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Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, April 12, 2001; 1 p.m. EST

Every Thursday at 1 p.m. EST, washingtonpost.com's Entertainment Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We've got the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.

Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.

Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the Entertainment Guide.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

The Going Out Gurus: The gang's all here, once again. Whatever your needs, we are here to please. There's Alexa Beattie (restaurants), Anne Kenderdine(events and excursions), Fritz Hahn (nightlife), Jen Chaney and Kate Gibbs (all entertainment, all the time), Joe Heim (music), Rhome Anderson (always in the know) and Maura McCarthy - that's me - (museums and galleries). It's a holiday weekend, so maybe you have friends and family to entertain. See our compilation of brunches and bunnies to befit the season. Joe swears that Friday the 13th could be your lucky day to catch some great live music and, if the weather holds up, it might be the perfect time to reexamine your local rooftop bar. But let's hear what you have to say.

DC: Submitting this early because I'll be out while you are all in. Have an out of town boyfriend coming to town tonight. Want to take him to a nice dinner (where he doesn't have to be too dressed up after the long drive)that is not too expensive, gives a good impression of the area and is in Old Town or DC. Any suggestions? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hello DC, Alexa here. Funny you should ask about Old Town, because just last night I was at Geranio on King Street and had the most delicious dinner I've had in a long while - soft shell crabs (so MEATY), seared scallops with English peas and sage, and a beautifully simple salad of roasted portobellos and arugula. Prices are decent and the mood there extremely pleasant. Have a go.

fairfax east: My pal and I are trying to find the most authentic Irish pub in the Metro area- especially one that would attract the late 20/30something Irish crowd..any suggestions?

Fairfax

washingtonpost.com: Fritz here. The most authentic Irish pub? This is a tough one, actually. I've spent a fair share of time in bars in Dublin and the UK (yes, they have chain Irish pubs like Fado in London and Manchester), and they run the gamut from quiet, low-key pubs to larger places that hire DJs on a Saturday night. Asking for an "authentic" Irish pub is like asking for an authentic American bar (please don't say "the one from Cheers"). For a true Irish atmosphere, my favorite place is Sean Donlon, in Annapolis. It's a hike from Fairfax, but the couple who owns it is Irish, and the husband has won awards in Ireland for his pub designs. And they do a mean Guinness.

If you want pubs that actually attract the Irish, I'd say Nanny O'Brien's, Ireland's Four Provinces, and Biddy Mulligan's. Nanny's because it's cozy and the Irish sessions there are legendary, and attract performers from Riverdance and Irish groups from the Kennedy Center. Word gets around. The Four Ps is well-established in this town, and it's in several guidebooks. As for Biddy's, well, it's in a hotel that used to be the Doyle's, an Irish chain. That sounds like a long shot, but I've run into Irish people there. Overall, Nanny's might be your best bet.

College Park, MD: I am going to graduate from the University of Maryland next month. My family is coming into town. My parents are interested in art. What suggestions do you have for places that I can take them? Marnie

washingtonpost.com: Hi Marnie and congratulations on your graduation. Well, your parents will certainly have a lot to see. Not sure what weekend they'll be in, but the National Gallery features the sculpture ofCy Twombly on May 6 and the Corcoran opens its Painters of the American West on May12. One of my favorite museums is the Freer Gallery of Art - a stunning collection of Asian art and late 19th century American paintings by James McNeill Whistler and his contemporaries. Their newest Whistler showcase opens April 22. That's one I (Maura) wouldn't miss.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi, my cousin is visiting from Puerto Rico this weekend and I'm not sure which is the best club to take her. I was thinking of Platinum but is it still good on Saturdays? I know she'd want to go drinking/dancing. Any ideas?Thanks!

