‘Setting up Shop’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’
Happy Friday! You got through the short week, so here’s a bit of food truck trivia from Sauca to kick off your weekend.
Question: What profession did the Ambassador of SAUCA do prior to getting into the food truck business?
Answer: Investment Banking. During his career he lived in Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East where he was influenced by the foods of the international street venders and thus, SAUCA was born.
By Jenn Larsen
Last night I got tied up to two people. We were force fed food through a syringe. Several people ate bugs. A couple needed the Heimlich. It blew all our minds.
Welcome to Fringe!
Judging by the happy crowd buzzing through the heat at the Baldacchino Gypsy Tent last night, the 2011 Capital Fringe Festival is off to a great start. Now through July 24 you can enjoy (or not enjoy, that’s part of the experience too!) 18 days of over 100 risky productions by over 2,000 artists performing genres from theater, music, puppetry and dance. It’s chaotic, and it’s meant to be that way – anarchic challenging fun. Venues are spread out from the core in the Mount Vernon Square, with home base at Fort Fringe, 607 New York Avenue NW. Tickets are available in singles of $17 a show or in packs of 4 ($60), 6 ($80), 110 ($120) or all-access ($300). A Fringe Admission Button is required as well, a one-time purchase of $7 (kids 12 and under don’t need one, and yes, though Fringe can be raunchy there are shows for kids too!). There’s also plenty of free events and crazy people-watching at the Baldacchino Gypsy Tent, which serves as the hub with food and drink throughout the festival.
Last year was my first time really diving into Fringe madness, reviewing eight plays over eight days in collaboration with the fantastic folks at DC Theatre Scene. It was exhilarating, because whether I liked a production or not, every one pushed boundaries in that way only Fringe can. This year I’ve got seven plays over fourteen days to tackle. DCTS has assembled a team of 21 crack reviewers (or, we’re all on crack, depending on your view) to ambitiously cover every show, with reviews going up within 24 hours of opening. Fellow WLDC author Patrick Pho is also in on the game, and you’ll see our reviews both here and at DCTS. We’re ready for a fast and furious immersion into the world of experimental performance. So get your button and join us!
Based on what I experienced last night (the futurist food frenzy of the Tactile Dinner Car), it’s going to be one hell of a wild ride.
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courtesy of ‘Hoffmann’
The Nationals we’re up 8-0 in the third inning last night and proceeded to drop the contest 10-9 to the Chicago Cubs, making the game the largest blown lead in Washington’s history. Before last night, the Nationals ballclub hadn’t blown a lead of more than six runs since 2005. Continue reading
‘pink shoes’
courtesy of ‘ekelly80’
Glee fans in the District who want to get their groove on have the option now. That’s right. The Washington DC JCC (1529 16th Street NW) is hosing Tuesday evening classes, five total, starting August 2 with instructor Alvaro Maldonado.
The class costs $70 for member/seniors/people under 25 and $85 for everyone else. Students will learn Jazz, Broadway and Modern dance moves inspired by performances from the hit television series.
For more information on how to register for the class, visit the DC JCC’s website.
‘The Footbridge at Yards Park – Gorgeous Evening!’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’
There’s not much better than when DC comes alive in the summertime and suddenly all the green lawns and open spaces are filled with people. Though it’s been running for a while now, there are two summer concert series at the Yards Park down at the Capitol Waterfront that if you haven’t already taken advantage of, you should.
The first series brings together food trucks and music during the Wednesday Lunchtime concerts. From 11:30 AM til 1:30 PM, you can get some food truck grub and listen to live music down by N and 3rd Streets SE. You can check out our food truck tracker to see who’s there, or you can check out Capitolriverfront.org to see what trucks will be making an appearance. If you can’t make it down to the riverfront for lunch, Friday nights from 6 PM til 8 PM, there’s more live music along with a beer/sangria garden and food from Devine Foods and Smokin’ Something BBQ.
For the lineup of bands and concert schedule, you can check out The Yards calendar. The lunchtime concerts run until August 17 and the Friday evening concerts run until August 19.
By Tom Bridge
Rendering released by Metro
2013 doesn’t feel all that far off, and for those of us who were born in the 1970s, it certainly sounds an awful lot like we’re living in the future. The new 7000-series cars that Metro released concept drawings for today will debut in 2013. WMATA ordered 364 of the cars to replace their aging 1000-series cars, and to run on the airport extension line. The Post got a tour of the plywood mockup, and have posted a video of the mockup, including the fancy new displays which indicate the car’s location on the various lines.
By Don
‘Army Photography Contest – 2007 – FMWRC – Arts and Crafts – The Colors Emerge’
courtesy of ‘familymwr’
In the real of complaints I have to say “jeez, the weekend again already?” might be my favorite. If you’ve only now started to recover from your own “day of food and fire,” as my friend Suzanne calls the 4th of July, maybe you don’t have plans yet. Well, steal ours. If you see us there please don’t look us in the eye – we’re shy like that.
