Yearly Archives: 2011

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

Chef News at Againn and Art & Soul

Photo courtesy of
‘Againn’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

Againn and Art & Soul are both getting new executive chefs. Mike Sindoni, previously the chef de cuisine at Againn, will now be heading up the kitchen as executive chef. Former executive chef at Againn, Wes Morton, has moved to Art & Soul.

For Sindoni, the change to executive chef was a natural progression. He had been working at Againn since it opened in 2009 and had already had an active role in shaping the menu. Now he’s looking forward to collaborating more with the rest of the kitchen staff and floating around new ideas in the kitchen, he says. While there won’t be any major changes to the food at the British gastropub, Sindoni’s background is heavily influenced by Italian food, he says, which could peak through more in the food.

Further downtown at Art & Soul, Wes Morton has just started as the executive chef. “I’m excited about getting back to my Southern roots. It’s the first time in my career where I’ll be able to express myself in this way,” Morton says. Similar to Againn, I don’t think the food will change drastically, though it’s always interesting to see a new chef’s ideas and talents play out on the table. “My goal is to to keep the the essence of what Southern food is while giving our dishes a lighter feel with a modern and clean presentation,” Morton says.

We Love Arts
By

March 2011: SAAM and NMAI

courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum

As spring unfolds in DC and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, the crowds will come to the Tidal Basin area. So if you’re looking for something else to do in town to avoid the tourista hordes, check out some of the great programs at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.

This month at SAAM:

Women Building History: Public Art at the 1893 Columbian Exposition
March 3, 7 p.m.
Wanda Corn describes the neoclassical Woman’s Building at the 1893 Exposition in Chicago—which celebrated modern woman’s progress in education, the arts, and science at the end of the nineteenth century—and how the building’s content was used to promote the expansion of opportunities for women. A book signing follows.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Where March Madness Doesn’t Involve Charlie Sheen and the 3/2 Sports Ticker

YouTube Preview Image

Lead Item: Ah, March, you and your craziness. “Madness” if you will. Just because the concept is currently being redefined by Charlie Sheen, it doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment in the lead item today to talk about the local and semi-local hoops teams to the DMV. While the list of regional teams through Virginia, DC and Maryland is lengthy, the somewhat sad news is it is realistic that your rooting interest for a local squad to cut down the nets in the big dance is limited to one of five choices from the Mid-Atlantic:
Continue reading →

Comedy in DC
By

Comedy in DC: Jessica Brodkin

Jessica b

I braved the cold last Wednesday evening and found refuge in Dupont Circle’s Teaism to meet with DC comic Jessica Brodkin. I was there pretty early and had a pot of World Peace tea. I must say that Michael Jackson’s “We are the World” started playing in my head. Once all seven of my chakras aligned, Jessica arrived and we had a pleasant dialogue.

Jessica, 29, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, speaks Russian, and has been living in DC for the past seven years. She loves this city and said that her favorite parts are Chinatown and U Street. “There’s a lot going on and I like the vibe. All the people you run into.” She likes that DC is full of intellectual people and enjoys the smart crowds. “Lots of people here are really educated and trying to do good things.” She’s kind of educated too. She went to M.I.T. in Boston. Maybe you’ve heard of it it? I think smart people go there. Anyway, she said that she was raised in Brooklyn, but DC  is where she became an adult in her own right. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Hot Ticket: TR3 @ State Theater, 3/3/11

Guitar virtuoso Tim Reynolds and his band, TR3 are headlining the State Theatre in Falls Church, VA on March 2nd. Probably best known for his live acoustic performances alongside Dave Matthews and as a permanent member of the Dave Matthews Band, Reynolds has been performing with TR3 since 1984. The band has seen several different lineup changes over the years and now features Mick Vaughn on bass and Dan Martier on drums. TR3 is touring on their 2009 release “Radiance” which features an eclectic blend of music ranging from blues to middle eastern inspired riffs. Reynolds’ supreme technical guitar skills are constantly on display throughout the album and is a different style of music than what he plays when on stage with Dave Matthews Band.