Laura

washingtonpost.com: Fritz here. Platinum is still good on Saturdays - they've got Z104 broadcasting live and all ladies are free before midnight, which means you should get there by 11:30 to wait in line. The money you save on the cover will make up for the drink prices once you get in. DJs spin house and trance on the main floor, with Latin and hip-hop in the basement. It gets crowded. Other mega-club things this Saturday: Sandra Collins, a DJ from the Twilo nightclub in NYC is at Five. Really, really great trance there, and they're opening the rooftop deck - always a plus in my book.

Arlington, VA: A college friend of mine will be in town next week with her whole family. She wants to meet for dinner. They are staying near the MCI Arena/Convention Center. She has three children age range about 9-12. I know several of the restaurants in the area, but I have never thought in terms of dining with children. Is there a good restaurant in that area that would be good to take 9 people including the children?

washingtonpost.com: Arlington, Alexa again. This question of where to go with children keeps coming up and while we have a few standard suggestions in our bag, we need more. Let's throw the request out to the group and see what bounces back. In the meantime, downtown spots? Austin Grill, Jaleo, ESPN Zone. How do those sound? Be sure to look, too, at our downtown virtual tour.

DC: Hello there. I hope this weekend promises more than this constant light drizzle.

Question: I have some friends coming into town for the weekend. Where could we go for dancing in DC or NoVa without the typical meat market scene? Also, I don't think these friends are into too much techno music. I thought about the downstairs room at the Guards, but it can get awfully crowded and hot. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks.

washingtonpost.com: Fritz again. The Guards downstairs, hmmm? Well, the indoor/outdoor tiki lounge at Third Edition is reopening, and if it's going to be nice on Saturday (and it says here it will be), that's a pretty good idea. It's not really a meat market all the time. If you like the Guards mix of music, without the atmosphere, you could try Chief Ike's in Adams Morgan. There are other options, but I'm not sure how high your tolerance for meat markets is.

reston va : hey! we're checking out the magnetic fields on friday evening. i wondered if it would be ok to wait until then to buy my tickets, or should i hike downtown tonight and do it (no way am i paying the insane service fee)? any ideas as to when the band goes on? i know the doors open at 6...but when does the actual show start? and since it's such an early show-any ideas on where to get drinks after it ends? sorry for all the questions!
thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hi Reston, Joe here. I can't really get a sense of whether the Magnetic Fields show will sell out, but I don't know think I'd risk waiting until tomorrow to get a ticket. Doors open at 6. Rick Moody goes on at 7 and Magnetic Fields go on around 7:45. And then everyone has to clear out because BS2000 (Beastie Boys side project)is playing later that night and you have to buy a separate ticket for that show.

Alex VA: Five second graders all on the same kids' hockey team are sleeping over tonight. No cable, hence no Capitals-Penguins playoff game at our house. Where can we watch -- sports bar or restaurant -- where the team will be welcomed and not booted for being a decade or so underage?

washingtonpost.com: Hi, this is Anne. We suggest ESPN Zone as your best bet, since we have seen actual kids there before. In most other restaurants, the TVs are usually by the bar - where it's likely too smoky and full of tall people for second-graders to enjoy the game. A word of warning: ESPNzone does not take reservations, so either get there super early, or be prepared for a long wait. If you do end up waiting, send the kids to the lower level where they can practice their slap shot. Good luck to your team!

courthouse, va: what do you think:

Magnetic Fields or Frank Black on friday?

washingtonpost.com: Hey Courthouse, Joe again. Looks like Friday is your lucky day. Check out the Magnetic Fields early (they'll be done by 10) and then walk over to the Black Cat to see Frank Black who probably won't go on until 11.

Columbia, MD: Hi Gurus - Where is the best place to watch the hockey playoffs?

washingtonpost.com: Hi Columbia, Kate here. My favorite place to watch the hockey playoffs is a sticky, smokey bar in Montreal, but failing an e-saver, I'd suggest Longway's in Lanham, MD. It takes it's name from it's owner, by Caps great Rod Longway.

