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courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Get ’em while they’re parked!
By Ashley
Yearly Archives: 2010
By Ashley
By Patrick Pho
Top Chef DC Takes Show To Nationals Stadium
‘Nationals Park in HDR’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
It’s Wednesday and you know what that means- Top Chef DC!
Ya ya I know. The season hasn’t lived up to previous seasons and it probably rivals Real Housewives of DC when it comes to local watchability. However we can expect some DC flavor in tonight’s episode.
The elimination challenge takes place at Nationals Park where teams will run two concession stands and try and serve up fare that exceeds the Five Guys and Half Smokes you would expect on Gameday.
Nats players Adam Dunn, and John Lannan make appearances as well as former closer Matt Capps. Seafood chef Rick Moonen will appear as a guest judge as well.
What else can you expect? Well with Alex gone Ed will set his sights on another annoying contestant and Angelo will continue to baffle me with his eccentricity.
Expect a recap tomorrow complete with some insider views on the Nationals Park tasting.
Video after the jump!
By Lannan Struggles, Cubs Beat Nats
Photo by Cheryl Nichols / Nationals News Network
The Washington Nationals had a chance to prove themselves after falling flat in their Monday night 9-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Nationals Park.The team came together for a fundamentals touch up session before game time to refresh their defensive reflexes, but staying sharp in the field proved no match for Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano.
The often passionate Zambrano maintained control of his emotions and his pitches, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out eight of Riggleman’s Nats. He worked fast, pitched effectively, had some quick innings, and got ground balls. “We really didn’t have a lot going against him,” Riggleman said. Continue reading
By The Winning Ticket: Kele
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!
This week we’re giving away a pair of tickets to see Kele on Thursday, September 2nd at the 9:30 Club. (Note: Doors are 6:30pm)
Formerly known as Kele Okereke, the Bloc Party front man is touring to support his first solo album, “The Boxer”. On “The Boxer” Kele offers up a little more emotion and a lot more electronics than his mainline gig usually does. Listening to his album a few times, I’m having a difficult time imagining what this concert experience is going to be like. Judging from Kele’s choice in tour-mate, Does It Offend You Yeah?, it is probably safe to assume there will be a healthy does of danceable beats. This show is worth attending just to hear “We Are Rockstars“. No matter how over-played that song was a few summers ago, it still destroys.
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. Tickets for this show are also available through Ticketfly 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.
For the rules of this giveaway…
Continue reading
By Historical Facebook Statuses
Historical Facebook Update by Wylo
Although this incredibly entertaining “historical facebook update” is a joke, it definitely once again raises the question, are tweets and Facebook status updates going to one day be considered significant historical artifacts?
Although the Library of Congress is already preparing for this outcome, it remains to be seen whether or not 140 characters of thoughtfulness from the likes of Snoop Doggy Dogg will ever hold as much clout as its counterparts.
By shannon
Registration for 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride Now Open
‘Independence Ave – Mirror Flare in Traffic – 8-4-09’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’
Sign up now for the September 25th 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride, sponsored by WABA. You’ve got two options here: a 15-mile ride that links the state avenues of the original 13 colonies, or a more challenging 60-mile ride that links the state avenues of all fifty states (described as “brutal” and “insane”, according to WABA). Both rides are supported with a start/finish area and three pit stops stocked with food, water, and a bike mechanic, but the roads are otherwise open to traffic. Registration is $10 for WABA members and $15 for non-members, and you’ve got the option to add on a burrito lunch.
Whether you’re a cyclist or not, checking out all fifty state avenues is a pretty cool way to experience the District. And while you’re at it, make the trip to Puerto Rico Avenue in Northeast and Columbia Road in Northwest to round out the bunch.
By Dave Stroup
What would happen if Michael D. Brown wins the primary?
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courtesy of ‘erin m’
When the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics released the final candidate list, I noticed a familiar name. Michael Brown. Even as someone who follows District politics compulsively, at first I was confused why a sitting at-Large Councilmember would be turning in a ballot petition. I realized it must be a different Michael Brown, and quickly discovered this was Michael D. Brown, one of D.C.’s shadow senators. I figured it was no big deal, he wasn’t running a campaign and that since the other Michael Brown was already sworn in, it would not affect the Mendelson-Ray match-up. If straw polls are any indication, however, I was wrong.
