| Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003; 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. The transcript follows. 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: Righty-o snow bunnies. Let's get a move on. Actually, spring has come early to our office. Joe's making a daisy chain, Fritz is kopf bis fuss in seersucker, Maura's sewing straps on a sundress, Rhome and Jen aren't wearing any shoes, and Anne is eating her sandwich on a snow pile in the parking lot (she won't be joining us). I (Alexa) am your host and we Gurus are giddy. Oh, by the way, "kopf bis fuss" -- for any non-German readers of this chat -- means "head to toe."
spy museum: we've finally decided to visit the infamous spy museum...but i have heard some horror stories of standing in long lines and getting tickets through the phone..we're planning on going on a saturday....does anyone have any tips so we can make sure that we have tickets and actually get in and see all the awesome and cool gadgets?? The Going Out Gurus: Order your tickets in advance. That's your best bet for the Spy Museum. You need to do so 48 hours in advance, so i'd get on the horn pronto (202-654-0960) and see if you can snag some for Saturday. -- Maura
Arlington, Va.: Where would a bi-girl like me find some party girls in D.C.? OK, that sounds racier than it should for this forum. Seriously, though,what/where is the gay and lesbian scene in D.C.? (Yes, I did a search for "lesbian" in the Entertainment Guide and came up with a couple things like Liquid Ladies -- which was last weekend. I just want to meet some like-minded individuals. Please help me out, GoGs. Please? The Going Out Gurus: Hey Arlington,
That search return is incomplete. I'll take a look at it. There are a few options, ranging from clubs like Hung Jury and Phase One to the aforementioned Liquid Ladies and the monthly Drag King show at Chaos. That's a start. -- Fritz
Takoma Park, Md.: How do you do it? I'm taking a friend out on a third/fourth date. things are off to a good start but money (mine) is in short supply. She's practically a native while I've been in the area for two years. We've done Black Cat and 18th Street Lounge and Red to small hours -- so where to next (that won't kill a mostly hypothetical budget)? Dancing isn't mandatory but we sure seem to enjoy it. Any creative ideas out there? The Going Out Gurus: Have you asked her what she's into? When are these third/fourth dates occurring? Have you looked at this and this? Taking into account the absence of these helpful details, I'd send you over to Bossa on Saturday or Kingpin tonight to mellow out and chat over the sounds of DJ Neville Chamberlain. If you end up at the latter, test her spirit of competition by getting a few games in on the Atari 2600. Kingpin will be really good on the budget too. - Rhome
Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.: Dear GoGs, I would love to enjoy the snow and go cross-country skiing in Rock Creek Park. Where can I rent skis ? The Going Out Gurus: Hey Eastern Market, Online Travel editor and avid x-country skier Ben here. My research reveals that Ski Chalet (nearest locations are Arlington, Tysons Corner and Gaithersburg) rents cross-country skis. The cost is $25 for one day, $10 each additional day. You should probably call (800-ski-chalet) before you go because demand may be high. I can report that conditions in upper Rock Creek have been excellent this week, but if we get any rain that could change in a hurry. Another thought is to consider buying your own equipment after this season ends, when all the gear tends to go on clearance sale.
