Category Archives: The Features

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Food and Drink, Night Life, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Vinoteca

Malbec at Vinoteca

"Malbec at Vinoteca" by Jenn Larsen, on Flickr

So, here’s my question: the wine bar proliferation over the past few years – fad or fabulous? I mean, with all these places popping up everywhere, are people actually learning about wine? Becoming educated oenophiles? Or still just stabbing nervous fingers in an overwhelming list and hoping like mad they pronounce “viognier” correctly?

Seriously, dear reader, hasn’t it come down to one thing and one thing alone – the size of the charcuterie plate? Isn’t it all about the meat and cheese?

Well, maybe not. In a city like DC there really are a lot of wine connoisseurs who would be far more qualified to talk about this trend than me. I’m just lucky to have two neighborhood wine bars – Cork and Vinoteca – where I can hang out and slowly pick up some idea of what I like. Of those two, I think Vinoteca has evolved the most. It didn’t spring out of the gate fully formed as a Frommer’s pick. There were some hiccups along the way since its opening in fall of 2007. But after several recent sojourns with good service giving spot-on wine recommendations, not to mention one of the best charcuterie plates in the city, I’ve really warmed up to Vinoteca as a favorite drinks spot.

And maybe not just for the sinful duck prosciutto… or the fact that they have tasty venison, lamb, and bison sliders… though that certainly helps! 

Continue reading →

News, Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Nats Sign Adam Dunn

Photo courtesy of
‘Ken Griffey and Adam Dunn’
courtesy of ‘SD Dirk’

The Nats have finally given us all here in DC something to cheer about, with the signing of Adam Dunn this afternoon to a 2-year deal for an unspecified amount of money. Dunn, traditionally an outfielder, will probably play some at first during Spring Training, or possibly as part of a platoon in the outfield. Dunn brings a nice powerful bat to the Nats, who’ve traditionally lacked for anything resembling a power hitter. With 206 homers in the last five seasons, Dunn represents a major power punch to the Nats Lineup.

Look for a bit more detail in Monday’s Sports Fix column on Dunn’s arrival in DC, plus the reporting of Pitchers and Catchers on Saturday (3 days til Spring Training! Woohoo!)

Entertainment, Music, Night Life, The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Music: Musical Moments– Kurtágs Play Kurtág at the Library of Congress

Photo courtesy of
‘2007.10.19-111c.am’ courtesy of ‘RShinozaki’

Saturday, February 7, 2009
Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium
György and Márta Kurtág & the Keller Quartet

After the Library of Congress’ recent parade of the rather bland contemporary American music, the premiere of a new work by Kurtág performed by the composer and his wife and long-time duet partner Márta was like a breath of fresh air.  Exquisite comes to mind, as does vital.  It was an honor to share in this celebration of a national treasure of another nation.

The programs describes György Kurtág as one of the world’s foremost composers, which is certainly true in certain circles.  He has served as Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest,  as composer-in-residence at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Konzerthausgesellschaft, and has a list of awards, honors and recordings too lengthy to even describe here.  In America, Kurtág’s name is better known than his music still, I think, and the music is better known through recordings than through live performances.  The experience of performances of works almost always exceeds the experience of hearing recordings of those works, but in Kurtág’s case, the contrast is particularly striking.

Much work has been done in the press and printed program to connect this concert to a Library of Congress concert of Kurtág’s countryman Béla Bartók.  Bartók’s storied performance with violinist Joseph Szigeti, performed the at the Library of Congress in 1940 marked the premiere of Bartók Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano.  (In a spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that the recording of that recital was a staple of my undergraduate listening regime.)  Continue reading →

Comedy in DC
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Comedy in DC: Comedy is for Lovers (corrected)

You know what’s a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?  Laughing your ass off.  If you still haven’t made Valentine’s Day plans and you’re looking to get out of the city to avoid all the amateurs clogging the restaurants, Riverboat on the Potomac is doing a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise featuring Matt Kazam and Seaton Smith. Okay, I know, riverboat food usually sucks, but you’ll be laughing so hard you won’t have time to eat anyway. Matt Kazam is notable for having been on Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, XM Comedy, and for teaching the DC Improv’s standup comedy classes (which I highly recommend).  Seaton Smith features regularly at the Improv, and is notable for being able to say pretty much anything and make it funny. I swear, ask him to say “aluminum siding,” and he will find a way to make you laugh while he does it. 

