Got Plans?
The Going Out Gurus
of the washingtonpost.com Entertainment Guide
Thursday, October 07, 2004; 1:00 p.m. ET
Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, 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 have 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.
Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.
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:
If we seem like softies today, it's only because of our visitors this morning -- Alexa and her rosy girl stopped to say hello. The little one greeted Joe and promptly sneezed all over him. So test us out and see who's become the biggest pushover: David, Fritz, Janet, Jen, Joe, Maura, Rhome or me (Anne). We're ready to gush over everyone's cute widdle weekend plans and beyond. I can already tell that half of you want a place to watch tomorrow's debate. So let's help each other out. If you found a good viewing spot in the past week, share it. I'll share this reminder: if you like this discussion, you should really sign up for our weekly email newsletter. It tells you the best events for the coming week (like debate viewing parties), and you get the restaurant and movie reviews before anyone else. It's good stuff. It's funny. It's sort of like this chat in an email (because it's full of our recommendations and info on new places), and it comes once a week on Thursday afternoons. Okay, on with the show.
_______________________
Tysons Corner, VA:
I've lost some weight lately - not enough to get a new wordrobe, but enough to make some of my old clothes look a little big. I want to get some of my summer suits taken in a bit, but I'm not sure if I should trust the job to just any tailor (usually found in the local dry cleaners). Do you have any recommendations that are affordable? For me, the best locations are near Crystal City, Tysons Corner, or somewhere in between. Thanks! Janet: Congrats on the weight loss. Check out the possibilities on this list.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
I'm interested in going to the Book Festival, but I can't seem to find a schedule. I looked at www.loc.gov/bookfest/ but I don't see times listed, other then opening and closing. Do the authors just sit there the entire time? Does anything actually go on at particular times?
Anne: No worries, the schedule is right here. Just scroll down that page. Print out a map to take with you. And a tip: you can always find events by typing them into the keyword search box on the Entertainment Guide. That's what we do for you. If you want to see a particular author, better get there ahead of the scheduled time.
_______________________
Fairfax, Va.:
Do you guys know which movie theaters in the Fairfax area are hard of hearing friendly? We want to see Shaun of the Dead (which looks like a great movie). Any ideas? Thanks. Jen: Virtually all of the theaters in the area are modified for the hearing impaired. In Fairfax, you can check out "Shaun of the Dead" (which is great, by the way) at Fairfax Corner Cinema De Lux or Multiplex Lee Highway.
_______________________
Rough-Heeled, Washington, D.C.:
I know, I know this probably gets asked all the time, but where can I get a good, budget-friendly pedicure in this city? Georgetown or Dupont area preferred. Janet: Nothing makes you feel as pampered as a pedicure. My colleague Kim and I are great fans of Nail Villa in Gtown. It's not the least expensive; however, your pedicure still looks great after a month. You can amortize the cost.
_______________________
Alexandria, VA:
Hey GOGs... I have a rare few hours out with my two best girlfriends this weekend. Anything fun happening in DC or Alexandria on the Sunday especially, oputside if th eweather is nice? I know October is uaully prime time for brewfests, but one of us is pregnant, so "drinking fun" is out. Maura: You might want to check out Sunday's Dupont Circle Art Walk. Galleries will open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and there's some really intriguing stuff to see, including Harry Shearer at Conner Contemporary and Robert Brown Gallery's "Small Treasures" show, which has big names (Whistler, Flavin, Warhol) in small sized works. From there it's easy to settle in for sustenance at Teaism or Bistrot du Coin.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Gurus! Thanks in advance for any advice you can give: I'm thinking of taking my boyfriend to Blues Alley tomorrow night, but have never been... Do I need to make reservations? What time does the music start? Can you eat there or should we grab dinner before hand? He really deserves some pampering for all he's done for me lately and I want him to have a great time.
Joe: Hello D.C. You definitely should get tickets in advance. Shows are often sold out. Performances at Blues Alley tomorrow are 8 and 10 p.m. You should call ahead to make sure the tickets are available and either buy them on the phone or go to bluesalley.com to order them. You can definitely eat there though it's not cheap. But you might as well eat there because the club has a $10 food or drink minimum in addition to the ticket price. Have fun.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I'm heading to RFK for Cirque de Soleil and am not too familiar with the area. The show's website says it is a 20 min. walk from the metro. Is that true and is it a safe walk after the show Friday night? Or would it be better to drive? Thanks!
