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Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001; 1 p.m. ET

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.

Today's discussion ended at 2:15. The transcript is below.

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: Welcome to Got Plans, gang. It's the first day of a new month, and we're cultivating a bounty of ideas for D.C. entertainment. Tomorrow is First Friday at Dupont galleries, D.C. United and the Washington Freedom play their New York soccer counterparts in a benefit doubleheader Saturday, and Sunday's the last night for tenor sax man Joshua Redman at Blues Alley. Farm hands with us are Fritz (bars and clubs), Joe (music), Alexa (restaurants), Maura (museums), do-it-all green thumbs Jen, Stacy and Rhome. I'm Anne, reminding you to join in this garden party and chime in with tips of your own.

Arlington, Va.: Gurus! No one else seems to have this info, so I'm hoping you'll come through!

I have tickets to the Skins game Sunday and need to know just how much time I should allow to get to and into the stadium given the increased security.

Surprisingly, information about security is nowhere to be found on the Skins Web site, nor NFL.com.

Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: Hi Arlington. Here's the info I (Jen) was able to find for you. A very friendly woman at FedEx Field advises that you should get to the game as close to 1:30 p.m. as possible. That's when the stadium gates open and getting there around that time guarantees you'll get through security and to your seats with plenty of minutes to spare. I realize that also means you may be sitting around for two hours until the game starts, so bring something to read if you think you'll get bored. The woman couldn't say exactly how long it will take to get through security since that varies from person to person. However, having read some of the stadium's new security regulations, I'd recommend the following: don't try to bring in any backpacks, gym bags, duffel bags, briefcases or large bags because security won't let them in and that will slow you down at the gate.
Also, bear in mind that FedEx Field is no longer allowing readmissions -- once you walk out of the stadium, you cannot re-enter.
Hope this helps and enjoy the game.

Big Apple Transplant in Arlington, Va.: Gurus, I need your help. Ever since moving to the area two years ago, I've been searching for just two things -- real New York pizza and real New York bagels.

Let's face it -- D.C. is basically the sixth borough, so there has to be a place to get a foldable, floppy, oily slice of pizza and a place to get a poppy seed bagel that doesn't look like a kaiser roll with a hole punched through it.

Any suggestions? Ideas in Arlington or downtown would be best. Thanks.

The Going Out Gurus: Big A, this is Alexa. For New York pizza, we always recommend Vace and A.V.'s. And as for a good bagel, try Bethesda Bagel. There's also a very good one to be had in Alexandria, on Duke Street, in the mall where Hechinger's used to be. I forget its name. The Bagel Place?

Ballston, Va.: The U.S Botanic Garden reopens on Nov. 23 -- how cool is that?

Do y'all know of any special events planed for its reopening?

The Going Out Gurus: Very cool, Ballston. The U.S. Botanic Garden will finally reopen that day after 4 years of renovations. I (Maura) have not yet heard of special activities that weekend, but I am sure there will be announcements to come. Just keep checking that link above.

Arlington, Va.: I heard a rumor that the owners of Mister Days in Arlington leased another portion of the building where Mister Days is currently located. Have you heard this and do you know what they are planning for this space?

The Going Out Gurus: Hello, Arlington. It’s true. We talked about the new Mr. Nights (corny but true) in this discussion a few months ago. Since then, they’ve taken over the space that was Now! Music and Fashion, and their plans have gotten bigger. It’s going to be a mega-dance club connected to the sports bar – all-in-one entertainment. I (Fritz) talked to one of the managers, and they’re hoping it will open in early 2002, although she said they have a lot of construction work ahead – tearing down walls, putting in new floors.

Arlington, Va.: Can you provide recommendations of wine bars in D.C.?

The Going Out Gurus: Hi Arlington. This is Maura. As for wine bars, have you been to the (still sort-of) new Bardeo, next to Ardeo in Cleveland Park? We also like the Wednesday Flight Nights at Cheff Geoff's. There's always Grapeseed in Bethesda and Bilbo Baggins in Old Town. Let's hear it from our readers. What are some of your fave wine bars?

Washington, D.C.: Went to Gua-Rapo this past weekend and had a great time. Excellent atomosphere and the bartendress at the upstairs lounge made excellent drinks and was very attentative. Great new Arlington destination and maybe the best.

