Monthly Archives: February 2009

The Daily Feed
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Puppywatch 2009 BREAKING NEWS

Photo courtesy of
‘Yawning Puppy’
courtesy of ‘Ber’Zophus’

Sorry, I ate some bad food last night and caught some Drudge.

People magazine reports that the Obamas seem to have a breed and a timetable set for adding to the White House family. Plans seem to be to get a Portugese Water Dog – rescue, of course – sometimes after the girls’ spring break.

I’m not sure Mrs Obama has really grasped just how many people her new not-so-humble abode employs, though. “Got to do it after spring break. You can’t get a new dog and then go away for a week.” I’m pretty sure there’ll be one or two folks holding down the old homestead, ma’am….

And yes, that blue dog pictured up above is indeed a PWD, though the Obamas appear insterested in adopting a slightly older animal.

Food and Drink, The Features, Thrifty District
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Thrifty District: Dessert On A Dime

photo courtesy of flickr user 3liz4

photo courtesy of flickr user 3liz4

This edition of Thrifty District targets being cost efficient and strategic with food items you already have in your kitchen.

For instance, what about that half loaf of bread that’s a little too dry for a sandwich. You thinking about tossing it out? Perhaps you’ll wait for it to age into crouton territory? Or maybe you can feed it to some birds? Here’s a better idea.  Transform it into an amazing wintry dessert on the cheap and in just a few minutes. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Top Chef’s Carla

Photo courtesy of
‘Top chef conversation heart’
courtesy of ‘VeryBadLady’

I’ve waxed poetic about my love for current Top Chef contestant Carla Hall already. I can dig her big hair, I can get down with her quirky sense of humor, and I adore her always-positive attitude. NOTHING gets Carla down, she’d make a great caterer and if I were throwing a formal party or getting married any time soon in DC, she’d be my one-stop-shop (though I can imagine she’s booked up). The Washingtonian had a great interview with Carla today, I was tickled to read her local favorite foods. She gives a shout out to one of my local favorites, Equinox, and shares the thrilling news that she sometimes teaches class at Culinarie. If only I were so lucky as to take a class from her! DCist also snagged an interview with Carla, and she dishes about her Top Chef co-contestants and imagines what a DC Top Chef season would look like. Here’s wishing her the very best tonight on the season finale!

Life in the Capital, People, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Capitol Hill Style Exposes ChickDownTown Site

Photo courtesy of
‘Dress’
courtesy of ‘farrelley’

One of my all-time favorite local blogs, Capitol Hill Style, has a post today about an internet scam that had me glued to my computer monitor. The lovably snarky CHS author Belle tells a sordid tale of buying from a scam Web site ChickDownTown – and how the “company” is a tangle of deceit, lies, fraud and credit card scams. I felt it my blogging responsibility to share her horror story, and save others from ChickDownTown’s sketchy behavior . Plus, she’s one of the people behind DC’s fashion uprising, and we can all appreciate efforts to make our fine city better looking.

She’s not all florals, dainty jewlery and lingere advice, she’s rock solid and I appreciate the fighting fashionista in Belle!

Comedy in DC
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Comedy in DC: Your Late-Winter Blend

Photo courtesy of
‘Stand up 371’
courtesy of ‘YoLoPey’

I know. I’ve used this photo before. But this is Jay Hastings, and he’s being roasted in the DC Improv Comedy Lounge this Friday at 8. I’m not sure what the occasion is, but you should show up and find out. (Also, I need more comedy-related photos. Help a sister out.)