Anne: The site of Cirque du Soleil is a walk from the Metro, but you're not walking through neighborhoods. You're walking on the grounds of RFK and there will be lots of people with you -- other people all going to the show. For me, the walk was part of the whole experience of the show. You're walking around the stadium, through parking lots, essentially, then under an underpass -- it feels very Tim Burton, very industrial, like you're walking to that warehouse where big fight ends in action movies and suddenly you see this tent set up it what seems a desolate abandoned spot (the parking lot). The color of the tents and performers comes out of nowhere and surprises you, and you're in this instant city. It emphasizes that these are nomadic performers, who set up camp here for your show. It's old-fashioned in a way, and adds to the whole circus mystique.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Hey GOG's. Thx for the tip on the Takoma Park festival. It was fabulous and notches above Eastern Market, in my opinion. I was wondering:what's the word on MUSE, Bossa, and Club Five? What kind of a crowd tends to frequent the place and do they have covers?
Rhome: Muse is going to charge you but from last week's reports, it might not be worth it. I wasn't there but scouts pointed out that the museum is all extremely hard surfaces (marble) so it sounds like a torture chamber when you bring in amplified sound into the space. Didn't hear good things about the crowd either, less party people and more wannabe socialites. Fritz expressed his views on it in this week's column. Bossa is a winner and has no cover. You get live music downstairs most nights of the week (usually latin jazz) and dj's upstairs. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and particularly Thursdays are the best. Club Five does charge a cover but it's always worth it. Top notch sound and lights and the best electronic dance music dj's you'll hear anywhere, covering ground from drum bass to techno and house. Thursdays are latin nights now and the roof should still be open for awhile, since they use heaters and a tent. There are usually hip-hop or reggae dj's up there.
_______________________
Shall We Dance? in Washington, D.C.:
Last night I enjoyed an advance screening & special Q&A w/ the director of "Shall We Dance?" - the E Street Cinema (movie comes out 10/15). Boos or cheers for the movie, you'd have to pay me per word to give you my synopsis & review, I now have a curious interest in "the DANCE." Where can I take ballroom dancing classes? We're talking not just salsa or swing, but the waltz, the rumba, and of course, the forbidden, the tango. Am willing to travel to NoVA, Maryland or D.C., as long as the class is within walking distance to the Metro. (You should really do a feature on dancing! We need to revive it as a social/courtship ritual. I'm so tired of "bump'n'grind madness up in da'club", aren't you?)
Signed, Makes Directors "Almost Blush" Jen: Glad the movie inspired you to want to dance. For starters, you may want to check out one of the swing dancing events at the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo. As far as taking lessons, a number of studios in the area offer them. You can go the Arthur Murray route, or try the Bethesda Dance Studio in downtown Bethesda, or maybe one of the Joy of Motion locations, though I think registration for this season's classes has already passed. I'm sure many other places offer them as well. Check into your county's recreation department offerings, too; I'm pretty sure Montgomery County Rec. offers ballroom and I'm guessing Fairfax and other counties probably do, too. Good luck.
_______________________
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.:
Yo GOGs - submitting early cuz we're working crazy-like up here so we can send Congress home! But what's really important is baseball. Where are all the Cards fans watching the playoff?!?!? Go Redbirds!
Fritz: Our colleague Richard Lieby reports:
It was all business yesterday afternoon for baseball fans Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Mickey Kantor, former Clinton secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative, who used to live in California: The two met up at Teatro Goldoni downtown -- bar stools reserved in advance -- and hunkered down to watch the St. Louis Cardinals stomp the Los Angeles Dodgers.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
What's your assessment of Tapatinis, the new bar on Barracks Row?
Fritz: I tried to go last week and while the doors were open and the bar was stocked, I was shooed out and told it "wasn't ready yet." At first sight, I like the mod decor and the large round booths. I hope to go back this week and try it again.
_______________________
Arlington, VA:
Is there a place in the DC area that offers a traditional English afternoon tea?
I recently visited London and learned that an afternoon spent with Earl Grey, clotted cream, scones, and cucumber sandwiches was just as good as a day at the spa. Maura: Lucky you, Arlington. You can indeed find lovely spots for tea here. It really just depends on what you're looking for. Tea at the Mandarin Oriental's Cafe Mozu is quite lavish. I love the Jefferson's tea for the fireplace and intimacy, but you can't go wrong with the Four Seasons or the Ritz in the West End.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I have a date tomorrow and I'm looking for something in the D.C. Metro area we can both enjoy that's creative and original. I like this girl and don't want to screw this up. Thanks for any help you can give.
Joe: Phew, that's a lot of pressure D.C. We don't want to screw up either. Any readers with a new/interesting/creative date plan for tomorrow night that they'd like to share?