The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Washington. Eric Brace agrees with you. You can read his review of Gua-Rapo tomorrow in the Weekend section or on this site. He loves it, maybe even more than Chi-Cha.

Falls Church, Va.: Gurus, I hope you can help. My parents and I are looking for a B&B/historic inn-type setting for Thanksgiving dinner this year. We'll make it a day trip, so "driveable" distances as far as Charlottesville and surrounding areas would be just fine. Any suggestions on someplace worthwhile?

The Going Out Gurus: Hello, Falls Church. I (Jen) may need to ask for some help from the peanut gallery on this one. A couple of preliminary suggestions: have you thought about having Thanksgiving in Williamsburg? It takes around the same amount of time as driving to Charlottesville (about 2.5 hours) and there are several places there -- the Regency Room at the Williamsburg Inn, Campbell's Tavern, the Trellis -- that probably serve Thanksgiving dinner. And as far as historic settings, you can't get much more historic than that. The recently renovated Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, home to the restaurant Lemaire, might also be an option. I tried to find a spot in Charlottesville, but all the inns and b&bs I came across didn't have major dining facilities. Surely there are some Virginia Cavaliers out there who can provide suggestions?

Wash, DC: Can you think of any candlelit bars/lounges? I'm looking for a very romantic place to go after a dinner date.

The Going Out Gurus: We know a few. I (Fritz) immediately thought of Chi-Cha Lounge and Meze (the upstairs lounge), both of which offer couches and excellent drinks. Andalu and Café Citron might be a little louder, but they’re also excellent choices.

Silver Spring: Did you make your list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving yet? I guess it's about time to make some reservations.

Or is this a question for Tom Sietsema?

The Going Out Gurus: SS. It's Alexa. We are in the midst of compiling a list. Not all places have their details yet, and some - like Timothy Dean - haven't decided if they're even going ahead with Thanksgiving this year, so slow is the downtown hotel biz. But give some of the old staples a call: Georgia Brown's, 1789, Melrose, B. Smith's.

Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: I am planning a work lunch. This is a thank-you for a group of six folks who volunteer their time for me every week. I want to do a lunch. This is a very laid-back group of people who like to have a good time and all get along well. Any suggestions in D.C. for a place that is fun, pretty nice and might have a private dining room for about eight people? Not too pricey, I work for a non-profit! Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: Sounds like a great way to say thanks D.C. We've done a lot of research here on bars and restaurants that rent out rooms, but a room for 8 at a low-key place is hard to find. If you want to step it up a notch, Kinkeads and Sam and Harry's have small private rooms. But if there are only 8 people, I (Stacy) might opt for making a reservation at a somewhat quiet restaurant. In Dupont you might try Gabriels, Sushi Taro or Mar de Plata.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi gurus! You all rock my world! Here's the situation: this Friday we are celebrating a friend's birthday and its going to be big. We have a room at the Plaza and we're planning on having a lot of fun. Problem is, we don't have that much money and a lot of people coming. Are there any clubs or bars that have little to no entry fee or do we have to tell them that we're JLo's cousin's sister's boyfriend's ex roommate? Thanks! You rule the school!

Also, any great places to have dinner like rock stars in midtown?

The Going Out Gurus: You sound excited Fairfax. This is Alexa and I'm here to tell you that most big clubs will charge an entry fee. However, Insomnia is free if you get there before 11, but it's only good if you like hip-hop and house. Dragonfly doesn't have a cover. However, we're confused. Are you talking about New York, or DC?

Vienna, Va.: Hi all! Looking for a fun place to dine tonight before seeing "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Ford's with my mom and two teenage sisters. We love to try new places, but prefer not to stray too far from American cuisine. Any ideas?

The Going Out Gurus: Vienna, this is Alexa. In walking distance of Ford's there are quite a few goodies: Butterfield 9, Cafe Atlantico, TenPenh, Red Sage.

Washington, D.C.: I am meeting a friend at the National Press Club tonight to hear Isabel Allende speak. We want to meet ahead of time to have a glass of wine. Can you suggest somewhere in the vicinity where we could sit at the bar and just get a glass of wine? Much appreciated.

The Going Out Gurus: Hi D.C. Why not stop into D.C. Coast or Ten Penh and have a drink. Other possibilities I (Maura) might try: Red Sage or Oceannaire. Have fun.