Also this weekend, don’t forget that Maria Bamford will be at the Arlington Drafthouse, and the show will feature Aparna Nancherla and Eli Sairs. Look at all the comedy you could be seeing this weekend! Makes up for that extra day of February we’re not getting…

On March 14th, there’s a nameless local comedy showcase at the Improv Lounge featuring Andy Kline, Jeff Maurer, Seaton Smith, and Jimmy Meritt (whose name seems to be impossible to spell consistently, but I looked it up). I’ve gone on and on about my enthusiasm for Maurer, Smith and Meritt at length here- I’m sure I WOULD go on and on about Andy Kline and Bey Wesley, the host, as well, but I don’t think I’ve been to any of their shows yet. Anyway, only having 4 comics featured means that each one will have a chance to do a longer set, which usually means better jokes with more time to do more involved material, so it’s a better opportunity to see some rising stars. Also, since Jimmy Meritt has been touring quite a bit, there are fewer and fewer chances to see him around DC in particular. So don’t miss this one.  Mark it on your calendars, buy your tickets, and go.  All you’re missing on the Improv main stage that night is Sommore, anyway.

The Daily Feed
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Give us Statehood or Give us Puerto Rico!

washington dc by wayan
Photo by Wayan

The Senate will be discussing a vote for DC in the House today. And I hope the effort fails. I reject the concept that 500,000+ people should only get one vote in Congress. We should have a real real representation – two Senators and one Representative. Or we should be free from Federal taxes.

Give us Statehood or give us Puerto Rico!

Personally, I’m all for Puerto Rico. They get full governmental benefits but are exempt from Federal income taxes. If DC were to have the same setup, our standard of living would jump waaay up. All those tax-avoidance diehards who lurk in NoVA would jump the Potomoc overnight, sending property values, population density, and economic activity into the sky. Oh and I would save up to $14,000 on my tax bill.

The Daily Feed
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A saucy ticket giveaway

Photo courtesy of
‘Suggestive by composition’
courtesy of ‘primplan’

The New Gay is giving away tickets to a workshop this Friday that performer and educator Tristan Taormino is holding at Hotel Helix. Since I know a lot of you read this from work I’ll say that it’s an entry-level (hah) workshop about pleasure and the… well, let’s say it’s A Not Always Lovable orifice.

The shindig is being organized by WholeDC, a new organization looking to offer classes and provide a place for supportive discussion. They say “Washington, DC is overdue for a sex-positive community center that brings together diverse people for education and entertainment.” I don’t know if we’re overdue or underserved there, but I’m all in favor of anything sex-positive.

Food and Drink, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Posto

"artwork" by ustreetgirl, on Flickr

"artwork" by ustreetgirl, on Flickr

“A modern Italian place to meet” is Posto‘s motto, and indeed its Logan Circle neighborhood has been eagerly waiting to meet it. The newest venture from executive chef Massimo Fabbri, of downtown’s lauded Tosca, it replaces Viridian next to Studio Theatre and has already escalated in popularity, evident by the full dining room on a freezing Monday night.

It’s a relief to find that Posto has warmed-up the walls of a previously minimal and rather chilly atmosphere from Viridian’s days. The decor might strike some as more Napa than Roma, with columns wrapped in glowing natural wood, but the large light installation murals of grapevines and various Italian scenes like Venice’s Campanile set the scene. Somehow these oversized murals, dancing the line between ironic and tacky, end up being rather joyous. And though many have commented on the decibel level, I found that though it was packed, our table of four could still carry on bantering without much problem.

For my first course I tried the Pesce Spada – swordfish carpaccio with tomatoes, capers and olives. I was surprised to have it come out with a heap of frisee on top (not so much a fan of twiggyness in food), but it matched well with the fish, which was delicate and flavorful. A friend pronounced the Granchio – lump crabmeat with peppers – “very yummy” – but another’s Insalata del Posto – arugula salad with fennel – was deemed “overdressed” (then again, he is a very picky German).

I’d heard pasta was the standout here, made in house by chef de cuisine Matteo Venini, and I was not disappointed. Continue reading →

All Politics is Local, The Daily Feed
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Cloture!

DCVRA.png

Never has such a weird word been so loudly acclaimed. Today, the Senate voted 62-37 to close debate on S.160, the bill that grants the District a Representative in the House, and tomorrow will vote on its passage. Several senators crossed the aisle (at least one in the opposite direction…) to make this cloture vote possible. The House is fairly receptive to the idea, and this means that come 2011, it’s very probably that the District will have a voting member in the House of Representatives.