_______________________
McLean, VA:
We just moved to the area and are ready for our first D.C. Halloween. Any tips on where the best haunted houses/hayrides/whatever are in the area? (for adults) Thanks!
David: It might be a bit of a trek for you, McLean, but Markoff's Haunted Forest has a pretty great repuation as far as Halloween haunts go. It takes place on part of a 160-acre farm in Dickerson, Md., and visitors walk along a candlelit, heavily-wooded path that features more than a dozen ghoulish scenes. The best way to know that it's legit scary? You are asked to sign a waiver before you enter the woods.
_______________________
A row house in Adams Morgan:
Next Saturday is my 27th birthday. Several close friends plan to celebrate with me during the day on Saturday.
I am trying to think of something super fun to do. I like creative, a little bit different activities. To give you an idea - the last two years were a roller skating party and pizza making party.
Any ideas for this year? So far I have come up with pumpkin carving and apple picking and then pie making. Jen: All of those ideas sound fun. You could also have a mini-golf birthday party or a classic kids birthday party, where everyone plays typical kids party games (Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, Duck Duck Goose, etc.) Personally, I think Musical Chairs would be much more fun if cocktails were involved. Anyone else have fun ideas for our soon-to-be 27-year-old?
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Submitting this early. Just wondering how it is at all possible, for a young person visiting DC from another country, say in Europe, to enjoy the nightlife in DC. They don't have American driver's licenses, and it would be a bad idea to drag around a passport when you go out (all sane travelers keep passports safe at the hotel).
But on top of all that, EVERY bar and club here is extremely strict and obsessive, and doesn't even admit 40-year-olds without IDs (I saw it first-hand). A 30-year-old European would be shocked to be turned away from a club, and I doubt it would leave a good impression of the US in his mind.
I know that when I travel in Europe, I expect to be able to hit any club, just with money and a hotel key in my pocket... So, what's the situation like with young foreigners visiting this country (and DC)?
Fritz: I've gone out with friends who tried to present EU driving licenses to get into the Reef and were turned away. I've seen lines of people outside, say, Paper Moon flashing passports and such to get in. There's no easy or right answer.
You're right about ID -- I've never been carded on my European travels -- but 14-16-year-olds can go into pubs in England. Most countries in Europe let you drink as a teenager, hence no ID. Also, the ABC is nuts here, and I think most bars don't want to take chances -- even when someone is obviously older than 21.
Other thoughts?
_______________________
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
Do you gurus know what's going on with the old Kiliminjaro site? They're finally doing something with it and I've heard rumblings that its going to be a gym and retail space but not much else. Any news?
Fritz: That's about all we've heard, too. But it's allegedly going to have parking, which would be nice.
_______________________
Northwest Washington, D.C.:
Hi Gurus! Any ideas when that whole complex of shops, movies, and a new Clyde's will open at Gallery Place? Jen: I'm not sure when all of the shops and restaurants in the complex open, but the new movie theater is slated to open Oct. 18. I'm hoping to take a tour sometime soon. Speaking of new movie theaters, the Magic Johnson theater in Largo also opens tomorrow.
_______________________
Washington D.C.:
I just found out about this column - what a great resource! I saw a posting last week that referenced an event at the City Museum Thursday night. Any details on the event?
Maura: Ah, the R. Kelly afterparty, maybe? Fritz and Rhome have all the details in their This Week in Nightlife Column.
_______________________
Cirque and DC United???:
So if Cirque has an 8pm show on Sat and I've got tix to the 7:30 DC United Game (w/a parking pass)...Should I take Metro, or just chance it w/the parking? I know United Games aren't THAT crowded, but is RFK parking going to be a problem w/nomadic tents set up all over? Ugh....
Anne: The tents aren't all over. Just in one spot of an outer, outer parking lot. That's why the walk is so crazy long. I can't imagine it will affect parking for D.C. United that much. But remember, this is just my opinion, that of a public transit advocate. You drivers may have another perspective.
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.:
Do you guys have any info on Health Bar, on U Street, near Local 16? Looked cool, but it's not in your bars directory. Thanks.
Rhome: The Health Bar isn't a seperate record, it's mentioned with Results. It does seem to have the makings of being its own destination though so maybe it would make sense to list it seperately. I can definitely vouch for the quality of the food. The burgers are like that. I just felt like throttling someone due to the corny HI-NRG doosh-doosh techno music they were playing though.
_______________________
Adams Morgan, Washington D.C.:
Dear Gurus,
It's time for that perennial question: where is the best place to sample some pumpkin ale at local beverage establishments?
Also, any cool outdoor festivals this weekend to take advantage of?
Thank you for this chat--it's (and you're) the best!