Penguin fans will head to the Penn Ave. Pour House. This is a Pittsburgh-themed bar (it share's an address with Politiki) on the Hill. Want to cheer the Caps on in the city? Try the Rock (downtown) or Summer's (Arlington). Have you got a friend with a huge tv? Why not make yourself welcome with over barbecue from Rocklands.

Arlington, VA: Going out Gurus:

My friend and I want a "girls night" on Saturday. Anywhere in DC is fine. We are looking for a fun age range, where we won't feel overwhelmed or out of place if its just the two of us and we're not in a big group. Doesn't need to be a place with food. Just drinks and maybe dancing.

washingtonpost.com: Hey, Arlington. This is Jen. Finding a non-overwhelming place for two who want drinks isn't too tough. It's the dancing option that makes things a bit more complicated since most bars with dance floors tend to purposely overwhelm patrons. Nevertheless, I put my Chaney thinking cap on and here's what I came up with: give 18th Street Lounge a try. It's a great place to go if you want the option to dance, but also want to find a quiet place to chat. As you may know, the place is notorious for its selective door policy, so put on your hippest game face or show up early, before the doorfolks get overly snobby. Club Heaven and Hell might not be bad since you can retreat to Hell to talk if you get tired of dancing in Heaven. Consider Kelly's Irish Times as well, where you can do the Irish pub thing upstairs or dance downstairs to '70s, '80s and '90s music. Though it can be crowded, it shouldn't be awkward for two ladies on the town – just be prepared to potentially fend off overly friendly, overly imbibing young men.

dc: No, no, no, no, don't send people to Nanny's!!! Ok, I'm glad for them to get the customers, but it's already getting a bit crowded in there!

Now, on to the question:

Flea markets. I'm looking for good flea markets with lotsa stuff. I've been to Eastern Market, Georgetown, U Street, and I want MORE! I'm willing to drive up to an hour, and I love junk. Any ideas?

(And why am I sending this to the going out people? Because junking is my weekend entertainment!)

washingtonpost.com: DC, we don't mind a bit answering shopping questions. There's no end to our talents. There's a place that sounds to be right up your alley in Alexandria called Funk and Junk. I'm not entirely sure what street - North Columbus perhaps - but it's full of hilarious Howdie-Doody-ish kitsch. A place I (Alexa) go to pretty regularly is the Old Lucketts Store and others at Lucketts near Leesburg. I'm sure you've probably been there too. Head out the Dulles toll road to the end and then follow signs to Point of Rocks. Our man Rhome suggests Frederick and I say he's right on.

district of columbia: okay-
so we've all heard about how cool the gordon biersch brew restaurant is. what is the perspective from you cool cats? how is the beer, and the food? also, do they have happy hour specials?

second, as for cool things to do this weekend: tomorrow night, music. start out at the 930 club for the early show, magnetic fields, and then head down the street to the black cat, for frank black, formerly of the pixies...

and kudos to the wpost for their prominent fugazi shows (april 25 and 27) listing on the site. always great to see support for such an important and worthwhile band...

thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hi, Kate here. Gordon Biersch has a formula. Beautifully refurbish a landmark downtown building and stick in two, three massive brewing vats for it's German beers. The result in downtown D.C. is gorgeous, but I have to say, I wasn't nuts about the beers I tried: five from a sampler. I'm just not a fan of sweet beers and these are. I didn't try the food. It looked like typical up-scale brewery fare: think Cap City. You know, massive racks of ribs littered with skinny french fries. Fritz Hahn is a fan of their German-style beer (and with a name like his, can you blame him?) Happy hour specials don't exist at GB, but brunch does, every Sat. and Sun. from 11 to 3.

Nice suggestions for weekend music. And thanks for the kudos on the Fugazi, that was all Joe Heim.

