| Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002; 1 p.m. ET Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's Entertainment 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 Entertainment Guide. Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. 
The Going Out Gurus: Hello everyone, this is Joe and the weather outside is delightful. At least that's how it looks from our 11th story perch. Have we mentioned the great view of DC that we have? Today it looks like one of those snow globes. But enough of that. There's going out to do and we'd like to help plan things. We're not all here today (even some of us who are here aren't all here.) Fritz is on a road trip with his parents to Epcot and Daytona Beach. Anne is pretending to work downtown. Maura is at the White House (really). And Jen is snowed in. But Kate, Rhome, Alexa and I are here eating Thai food and ready to answer questions. Your help with suggestions is always appreciated. Let's get started.
The Going Out Gurus: Actually Maura has just arrived. Maybe she'll tell us what Mrs. W. had to say.
Arlington, Va.: Hey guys, love the chat but can't seem to get a question in! You're so busy! If you have time, please post an answer. My boyfriend is preparing to take his first semester law school exams. I know he'll be exhausted once it's all over. So, I want to treat him to a romantic and relaxing dinner. Of course, we'll be doing Christmas soon so I would prefer it to be moderately priced. I've heard about the Little Fountain Cafe, which sounds nice. Any other suggestions? Anywhere in D.C. is fine, but no ethnic food however. Although I love it, he's not that big of a fan. Other suggestions besides dinner are welcome too. Thanks a million! The Going Out Gurus: Arlington, hello. I bet you'd quite like the Tabard -- especially at this time of year. Cozy, cozy, cozy.
Thai food: yum, where's your thai food from? The Going Out Gurus: Singh Thai. A rainbow of tastes.
Gen X Crafters: Follow-up on a message from a couple of weeks ago. Did anyone ever find out about how to get in touch with under-35 crafters (knitters, crocheters, etc.)? Much thanks. The Going Out Gurus: My friend I mentioned the last time this came up - a very nimble-fingered 20-something crafter - just hooked me up with 2 fly knit caps, just in time to spruce up my wardrobe accessories for winter! I've been told that I look like Rhomey-Shand (*take a message from my loooove...*) when I rock them. I told her about this discussion and she graciously agreed to open up her inbox to any queries from fellow crafters. - Rhome
Washington, DC: Had hoped to play today, but no, the federal government has us working. Part of my play day plans was to find a fireplace and relax. Any suggestions for a restaurant or bar with a fireplace? The Going Out Gurus: Yup. Have a look at this little list of places with hearths ablaze. -- Alexa
Georgetown, DC: This is not so much a where to go/what to do question, but an important one for a fun evening out nevertheless. Any suggestions on how to keep your hair and makeup looking the way you want when you have to go out in the snow in order to get to wherever it is you are going? The Going Out Gurus: We suggest a plastic baggie over your head. Seriously, snow days are for not worrying about makeup and hair.
Capitol Hill, DC: A dear friend of mine from South Carolina is celebrating his 100th birthday tonight and I wanted to take him some place special. Some place with hot young waitresses; any suggestions? The Going Out Gurus: Is Senator Hollings really turning 100??
Washington, D.C.: Best place to have dinner for a birthday celebration? Around MCI Center or Dupont Circle for a large group (around 20). The Going Out Gurus: There are more than a few fun new places right around the MCI. Zaytinya is roomy, good food for sharing with a large group. Zola is sexy; Poste glam.
Washington DC: Ok, the obvious question. Where are the good hills for some sledding?!? The bigger the better (and the closer to Arlington the better too). The Going Out Gurus: How about Wilson Blvd? Any one else want to suggest a hill or two.
Re: Strom's 100th!: I think a 100 year old Senator - that's still in office -- should mandate that this day be a national holiday. Happy Birthday, Strom Thurmond! The Going Out Gurus: Oh, right. It's Strom who's turning 100. Phew, that's old.
At my desk, Thanks W.: Can we all think positive thought for W. to at least send me home a little early? Can he even do that? Someone get him on the phone! The Going Out Gurus: W. probably has more important things to deal with. This is clearly a Dick Cheney decision. Anyone have his number?
Rockville, Md: Hi,
Is the Christmas tree lighting still going on tonight? Also, if you didn't get tickets for tonight, is it worth going to, or would it be better to just go to one of the concerts a different night?
Thanks, great chat. The Going Out Gurus: Sorry Rockville, you've been outta luck since early Nov. All 2,800 tickets to the official Lighting Ceremony were handed out faster than you can say "Roy Clark was born to play Santa!" There's no chance of getting in or even getting close with out one. Skip it and catch any one of the concerts between Friday and Jan. 1.