Last night Michael D. Brown narrowly defeated incumbent Phil Mendelson in the Ward 5 straw poll. Brown tallied 370 votes to Mendelson’s 350. Clark Ray placed third with 159 votes. Brown also bested Ray at the Ward 4 straw poll, coming in a close second to Mendelson. After the Ward 4 vote, some participants indicated they were confused and thought they were voting for sitting at-Large Councilmember Michael A. Brown. Continue reading
By Ben H. Rome
DC: We Are More Than What Others Say We Are
‘Fire and Ice’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
To the Tea Party tourists visiting this weekend:
We’d like to welcome you to the nation’s capital.
Please note that despite some serious misunderstanding and outrageous assumptions made beyond the Beltway, DC really is a safe city to visit. We do recommend, however, that you just avoid Baltimore completely. Think of it as our certifiably insane sibling to the north, with delusions of class. (And yes, I am kidding. We DCites do have a sense of humor, especially at Baltimore’s expense. And Philadelphia’s.)
Despite some ramblings of various cantankerous individuals, the District does have a lot to offer you on your visit. We bust a lot of myths about our fair city here on this site; please take a moment to see if we’ve answered any of the ones you’ve heard. We also showcase a lot of amazing arts, theater, restaurants, individuals, and other great things about the DC area here; I invite you to check out what else lies beyond the Mall and maybe sample some of our wares. Continue reading
By Dave Levy
Dan Snyder As a Washington Times Buyer?
‘he reads tea leaves’
courtesy of ‘p22earl’
Excuse the use of the tea leaves image on this one, but as interesting as a stance as it is, Dave McKenna’s predictions over at City Paper that Dan Snyder may be eyeing the Washington Times may be little more than trying to read through the lines on the future for the second daily in town. Still, it’s an interesting theory on the future of TWT.
McKenna was inspired by a hint by DCRTV that a new buyer was lining up to pick up the newspaper, and then noted that there is at least one good, joking, reason why Redskins owner Dan Snyder could be the man behind a deal: “a track record of making horrible business decisions.” Beyond the joke, there is at least some other evidence that Snyder may be interested or involved. For one thing, at last spring’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner, Snyder showed up (with a few Redskins in two) – and sat at the Washington Times table. Further, Snyder actually canceled an appearance with Washington Post editors earlier this month.
There is still some value with the Times, even if it is suffering the same uphill battle as much of the print industry, and interestingly, it involves a sports section that hasn’t existed since earlier this year. Thanks to Tom for pointing out one thing in which Dan Snyder have legitimate interest: a Google search for “Washington DC Sports News” still puts the Times atop the results. In the Internet era, that’s lots of SEO capital that can’t be replicated from the ground up, especially for a profesionall sports owner.
Rumors? Sure. But prognostication in the August dog days are sometimes what we face.
(h/t Patrick Gavin)
By Ashley
We Love Food: Palena Cafe
‘palena’
courtesy of ‘AlissaS24’
There are plenty of restaurants here that serve smart American food, and there are plenty of places that serve burgers. But there are few that combine the two in a way that satisfies me when I’m feeling fancy and when I’m feeling like…well…a burger.
Selling Palena Cafe as a burger restaurant isn’t really fair. It resembles Five Guys just as much as the Hay-Adams resembles a youth hostel. Palena Cafe is actually the front part of Palena–a high end price fixe restaurant in Cleveland Park. Unfortunately located next to a pretty spectacular gas station, Palena has done a great job of still feeling cozy and warm and like the little bistro you discovered by mistake while studying abroad.
By DC Wins “Race To The Top”
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courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
It’s a good day for Michelle Rhee. Just one day after the school year began, DC and nine other states (Maryland included) have been named winners of the Department of Education’s Race to the Top grants. The grants will disperse roughly $3.4 billion to the winners, though no word yet on how much DC will specifically receive.
Winners were chosen based on their commitment to school reform. This was demonstrated through the creation of tools to measure students’ success, preparation of students for college and the workplace, hiring and retaining effective teachers, and improvement of poorly performing schools.
Other winners in this round of competition included Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Rhode Island. This is the second round of winners for Race to the Top, which was created in 2009 by economic stimulus funds.