Arlington, Va.: I am looking for someplace to go dance with my friends (anywhere in dc) where they play some good ol' hip hop/dance music from the mid-90s -- like Naughty by Nature, Montel Jordan, L.L. Cool J, etc. I feel like everywhre I go they are playing techno/house. Any ideas??

washingtonpost.com: Fritz here. This is the first time I've gotten this particular request, although I just got all nostalgic for "This Is How We Do It." I know from experience they play "O.P.P.," "Mama Said Knock You Out," etc. most weekends at Lulu's, Crush and Polly Esther's downtown (in the '90s room). Those sorts of places. If you're looking for '90s hip-hop, that's another kettle of fish.

Arlington, VA: Know anything about the new mexican restaurant, Guapos, that just opened in Shirlington?

washingtonpost.com: Hi, this is Jen and yes, I am familiar with Guapo's. There are already four Washington area locations of the festive, Mexican spot: Tenleytown, Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Centreville. The most hopping – and the one I've visited most frequently – is the D.C. location, which has great outdoor seating right on Wisconsin Ave. The quality of the food and service varies from place to place. If the Shirlington addition is anything like the D.C. one, I encourage you to try it. The margaritas go down smooth, and the appetizers and entrees are reliably tasty.

Chicago, Ill.: I'm going to be in D.C. this weekend, and I'm making plans to meet up with old friends Saturday night. I'm looking for a place that would be fun for a mid-30s crowd, and not too noisy or super-crowded. Ideally, it would be somewhere in the Bethesda through Wisconsin Avenue/NW area. Any ideas? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Why hello, Chicago. Nice to hear from you. Don't know how easy it will be to beat the crowds on a Saturday night, but I (Maura) might try the bars at Bambuleat Friendship or Black's in Bethesda. You could also try Cafe Deluxe in Bethesda or Cleveland Park. If you can venture over to Connecticut Avenue, the lounge in the back of Aroma could suit your needs. Have fun, Chicago, and, of course, a safe trip!

Arlington VA: What are some good, upscale happy hour locations for professionals over 35?

washingtonpost.com: Hello Arlington, Rhome here. I don't know how high-post you need your upscale spots to be but I was at the Meeting Place a few weeks ago and there were people my age (22 - 26) all the way up to early 40's and it was a hoot. Karaoke of all stripes from polished to hideously embarrassing. Over in PG County, the over-35 crew parties heartily at Classics Nightclub. Fritzie also recommends eCiti, Clyde's (any of them), Mr Smith's, and Revolution Coffee Lounge. Be sure to report back if you find your perfect spot.

DC: You guys probably have some decent ideas on
this. Where in town can me and a couple of my
low-30something friends go to hang out where
the crowd is laid back and professional. We
don't like the club scene, or having to dress
in clubby clothes, but that doesn't mean we
wouldn't like to potentially meet some nice
guys, have some drinks, etc. Plus, I guess
different places have different atmospheres,
depending on the day, right?

washingtonpost.com: Hey, DC, this is Anne. I think if you stick near the bar or arrive early at any of these spots, you can avoid some crowds and have a non-shouting conversation with some of the guys you'd meet. I'm thinking of places you could go straight to from work, and be thought all the better of for still wearing your suit. To my eyes, Café Deluxe appears to be the headquarters for the professional low-30 something set; Bambule is another good choice further up Wisconsin Ave. Or, if you're closer to the Hill, try the Banana Café's piano bar. For Maura's pick, Aroma in Cleveland Park, you might want to change out of the suit, but you still don't need club gear. And the laid-back Chi-Cha Lounge has couches to cuddle in after you've flirted at the bar.

Somewhere, USA: YAY. VIRGINIA RODRIGUES TONIGHT!

washingtonpost.com: hello somewhere. where is that by the way? Joe here. I'm pretty excited about seeing Virginia Rodrigues myself. Saw her once before and thought she was amazing. Last I checked there were still tickets available for her Lisner show tonight.

dc: Ack. And every time these people ask about where to take children, I want to know, is there any place that I can go that isn't full of children?

