Yearly Archives: 2009

Farm Fresh, The Features
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Farm Fresh: Evening Star Cafe

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Here’s another feature where WeLoveDC authors Donna (greenie) and Katie (foodie) have paired up to tell you about local restaurants that take on the challenge of being green. Donna will explain the logic behind the environmentally friendly trends, and Katie will tell you if the food tastes any good. It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it, right?

Katie: Evening Star Cafe is nestled on Mount Vernon Avenue in the heart of Alexandria’s bohemian neighborhood, Del Ray. Lanterns twinkle above. Seated at the window, Donna and I watched neighbors pass by walking dogs, running errands and grabbing frozen custard from Dairy Godmother. Evening Star has this wonderful homey feel, so it’s not hard as hard to imagine the farm-to-table concept in practice there, as it is at a super-polished place like Charlie Palmer Steak. Chef Will Artley jokes around with us like we’ve known him forever, and describes walking through the farmer’s market picking up the food for our meal and it just makes sense. We were happy to accept an invitation to learn all about Evening Star Cafe (and Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s) approach to green dining.

Donna: Evening Star is just one of the eateries in the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG), and co-owner Michael Babin talked to us about the philosophy that guides them all. NRG supports mindful growing, with no pesticides or hormones, as well as humane treatment of animals. The restaurants use biodegradable take-home containers, compost scraps, and soon their used cooking oil will be turned into biodiesel fuel.

Katie: We kicked off our meal with a light melon soup. Chef Artley laughed, telling us how he’s allergic to melons, but got so excited when he spotted these that he forgot and sampled some. It was that kind of meal – perfectly accessible, friendly, and so exciting that you forget things like food allergies. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Crepe Love

Photo courtesy of
‘Nutella + Banana crepe!’
courtesy of ‘ronnieliew’

I don’t think I can adequately describe my love of crepes, so you’ll just have to believe me when I say that upon reading PoP’s breaking of not one but two crepe cafes hitting my ‘hood this winter I just about passed out from sheer bliss. Three words, people – Nutella! Banana! Strawberry! That’s all it takes to get me in a buckwheat batter lather!!

(ahem)

Anyway, yes, two creperies will open on the rapidly blooming 14th Street Corridor this season. Crepes on the Corner in the old Garden District space at 14th & S (by the same owners as the garden shop) and Point Chaud in the storefront formerly operated by Circle Boutique (on roughly the opposite side of the street). The former has the opportunity for a large outside seating area so I predict quite a hot brunch spot. The latter will probably be cosier. But who cares about the details! Nutella! Banana! Strawberry!

Two, two creperies. So close to me. I’m in heaven. Dancing around with dreams of savory and sweet. Can’t wait.

The Daily Feed
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Need a New Bike Light?

Photo courtesy of
‘light reflection’
courtesy of ‘m hoek’

DDOT, WABA and the City of Alexandria want bicyclists to be safer in the dark, and that’s why they’re giving away 800 free front & rear bike lights tomorrow and November 5th at Sun Trust Plaza at 18th & Columbia NW in Adams Morgan and 7th St NE and Constitution Ave NE in Capitol Hill. The giveaways in Alexandria will run tomorrow through Thursday at Holmes Run and Duke Street (Tuesday), Mount Vernon Trail at Canal Center (Wednesday) and the Four Mile Run Trail at Commonwealth Ave. (Thursday)

Night Life, The Daily Feed
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The Gibson Expands Saturday

Photo courtesy of
‘Ceiling at The Gibson’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

If you’ve been left waiting outside at the Gibson, then you’ll probably be ecstatic to hear: they open their upstairs this weekend, doubling the capacity of the popular speakeasy. Better news? The upstairs has a couple rooms that you can rent for private events. Of course, I’m betting that’s going to be a popular option which then limits the capacity again, so don’t get too excited, just get ready to book that room way in advance for cool events.