Dupont, Washington, DC: Hey guys, wondering if you knew anything about the new place Mauricio Rosenfeld is opening, I think the name is Agua. It's on 24th between M and N I believe. Has it opened already? If not, when, and if so, have you been and how do you like it? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Dupont. I heard Aqua Ardiente is opening in late March, if all goes well. It's going to be more restaurant than bar, but I expect a lively happy hour scene, tapas and cocktails. -- Fritz
North Shore: Ooooh! I really hope you can help. I live in New England and my brother just got a job in DC, where he'll be moving in late March. I don't know where he's going to be living exactly, but I wanted to give him a gift certificate that he could use in the area. I was thinking a great sports bar or pool hall. Can you think of some good ones off the top of your head? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Buffalo Billiards would be a good one, and if he's moving into the city, you should consider a one-year membership to either Atomic Billiards or Bedrock Billiards. (Note: I'm a member at the latter.) You get all kinds of benefits, including discounts on games of pool and your bar tabs. Another good idea would be ESPN Zone. -- Fritz
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: So I've been asking this question for months but now it seems I may know the answer. The empty space at S and Connecticut may soon be a Brazilian cafe. Us Bossa Nova fans rejoice! The Going Out Gurus: We knew you'd get there in the end, D.C. You are now an honorary member of the Going Out Gurus. -- Alexa
DC Bride with picky out of town guests : Hey Gurus ---
I need your help AGAIN! My wedding is about a month away and some of my friends and family are coming early for a night out in DC on the Thursday before the big day. One cousin is begging for sushi (the rehearsal dinner is Chinese food the next night). One is very picky and will not eat anything more adventure than grilled chicken, another is just looking forward to getting dressed up and drinking martinis and my brother likes anything smothered in cheese. Do you have any advice? I was originally thinking Coppi's, but with almost 10 people and I think we are too big for Coppi's. HELP! Where should we go?
The Going Out Gurus: OK, first rule about planning wedding-related activities: You can't please everyone. So your cousin who wants sushi just isn't going to get sushi. If the rehearsal dinner is Chinese, and you're already dealing with other people with random eating issues, sushi doesn't seem like a logical choice. I (Jen) am fairly certain that your cousin will recover from the loss.
As to where to go, I'd suggest a nice, reliable American spot, a place like Old Ebbitt Grill or Cafe Deluxe or Chef Geoff's. Any of these restaurants should easily be able to handle a party of 10, especially if you make a reservation, and I'm fairly certain they all serve grilled chicken, martinis and a few items smothered in cheese. That seems like the best way to please the greatest number of those picky guests.
Velvet lounge for low life: Heading to the velvet lounge tommorow night.
Should I drive or Metro? It took me two hours to get from Court House to McPherson today, so I can't imagine what Metro will be like during non rush hour times. The Going Out Gurus: Street parking in that area is bad enough already. I'd Metro. I'm guessing the cars won't be sardine-like after hours. -- Fritz
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus,
Does anybody know about the Pixie Styx dj-ing at Capitol Lounge on Saturday? I saw a flyer that said they play new wave. Sounds like fun but wasn't sure if anybody had heard about it or knew what it was like. I think they've dj-ed there before. Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Hey Capitol Hill, I tried to go to the last one (the first edition of Pixie Stix) last month, but the sound system blew early in the evening and the event was cancelled. Anyway, the DJs spin at places like Kingpin, and they've told me they'll be focusing more on the Cure/Smiths/Siouxie/Depeche Mode end of the spectrum than, say, the '80s night at Heaven and Hell. Should be a good event. -- Fritz
College Park, MD: Hey gurus, Wanted to share--went to Zaytinya near MCI on Sat night, and it was fabulous. Yummy Greek tapas (we each got 3 dishes, we seemed like enough) and a beautiful dining room. Not to mention the Blue Aegean martini...I'm hoping to snag the banquet table for my b-day... Wanted to ask, too: anywhere in Bethesda to go for dessert that's NOT ice cream? We like to "go on" after dinner, but we're not bar people, and we love desserts. Any suggestions? The Going Out Gurus: College Park, we're fond of Zaytinya as well. Glad you enjoyed it. As for desserts in Bethesda, Bread and Chocolate is open until 10pm on weekends. I'd think restaurants like Black's, Cafe Deluxe or Oceanfish would seat you just for dessert. Or stop into La Miche strictly for the souffles. -- Maura
Courthouse, Arlington, Va.: Fritz, hows the food at Four Courts? Is the booze reasonably priced? The Going Out Gurus: The food is average pub food. Doesn't blow me away, but it's better than some well-known Irish spots. The booze ... well, $5 for a Guinness is average for Arlington, isn't it? Go at happy hour and everything is a dollar off. I do like the place, though. It's friendly and comfortable. -- Fritz
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Dear GoGs, You used to start the chat by providing us with your best bets for the w-e. It was a great basis for discussion. Why did you stop to do that ? The Going Out Gurus: Pure laziness Dupont. No, that's not true. But there are so many questions and good suggestions from readers that we spend all of our time responding to those. But we do make recommendations in our weekly email newsletter which you can sign up for here.