Seems like every other time I dine out, I find myself sharing my space with at least one poorly behaved child.

How about a list of adult-friendly restaurants?

washingtonpost.com: Oh dear, Ack. You sound grumpy. Almost all restaurants, I think, are adult-friendly. But it seems to me (Alexa again) that you are wondering specifically about those which are child-unfriendly. I wonder what kind of restaurants you are going to and at what time. At brunch, of course, I expect to find kids. And if I were to eat dinner before 7 p.m., I would also expect to see youngsters. But still only at the more casual places and certainly not everywhere.

WDC: Hi there! I just was invited to join a group going to Gold Cup next month. I've never been and am not sure what it's all about. What's the story?

washingtonpost.com: The Gold Cup is sort of like Ascot or Epsom for D.C.'s young professionals. The horse race (now in its 64th year) is secondary to the parties beforehand. Schools like William and Mary, UVA and James Madison set up tents for their alumni, and numerous "young professional" groups get them as well. Everyone is showing off their stylish clothes (or lack thereof), drinking and checking out the opposite sex. It can be quite fun, actually, but it's definately not everyone's cup of tea.

dc: Welcome back Fritz!

I am thrilled with your April bartender of the month - Krishna is one of my very favorite people ever, and I think you did him justice the profile. Thanks!

Now, I've been sending the link to that to a LOT of people, and every single one of them has said to me, "Hey, I didn't know that was there!"

washingtonpost.com: Thanks for the kind words.

I think we do a lot of great stuff like that: the bartender of the month, roundups of places with patios or great brunches, but there's only so much room to showcase everything at once. And many of these things have no counterpart in the paper, so you have to know to look at post.com for them. Hopefully the people you sent the review to will keep checking back in the future.

I have to admit, Krishna's ability to make drinks from scratch is almost second-to-none in this area.

capitol hill: Hi! I love this chat! You guys are my heros!

3 points of interest:
No one told me this before I went, but the food at The Blue Room is amazing, esp. for a bar.

Someone asked about a romantic movie date last time. How about Films on the Hill at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. My husband and I went and it was very intimate.

Someone asked about not-so-smoky, not-so-noisy lounges. Try Ellington's on 8th. Great food too!

washingtonpost.com: Why thanks, Capitol Hill. We love suggestions and we love that you love us!

Washington, DC: Friends and I are going out in Georgetown tomorrow night. We're looking for a bar as opposed to a club, and without lots of college students. Any ideas? Thanks.

washingtonpost.com: Fritz here. Places in Georgetown without lots of college students would include bars that cater to an older crowd, like Mr. Smith's, Clyde's or the Guards, or the spots on the waterfront like Tony and Joe's, the upstairs bar at Sequoia or Sole, which are too pricey for most students. All of these should suit your needs. If the weather is nice, head for the waterfront and drink outdoors.

Arlington: I'm trying to plan something very romantic but CHEAP ($100 or less) for our first anniversary coming up in a month. (It needs to be cheap because we just bought a house and are poster children for "house poor.") Please help! Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hi, Jen here. My fiance and I just bought a house, too -- in fact, I think our faces are on that same poster.
People tend to think that the only way to romantically celebrate an anniversary is by eating an expensive meal.
Well, forget about those people. It's much more romantic to celebrate in a creative way; your "house poverty" is actually giving you the opportunity to do that rather than being a hindrance. (I'm a great rationalizer, by the way.)
In my mind, romance is all about setting.
Take your beloved somewhere special. Go to the terrace of the Kennedy Center at sunset and look out at the city. While you're there, you might see a performance on the Millennium Stage (those are free, by the way.)
If you want to be romantic and eat cheaply at the same time, you could always pick up a picnic meal (look at our picnics on the go feature for some ideas) and drive to The Mall to eat and stroll by the monuments. The cherry blossoms will probably be gone, but hopefully the weather will have improved.
If you're set on having some type of nice meal, choose a place in a nice setting (maybe one of the restaurants in the Georgetown Harbor or any place you're fond of) and just order heavy appetizers and drinks. You certainly won't spend more than $100 going this route (at least you shouldn't at most places), but you'll still feel like you had a special dinner.
Whatever you do, don't go to Home Depot -- you're probably pretty sick of being there by now.