If you're in the mood for a holiday concert with pomp to spare, try your luck at same day tickets for the US Air Force Band's "Hometown Holidays" at DAR Constitution Hall. Like the White House's lighting ceremony, all tickets were distributed four weeks ago; however, all unclaimed seats at DAR will be released, first-come, first-served style, 15 minutes before each performance: Friday at 8; Sat at 3 and 8; Sunday at 3. -- Kate
Downtown DC: To the knitters out there, check out the DC Knitters group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcknitters.
The Going Out Gurus: Yeah! I'm down with all yarn massive! - Rhome
Bethesda, MD: I loved the recently closed Art-o-Matic exhibit. Do you all know if that's an annual thing and if there's anything at all similar coming up?? The Going Out Gurus: Hi Bethesda - Not much can rival Art-O-Matic in quantity, so go for quality and check out openings like DB sides -- this Saturday -- might do the trick. Watch spaces like Signal 66, Transformer and Fusebox, a little off the typical gallery path, but plenty full of some intriguing stuff.
Metro Center, DC: Hooray for snow-- even if I am at work. Holiday spirit question: I have found the boy to kiss under the mistletoe, but can't find the mistletoe. Any suggestions?! Thanks The Going Out Gurus: I've ordered some from Johnson's. -- Kate
Adams Morgan, DC: Any of you cold GOGs heard about a new bar in Adams Morgan that was supposed to open tonight? I got an email about it from a friend. Just curious to see if you knew any details. Might be owned by the folks that own Adams Mill Bar and Grill. Here's an excerpt: This e-mail is an invitation to the newest
bar in Adams Morgan. The name is the Angry Inch Saloon, located directly across the street from Madam's Organ at 2450 18th Street N.W. Thursday night will be the first night the bar will be opened. Doors open at 8. The Going Out Gurus: Not sure who owns it but I can tell you that it's in the space next door to Reef that for a few weeks this September lived a short, unhappy life as Guantanamera. -- Kate
Cheney?: Doesn't Bush think what Cheney tells him to think? Never mind, I'll go away and play nice now.. The Going Out Gurus: Hey now.
Under a Snow Bank, Metro Center, Washington, D.C.: It's oyster season and I am craving some fried ones. Any ideas of a good place to find them in the city? I'm more inclined to saddle up to a bar than hit a "nice" restaurant. Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Let's ask the group about places in DC. Fried oysters? Does Oceanaire have them at their nice oyster bar?
Bethesda, Md.: Do you know of any restaurants, either in Bethesda or D.C., that are having special set menus or other events for New Year's Eve? The Going Out Gurus: I'm working on that list now, Bethesda. It'll be ready Monday.
Dupont: So what's up at the White house...give us the skinney! The Going Out Gurus: Whew, Dupont, I strugled through the snow early this a.m. to bring you a feature on the White House...holiday decorations. Actually, we'll have a spiffy little slide show for you tomorrow. I think even a scrooge could love it. -- Maura
K Street: Quit eating and type, you all my main entertainment today, and you're being pokey!
XOXO The Going Out Gurus: Sorry, but in addition to this chat we've been busy helping stranded motorists. And handing out hot chocolate to passersby. And shoveling the driveways of elderly neighbors. So be patient with us today.
Bethesda MD: Hi Gurus, I love your chats! I am new to the area and have learned so much from you guys, thanks! As I just said, I'm new to the area - from the West Coast - and was wondering about attire for an evening holiday party that I've been invited to. The demographics - co-workers, 20s and 30s, at a co-workers home. Now, normally I would dress casually fun. But, out here I have a hunch that people will get more dressed up. In fact, I often feel a bit under-dressed. No attire was specified on the invite. What kind of attire should my husband and I wear? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: This area is very heterogenous so I don't think we could provide an overview of across-the-board appropriate holiday party attire for Washingtonians. I'd say your best cue would be what sort of industry you're in. Do you work with a bunch of stuffy politicos? (I know I'm asking for it with that one) Maybe you should spiff it up a bit then. I work with a bunch of media folks and 'net heads. I can roll through in baggy jeans and my well-worn Timbs and it's all good. All in all though, just be yourself. I generally don't care what people think of me cuz I just have to do my thing regardless, and since you won't be in an office setting you'd probably be freer to be yourself rather than conform, plus you're dealing with younger folks. Am I just a protocol rogue? Let's hear from the class. - Rhome
Arlington, Va.: Hi, GOGs! Has anyone seen or heard anything about the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Tell me on a Sunday"? I've seen ads in the Post. Anyone know anything more? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: This is a one-woman show, a musical about a thirty-something British woman looking for love -- no resemblence to my life what so ever. The show will be sung in its entirety by a Broadway actress named Alice Ripley. Any one lucky enough to have seen her this summer in the Sondheim Celebration of "Company" will remember her verve, her voice. Performances begin Dec. 19 and continue through Jan. 12 in the intimate Eisenhower Theater.