Fritz: I haven't seen much pumpkin ale yet outside of Whole Foods, Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits, etc. The best local pumpkin ale I've had was at Sweetwater Tavern in Merrifield, although brewer Nick Funnell is now at the Sterling branch, I believe. But to kill two birds with one stone, I'm sure you'll find a few pumpkin ales at the Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest this Saturday in Shirlington. At least 30 breweries are setting up booths and pouring samples between noon and 7.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Hi there--heading to the Vote for Change concert on Monday at the MCI center. There are about 15--20 of us who would like to get together for an early dinner (5pm) and drinks near the show. Open to any type of food/atmosphere (though don't want anything too pricey)and okay to have 3 or 4 separate tables. Suggestions?
Joe: How about an old DC classic: A.V. Ristorante. Not too far from MCI, large, relatively cheap, Italian. If that doesn't do it for you, go for another standby, Jaleo, just a block away. But might be tough to get all of you in there, seated, fed and out in time.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
To the Blues Alley Poster: I was there with my g/f a few weeks ago for Branford Marsalis and we got there a little after six and the show started at eight and there are already people inside. The place isn't big, and the seating is first come, first serve. You will need plenty of time to eat, because the portions are huge. When the show was over a little after nine, there was a line already formed for the 10 PM show, and this was a Thursday night. The food is expensive, but you get your money's worth. You may need to call to get reservations as opposed to getting them on the web, that is what I had to do and that was several weeks in advance to get tickets.
Joe: Thanks for sharing.
_______________________
Blues Alley:
Personally, I advise against eating there, unless you're going to have an appetizer. It's way overpriced and mediocre. I say eat before or afterward and toward your minimum purchase, just buy drinks or an appetizer. It quickly adds up. And definitely make reservations or pre-purchase the tickets.
Joe: Another opinion.
_______________________
Washington, DC ... For Blues Alley Bound:
I enjoy good jazz and visit Blues Alley regularly for jazz shows and even some quality r&b and "neo-soul" acts they've been featuring increasingly often in the past years. While I recommend the spot for the music and atmosphere, I DON'T recommend eating there. Aside from the spinach and artichoke dip (hard to mess that up) I find their entrees and desserts mediocre-to-disappointing. I'd have dinner elsewhere and order drinks and/or the spinach dip to rack up the minimum-per-person table charge.
Have fun!
Joe: More thoughts.
_______________________
Penn Quarter:
Help! First Date!
Is the international bar still hip and fun?
Any suggestions on new hip lounges that also serve food? Downtown-Adams Morgan???
Fritz: More like quiet and stylish. I like it, but I'm not sure it's always "fun."
Hip lounges with food: I like the drinks and nosh at Mantis, Blue Gin, Helix, Bar Rouge. Panache is more of a restaurant after work, but they have good drinks and tapas, and it turns into a clubby spot later. What about the bar at Zaytinya? That's a good one...
_______________________
Washington, D.C. -- Capitol Hill:
I'm sure y'all are going to get a ton of questions on this, but I thought I would ask as well -- could you direct me to a story or page that has a lot of fall-ish events or activities? Looking at leaves, apple orchard, pumpkin patch, cider mill, etc. My family is visiting from TX next weekend and I want them to really experience an actual changing of seasons! Thanks so much!
David: Next weekend you might want to check out Taste of Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls, Va. It should be a nice fall event and you'll be able to sip on cider that you press yourself. You can also peruse this long list of pumpkin patches/farms that are offering seasonal activities. And be sure to check out the cover story in tomorrow's Weekend section for some fall foliage tips.
_______________________
Idea for Creative Date:
They could take the Metro to Reagan National and walk on the path along GW - stop at the park to watch the planes take off and eat at the restaurant at Washington Sailing Marina (Can't remember the name). It has great views of the water and sailboats and is supposed to have good food!
Joe: Excellent idea, thanks. And if they happen to be gun-owners, they can even bring their piece along.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Speaking of Whole Foods and beer: I discovered the other day that the one in Tenleytown doesn't sell beer. So beware, beer lovers.
Fritz: Nope. I boycott it for that reason -- something about being too close to AU and Wilson, and the reason the Social Safeway can't sell beer/wine either. Just go the supermarkets on P Street or Glover Park.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Creative date: Go to Cleveland Park to the pottery-painting place, then grab eats at Spices, the bar at Palena or Bardeo (but not Ardeo!)
Joe: OK, thanks. I like this idea. If things don't work out, they can always throw their hand-painted pottery objects against a wall. Very therapeutic.
_______________________
Rockville, Md.:
My mother, the wonderful person that she is, taught her daughters how to be successful independent women, but she did not pass along such skills as knitting and sewing. Where can a successful independent woman, such as myself, learn to sew in the DC area?
