes it worth a visit, though. Sticky Rice, Granville Moore's and Fontaine (a place I'm reviewing for tomorrow's Weekend section) are other options.

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Yerba Mate: There's also an Argentine grocery right across from the Whole Foods in Clarendon that carries several authentic brands of mate (as opposed to the fad, health food brands you can find at said Whole Foods). You can also get a mate gourd and bombilla (metal straw) to drink your mate from. And I'm certain the owners would be happy to tell you how to actually prepare the mate. There's an art to it! And warning: it's an acquired taste. I studied abroad in Argentina, and the first several times I tried it, I almost spat it out. Now I love it though! Might have to make myself some right now actually.

Stephanie: And another, very detailed option for the person seeking tea.

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Wheaton, MD: I'm going to see Carl Cox at FUR on Saturday night, and never having been there before, I'm wondering what would be the best/safest way to get from the metro to the club. Do they still run a shuttle? Should we (me & BF) take a cab if tipsy?

Thanks! :)

Rhome: There's a lot of foot traffic between around Fur, Ibiza and the NY Ave Metro station when the clubs are popping but even with folks on the street, I don't think hopping a cab when you're tipsy is a bad idea.

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Shuffleboard partner: I'll be David's partner! Or will there be a way for us single players to find a partner? I haven't played in years but sounds fun!

David: OK, my team is taking shape. Wait, apparently there are only two people on a team, so my team has taken shape! But yes, anybody who wants to be a part of the tourney will be able to play, we will make sure of it. I don't plan on losing, btw. Someone just has to tell me the rules first.

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Clarendon, Va.: If you had to choose between Liberty, Spider Kellys, Eventide, Eleventh for HH in Clarendon on a Friday which would you pick? Any have great food/drink specials?

Fritz: I like the drink specials at Liberty best, with discount martinis and draft beers, but it can be a tight squeeze at the bar, thanks to the dinner crowd. Eventide's service is still working out the kinks. Spider Kelly's would depend on how many people you were bringing. More than three and it can be hard to sit together.

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thanks for answering the q on the concerts: sad about Matchbox though =(

Jen: Well, clearly Matchbox 20 wants to push you around. And they will, they will.

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Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: This may seem crazy, but here goes. I've been a huge fan of the GOGs for over a few years now and have benefited so much from the posts. Because you guys, along with the readers, are so knowledgeable about this city and almost everything else, I need help with something myself - proposing. That's right, I want readers' opinions on how I should propose to my girlfriend in the city of D.C. I was thinking of doing it in my home town of Detroit, Mich., but I'm from D.C. and my proposal should come from here! I'll try my best to incorporate as much input as possible and report back next week. I'm planning on doing it in the next week.

Julia: Gtown, thanks for all the love. We adore you too! Now about this proposal. You write, "but I'm from D.C. and my proposal should come from here!" We think your proposal shouldn't come from D.C. -- it should come from you! What do you and the lucky lady like to do around here? Incorporate some of your inside jokes, favorite space, date nights, whatever, into your plan.

That being said, if you do want some suggestions, I'm always partial to a tiny bridge in the middle of Rock Creek Park just below Porter Street/Klingle Road. It's adorable. Please, someone, get engaged there and then tell me about it so I can live vicariously through. Also, if the weather's nice, I'm partial to a stretch along the Potomac River right off Ohio Drive (sort of near the entrance to the FDR. Really pretty down there. Chatters?

And by the way, good luck! Please report back and let us know how it goes!

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Washington, D.C.: I have a feeling I know your answer, but do any of these St. Patrick Day fest serve something other than beer? I just found out I can't have barley anymore and I'm at a loss of what to do this weekend.

Fritz: You can get Magner's -- a true Irish cider, sold as Bulmer's on the Emerald Isle -- at any Irish pub worth its salt, like the Irish Channel and the Old Brogue. Others, like Fado, stock Strongbow, a cider from England. I'd rather drink Magner's.

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St. Patrick's Day, D.C.: What are the happenings in or around Washington, D.C. actually ON St. Patrick's Day. I feel as if everything takes place on the weekends on not much this coming Tuesday.

Thanks again!

Fritz: I have to respectfully disagree. When I was putting together Our St. Patrick's Day list, I found waaaay more events happening on Tuesday. (That said, I think it will be more fun to go out during the weekend, when skipping lines and cover charges is much easier.)

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Dupont: Battlestar Galactica is about to come to a close. Are any bars/restaurants etc. having a screening of the final episodes on Friday the 20th?

Frak yeah!

Fritz: I haven't heard of any, but I'll happily post events if someone tells me about them.