Reynolds probably isn’t on anyone’s “Top 100 Guitarist Lists” which is a shame because anyone who has seen him perform knows that he’s an undisputed master of his instrument. Flying under the radar of such accolades is probably just fine with Reynolds and his humble demeanor, however. If you appreciate excellent guitar-work this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Tim Reynolds/TR3
w/ Justin Trawick
@ The State Theater
3/3/11 – doors: 7pm
$16

Sports Fix
By

Nationals Beat: The Start of Spring

Photo courtesy of
‘9TH_7847’
courtesy of ‘MissChatter’

Spring Record: 2-0

With an off-season that was both hit and miss, the Nationals have arrived in Viera, Florida, and have begun workouts and spring play for the 2011 season.  In 29 days, the Nationals will open their season against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park.  Between now and then, though, let’s get ready for the drama of the springtime.  The Nationals have some hard decisions to make between now and then, especially in the outfield.  Let’s take a look at the state of things, shall we?

The Outfield

Welcome to Thunderdome, er, Viera, Outfielders! There are 11 of you in camp, seven on the 40-man roster, and four more non-roster invitees. We’re fairly sure that Jayson Werth will be one of the five or six carried forward at the end of the month, and that means ten of you are fighting for four more slots. Bryce Harper, despite his presence on the 40-man won’t make it to Opening Day (sorry big guy, but congratulations on your first hit yesterday), so we’re down to 9.

Continue reading →

Entertainment, Fun & Games, Music, We Love Music
By

The Winning Ticket: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

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. 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!

The reunited, reinvigorated, UK New Wave sensation Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark are performing in the United States for the first time since 1988! Tune in to We Love DC next week for our great interview with OMD’s founder Andy McCluskey. In the meantime, we have a pair of tickets to their show at 9:30 Club, on Thursday 3/10, up for grabs!

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 →

News, The Daily Feed
By

Shutdown Countdown: 3 Days

Photo courtesy of
‘Mall Turf Sign’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Today is Tuesday, March 1st. Congress’ continuing budget resolution (CR) that has kept the government funded will expire on Friday, March 4th at the end of the day. While Congress is still negotiating a deal that would extend the current CR for two weeks to allow for further talks about the impasse between the Republicans and Democrats regarding spending priorities.

The last shutdown of the government took place in late 1995/early 1996, when the government closed for 21 days, shuttering the National Parks, the Smithsonian, and putting almost all of the Federal Workforce on furlough.  The exceptions have to do with protection of “life and property,” but many functions of government will be stopped in its tracks for the period.

Continue reading →

Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music
By

We Love Music: White Rabbits @ Rock & Roll Hotel, 2/27/11


courtesy of White Rabbits.

Sunday night might have belonged to the Oscars but those that stopped by Rock & Roll Hotel weren’t paying attention. White Rabbits were in town to end a week-long mini-tour of the northeast and showcased their dual (sometimes triple) percussion attack. The band is currently recording a new album and used the show to preview some of that material. It was a gutsy move (they could have easily lost their audience during those moments) but it paid off as the new songs sounded good and the band rewarded the audience’s patience with a strong finale to the whole affair.

Continue reading →

Entertainment, The Daily Feed, We Love Arts
By

2011 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees Announced

The gathering at the Helen Hayes gallery at the National Theatre looked like any other networking event. Wine and appetizers were served as people made introductions and small talk. However a pianist playing soft music and a lit podium revealed that this wasn’t an ordinary reception.

It was the nominations announcement for the 27th Annual Helen Hayes Awards, DC’s premiere theatre awards honoring the past year in local professional theatre.

Helen Hayes was a DC-born actress who became known as the, “First Lady of the American Theatre”. Her legacy includes being one of 12 people who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Besides having the awards named after her there is also a theatre on Broadway that also shares her name.

Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
By

Good (but Bad) News from the CFO’s office

Photo courtesy of
‘In the good old summertime. [canoe] (LOC)’
courtesy of ‘The Library of Congress’

Good news, everyone. We’re up a creek, but at least we’ve got a paddle.  That was the news from the CFO’s office this afternoon, as Dr. Gandhi released the latest revenue numbers for 2011 predictions, and set a final estimated deficit for the FY2011 budget.  The deficit, which had been rumored to be in the $600M range, is actually closer to its original projection at $322M.  That’s both good and bad news.  The cuts in spending, and the consideration of an increase in income tax, will still have to be examined, but the situation isn’t nearly as dire as it was suspected to be.

The increase in revenues came from four sources: real property (due in large part to the strong commercial real estate market in 2010), sales & excise taxes (4% annual growth!), Individual/Business Income, and Deed-related taxes (due to growth in high-value home sales). The letter also includes some nuggets: the private sector in DC added 15,433 jobs last quarter, but unemployment rolls grew by 2,000 people. Wages were up, at 5.4% growth year-over-year, more than double the national growth rate.