The Going Out Gurus: We're having some temporary publishing problems, and we're working on fixing them. That's why our site and these links may seem slow.

Re Wine Bars: No. 9 upstairs from Majestic Lounge and Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray.

The Going Out Gurus: Drink up (stairs).

McLean, Va.: I need some place chi-chi to go to with great food and dancing all in the same spot. Any ideas?

The Going Out Gurus: Hello McLean, it's Rhome. We might need a little more to go on for this one. You're way out there in VA, do you want to come into the city? What type of dancing? Swing, ballroom, salsa, international/urban? How chi-chi? Are we talking tux and tails here? Feedback from the audience is also gratefully accepted. 3rd Thursday at the month at Timpano (yeah, kinda far), Wednesdays & Saturdays at Zanzibar... it's all in the details though.

Woodley Park, DC: Lately all of my favorite bars have been packed with college students, mostly meatheads and frat-types. HELP! Where can I go hang out with no dress up and (preferably) no khakis?

The Going Out Gurus: I feel ya, Woodley. This is Fritz. I'd say you need to go somewhere with a burly doorman who "declines" people wearing Dockers. But then you'd have to dress up. You might try Topaz, at the Topaz hotel. Or a good dive bar, like Renzo's in Silver Spring. In Eric Brace's story on Gua-Rapo, one woman praises the bar like this: "Virginia definitely needs a place where there aren't tons of guys standing around in baseball caps." Sounds like the lounge you're looking for.

Arlington, DC: Hi Gurus!

I have a friend coming into town in two weeks. It will be her first time to DC, and her first time to the East Coast in general. I would like to take her someplace fun for dinner on Thursday night. In particular, I would like to go a restaurant with good food and a hip bar where us two old friends in our early thirties could hang out and talk. Got any suggestions? We are flexible as to price and type of food.

Thanks for your help.

The Going Out Gurus: Arlington, here's my (Alexa's) pick for you two chums: Cafe Atlantico. De-lish all the way around.

Reston, Va.: Hi Gurus: Going to Baltimore tonight to catch Riverdance and want to eat dinner beforehand. Have any of you tried the Tapas Teatro Cafe? Any other recommendations? Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: Hey Reston. I (Stacy) have not eaten at Tapas Teatro but have heard good things. You might also want to check out the newish Bicycle or Teatro's sister restaurant, the Helmand at 806 N. Charles. If you want to go all out, check into Tio Pepe's on East Franklin or the Brass Elephant at 924 Charles.

manassas, va: has anyone found a non-redneck, non-sketchy bar to drink at in Manassas..i've been here 10 months and have not been successful. I'd like to go out and have a fun drink..but not have to drive to arlington or dc.

The Going Out Gurus: Hello, Manassas. I (Fritz) have had good luck at Hero's, a bar on Main Street. They have a decent beer selection, and the clientele seemed a touch more upscale than some of the bars I've been to -- no offense to the City Tavern.

Petworth: So, didja find out what's up with Bella Roma?

And, I have now heard that Vigorelli is leaving Cleveland Park (I'm not surprised. I saw the omens.)

So, I'm starting to wonder what's up in that neighborhood, and what's up with Italian restaurants in general. They seem to be dropping like flies!

And now, I'm hungry for Italian food tonight! Any suggestions for a not-too-expensive kinda place? Hey, anyone been to Fio's lately? Is it still good?

The Going Out Gurus: Hey Petworth, On Roma, I (Anne) did call up the building manager and haven't heard back yet. We'll keep you posted.
And I am also distraught that Vigorelli is closing. I don't know that business troubles is exclusive to Italian restaurants, I think the Vigorelli will just be one more sad addition to the list of D.C. restaurants that have closed since Sept. 11. For Italian food, we just recommended two swell pizza joints -- AV's and Vace. Also, have you been to Kuna in the 1300 block of U Street? Make a reservation today.