Also coming up this month, Eli Sairs and the Official Comedian of We Love DC Commenters, Aparna Nancherla, will be appearing with Maria Bamford at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse on February 27th and 28th (corrected from earlier version). What’s that? Two female comics on the bill in the same night? Bless you, Drafthouse comedy bookers.

All Politics is Local, Entertainment, Life in the Capital, The Features
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Library of Congress: With Malice Toward None

Lincoln's Journey to Washington - Interactive Map

Thursday is the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It will be marked with all manner of fanfare, throughout the country, with celebrations and re-dedications galore. The Library of Congress is celebrating the bicentennial with a special touring exhibit that opens Thursday evening.

With Malice Toward None is an incredible portrait of Abraham Lincoln in his own handwriting. Beginning with an arithmetic primer, and ending with letters after the end of the war, it’s a trip through famous artifacts of Lincoln’s import for the United States.

I couldn’t help but feel a little “Great Man Theory” soaking through the exhibit at times, making Lincoln out to be a man who was eight feet tall. Though, this was delicately counterbalanced by the group of curators giving the tour, speaking of Lincoln’s personal difficulties and family troubles during his tenure at the helm of our nation. One such note made it fairly clear that Lincoln wasn’t having a good time leading a nation amidst its worst conflict. Continue reading →

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo

Blissful Slumber by Karon

It seems that no matter what species, we all enjoyed the warm weather last weekend.  The first sign of warm winter weather brings out shorts, t-shirts, skirts, flip flops, and other optimistically unsuitable clothing for 50 degree temperatures.  Convertible tops come down, people eat brunch on local outdoor patios, and some people even hit the links.  If you’re an otter at the National Zoo, you slumber in the afternoon sun while people make cutesy noises at you.  Awwwww.  Life is good isn’t it?

Warm temperatures look like they’ll peak on Wednesday this week, reaching nearly 70 degrees.  Anyone want to call in sick with me?  Spring will not come soon enough.

24 in DC, The Features
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24 in DC: Episode Six (3:00 to 4:00)

Jack Defends Freedom
‘Jack Defends Freedom’
courtesy of ‘tbridge’

We’re running a little late tonight thanks to the President’s Press Conference. We’ll be underway in a minute.

Okay, here we go. It’s the recap of last week, when Ike Debaku got a first name, and an apartment somewhere near Dupont. Prime Minister Ule Motobo also has a first name now, and is on the way to the White House. President Taylor’s husband, the First Dude, is in the trunk of a car somewhere in DC.

3:03

The First Dude is being taken into an alley. Meanwhile, Ike is at a hotdog stand (with a TV?) listening to President Taylor from the White House’s tiny magic press room where there aren’t chairs. Ike’s now in a backroom of a storefront near Dupont. In his underground lair, which is fairly expansive, he’s got the First Dude tied up. Ike’s going to use him up like Tina and probably beat him pretty solid along the way.

3:06

President Taylor continues in the tiny press room. Seriously, the White House Press Room has seats. And it’d be packed to the gills, and not just in front of four reporters and staff. When the President speaks, there’s people are around. Jack, Bill and Chloe, Wondergirl, are heading into the Oval Office as President Taylor finishes.

3:10

And now we break the bad news that there are bad men inside President Taylor’s Government. Bill takes a beating from the President for hiding all this. C’mon guys, get back outside. This dialogue is really, really terrible. And Renee’s trigger finger is looking itchy. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The DC 100, We Love Food
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DC Omnivore 100: #11, Calamari

"Squid" by ajagendorf25, on Flickr

"Squid" by ajagendorf25, on Flickr (a shot from the DC Fish Market)

This week, our continuing quest to try all 100 foods a DC Omnivore must experience checks out calamari. 