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Alexandria, VA: With U2 coming to town soon, do you think U2-3D at the Smithsonian IMAX is going to be mobbed with people getting ready with a little pre-concert refresher?

Jen: I don't know about mobbed, but I think people will take advantage of the opportunity to see it again, assuming they are not fatigued by the current U2 Media Blitz.

That movie is amazing in Imax 3D, even if you are only a mild U2 fan. So I do recommend it.

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Northwest D.C.: What is a good wallet-friendly AND romantic restaurant option in the vicinity of Georgetown/Dupont/Tenleytown?

Julia: Ordering apps at the Bistrot Lepic wine bar or Le Chat Noir in Tenleytown. Neyla is another option. In case this question isn't the chatter who is looking for a date-night-spot for fiance in Georgetown, these could work for you too!

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Porpos, AL: I know this is boring, but I was proposed to at a lovely bar (701) and it is now our place for anniversaries. Plus, Mo brought out a plate of wonderful apps and champagne, free without our asking, to celebrate.

As alternatives: 1.The Navy Marine memorial on the GW Parkway (totally underrated and great)

2.George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria

3. If you could wait, how about Opening Day at the Nats game? Obama is throwing out the first pitch.

Julia: A few suggestions for the proposal guy.

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Anonymous: proposal site: wait for the cherry blossoms in a couple of weeks

Julia: And another. Yes, yes, I know someone's about to chime in with "But the cherry blossoms are such a cliche!" True, but they're also uniquely D.C. and really romantic. Go at dusk, when the crowds have subsided a bit. Go to that place I was talking about over by the river. So pretty.

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Washington, D.C.: Has anyone heard of a tab raffle? Someone told me that they raffle off tabs at Bedrock. Is this true?

Fritz: Yeah, it's Bedrock's new Thursday promotion: At some point during the evening (either 9 or 10, I forget which), the bartender draws a patron's tab at random and gives that person a $50 credit. Not a bad deal.

(Full disclosure: I've been a lifetime member at Bedrock since 2000.)

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Food tonight: If it is anything like the last GOG happy hour, I can also attest there will be tons of food.

Last time, I was all worried, thinking that "food" was just a ploy to get people to come and that there would be a teenie amount and it would be gone within the first 30 minutes. But no no no. There was tons - and thanks, gurus, bc it was delish. I also hope for the same tonight!!

Fritz: After the massive turnout in January meant that we ran out of food pretty quickly, we planned better in February. Hopefully everyone will get a couple of miniburgers tonight.

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Arlington, Va.: So... my boyfriend who I live with and have dated for 5 years just cheated on me. (Yea, fun, right?) He is going to be gone for the weekend and I want to keep busy so I don't have to think about it. Any ideas for fun solo activities to keep me distracted?

Stephanie: What a jerk (and unlike last week this situation definitely merits using "jerk." Julia and I can agree on that). Hang in there, and in the meantime, some things to cheer you up: tonight we can help put a smile on your face with suffleboard and free food. This weekend you could head to some museums. Aside from the ones I've mentioned, there's also the wacky Louise Bourgeois show at the Hirshhorn. One night you could get in some laughs at an improv comedy competition and maybe go see a good movie. Hope this helps take your mind off things!

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Washington, D.C.: How about La Madeleine for lunch before the Four Seasons pedicure?

Julia: I like to recommend non-chains when I can. I mean, La Madeleine is fine, but something like Surfside is just so much better. If the pedicure person wanted French, I'd steer them to the charming Cafe La Ruche on 31st.

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Proposal idea!: Very Washington: on the bridge between the Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials, right on the Tidal Basin. It has a great view of D.C., and at night it's very romantic.

Julia: Nice call.

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Georgetown proposal: Jefferson Memorial by moonlight. So romantic, beautiful, and very D.C.

Julia: Another vote for Jefferson.

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Washington, D.C.: Everyone is talking and Twittering about ShamrockFest. It sounds like a blast. Do you have more information?

Julia: You guys are always asking us about planted questions. Here's one of the most "creative" we've seen lately.

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Proposal: I actually proposed near the FDR memorial, and it was perfect!

The bridge nearby that someone else recommended is a good place, but the problem with that is that a lot of buses park around there. I'd walk a little on the path near there for a more secluded spot.

Julia: Thanks for the insider info. Another important thing to note, *how* you propose isn't as big a deal as it gets made out to be. She'll (he'll) remember it no matter what.