Thanks! Janet: Hi, Rockville,
You and I have similar mothers. Perhaps we could both benefit from taking one of these classes that are offered in the area.
_______________________
Crystal City, Va.:
I am looking for a bar that will allow a university alumni group space to have a happy hour without breaking the bank to "reserve a room." We are a newly formed group with limited funds for social events, but we want a place to get together, set up some tshirts and pompoms and meet other alum. It's helpful if this is Metro-accessible. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Gogs, you rock!
Fritz: I think a lot of bars would do something like this in exchange for a percentage of beer/food sales. Try The Exchange downtown, maybe Bailey's in Ballston, the Rhodeside Grille in Arlington, Tommy Joe's or Willie and Reed's in Bethesda ...
Can we hear from some other alumni groups?
_______________________
Fall in Georgetown:
My grandparents are coming to visit from NY this weekend and I’m trying to develop a list of things to do so that they’re not bored. They’ve been to D.C. many times so the whole monument-hopping deal has probably already been exhausted. Since they’re staying in G-town, I figured a day of shopping and dining would be nice. Do you recommend any non-fancy, non-hole in the wall type places to eat? Also, do you recommend the flea market on Wisconsin on Sunday? Oh yeah, and any other suggestions you might have (in or outside of G-town) for two senior citizens who are young at heart would be well honored. Thanks! Maura: If you're in Georgetown, stroll through the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. Near the flea market, you might enjoy a nice meal at Cafe Divan. In downtown Georgetown, I'd try Cafe LaRuche or even Pizzeria Paradiso. Keep in mind this Saturday is the Taste of Georgetown. It will be mobbed most likely, but if you can stop in for a nibble from Citronelle, it might be worth it.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
I need to send a get well gift. Any suggestions in the Courthouse area? Janet: A couple of suggestions for that: Nora's Arlington Gift & Garden and Ispirato.
_______________________
Underpaid and Badly Dressed:
Hi GOGs -
In a recent chat, you'd mentioned doing a chat devoted to one poster's theory that the reason women in D.C. don't dress well is they aren't paid enough. Is that still a plan? It sounds interesting --- and like you would get bombarded by posts! Janet: If we mentioned doing a chat about women dressing badly in D.C. because they aren't paid enough, it's news to me. Money, of course, helps, but you can have a lot of money and it won't really make a difference if you don't have good taste. Frankly, I think women in D.C. get a bad rap.
_______________________
For the Knitters:
Just thought I'd share for the other knitters - the new(ish) knitting store in Old Town has the most amazing blog. I literally check it every day because they always have new things posted and it is the perfect reminder of creative things I can do after work. http://www.knithappens.net/index.php/knitone/blog/
Janet: For the would-be knitter and sewer, here's another tip.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Are there any bars throwing parties on Friday night to watch the second round of the presidential debates?
Fritz: I'm hearing about fewer debate parties this time around because it's on a Friday night, and bars are going to be catering to the usual "hang out, drink and dance" clientele rather than debate-watchers. Aroma had the debate on the big screen in the back room on Tuesday, but I can't imagine them turning down DJ Dredd's houseparty hip-hop set for Kerry and Bush, you know? That said, the usual suspects on the Hill should be organizing events (Capitol Lounge, Hawk and Dove, Tortilla Coast), but I think I'd rather go watch at Stetson's.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Hey Gurus,
Any way we can get a discussion going of cool homemade costume ideas? Or good topical costumes? The clock it ticking, and nobody wants to be left with last year's costume ...
Jen: OK, D.C., consider that discussion started.
I'll begin with the best costume I spotted last year. A guy was dressed as Richie Tenenbaum, Luke Wilson's character from "The Royal Tenenbaums." A very easy costume: tennis outfit, long hair with a headband, sunglasses. It also helped that the guy looked an awful lot like Luke Wilson. A lot of people probably didn't get who he was, but that's exactly what I liked about the costume. Either you got it right away or you thought he was a poor man's Andre Agassi.
So what's going to be the cool costume of 2004?
_______________________
CUA/Brookland:
Word is there's a new movie theater opening downtown, and one day next week there's going to be $1 movies. Scoop? Website?
Jen: This is the Regal Gallery Place, which I mentioned earlier. On Oct. 18, there will be $1 movies, $1 sodas and $1 popcorn. We'll have our listing for the theater online shortly.