Montgomery Village, MD: Hi,
I work near the MCI center and wanted to suggest a few kid friendly restaurants, Legal Seafood, Fuddruckers (7 and H st.), Hard Rock, CAP City Brewing Company, and they probably want to try for reservations or get there early.

washingtonpost.com: Nice one, Montgomery. That's helpful.

DC: Some friends of mine are planning a girls night out next weekend and thought that karioke would be fun. Problem is, the only karioke place I know is a hick bar in Arlington. Know of any fun, happening karioke bars in the city?

washingtonpost.com: Fun, happening karaoke bars in the city?
Here's a list of our favorite places.

NW DC: Hi,

I enjoy the chats. I was thinking about going to see the Magnetic Fields this weekend but I don't know much about them - friend had one of the CDs, it sounded decent and I'm looking for something to do. Would you recommend I go to the show? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hello NW, Joe again. Definitely check out the Magnetic Fields. If Stephin Merritt isn't a genius, he's at least a very clever guy. If you like songs with lots of words and not just lots of music, you'll enjoy it.

Arlington VA: Hi Gurus!
What's the word on Bungalow Billiards, opening (open?) in Shirlington. I assume it's part of the Buffalo/Bedrock/etc. Billiards places around? Will they have dartboards?
Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Hey, Fritz here. Bungalow Billiards is a local bar chain that's not connected to the Buffalo/Bedrock/Atomic group. There are two Bungalows in NoVa already (Sterling and Chantilly). Sterling has a fun beach theme and great flair bartenders. The Chantilly location definately has a darts team. We can only hope they'll combine these at the Shirlington location, which I haven't visited yet.

Washington: I'm a 25 year old male new to the area. What are the best nightspots to meet same aged professional females around here?

washingtonpost.com: Rhome chiming in again, and thanks for the underhand floater, this one is almost too easy to hit. Since you're new, the best way to find your fit in this town is to explore it yourself (well, second best behind tagging along with a crew of knowledgeable friends). Check out our Virtual Tours first. Be guided by the ease of finding fun-seeking twenty-somethings along D.C.'s hottest nightlife corridors: Adam's Morgan, U Street, Dupont, Georgetown. There's a lot of activity in the bars on Capitol Hill too, if you can vibe with the congressional set like that. It can be as simple as walking down the street on a Saturday night paying attention to what music is floating onto the sidewalk and what faces/figures you can catch through the windows. Found an unknown spot playing some fresh drum & bass in Adam's Morgan a while back using just this technique. Good Luck.

Sterling, VA: Now that is finally getting warm, where are some good places to hiking/biking? I've done all the local stuff -- C&O canal, Harper's Ferry, etc. Are there any other good places within a few hours?

washingtonpost.com: Hi, Sterling, Anne here. I'm guessing that you've explored Virginia pretty thoroughly, and you're an old hand at Old Rag. But have you trekked around Maryland's mountains? In his childhood, Rhome traversed Sugarloaf Mountain and remembers it fondly. It's nearby Seneca Creek Park, the set for much of "The Blair Witch Project." You could aim further north and hit Catoctin Mountain Park, famous for the Whiskey Still Trail and Camp David (off limits if you're not with the president). Or, go fossil hunting on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Been there/Done that? Browse our master list of hiking areas and some other faves.