By Don
It’s just like the real lottery: you’re not going to win
‘No Scams’
courtesy of ‘ivanpw’
WTOP brings us a story of a lottery scam going on in the Virginia area: men claiming to be illegal immigrants who have won money in the lottery which they cannot collect offer to share in the winnings if their victim will help them. The mark provides some sort of deposit or fronts “their share” of the winnings in cash and eventually discovers there’s not really a winning ticket.
There’s a sad irony that the lottery has extended out to sucker even people who don’t play, but the real lesson here is that when someone approaches you on the street with an odd offer that will enrich you in some way it is almost certainly a scam. Winning lotto tickets, “extra” stereo speakers that turn out to be bricks in a box, “designer” watches by Rolux.
That’s not to say the street vendor doesn’t occupy a beloved place in my heart, but don’t kid yourself that you’re receiving some windfall.
Food Truck Tracker
‘the food truck crowd’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Sorry for yesterday’s hiatus. The Food Truck Tracker is back in action today, though many of your favorite food trucks are not. Rebel Heroes, Sauca, and El Floridano are all on vacation. Insert sad emoticon here.
Like Basketball? Want to talk about it? The Wizards will let you!
‘IMG_5362’
courtesy of ‘zugaldia’
I don’t know about you, but I always thought it must have been pretty cool to be one of those old school sports announcers with fedoras atop their head, holding on to a microphone while giving commentary on the game being played. If you’re anything like me, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity the Washington Wizard’s have in-store this fall.
The Wizards might not be the top dogs when it comes to District sports, but if you love the game of basketball and have an affinity for the team it’d be a waste to not take advantage of their newly announced Public Address Announcer Tryouts.
That’s right, the Wizards are holding auditions for a “new voice” to announce their home games during the 2010-2011 season. Here are the details: Anyone can audition and experience is a plus but not mandatory.
So if you want to stand on that soap box and have a shot of having some extra outside-the-office fun, go ahead and fill out the application. It can’t hurt.
Auditions will be September 13 at the Verizon Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
By Dave Levy
Hello, Free Cupcakes
‘mom told me a couple people attending are having birthdays so I made special birthday cupcakes’
courtesy of ‘@heylovedc’
I’m the last person in the world who focuses on the great cupcake wars here in town, but there are some stories too tasty to avoid, especially when they involve free treats. In honor of its 2nd birthday, the good people at Hello Cupcake in Dupont Circle are giving everyone who walks through the door today a cupcake as long as supplies last. Hello Cupcake is at 1361 Connecticut Avenue, NW, and the doors open at 10 a.m. Get your free cupcake while you can!
By Max
Mod Madness at the Textile Museum
All photos by Max Cook
When the hustle and bustle of the modern world has a stranglehold on our sanity, we are quick to look for an escape maneuver. Between the demands placed on us from all angles, the constant task of making ends meet, and the humdrum of our daily routines, we long for something different to speed up or slow down the tick-tock of the invisible metronome. This is why we jump out of airplanes on purpose, take trips to faraway places, lose ourselves in books and movies, and find other creative ways to exercise the right side of our brains.
Along with this instinctive desire for escape, we often long for the days of the past, for a time when life seemed simple and had fewer complications. Perhaps we covet the lifestyle of our parents’ generation or the days of our youth, the days before global warming, STD’s, and high fructose corn syrup. We are nostalgic by nature which is why vintage clothing has always been (and always will be) so popular, why we buy classic cars, watch black and white movies, and collect antiques. This is why we smile when we see a girl ride by on a 3-speed Raleigh bicycle, carrying flowers or groceries in the wicker basket, why we indulge in cheeseburgers and malts at silver roadside diners, and why we love the intangible feel of old grainy photographs. This is why Mad Men is one of the hottest shows on TV today, and why Frank Sinatra songs will always make us want to slow dance with our partner. While we can’t wait to see what the future holds, we will always keep one foot in the past.
I often think it would be great if for just one week, or even one day, we could all stop typing, stop texting, stop Twittering, and stop e-mailing. Instead, write a letter, have a formal dinner party, go on a picnic, read the newspaper, and discuss things over coffee. It appears that I’m not alone in my thinking, as last week hundreds of dreamers, escapists, and exhibitionists descended upon the Textile Museum for the second PM at the TM, an event called MOD MADNESS. Presented in partnership with The Pink Line Project, well-dressed attendees were treated to interactive gallery tours by WE ARE SCIENCE, DYI silk screening by the Washington Printmakers Gallery and Kristina Bilonick, and live jazz by the Pete Muldoon Quartet. I was there with my camera and for three short hours, the metronome stopped.