_______________________
Sleepless in Georgetown:
I recently got out of a seven-year relationship and I’m not doing too great. I realize that I’m on the dating block again, which is kind of strange being that I haven’t dated in forever. I would like to go out and meet new faces and maybe strike up a conversation with some interesting people, but I have yet to find a place where 23-27 year-old young professionals gather for a happy hour or even a weekend venue. It’s difficult to meet people who are beyond the “yo, I got so drunk last night” conversation. I know this might seem like a lame question, but it’s true that it can be quite difficult to find people who are more interested in reality than who can chug a beer faster in my age group. I’d also like to add that any place where women are plentiful is a plus. Where are these women?! I’m a nice guy I promise!
Rhome: You've got to adjust your vision trooper. Of course that's hard when you've caught a bad one but it's the first step. Bars aren't the only places to find women. So maybe if you're surrounded with people trying to trump each other with their alcohol intake it's time to cultivate some new interests. What interests? ANY interests. You will find women by doing things. You will be able to meet them if you're actually having fun rather than seeing it as a chore one must do when one is on the "dating block". I don't want to make it seem like you can't have any quality social interaction in a bar though, but imbibing will be a part of that. At least 70% of the purpose of happy hour is to get your drink on in a thrifty fashion, that's reality. It just seems odd that in this town that is teeming with young educated folks, you say you can't find them. Have you been to any professional organization events, like Meet-In DC, DC Society of Young Professionals or the International Club of DC? They do all the planning for you, you just have to show up. My advice to you would be to find bars that have things you like. Maybe it's the music, maybe they show your favorite sporting events, maybe you become cool with a certain bartender, maybe it's a neighborhood watering hole that has a good set of regulars. A few examples where rowdy bingers don't take over the place are The Saloon, Tonic and Aroma. As long as you're at ease and sociable, you can meet women anywhere. Good luck.
_______________________
But the white sneakers...:
I grew up here, and am now a young female professional. I have always cringed at the trend of wearing sneakers with business suits. It's just TERRIBLE. Other than that, I agree that D.C. has an undeserved reputation for poor fashion sense.
Janet: Sneakers with a suit, I agree, is not a good look. Did you know it started in NYC because everyone was walking to work during a subway strike?
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
What's up with Blue Gin? How does one get upstairs? There was a line but no one was getting up. There wasn't a VIP list or any explanation of how one can become a VIP (paying for bottle service, etc). Also, what crowd are they going for? Me and my 25-year-old girlfriends felt too young and attractive for that place. There were a lot of 30s-40s people, lots of men in suits, and no hot men.
Fritz: That's a very good question, Washington, and the most frustrating thing about the place. I always try to arrive early to avoid hassles, but you CAN make a dinner/table reservation if you call in advance. They're pretty popular, though. Last time I was there on a Friday, all the "reserved" tables were filled by 11. The idea is to reward people who make reservations or come in often enough to be recognized by the staff.
As for the age range, it seems to fluctuate. Always lots of 20s-30s when I've been. Sorry the men weren't to your taste. Have you been to Eyebar?
_______________________
Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.:
Fritz- What about Murali? Food and atomsphere for first date?
Fritz: Murali? The one on 9th and I? That closed months ago. Just reopened as Pearl, and is looking like a late-night version of those Flirt parties at MCCXXIII. Haven't seen any food there, though. Just really, really, really strong drinks and some fairly poor bartenders.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
Hey gogs! Just wanted to say against my better judgment I headed out to Fur this past Saturday. We got there at 10:30 to make sure we got in for free with our passes before eleven. There was a very short line and things were pretty chill at first with the place crowding up as the night when on, but never to the point where it was difficult to get a drink or mingle. All in all a good time. They must have fixed the crinks of opening weekend.
Fritz: Hmmm. I heard exactly the opposite about Fur on Friday night, but those are different promoters.
_______________________
Petworth:
For the new alumni group - Aroma will reserve the back room. I forget if it's free or very cheap, and it's Metro accessible.
Fritz: It's free, but you can only have it between 6 and 9 Sunday through Friday, I think.
_______________________
Debate Watch Party Friday:
Cada Vez, 1438 U St
Fritz: Thanks.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
I'd like to get a group of friends together for some fun fall action... perhaps a hayride, a local wine tour, ghost tours...? Any ideas?
David: For ghost tours, you might want to check out the Capital Hauntings Walking Tour at Lafayette Park or maybe try the one in Fells Point. Check the pumpkin patch list I posted earlier for hayrides and such ... lots places offer them, so you should be able to find one close to you.
_______________________
Re: D.C. female dressing:
If you are refering to the article recently featured in Rolling Stone about the bland dressing habits of D.C. women, I agree with Janet that DC women do get a bad rap. But as for money issues all the money in the world ain't going to make a bit of difference if you don't have style and taste. And with style and taste you can look good on the tighest budget. Trust me, I do it everyday- I know by all the compliments I recieve.