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D.C.: GOGs, my fiance is coming up to visit me this weekend and I bought us tickets to the Estelle/Ryan Leslie show at the 9:30 club. Are there any decent, moderately-priced restaurants to eat around there for an early dinner? All suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

Rhome: Way more options than a little bit... Ulah Bistro, Cafe Nema, Etete, Next Door, The Islander. You've got the whole U Street corridor. What do you want to eat?

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U Street/Dupont: Submitting early or else I know I will forget. Okay, Saturday is Pi Day and back in college we used to celebrate by driving to an amazing Pie Shop in Osseo, WI and gorge on pie. Anywhere around here where I can get friends together to do the same thing? I just want to celebrate 3.14 and delicious baked goods.

Anne: There's the Pi Day festival at the Maryland Science Center, a good place to go if you're feeling competitive. There will be lots of kids there, though. Why not make your own pilgrimage to great pie? The General Store is my new go-to place for pastry. And Julia likes Blue Duck Tavern's pie, too.

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Gurus! I've been looking for a great salon to get my hair cut at. I've tried Bubbles and while it gets the job done, its nothing special. I have a short styled cut so I need a talented stylist, but don't want to dish our $100 for a haircut. Any ideas?

Stephanie: I used to have really short hair and PR at partners did a great job. Although their prices really run the gamut depending on the stylist, so you might want to ask for someone on the lower end.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi GOGs! I need to organize a celebratory dinner next Thursday, and it occurred to me that area restaurants sometimes have weekday/early bird dinner specials. Do you know of any?

Julia: Depends on where you're looking. Many of the Penn Quarter restaurants dish out sweet pre-theater deals. Check out our list of Best Pre-Theater Dining.

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proposal: Flowering dogwood trees at the National Arboretum in NE. So romantic!!!

Julia: You guys are so creative.

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proposal: I'm offering my suggestion in hopes that my boyfriend is reading...so here goes. I would suggest doing it on the Kennedy Center River Terrace. Catch a show or one of the free events at the Millennium stage, and then pop the question whist looking over the Potomac, sipping champagne, in fancy clothes. Yep, that would do it for me.

Julia: Hope he is too!

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Proposal idea: I would build on the whole suggestion list and go somewhere beautiful/that is special to you adn then go get drinks at a special bar that you think will be around for a while so you can keep going back.

Stephanie: There's definitely something to be said for going somewhere you think will be around for a while. My dad proposed at 1789 and just took my mom there for the 40th anniversary of that proposal. Cue the "awwwwww."

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Rockville, Md.: Gurus,

I'd like to watch the Wake Forest ACC Tournament Game on Friday night. Problem is that the game is at 9pm - coinciding with prime barhopping time. I was thinking Gordon Beirsch, but it will just be so crazy with a regular Friday night crowd, I doubt I'll be able to hear (or see) the game. Can you think of any sports bars or other bars in or around Rockville that would be a good place to watch the basketball without dealing with a huge Friday night barhopping crowd? Thanks!

Fritz: Orange Ball Billiards has a ton of TVs, and I'm sure they'll have the game on. Backup might be the bar at Clyde's Tower Oaks -- not an exceptional sports bar, but they have TVs and beer.

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Arlington, Va.: Anything going on for either country or singer-songwriter acts this weekend?

Thank you.

David: It's not quite country of singer-songwriter, but Clem Snide on Saturday night could fit the bill, and it's in Arlington at Iota so you won't have to travel far. Take a listen to some stuff on their MySpace and see if you dig it. Highly recommended.

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Bachelorette question: Hi Gurus! Any suggestions for places to go in Chinatown for a bachelorette party? Have you heard anything about that place Muse?

Julia: Start at Sei for dinner. Head to Co Co. Sala if you want to do the lounge thing, Ultrabar if you want to do the club thing. (Though I have to say, I think the K Street clubs or the Connecticut Ave clubs are more fun.)

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Arlington, Va.: I will be turning 27 next month and want to plan something fun to do after dinner at the mini bar. My friends are a bit mixed with some that like to dance and others that just want to chill. I would like it to be easily accessible by metro, and since we'll be spending a lot of dinner, I'm looking for places that are not very expensive and preferably no-low cover. Dancing is not a must. Any thoughts? We can also hop around if they are close.

Fritz: You don't say which night it is, which makes all the difference to me. Right in the Penn Quarter area, you've got two choices: Muse, a three-level lounge/club that has been bringing in some great national and international DJs on Thursday and Friday, and Ultrabar, which is a pretty nice (if fairly standard) medium-sized four level nightclub. Both have plenty of options for getting on guest lists and free VIP passes -- check ultrabardc.com or dcclubbing.com for Ultrabar, or dcnites.com for Muse. If it's Saturday, I'd lean towards Ultrabar.