Eat Like Me, Food and Drink, Foodie Roundup, The Features
By

Eat Like Me: February’s Best Dishes

Photo courtesy of
‘3666-33Crop’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’

Some months I go fancy, others I don’t. I definitely erred on the side of casual this month, going so far as having a grilled cheese sandwich at not one, but three restaurants. Take note, fancy restaurants, I don’t find many things more satisfying than butter, bread and cheese cooked to gooey perfection. Did I just call the new burger? Is it the grilled cheese? I sure hope it is.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

The Winning Ticket (Extra): Middle Brother/Dawes/Deer Tick

Hey DC, ready for a bonus round of The Winning Ticket?

Today we have a pair of tickets to give away for tomorrow night’s Middle Brother, Dawes, Deer Tick super show. Middle Brother is a super-group composed of members of both Deer Tick and Dawes (as well as Matt Vazquez of Delta Spirit). These guys are keeping it all in the family with a night of music featuring rotating sets from Middle Brother and the bands that spawned him.

NOTE: This show is tomorrow night and the music begins promptly at 8pm.

For your chance to win these tickets simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address between Noon and 4pm today. One entry per email address, please. We will notify the winner by email between 4 and 5 pm. The winner must respond to claim this prize by 10:30AM tomorrow. 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 →

capitals hockey, Sports Fix
By

Looking at the Caps’ 2011 Trade Deadline Day

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_4927.jpg’
courtesy of ‘bridgetds’

So the NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, and the Washington Capitals made the most of it. Truth be told, the Caps started a few days ago, acquiring Marco Sturm off waivers from Los Angeles, and then added two new pieces of the current puzzle yesterday. Dennis Wideman joined the blue line corps early in the day, and the biggest catch came at the buzzer with the Caps announcing the acquisition of center Jason Arnott from New Jersey.

Do the Caps believe they’re ready for the post season with these three players? Caps management seems to think so. Let’s break it all down and see if we agree. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

Don’t Forget Austin Grill’s Food Truck!

AG

Photo Courtesy Austin Grill

Well, maybe…

The yellow & red Austin Grill truck was trying to hit the streets today, but that’s now changed to “by March 15.” Let us know if you see it out!

The tex-mex chain, which first opened in 1988 in Glover Park, already has six locations in the DC area — so now seven if you count the truck. I must admit that I haven’t been to Austin Grill in years, but there is something interesting about the “trend” of brick and mortars turning to mobile vending. In February, Penn Quarter’s soon-to-be-open District of Pi sent its truck out to give away 36 free pizzas to hungry fans.

Austin Grill’s set of wheels will feature dishes from the restaurant’s regular menu — so burritos, sandwiches, burgers, wings, and more. You can track the AG Truck down by following it on Twitter and Facebook.

The strange thing is that writing this is making me crave District Taco, the fixed-address establishment that actually started as a food truck. Oh, doesn’t this just sound like the perfect time for traditional restaurants and trucks to get along? Yeah, probably not.

Too bad Austin Grill can’t sell its margaritas out of its truck…

Featured Photo
By

Featured Photo

Photo courtesy of
DC Streets: Beneath the Surface by pnzr242

While it may not have the historical significance and impeccable timing of Cartier-Bresson’s “Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare“, this image captures a beautiful moment in time.  I love it when a photo causes your eye to dance around the frame, first from the obvious action of the puddle, next to the exiting body, then to the broken reflection of the tree, with an unfortunate ending at the ugly bike tire.  The use of black and white here adds to the gloomy, rainy day mood and forces the viewer’s eyes to concentrate on composition and subject matter, two ingredients that can sometimes be clouded by color.  This photo also serves as a reminder that not everything is happening directly in front of you.  Look up, look behind you, look down — you never know what you might be missing while you’re on a date with your camera.

The Daily Feed
By

Wizards Can’t Find Any Momentum Against Chicago

Photo courtesy of
‘Joakim Noah and JaVale McGee’
courtesy of ‘Keith Allison’

The first five minutes of Monday night’s Wizards game against the Chicago Bulls set the tone for the rest of the night. Chicago rebounded, blocked shots, and knocked Washington up enough to grab the reigns and dominate the game with a 105-77 victory.

“[The Bulls] reached in right from the beginning and took hold of the physicality of the game,” Wizards Coach Flip Saunders said after the game.
Continue reading →