Ladies Night: ugh - Hung Jury and Phase One. Don't forget that every Wednesday night is ladies night at Chaos. But for the most part, there's not a lot out there for the ladies looking for other ladies. The Going Out Gurus: Thanks. That's the impression I'd been getting from friends and readers. Anyone have more suggestions?
Idea to meet quality singles -- : Visit a bookstore during "Joe Millionaire" and you'll find people who don't watch it. Can you suggest a good one?
The Going Out Gurus: This area is teeming with great bookstores. Ones that immediately come to mind are Politics & Prose, Kramerbooks or one of the Olsson's locations. Borders or Barnes & Noble aren't bad choices either. The B&N in downtown Bethesda is usually a flurry of activity, though I do wish Borders (at least the one in White Flint) would offer better discounts on best-sellers. But that's just me. -- Jen
Dupont Slush Pile, D.C.: Hi GOGs! A couple of girlfriends and I are going to the new Georgetown cinemaplex tomorrow eve, could you recommend a cheap but good place to eat-we're all on a small budget. It looks like we'll probably be swimming there what with the rain and all but I'm too stir crazy to care at this point!
The Going Out Gurus: Hi DSPDC, this is Joe and a couple of weeks ago I went to the Pizzeria Paradiso on M Street in G'town. Just as good as the one in Dupont, but bigger so you don't have to wait as long for a table. Pretty cheap too and only a five minute walk from the theater.
Washington, D.C.: Can you gurus tell us, once again, how to search old chats on Google? I promise to write it down this time! Thanks The Going Out Gurus: Just add "site:discuss.washingtonpost.com" after whatever search terms you're using. I believe they break this down in their advance search instructions. - Rhome
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Any info on Mie N Yu, the new place that appears to have opened in the old Georgetown Station on M Street? Is it more of a bar or restaurant? The Going Out Gurus: You know, Capitol Hill, I was supposed to go last Friday or this Monday. Didn't go Friday, so I haven't been yet. But I'm gonna try to get there soon. From what I've heard, it's more of a restaurant with a bar element. But it's owned by John Boyle (of the Nation/Five/Modern group) so I'll expect a good lounge atmosphere. -- Fritz
Arlington, Va.: Thanks for getting the word out on Stammtisch, Fritz! You are truly mein Held. (my hero, for those not obsessed with all that is German) The Going Out Gurus: Awww, thanks. Did you go? I missed it, on account of the snow and all. I need all the chances I can get to practice my sometimes-rusty German. -- Fritz
Frazzled Bride : Thanks Jen. That was helpful. We will be at Old Ebbitt. I owe you a drink so stop by for one. The Going Out Gurus: Glad to have helped -- and I hope you enjoy your wedding without being too frazzled. Don't spend much time worrying about the guests, even the picky ones. Once they start eating the free food and drinking the free booze, they'll be just fine.
Arlington, Va.: Have you ever been to Ortanique on a Friday night? What's it like? Good dancing? Couples scene or singles scene? The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Arlington. Good band, and a crowd of experienced salsa dancers that usually arrives late. There's a mix of couples and singles, and meeting people is easy when you're dancing. I usually go early for a rum cocktail or two. -- Fritz
Help, Washington D.C.: My girlfriend's mother is coming into town this weekend and we are looking for something to do with her. I suggested the Vuillard exhibit at the National Gallery. Do you all have any thoughts? The Going Out Gurus: Help, no problem. The Vuillard show is, in my mind, the most stunning show in town at the moment. And while you're at the National Gallery, the Trompe L'Oeil exhibit is worth a second stop. You also might enjoy the Margaret Bourke-White or Whistler shows at the Phillips and Corcoran respectively. -- Maura
Antique Show: Do you all know anything about the antique show this weekend in Herndon? Seems like a good thing to do with my mom after she's been snowed in alone. Jen - how is your husband doing after last night? Signed - Tribe married to Terp The Going Out Gurus: I (Jen) don't know much about that particular show, but anything that gets you and mom out of the houses sounds like a great idea at this point. So by all means, go.
