There’s a 99% chance of a good time happening this weekend as Vijai Nathan will be throwing the monthly show Fan-Freaking-Tastic over at Chief Ike’s Mambo room this Saturday. The theme for this party is “Freaks & Geeks” and will feature performances by top DC stand up comics, storytellers, and slam poets for $15. The show starts at 8 PM, but I would advise getting there an hour early to take advantage of the happy hour deal going on before the show.
By Jenn Larsen
‘Glasses Half Full’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’
There’s something about the combination of historic grand hotels and cocktail culture that absolutely enchants me. Judging from the crowd waiting to get into the seminar on great hotel cocktails last night at Tabard Inn, I’m not alone. Hosted by Philip Greene of the Museum of the American Cocktail, Better Drinking‘s Derek Brown, and Tabard’s own Chantal Tseng, it was a fascinating evening both informative and funny on the phenomenon of the American hotel cocktail.
The three witty hosts mixed up drinks and dispensed history, from the Prohibition days of revolving bars and secret staircases, to the fabled round table of the Algonquin, to Hawaii’s pink palaces on the sea. We even got to shake up our own Ramos Gin Fizzes (the two minutes of vigorous shaking resulting in the beautiful meringue top of this delicate drink? well worth the effort) while hearing about shady Huey Long bringing that glorious New Orleans cocktail to New York City as a PR stunt. It worked. Continue reading
By Addison H
‘Fojol Bros Trucks’
courtesy of ‘mediaslave’
Happy Hump Day, Washington! Need a shot of something delicious to cure your midweek malaise?
Click on through for our ThestrEATS-powered lunch map to find where your favorite food trucks are cooking today!
Continue reading
By Ashley
‘Restaurant’
courtesy of ‘kingkool68’
Last night, in front of a ballroom full of nervous (and slightly tipsy) chefs and restaurateurs, the 2011 RAMMY nominations were announced. As Washington’s answer to the James Beard Awards, the RAMMYs carry some serious clout around these parts. There are a few restaurants that show up a number of times (Bourbon Steak, Citronelle, Equinox), but there are a few dark horses out there like Ted’s Bulletin, The Majestic and Liberty Tavern to round out the competition.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 26th after careful consideration by a panel of judges and as well as you, Joe T. Public. Us laymen will be able to vote in four categories this year: Voter’s Favorite Restaurant, Neighborhood Gathering Place, Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene and Power Spot of the Year. Voters will be able to fill out a ballot that will run in the April 28th issue of The Washington City Paper or online. So vote early and often, I guess.
A full list of the RAMMY noms after the jump. Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
Emily Hershenson of Adams Morgan went to work yesterday, but didn’t come home to her husband and young daughter yesterday, and there is a massive search being undertaken to find the 33-year old woman. According to this email sent to the Ward 1 listserve:
The last confirmed sighting of Emily was yesterday morning at ~6:30 AM when she left for work from her home in Adams Morgan. Last contact was via her cell phone at about 9:30 AM yesterday. Her family has filed a missing persons report with Metropolitan Police Dept. plus contacted Uniformed Division of U.S. Secret Service (UD USSS) and US Capitol Police (USCP). There was an as-yet unconfirmed sighting of Emily on the 42 bus northbound last night around 8:30 PM. They are still trying to ascertain if that was indeed her.
Her family is also monitoring her CC and ATM accounts, but last use of either appears to have been a Starbucks at 18th & Columbia NW yesterday about 8 AM.
We’re asking everyone around town to please keep your eye out for her (see link below for photo). If you have any information, please call her husband Tom at 202 680 4181 or call the police directly. (The CCN number for this case is 11-038-202.)
See here for her photo and here for updates.
Please keep Emily and her family in your thoughts.
Update: Mrs. Hershenson was found alive & well early Wednesday on the National Mall.
‘Temporium crowd’
courtesy of ‘neuefrau’
Pop-up stores, pop-up art exhibits, pop-up restaurants–I need to resist making the cliche that DC is literally “poppin’.” Moreover, all of these places seem to be having pretty successful runs.
Mt. Pleasant Temporium, which Rebecca Gross reported on earlier, took in $31,000 in sales in less than a month. The temporium was open from February 18th to March 13th and saw more than 6,800 visitors and hosted 23 events with storytelling, crafting and live music. Not too shabby, huh? Garment District in Shaw also closed their doors this past weekend. Though word on the tweets is they still have some pieces for sale that you can snag at Shaw Main Streets’ Annual meeting tomorrow at 7 pm.
Fear not if you didn’t get the memo on these last pop-ups. The AdMo Pop-Up Shop is opening this Sunday, March 27th at 2421 18th St. NW. The store’s run coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (as it’s an approved Cherry Blossom partner) and will close on April 10th. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 12 PM – 9 PM and Friday and Saturday, 11 AM – 10 PM. Similar to the Mt. Pleasant Temporium, the AdMo Pop-up Shop will offer arts, crafts, entertainment and workshops. No events other than the opening ribbon-cutting ceremony and the closing wine tasting have been posted on their site yet, but you can keep tabs on them here.
