The Daily Feed, WMATA, WTF?!

Why Google Transit matters

North view from Columbia Tower

Visiting Seattle this past weekend, I found myself jealous of the Emerald City, and not just for their fine food and coffee options, or for the warm weather and gentle rain.  No, what I found most amazing about Seattle was the wealth of transit options I had in the palm of my hand through Google Maps on my iPhone.

If you’ve ever tried to use the transit mode in DC, you know that it holds nothing but certain disappointment, and you find yourself trying to find directions another way.  You muddle through the wmata.com website, you try to remember which bus route runs where, and which ones are named after streetcar routes, and if you’re like me, you can’t keep it all straight.

WMATA has committed to bringing Metrobus and Metrorail routes to Google Transit, but have missed deadline after deadline, first saying January of 2011, and then saying “any day now“.  The project has foundered for reasons that WMATA isn’t discussing publicly.  I do recognize that processing five rail lines, and 300 bus lines is a chunk of work, but after my weekend of wandering Seattle, and spending a chunk of money on fares, it’s awful hard to go back.

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Entertainment, Fun & Games, Music, We Love Music

The Winning Ticket: Kylie Minogue

As a way to say thanks to our loyal readers, We Love DC will be giving away a pair of tickets to a concert to one lucky reader each week. Check back here every Wednesday morning at 9am to find out what tickets we’re giving away and leave a comment for your chance to be the lucky winner!

This week we are giving away a pair of tickets to see Kylie Minogue live at the Patriot Center at George Mason University on Saturday, April 30th. Whether you are a fan of Ms. Minogue’s music or not, there is no denying that she is one of the premier spectacle performers on the planet right now. I have heard absolutely insane things about the stage set, costumes, and sheer theatrical hugeness of her current tour, “Aphrodite Live 2011”. We’re talking walls of water (you can purchase “splash zone” seats), Kylie emerging from a giant clam (ala Botticelli), and later riding a freakin’ Pegasus (yes, a freakin’ Pegasus)!

For your chance to win these tickets simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address between 9am and 4pm today. One entry per email address, please. If today doesn’t turn out to be your lucky day, check back here each Wednesday for a chance to win tickets to other great concerts. Tickets for this concert are available on Ticketmaster.

For the rules of this giveaway…
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Entertainment, The Features, We Love Arts

We Love Arts: King Lear

Irakli Kavsadze in Synetic Theater's production of King Lear. Photo credit: Graeme B. Shaw.

There’s a point in the life cycle of a theater company when its style is well-established and admired. Audiences get it, enamored of the new elements that it brings to the city’s art scene. Awards are achieved, a new home is granted. That’s the tipping point, when its time for the critic to stop focusing so much on the uniqueness of the company’s innovation, and for the artists to start thinking about the next direction. In other words – let’s stop looking at the dress, and examine the body underneath.

I am at that point with Synetic Theater, a company I dearly love, and whose success I feel strongly about. But after seeing King Lear, I wonder if it’s time to pause the still well-deserved accolades for their physical style, and highlight where they could use some growth.

It isn’t quite a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes yet. Certainly there’s a ravishingly sick beauty to this production, with its Fellini meets Tim Burton inspiration, and the usual haunting images and moments of physical power we’ve come to expect and indeed demand from Synetic. But, it’s just that – usual. Now that this style is the baseline expectation for Synetic, and because we expect that level of brilliance in the conceptual presentation, the holes with plot interpretation are starting to show.

And with next season full of repeats of popular productions past before debuting a winter program called New Movements: New Directors, New Voices, I wonder if the company itself is beginning to feel its time to take stock.

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Education, Essential DC, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed, The District

Where Do Those Darn Potholes Come From?

Last week, Mayor Gray and DDOT kicked off Potholepalooza 2011, our city’s intensified efforts to fill those tire-busting, shock killing road hazards. In an effort to let our powers combine, DDOT is asking DC residents to tell them about neighborhood potholes that need fixing. You can target these car nightmares and curse inducing potholes by phoning in (311), going onlinetweeting or emailing DDOT.

According to VDOT’s Pothole Hunter Phil Itwick, these little f*ckers are caused by water that gets into the pavement and expands and contracts with the changing temperatures. Mr. Itwick gives a fantastic, and entertaining, explanation on how potholes are fixed on both a temporary and permanent basis. Definitely worth the watch.

The Daily Feed

Is a missing air traffic controller a big deal?