Jandy, falls church: We just finished a big run this weekend and are now prepared to drink, dance and otherwise put our bodies at risk on the weekends. Problem is, the only place we dance is Polyesters and for music we always end up at Iota. Both are great, but whatelse is similar? (with a preference for the NoVa side)

PS Responding to last weeks Shakespeare and kids question, the Shenandoah Shakespeare Company is very accessible and very good and often appears around here. And they seemed to have opened a theater somewhere in Shenandoah, so if the munchkins can’t hack the pentameter, you can always let them romp in the mountainous great out of doors.

j

The Going Out Gurus: See, that's the point of running as far as I (Jen) am concerned -- it allows you to dance and drink without feeling guilty. If you definitely want to stick to NoVa (and it sounds like you do), two places you might try are the Clarendon Ballroom, which has live music every Friday night, and eCiti, a dance club in Tysons. I've never been there, but the DJs reportedly play enough '70s and '80s music to keep a Polly Esther's aficionado happy.
P.S. Thanks for the Shenandoah Shakespeare tip. It's a good one.

Wine bar pick: I'm a fan of the wine lounge upstairs from Evening Star in Del Ray. The restaurant is next to the Daily Planet wine shop, and it has a bar downstairs and a mellow, funky little lounge upstairs with a decent, though not huge, wine menu.

I love to sit up there and sample a nice pinot grigio while waiting for my table!

The Going Out Gurus: Thanks for the tip!

T-Day in C-ville: You might want to try the Boars Head Inn, just outside of Charlottesville...

The Going Out Gurus: Very classy...

wdc03: oh gurus! please oh please oh please
lend me some of your creative genius: i
have a friend coming to visit next week for
4 days from chicago. he's a meat and
potatoes kinda guy and i'm a veggies and
fish kinda girl. so where to for dinner? i'd
like to take him to a relatively hip, yet
moderately priced, restaurant in the
downtown area (not adams morgan,
dupont or U street) that would also have
options for drinks pre and post dinner,
and maybe even entertaiment/music. but
nothing too romantic/intimate - don't
wanna give the wrong impression. any
suggestions? am i asking too much?
thanks gang. as aways, you are the best.

The Going Out Gurus: Steady on, wdc. Only some of us are geniuses. I think you and your meaty friend could both be accomodated at Oceanaire. It's mainly a seafood place, but the menu does include a chop or two. The portions are grand and the cuts succulent. Go, it's fun. AB.

Thanksgiving, B&B: It's in Maryland, but I had Thanksgiving dinner at the Turning Point Inn last year and it was very good. They also have rooms, although we did not stay. They could take a day trip to harper's ferry, which is not far from Frederick.

The Going Out Gurus: Another inn-spirational idea

RE: NY PIZZA: I don't understand why people always recommend Vace's as an answer to the NY pizza question. It's good, but it's not very New York-y. Sauce doesn't tase the same and there's barely any cheese. I still haven't found anything close since moving here 13 years ago. For a good bagel, Georgetown Bagels on M Street is a good choice, and now that I think about it, they have great pizza, too.

The Going Out Gurus: Okay. Have your say.

Middleburg, VA: How can I find out what movie theaters are playing a sneak preview tomorrow night of the new Jack Black movie Shallow Hal?

The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Tenacious D: the best way to find out where the sneak previews are playing is by looking in tomorrow's Weekend section. However, since we at the entertainment guide know all things before their time, I (Jen) can share the list of Virginia theaters with you right now: AMC Hoffman Center, AMC Potomac Mills, Cineplex Odeon Tysons Fairfax Square, General Cinemas Springfield Mall, Hoyts Cinemas in Manassas, Regal Countryside in Sterling and UA Fairfax Towne Center. All screenings are at 7:30 p.m.

RE: Fed Ex Field: TO the person that wanted to know info about the Redskins game. I was there last sunday for the wonderful defeat of the Giants and I can tell you that security is hardly an issue. There are lines but they go quite fast. Our game started at 4:05...we got caught up tailgating so we didn't line up until around 3:50 or so and we were in our seats by the time the game started. Be patient. Be nice. That's all...it's fast and not that thorough...though you're right about not allowing any sort of bags or anything.

The Going Out Gurus: Another tip for those headings to the Skins game. Thanks.

Fellow New Yawka Here....: I would like to recommend Mamma Lucia's Pizza in Rockville on Rockville Pike for NY Style Pizza, and Bagel Capitol in Gaithersburg for awesome NY bagels!! I know he wanted Arlington, but hey, beggers can't be choosers!!!

The Going Out Gurus: We're in a New York state of mind..