By Brittany
On May 7th at St Stephens Church in Columbia Heights, Positive Force will be hosting their second Punk Rock Flea Market.
Right now, they are looking for vendors who might want to sell their wares, so if you are of a crafty persuasion, have a great eye for thrifting vintage treasures, or find yourself burdened by a teetering tower of vinyl records, you can sign up for a table. A table is $15 for the day and can be arranged by emailing dcpositiveforce@gmail.com.
In addition to the market and live music performances by Deleted Scenes, America Hearts, and Foul Swoops, there will be a “skill share” area at the event. Positive Force is currently looking for people with skills to teach at this as well. If you have something you would like to share with eager learners, send a proposal to the same email above and they will make the arrangements.
By Tom Bridge
‘LSE Sports Day, Malden Sports Ground, c1920s’
courtesy of ‘LSE Library’
We’re down to just 9 days before the Nationals starting 9 take the field against the Atlanta Braves (tickets still available), and there’s a pretty decent chance a couple of those positions aren’t yet full. The Nationals have been sorting out the position struggles over the last month or so, and there are still a few places with more questions than answers.
By Addison H
‘people who want their lobstah’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday. Looks like we get a one-day reprieve from the rain, so hit the streets and find some lunch.
Click on through for our ThestrEATS-powered lunch map to find where your favorite food trucks are cooking today!
Continue reading
By Ashley
‘Corey Lee’s James Beard Award’
courtesy of ‘patrick_h’
Newest food town my tush. We’re here, we’re delicious, get used to it. Need proof? The James Beard Award Nominees are out and our fair city made quite the impression. Well, that statement is sort of misleading. You know that annoying saying, that D.C. is Hollywood for ugly people? Well it looks like D.C. is Eataly for media folks. We don’t necessarily know how to cook, but we sure do have a lot to say about those who do cook. I guess in a town of politicians and lawyers that’s to be expected.
While I may be exaggerating just a touch, there were plenty of D.C.-based writers and television shows that were singled out this year. Tim Carman of the Washington City Paper was nominated for the best “Food-Related Columns and Commentary” and though he is no longer with the City Paper, I’m sure they will be more than happy to forward his award-related mail to The Washington Post. Or maybe they’ll keep it hostage, since The Washington Post was nominated for their own award for “Food Section of General Interest” which in my personal opinion sounds like the most boring category to be nominated in. And I love food and general interests!
By Tricia Barba
‘Oyamel’
courtesy of ‘angela n.’
Get your tickets while you can — Brent Elementary’s Taste of the Hill: Beyond the Classroom 2011 Gala is almost here. For $75 you’ll be able to partake in a night of music, dancing, food and beverages, and support Brent Elementary students.
Guests will enjoy food from restaurants in the Capitol Hill area and a tad beyond. My fave places participating include Ba Bay, Belga Cafe, Poste, Sonoma & Matchbox. Wine pairings will be provided by Charlie Palmer Steak sommelier Nadine Brown.
I’ll probably buy the Ticket & Raffle package. Raffle prizes this year include: an iPad, a $200 ThinkFood Group Gift Certificate (hello Oyamel & Zaytinya!), and Redskins tickets.
Taste of the Hill takes place April 2 from 6-10 pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
All proceeds go to support the PTA programs at Brent, including physical education, Chinese, scholarships for before and aftercare, field trips, and more.
By Tom Bridge
‘Elephant Walk in DC 3’
courtesy of ‘gdudg’
If tomorrow afternoon you were to step onto a street in Penn Quarter, or down on 3rd Street in front of the Capitol, you might well see something a bit unique. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus is parading their animals through town beginning at 2pm at South Capitol St and E Street, up past the Capitol and then ending up at the Verizon Center ahead of the four day run of “Funundrum” at the Phone Booth.
It’s hard not to talk about circuses without also talking about the treatment of performing animals, and there are certainly reasons to be concerned for their welfare. Out of due diligence, I give you the Ringling Bros. Animal Treatment FAQ and PETA’s allegations concerning the circus. You can make up your own mind.
By Addison H
‘Fry Captain Food Truck’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Happy Monday, DC! Hope you all took a little break from basketball and got outside and enjoyed the spring preview weather.
Click on through for our ThestrEATS-powered lunch map to find where your favorite food trucks are posted up today! Continue reading
’10-4-4 – Cherry Blossoms – Warm Blossoms’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’
Ah the cherry blossoms–the time when you finally know it’s spring in Washington. While the Mall will be packed, I’m betting restaurant patios will also start to fill up. So while you’re starting to enjoy some outdoor dining during the cherry blossom season, here are some restaurants offering specials: Continue reading
By Rebecca
The run-up to Father’s Day should be about more than ties, golf balls, and deciding what to grill on Sunday. Health should also be on the agenda.