Tickets are $25 - $90 -- no laughing matter for a musical "Ally McBeal," if indeed that's what is it, or is not. I've neither seen the show nor have I heard the score -- it was born as a sketch for ALW's "Song and Dance", but I know how many shows you can see for that kind of money (I'd rather two tickets to Arena's "South Pacific"). That said, "Tell Me on a Sunday" is probably a kick. The Ken Cen has had a banner year, providing DC with musical theater of the finest quality and Ms. Ripley looks to follow in the footsteps of Rebecca Lukar and Judy Kuhn. -- Kate
The Going Out Gurus: Hey this is Joe and I just wanted to pass on a good tip about the 9:30 club. For the month of December if you bring canned food or clean clothes to the club to donate you will be entered in a raffle to win 2 free tickets to every show at the club in 2003. Pretty great deal and a good cause as well.
Pentagon City, Va: are there any byob's in the DC area? The Going Out Gurus: no-yobs.
Cold winter excursions: So I've looked through your "dating" section, but still am not inspired. What are some interesting things to do on a date here other than your usual stuff (dinner, drinks, museums, movies/shows)? Seriously, it's cold outside - the wintertime activities seem to be so much more creatively limited. I am seeking brilliant ideas! The Going Out Gurus: CWE, so hard too please, but we'll do our best. Get away for a day with a nearby >escape. Our holiday guide should offer some seasonal, less usual ideas. -- Maura
Georgetown, DC: i've never gone ice skating at the national gallery rink, but i want to this weekend. do you know if it's super crowded during the afternoon? would it be better to go at night? i don't want too many people seeing me fall all over the place... The Going Out Gurus: The numbers on the ice at the National Gallery are limited, the rink's not that big. There's a longer wait during the day so I think you might prefer going at night. Fewer kids too. -- Kate
Alexandria, VA: Thinking of vacationing at the Jalouise Hilton in St. Lucia (mainly because it would be a free trip). What is St. Lucia like? Is it similar to Jamaica in that it's iffy to leave the resort? The Going Out Gurus: I think you want the Travel Chat. Check in with them on Monday.
Holiday lighting: Even without tickets, you can still get close enough to see it...and don't forget there is an alternative. The Congress does their tree lighting next week...I think it's on the South side of the Capitol. The Going Out Gurus: Thanks for the reminder.
Washington, D.C.: Just wanted to let people know about a great charity event happening at the Hard Rock Cafe next Thursday. The Santa Cause and AIGA will be hosting four bands, The Joe Gretz Group, Maryann Redmond, Cinema 8 and Kelly Bell at the Hard Rock starting at 6 p.m. $15 cover and the proceeds go to Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children. We'll be auctioning off 27 numbered, limited edition, framed prints of classic Blue Note Records cover and raffling off a harmonica signed by members of Blues Traveler. Should be a fun night, lots of great music, and for a great cause. The Going Out Gurus: OK DC. Thanks for the info.
Glover Park, DC: Hi Gurus, Kind of a long shot, but are there any places in the DC area that show college hockey games? Specifically I would like to watch the University of Denver/Colorado College games this Friday and Saturday. Thanks!
The Going Out Gurus: Can anyone help Glover Park??
RE: New Years Plans and Dress: Washingtonians love to dress up (even we stuffy politicos), but remember that many a stuffy politico hails from the West Coast and enjoys their laid-back comfort (ahem, Santa Cruz.) As a politico who loves my jeans and a frequent party-thrower, it seems that most girls want to dress fancy. Guys are either hard-core tuxedo or (more frequently) for a more urban feel, they wear dark pants and a tight shirt. DC isn't as stuffy as New York, so wear what you want. Be comfortable. Dress to impress doesn't always mean a navy blue blazer and khakis in this town. Gurus, I have a few friends in the restaurant biz who have special New Years' plans and menus. How can I send the details to you!? The Going Out Gurus: More haberdashery advice coming thru...