Annapolis MD: What about Flanagan's in Bethesda? You can't get much more "typical" Irish pub than that! I agree with you about Sean Donon's, but teh otehr two Irish pubs up this way - Castle Bay and Galway Bay are pretty good, too. You can do an Annapolis Irish Pub crawl. The funny thing ism we have to go to Flanagan's 1/2 the time because none of the Annapolis pubs show rugby and football matches. Go figure!

washingtonpost.com: Good call on Annapolis. I wrote about all three of those in our Annapolis nightlife roundup, and recently took my dad to Galway for his birthday brunch. They have Beamish on draft, which is a huge bonus.

I hope Flanagan's isn't the typical Irish pub, although I like their cheap draft nights.

Re: Bungalow Billiards: It's open and they have 4 dart boards.

washingtonpost.com: There you go.

Dupont: Any restaurants that you can think of off the top of your head that is someplace kind of nice to eat that has great lunch deals that you couldn't find at dinner time? In the Dupont area...

washingtonpost.com: In Dupont, Dupont, my fave (that's Alexa's) for a lunch is Viareggio. D-vine sandwiches for a nice price, and a just a few hot dishes like lasagna or eggplant. Take out to the Circle or eat on the pleasant little whitewashed balcony out back. If that doesn't appeal, try Bistrot du Coin. The menu's the same at lunch as dinner, but there are some good things on it.

wash dc: Looking forward to a good Saturday day trip to do with my boyfriend -- where we can just kind of hang out and have some good conversation time -- the weather looks promising so thinking of a picnic at Great Falls, but open to other suggestions.

washingtonpost.com: Hello DC. We love the idea of a picnic. Check out our picnic package for eats and locations. Personally, I (Maura) am braving the Tidal Basin crowds this weekend with out of town guests who have yet to see the FDR memorial. There aren't many more scenic walks in Washington than the Tidal Basin and there are benches where you can stop and grab a bite.

Potomac, MD: My boyfriend is coming to visit from Atlanta and I want to take him to a big chicago style dance club that plays top 40 dance music (not euro,trance, latin etc.) - I've been to Heaven and Hell and it wasn't the right vibe- too grungey. What do you suggest?

washingtonpost.com: Fritz again. A big nightclub that plays top 40 with nothing else? Not around here, really. The Spot has a floor with Top 40 music. So does Polly Esther's, although they mix in techno. Anyone want to tip us off?

BTW, what's Chicago Style? I always think of Chicago style house and Chicago blues (plus Tortoise).

Washington, DC: I have this Tuesday off work. I will be returning from a trip in West Virginia on Monday, where I will be hiking and rafting. Where can I go for the day on Tuesday. Someplace accesable by Metro that can eat up a whole day? Anything exciting happening?

washingtonpost.com: Hi, D.C., this is Aimee Mann from 'Til Tuesday. No, just kidding, it's actually Jen. This is a tough question to answer because your options depend largely on the weather. If you've been hiking and rafting over the weekend, my guess is you won't be up for major outdoorsy stuff.
If I were you, I'd consider Metroing to Smithsonian and hitting some of the museums. The paint-by-numbers exhibit at the Museum of American History might be worth a look.
If you've never done it, you might appreciate going to the Hill and walking around in the Capitol and Library of Congress. If you aren't able to take an official tour, just looking at the architecture will still be breath-taking.
If you want to go shopping, take the Metro to Pentagon City or Friendship Heights. You could also take in a movie in either of those spots – at the Pentagon City theater or Mazza Gallerie. "Memento," which has gotten rave reviews, is playing at Mazza.
Or you could do what I would do if I had Tuesday off -- sit around wondering why DC-101 doesn't do "Two-fer Tuesdays" anymore.

Alexandria, VA: My sister and brother-in-law are coming in to town for Easter. Where is a good place to have brunch? They prefer a buffet style rather than a la carte. Thanks.

washingtonpost.com: Hi, Alexandria. This is Jen. We have a feature on the site now called The Easter Brunch Bunch. A few of the options listed in it are buffets rather than a la carte. Check tomorrow's Weekend section, too, as there will be even more easter brunch ideas within its pages.