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Arlington, VA: My boyfriend and I are planning a daytrip to Richmond this Saturday. We've never been and we thought we'd take advantage of cheap Amtrak fares. Any recommendations of fun things to do/places to check out there? Suggestions for a relatively inexpensive restaurant for lunch would be appreciated, too. Thanks!

Jen: Hey, a couple of things come to mind. First: You could easily spend the whole afternoon visiting the shops in Carytown. That's my favorite thing to do when I am in Richmond: Lots of fun, quirky shops to visit.

In terms of restaurants, Nacho Mama's in Carytown is pretty good for lunch. I also recommend Ipanema, a vegetarian place with a cool vibe and excellent food. It's not too far from Carytown (not walking distance, if memory serves, but easily driveable) and is a good choice for either lunch or dinner.

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Re: Wake ACC game: Rockville better double-check the schedule...Wake plays at 7.

Fritz: Attencion, Rockville.

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Re: Punch Club: I love Punch Club and try and go every week. If you are looking for loud, boisterous, poorly made drinks and college kids, I suggest elsewhere.

Fritz: Now now. I wish I had been able to go to places like Punch Club when I was in college. And that place CAN get loud.

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Washington, D.C.: GOGs, looking forward to tonight! I have a goodbye happy hour I must swing by first, but I was hoping to get to Rocket Bar around 7. Do you think food will still be there then?

Also, for the girl with short hair. I chopped off 11 inches last year (from mid-way down my back to a chin length bob) and my stylist at Bang was/is phenomenal with short hair. Stacy at the Verizon Center location. Plus, if you're loyal, she'll come in on her off days to accommodate your schedule. The cut is like $40 plus tip.

Stephanie: If the last happy hour is any indication, there should still be plenty of food at 7. I single-handedly ate like five pounds of cornbread at Solly's and there was still a lot left. And I second the rec for Bang. Never gotten a short cut there, but I've had good luck with longer cuts and they're certainly affordable.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey guys, what do you think is the best French restaurant in town? I could use several opinions. Thanks!

Julia: According to his Dining Guide, Tom would tell you Central, Citronelle and Marcel's. On the less expensive end of the spectrum, I've enjoyed the sleek dining room at Matisse in Tenleytown, boisterous Bistro du Coin and the cozy wine bar at Bistrot Lepic.

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Taste of the Nation : A comment on this site claims that you will be offering $10 off the Taste of the Nation tickets today from 1-5 pm. Is this true?

Anne: A guy who volunteers for Taste of the Nation posted on Yelp saying we're offering this discount today, but actually it's next Thursday from 1-5 p.m. Check out our chat on March 19 and we'll give you a promo code to get $10 off Taste of the Nation general admission tickets. Maybe that Yelp poster was confused because we are giving away two VIP tickets to Taste of the Nation at our happy hour (which is tonight).

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What Now?: U2 is coming to town sometime soon? Sometime soon meaning after September, right?

Jen: Yes, the schedule indicates they are coming here Sept. 29. The venue? FedEx Field. I know -- that'll be a fun commute on a week night, won't it? I think I'll start heading there now, just to make sure I arrive on time.

I don't think an "official announcement" about the D.C. date has been made but you can find the full tour schedule on u2tours.com. Tickets don't go on sale to the public until next month, assuming this info is correct. Pre-sales are getting underway sooner for some of the earlier dates, though.

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Southwest, D.C.: Hey GOGs,

A group of us (about 6) want to take a friend down to PX in Alexandria this weekend for his birthday. I know it's supposed to be a bit secretive and small. So, any tips in terms of timing and if reservations are needed? Is there a password at the door? I read that men have to wear jackets? Thanks!

Fritz: Definitely e-mail ahead. PX is small, and getting six together can be a struggle. Hit clinton@restauranteve.com (and tell him I say hi).

If you can't get reservations, go as early as possible, or be prepared to be told that they're full. The place technically requires jackets, though it's not always enforced. Guys can probably get away with a nice shirt/sweater and jeans -- leave the t-shirts and New Balance at home, though.

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Go Deacs: The previous poster might want to check again -- the Wake Forest game is at 7:00, not 9:00.

Fritz: I'll take a second to add that the Deacs alumni club will be at Bailey's in Ballston, so if you want to root for Wake, that's where you go.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi gurus, we have a friend coming in to town for the weekend from Alabama with her fiance. We are trying to find a nice (not too expensive) restaurant for four couples to get together and catch up over good food and good wine. We initially were going to go to Olazzo but they do not accept reservations. The idea of Rock Bottom came up but I'm afraid it might be too casual. Any suggestions? Greatly appreciated!