Janet: You go, girl!!
_______________________
Rockville, Md.:
I'm taking my wife to Roy's in Baltimore for her birthday in a couple of weeks (love their desserts), but was looking for a cool place to have drinks before. I'm not that familar with Baltimore and any suggestions would be great.
Fritz: If you're getting cocktails in Baltimore, I like Red Maple. Very stylish, very cozy. There's a great little place with an amazing Scotch selection in Fells Point, but I can't remember what it's called. Anyone?
_______________________
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.:
Have a (very) long-distance boyfriend coming into town this weekend. He's never been here before, and I am new to town. What are the coolest things happening this weekend? (We're early 30s.) Also, what's the best place for a fun weekend brunch, esp given the gorgeous weather? Thanks a lot! Maura: This weekend? Well there's the aforementioned National Book Festival, Dupont Art Walk and Taste of Georgetown. All are great opportunities to see special events but also tour the Mall or popular neighborhoods. There's great art in town like Dan Flavin at the National Gallery or Calder Miro at the Phillips. For brunch, the Tabard Inn is picture-perfect with an outside table. Cashion's in Adams Morgan and Montmartre (on the Hill) are also good bets.
_______________________
McLean, Va.:
Where's a decent place for karaoke? Rock-it is fun, but is a tad out of the way and I've never really enjoyed singing at Peyote (mostly due to the parking situation in Adams Morgan).
Fritz: Cafe Japone in Dupont is ground zero. Fast Eddie's downtown... it's got a decent crowd and a strip club in the basement.
_______________________
re: alumni groups:
My group has had good experiences with the Exchange. Continental lounge (Rosslyn) and Carpool (Ballston) have been nice to us as well. Gazuza doesn't have space you can mark off, but they'll give you some specials and let you set up your paraphernalia at no charge. they're also not too busy at happy hour during the week, so unless your group is massive, you don't really need to reserve anyway.
Fritz: Sounds great, thanks.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Entertaining my 14-year old cousin this weekend! Last time she came we did Melting Pot, shopping in G-Town, memorials and an Orioles game. Need some more ideas--somewhere for a funky Friday night dinner and some weekend activities. Please help! She thinks I am cool and I don't want to dispel that image... Jen: Have you thought about taking your cousin to see a play? TICKETplace has discounted seats to Round House Silver Spring's "Tabletop," which got a good review from The Post's Peter Marks. There are plenty of restaurants nearby now, too, including Austin Grill and Lebanese Taverna. Did you take her to Adams Morgan last time? She might enjoy that. Or how about a midnight movie at Landmark E Street? This week's feature is "This is Spinal Tap." If she's never seen it, she'll definitely think you're cool for taking her.
_______________________
Helix:
What's the dress code for the Helix lounge? - I'm trying to increase my going out time and Helix has gotten some pretty good reviews. Any additional suggestions?
Fritz: No dress code, but looking stylish is a plus. If you're going out this weekend, try to get a spot on the patio, and avoid some of the all-too-sweet drinks. You can usually trust your bartenders, though.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
This is the 27-year-old with a birthday coming up. I was thinking go-carts might be fun. Are there any in the area? Jen: These aren't super-close, but here are some go-karting options.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
Hi. I am planning a few girlfriends getting together next Thursday for a few drinks and a toast to one of their b-day's. We are between 28-36. I am wondering how Blue Gin is; Panache; and the new Pearl. We would like someplace we can sit down and have something small to eat as well. Any suggestions?
Fritz: Panache sounds good, although it slows down after happy hour; that's not a bad thing, but something you should note. As I said earlier, I like Pearl, but there's not much is the way of food. Blue Gin has a small menu and amazing cocktails.
_______________________
Re: 27th Birthday:
Continuing with the fall theme of apple picking and jack-o-lantern carving... have a bobbing for apples competition or go to the haunted woods thing previously mentioned.
Jen: And here's another idea for that birthday celebration. Thanks for the suggestion.
_______________________
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
Any good shows coming up? I pretty much like everything as long as it is a band and I am there watching it. Here's the last couple shows I saw if that helps -- the Streets, Dave Grisman, Ted Leo, Polyphonic Spree, and the Black Keys.
Joe: Lots of good shows coming up. Rilo Kiley Sunday at the Black Cat. Brian Wilson Sunday at Warner. Joe Ely, Oct. 20 at the Birchmere. Brindley Brother, Oct. 12 at Jammin' Java, Damien Jurado, Oct. 17 at Iota. De La Soul, Oct. 22 at the 9:30. Billy Joe Shaver, Oct. 21 at the State Theatre.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
Can you give me the details about the Tour de Cure and Lance Armstrong this weekend?