Interviews, People, The Features
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He Loves DC: Walker Lamond

Photo courtesy of
Walker Lamond from the “Rules for My Unborn Son” Media Kit
courtesy of ‘K1rkles’

Walker Lamond can be described as the fatherly sage of the masculine aesthetic.  Perhaps you don’t know his name, but it’s more than likely that you’ve at least heard of his blog, “1001 Rules for My Unborn Son.” As the title suggests, Walker doles out practical advice to his son on his popular Tumblr page.  He’s gathered a substantial following over his past year and a half of blogging, including the attention of a few publishers.

Tomorrow, Walker will join the ranks of the bloggers turned authors when Rules for My Unborn Son, a book of his axioms, is released. It turns out that Mr. Lamond is a resident of DC and, on the eve of his literary debut, he graciously agreed to answer a few questions about his book and life in the city.  He even gave some advice while he was at it. So, continue reading to discover Walker’s thoughts on becoming an author, DC’s greatest sartorial misstep, and how to improve our taxi system.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Street Car Maps

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Hoffmann’

The District Department of Transportation released an interactive map of the new street car systems, currently under construction.  The map superimposes the proposed routes over a map of the city, and the system looks like it will be pretty widespread by the time it’s finished.  I, for one, am excited.

The Daily Feed
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It’s That Time Again: High Heel Race!!

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Folks, it is time for that most DC event: The High Heel Race. If you’re not familiar, it’s a race down 17th street, with men in their finest taffeta and lamé gowns, in beautiful high heel shoes. If you’re not convinced, check out Katie’s photo digest from last year’s event. The race isn’t until 8 or so in the evening, but plan to be there by 6:30 at the latest if you want a good viewing spot.

My friend Stuart will be racing this year, and I certainly wish him good balance and excellent speed. He’ll be in the purple slinky cocktail dress and matching pumps, I’m sure. Seriously, come out and see the costumes for yourselves, they’re absolutely perfect for this fantastic time of year.

Update to mention: Of course I left the date off. The Race is Tomorrow, 10/27, not today.

Sports Fix
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Sports Fix: Prelude to a Season

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Alex Barth’

D.C. United
Record: 9-8-13
Place: Fourth in the East
Last Two Weeks: 1-0-1

At the end of it all, United couldn’t win when they had to, and settled for a tie in Kansas City. They tied more than they did anything else this season, which is why they’ll watch the playoffs from their homes. Needing a win in Kansas City, they managed to put up the offense, but the loss of Wicks in goal meant they gave up a pair of goals they shouldn’t have.

So, what happens now? The good news is, United is still DC’s football team that doesn’t suck. The bad news, well, Coach Tom Soehn may be done. It’s not clear if that’s all that bad.

As usual, Ben Olsen nails it: “This organization’s not used to [missing the playoffs]. If that’s the case, then we’ll handle it. You know, take part of the blame. We lost this organization some points out of this year, and we’re in this together and move forward. You can’t make it every year, but two in a row is alarming, and we’ll certainly look to coming back next year.”

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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The Romance of Steam


The Romance of Steam
Originally uploaded by LaTur

When I moved to DC in 2000, it was just about the worst move ever. We were dragging a trailer in my 92 Ford Explorer, and the transmission died in Cumberland. I had just found out the job I came here for had evaporated, that I couldn’t get out of my lease, and now I was facing a $1,000 car bill and three days stuck in Cumberland while my transmission got fixed. My cousin and I tried to make the most of it, and we took a trip on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad captured here by Flickr user LaTur.

The trip on the restored railroad is a beautiful one, winding through the hills of northern Appalachia through the trees and scenic views. This weekend, I can only imagine, was a beautiful one to take the train, as we’re having just about the most picturesque fall I can remember in my near-decade of DC life. They do Saturday Murder Mystery events with a ride on the train and dinner. Go. Feel wrapped in the anachronism, and just step out of reality for an evening.

The Daily Feed
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Education Funding Gone Awry

Photo courtesy of
‘Multimedia message’
courtesy of ‘Big C Harvey’

D.C. Wire has the story about an Education project in DC that went horribly awry and cost the city $5.5M for something that doesn’t even remotely work. Several councilmembers got to hammer away at the Chief Procurement Officer and State Superintendent on Friday afternoon for the abject failure to conform the project. In addition to the lengthy delays in delivery and error-prone system, the consultants they hired to build it are nearly bankrupt. Way to go, DC Government, that’s another big win for us all.

