| Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, May 22, 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. 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: Don't you hate it when it rains on long weekends? Hello, everyone. We've got a smaller group of Gurus than usual this week, but Kate, Anne, Alexa, Jen and I (Fritz) are here to help you find ways to celebrate Memorial Day. Let's get going . . .
Arlington chocoholic: I looking for a dessert place with a buffet or some sort of haven for a chocoholic's birthday. There's always talk about meals, but I'm not sure about desserts! The Going Out Gurus: Arlington, I don't know much about chocolate buffets, except that they tend to be the stuff of hotels. The Grill at the Ritz tells me they offer one only on special occasions. But they recommend the Sunday brunch ($65 per person) for a good selection of choc desserts. I think, however, that your chum might enjoy a place on Old Town's King Street called Kingsbury Chocolates. Truffles galore and the best hot chocolate I've (possible ever) had. -- Alexa
Arlington, Va.: Where's the cheapest place in VA to (or DC) to buy cases of bottled beer? Costco? How is total beverage? I'm throwing a party for 70 people tomorrow and am trying to save some money. (A keg is not an option -- the party's in an apartment.) The Going Out Gurus: Hey Arlington -- In my experience, either Costco or Total Beverage is fine. Total Bev will have a larger selection -- especially the one in McLean -- but prices are fairly similar. -- Fritz
Arlington, Va.: Hey Gurus! Love the chat, but I never get to see it real-time (so sad!). Anyways, you always have one question a week about great margarita places, and you never mention my favorite: The Dancing Pepper in Alexandria (on Duke St. just east of Landmark). Their Texarita is 64 oz., and comes in a fishbowl (meaning it's ideal for dates!) Plus, now that it's getting warmer, their patio is awesome. Not fancy, but fun! The Going Out Gurus: Thanks, Arlington. I'll head out there soon for a sample. -- Fritz
Downtown Washington, D.C.: My friends and I are starting a book club and want somewhere to meet. We'd like it to be a place in the Dupont/Downtown/U Street area, with Friday happy hour drink specials, and quiet enough that we can hear eachother and with enough room that the eight of us can find somewhere to sit together. I know that's a tall order. We were thinking Larry's Lounge (18th Street) which will be really great on a good weather day, but any other ideas? The Going Out Gurus: I like your style, DWDC. I'd join a book club at Larry's and I'd never miss a meeting. The lounge doesn't have drink specials, but they do have a sweet staff and weird carob cake by the slice. Also, consider the Town and Country Lounge at the Mayflower Hotel. They have aging leather couches, a four-star staff and, as if you needed more, which less face it, never hurts, bowls of exotic nuts, and free wings and veggies until they run out every Friday. It's central downtown location might make it even more desireable. Their g & t's, expensive but the best in town. -- Kate
Bethesda, Md.: How come in your online club reviews you never mention things like what the gender ratio is, whether men are forced to wait 45 minutes until enough women come in, or what the relative cover charges are. To a lot of us, those are issue #1 about whether a place is worth trying or if we'll have a good time.
The Going Out Gurus: Because those things can change night to night? Where were you forced to wait 45 minutes, Bethesda?
Alexandria, Va.: Help! Next week I will be spending the evening with a 14-year-old girl. She will be staying in Fairfax so I thought I would take her out to dinner, which sounds rather boring. Any suggestions? I don't have children and don't know the Fairfax area well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The Going Out Gurus: How old are you, Alexandria?
Arlington, Va.: GOGs - Wasn't someone gonna dig up the dirt on Screen on the Green? Whose arm I gotta twist around here? Last we heard, there might be some construction conflicts or something, but our fingers are crossed. There can't POSSIBLY be SO MUCH construction that we're gonna get hosed, can there?!? The Going Out Gurus: In the words of Lloyd Dobler, you must chill. I told you we'd figure this thing out and we have. Screen on the Green will happen this year, but the screen will be between Fourth and Seventh Streets, near the National Gallery and the Air and Space Museum, not near the Washington Monument as it has been in the past. Click that link above and you'll get details on the line-up, too, which includes "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and "2001: A Space Odyssey." See? No arm twisting necessary. -- Jen
Washington, D.C.: We have family coming to visit for the holiday weekend and to see our new infant son. Where can get a great meal and not be frowned at by waitstaff and diners for the inevitable crying baby fit that will occur? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: I'm tempted to say "at home in your own dining room," Washington. But that's probably not what you want to hear. Truth is, infants and fine dining (if that's what you meant by a great meal) don't tend to go together. But have a read of this, see if anything tickles your fancy. Check back if you need more. -- Alexa
Washington, D.C.: I know the National Gallery has a film series and has the schedule online. Do you know if any of the other musuems post their schedules online? I think the Sackler and maybe the Library of Congress also have film series? The Going Out Gurus: The Library of Congress' Mary Pickford Theater has several film series running at the moment. The Hirshhorn also has a theater, although its schedule appears to be empty at the moment. But you can't beat free films, can you? -- Fritz
Washington, D.C.: Where can I play skee-ball around here? I don't want to drive to the beach if I can help it, but I have quite the jones for it. The Going Out Gurus: You can definitely play at Dave & Buster's, if you don't mind all the flashing lights and loud noise. Anyone else have other suggestions?
Rained Out in Virginia: Bummed out with the rainy weekend. Wise GOGS? Are there any good dance performance afoot this weekend? Theater? Was thinking "The Mad Dancers." Worthwhile? Many thanks. The Going Out Gurus: "Mad Dancers" would definitely be worthwhile, and it closes June 1 so this is a good weekend to catch it. Another option is the Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Kennedy Center, though tickets for that will be a bit pricier. I say try Theater J first. -- Jen
Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Does the Friday night Jazz thing still go on at the Smithsonian? Is it cool? Could you describe it? I love this chat. You girls are like beautiful little geniuses. I'm sure Fritz is cool, too. The Going Out Gurus: The IMAX Jazz Cafe is still running, CP. It's fairly cool, although you don't exactly forget you're in a cafe at the Museum of Natural History. We have a schedule on our site, and I suggest you catch the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet on June 6.
Our whole staff is beautiful and cool. Even Joe. -- Fritz
Washington, D.C.: I am hosting a BBQ tomorrow night (or was) and now I need to think about an alternative to grilling outside. Got any ideas for a BBQ-ey type of food that can be made indoors but still has the feel of an outdoor BBQ? Word. The Going Out Gurus: Washington, what about a tray of chicken thighs baked in the oven. Whip up a spicy little sauce to brush them with (ginger, garlic, chilies, soy, katsup, a spoon or two of orange marmalade) and serve them with salads and rice. I'm also a big fan of sausages (preferably the Mediterranean lamb from Fresh Fields) cooked in the oven. Don't forget to prick them once or twice. Serve with garlicky cannelini beans. Want me to go on? -- Alexa
Williamsburg, Va.: Hi Jen -- Great article and very timely -- stopping in Williamsburg on the way to the Outer Banks this weekend, staying at the Hospitality House and planning to go to Paul's and the Leafe. Cheers! Tribe Married to Terp The Going Out Gurus: We must lead parallel lives. Have a great time in the 'Burg and the Banks, and have a Hot Holly for me. (By the way, here's the link to the Williamsburg story, in case anyone else cares to sneak a peek.) -- Jen
Chocolate Buffet..: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill has a Chocoholics Bar Buffet worth checking out, and the Park Hyatt makes a killer Sunday brunch w/more chocolate desserts than you could possibly ever consume...go early.. The Going Out Gurus: Thanky kindly.
Clarendon, Va.: I'm looking for something fun to do for a Friday night date that doesn't involve a restaurant or a bar. Lately all we seem to do is go out for dinner. Thanks for the ideas. The Going Out Gurus: Dupont Circle galleries are open 5-8 on the first Friday of every month -- pop in to browse the art and circulate at the receptions. The Natural History Museum hosts the jazz bands and screens IMAX movies Friday nights. This Friday, if you're skipping the beach, I'd go see Canyon at Iota (admittedly, they do serve food.) -- Anne
Anyone out there who can help me out?!: Hi Gurus! Long-time lurker, first-time writer here. I won't be able to participate live in today's chat but need your guidance desperately! I have a HOT(!) date this Sunday evening and need to find something to do in case it's too wet and rainy to attend the concert on the Mall. Can you help a girl out? Looking for something better than the usual dinner/movie thing! Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Thrilled for you. Why not chill out in a dimly lit crimson corner of Red. This Sunday, DJ "Sam the Man" (can you look beyond the name?) spins soul from 10-2. Cover is only $5. It can be a way sexy scene. But you'd need to do something before hand, no? What about dinner or drinks and apps at the Tabbard Inn, Savino's (caution: price-ino's) or even Topaz, they have a small but intelligent tapas menu (tuna tartare, burger) too. -- Kate
Washington, D.C.: If people want to see "The Matrix: Reloaded" on a local IMAX, it might help to get an email campaign going. I got this reply to a query: "Smithsonian IMAX theater staff have informed us that they are not yet committed to showing the film. A decision will be made by mid-summer." Those interested in seeing it on the Mall could write info@si.edu with "fwd to Business Ventures-Matrix/IMAX" in subject line, and beg, beg, beg the Smithsonian Business Ventures office if you don't want to have to go to Baltimore. The Going Out Gurus: I (Jen) still haven't heard whether the IMAX "Matrix" will come here. As I said last week, my initial discussion with the folks at Smithsonian didn't sound promising, but things certainly could change. I plan to follow-up after Memorial Day. In the mean time, I suppose there's no harm in sending those e-mails.
Stuck at my desk in Crystal City, Va.: You mentioned something last week about popular ladies night places, that would be mentioned in the next discussion. Inquiring male minds want to know. The Going Out Gurus: Stay tuned for tomorrow's Weekend section, Crystal City...
Feeling Patriotic in Arlington, Va.: I'm going to miss the Memorial Day concert at the Capitol on Sunday. I've heard they usually rehearse the program the night before. Is that true? If so, what time? Is it worth it to go, or is it pretty scaled back from the big performance? The Going Out Gurus: Definitely go Saturday, Patriot. It's the same program as the Sunday Memorial Day concert, and it starts at the same time -- 8 p.m. The show will be teeming with national pride in tributes to veterans and other heroes. Be aware that security restrictions are also the same: no weapons, no alcohol, two entry points with bag and cooler searches. -- Anne
Bethesda, MD: I want to take my friend to dinner tomorrow night. This is a broad request, but he asked for "something on M Street". Where would you take a guy for dinner in Georgetown, with a limited budget. He and I are open to the type of cuisine....THANKS! The Going Out Gurus: I'd go to Pizzeria Paradiso, I think. Or, for real budget eats, Amma Vegetarian (Indian) Kitchen. -- Alexa
Arlington, Va.: Hi! Recent transplant from San Francisco. I miss the great DJ scene, the packed neighborhood dive bars with great music. Where is just a great solid place to go out, Friday-Saturday, and have a great, no cover, no frills time? I'm tired of all the baseball caps OR uber-beautiful internationals in this city! The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Arlington. If you're looking for cool, low-key bars with cool jukes or DJs, try the Marx Cafe, Larry's Lounge, Pharmacy Bar and Cafe Saint-Ex for starters, although most of the cool "neighborhood" bars in Washington get packed on Friday and Saturday. Try them on for size during the week before writing them off at midnight on Saturday. -- Fritz
Vienna, Va.: Hi GOGs, Wife and I got into this sushi kick lately, and looking for a place that has great and reasonably priced sushi in Northern Virginia. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch! The Going Out Gurus: Hello Vienna, in Northern Va., we like Matuba, Nouveau East and, right in your woods, Mikaku Sushi Taro. -- Alexa
NO WAY!: Someone told me last night that as a male, you need to be at least 23 years old to get into McFaddens? Is that true? How do they get away with that? The Going Out Gurus: Yes way, Ted! I don't think McFadden's has gone 23-and-over all the time (I could be wrong), but they say they're trying to keep out rowdy college students. Bad stereotype? Yes. Can they really do that? Yes. Anything you can do about it? Convince your 23-and-over friends to spend their money somewhere else, or call the bar and complain. -- Fritz
Arlington,VA: What Cinema Drafthouse has cheaper beer..Sterling or Arlington? I haven't been to Sterling, but their food can't be as bad as Arlington's, right? The Going Out Gurus: I'll put the question to readers, but I like the happy hour at the one in Sterling (especially on free-movie Mondays). The food isn't bad -- pretty standard bar food, like fish and chips. By the way, the two businesses aren't related. -- Fritz
I'm a sucker for the leather....: I have a weakness for bikers. Any suggestions for good Rolling Thunder bars this weekend (now that Whitey's is gone... that was our standby for years...) The Going Out Gurus: Seek Asylum this weekend. Just watch out for the special motorcycle parking area.
Washington DC: I'm looking for a fun restaurant in DC or Bethesda where I can hold my 35th birthday celebration. It is on a Saturday night, and I am looking for a relaxed but festive atmosphere and a place that will allow 20-30 people to mill about in either a separate section or separate room. I want to provide drinks and appetizers, and would like to spend about about $600. Any ideas? The Going Out Gurus: Did you look at our feature on private party rooms? Most of the private party spaces in Bethesda are geared toward sitdown dinners, but there is Strike Bethesda. You might also consider the Chef Geoff's in Tenleytown. Hope this helps. -- Jen
Arlington, VA: Hey, GoGs! Love you guys...
Boyfriend and I going to Johnny's Half Shell for dinner Saturday night...any idea on what to expect? They don't take reservations so will the wait be bad or do they have a fun bar to sit and have a drink at first?
Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: They have a bar, Arlington. But it's not big. The whole place is a little cramped. Cute, but cramped. So I always think. You'll just have to squeeze in -- Alexa
Birthday Blues: It's my birthday on Saturday. I was supposed to be on vacation, but that was cancelled this morning. Now, I'm stuck in a rainy town by myself because most folks hit the road for Memorial Day. What can this chica do to celebrate solo? The Going Out Gurus: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! No need to curse absent friends, but your first order of bidness should be arranging cocktails in your honor on Tuesday.
Have you ever taken yourself to the theater? If the show is good, I can enjoy going solo. I saw "A Class Act" last night at Studio Theatre and liked it a whole lot. It's a review of songs by Ed Kliban, the NYC lyricist of "A Chorus Line." He died of cancer in his late 40s and left a trunk full (literally, if the show is to be believed) of clever songs in his wake (again, literally). Kliban had a genius for setting words to music but real difficulties connecting with people. When he proposes to his girlfriend, he asks her if she would live with him four days a week.
"A Class Act" works like a cabaret, using Kliban's tunes to illustrate his difficult if somewhat ordinary personal life. The Post's Peter Marks was luke warm about the show, but I really dig the songs and the show offers 20 of them.
If you'd prefer a bigger show, treat yourself to "Beauty and the Beast," the Disneyified roadshow is parked at the National.
If a theater ticket (even at the half-price booth) is too rich for your inner accountant, go get yourself a pedicure or a manicure and then take yourself off to the movies. I hear "L'Auberge Espagnole" a new French/Spanish comedy is sexy and bright. Again, warm wishes. -- Kate
Washington, D.C.: Hello and thank you for taking my question! I'm heading to Williamsburg for the weekend, and I'd like your thoughts on the taverns down there. Are they worth trying out, and do you have any suggestions for one in particular? Thanks again! The Going Out Gurus: Hi, D.C. When you say taverns, I (Jen) assume you mean the real taverns in the Colonial area. In that case, I'd say go to Gambol's or Chowning's, both of which are fun and serve excellent ale. If you're looking for bars in general, the Williamsburg feature I linked to earlier has a few suggestions.
Boogie Down Adams Morgan: Why is the Murs/Brother Ali show at the Black Cat the same night as the Gang Starr/dj battle show at Five? There is too little hip hop in this city to start doubling up nights. WHY GOD, WHY?!!? The Going Out Gurus: The Scheduling Gods are against us. But be thankful you have something to complain about.
I think I'm going with Gang Starr. -- Fritz
Washington, D.C.: Has anyone heard anything about Cantina Marina, the new place opened by the owner of Capitol Q BBQ? The Going Out Gurus: No. Anyone know anything?
Rainy Rosslyn, Va.: Hi GOGs -- love the chats! A bunch of intrepid friends and I who aren't leaving town for the holiday weekend want to take a day trip and do something fun. However, the rainy forecast is definitely limiting our options! Is there anything fun going on within driving distance of D.C. that is pretty inexpensive and rain-proof? Thanks a million! The Going Out Gurus: My first hunch was to suggest the Baltimore Aquarium. Easy to get to, plenty to do to keep you occupied, and while there's lots of water, none falling on you. Admission for adults is $17.50, and it does include the dolphin show. Charm City also has the fascinating American Visionary Art Museum -- a great place for lunch and the museum shop is full of kooky stuff. I guess I'm still horse crazy after the Preakness ... I bet you could have a ball sitting in the covered seats in Pimlico, betting on the best mudders, observing what the track looks like when it's not Preakness. Races go on in the afternoon. Call 410-542-9400 for the weekend specifics. -- Anne
LeDroit Park: Just FYI if you have a chance to drop a comment about this Friday night fundraiser in the discussion today. This is text of an e-mail I received through Galileo's mailing list last night. Thanks! Dear Friends and Customers:
We apologize for e-mailing you twice in one week, but the following note is a last-minute event we want you to know about. A tragedy struck one of the servers from Equinox Restaurant; on Thursday, May 8th, Med Nadifi was in a near-fatal car accident. He has been in a coma since then and in critical condition at G.W. Hospital. Med, like so many of our colleagues in the hospitality industry, has no health insurance. The need to raise money quickly for Med is urgent. His family's resources are stretched very thin. He needs constant and continuous care. The "Chefs Club About Nothing" (except in this case) invites you to attend a fundraiser on Friday, May 23rd from 12:00 A.M.-2:00 A.M. The event will take place at Galileo Restaurant and will feature food prepared by several D.C. Chefs. We encourage you to stop by for a midnight snack and offer support to Med's family and friends. Anything you can afford be it $1.00 or $50.00 will help. Galileo Restaurant
1110 Twenty-First Street NW
Please RSVP to Alysa Lebeau at 202-331-0997 or alebeau-robertodonna.com If you cannot attend, please consider a donation to his family. Checks can be made payable to Yousir Nadafi (Med's brother) and delivered or mailed to Equinox Restaurant (full mailing address is below). Thank you.
Sincerely,
"The Chefs Club About Nothing" -- Roberto Donna, Kaz Okochi, Robert Weidmaier, Michel Richard, Enzo Fargione, Todd Gray, Cesare Lanfranconi, Francesco Ricchi, Jeff Buben, Jeff Tunks, Enzo Febbraro, and more. Equinox Restaurant
Attention: Med Nadifi Fundraiser
818 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-331-8118 The Going Out Gurus: Posted for a worthy cause.
Falls Church, Va.: Dearest Guru's It is subscription season for the local theaters, and myy beloved is sick of my dragging her to the kings and sword stuff at the Shakeseare and Folger. We have undertaken to look into contemprary theater. I was wondeing if there was a way to broadly characterize the local venues. The ones that come to my mind are: Studio, Signature and Arena. Which I tend to think of as experimental, musical and middle-of-the-road accessible; but I havn't really seen enough to know. Can you help? Are there others? thanks The Going Out Gurus: Your assessments of those three are generally accurate, though Signature does some non-musicals (next season, they're doing "The Elephant Man," for instance). Before you make a decision, visit the theaters's Web sites and take a look at their line-ups for next season to see which offers more plays that interest you. (Studio's doing "Topdog/Underdog" in September, for instance, and that may capture your fancy.) A couple of the many others worth considering are Woolly Mammoth and Round House, which is now Metro-accessible since its move to Bethesda. Honestly, I don't think you'd go wrong with any of these because they're all good companies, but do some research and see which season's line-up speaks to you most. Good luck. -- Jen
Re: San Francisco transplant: Check out Galaxy Hut in Arlington, over across from Fresh Fields at Clarendon Market. Good beers, low key atmosphere, neighborhood feel, good, eclectic DJs and live music, and no cover. The Going Out Gurus: I love the Hut. In fact, I was in last night. But I didn't mention it for our SF friend because there are bands on Fridays and Saturday nights, so it's packed and really, really loud. During the week, though, it's one of the coolest hangs in Arlington. -- Fritz
Arlington, VA: Dear Gurus: I am going for a second date on Friday and I am picking the place. I like Zaytinyas, Zolas, Firefly, etc. for the nice combo of good food and fun bar scene, but I am afraid they will be so packed on Friday night that we might have to wait a LONG time for a table. I can't really make a reservation, unfortunately, b/c I am not sure when I am getting off of work, so it will be a bit of a last minute thing. Do you have any suggestions for a fun place with good food (any cuisine) that would fit the bill and might not be as crowded if we drop in on Friday night? Thanks so much. The Going Out Gurus: Welcome high-styled Arlington. Seeing as you just need a table for two, I wouldn't discount going to any of these three. True, true, Zaytinya is a zoo on Fridays, but given how flexible the pair of you could be (you can sit at the bar, you can sit at a table), you might luck out. I'd try Firefly or Zola in order to avoid an overly long conversation-straining drink your dinner kind of night. Don't forget, before there was Zey. and Zo., there was Ten Penh, Atlantico, Savino's, Bistro Bis. These are quite upscale joints. If you'd prefer to same at least twenty bucks, consider Busara or Uni. -- Kate
Washington, D.C.: Friday night I have nine people going out. Any recommendations on where to go kind of low-key? Such as a place where you can wear jeans? The Going Out Gurus: Such as? You want a bar? Dancing? A spot where you can just grab a couch and chill?
Arlington, Va.: Hello Gurus! My parents are coming into town tomorrow and the rainy weather forecast has got me stumped for things to do. My dad isn't a museum type guy so that limits the possibilities. I was thinking an IMAX film would be fun. I'm also hoping that we may be able to score tickets for a tour of the Capitol. I'm hoping the rain and code orange may keep people away. Any experience with getting tickets? Is it worth trying? Any other ideas for things to do? Thanks in advance for your help! The Going Out Gurus: Sounds like a swell plan, already. And after the Capitol tour, give him some political satire entertainment -- Darrell Hammond is at the Improv this weekend.
Cleveland Park, DC: Good. I hope the Murs show lures the pretentious, nerdy, backpacking, wanna-be underground snobs away from the Gang Starr show. Vented. Calm now. The Going Out Gurus: Deep breath. Better? Good.
Mitchellville: Do you have an online guide to bay/river beaches (like Solomons or Colonial Beach) for those of us who might want to exploit any three hours of sunshine that might pop open this non-Rehoboth weekend? The Going Out Gurus: You bet -- here's the beach guide.