David: The Tour of Hope finale takes place this Saturday morning at the White House Ellipse. For those that don't know, this is a 3,500-mile bike trip across the country by 20 cancer survivors, including Lance Armstrong, in an effort to raise money for cancer research. Lance himself will be taking a 25-30 mile ride around D.C. early in the morning and should be arriving at the main site around noon or so. Events around the Ellipse start at 9 a.m. There will be live music, health screenings, a "bike safety rodeo" for kids and members of the USPS cycling team will also be on hand. Should be a good time for a good cause.
_______________________
Alexandria, Va.:
Ok...for the last time....I am young, succesful, and female. I have suits from Ann Taylor and Brooks Brother. I spend way too much money on shoes. But as I have to walk a mile EACH way from the metro to my house - you bet your butt I wear sneakers. I tried it once in heels and limped for two days. If you can walk two miles plus (add in all the walking I do for the job) in heels without pain...then hats off. Janet: Walking to work in sneakers is fine; just bring another pair of shoes to change into when you arrive.
_______________________
Northwest Washington, D.C.:
Marx Cafe: What's up there? I hear the DJs are cool, but
the place is not cool. Recommendations? This weekend?
Fritz: Let's see... I really enjoy the DJs at Marx, especially on Friday nights. Sal the bartender (ex-Metro Cafe) is excellent. The Belgian/German draft beer selection is top notch. But there's just something about the layout that makes me pause. It's not always comfortable there. The Jamaican golden-oldies Soundclash is next Friday if you like vintage ska/reggae/rocksteady, and the indie-rock Taking the Piss is the following week. Saturday is Rock en Espanol, which is an interest cultural experience.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.:
For Oktoberfest fans, if I want to hit Blob's park, is there a cool, inexpensive place to stay in Jessup so I can drink lots of German beer?
Fritz: I actually looked into that once and didn't see anything. I suppose you'll have to bribe someone to be your designated driver.
_______________________
Rosslyn, Va.:
Does the Taste of Georgetown cost anything? Thanks, Gogs!
David: Admission to the Taste of Georgetown is free, but the tastes themselves will cost you between $2 and $6 each.
_______________________
Downtown, Washington, D.C.:
I heard about a new bar called The 51st State in Foggy Bottom that billed itself as "DC's only NY sports bar." Where is it, and is it open yet? Any other details you guys can offer? I'm trying to find a good place to watch the Yankees!
Fritz: Yep. It's the new spot at the corner of 25th and L. Owned by Joe Englert (Lucky Bar, Capitol Lounge, Big Hunt, DC9, etc.) and Joe Lyon, who was a manager/bartender at Capitol Lounge for about 8 years. Very cool atmosphere with antique Guinness posters on the wall (Lyon collects them), dozen taps and a sidewalk patio. NY baseball and football fans get food and beer specials during games. There's more about it in Weekend tomorrow.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
I'm looking for a list of Irish pubs in DC that do quiz nights. I've heard Fado does one and so does Ri Ra in Bethesda. Are there others on other days?
Fritz: Finn Mac Cool's on the Hill has one on Tuesday. Ireland's Four P's (Falls Church) and O'Faolain's have them on Wednesdays. It's not Irish, put I love Quizzo at the Pour House on Tuesdays.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.:
“SURVIVOR” CELEBRATION HAPPY HOUR
In Support Of
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Where: Anzu Lounge – in the heart of Adams Morgan
2436 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
When: Friday, October 8th
Time: 6 – 8 pm or after
Cover Charge: $5.00 (donation to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society)
---All drinks are half price, free hors d’oeuvres!---
Come join your friends to end the work week and support the fight against cancer!
Special Celebrity Guests
- Ethan Zohn: Winner of CBS’s “Survivor Africa”
- Jenna Morasca: Winner of CBS’s “Survivor: The Amazon”
All proceeds will go to support the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and all donations are tax deductible.
Come on out for a few drinks to support a great cause…and win prizes!
Get in the mood for the 2nd Presidential Debate!
HOPE TO SEE YOU ON OCTOBER 8!
Fritz: Passing this along.
_______________________
The Going Out Gurus:
Thanks for joining us, everyone. See you next week.
_______________________
Scotch place in B'more:
Birds of a feather on Aliceanna in Fells Point
Fritz: One last comment because that is EXACTLY the place I was thinking of. Wonderful owner, very knowledgeable, excellent selection. Cheers.
_______________________
| 