Avoiding Work in DC: Hi Gurus!

For my sister's 25th birthday, a group of 7-10 of us are going to Buca di Beppo for dinner. I'm trying to think of a good place to hang out afterwards in the Dupont area that might have live music in a low-key atmosphere. Do you think you can help me out?

Thanks...

The Going Out Gurus: First things first: Are you sure you want to go to Buca? Sorry, AWiDC. This is Fritz, and we're stumped on the live music, although Big Hunt occasionally has it. If you're looking for somewhere low key, you can either venture down Florida Avenue to Chi-Cha Lounge, cross over to Adams Morgan and hit Cafe Toulouse, or head south on Connecticut to either the Fox and Hounds or the Townhouse Tavern.

New York Pizza: Not exactly the same, but try Pizza Mart or Napoli's in Adams Morgan.

The Going Out Gurus: The pizza question always kicks up the discussion.

Washington, D.C.: Try the Italian Store (Spout Run) for pizza. It's pretty close.

The Going Out Gurus: And more 'za advice. Yes, I like the italian Store.

Elmo in Alexandria: I'm writing this question a week early, because I'm taking an Actuary test next Thursday, and won't be available during this time.

My whoa-man and I have another couple coming up from Richmond next weekend (22-24 age) and need a little sumthin sumthin to do. Yes, this is totally a vague question and am open to anything. Stay away from the "normal" monument tour and sight seeing. We're young, and not extremely loaded w/ $ yet. I'm leaving it in your hands to be creative and helpful. You've not let me down yet. Anywhere in the District or area would be fine.

T.I.A.

The Going Out Gurus: Elmo, take a look at our Intern's Guide for hip, cheap - even free - things for you to do. Always free is the Milennium Stage. Next weekend they've got the Silk Road Dance Ensemble and the Pointer Sisters (no, not on the same bill). It doesn't cost a thing to hike one of these D.C. trails so get a move on. Show off D.C.'s cinema scene and catch "Amelie." I (Maura) have heard great buzz on this one and it opens next weekend. Check out our movie page for times. Good luck on that test and enjoy.

Ballston, Va.: What's with the sudden interest in Vace? An old favorite of mine, even stopped there for a slice yesterday. I sat down with some other folks to eat our slices, mentioned that I'd been eating there since it was on the other side of the street. I'm not that old, they thought I was.

The Going Out Gurus: Could it be that Fritz started going there more often? Everyone else is catching on.

Crystal City: Re: Redskins security.
Went to the Oct. 21 game---started tailgating at 10:30 for 1 p.m. game, ambled into the stadium at 12:45 with no problems. They seem to have plenty of security staff, so while there are extra checks, they go pretty quickly.

The Going Out Gurus: More Skins advice...

Jandy; Falls Church: regarding wine and thanksgiving in historic inns

The Mendocino Grille in Georgetown used to taste flights (I think thats the place that replaced Geppetos)

about B&Bs on holidays, if you are planning on staying the night it can be tricky, as they are run by folks that have their own families and dinners to deal with. But if your just looking for an "old tavern/house" environement, then I recall Four & Twenty Blackbirds in Flint Hill, VA being like that. There are probably a lot like that in the Shenandoah (and they are a lot closer than Williamsburg)
j

The Going Out Gurus: Thanks for the suggestion - the Shenandoah area is a shorter drive and probably does have some spots that will fit the Thanksgiving bill.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus! Any suggestions for a place in Arlington at which to throw a party for some friends? We'd have between 25-50 people, looking for food (but not dinner) and drinks, not too expensive (since we're picking up the tab) and it would have to be either a private room or place we can rent out. Clarendon Ballroom is too big for this, what else is out there?

The Going Out Gurus: Hello, Washington - we know people who've thrown parties at Whitlow's on Wilson, where you can rent the back "Sand Bar" room) and the Clarendon Grille, which is where we had our holiday party last year. They do smaller parties as well, so call and ask.

Washington, DC: Hi there, I am looking for fun restaurant suggestions near Metro Center. I have a friend coming into town and her hotel is right around there. Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: We seems to have lots of overlapping questions this week. Or do I mean overlapping answers? Again, fun places near Metro Center: TenPenh, Butterfield 9, DC Coast, Oceanaire.