Nats Can’t Hit Coleman
‘5TH’
courtesy of ‘MissChatter’
Veteran anchor Livan Hernandez didn’t get the calls he wanted against Mike Quade’s Cubs Monday night. Quade stepped into the interim manager’s role for his first game since being the Cubs third base coach after “Sweet” Lou Pinella retired Sunday night for family reasons.
Hernandez has been a mostly consistent main-stay of this Nats ballclub after joining Washington in spring training this year, but Manager Jim Riggleman realizes there will still be bad nights no matter how well he’s been throwing the ball.
“He’s got to get a little edge there now and then on the plate,” Riggleman said. “When the pitches are close and you’re not getting them that’s tough for Livo.” Continue reading
Ex-Nats Return to Washington and Ex-Cubs on Roster Welcome Former Teammates
The Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series Monday night at Nationals Park and there are a lot of Ex-Nats in town from the Windy City, along with a few Ex-Cubs on the Nats bench.
Nats Manager Jim Riggleman served the North Side team from 1995-1999 (including the 1998 Wild Card winning Cubs), Jason Marquis pitched from 2007-2008 for the back-to-back playoff team under guidance of the recently retired Cubs skipper “Sweet” Lou Pinella.
Cubs outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Marlon Byrd also played in Washington at RFK Stadium together during the 2006 season. Soriano was a Nat in 2006 and Byrd was traded to the Nats in 2005 for Endy Chavez before being assigned to Washington’s Triple-A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs. Both will be starting tonight.
Check out some pictures of the players after the page break.
Stephen Strasburg Goes Back To The 15-Day Disabled List
‘Strasburg’
courtesy of ‘Max Cook’
Strasburg is currently experiencing pain in his forearm and flexor muscle, which differs from the shoulder inflamation he experienced earlier this season. Rizzo assures that these types of issues previously arose during Strasburg’s career at San Diego State.
The first time around, Strasburg had a dry MRI which showed some red lights that have the Nats paying attention. The Nats have decided to have Strasburg go in for a second MRI called an Arthogram to find out what the problem is and get the full story on his arm.
Strasburg showed up to the park today wanting to throw the ball around but the Nats choose to err on the side of safety and had him sit this one out.
“I think he’s anxious to find out what’s going on,” Rizzo said. “He felt good today. His elbow felt good. He’s anxious. He wants a resolution to find out what’s going on. [He’s] a little anxious, a little emotional, that would be fair to say.
Rizzo expects results within a 24 hour time frame after the MRI takes place. In the mean time, RHP Jordan Zimmermann will make his 2010 debut with the Nationals in Washinton on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Chef Art Gets Hitched
Photo by Moshe Zusman Photography
There are few things I love more than a good wedding. And boy does this wedding sound good. On Saturday, Chef Art Smith of Art and Soul married his partner of 10 years, Jesus Salguerio. The couple celebrated with an entire day of festivities, which included everything from an impromptu Lady Gaga singalong to a celebrity chef potluck.
The ceremony was held at Art and Soul, and was presided over by spiritualist Marianne Williamson. The grooms wore matching suits by Daniel Sudur, as well as white sneakers emblazoned with Mr. Salguerio’s heart artwork. After the couple recited their own vows, guests were treated to a barbecue buffet, also held at Art and Soul. Dishes included pulled pork and baked beans by BBQ Pitmaster Myron Mixon, coleslaw by Ludo Lefebve of Top Chef Masters fame, macaroni and cheese by Michelle Bernstein of Top Chef, and fried chicken and biscuits by Rey Villalobos of Table 52.
After the star-studded feast, the party moved to the rooftop pool at Liaison Capitol Hill, where Moby spun beats for a Summertime Vegetarian Celebration. More food followed, including sweet treats from Georgetown Cupcake. The highlight of the night was no doubt when the couple jumped into the pool and “serenaded each other with Lady Gaga songs.” As I said, it sounds like a good wedding.
Congratulations Art and Jesus!