As for last night, my husband and I were not pleased, but we thought the Terps played hard. And when the ACC tournament starts, we'll just see what happens.
Have fun antiquing.
P.S. Steve Blake was flagrantly fouled on that last shot.
Maryland: All this use of German makes me want to brush up on my French. Any ideas for social gatherings where I might be able to use it? French language book clubs, or dinner clubs, or film fests or something? The Going Out Gurus: Maryland, I wrote about the Alliance Francaise's Club de Conversation in last Friday's Weekend section, and they also sponsor trips to the National Gallery, host French films, etc.
BTW, I took French lessons last year and found one of the best ways to practice was to sit at the bar at Bistrot du Coin. -- Fritz
New Wave Dance Party: Fritz, Where will it take place (Capitol Lounge or Kingpin and BTW, where is Kingpin located ?) The Going Out Gurus: Capitol Lounge. Saturday at 9 p.m. Kingpin is located next to the Velvet Lounge on U Street. -- Fritz
Virginia: I want a cheap and good place to get a pedicure The Going Out Gurus: Virginia, last week's discussion had a bevy of pedi suggestions in DC. That archive comes in handy, especially when I don't want to retype. If you want ideas in Virginia, let's turn that one over to our readers. -- Maura
Downtown, DC: Looking for alternatives or thumbs up/down on proposed plan for a bachelorette party Saturday night. The night starts with reservations for dinner in dupont at the Melting Pot. Then moving to Firefly for drinks around 9:00. Eventually she would like to dance - unfortunately is Polyester's our only alternative to Lulu's? Will Home be a good alternative? Also we are not opposed to stopping at another of the new hotel bars on the way to the F street area. Any suggestions? Thanks - you guys are the best. The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Downtown. Most of that sounds fine to me. I prefer Home on Saturdays to Fridays -- different promoter, different DJs, the lines aren't as bad. But I'm afraid it won't get as Girls Gone Wild as Lulu's. (Anyone else go to that debacle?)
I'd warn you about Firefly, though. The bar only has 10 seats, and on weekends, they're usually filled by people waiting to dine. I'd steer you to either Helix Lounge or, if you're going to Home, Poste. -- Fritz
Washington, D.C.: Any pay-what-u-can previews coming up? The Going Out Gurus: Yes, as a matter of fact, Woolly Mammoth and Theater J have pay-what-you-cans on Monday and Tuesday for their new co-production of "Jump/Cut." Washington Shakespeare is also doing pay-what-you-cans of "A Walk Across the Rooftops." Take a look at our TICKETplace link, and scroll down for info. -- Jen
Virginia: I'm, interested in learning how to knit...any place in the area that offers lessons? The Going Out Gurus: Are you in Alexandria? There's a wool shop that gives lessons, but I don't know the name or the address (!) If you know where that Old Town Athletic Club is, it's right opposite.
Pentagon City, Va.: Hi folks. Got a question, hopefully you can help. I was wondering if there was some central listing of houses in Dewey Beach for the summer that were looking for people to fill spots, buy shares, etc. Any suggestions? The Starboard is callin me, but I havent a place to stay! The Going Out Gurus: If you're willing to share, head down to the Bottom Line tonight (or any Thursday) for the Dewey Beach House Sign-Up Parties, where people try to find housemates or fill spots in their houses. -- Fritz
Alexandria, Va., 22312: Hi..... Looking for a decent restaurant to hold a birthday dinner for a friend. Criteria is to not totally break the bank - entrees abour $15 per head. Any suggestions within Alexandria/Arlington? He likes seafood and a decent salad but most anything will do. The Going Out Gurus: What about the Village Bistro in Rosslyn? Or Ray's the Steak's right next door. Both are reasonable.