NY Pizza: I'm a NJ transplant and haven't found good NY or NJ pizza in the 9 years i've been here -there's a difference, trust me]. I recommend Vace all the time - no it's not the same - but it's good...better than anything else I've found.
Beau Jolies -?] on K, near 15th is decent too. It at least looks kinda like a NY/NJ pizzeria.

The Going Out Gurus: More pizza.

Arlington, VA: Hey guys! I'm moving across the country in a month. I've lived here 5 years and have spent alot of time in DC and NoVA. I'm making a list of things that I HAVE to experience before I leave. What are your top five 'off the beaten path' (i.e. not Smithsonians) ideas for daytime activities in the area?

The Going Out Gurus: If you haven't already checked out the Escapes columns in the Sunday Travel section, that is definitely the best source of daytime outdoorsy adventures. Off the top of my (Stacy's)head, however, I would say hiking around Roosevelt Island, skydiving with the College Park Crew, kayaking on the Potomac (though it'll be a bit chilly now), Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park, and spelunking in Luray. That ought to keep you busy. Have a nice drive cross country!

Arlington: You guys try so hard to be out of the mainstream, that it is painful to read. The "grunge era" is over. Trying to be uncool is now uncool again.
Can you please employee a Virginia "Frat Guy" who enjoys popular bars. That way you will be catering to your majority audience, not those on the fringe.
This will help us from infultrating your hip hangouts. Trust me, we don't like seeing you out either.

The Going Out Gurus: Hey Arlington - do I count? This is Fritz, and in the last few weeks I've ung out at Whitlow's, Rock Bottom, Carpool, the Four Courts, IOTA and Clarendon Grill, and I like all of them. There is nothing wrong with popular bars, nor bars that cater to a mainstream audience. I've had some of my worst nightlife experiences at places like MCCXXIII, and some of the best at Mackey's or Nanny O'Brien's.

But some people don't like those kinds of bars. That's their choice, and there are places that cater to them. Why shouldn't we help them out?

Trying to stay ahead of the curve has not - and will not - go out of style. I can promise you that.

Clifton, VA: Not really a B&B but I recommend The Homestead.
4 hrs from NOVA and great food. Extremely
expensive but worth it!

The Going Out Gurus: Yes. Expensive.

Washington, DC: Do you know of any good vegetarian or vegan restaurants in the DC metro area? Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: Hi, it's Vegetari-Anne, here. The best vegetarian restaurants are not in D.C., unfortunately. Sunflower is in Vienna, and The Vegetable Garden Metro-accessible in Rockville. Mark's Kitchen in Takoma Park serves fresh, homemade and seriously healthy foods. Its juice bar is probably the best part.

In the District, the new Black Cat space seems better equipped to serve the Food for Thought vegetarian-friendly food. Fritz says they're thinking of opening it earlier in the day.

Look here for our a list of vegan choices.

DC: What about the Ashby Inn for Thanksgiving??

The Going Out Gurus: Gobble, gobble.

For Ford's Theater-Goers: The Star Saloon is directly across the street from Ford's Theater and has good American cuisine.

The Going Out Gurus: Pre-theater dining ideas

Pint Sized Question: Fritz-where can one gain a properly poured pint of Guiness? I mean, the pour when it takes 5 minutes and the head is occasionally cut off the top.
The real way, you know.

The Going Out Gurus: I'm sure you've been to Nanny O'Brien's, Fado and Mackey's. I've had great Guinnesses at all three - especially the imperial pints at Fado. The trick, though, is that you have to go when it's not crowded. When the bartender's in a hurry, the pours get sloppy.

College Park, Md.: Totally not your city, but I've seen people ask about Chicago, so I'll ask anyway. I'm going to Philadelphia next weekend for a concert and am staying in a hotel right by all the Independence-Hall type stuff. Happen to know anything at all about good restaurants or fun things to do right around there that _aren't_ Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell? You guys are so knowledgeable about D.C., maybe you have a bit on other places too. Thanks!

The Going Out Gurus: Hello College Park, this is Joe and I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and I love the city and get there often. there's a great restaurant called Fork on Market Street, right near where you'll be. Make a trip to Reading Terminal Market, also close to where you'll be. And the Italian Market is well worth a visit. If you like jazz, go to Ortlieb's Jazz Haus which is about a four-minute cab ride from Independence Hall. It looks shady on the outside, but trust me, it's a great place, especially after 9 p.m.