‘Fort Reno, July 16, 2009’
courtesy of ‘sarawithoutanh001’
Brittany: The big thing this weekend (where I think I will be seeing everybody I know) is definitely C.L.I.T.fest (that stands for Combating Latent Inequality Together, by the way – nothing else you might be thinking). The three day event – “combining music and education to both challenge patriarchal oppression and promote involvement in DIY” – kicks off on Friday at St Stephen’s church in Columbia Heights with an impressive, feministy musical line-up headlined by Lemuria and also featuring super-good DC girls Trophy Wife. Come back throughout the weekend for classes on screen printing, self-defense, and everything else a modern kid needs to know to “undermine patriarchy, homophobia, and transphobia in punk and DIY” including more music at St Stephens and the Black Cat. For just a bit more music and DC love, I will wrap up my weekend on Monday by seeing my friends Title Tracks at Fort Reno.
Mosley: It’s the second weekend of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival; I went last weekend and enjoyed myself. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Peace Corps and Columbia cultures. I’m particularly looking forward to going to one of the late night concerts of the Rhythm and Blues culture (here’s the schedule for the musical acts). I don’t normally go to the night concerts, so this will be an experience. Other than that, I’m looking forward to some relaxation. I’m thinking either a lazy day walk to the Dumbarton Oaks Museum. Or an even lazier walk to find a good milk shake. I’ve tried Shake Shack and Goodstuff, so something else is in order…suggestions welcomed!
‘Eat Wonky’
courtesy of ‘ekelly80’
We’re almost at the weekend. Go reward yourself with some squeaky cheese and fries with gravy from Eat Wonky, or lunch from another truck.
Continue reading
As a way to say thanks to our loyal readers, We Love DC will be giving away a pair of tickets to a 9:30 Club concert to one lucky reader each week.
This week we are giving away a pair of tickets to see Gomez perform at the 9:30 Club on Monday, July 18th. These guys debuted at the tail end of the Brit-Pop explosion and have kept their sound upbeat and eclectic over the years thanks to their multiple songwriter approach and rotating vocal duties. Gomez are touring behind their terrific new album “Whatever’s On Your Mind” but you’ve also got to hope they play this one…
Airstream Driver from Gomez on Vimeo.
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 Ticketfly.
For the rules of this giveaway…
Continue reading
‘the ump dance’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Would you believe me if I said the Nats secured their tenth consecutive win by one run or in extra innings on Wednesday night? It’s true. Washington is now 13-3 in one-run games since June 1. They’ve won three out of four games against the Chicago Cubs and are going for the sweep tonight.
Manager Davey Johnson found success and victory with a well-executed suicide squeeze bunt in the seventh inning off the bat of Wilson Ramos to score the game winning run in a 5-4 victory. The game went back and forth between the two clubs for most of the game, but Johnson’s decision to go for the squeeze was a direct result of Cubs reliever Kerry Wood being a bit wild in the first game of the series. Continue reading
‘170/365’
courtesy of ‘Danilo.Lewis|Fotography’
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is hosting the Bobby Mitchell Autotrader.com Hall of Fame Golf Classic this weekend at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Va. from July 8 through the 10. Over $7 million have been raised in support of this annual event since 1988. Now, 21 years into the effort, its purpose remains strong — find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
This year’s tournament honors two young locals affected by blood cancer. 11-year-old Taylor Law of Olney, Md. is now cancer free after two and a half years of chemotherapy and will enter middle school this fall where her goal is to stay active as a member of the dance team. 20-year-old Alex Nieves of Centreville, Va. is a Salisbury University lacrosse player who was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing treatment.
Their courage serves as an example for others who are affected. District area residents are encouraged to attend the weekend’s activities not only to support these two young, spirited individuals but to also raise funds for the countless others still seeking a cure. Continue reading
‘Biutiful’
courtesy of ‘LaTur’
It goes without saying that all of us on this site love DC–the people, the culture, the history, and yes, the food. Eat Local First, a local food campaign started by Think Local First, showcases local restaurants and locally grown food. From July 9 – 16, locavores can take advantage of various food events and specials at restaurants participating in farm-to-table restaurant week. After the jump, you’ll find more information about the events and restaurants.
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‘Sabora Street’
courtesy of ‘yostinator’
Getting back to the food truck trivia, today’s tidbit comes from Sabor’a Street: Their signature dish, arepas, is viewed as traditional national food in both Colombia and Venezuela.
Go try the arepas today (p.s. – the yuca frita are amazing) or one of the other food trucks roving the streets today.
Continue reading
By Rebecca
“Planking,” the ridiculous, yet popular practice of lying face down with arms to the side in an unusual or incongruous location, taking a photo of it and posting it online has reach the upper ranks of the Washington DC sports scene. Pictured to above, you see G-Wiz, the beloved Wizards blue thingy, planking on Ted Leonsis desk. No respect, no respect. G-Wiz was also seen planking across The Nats’ Abe Lincoln, the nearby Chipotle and some WMATA turnstiles.