Ed. note: This post has been updated to add the link to the vote tally.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Where to find a good King Cake?

Photo courtesy of
‘King cake 2’
courtesy of ‘MGShelton’

You know, I have never really gotten into Mardi Gras, but what I CAN get into is a good King Cake. I love the sugary goodness of a delicious king cake – and of course, there’s got to be a little plastic baby inside. So where oh where in DC can you find a good King Cake? Well, I turned to the one and only source for trusted eating info – Chowhound.

The CH commenters recommend picking up your cake at Wegmans, Firehook, or Louisiana Express in Bethesda. But those are the only real “local” place they named – instead, most commenters suggested going straight to the New Orleans sources and having them shipped. But that’s not very locovore of us, now is it? So, readers, where can a girl get a good King Cake round these parts?

The Daily Feed, WMATA
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Transit infopr0n!

Photo courtesy of
‘Tunnel Rats’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

Via NBCWashington, I found this cool infographic from GOOD Magazine on how the US’ major metropolitan transit systems (including the DC Metro) stack up against the world’s transit systems. I had no idea that Metro has more riders than Chicago’s system, even has Chicago has many more miles of track than we do. Don’t forget to click through to the article for some good criticism of GOOD’s methodology from the commenters.

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo

Skate Face by Mika Altskan

Back in junior high I was a skater for all about, oh, three months.  I begged my dad to buy me a Tommy Guerrero board and proceeded to destroy my mom’s good scissors by cutting grip tape (basically sandpaper) for the deck.  I had all of the gear, all of the clothes, and none of the moves.  I think as soon as I realized I wouldn’t be pulling off an ollie any time soon, I stuck my board in a closet somewhere and went back to riding my bike.  It was definitely money well spent by my dad.

I thought everyone went through the same three month phase, however I’ve recently learned that there are many adults still skating!  I was part of a photography show not long ago at a place called Fight Club here in DC where all of the local skaters go to ride, and it was there that I met my friend who is not only really old, but also one of the best skaters around.  In fact he organized a downhill race on President’s Day last week where guys hauled ass down a section of Beach Drive, much like you see in the photo above.  In some of the more hardcore longboard races around the world the skaters can reach speeds of up to 60-70 miles per hour.  This is not a sport for wussies.

I have no regrets about hanging up my skate when I was a kid, but I really admire people who stuck with it and make it look easy.  Be sure to check out Mika Altskan’s Flickr stream for more great downhill skating shots.  As a 16 year old FotoWeek DC finalist, he’s got a lot of talent.  It’s obvious that he’s not afraid to get right in the action with his Nikon, a skill that separates great photographers from the average ones.

24 in DC
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24 in DC: Episode 8 (5:00 to 6:00)

Defending the Supreme Court.
 Defending the Capitol, by tiffany bridge

The voiceover promises that “this is the hour that changes everything!” Let’s hope that means that Jack will finally figure out where FBI headquarters actually is. Here we go with the recap, and welcome to another week of We Love DC’s geography-snarking.

5:00

We open with weaselly traitor FBI nerd at his desk, being taken to task about issuing the federal warrant that thwarted our hero.  Ooh, looks like Blondie is a traitor too! Agent Weaselly has the Magical Undetectable Bug of A Thousand Expositions!

Agent Freckles is freaking out that Debaku’s girlfriend is in danger. Silly Agent Freckles, thinking of “assets” as “human beings.” You’ll never stop ANY terrorists with that attitude, missy. Continue reading →

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, People, The Daily Feed
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Better than voting for American Idol…

Photo courtesy of
‘marry’
courtesy of ‘anthrovik’

Our beloved morning Metro read, The Express is running the “Express Wedding Giveaway Contest“, the winner of which will win $35,000 in prizes. Readers are to choose from five couples and vote for who they believe deserves the prize (coughJessicaandAnthonycough) – whichever couple receives the most votes, wins! (Duh.)