Alexandria, VA: Not really a question, but I just wanted to say that the Clarendon Ballroom's Halloween party last Saturday was awesome. Lots of good costumes, and the Smithereens were great (as always). That was my first time there - I'll be back.

The Going Out Gurus: Glad to hear it!

Surrounded by Circles in DC: Hello, Online Gurus! I'm sure you know this, but you guys rock.

What are some good free and cheap options for entertainment this weekend? Daytime and evening would be good.

And while we're at it, how about a section of the Entertainment Guide dedicated to the cheap and the free?

The Going Out Gurus: Hi SBC. Free? Easy. There's the aforementioned Milennium Stage or - my (Maura's) fave idea - the free showing of Kurosawa's classic "The Seven Samurai" at the Library of Congress tomorrow at 6 p.m. Should the warmer weather hold over, take your bike out via metro. Not to worry, SBC, we are busy compiling a free guide for you. Until then, Fritz' Intern's Guide may be of help.

falls church: I'm thinking about going to that town where the ponies cross and was wondering if you could recommend any good places to eat lunch? Also, do you know any places in the DC area where I can get a soft shell crab sandwich?

Thanks.

The Going Out Gurus: Falls Church. It's Alexa. Soft shell crabs aren't really in season. The season ends, I think, around the middle of September. So I'm wondering how many restaurants will still be carrying them. As for Chincoteague? Does anyone have anys recs? I'm not so familiar.

topaz?: hey gurus,
what is the deal with the topaz bar? i have heard mixed reviews - from very chic to very dull - and i can't find a listing in your entertainment site (i'm sure one is forthcoming). thanks for the continual informative and entertaining chats - you help a lot of us get off our duffs and get out there in this great city.

The Going Out Gurus: Forthcoming is the right word ... this is Fritz, and you'll see a review next week. It's only been open a few weeks, and we've had wildly varying experiences at the bar. One night, it's great. The next, service is so-so, the music is too loud and the crowd lacks atmosphere. Some people in the office think your mixed reviewers are right - it's very chic AND very dull. Try it yourself and tell us what you think.

to Arlington: stick it, loser. i think the gurus clearly do a great job of covering a variety of interests and crowds, from popular to dive, from sports to literary. or maybe you just can't read.

keep up the good work, gurus!

The Going Out Gurus: Another opinion...

Clifton, VA: Bagels : Chutzpah 1st choice
2nd Choice Bagel Buddies in Fair Lakes.
Chutzpah by the way has some of the best rye
bread and pastrami south of Katz's. Real
pastrami with fat!!!

The Going Out Gurus: Fat is king.

DC Downtown: I highly recommend Amelie. I saw it in Paris this summer. What a great film. Friday is already sold out, so be forewarned!

Any suggestions for an appropriately themed nice spot to have a drink before or after.

The Going Out Gurus: DC - if you'll be at the Kennedy Center, you can have a glass of wine at Bisto Francais or Bistro Lepic. Bistrot du Coin also does good Ricard cocktails.

wdc: ok gurus: kuna on U: no link? and search
is giving me zero results. fill me in? tell
me more?

The Going Out Gurus: Yes, we are working on Kuna and it will have a First Bite review soon. The mixed greens salad with gorgonzola and figs alone is worth going. Most entrees (pasta) under $10. Here's the deal: 1324 U Street NW. 202/797-7908.

Re: T-giving in C'ville: Try the Boar's Head Inn or the Ivy Inn

The Going Out Gurus: More ideas...

Fairfax: Sunflower is the best veggie around, but don't froget the Harmony Cafe in Georgetown, right next to jinx proof tattoos. It serves everything with meat/vege-meat. Yum.

The Going Out Gurus: Another way to veg out.

Wash, DC as the 6th Borough: Hey Gurus,

I am so psyched about the Yankees' win last night, and from some earlier postings I sense there are some other Yanks fans out there. So is there anywhere around D.C. that would be frequented by Bomber fans that will be showing the games?

Thanks for your help! The Yankees rule!

The Going Out Gurus: We've seen a number of Yankee caps at the Rock and Champions, so you might try those.

The Going Out Gurus:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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