Nicely done.

The Daily Feed
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More Protests Over Same-Sex Marriage

Photo courtesy of
‘capitol couple’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

The same-sex marriage debate rages on, as a DC council committee addresses the issue of whether these marriages are legal today. Protesters (many from Virginia and Maryland) made some noise yesterday in Freedom Plaza, demanding that the issue be put on a ballot so DC residents can vote on it. My question is, will that really solve anything? There will always be a group of people who will be unhappy no matter how the decision gets made, and what if putting it on the ballot means the kind of money and advertising influx that Prop 8 in California got? No, thanks.

News, The Daily Feed
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Councilman Brown Finishes Marine Corps Marathon

Photo courtesy of
‘Kwame Brown’
courtesy of ‘tbridge’

Congratulations, Councilman Kwame Brown! The councilman finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 4:40:04, for 10,977th overall. Marathon’s are tricky business, and anyone who manages to finish this feat of endurance gets my respect and admiration. 26.2 miles is a long darn way. Fortunately, yesterday was as beautiful a fall day as I think we ever get in DC, so I’m sure he had a good run.

Interestingly enough, Mayor Fenty was registered, but chose not to run. Perhaps he was saving his energy for a mayoral challenge?

The Daily Feed
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Not boo, book! Some Halloween reading by Eric Nuzum

Photo courtesy of erin m
courtesy of erin m

If you’d like a way to ease yourself into the Halloween spirit there’s a free reading tonight that might be right up your alley. Petworth’s own Eric Nuzum, author of The Dead Travel Fast, has another book in the works. Dead was about vampires and our obsession with them. Nuzum describes Bring Me to Heaven as a “ghost-themed memoir.”

No, I don’t know what that means.

What I do know is that he’ll be doing a reading, including material from the upcoming book, tonight at Past Tense in Mount Pleasant. The press release says some of the amusing stories he’ll relate will include:

• A night spent locked in an abandoned prison facility with a reputation for violent paranormal interactions
• An evening spent traipsing through the Gettysburg Battlefield in search of ghosts

And more. The reading is at 7:45 but you’re encouraged to come at 6:30 and join the happy hour yoga class.

Yes, Happy Hour Yoga. Look, I just report on this stuff, okay?

Past Tense
3253 Mt. Pleasant St. NW,
Washington, DC 20010

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Rally for the Planet, Tomorrow

Photo courtesy of
‘Mural’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

Tomorrow, right here in DC, you can join people all over the world in an International Day of Climate Action sponsored by 350. (Why does the number 350 matter? Find out in this short video or check out the FAQs.)

So far more than a hundred nations are taking part, and thousands are expected at the biggest rally, starting at noon in Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park. After speakers, music, cultural performers, exhibits and more, the group will form a “circle of hope” across from the White House.

If a rally’s not your speed, consider the 14 other events in DC (search in your area), including a mass bike ride, a recycling raid, an organic and vegan food prep, and a joycott at Bourbon Coffee, to get you wired about saving the planet.

Food and Drink, The Features
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Kirk’s Almost Famous Chili Recipe

Photo courtesy of
‘Chillli! Chille? Chili?’
courtesy of ‘goodcatmum’

If last weekend told you anything, it’s that cold weather is right around the corner. I’m writing, dear reader, to inform you of a method of defense against chill.  I want to bestow upon you a chili recipe that will warm your body and soul.  A chili recipe that is, as of last night, award winning. A chili recipe that has never been written down, before. My very own “Kirk’s Almost Famous Chili Recipe,” winner of the 2009 Miriam’s Kitchen Chili Cookoff.

My recipe is a bastardized Cincinnati style chili. Cincinnati style is sweeter and more complex than its Texan cousin.  It’s more about the spices than about the types and amount of chilis that go into it.  This isn’t to say that it’s weak or anything, it’s just different. What I tried to do was marry the complexity of Cincinnati chili with the beefiness and savor of Texas chili.