Arlington Va: you can by mistletoe at Giant for 2.99 The Going Out Gurus: Thanks.
nowhere special: i think that at a holiday party, so long as you wear something red or festive or whatever, you're cool. also, i think different parts of dc have different fashion feels to them... the hill is a little stuffy, dupont's kind of in between and then adams morgan and u street are whatever you want them to be. but that's just my take. The Going Out Gurus: So no funky people live on the Hill and no stuffy people live in Adams Morgan? Hmmm...
re: oysters: i know the best ones ever. just take 14th bridge to ronald reagan national airport, wait 5 hours for delays, then fly to new orleans, go to ACME in the french quarter off of bourbon on dumaine, and saddle right up to that bar you are thining of... The Going Out Gurus: Cute.
Washington, DC : Re: CC Hockey Games - Last night I was out with two CC grads who said the DC alumni chapter sometimes arranges events at bars showing hockey games. Maybe check out the CC webpage for more info. Just a thought. The Going Out Gurus: Thanks for the tip.
Cap Hill: "Nowhere special" must be somewhere in suburbia. Either that, or all the stuffy people are in Zacks and the Lil Pub when I'm not there, cause I've never seen them. And a stuffy person wouldn't know what to make of Tony's jukebox in the Cap Lounge. The Going Out Gurus: You might be right Cap Hill.
Re: Strom: Gee, too bad the new Hooters in Chinatown isn't open yet ... that seems like the perfect place for Strom's birthday party. The Going Out Gurus: Well, for his sake they better open up soon.
Want to be in the Snow, DC: Alright, the parents are coming into town this weekend from Alabama. They're scared of ethnic food, they've seen the museums, they're both professors and love history...and I'm in the middle of exams. Where can I take them (send them!?) - dinner, events, something low-maintenance or something they may enjoy by themselves? They're staying at the State Plaza Hotel in Georgetown. Thanks, Gurus. The Going Out Gurus: Well, there's lots of history to see, even if they've hit the museums. Speaking of which, if they're staying in Georgetown, have they been to Dumbarton Oaks? Tudor House? Another idea: Bundle them up (they are from Alabama) and send them down the C&O Canal path. A trip to Dean and Deluca might garner you some goodies, study bug. And the newly opened Pizzeria Paradiso on M (202/337-1245) might offer just the low-key warmth they're looking for. -- Maura
Pret a porter: Can't go wrong with a black skirt and a nice sweater. Not too cazh, not too spiffy. Just right. Tone down the jewelry and hair. The Going Out Gurus: Sho' nuff.
Alexandria, Va: Hi GoGs! I just moved into a condo near the Braddock metro and there's still a ton of unpacking to do. So I'm looking forward to some relaxation this weekend once that's done. Any ideas in this area or elsewhere? Haven't explored Old Town too much yet (except a little bit of the last few blocks of King St near the water) and also need something metro accessible. The Going Out Gurus: There's Old Town's Scottish Christmas Walk this weekend (Saturday 10:30 a.m.). You know the kind of thing -- parade of kilts, dogs, vintage cars, bagpipes, town criers etc. etc. Is that what you're after?
Capitol Hill: As president of the Capitol Hill Chorale, I'd like to invite everyone to our holiday concerts to be held Friday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, corner of 2nd and C street, NE. Lots of great holiday season music from an 80-voice choir. Tix are $15/$20. Bring a cushion -- the church pews are hard! The Going Out Gurus: OK, everyone's invited.
Alabama parents: I bet they could kill a few hours just walking around Georgetown.. shops, then lunch, all in one place. I always take my parents there... The Going Out Gurus: Alab-solutely.
Holiday attire: No harm in asking the host what the dress is expected. Or, if it's an annual event, ask others who have attended in past years. I say wear what you wish, but if you're really concerned, ask so you won't be surprised. The Going Out Gurus: The most obvious and the most overlooked approach. That's why I'm not a syndicated columnist. - Rhome
Glover Park, DC: I need cool DIFFERENT places to get Xmas gifts, and I'm sad to say that washinpost.com's shopping section provides exactly ZERO suggestions. I don't need mall reviews--I need to know where I can find unique gifts that don't come from a chain store. I love Home Rule and that cute gift store off Connecticut Ave in Chevy Chase--where else? The Going Out Gurus: One-offs do demand a little bit more work, so dive into the search box. It's all in there.
Finials, Cherry, Mint Juleps, Vega, A Mano, American Museum of Visionary Arts, Periwinkle, Lily Pad, there all in there.
I highyl recommend that you write in to Janet for some specific advice on Tuesday at 2. She'll be online, and happy to help (especially if you ask nicely). -- Kate
The Going Out Gurus: OK, that's it for this snowy week. If you don't have plans for Saturday stop by the Black Cat and see Rhome (aka DJ Stylus) perform with his band the Poem-cees. Two other great local hip-hoppers, Storm the Unpredictable and Priest da Nomad, are also on the bill. See you next week.
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