Photo courtesy of
‘Lincoln’
courtesy of ‘yostinator’

Last week we had more air traffic controller news out of the DC area than we’ve had since 1981. If you were still under your rock, the issue was an unresponsive tower where the lone employee had fallen asleep. The TBD article does a good job of doing a matter-of-fact reporting of how such a thing is handled with no apparent drama – one landing pilot didn’t even intend to report it. But you can’t be blamed for wondering – is that just overly-neutral reporting or is this really sort of a “meh” incident?

I’m a big fan of Patrick Smith’s Ask the Pilot column over at Salon and he weighed in on this issue yesterday. So, was it dangerous? “sort of, maybe, it depends, probably not.”

The TBD article opens with what seems like a kind of scandalous line. “Two airliners landed at Reagan National Airport without clearance from the airport tower because they were unable to raise anyone there.” But Smith says this went down just as it should and in the safest possible way.

If a plane is on a published approach procedure toward a particular runway, nine times in 10 the safest course of action is to continue that approach and land on that runway.

The whole piece is quick and worth a read. It jibes with my limited knowledge as a relative of a lightweight craft pilot and I share his largest takeaway from the matter: “Open to debate is the wisdom of having but a single tower controller on hand at any point, even during off-peak hours when things are relatively quiet, but that’s a topic for another time.”

Here’s hoping he investigates that topic in the future.

Dupont Circle, Food and Drink, The Features, We Love Food

We Love Food: Hank’s Oyster Bar

Photo courtesy of
‘P1010522’
courtesy of ‘sygyzy’
Hank’s Oyster Bar has all the makings of being my go-to secret neighborhood joint — that perfectly undiscovered gem, with amazing food and an owner who remembers me so I never have to wait for a table. In a perfect world, yes, this would be the case. But this is not a perfect world and the rest of Washington has discovered Hank’s. There’s usually a wait, and to make matters worse, it’s not even in my neighborhood. But it almost was my neighborhood. I looked at an apartment in the Cairo building, and while I was thrilled with the opportunity to live in a haunted former brothel, I was even more excited about the possibility of living within viewing distance of the line at Hank’s.

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Food and Drink, The Daily Feed

Arcadia’s Mobile Market Project and Happy Hour Fundraiser

Photo courtesy of
‘SCHOOL BUS’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

There are some truly innovative projects going on in the food world to expand access to healthy and local produce. One right in DC is Arcadia’s Mobile Market Project, an initiative to turn a school bus into a traveling farmer’s market that will run on biofuel (a.k.a. old cooking oil) and stop in “food deserts” across the city.

The first fundraiser event for the project is this Thursday, March 31 from 5 to 8 PM at Lounge 2o1 near Union Station. The happy hour will have cocktails with local spirits, as well as some tiny bites made with local, sustainable beef from White House Meats. You’ll be able to make a secure pledge to the Mobile Market Project right on the spot and Lounge 201 will donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to the project.

The project is trying to raise $15,000 by Earth Day on April 22nd. Unfortunately, if the project doesn’t meet its goal it will be stalled and you won’t be charged for your donation. When the Mobile Market launches, it will make regular stops in Wards 5, 7 and 8 and sell fresh, affordable produce. To increase accessibility, the market will accept many forms of payment, including SNAP, WIC and FMNP vouchers. Additionally, the bus will make special visits to different schools and community centers to bring chefs, farmers and other community leaders in to talk about making healthy food choices.

So far the project has raised more than $7,000 and has 23 days to go. If you can’t make it to the happy hour at Lounge 201, you can make an online pledge here.

News, The Daily Feed

Franklin Tower roof fire mostly extinguished

Photo 2
Photo courtesy of Carl Weaver

HVAC equipment on top of the Franklin Tower Buildings at 14th and I St NW caught fire this morning, producing large amounts of black smoke this morning around 10:30.  Fire Department spokesman Pete Piringer says that they have gotten the fire knocked down and under control this morning, but the building had to be evacuated as a precaution.

Entertainment, Music, We Love Music

We Love Music: Miami Horror @ U Street Music Hall, 3/26/11


courtesy of Miami Horror.

Guest reviewer Alexia Kauffman of The Torches was at the show for We Love DC.

Melbourne’s electro-disco-pop outfit Miami Horror rocked out to a packed U Street Music Hall Saturday night.

I first heard Miami Horror last summer and was fortunate enough to catch their first DC show at U Street Music Hall last year. For that show the hall was probably only 1/3 full, but the audience was super enthusiastic and the band clearly had fun. I bought their album “Illumination” at that show and I couldn’t stop listening to it for the rest of the year. It is definitely one of my favorite albums of 2010. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Plant, the group’s founder, last week, and you can check that out here. Now on with the show.