It should come out with a subtly sweet broth that has a slow burn towards the back of the throat.  There are hints of bourbon and cinnamon that go very nicely with the change in season and make the chili palatable enough to be eaten without rice or corn bread. Ideally, everything will come out in balance: sweet, but not too sweet and spicy, but not too spicy. And yes, it has beans.  Sorry, purists.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Brewfest: Here again, marginally closer

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Brewfest time again! They’ve moved the fall event in a little closer than Summer’s Leesburg, though not a lot: This Saturday and Sunday the event will be going on at Broad Run Park in Centerville, otherwise known as “way the hell out there by Dulles Airport.” I’m interested in going, but unfortunately the options for safe transport stink.

OnTap has an event bus running Saturday, but they’ve already sold out. Vintage 51 will run 6 buses on Saturday as well, but that only helps if you’re in South Riding. No bus options are listed for Sunday at all. Want to stay in a Comfort Suites just to be safe? There’s a $69 deal for Brewfest attendees, provided you can get yourself the 8 miles from the event to the Manassas hotel.

Your only option is to take a designated driver, who will get a $5 discount on the $25 admission fee.

I’m interested in going, but I’m a little underwhelmed by their transport & safety solutions.

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital
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Halloween Costume Ideas, DC Style

Photo courtesy of
‘Jack-O-Lantern wall’
courtesy of ‘E V Peters’

There’s one thing on everyone’s mind in DC this week. Health care, taxi cab fraud, economic recession…they’re all taking a back seat for now. I mean, they’re important and stuff. But the one and only thing you should be worried about right now is what you’re going to be for Halloween! You have exactly 8 days to come up with something extremely clever and amazing, figure out what you need to make it happen and then find a way to actually pull it off. We in DC hold each other to a higher standard when it comes to dressing up for this love-it or hate-it holiday. Dracula, a sheet over-your-head ghost or a cape and mask batman just won’t cut it around here. You need to be smart and unique with your costume.

Do not fear, my fellow “I was going to be a goblin until I read this post and realized that’s just not cool and I need to try much, much harder” friends. We Love DC is here to save the day yet again. Today I present to you: DC appropriate costume ideas. Some of them would only fly here in DC while some could make it elsewhere. But if there is one place in the country where these outfits would be considered a good choice on the night of October 31st (definitely don’t wear them during the day)…it’s right here in the glorious and splendid Nation’s Capitol. Now, let’s take a look at your options.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Fairfax’s Own pirated software magnate

Photo courtesy of
‘Woman in cell, playing solitaire’
courtesy of ‘George Eastman House’

The DOJ announced that Gregory William Fair of Falls Church has been sentenced to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. It would seem that peddling “counterfeit” computer software is pretty profitable. Fair has to pay just shy of $750,000 in restitution after already forfeiting $144,000 in cash as well as a whole mess of cars: a BMW 5 series, a Hummer H2, Mercedes CL600 and a 69 GTO.

The repeated use of the word counterfeit is interesting, and a funny reflection on the way software is sold and intellectual property in general. No doubt what Fair’s eBay buyers got was in every way the actual, functional software they were looking for, and it did what the buyers expected. We think of “counterfeit” as being different than the actual thing, but in a case like this the only difference is likely the permission of the rights holder. Sometimes that’s the case with knockoff clothing and accessories too – sometimes that purse you buy on the corner in Georgetown is made in the same factory as the real designer’s products, made on the sly and sold out the back door to knockoff vendors.

Also interesting is just how little Fair might have sold. The press release says he sold about a million bucks in Adobe products, retail. With a vanilla copy of Photoshop at $700 and some of the suites selling for $1,800 it probably didn’t take long to hit that $1M.

The Daily Feed
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DC in all its Wikipedian glory

Photo courtesy of
‘All quiet on the western front…’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

I ran across an interesting piece in the Post today about Adam Lewis. You’ve never heard of him, but he’s the guardian of the Wikipedia entry on Washington, DC. It seems that under Lewis’ careful eye, the DC entry has gone from a shoddy, decaying entry to a thoroughly sourced, well-researched, and informative article that has actually been featured as a shining example of Wikipedia at it’s best.

Maybe for his next project, Lewis could take over WMATA?