AU Park, DC: Do you have any ideas for good lunches or dinners in the AU area? I'm both staff and student, and spend FAR too much time up here, and really need some fun new places to eat!

washingtonpost.com: Hello, AU Park. This is Jen, and one recommendation is Chef Geoff's on New Mexico Ave., which has some really nice outdoor seating. You've probably been to Guapo's umpteen times, so I won't suggest that. I don't know if you have a car, but if you can travel just a bit further south on Wisconsin, there's Cactus Cantina and Cafe Deluxe. Maybe some other AU folks have suggestions? If so, send them to us next week and we'll try to post them. Thanks.

Arlington: Hick bar in Arlington?? I'm offended!

Anyway, speaking of karaoke, there are cool karaoke bars in NYC where you can rent a little room with your friends (apparently like in Japan). Is there anything like that around the area?

washingtonpost.com: Yep. There sure are. Eric Brace wrote about a few in his big karaoke story.

BTW, there are "hick bars" in MoCo, Arlington, PG County, Fairfax ... but I didn't use that term.

Alexandria, VA: Hi y'all. Are you familiar with any good vegetarian/ vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the area. I'm especially interested in good Chinese or Latin American places.

washingtonpost.com: Hi Alexandria, Alexa here. An idea that Tom Sietsema just wrote about in his weekly dish: Mr. Chen's Organic Chinese Cuisine. Surely there's plenty of veg. Dishes there? And then, as far as Latin American goes, Jaleo is certainly vegetarian-friendly. And what about Café Atlantico.

Metro Center: That would be former Caps great Rod LANGWAY not Longway!

washingtonpost.com: Yep. As someone who remembers the great No. 5, I can verify that it is indeed Langway's. Silly Kate. I blame the Canadian accent.

capitol hill-again, but with a question: I think I know where I want to go (Teaism), but I wanted to check with you guys, too. Looking for a veggie-friendly, interesting but fairly quiet/calm atmosphere restaurant on the Red Line, with good service.

washingtonpost.com: Hi again Cap Hill. We (Alexa and Maura) are fans of the veggie-friendly fare at Teaism. If the weather is warm enough nothing beats a Chai milkshake, according to Maura. Another option for you might be the Firehook Bakery in Cleveland Park or Dupont (Alexa loves the omlettes). Don't know if you want lunch or dinner, but Lebanese Taverna at Woodley Park or Jaleo at Gallery Place are also good vegetarian bets. Enjoy.

The Going Out Gurus: Fritz again. I understand people were asking about Ned Devine's, Dulles' newest "Irish pub" while I was on vacation. Here's a review of the joint.

For day-trippers:: Bike the w&od trail to Leesburg and have lunch at Lightfoot or Tuskarora Mill. Yum.

washingtonpost.com: Ra-ther. Thanks for the input.

Foggy bottom: Hi there, Gurus.

Just wanted your opinion of some outdoors-ish stuff to do this weekend...besides the blossoms. An ex-girlfriend of mine is coming this weekend, and I want to show her how...um..."buff" <read "not resembling a stick-figure"> I got this past winter.

washingtonpost.com: Hi there, Foggy Bottom, Anne here. If you want merely to demonstrate how your rugged endurance matches your rugged good looks, scan my hiking suggestions to Sterling. If you're hoping for a little surf action, try these two beaches that are closer to D.C. and hopefully less crowded: Sandy Point State Park and Point Lookout's beaches. Maura wants to remind you that even 7-Eleven's rule is no shirt, no service.

But, if you really want to impress a girl, show your support for female athletes at the inaugural game of the Washington Freedom on Saturday? (Their office wants me to remind you that you can only get tickets through Ticketmaster or at RFK on game day.) To really stand out from the crowd, root for the visiting team, the Bay Area CyberRays. When Brandi Chastain scores her first goal, rip off your shirt in solidarity.

The Going Out Gurus: That's it for us today. Thanks for the questions and we will see you next week.
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