Fritz: Is Bethesda a requirement? If so, I'd say Grapeseed is good on weekends -- not TOO loud if you're not near the bar area.

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Washington, D.C.: Where will be the places serving up corned beer and cabbage for St. Patrick's day - both over the weekend and on Tuesday?

Julia: Corned beer? What's on your mind?!

Anyway, we think the Armstrongs -- the folks behind Restaurant Eve -- will be your best bet for Irish eats. Restaurant Eve will have a high-end Irish feast on the 17th featuring just the delicacy you mention. The Majestic will be offering an Irish-themed menu on Sundays in March, but corned beef doesn't appear to be on the menu. If something lowkey will do, Ireland's Four Ps is another option.

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Bethesda, Md: Help, GOGs - I'm stuck in a rut. I'm single and in my early 30s, most of my friends are married, many have kids. I'd love to meet new people, but am a bit reserved, so would definitely not ever go to a bar/club by myself. I've tried taking classes - and that worked to a certain degree, but that's not cheap, so not something I can do all the time. Any suggestions on where/how I can meet other cool singles in their 30s?

Rhome: Sports and volunteering always yield new connections. Do you like animals? Exercising? Exercising with animals? How about storytelling?

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Alexandria: For the proposal - Stardust Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria writes messages outside the front door in sidewalk chalk (like Will you Marry Me?). They also decorate the table really nicely if they know what you are doing, and the chef (at least in my case a few months ago) came to our table personally to bring us a complimentary dessert and congratulations. It was really great!

Julia: Sounds cute!

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French, D.C.: Bistro Lafayette and Le Refuge, both in Old Town, are excellent, though very different, for French. Le Refuge is on the pricier end but cozy and sweet. Lafayette we always feel like we've had a special night out, and it's not Crazy Expensive at all.

Fritz: If we're talking French, I have to put in my two cents for Bistro D'Oc's Languedoc menu and wines -- just had some fantastic lamb brains there the other week -- and I love the little wine bar upstairs on weekends.

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First date jitters: Hi GOGS- I am meeting a new guy Fri in Chinatown for drinks. First date. Any suggestion on where to meet. Someplace where we can talk and hear ourselves but also perhaps have some distractions if it's not going well.... Thanks!!

Julia: The bars at Proof, Sei or Co Co. Sala could all work. Good luck!

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Proposal: What do you guys think about proposing at sporting events? Personally I think it's great and very romantic because I love going to games (baseball, hockey and whatever else) but it seems like everyone thinks it's pretty cliche.

David: I mean, I'm the least romantic person there is, and even I think that romance + Jumbotron doesn't really compute.

Jen: I actually saw someone propose at a Maryland basketball game on Valentine's Day. I couldn't decide whether I thought it was sweet, or whether it was the most absurd thing ever. I guess if Md. basketball is a crucial part of their relationship, then maybe it's sweet.

Personally, I err on the side of keeping the proposal between the bride and groom-to-be and leaving, says, Greivis Vasquez out of it.

Julia: My now-husband really wanted to do this. Thankfully, I talked him out of it. Now, Kisscam is a totally different story. I so want to be on Kisscam.

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Twitter: Do the GoGs tweet? Just curious

David: Only about ShamrockFest.

Seriously though, we don't tweet that much. Should we? What would you want us to tweet about? Would people like Fritz to tweet from happy hours or something like that? Not saying that he would, necessarily, just trying to figure out what people use it for.

Fritz: I can see it now: "ZOMG, $1 Natty Boh @Duffys til 11!"

But I'm game for anything, really.

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Rockville: Greivis Vasquez and romance should never go together; then again, I'm a disgruntled Terps fan, so it may just be me...

Fritz: Really? David loves him some Greivis. Rhome and I will be watching through our fingers at Happy Hour tonight.

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Anonymous: Favorite spots in D.C. (which may or may not work as a proposal site)

The Spanish Steps in Dupont

The backyard of the Textile Museum

The top of the Old Post Office

The natural spring near the Capitol Building

Julia: Last one!

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washingtonpost.com: OK, thanks for stopping by and thanks in advance for stopping by Rocket Bar between 6 and 8 for our Happy Hour tonight. Remember: free sliders and pizza, drink specials (High Life!), shuffleboard tourney, iPod shuffle giveaway and the added bonus of watching myself, Jen, Fritz and Rhome curse up a blue streak as we watch the Terps get eliminated from the ACC tournament. How can you say no to all of that? You can't. See you all in a few hours!

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