Whenever I see fresh calamari, the first thing that comes to mind is Admiral Ackbar slurping, “your taste buds can’t repel flavor of this magnitude!”

Ok, maybe not. But this versatile cephalopod is truly a wonder of the sea.

There are a myriad ways to prepare squid – fried, grilled, stuffed, with the tentacles or not (no tentacles? wimp!). Squid ink makes a glorious rich pasta and salty sauce that can stain your tongue black as night. Raw squid as sushi can be disconcerting or refreshing, depending on your palate. My personal preference is sauteed or grilled. Perfectly prepared squid should not be overly chewy – it should have an initial ever-so-slight firmness that dissolves into a fresh from the sea taste. 

When I was a poor little match girl just out of drama school, I discovered I could get squid quite cheap and saute up a batch for both me and my cat (wow. that is a depressing memory!). But now if I cook calamari, it’s for a luxurious seafood pasta with squid, shrimp, and scallops. 

After the break, a more appetizing picture, and tips for rustling up calamari at home and eating out…
   Continue reading →

The Features, Weekend Flashback
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Weekend Flashback: 2/6 – 2/8/09

Photo courtesy of blipars {busy}
Fast and Furious, courtesy of blipars {busy}

Can’t believe it’s Monday already? Hey, we hear you. After what may well be the beginning of spring (or just a prelude), DC experienced a gorgeous weekend that erased our memories of the chilly weather last week.

Our photos of the weekend ranged from ice skating in Arlington to the DC Car Show to a visit by Jack Bauer to our region – which is a good thing, considering that Jack can’t seem to keep his facts straight about our beloved hometown. You swung by the Botanical Gardens and lingered at night to grab some great evening shots. So let’s enjoy, shall we?

Continue reading →

We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Gabriel Quinn Bauriedel & Sarah Sanford in Hell Meets Henry Halfway
Courtesy of the Pig Iron Theatre Company

If we want to compare theatre to the movies, Hell Meets Henry Halfway is more David Lynch/Being John Malkovich than it is Rob Reiner/The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The playwright in this case set out to write something with the novel as an inspiration, not to adapt the novel to the stage. The program notes say that the “theatrical mixtape” that is Henry is 1/3 the source novel, 1/3 the playwright and 1/3 the Pig Iron Theatre Company.

If that sounds a bit out of the ordinary, then you’re starting to get it. This isn’t an experience for everyone. Coming back from intermission I overheard the couple in front of me. “… well we can get our things and go, then.” “No….. we’ll stick it out.” I’m pretty sure people have gone to the electric chair with more enthusiasm than this fellow. Hell Meets Henry Halfway emphasizes character and feel over realism and does it well, but it’s a specialized taste. Continue reading →

Entertainment, Music, The Features
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Concert: Andrew Bird

Photo courtesy of
‘Andrew Bird at Music Hall of Williamsburg (January 26th, 2009)’
courtesy of ‘Amanda M Hatfield’

I was expecting to get blown away when I went to see Andrew Bird at the 9:30 Club last Tuesday. I really was. You might think that those were some pretty high expectations, especially since I had never seen him live, but sometimes…you just feel it.

His music is complex and beautiful, with plucked violin and his expert whistling (yes, whistling) on top of often jaunty piano or guitar chords. I love his CDs, and often find that they are the perfect backdrop for everything from Metro rides to game nights. Continue reading →

Monumental, The Features
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Monumental: John Ericsson Navigation Memorial

Ericsson Memorial West Side

John Ericsson, a Swedish inventor, has a beautiful monument just south of the Lincoln Memorial on the median near the intersection of Ohio Drive SW and Independence Avenue SW. The beautiful pink granite statue was placed on its current location in 1927, at a cost of $60,000. $35,000 of that was federal funds, as voted in by the 1916 Congress, and the other $25,000 was raised through Swedish-American funds.

So, why was Ericsson so important? He invented the screw propellor for ships, allowing vessels to propel themselves through the water efficiently using a steam-driven engine. His dual-propeller design is the father of the propulsion system for just about every naval ship in the water today.

Continue reading →

Thrifty District
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Thrifty District: Cold Weather Heating Bills, OH NO!