Men’s Health Week was created by the U.S. Congress in 1994 to boost awareness of men’s health and ways to improve it. It’s a good time for men to contemplate their vigor, fitness, and overall health—and then do something about it.
Think you’re too old for that? It’s never too late to improve your health, no matter how old you are or what your current health status is. Here are five things you can you do to improve your health.
Get moving. Can you walk at a brisk pace for 2 miles? If so, you have a level of fitness sufficient to lower your chances of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease. If not, you can get there by putting one foot in front of the other, and going a bit further each day, try using cbd oils from northwellness, they carry the best products in the market. Every increase in endurance translates to better health, including decreased risk of diabetes and possible protection from certain cancers. Plus you will feel better.
‘Barra Brava’
courtesy of ‘BrianMKA’
They said he was lucky to be alive. They said he would never walk again, much less play. But 522 days after a devastating car accident killed a friend and nearly claimed his life, D.C. United forward Charlie Davies played in his first competitive game since the accident and scored two goals in United’s 3-1 win over Columbus to open the 2011 season. With the scars on his head still visible, Davies was on the verge of breaking down while being interviewed after the game by Comcast SportsNet. (Ed. – This is a must watch)
18,132 were present at RFK Stadium for the scene, as a slow first half with few chances for either team got the game off to a choppy start. Early in the second half, fellow United newcomer Josh Wolff sent it past Columbus keeper Will Hesmer for the first D.C. goal of the season in the 51st minute. Davies came on to replace Joseph Ngwenya in the 52nd, and United was awarded a penalty kick just ten minutes later when Chris Pontius was fouled in the box. In postgame interviews, Davies was quoted as having insisted to captain Dax McCarty that he needed to take the penalty kick. Davies easily slotted it home to give United a 2-0 lead.
It was then the 77th minute when Davies got loose, showed the speed that enthralled American fans in 2009, and beat the keeper in a one-on-one for his second goal of the evening, and sent D.C. well on their way to a victory on opening night. Robbie Rogers would score for Columbus in the 78th off a penalty kick, the only negative to an otherwise fantastic showing by United assistant coach-turned-goalkeeper Pat Onstad.
D.C. sees action next Saturday with their first road game of the season, kicking off with New England at 4:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution open their season tonight at Los Angeles.
By Brittany
Photo credit: Daniel Swartz/REVAMP.COM Courtesy of Corcoran Gallery of Art
Once again, Friday Happy Hour takes a look at the Cocoran’s ARTINI 2011 Each of the twelve participating bars have a created a special cocktail inspired by works from the Cocoran’s collection which are on offer leading up to the April 2nd gala. Each bar gets one “feature night” when their creation is showcased and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Corcoran – though the drink continues to be available the entire month.
Featured this week: Tabard Inn, PS7’s, and Church & State.
Continue reading
By Dave Levy
We haven’t given due attention to a great new Caps blog that has taken an innovative position on fandom in the District – Puck Buddys. Carving out a new audience in the hockey blogosphere isn’t easy, but in writing “for boys who like boys who like hockey,” the guys over there have added a really awesome, diverse voice to the world of sports blogging in DC.
A few links by Ted’s Take and man have these guys made it. Just in case that wasn’t enough, the men behind Puck Buddys are hosting a game watch for this evening’s game against the Devils. Go meet the fellas, put on your best Caps gear and go cheer loudly at Nellie’s. More details are available over at PB.
By Tricia Barba
”
courtesy of ‘Jing a Ling’
Get your credit cards out. Starting today, a series of donations will be auctioned off on eBay by more than 20 DC businesses. The money raised will support disaster relief in Japan.
Earlier this week, KAZ Sushi Bistro Chef Kaz Okochi, who was born and raised in Nagoya, Japan, reached out to the DC Chefs’ Club for help. The result? Chefs are auctioning off brunch, dinners, tastings, classes, and more on eBay. The auctions will last for one to two weeks, and the winning bids will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Starting off the auction is KAZ, offering a tasting menu for two people as well as KAZ private brand sake or beer. The bidding starts at $50. To bid go here.
Restaurants participating include:
The Tabard Inn
Restaurant Nora
Perry’s
Equinox
Bourbon
Four Seasons
Masa14
KAZ Sushi Bistro
BLT
Peacock Cafe
Ris
Food & Wine Co.
Dino
DC Coast/TenPenh/Ceiba/Acadiana/PassionFish
Jaleo/Zaytinya/Oyamel/Cafe Atlantico
Marcels/Brasserie Beck/Mussel Bar
Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown
By Tricia Barba
‘Fojol Bros. Of Merlindia Truck’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Yay it’s almost the weekend! Any big plans for a long lunch this Friday?
Click on through for our ThestrEATS-powered lunch map to find where your favorite food trucks are cooking today!
By 
By 
By