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Gurus -- Stetsons has ditched their excellent happy hour specials ($3.75 for pints of all beers, plus food specials). Half the food specials are gone, and now it's $2.50 for Miller Lite -- yuck. So I need a new good, diverse, cheap spot for a happy hour on U St or nearby. Any suggestions? The Going Out Gurus: I know. Isn't it awful? Anyway, there's always the happy hour at Cada Vez ($1.99 drinks 'til 8), but I'm not that impressed with the crowds (and lack thereof) most nights. You could try Grill 88, where drinks and apps are half-price til 7:30, but it's not as diverse as Stetson's. If you want to go up to Adams Morgan, try Rocky's, which has food and drink specials, and a fun, diverse crowd. -- Fritz
Vivat: Do you guys know anything about Vivat, the St. Petersburg celebration in Baltimore? Any suggestions on the best exhibits or events to hit? The Going Out Gurus: Baltimore's Vivat! St. Petersburg celebration began last week and continues through March 2. The exhibitions, thankfully, last a little longer. I'm eager to get to many myself including Art of the Ballets Russes at the BMA, Origins of the Russian Avant Garde at the Walters, works by Pavel Leonov at the American Visionary Art Museum and Leon Bakst at Evergreen House. And don't forget there are St. Petersburg celebrants here in Washington as well. -- Maura
(Was) dateless: Hi Gurus. 2 weeks ago. I wrote in saying I was dateless, and would one of you go out w/ me. Well, I now have a date for Saturday night! Weather permitting, I'd really like to go the Mazza Gallerie movie theater, and a nice restaurant nearby. Which do you recommend? The Going Out Gurus: You have a date and you didn't have to suffer through the pain of going out with one of us? That's the definition of romantic success, my friend.
If you don't want to venture too far away, there's Cheesecake Factory or Maggiano's across the street, both of which are likely to have long waits. Personally, I've always had a soft spot for Chadwick's, also on the other side of Wisconsin. It's cozy, not too expensive and the food is decent. Plus, when I walk down the stairs to the entrance, it kind of makes me feel like I'm at Cheers, but without Carla's snide commentary. -- Jen
Western Alumni in D.C.: I heard that the Exchange is showing NCAA action on Saturday. Any confirmation of that? The Going Out Gurus: That's the plan, although I haven't been. They installed a big screen TV recently, and are trying to drum up weekend business. More power to 'em -- it's a cozy little place with a great bartender and good happy hour treats. -- Fritz
U Street, Washington, D.C.: Love the chats! Just wondering how it works - do you all stand around one computer or do your producers fire off questions to you in your own little cubicles? The Going Out Gurus: Hi U Street, this is Joe and we all think it's very funny that you assume we work in cubicles. The truth is we each have our own massive office. Each has a spectacular view of the city, plasma tv and wet bar. In fact, we never even see each other all day until the tea cart (or in Fritz's case the booze cart) comes around. As far as the chat goes, today Alexa is in charge and she tells us which question to answer and then we complain and then she tells us she's going to report us to Don Graham and so we relent and answer the question. Does that help?
Rumorville: Is it true that Ray's the Steaks has stopped serving burgers? Management there is dropping the ball. First, they do away with take-out and now the beloved steakburger. What gives? The Going Out Gurus: Yes, it is true. NO MORE BURGERS AT RAY'S. He's going full steam on the steaks these days, farm-raised Iowa beef. I haven't been down to see, but plan on it. He seems to be doing quite well. -- Alexa
Melting Pot for bachelorette : That'll be fun, but be careful not to get too full, bleah. The Going Out Gurus: Yes, I (Jen) agree. It sounds to me like you're planning a bit much for one evening. Dinner at the Melting Pot can be a three-hour affair, plus afterwards you feel like cheese fondue could start oozing out of your nostrils at any moment. If you plan to go there, I'd say eat and then hit one other bar. More than that might weigh down the crowd.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Any idea where a group can go for a few hours of arcade games, in or decently near Washington? I'm talking skee-ball, I'm talking Galaga, I'm talking the basketball game where you try to shoot the hoops in under a minute. The Going Out Gurus: Does Dave & Buster's Rockville location eliminate it as a choice? I'd say your next shot is trying the various shopping malls scattered about. - Rhome
Falls Church, Va.: Do you like doing these weekly chats, or do you think the questions are redundant and boring? The Going Out Gurus: I could answer this question, but we've already gotten it SO many times, I'm too bored to muster a response.