Photo courtesy of
‘Icy Sunshine on Photowalk’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Many DC residents saw spikes of hundreds of dollars in their utility bills last month that Pepco is basing on the unusually cold weather we’re having- even if you keep your heat low, your heater has to work harder to keep your home at a consistent temperature, so demand for power most likely spiked last month, too. This is also an effect of busted HVAC. You can click here to view AirNow Cooling & Heating’s information and know more about the power spike.

So… how do you stay snug and toasty when money might be tight? If you’re a single-family homeowner in the District, a good place to start would be with the DC Department of the Environment’s free home energy auditing service, available to all DC residents regardless of income.  This audit can point out a variety of ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, including the really simple ones like “Put more insulation over there,” or “OH MY GOD how long has it been since you weatherstripped your back door?” Even if you’re a renter, the DOE’s energy audit information contains many suggestions for investigating where energy is being wasted.  (I kid you not, DC DOE has a Facebook Fan Page. Who do they think they are, us?)  You can also find lots of DIY home auditing information at EnergyStar.gov.   Continue reading →

Special Events, The Features
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Got a Date?

Photo courtesy of
‘Jessicart’ courtesy of ‘technotheory’

If you’re clueless about what to do for next weekend – and if you don’t know what the date is, you may want to leave your forest cabin periodically – then you may want to venture down to the DC Riverfront.

Why’s that?

Artomatic. From Feb 13 – 15, Artomatic and the Pink Line Project is presenting three great days of art and music. So grab a date and go!

Oh, yeah, one other thing: Artomatic 2009‘s right around the corner and they’re asking everyone to take a survey to help them prepare for this year. So you art and music lovers, head over and make your voice known!

Foggy Bottom, Food and Drink, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: 51st State Tavern

51st state

When I worked in Foggy Bottom, I found it practically impossible to find a bar in Foggy Bottom proper that wasn’t overrun with George Washington and Georgetown students. Too bad I didn’t find The 51st State Tavern until now, because it’s the answer to my happy hour prayers.

Situated in a two story former row house (like oh so many bars in DC) 51st State is the perfect place to grab an incredibly affordable drink with a friend. Located where Penn meets L street, near 26th at that super funky intersection, I finally found the perfect Foggy Bottom/West End after work spot. It’s not crowded, nor is it overrun with frat boys and the girls that follow (at least during HH), and has the perfect short beer list with something for everyone. Continue reading →

Talkin' Transit, The Features, WMATA
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Talkin’ Transit: Bits and Nits

Photo courtesy of
‘e-z pass my ass.’ courtesy of ‘the idealist’

A myriad of transit news items, so pay attention.

E-Z Pass: If you’re a Maryland driver who has an E-Z Pass, get ready because the state is tacking on a monthly maintenance fee. Starting July 1, a $1.50 charge per account will be added; there will also be a new charge of $3 accompanying a Notice of Toll Due. Toll violation charges will increase from $15 to $25 and the duration of E-ZPass commuter plans will change from 60 days to 45.

Metro Track Work: After some time off, the work crews are back and we’ll be seeing weekend line delays as Metro restarts its maintenance cycles. This weekend is the Red Line’s turn, so add 20 minutes to your travels between Silver Spring and Forest Glen from 8 p.m. Friday to close of service on Sunday.

Continue reading →

The Features
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Downturn in DC: Staying Employed During Econageddon

Photo courtesy of
‘This is my life in a cubicle’
courtesy of ‘RSchley’

I don’t know if you’ve heard about this, it seems to be something that no one likes to talk about, ALL DAY LONG, in EVERY MEDIA OUTLET POSSIBLE… but there’s this recession thing going on. Yeah, I know, it sucks.  Fortunately, while DC isn’t immune to the economic forces of recession (just ask anyone in the 8.8% unemployment rolls) , we do have some built-in resistance to it.  Our big employers aren’t banks or automakers. The government still has to run (and experience turnover with a new Presidential administration). The country still has to get defended. Grant money still has to get awarded. Many of the WLDC authors were just remarking amongst ourselves this weekend that we’re busier than ever at our respective jobs- and we range quite a bit.  There IS work in DC.