The contest debuted in the Express last week, and I was thoroughly enthralled. So much so, actually, that I almost missed my Metro stop. So if you’re in the mood for love, or you like voting, stop on by and help a lucky couple get free stuff.

The Daily Feed
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It’s Peeps Season!

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_5771’
courtesy of ‘dbking’

As I was out and about last weekend, I found myself shaking my head at how ridiculous it is that we’re bombarded by Easter stuff–in February. Seriously, I just put down my scissors from making valentines.

But the upside of this is: Peeps season! I have some serious love in my heart for Peeps, and last weekend was the opening of the Washington Post’s Peeps diorama contest. This is something I look forward to every year, and I just know there are going to be some good ones–what will be this year’s “Peepator Craig’s Wide Stance” or “Full Sugar Coating”?

Food and Drink, The DC 100, The Features
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DC Omnivore 100: #48, Eel

Unagi Sushi (Eel) by Madman the Mighty (Creative Commons)

Have you ever been given someone something to eat, and been told “no, try it first, and then we will tell you what it is?”  Then you are a very brave soul, especially if you were in college.   I hope you survived the episode.

I’m guilty of this trick, especially when introducing my friends and co-workers to Sushi.  Eel, especially freshwater Eel (or Unagi) is one of my favorite pieces of sushi.  It has a much higher fat content than most fish, but it’s smooth flavor and texture make it a staple of most sushi trays and a lot of the better sushi rolls.

Unlike most sushi, Unagi (fresh water eel, the most common) is never served raw.  That’s not because it would kill you or anything – the sushi afficinados reserve blowfish for that – but because you would absolutely hate it.  Unagi has a fat layer in it that smells awful, and doesn’t taste all that great.  Continue reading →

The Features, Weekend Flashback
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Weekend Flashback: 2/20 – 2/22/09

Photo courtesy of hpux735
Eisenhower Executive Building, courtesy of hpux735

Despite the chill in the air, the sky was (mostly) agreeable and due to the number of events going on this weekend, you guys were busy! DC Exposed to the Oscars to Kennedy Center concerts to bands to sports professional and not, you guys managed to capture quite the slice of life in our area. Bravo! So here’s a super-sized Flashback for your work-diverting pleasure, after the jump. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, The District, WTF?!
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It’s not “Simply Potatoes and Listeria,” Giant.

Photo courtesy of
‘Potatoes’
courtesy of ‘ChodHound’

The latest nutritional scare affects the local DC area, as Giant has recalled a series of potato products because they may contain Listeria, which can make you pretty sick. So, if you bought hash browns, potato wedges or potato slices from Giant recently, you might want to check with Giant. Of course, their Recall page only has stuff on the peanut products, so, someone’s asleep at the switch over there.

All Politics is Local, Downtown, Foggy Bottom, Life in the Capital, Night Life, The Daily Feed, The Hill, WTF?!
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D.C.’s Big Beer Ban


Participation Lager… Originally uploaded by dharmabumx

Well folks, it seems, much like the application of parking rates, D.C.’s leadership have painted with a large brush in order to solve a detailed problem. On February 9th, the D.C. Council enacted, at the behest of of several ANC members, a ban on the sale of single bottles of beer in several wards in D.C.. The Washington City Paper has an excellent write up on the issue. The local beer aficionado and brewers list (which includes many of the brewers for local brew pubs in the area, local breweries and others), DC-Beer, has lit up discussing the issue. 

In short, to paraphrase the City Paper, too many people in certain areas of the city have been pissing in the wrong people’s yards after a night of drinking and revelry. So far Ward 2 (Georgetown) and 6 (Capitol Hill) are directly affected (can anybody say “staffers”) but has the unintended affect on those who drink beer for taste rather than rote consumption. A number of specialty stores (or those who actually stock something other than the corn-fed varieties, such as Budweiser) are left shipping their stock to the basement to avoid penalties while trying to get responses back from unresponsive commissioners and councilmen. I ask, dear readers, have you been affected by this issue, or have an opinion?