Sports Illustrated has a solid collection of famous athletes, namely former Wizards player Gilbert Arenas and Dwight Howard, who apparently have PLENTY of free time and nothing better to do than take pictures of themselves planking all over their expensive cars, pool tables, exercise equipment, etc. There’s also a planking example courtesy of Redskins rookie receiver Niles Paul.
‘DSC_3788’
courtesy of ‘photopete’
The Chicago Cubs didn’t really have a chance of beating the Washington Nationals Tuesday night. If they did, it wasn’t because of Aramis Ramirez’ two-run homer in the sixth but rather the Nats’ ability to stay sharp on defense.
Left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler made his first Major League start of the season against former Nationals pitcher Ramon Ortiz. Both men made their season debuts Tuesday, which made for an interesting start to the game. Folks were left wondering: if someone implodes, who will do it first? Continue reading
By Don
WUSA reports that prosecutors in Bristow, VA have indicted Karen Murphy on felony murder and felony child neglect after her son died June 17 as a result of being left in a vehicle. It’s not terribly surprising that the grand jury would agree to the charges but it’s disappointing that the prosecutor would ask for them.
Gene Weingarten wrote on this subject two years ago in his excellent piece Fatal Distraction. It’s so good that if I had to choose between you finishing this article and you clicking away to read it and not coming back… I’d have to pick that you go. It’s a moving and difficult read and worth every second.
I suspect that if anyone on that grand jury had read it they’d have refused to indict on a murder charge and possibly on child abuse. Without that empathetic insight into what these cases typically involve it’s not too surprising they’d choose to indict. The death of a child works us into a rage that rivals any other and the instinct to find someone to blame is hard to resist.
Not impossible, though. Weingarten’s piece quotes a Virginia prosecutor from another area of the state who describes why, in a case tragically similar, he opted not to seek any convictions.
In Portsmouth, the decision not to charge Culpepper, 40, was made by Commonwealth’s Attorney Earle Mobley. As tragic as the child’s death was, Mobley says, a police investigation showed that there was no crime because there was no intent; Culpepper wasn’t callously gambling with the child’s life — he had forgotten the child was there.
“The easy thing in a case like this is to dump it on a jury, but that is not the right thing to do,” Mobley says. A prosecutor’s responsibility, he says, is to achieve justice, not to settle some sort of score.
“I’m not pretty sure I made the right decision,” he says. “I’m positive I made the right decision.”
I’m sad that Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert lacks the same certainty. Absent any new information – which doesn’t seem to be forthcoming – it looks like this case is just going to drag another already suffering soul in front of a court for nothing.
By Tom Bridge
‘Nat’s – Phillies Broken Bat’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’
With the All-Star Break nearing, the Nationals are looking like they might get just a single player, setup man Tyler Clippard, into the game this year. However, there’s a way that you can maybe help Nationals’ 1B Michael Morse eke his way into the game. He’s one of the five players up in the Final Man vote, but he’s up against some pretty stiff competition.
Since early May, Morse has been just crushing the ball, batting .333/.388/.644 since May 2nd, with 14 homers and 37 RBI since he took over the 1B job. He’s been one of the best offensive 1Bs in the National League and definitely deserves the city’s support. Go Vote.
By Brian Mosley
‘D.C. Fireworks’
courtesy of ‘Dwood Photography’
Ah, Eh, Oh…and sometimes Y! Just 364 days until Fourth of July 2012. Until next year, sit back and relive the wonder and beauty of the pyrotechnics!
‘Ground burst’
courtesy of ‘ianseanlivingston’ Continue reading
‘Sol Mexican Grill’
courtesy of ‘ekelly80’
Thanks to the people who submitted some more food truck photos–much appreciated! If you have work today, hopefully you aren’t feeling like there are “bombs bursting” in your head. Benjamin Franklin may have said, “Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy,” but unlike our Founding Fathers, you’re lucky enough to have food trucks to help ease your holiday hangover.
Continue reading
By Brian Mosley
‘fish gone wild’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
I’ve watched the movie 1776, and I think we need to celebrate July 5th like the Founding Fathers did. That is, drink amazing amounts of fermented molasses, pat ourselves on the back for plagiarizing the ideas of John Locke the day before, and get very little done at work. While you think over the notion of celebrating this day traditionally, take a minute (or thirty) and check out the “All American,” extra large, Flashback from the three day weekend.
Something to note: You’ll notice an amazing lack of firework pictures. That’s because our group was flooded with so many awesome shots of the fireworks, we decided to do a dedicated Fireworks Flashback. It’ll run later today, so get your fireworks photos into the We Love DC Flickr group if you want them considered! Continue reading
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