Friday, October 19, 2007

Quick tips

Panel Discussion - Agents of Change: Artists, Politics, and the Planet
Saturday, October 20, 2007
1:00 PM
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art

As the natural world and native culture continue to be threatened, what is the role of the contemporary artist and photographer? Can artists document solely what they see or do they now feel an imperative to act politically? A panel of artists and activists addresses these questions and others during the discussion.

Panel discussion with speakers: Subhankar Banerfee, artist; Andy Grundberg, art critic, writer and administrative chair of photography at the Corcoran College or Art+Design; Bret Jenks, president and CEO of RareArt; and Chris Rainier, documentary photographer and director of the international cultural website, Cultures on the Edge.

Event Information

Admission: $10
Reservations: Required
Tickets: Online
www.corcoran.org

AAFSW USED BOOK FAIR: Saturday 10 to 4, Sunday 10 to 4. Sales of books, art objects and collectibles by the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide. U.S. Department of State , 2201 C St. NW.

RUSSIAN BAZAAR Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday noon to 6. Traditional entertainment, foods, books, children's activities. St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 4001 17th St. NW.

Happy Hour

Head over to Ventnor Sports Café in Adams Morgan for the DC Habitat for Humanity happy hour. There is a $10 cover at the door but the proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity so don’t be stingy and think $10 is too much. According to the Ventnor website, Friday’s special include:
$1 Beers till 11pm, $3 Miller Lite Bottles, $4 Rail Drinks after 11pm, 1/2 Price Burgers. Not too shabby.

Ventnor Sports Café
2411 18th St NW

It's Hot, It's Hot in Here

Tomorrow is the last day to check out the Solar Decathalon 2007. Twenty teams are competing in a competition to construct the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. You can get a tour of the houses from 10am-5pm tomorrow at the National Mall.

Sunday Night Dinner

Since you totally don’t want to cook on Sunday, go to Vegetate for a tasty meal. Every Sunday from 4:30-8:30, dinner consists of ingredients purchased THAT day at the farmer’s market. I’m a big fan of eating locally, but am less a fan of cooking in my kitchen that doesn’t have an oven so I’m pleased about this development. To top it all off, wines by the glass are half off.

A sample menu from earlier this month (aside: YUM):

Grilled Breadline Ciabatta
with buttered Sunnyside radishes, braised greens and cherry tomato confit

Chilled Carrot, Apple and Ginger Soup
chamomile tea, wilted arugula & sesame crostini

Sauteed Farmer's Kale and Organic Yellow Oyster Mushrooms
Truck Patch okra, Wolaver's Pale Ale & shallots

Corn Grit Polenta
layered with Oatmeal Stout Black Beans, Sunnyside tomatoes, poblanos and onions,
Path Valley sweet potatoes & Mountain View greens

Grilled Truck Patch Brocolli
toasted almonds, swiss chard, arugula with pickled cucumber-dijon viniagrette

Persimmon Spice Cake
with lavender cashew, golden raisins, kiwi berries & a dollop of honey yogurt

Farm it up

It’s a FARM TOUR. Whoohoo. Go to Loudoun farms on Saturday or Sunday (okay technically Frederick country is doing the same thing but there are no wineries involved so based on that, I say go Loudoun) to check out the “The 2007 Farm Color Tour.” Go to this website to learn more about what the farms will have including hayrides (!!), pick-your-own fruit, wine tastings and demonstrations. http://www.loudounfarms.org/default.asp?contentID=51

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 20-21
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling, VA

Saturday on H St

ahhhhhmygod! This is so super awesome. On Saturday, Brightest Young Things is hosting their third installment of Styleistics at Rock and Roll Hotel. Basically it’s a local designer showcase but there will be lots of other cool stuff like FREE champagne, a beauty lounge, and some amazing DJs. And once all of that ends, there is a Garutachi afterparty. This is from the website “Be there at 7. Shop. Drink free champagne. Win beers. Get puma and modular giveaways. Get your hair styled for free. Drink more free champagne. And then stay late for a dance night featuring ALL YOUR FAVORITE DANCE NIGHTS WRAPPED INTO ONE.” Apparently there will be a beer bong contest.

Rock and Roll Hotel
1353 H St NE

Since you will so obviously be in NE on Saturday, I highly recommend having dinner at Dr. Granville Moore’s first. There are 40-50 beers to choose from, damn good mussels, and FRITES with GARLIC MAYO. When I went with my dear mother we did not have any problems with service and our waitress recommended a beer even my non-beer-enjoying mom liked. I have heard some other reviews less enthralled with the service so I would budget more than enough time to get over to STYLEISTICS for free champagne at 7pm.

Dr. Granville Moore’s
1238 H St NE

If you don’t feel like sticking around for the Garutachi afterparty at Rock and Roll Hotel, just walk down the street to Palace of Wonders. Apparently something exists called the Burlesque University where for six weeks one can learn the art of burlesque through rigorous training. And on Saturday, at Palace of Wonders, you can see the results of such training for just $10. The show starts at 10pm.

Palace of Wonders
1210 H St NE

Thursday, October 18, 2007

QUICK!!

It’s a free night of theater tonight!! Many of the shows are already sold out but if you act fast, you can score some tickets to shows that I think look pretty cool at the Arena Stage and Studio Theater.

http://www.freenightoftheater.net/shows/show_listings.cfm?region=23

Free cocktail and antipasti

Vapiano is having a five-year party on Monday. I’m anxiously awaiting the location to open in Galley Place but until then it’ll be 18/M. Click on the link for an invitation that is also good for a free Pink Vodka Signature cocktail and antipasti.

http://mailer.solarconnect.com/emails/DesignNerd/vapianof8.jpg

Opens Tomorrow!

Lake of Fire

From DCist:

Michael Moore may have grabbed all the press where high profile documentaries are concerned, but it's Tony Kaye's Lake of Fire that is being quietly talked about as the most powerful documentary of the year. Which is remarkable considering its subject is one of the most talked about and analyzed issues on the American political stage. Finding a fresh perspective would seem difficult at best.

You may remember Kaye as the British director who famously trashed his career after the release of his debut feature, American History X, trying unsuccessfully to remove his name from the film and placing ads denouncing the final cut of the movie. He retreated back into an exile of music videos, commercials, and the occasional obscure ultra-indie feature. All the while, though, and even before the AHX debacle, he was working on Lake of Fire, a sprawling two-and-a-half hour documentary, self financed and made over the course of 18 years, that attempts to frame the abortion debate in purely non-judgmental terms, giving equal screen time and equal weight to both sides. It's a move bound to anger strict adherents to either position, but may have resulted in the definitive work examining the issue. Shot entirely in black and white and mostly on film (a documentary rarity anymore), the film looks to display Kaye's meticulous visual sense, and, from the sweeping strings in the trailer, his tendency to flirt with melodrama.

It opens tomorrow at the AFI Silver Theatre.

Free Meat

Who doesn't love some free meat? From 6pm-7pm you can have free short ribs paired with a scoop of truffle grits at Butterfield 9. The Braised Beef Short Rib is “fall-apart, mama’s recipe and comfort-food good” according to head chef Michael Harr.

Butterfield 9, 600 14th St., NW; 202-289-8810; butterfield9.com.

October 18, 2007

The third Thursday of every month is well, called Third Thursday. Head out to U St and 14th St for a night of sales and snacks at the local boutiques. Things wind down at 8pm. Stores participating include Wild Women Wear Red, Pink November, Boundless Yoga, and Shoefly. