&pizza, Rasika, Le Diplomate and the rest of your choices for the best of D.C. dining in 2015 - The Washington Post

Bettina Bammer-Whitacker, bottom center, eats dinner with Nathan Wieand, bottom right, at Toki Underground .  (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)

<a href="http://tokiunderground.com">Toki Underground</a> 
Since opening in 2011, Toki has drawn lines — long ones — for inventive ramen that takes a sharp turn from classic Japanese flavors. “We forewent Japanese balance for stronger, more intense soups,” says chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who will sometimes toss apples or peaches into his stocks. “Our technique is grounded in tradition, but we don’t adhere to traditional flavors.” H.S. 1234 H St. NE; 202-388-3086. 2nd: <a href="http://daikaya.com">Daikaya</a>, 705 Sixth St. NW; 202-589-1600. 3rd: <a href="http://sakuramen.info">Sakuramen</a>, 2441 18th St. NW; 202-656-5285.

<a href="http://lediplomatedc.com">Le Diplomate</a> 
In the D.C. restaurant wars, the pre-meal bread basket is the latest battleground on which chefs can stand out. Le Diplomate’s basket sets the stage for a classic French meal with selections straight out of a boulangerie: slices of crusty French baguette, rye wheat boule and sweet cranberry walnut loaf. “It gives a different spectrum of flavors and textures,” executive chef Michael Abt says. B.M. 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333. 2nd: <a href="http://pearldivedc.com">Pearl Dive Oyster Palace</a>, 1612 14th St. NW; 202-319-1612. 3rd: <a href="http://birchandbarley.com">Birch &amp; Barley</a>, 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576.

Best place to eat grown-up food and keep your kids happy

<a href="http://tedsbulletin.com">Ted’s Bulletin</a> 
This friendly, lunch counter-style restaurant knows that adults and kids really want the same things, just with a few twists. For kids, there’s PB&J, pasta with sauce or butter, and shakes in flavors like s’mores, peppermint and Oreo. And for grown-ups, Ted’s offers a peanut butter bacon burger, cheesy chicken parmesan and creamy shakes — with booze added — in flavors such as white Russian, Irish caramel coffee and grasshopper. L.M. Multiple locations. 2nd: <a href="http://andpizza.com">&amp;pizza</a>, various locations. 3rd: <a href="http://matchboxrestaurants.com">Matchbox</a>, various locations.

<a href="http://whiskeddc.com">Whisked!</a> 
If by “trendy desserts” you mean time-tested recipes and wholesome ingredients, then yes, Whisked! deserves its victory. Jenna Huntsberger’s confections may not come in unorthodox flavor combinations, but you’ll be more than satisfied with her creative-yet-classic pies (salted caramel apple, Mexican chocolate cream) and cookies (milk chocolate Nutella, brown butter snickerdoodle). H.S. 202-656-4890. 2nd: <a href="http://bakedandwired.com">Baked and Wired</a>, 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW; 202-333-2500. 3rd: <a href="http://dangerouspiesdc.com">Dangerously Delicious Pies</a>, 1339 H St. NE​; 202-398-7437 and 675 I St. NW; 202-450-1292.

<a href="http://dolcezzagelato.com">Dolcezza</a> 
Many dessert spots are more flash than foundation, but Dolcezza’s gelato — made daily in their factory near Union Market and served in eight D.C.-area shops — starts with great basics: dairy, fruits and herbs from farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The simple ingredients don’t mean boring flavors, though. Their rotation of gelato options includes crookneck pumpkin, black sesame and peanut butter stracciatella, while dairy-free sorbettos come in flavors like white nectarine, Champagne mango and orange honey cardamom. S.M.D. Multiple locations. 2nd: <a href="http://icecreamjubilee.com">Ice Cream Jubilee</a>, 301 Water St. SE; 202-863-0727. 3rd: <a href="http://pitangogelato.com">Pitango Gelato</a>, multiple locations.

<a href="http://busboysandpoets.com">Busboys and Poets</a> 
Lots of restaurants and bars are getting fancy with their bathrooms these days by adding themed wallpaper, ironically kitschy knick-knacks and toe-tapping music. But clean and easily accessible are still the gold standard where potties are concerned. Busboys and Poets’ six restaurants have that part down. Plus, three of their locations (14th and V, Takoma and Brookland) have a Politics and Prose bookstore embedded within. Please, though: Do everyone a favor and buy the book before taking it into the loo with you. B.M. Multiple locations. 2nd: <a href="http://2birds1stonedc.com">2 Birds 1 Stone</a>, 1800 14th St. NW. 3rd: <a href="http://thecoupedc.com">The Coupe</a>, 3415 11th St. NW; 202-290-3342.

<a href="http://rasikarestaurant.com">Rasika</a> 
More than 2,400 smitten Yelpers can’t be wrong, right? Just to be safe, we looked at this year’s fall dining guide from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema: Rasika took the No. 2 spot (its two locations — in Penn Quarter and West End — shared the honor). Following a nearly half-million dollar interior design refresh at the original Penn Quarter location (new furniture and better soundproofing, plus other improvements), Ashok Bajaj’s lauded upscale Indian restaurants are likely to keep pulling in the praise. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500. 2nd: <a href="http://rosesluxury.com">Rose’s Luxury</a>, 717 Eighth St. SE; 202-580-8889, . 3rd: <a href="http://lediplomatedc.com">Le Diplomate</a>, 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333.

Best place to discover sushi is an art form

<a href="http://sushitaro.com">Sushi Taro</a> 
Has anyone checked that chefs Nobu Yamazaki and Masaya Kitayama are working with chopsticks in the kitchen, and not a set of paintbrushes? It’s hard to tell when every complex, richly textured sushi dish they send out is an edible masterpiece. Much like a work of art, quality doesn’t come cheap. But Sushi Taro offers a reasonably priced lunch menu and hosts happy hour specials on weeknights at the bar if you want to get your sushi fix at a discount. H.S. 1503 17th St. NW; 202-462-8999. 2nd: <a href="http://sushikorestaurants.com">Sushiko</a>, 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; 301-961-1644. 3rd: <a href="http://kazsushi.com">KAZ Sushi Bistro</a>, 1915 I St. NW; 202-530-5500.

Best place to exercise your rights as a carnivore

<a href="http://fogodechao.com">Fogo de Chao</a> 
This Brazil-born, family-owned chain takes its meat mobile. Every diner at Fogo de Chao gets a card that’s used to signal the waiters, who wander the room eager to carve slices of beef, pork and chicken from the giant hunks of meat they carry. One side of the card is green (more meat, please!) and the other’s red (I can’t eat another bite … yet). H.S. 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-347-4668, . 2nd: <a href="http://raysthesteaks.com">Ray’s the Steaks</a>, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-841-7297, . 3rd: <a href="http://mediumrarerestaurant.com">Medium Rare</a>, 3500 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-237-1432 and 515 Eighth St. SE; 202-601-7136.

<a href="http://barcelonawinebar.com">Barcelona</a> 
Barcelona seemed to have popped up overnight when it opened on 14th Street in 2013 (there are now three locations in the area). Now, diners who prefer to eat by the light of the moon can’t imagine what they did before it existed. The spacious patio at this Spanish restaurant is the spot for catch-ups, people watching and sherry shots — served in a bone luge if you know to ask for it. With a fire pit and heat lamps, Barcelona keeps the al fresco party going year round. H.S. Multiple locations. 2nd: Brookland’s Finest Bar &amp; Kitchen, 3126 12th St. NE; 202-636-0050, brooklandsfinest.com. 3rd: Roofers Union, 2446 18th St. NW; 202-232-7663, roofersuniondc.com.

Best pho (no matter how you pronounce it)

<a href="http://pho75.tumblr.com">Pho 75</a> 
The hardest part about eating Vietnamese pho is deciding how you’ll take it: with fatty tendon, raw flank steak, salty brisket or a little bit of everything. But it starts with the salty, complex broth at this humble pho spot, which they’ve crafted by simmering beef or chicken bones and marrow, ginger and a secret collection of spices for hours, for a rich broth served with hearty noodles. Top with your personal blend of sriracha, hoisin and basil and dig in. L.M. Multiple locations. 2nd: Pho 14, various locations; dcpho14.com. 3rd: Pho Viet, 3513 14th St. NW; 202-629-2839, phovietwdc.com.

<a href="http://lediplomatedc.com">Le Diplomate</a> 
This B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beret) French restaurant turns brunch into a European vacation on the weekends, when D.C. dwellers linger over pastries and play Parisian. “The restaurant was designed to transport you to a different part of the world,” executive chef Michael Abt says. In keeping with French tradition, dishes are on the heavy side. “There’s a big focus on eggs and pastries in French cuisine,” Abt says. “It translates well to brunch.” H.S. 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333. 2nd: <a href="http://tedsbulletin.com">Ted’s Bulletin</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://opencitydc.com">Open City</a>, 2331 Calvert St. NW; 202-332-2331 and 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-965-7670.

<a href="http://zaytinya.com">Zaytinya</a> 
Small plates have long been the trendy answer when we wish we could order a little of everything. And at this upscale Mediterranean spot from D.C. dining czar Jose Andres, that means you can enjoy a few bites of Middle Eastern classics like stuffed eggplant and expertly spiced lamb kebab, along with modern interpretations like crispy ouzo-battered catfish and veal tartare, all in the same meal. L.M. 701 Ninth St. NW; 202-638-0800. 2nd: <a href="http://jaleo.com">Jaleo</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://cavamezze.com">Cava Mezze</a>, multiple locations.

<a href="http://rasikarestaurant.com">Rasika</a> 
If a Doritos delivery truck crashed into a soy sauce factory, the flavor explosion would still pale in comparison to a meal at Rasika. Traditional Indian dishes like its famed palak chaat (fried spinach), black cod and tandoori chicken tikka are loaded with fresh herbs, spices and sauces that draw out bold flavors deep within the main ingredients. Don’t expect blinding heat, though: James Beard award-winning chef Vikram Sunderam’s menu focuses on flavorful ingredients with minimal firepower, such as mango chutney, mustard oil and cinnamon. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500. 2nd: <a href="http://littleserow.com">Little Serow</a>, 1511 17th St. NW. 3rd: <a href="http://thaix-ing.com">Thai X-ing</a>, 515 Florida Ave. NW and 2020 Ninth St. NW; 202-332-4322.

<a href="http://taylorgourmet.com">Taylor Gourmet</a> 
In his seven years of business, Casey Patten has learned not to fiddle with people’s sandwiches. “When we originally started changing the menu, people would go crazy, like you stole their child,” says the co-founder of this local chain, now with 10 locations serving up monstrous Philly-style hoagies. This consistency, combined with ingredients like roasted pork and sauces made in-house, keep people coming 
back to Taylor — including President Barack Obama, who’s been twice since taking office. H.S. Multiple locations. 2nd: <a href="http://sundevich.com">SUNdeVICH</a>, 1314 Ninth St. NW; 202-319-1086. 3rd: <a href="http://bubandpops.com">Bub and Pop’s</a>, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111.

<a href="http://bethesdabagels.com">Bethesda Bagels</a> 
If you close your eyes and bite into a chewy New York-style bagel from this shop, you can almost hear taxi horns and hollers of “I’m walkin’ here!” “We trained in New York,” explains owner Danny Fleishman, whose family has been making bagels professionally for more than 30 years. Both locations offer 20 bagel flavors daily plus a weekly special, such as raspberry and cranberry or lemon and 
poppy seed. H.S. 4819 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-8990 and 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-299-9399. 2nd: <a href="http://bullfrogbagels.com">Bullfrog Bagels</a>, 1341 H St. NE; 202-494-2609. 3rd: <a href="http://brooklynbagelva.com">Brooklyn Bagel Bakery</a>, 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-243-4442.

<a href="http://astrodoughnuts.com">Astro Doughnuts &amp; Fried Chicken</a> 
Bread? How boring. Astro makes its sandwiches on freshly made doughnuts. The fry shack 
(and its food truck) serves fried chicken in an Old Bay-dusted doughnut and, earlier this year, 
it introduced another hit: a breakfast doughnut sandwich with fried chicken, honey butter and hot sauce. Astro also sells doughnuts in gourmet flavors like creme brulee (their most popular) and PB&J. H.S. 1308 G St. NW; 202-809-5565 and 7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-356-0800.  2nd: <a href="http://bonchon.com">Bonchon</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://falafelshop.com">Amsterdam Falafelshop</a>, multiple locations.

Best tacos

<a href="http://districttaco.com">District Taco</a> What started as a modest food truck has since grown into a chain of six brick-and-mortar operations across D.C. and Virginia. The secret to District Taco’s success? Offering a concise menu that allows these taco experts to give every ingredient the time and attention it needs. Case in point: The tilapia for the restaurant’s famed fish tacos (available Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends) are marinated for more than 12 hours before they’re grilled and served with homemade chipotle mayo. H.S. Multiple locations. 2nd: <a href="http://takorean.com">TaKorean</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://elcaminodc.com">El Camino</a>, 108 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-847-0419.

Best place to grab a quick lunch Best place to go if you want to bring home leftovers Best place to eat lower on the food chain (vegetarian) Best place to eat when you’re drunk

<a href="http://andpizza.com">&amp;pizza</a>

Why is D.C. so obsessed with &amp;pizza, winner of four categories this year? It could be all the options, ideal for those with dietary restrictions: You can choose from three kinds of dough, eight sauces and three cheeses, including a vegan one. Then you’re faced with a bar of 36 toppings, 28 of which are meat-free. If you’re totally overwhelmed, try one of the seven signature pizzas. Four are vegetarian, like the Moonstruck, with marinated mushrooms, salty goat cheese and sweet fig marsala sauce. “We’ve always been vegetarian- and vegan-friendly,” says founder Michael Lastoria, who himself is vegetarian. But maybe D.C. loves &amp;pizza because itís fast: At the E Street location, the speediest of all, you can expect to wait in line for about 3.5 minutes, Lastoria says. Like magic, you’re presented with a piping hot, oval-shaped pie just for you ó but good luck finishing it in one go. “When our guests canít finish their pizza, we donít look at that as an opportunity to make a smaller pizza,” Lastoria says. Those giant pies might explain why the late-night crowd is so smitten. “Unlimited toppings for one price,” Lastoria says. ìWho doesn’t want that when you have a few beers in the tank?” S.M.D.  Multiple locations. LEFTOVERS 2nd: <a href="http://maggianos.com.">Maggiano’s</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://tedsbulletin.com">Ted’s Bulletin</a>, multiple locations. VEGETARIAN 2nd: <a href="http://busboysandpoets.com">Busboys and Poets</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://rasikarestaurant.com">Rasika</a>, 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500. DRUNK 2nd: <a href="http://falafelshop.com">Amsterdam Falafelshop</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://benschilibowl.com">Ben’s Chili Bowl</a>, multiple locations; benschilibowl.com. QUICK LUNCH 2nd: <a href="http://cavagrill.com">Cava Grill</a>, multiple locations. 3rd: <a href="http://bubandpops.com">Bub and Pop’s</a>, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111.

See more Best Of winners:

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/10/15/bestof2015drink/">Drink</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/10/15/bestof2015fitness/">Fitness</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/10/15/bestof2015sports/">Sports</a>

Holley Simmons writes about D.C. dining and restaurants. She left The Post in December 2017. 

Holley Simmons

Lori McCue is the arts and food editor at DCist. Previously, she was a features editor at Express.

Lori McCue

Samantha Dean is a lover of books, random facts and inside jokes. A University of Florida grad, she has worked as a copy editor at The Wall Street Journal, The Dow Jones Newswires and Mashable. You can contact her at <a href="mailto:samantha.dean@washpost.com">Samantha.Dean@washpost.com</a>. Got any strong feelings about the Oxford comma?

Samantha Dean

Beth Marlowe

The Washington Post

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Express, The Washington Post's free daily, covers dining, music, movies, arts, fitness, shopping and more in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

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‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life’ packs on the inspiration - The Washington Post

Sometimes, the deluge of Facebook messages, emails, tweets and Instagram comments can become overwhelming. But Whitney Thore still sifts through them, trying her best to respond to every single one. It’s just part of the job as a reality TV star.

“It feels really nice, as someone who felt for so long like I didn’t want anyone to see me, and felt bad for my family and boyfriends to even be associated with me,” she says.

When Thore first signed to star in a reality TV show, she didn’t anticipate the responsibility that would come with it. But since<a href="http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/my-big-fat-fabulous-life/" target="_blank"> “My Big Fat Fabulous Life”</a> debuted on TLC in January, the 31-year-old has become an activist for body acceptance.

Thore entered the spotlight in 2014, when she uploaded a video to YouTube called “A Fat Girl Dancing.” She had given up on dancing, a lifelong passion, as she struggled with her weight, having gained more than a hundred pounds over the course of one year. The video went viral, and within a month she received an email from an executive at TLC asking if she’d consider her own TV show.

“My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” which airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m., has blossomed into a feel-good glimpse into Thore’s life. The show explores how Thore lives her life differently because of her weight — like an episode in Season 1 in which Thore’s mother shaved the back of her legs because she couldn’t contort her body enough to reach them. Though she’s invited viewers into her life, she wasn’t expecting them to get so invested.

“People already went to find [my boyfriend] Lennie’s Facebook, and comment they don’t like his beard,” she says.

Fans have returned the favor, opening up to Thore about their own struggles. Thore says she receives messages every day from people with eating disorders and disabilities, and even people struggling with their gender and sexuality.

“I realized that what we had in common is that we’d all been taught to feel ashamed,” she says, fighting back tears. “I would read their life stories, answer all those comments, and I was just really bogged down by it.”

If there is anything that makes things easier, it’s the support her fans give to each other.

“If I can’t comment on something, there are 20 other people that will lift that person up,” she says. “And that inspires me so much. There’s really a community of people committed to pushing each other up, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”

This post originally indicated the wrong date for the finale. It will air on Nov. 25.

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/09/21/this-chart-will-tell-you-which-new-tv-show-you-should-watch/">This chart will tell you which new TV show you should watch</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/09/21/six-new-reality-shows-that-raise-some-tough-questions/">Six new reality shows that raise some tough questions</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/09/14/key-peele-and-the-carmichael-show-became-this-summers-best-comedies-by-dealing-deftly-with-race/">‘Key &amp; Peele’ and ‘The Carmichael Show’ became this summer’s best comedies by dealing deftly with race</a>

Everything you need to know about Dan + Shay - The Washington Post

Country music has seen some major changes in the past few years, but when you listen to Dan + Shay, you would think it always sounded this way. Not quite country, not quite rock, not quite pop, the duo’s 2014 debut album “Where It All Began” is equal parts quintessential country and a sound all their own. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney met in Nashville in 2012. Smyers, 28, was raised in Pennsylvania and studied finance at Carnegie Mellon University; Mooney, 23, grew up in Arkansas and was previously signed as a solo artist to T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment label. After two years of nonstop shows, Dan + Shay are following up “Where It All Began” with a <a href="http://apps.danandshay.com/justtherightkindofcrazy/" target="_blank">tour that stops in Silver Spring on Sunday</a> (with opener Kelsea Ballerini).

When Smyers and Mooney decided to pursue careers in music, they knew Nashville was the place to be. “I started trying to write [country music], which at first was a struggle, but then I moved to Nashville and learned the ropes,” Smyers says. He met Mooney at a house party there and the two began writing together. Within a few months, they had a single on the radio, the light and summery “19 You + Me.” That song was nominated for duo video of the year at the 2014 CMT Music Awards. The past two years, the pair has been up for vocal duo of the year at the ACM Awards.

Smyers and Mooney base their music in country’s roots, but they’ve expanded on the genre with poppier melodies — think Taylor Swift when she still had twang — and rock-fueled tempos. You won’t hear much about Chevys with lift kits in their songs, but you’ll find the familiar themes of chasing girls and drinking beers on the weekend. 
“We were just writing the songs that we wanted to write, and they came out in this cool style,” Smyers says. If you’re a fan of Florida Georgia Line but crave a less bro-y approach, this duo is for you.

When the pair rolled through D.C. last year, they played the 9:30 Club in support of “Where It All Began.” Fans who saw that show can expect a different experience this time. Aside from ramped-up lighting and equipment, Smyers says “we’re playing a few songs on the album that we didn’t get to play on the first go-round,” including fan requests submitted online. “We’ve been touring on this album for two years,” he adds, “so we’re going to go out with a bang and come out with new music for the new year,” some of which they’re previewing on tour.

Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring; Sun., 8 p.m., $31.50.

Read more from Weekend Pass:

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/07/16/fun-things-for-adults-to-do-in-d-c-to-feel-like-a-kid-again/">Fun things for adults to do in D.C. to feel like a kid again</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/06/18/kathy-griffin-brings-the-laughs-and-heat-to-the-kennedy-center/">Kathy Griffin brings the laughs — and heat — to the Kennedy Center</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/04/30/neil-gaiman-and-all-his-stories-are-coming-to-constitution-hall/">Neil Gaiman and all his stories are coming to Constitution Hall</a>

Fun things for adults to do in D.C. to feel like a kid again - The Washington Post

Pat Rumbaugh wakes up with the sun. After all, there are only so many hours to fit in fun. If it’s Tuesday or Thursday, she’s off to tennis in Takoma Park, Md. Then it’s time to head to the pool. Some days, she goes to the playground and hits the swings. At night, she plays games with friends.

If that sounds like the typical summer day for a 13-year-old, you’d be right, but you’d also be wrong.

“I always joke about my age,” Rumbaugh says. “I say I’m 6 and I don’t count the 50.”

Affectionately dubbed The Play Lady, Rumbaugh is the co-founder of <a href="http://letsplayamerica.org">Let’s Play America</a>, a nonprofit that helps people of all ages create playful events in their communities.

Rumbaugh’s play-filled days happen year-round. But many adults make the effort for true fun only in the summer, when they feel the pull of their roots and yearn to feel like a kid again.

“Childlike activities are often an excuse to feel good and carefree,” says Dr. Andrea Bonior, a clinical psychologist and Express’ Baggage Check columnist.      “It’s permission to act like a kid — and that feels good.”

Here are a few D.C.-area spots (and one getaway) to give your inner child a play day.

This probably isn’t an activity most people tried as a kid, but it screams of carefree abandon. <a href="http://washingtondc.trapezeschool.com">Trapeze School New York</a>, located in Southeast, offers classes for ages 6 and up. Don’t let the misconception that upper body strength is a necessity deter you: According to Laura Wooster, spokeswoman for TSNY-DC and an avid flyer herself, the most important quality for a first-time flyer is the ability to listen. “We have students who are gym rats and they think it won’t be any problem at all, so they don’t pay attention to directions,” she says. “Then we’ll have a mom of three who says, ‘I don’t have core strength,’ and manages to float right into the trick.” Need a new profile pic? TSNY-DC has professional photographers on hand during classes — which last about two hours — to snap.

The over-21 crowd is no longer welcome at summer camp, but <a href="http://campnocounselors.com">Camp No Counselors</a> found a way around that. The adult camp rents out actual sleepaway camps for a weekend, usually in the weeks just before or after the kids arrive. The closest this camp comes to Washington is upstate New York, making this the complete sleepaway experience. The three-night getaway is all-inclusive, and traditional summer camp activities — arts and crafts, wakeboarding, capture the flag — are all on offer. At night, things get more adult. The camp brings in live bands and DJs and throws parties with an open bar. “We add different elements to the camp experience to make it more fun for adults,” founder Adam Tichauer says. Take “slip and flip,” for instance. It’s a grown-up twist on the slip and slide, in which everything is the same except for the huge flip cup table waiting at the end. “As an adult, I found that most of my friends were old college friends or work colleagues,” he says. That’s why Tichauer created the camp — to help adults cultivate friendships the old-fashioned way.

High jumps, backflips and the elusive double-bounce are a staple of many childhoods, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t get a kick out of a good leap. Rebounderz, a giant trampoline gym, has locations in Virginia’s <a href="http://rebounderzsterling.com">Sterling</a> and <a href="http://rebounderzmanassas.com">Manassas</a>. “People all the time ask if it’s just for kids,” says Adriana Alegrett, the company’s regional director of marketing. “It’s really not.” If you’d prefer to bounce with fewer children around, go later in the evening: Kids clear out by 7 p.m., Alegrett says.

Whether your game of choice is Monopoly, Settlers of Catan or Candy Land, there are plenty of places to play a game. <a href="http://boardroomdc.com">The Board Room</a> is a staple D.C. game bar, where patrons can order a drink, grab a table and snag an available game (or BYOBG — bring your own board game). Board Room doesn’t serve food, but it does open its doors to delivery — and what’s a family-style game night without a pizza? A few restaurants, such as Flippin’ Pizza, Banana Leaves and Glen’s Garden Market, deliver to the bar for free. Other local spots feature board games on their events calendars. Check out the <a href="http://woodrowwilsonhouse.org">Woodrow Wilson House </a>in Northwest, for instance, on Aug. 5 for its Vintage Game Night, featuring games from the 1920s.

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/06/18/kathy-griffin-brings-the-laughs-and-heat-to-the-kennedy-center/">Kathy Griffin brings the laughs — and heat — to the Kennedy Center</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/07/14/this-summers-best-reads-and-where-to-read-them-in-d-c/">This summer’s best books, and where to read them in D.C.</a>

Kathy Griffin brings the laughs — and heat — to the Kennedy Center - The Washington Post

Kathy Griffin sharpened her tongue just in time for her show at the Kennedy Center this weekend. (Tyler Shields)

With a Guinness World Record-setting 23 stand-up specials, two Emmys, a Grammy and a handful of television shows, Kathy Griffin has earned the right to tour “Like a Boss.” Griffin, 54, has never been one to shy away from controversy, making a career out of pointed pop culture observations, celebrity jokes galore and a mouth that spews whatever it wants, whenever it wants. (Remember when she dropped the F-bomb while hosting CNN’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper?) When she <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/XPCKG">headlines the Kennedy Center’s opulent Concert Hall on Saturday</a>, fans can be sure to hear the comedian’s thoughts on Caitlyn Jenner, the GOP’s growing list of presidential hopefuls and whatever else enters her crosshairs.

Tell me a little about the “Like a Boss” tour.

Really, what is fun about having been in the game this long, is you get to play all the venues. Let me tell you something, honey: I’ve seen the real America. When people talk about the real America, that’s where I am. I’m not just playing the blue states and the big cities. I’m going to cities that even I haven’t heard of. And that is what I love about the road. Every audience is different.

The Kennedy Center audience is like no other. It’s like the perfect combo, being super smart but not stuffy. Just be prepared — I will be making fun of people, places and things.

How does it feel to perform at such an iconic venue?

It is iconic, and I couldn’t be there at a better time. Between Cat — as I call her, [actually, I’m] going ahead and calling Caitlyn [Jenner] Caty, because I am assuming we are destined to become besties — and also, maybe when I’m there, the decision [will be] coming down about the legalization of gay marriage.

I mean, there’s so much going on. Not to mention, could it be a better town to talk about the Republican lineup alone? Look, we can talk Hillary [Clinton], we can talk Elizabeth Warren — and you know what, I’m ready for both of them. Stop making me choose! My dream is a Hillary/Elizabeth Warren ticket, but a girl can only dream — and by the way, that could be a quote from Caitlyn Jenner.

How did you settle on the “Like A Boss” tour’s name?

I think it’s such an exciting time. I’m doing all new material. I’m doing 80 cities this year. I’ve earned “Like A Boss.”

Is there any juicy celebrity gossip you want to tell me about?

I went to a party at Chris Colfer’s house from “Glee.” I sat next to Academy Award nominee June Squibb, and on my left was Jane Lynch. And Jane Lynch and I did the color commentary.

And then my boyfriend and I went to see Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett at the Hollywood Bowl. And the kicker is that Lady Gaga gave me a box of eggs that her own chickens hatched.

Last night, I don’t know what you ate, but I’ll tell you right to your face, you can’t top what I had. I had a Lady Gaga omelet. You’re not going to interview anybody else, probably in your life, that’s going to say, “Oh, and last night I had a Lady Gaga omelet.”

That’s why the “Like a Boss” tour is essential. I’m going to say things at the Kennedy Center — I don’t care who they’ve honored! And damn it, they may never honor me, but I’m still going to sell out that f—ing venue, and I’m going to stand there and talk about how Lady Gaga gave me eggs and I ate a Lady Gaga omelet. And no one — not even the president — can say that!

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW; Sat., 8 p.m., $49-$99.

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/06/17/these-maryland-farms-are-making-their-own-beer-and-its-declicious/">These Maryland farms are brewing their own beer, and it’s delicious</a>

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/06/17/2016-presidential-announcements-ranked/">2016 presidential announcements, ranked by entertainment value</a>

<a href="http://Olivia%20Cooke%20of%20%E2%80%98Me%20and%20Earl%20and%20the%20Dying%20Girl%E2%80%99%20on%20movie%20tropes,%20cancer%20films%20and%20growing%20up">Olivia Cooke of ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ on movie tropes, cancer films and growing up</a>

We tried out Invisible Boyfriend. It went as expected. - The Washington Post

Two Express writers <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/04/22/the-uncanny-evolution-of-invisible-boyfriend-the-site-where-money-can-buy-you-love/" target="_blank" title="The uncanny evolution of Invisible Boyfriend, the site where money can buy you love">tried Invisible Boyfriend</a>. It could have gone better — conversations volleyed between uncomfortably vague and embarrassingly flirty. That may be a feature, not a bug: Real people are plenty awkward. Here are some highlights.

Invisible Girlfriend Test

There were a few nice touches. When a broken phone put conversations on hold, the Invisible Girlfriend reacted like a real significant other:

Attempts to engage in a bit of playful back and forth with Ginger (a name inspired by the old Nickelodeon show) could take patience — it’s tough to suspend disbelief:

But she wasn’t totally hopeless at flirting:

Unfortunately, all of that was ruined by this:

Invisible Boyfriend Test

Things with Jace (named after a book character, because why not?) began less than ideally. Checking off “witty and educated” as his personality type led to incredibly formal messages — not something to look for in a boyfriend. And then this happened:

Lover? Gross. And he was generous with winky faces. After two weeks of texting, things got more comfortable — much like a normal relationship. Except not every chat is a winner:

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/05/01/juno-temples-far-from-the-madding-crowd-character-is-a-very-unlucky-lady/" title="Juno Temple’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ character is a very unlucky lady">Juno Temple’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ character is a very unlucky lady</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/04/30/neil-gaiman-and-all-his-stories-are-coming-to-constitution-hall/" title="Neil Gaiman and all his stories are coming to Constitution Hall">Neil Gaiman and all his stories are coming to Constitution Hall</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/05/04/woman-owned-republic-restoratives-distillery-coming-to-ivy-city/" title="Women-owned Republic Restoratives Distillery coming to Ivy City">Women-owned Republic Restoratives Distillery coming to Ivy City</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/05/04/capitals-say-their-best-is-yet-to-come-in-second-round-series-against-the-rangers/" title="Capitals say their best is yet to come in second-round series against the Rangers">Capitals say their best is yet to come in second-round series against the Rangers</a>

Michael Cunniff

Neil Gaiman and all his stories are coming to Constitution Hall - The Washington Post

Neil Gaiman speaks in stories. It’s no wonder his words have become so beloved, with old favorites like “The Sandman” and “Good Omens” remaining at the top of must-read lists while he continues to churn out new hits every year (his latest, “Eternity’s Wheel,” is due May 19). The man behind the prose is equally witty, quirky and fantastical — and all his accomplishments can’t conceal someone who really just wants to bring you along on an adventure. Crawl into a magical evening with the master storyteller as he spins new tales and retells a few old gems Friday at Constitution Hall.

All of [the shows] are a bit different. I like the idea of doing more readings and slightly less Q-and-A. Which doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be a Q-and-A, it just means that the entire shape of the evening is probably not going to be driven by answering questions. I love the idea of just telling stories.

Does it ever start to feel like a play instead of a talk?

If I can, I’ll always try and read some unpublished things. For me, as a storyteller, I love anything I do where people don’t know how it’s going to end. There’s a particular feeling you can get talking to a hall of a thousand people, telling them a story when they don’t know what’s going to happen next, and the space gets quieter and quieter.

People always talk about books putting them on the edge of their seat. You actually get to see it happening.

Absolutely. The coughs start to go away, people are shifting less, you can say something and you can hear them look up toward you. That’s magic.

You’re so active on social media. Has it become a distraction for you when you’re trying to write?

If you do social media and you get good at it and if it’s fun, then the Web starts feeling like your own personal Tamagotchi. You feel like you’re meant to keep it alive and keep it awake.

Lately, you’ve been writing young-adult novels and some quicker reads. Do you feel an obligation to put out a chunky adult novel next?

Oh, things happen, sometimes at the same time. In my head right now, there’s a short, funny, sort of very Roald Dahl book about some frogs. I know how that goes, and I know what the beats are. But having said that, I also definitely feel that there’s a hefty, chunky novel waiting in my future. A lot of what I’m doing right now feels like I’m cleaning my desk, getting things out of the way.

Is it ever hard for you to put out a book because it’s too personal?

It can be hard to write because it’s too personal. The difficulty is in the writing process. Once it’s written, I’m not embarrassed by it. I’m happy to let it out 
there.

<a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/an-evening-with-neil-gaiman-washington-district-of-columbia-05-01-2015/event/15004D3EB565375F" title="An Evening with Neil Gaiman">DAR Constitution Hall</a>, 1776 D St. NW; Fri., 8 p.m., $34.50-$57.

More stage stories from Express:

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/04/23/tetrisplus-turns-the-video-game-into-a-dance-routine-at-the-kennedy-center/">‘TETRISplus’ turns the video game into a dance routine at the Kennedy Center</a>

<a href="For%20%E2%80%98Murder%20Ballad,%E2%80%99%20Studio%20Theatre%20turns%20into%20a%20killer%20dive%20bar">For ‘Murder Ballad,’ Studio Theatre turns into a killer dive bar</a>

<a href="%E2%80%98Blithe%20Spirit%E2%80%99%20at%20National%20Theatre%20is%20a%20farce%20to%20be%20reckoned%20with">‘Blithe Spirit’ at National Theatre is a farce to be reckoned with</a>

<a href="Pointless%20Theatre%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%98Doctor%20Caligari%E2%80%99%20mimics%20the%20look%20and%20feel%20of%20a%20classic%20silent%20horror%20film">Pointless Theatre’s ‘Doctor Caligari’ mimics the look and feel of a classic silent horror film</a>

Kanye West told a concertgoer in a wheelchair to stand up, plus more in our daily links! - The Washington Post

The crowd has started signaling with their hands that the fan is in a wheelchair. Kanye has yet to notice. 

Kanye West, at a Friday concert in Sydney, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/09/14/kanye-west-stops-concert-singles-out-audience-members-to-stand-up-except-one-is-in-a-wheelchair/" title="Kanye West stops concert, singles out audience members to stand up — except one is in a wheelchair">stopped performing to yell at fans to stand up</a> — twice. The first time, the fan had a prosthetic limb. The second attendee was wheelchair-bound.

A woman who found <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/woman-finds-owner-photo-uncovered-ground-zero-article-1.1938466" target="_blank" title="Woman finds owner of wedding photo uncovered at Ground Zero after 9/11, learns everyone in image is still alive">a photo in the wreckage of the World Trade Center after Sept. 11</a> has finally been able to return it to its owner.

<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/09/12/media/disney-frozen-ride/index.html" target="_blank" title="Yet another 'Frozen' spinoff: An Epcot theme park attraction">Walt Disney World has begun construction on a “frozen” ride,</a> taking over the area of the Maelstrom, at the Norway pavilion of the park’s Epcot center.

<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukebailey/the-adventures-of-grandparents-on-facebook#3emhdi6" target="_blank" title="Grandparents Keep Accidentally Tagging Grandmaster Flash In Facebook Posts And It’s Completely Adorable">Grandparents on Facebook have been tagging Grandmaster Flash </a>while attempting to sign off of posts with “Grandma” or “Grandpa.”

Police arrested a 22-year-old New York man last week after he was found with <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/09/11/police-man-arrested-with-drugs-hidden-inside-stuffed-animal-wearing-anti-drug-t-shirt/" target="_blank" title="Police: Man Arrested With Drugs Hidden Inside Stuffed Lion Wearing D.A.R.E. Anti-Drug T-Shirt">drugs hidden inside a stuffed animal dressed in an anti-drug T-shirt.</a>

<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/mexico-county-struggling-stinky-building-25458608" target="_blank" title="New Mexico County Struggling With Stinky Building">A county government building in southern New Mexico stinks</a>. And the Alamogordo Daily News reports that Otero County officials are deciding whether to relocate staff that can no longer put up with the putrid smell.

Read more of our <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/category/now-read-this/" style="color: #2e6d9d;">viral news roundups</a>:

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/21/a-59-foot-rubber-duck-is-lost-at-sea-and-a-gawker-reporter-ate-a-bunch-of-mozzarella-sticks/" style="color: #2e6d9d;" title="A 59-foot rubber duck is lost at sea, and a Gawker reporter ate a bunch of mozzarella sticks">A 59-foot rubber duck is lost at sea, and a Gawker reporter ate a bunch of mozzarella sticks</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/07/someone-flew-a-gopro-strapped-to-a-drone-into-a-fireworks-display-and-tim-howard-blocks-more-than-just-soccer-balls/" style="color: #2e6d9d;" title="Someone flew a GoPro strapped to a drone into a fireworks display, and Tim Howard blocks more than just soccer balls">Someone flew a GoPro strapped to a drone into a fireworks display, and Tim Howard blocks more than just soccer balls</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/06/30/beyonce-and-jay-z-featured-justin-biebers-mug-shot-at-their-concert-and-j-k-rowling-thinks-malfoys-a-meanie/" style="color: #2e6d9d;" title="Beyonce and Jay Z featured Justin Bieber’s mug shot at their concert, and J.K. Rowling thinks Malfoy’s a meanie">Beyonce and Jay Z featured Justin Bieber’s mug shot at their concert, and J.K. Rowling thinks Malfoy’s a meanie</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/06/23/handsome-mug-shot-guy-is-causing-a-stir-online-and-joe-biden-unleashed-a-super-soaker-over-the-weekend/" style="color: #2e6d9d;" title="‘Hot Felon’ is causing a stir online, and Joe Biden unleashed a super soaker over the weekend">‘Hot Felon’ is causing a stir online, and Joe Biden unleashed a super soaker over the weekend</a>

The Ray Rice ruling is today’s cover story - The Washington Post

Ray Rice, running back for the Baltimore Ravens, has been dropped from the team and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. A camera in a casino elevator caught Rice knocking out his now-wife with a single punch. Previously, the NFL had suspended Rice from two games for his actions. And while the league got it right this time, the action was long overdue and seems more about publicity than punishment.

Read the full story <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/09/08/an-overdue-ruling-outcry-forces-nfl-to-ban-ray-rice-again/" title="An overdue ruling: Outcry forces NFL to ban Ray Rice, again">here</a>.

More cover story previews from <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/" style="color: #2e6d9d;" target="_blank" title="Washington Post Express">Express</a>:

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/08/25/bob-mcdonnell-says-he-was-blindsided-by-his-wife-on-todays-cover/" style="color: #2e6d9d;">Bob McDonnell says he was blindsided by his wife on today’s cover</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/16/the-battle-between-d-c-cyclists-and-motorists-is-todays-cover-story/" style="color: #2e6d9d;">The battle between D.C. cyclists and motorists is today’s cover story</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/15/americas-growing-issue-with-the-mentally-ill-flooding-jails-is-todays-cover-story/" style="color: #2e6d9d;">America’s growing issue with the mentally ill flooding jails is today’s cover story</a>

James Franco has gone bald, the alternate ending of “How I Met Your Mother” leaked online, and more! - The Washington Post

A very large, very<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/sunbathing-baseball-fan-big-impression-online-article-1.1930265?utm_content=bufferc90a6&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=NYDailyNewsTw" target="_blank" title="Sunbathing baseball fan at Nationals-Dodgers game makes big impression online"> shirtless man in the stadium during Wednesday’s Nationals/Dodgers game</a> has become an Internet sensation.

<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/how-i-met-your-mother-alternate-ending?bffbmain#3emhdi6" target="_blank" title='It Looks Like The Alternate "How I Met Your Mother" Ending Has Leaked Online'>The alternate ending of “How I Met Your Mother” has leaked online. </a>

Students in Austria taking entrance exams last week found themselves with a guaranteed pass — <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/oops-college-exams-answers-25248491" target="_blank" title="Oops: College Exams Already Had All the Answers">the answers were already filled in</a>.

Watch the <a href="http://gawker.com/video-shows-volcanic-eruption-sonic-boom-in-papua-new-1631422583" target="_blank" title="Video Shows Volcanic Eruption, Sonic Boom in Papua New Guinea">video of a volcanic eruption</a> and subsequent sonic boom that’s been circulating on the Internet.

<a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-james-franco-bald-head-tattoo-venice-film-festival-20140905-story.html" target="_blank" title="A bald James Franco melds reality and fantasy at Venice Film Festival">James Franco was seen sporting a bald head</a> at the Venice Film Festival, where he was attending to both promote one movie and film another.

An Oklahoma jail has unveiled its<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/09/05/4329271/oklahoma-jail-adds-2-show-goats.html" target="_blank" title="Oklahoma jail adds 2 show goats to atrium"> latest landscaping method — goats.</a>

Traffic on San Francisco’s iconic <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/09/06/deer-traffic-san-francisco-golden-gate-bridge/15182721/" target="_blank" title="Deer jam traffic on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge">Golden Gate Bridge slowed to a crawl Friday as a pair of deer</a> made their way onto the road.

Read more of our <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/category/now-read-this/" style="color: #2e6d9d">viral news roundups</a>:

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/21/a-59-foot-rubber-duck-is-lost-at-sea-and-a-gawker-reporter-ate-a-bunch-of-mozzarella-sticks/" style="color: #2e6d9d" title="A 59-foot rubber duck is lost at sea, and a Gawker reporter ate a bunch of mozzarella sticks">A 59-foot rubber duck is lost at sea, and a Gawker reporter ate a bunch of mozzarella sticks</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/07/someone-flew-a-gopro-strapped-to-a-drone-into-a-fireworks-display-and-tim-howard-blocks-more-than-just-soccer-balls/" style="color: #2e6d9d" title="Someone flew a GoPro strapped to a drone into a fireworks display, and Tim Howard blocks more than just soccer balls">Someone flew a GoPro strapped to a drone into a fireworks display, and Tim Howard blocks more than just soccer balls</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/06/30/beyonce-and-jay-z-featured-justin-biebers-mug-shot-at-their-concert-and-j-k-rowling-thinks-malfoys-a-meanie/" style="color: #2e6d9d" title="Beyonce and Jay Z featured Justin Bieber’s mug shot at their concert, and J.K. Rowling thinks Malfoy’s a meanie">Beyonce and Jay Z featured Justin Bieber’s mug shot at their concert, and J.K. Rowling thinks Malfoy’s a meanie</a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/06/23/handsome-mug-shot-guy-is-causing-a-stir-online-and-joe-biden-unleashed-a-super-soaker-over-the-weekend/" style="color: #2e6d9d" title="‘Hot Felon’ is causing a stir online, and Joe Biden unleashed a super soaker over the weekend">‘Hot Felon’ is causing a stir online, and Joe Biden unleashed a super soaker over the weekend</a>