Taverns in Williamsburg: From a W&M alum, The taverns are not worth it in my opnion - $75 a pop without dinrks, as far as I recall. If you want a really nice meal, go to where the locals go - Guiseppe's. Where? When you head out on Richmond Road from the W&M campus/Colonial Williamburg, it is at the end of a shopping complex before you hit the outlets. The owner is fabulous and always suggests great wines. They have an outdoor seating area, too. Have fun! The Going Out Gurus: $75? I don't remember every paying anything like that at a tavern. As I remember, you can go in and just order drinks without eating, which is what I think the previous reader wanted to do. Don't know offhand about food prices, but you're right, he/she may be better off eating somewhere less expensive, then hitting a tavern for drinks. Thanks for the suggestion. -- Jen, also a W&M alum
contemporary theater: also check out season passes with Cherry Red Productions, Project Y, and Rorschach for more contemporary and hip theaters. The Going Out Gurus: Excellent point. Some of the smaller companies do great work, and are good bets for truly experimental stuff. -- Jen
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hey GOG's...BF and I just moved down near Logan Circle and we're looking for a few fun places to hang out... lounge/bar/restaurant... for nights and weekends when we just don't feel like getting too dressed up, but need to get out of the apartment. Can you help us? The Going Out Gurus: Totally: you must get to know the happy hour special (burger and brew) at Helix, Stoney's, Coeur de Lion, the regrettably named Thai Tanic, Hamburger Mary's. -- Kate
Foggy Bottom: Hi Gurus. Thanks for the great chats. I just started a serious get-in-shape-for-summer program yesterday and I was wondering if you could recommend any DC restaurants that are known for actual healthy food.
Thanks! The Going Out Gurus:
As it's name might suggest Health Bar is right up your alley. They'll Atkins a burger for you, use no trans-fatty acids, tell you the grams of sodium in each menu item, use antibiotic and hormone free meats etc. etc. -- Alexa
Georgia: Funkmaster Fritz and Crew, I moved from the durty District about a year ago for a jobby job down south way, but I am making my triumphant return to D.C. this weekend. I have been following the nightlife scene there remotely and it seems like things have gotten better by leaps and bounds since I moved (doesn't it always seem to be the case?). I was wondering if the crew would agree with my theory and if you guys could point me in the direction of a diverse list of spots not to be missed during the "Taking D.C. By Storm...AGAIN!" tour this weekend. My tastes are quite eclectic so I am not really into one scene. I am basically looking for ANY reason to motivate me to move back to D.C., so any place where great looking females that are easily approachable would do (a man can dream, right?). BTW, I am 26. The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Georgia. Welcome back. Yes, a lot has changed in the last year. You might want to try Juste Lounge for neo-soul and martinis, Cafe Saint-Ex for cheap beer and DJs, the Continental pool hall, R.F.D. for a large selection of draft beers, the new Degrees bar at the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton to see what the $12 cocktail crowd is up to, and the fabulous Hotel Helix lounge. If you're in the right mood Saturday, I'll recommend an army of cover bands invades the Warehouse Next Door. -- Fritz
RE: Theatre: Arena stage is the greatest. Took grandmother and s/o's mom to see Ain't Misbehavin' last Thursday night and they loved it. Fat's Waller's music can really be appreciated. The Going Out Gurus: Arena is definitely good, though not every play on their bill may appeal to our previous reader's taste. That's why I suggested looking at the season line-up to see which ones offer the most plays of interest. Of course, he may decide that Arena does that, in which case, cool. P.S. I (Jen) enjoyed "Ain't Misbehavin'," too.
Columbia, Md.: We don't get into D.C. much from Outer Suburbia but this Saturday we have tix to Darryl Hammond at the Improv. How to kill the (probably rainy) afternoon? Any don't miss exhibits? Any recommendations for an pre-show dinner? Thanks! The Going Out Gurus: Columbia, as for must-see exhibits I loved the Robert Frank show and its next door neighbor Both Sides of the Street. For dinner arrive early and beat the crowds at Pizzeria Paradiso or Johnny's Half Shell. -- Maura
The Going Out Gurus: Wow. We were swamped (literally) today, so we're really sorry if we didn't get to every question this afternoon. Have a great, non-sunny Memorial Day weekend, and we'll see you back here next Thursday.
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