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Food and Drink, The Daily Feed

FREE FOOD ALERT: Cherry Picks at Capital One Bank Branches

Photo courtesy of
‘cherry blossoms + Washington Monument’
courtesy of ‘martha_jean’

Unless you’ve got tons of free time and an expansive stomach and wallet, there’s just no way to take advantage of every cherry blossom-inspired dish at restaurants around town. So instead, you can sample some of the “Cherry Picks” this week and next at various Capital One Bank locations.

From 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on designated dates, different restaurants will give out complimentary morsels. If you happen to be a Capital One Bank customer, then you get the added bonus of getting a free coffee or dessert when you dine at and pay with your Capital One debit or credit card at participating restaurants.

Below is the schedule for the free Cherry Picks:

Tuesday, March 29; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 1100 17th Street, NW
Featuring Litestars
 
Wednesday, March 30; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 336 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Featuring Zest Bistro

Wednesday, March 30; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 1800 M Street, NW
Featuring Mie N Yu

Thursday, March 31; 11:30 – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 2400 M Street, NW 
Featuring RIS 

Tuesday, April 5; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 901 New York Ave, NW
Featuring Againn
 
Wednesday, April 6; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 1850 K Street, NW
Featuring Cities Restaurant & Lounge

Thursday, April 7; 11:30am – 1:30pm
Capital One Branch: 1200 F Street, NW
Featuring McCormick and Schmick’s

Adventures, Entertainment, Essential DC, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, News, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District

Blossom Kite Festival Rescheduled to Sunday, April 10

Photo courtesy of
’44th annual Smithsonian Kite Festival’
courtesy of ‘cruffo’

Last weekend’s postponed kite festival has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 10th from 10am until 4pm. Check the event’s official website for updates on the day’s  activities. If you’re looking for a kite, Sullivan’s Toy Store and Art Supplies (3412 Wisconsin Avenue NW) store has plenty in stock.

The Daily Feed

Nats FanFest Wednesday: Rain, Shine, or Snow?!

Photo courtesy of
‘scoreboard fireworks’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

The weather might be reminding you more of hockey season, or football season, but baseball season starts in DC on Thursday with the Nats against the Braves (tickets still available), but before we get to that, Wednesday at Nationals Park is this year’s Fan Fest.  Season ticket holders should plan on showing up at 3:30, and the rest of the public around 4pm or so. The Nationals say, subject to change, that Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, Derek Norris, Chien Ming Wang and Cole Kimball are going to be there, as part of various Q&A panels and photo opportunities.  Tickets are $10, and get you access to the park for the festivities.

As the Nats prepare to start their seventh season in Washington, this is a great way for fans to get up close and personal with this year’s team and staff.

The Daily Feed

First Look: SOCCi

Photo courtesy of
‘SOCCi Sign’
courtesy of ‘A. L. Huber’

Often, hotel restaurants get a bad reputation that is sorely undeserved. There are many truly great restaurants that adjoin hotels that often get forgotten when thinking about fine cuisine – Blue Duck Tavern in Foggy Bottom springs to mind immediately. SOCCi, short for South of Crystal City Italian, is a new addition to that list of great restaurants in unusual locations.

Nestled in the lobby of the gorgeous newly-constructed Renaissance Arlington Capital View hotel, SOCCi boasts a 96-seat dining room serving chef David Creamer’s fresh, inspired take on classic Italian cuisine.
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Food and Drink, Special Events, The Features, We Love Drinks

Drinks Special: Birch & Barley’s Beer & Whiskey

Birch & Barley/ChurchKey beer and whisky tasting

Last week, Birch & Barley hosted their first-ever beer and whiskey tasting. At the helm was the inimitable Greg Engert to guide the evening’s attendees through three different beers and three different whiskies, one of each presented on its own, and then two of each paired together.

While I’ve had several meals at Birch & Barley and have spent too much time upstairs at ChurchKey, I had not yet attended one of Birch & Barley’s tastings or beer dinners so I wasn’t sure what to expect—in its format, presentation, guidance, sociability—but based on my past experiences with the brother-sister venues and the heavy promotion the tasting received, I figured it would be worthwhile. By the conclusion of the event, it had certainly met expectations—I left better educated, with a few new acquaintances, and with a pleasant buzz.