You just have to know how to find it and keep it.  Fortunately, I used to be a recruiter, and I can give you some advice that will work whether you’re a cube-monkey at the will of one employer, or a freelancer with a dozen bosses across as many companies. If you are a freelancer  and want to stand out from the rest, we recommend to visit freelancermap.com.
Continue reading →

Food and Drink, We Love Food
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We Love Food: 2941

Photo courtesy of
‘Bottle Necks’
courtesy of ‘christaki’

2941 is a lot of things. Gorgeous: with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Delicious: From a beef tartare amuse bouche to a delicious lemon dessert our meal was rich, creative and certainly french–nouveau. It was also Expensive. Capital E. Matt first took me to 2941 for my birthday, we heard great things about Anthony Chavez’s pastries and headed over for wine and dessert. That alone was a bajillion dollars, so we were hesitant to try dinner there, knowing tasting menus ranged from $55 to over $120 per person. We’re meager young professionals, trying to live off a lobbyist/PR and a teacher salary, folks. So when we heard word 2491 was having a $44 tasting menu in honor of Obama, we rushed to make reservations to finally taste Chef Chemel’s actual dinner food.

Continue reading →

24 in DC, The Features
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24 in DC: Episode Five (2:00 to 3:00)

JackBauer.png
IMG_1254 by shellysblogger

Oh 24. I look forward to mocking you every week now. I didn’t think that was possible. And yet, here we are. Last week, we had all manner of craziness with the First Dude going on, planes crashing over “Edgeborough,” and frankly I haven’t seen a cabinet that full of pansies since I visited the garden shop the last time.

With that in mind, here we go, episode five!

2:00pm

We’re at the Washington Field Office. Or, at least, the pretty glass entrance. For those who haven’t been following along at home, that’s in Judiciary Square, not at the HQ at 9th & E.

Oh goodie. We’re opening up fresh sockets. Christ on a pogo stick, these people glom on to one IT term. Sigh.

2:04pm

Junction Jack wants to talk to the First Dude, but he’s incommunicado. JJ’s a little testy with the FBI SAIC.

2:05pm

The Motobos are in 546 Adams, according to Chloe, Wondergirl, and Jack’s all about the security specs. Turns out, that’s Debaku’s hideout, where he’s working on doing some damage to that Ohio Chemical Plant. Debaku and Motobo are having a “which one of these african dictators has a larger unit” contest. For now, Debaku’s winning.

I can’t seem to find an Adams street anywhere. But, it seems the same kind of bland California office park kind of place one might find in, say, the suburbs of Los Angeles. Continue reading →

Sports Fix, The Features
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Sports Fix: Football Hangover Edition

Photo courtesy of
‘So’s your mother!’
courtesy of ‘phi’

Yesterday’s dramatic finish in Tampa brought a smile to many a face in the DC area yesterday, as DC has become home to many who’ve left Pittsburgh for warmer climes. While at least one Cards fan I know is putting an asterisk on the final result, for the lack of review on the “fumble” on the last play of the game, I’d say it’s a pretty clear victory for the Steelers, and, well, for freedom and puppies, too. So, football is done, and now we’re into the loneliest month in all of Sports: February. Sure, we’ve got the Caps and the Wizards, but it’s awful quiet out there, otherwise. Here we go, into the Recap!

Capitals
Record: 32-15
Last Two Weeks: 2-2
Place: 1st in the Southeast!

Ovechkin put up a Hat Trick against the Sens last night, his second of the season, as the Caps strung together a pair of wins after a pair of losses. The win against the Red Wings late last week also brought back Defenseman Tom Poti who’d missed 15 games with a groin injury. It’s good to have him back, as he had 5 blocked shots, the most of either squad that night.

The Caps face the surging Devils in New Jersey on Tuesday night in what should definitely be a killer game. The game’s on VS in HD, so check your local listings for a quality game. They’ll face the Kings on Thursday at the Phone Box, followed by the Panthers on Saturday. Tickets are available for both home contests. Get out and see some awesome hockey! Continue reading →