RE: DC Bride with picky out of town guests: One suggestion that could satisfy everyone even the sushi eater is Perry's in Adam's Morgan. Their sushi bar is pretty good and the rest of the food is fairly American and tame. The place is big enough to accomodate a party of 10. The Going Out Gurus: Good idea. Consider the suggestion passed on.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Need your "professional" opinion on the best martinis in town. Been to Rouge and Topaz and International Bar. Where is the best place/bartender? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: I don't think there's any one answer. Do you want a "real" martini or one of the flavored cocktails that everyone calls martinis these days? For the former, I like the International, Off the Record, Sam and Harry's and Helix (with blue cheese-stuffed olives -- I know). You won't go wrong with John Boswell at Off the Record. Great guy. As far as the other ones, I like Rouge, Aroma (either Krishna or Lili), the ladies at Gazuza and Savino's, which has some of the most exotic cocktails in the city.
Oh, they haven't been bad on my visits to Lounge 201. And they do Gibsons (a martini with pearl onions). Mmmmm. -- Fritz
Washington, DC: Hi gurus! Wondering if Third Thursdays is still on tonight at the art galleries on 7th St. despite the icy sidewalks. Also, if there are any galleries you would recommend stopping by. The Going Out Gurus: Hi Washington. Third Thursday is still on this evening, but colder weather usually means smaller crowds. As for galleries to check out, eklektikos closes its doors at the end of the month, so stop in and say your goodbyes. Numark and David Adamson are good bets. And all three are in the same building. Minimal icy sidewalks there. -- Maura
Re: Ladies Night: How about all us single girls ISO same just all agree to meet at Phase Friday night? I'm so in need of expanding my social circle.... The Going Out Gurus: Sounds like a plan.
Skiing Bug, Arlington, Va.: Ben, since you're on...read the article about ski resorts being "over-snowed" this weekend. Was planning to head to Canaan Valley with my family for their annual "Wild Thing Weekend." (awesome time)What do you think with this crazy warm weather we're going to get. Should we go? The Going Out Gurus: I just scoped out the weather forecast for Canaan Valley and they're calling for lots of rain Saturday with colder temps and snow showers on Sunday. My general take is that there's enough snow out there that there's no danger it'll all be washed away, but you could be talking about slow and slushy skiing on Saturday. But based on Sunday's forecast, and the fact it's always a little colder on the mountain, I think you could expect a decent day or two, and in my book that beats staying in town and watching the grimy urban snow washing away...
Washington, D.C.: I am new to D.C. and am having a few girlfriends come to visit this weekend. We are looking for a fun club to go out to Saturday night that has both top '40s type cheesy music and other varieties of dance music. Also, we are in our mid-20s, so we would like a place that's not too college-y but not too old either. Any suggestions? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Well, there's always Dream, which has everything you want and draws the crowds. There's also Home (which doesn't do much top 40). Most clubs that play top 40 (Crush, Polly Esther's) skew young on the weekends. -- Fritz
Washington, D.C.: Can you think of a nice, kind of special place to take a 71 year-old relative out for dinner for her birthday next week? We'd like something in the Bethesda area that is fairly traditional (no Thai food or sushi--more like meat and potatoes or Italian), and something that is moderately to mid-high in the price range. The Going Out Gurus: Washington, if you're thinking Italian, Cesco might be your best bet. Not too noisy and excellent fare. Otherwise, try La Miche just up the street or -- maybe even better -- La Ferme nearby in Chevy Chase.