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The Daily Feed

Two Opportunities to Buy Art and Support Important Causes



This Thursday, March 31st, one has two very win-win opportunities: two local organizations will be hosting parties where you can attend, view and purchase fine art by local and international artists, and support positive causes with the proceeds.

At Studio Gallery, the non-profit Acumen Fund is organizing an all-photography auction called DIGNITY DC. This event is curated by the Nuru Project, a group that seeks to leverage photography as an agent for social change in the developing world, and DC is the sixth city in the on-going DIGNITY event series. The beneficiary in DC, Acumen Fund, uses entrepreneurial approaches to fund projects in the developing world and, since their founding in 2001, has invested in water, public health, energy, and agriculture ventures. Each photograph in the DIGNITY DC show was taken in a location where Acumen Fund is working, including Kenya, India, and Pakistan, and the images have been selected to “convey the essence of Acumen Fund’s work and the people its investments reach,” according to event organizers.

The same evening (though running later and not terribly far away) the new Lamont Bishop Gallery hosts RESTORE: Japan – which sees the work of 32 Washington, DC-area artists coming together to raise money for the Japanese Red Cross Society. Many notable names of the local arts community have donated works including Kelly Towles, John Blee, and DECOY, all representing a variety of styles – so in addition to the suggested donation at the door of only $10, you should be able to find a piece that you want to add to your collection and, in so doing, support the recovery efforts in Japan.

Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music

We Love Music: Royksopp @ 9:30 Club, 3/23/11

Photo courtesy of
‘Röyksopp 03’
courtesy of ‘Max Cook’

Guest reviewer Alexia Kauffman of The Torches was at the show for We Love DC:

Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp brought jubilant energy to their sold out show at the 930 club Wednesday night. When I arrived, fifteen minutes before doors opened, there was a line stretching down the block of dedicated admirers waiting in the cold rain for a good spot inside.

I must say that I have been eagerly anticipating this show for some time. This was my first time seeing Royksopp. I heard and loved their song “Remind Me” years ago (yes, before the Geico commercial), and then fell in love with their remix of Beck’s “Missing” on his 2005 remix EP(the best Beck remix ever, IMO). It wasn’t until their 2009 album Junior, though, that I fell hard for them. That album spent the entire summer/fall in my car stereo, and on repeat through my headphones at work.

Since then I have been dying to see them live. And finally, to DC they came. Continue reading

The Daily Feed

Fuel Surcharge in DC Taxicabs

Photo courtesy of

courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Even if you don’t own a car in DC, you’ll still be feeling the pain at the pump. Starting today, DC taxicabs can charge an extra $1 fuel surcharge for rides within the District of Columbia.

For now the fee is set to last until July 25th, but could be repealed sooner. Mayor Vincent Gray gave the orders for the fuel surcharge after it was recommended by the D.C. Taxicab commission. As reported by The Washington Post earlier today, the surcharge was added in response to rising gasoline prices.

No word on where you can lodge a complaint, but DC Taxicab Commission’s site says you can call them with questions at (202) 645-6018.

The Daily Feed

J&G Steakhouse Debuts Their New Bar Menu

 

Photo Courtesy of J&G Steakhouse

I’ll be the first person to admit that the area around the White House isn’t exactly where I spend my free time. The first time I have to shove a tourist in to a crosswalk when there’s less than twenty seconds left in the little countdown, I lose my mind and hop the Metro for greener pastures. That being said, I feel like I know the area pretty well, so when I headed to J&G Steakhouse the other night, I was shocked to find myself in a bar that I never even knew existed.

I was there to check out their new bar bites (more on that later), but ended up pleasantly surprised by the wine bar. With a subterranean entrance right off the W Hotel patio on Pennsylvania Ave., I must have walked by this tiny 40-ish person bar a handful of times and never even noticed it. With the cool vibe the W has been pushing since they opened, but slightly toned down and butched up with a long wooden table running the length of the restaurant, this secret spot will definitely be a new go-to for only the coolest of my out-of-towner friends.

But the food, of course, is divine. As one would expect from dishes coming out of the J&G kitchen, the small bites are inventive and binge-worthy. Select one dish for $8 or three for $20, and you’ll get oysters, a signature slider, crispy calamari, or my personal favorite — the crab cake. All bites are expertly paired with wine in a way that does this girl and her drinking habits proud. Though the dishes are derived from the upstairs menu, they are nowhere near the size. Be forewarned that this will not be the happy hour to fill up on free nuts or pass appetizers, but it is a great way to get a delicious bite in a cool setting.

The Sips & Bites menu is available in the Wine Bar only, Monday through Friday, from 5pm-7pm.