Baltimore, Md.: My mother's birthday is on Sunday and I wanted to get her a gift that would get her out of the house such as a Potomac dinner cruise or a weekend excursion to Atlantic City. These are just a couple of examples to let you know what I am thinking. Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated. The Going Out Gurus: Have you considered getting her tickets to the theater? If she lives in Baltimore, you could take her to a show here in D.C., and maybe put her up in a nice hotel. Take a look around on the theater page and see if any upcoming shows might catch her fancy. For starters, how about "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife," which is coming to the National? -- Jen
Gary from NJ: Guys, First, my mom wanted to thank you all for such wonderful recommendations. She's really looking forward to going to Wet again. Also, what's the skinny on the bar in Hotel Helix? I'm staying - the hotel this weekend and wanted to know what your thoughts were. Your Pal, Gary The Going Out Gurus: Spend as much time as possible at the bar.
Glad your mom enjoyed Wet. How about Ziegfield's this time?
Your friends,
The Going Out Gurus (and Ben)
Washington D.C.: Today's questions stink. The Going Out Gurus: And you've contributed ... ?
Dupont, Washington, DC: Good afternoon Gurus! Have any of you seen the show at the Kennedy Center with Bronson Pinchot in it? Looks interesting but wanted to know if anyone had first hand comments. Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: The Post's Peter Marks gave it a lukewarm review, though he liked some of it. And Jane Horwitz liked it well enough (or so she said the other day on "Around the Town.") I (Jen) personally haven't seen it, but maybe others have and can offer their thoughts? (I can, however, recommend that "Perfect Strangers" episode where Bronson Pinchot as Balki tries to get his driver's license. Pure hilarity.)
Rosslyn, Arlington, Va.: There's a place going up right at the end of the Key Bridge- seems to be a pool hall or something, I think Continental, it's called. Any word on what/when? The Going Out Gurus: It's a pool hall owned by the Buffalo/Bedrock/Atomic/Carpool folks, and my questions have been met with responses ranging from "soon" to "this spring" to "later this year." But we can't wait. -- Fritz
Cheverly, MD: it's my 30-something birthday today. i'm doing the birthday weekend-thing with my mom who will be visiting sat-sun. where should we go to have a nice brunch, shop and take in some Black History month activities? The Going Out Gurus: Happy birthday, Cheverly. Check out our Black History Month guide for what might be up your alley. I enjoyed the Black Is a Color exhibit at the Corcoran. Stop in on Sunday and try their gospel brunch while you're at it. -- Maura
Washington, D.C.: Hey Fritz, I'm getting ready to go to London at the end of next month, and I wanna get into training for Pub Culture -- looking to drink some real ales. Where can a fella go in the city that doesn't require anything more than a cab ride? My car is very snowed in, and will be for the foreseeable future. The Going Out Gurus: I know I had a story on Real Ale somewhere in the archives, but I'm having trouble getting the URL. There's District Chophouse, John Harvard, R.F.D. and Rock Bottoms in Arlington (just go out to Ballston) and Bethesda. The Reef has a cask every Monday. R.F.D. has casks from England (I've had Sykes, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild and Wye Valley recently), and Reef has both local and imported ales. -- Fritz
Confirmed!: Exchange IS showing Basketball on Saturday, doors opening at 4pm, to be followed by a BIG party. Sounds like fun to me! The Going Out Gurus: Okay!
Washington, D.C., Land O'Snow: Hey GoGs- what a great job ya'll have! How did you land this gig? Do you have to report on any average boring newspaper stuff as well, or is this all you do? Wishing I had such a job... The Going Out Gurus: Sure. Joe writes about baby stroller technology for the Post. Fritz often covers bars for the Weekend ... oh, wait.
In any case, we're off for the day. Thanks for all your questions, and we'll see you next week.
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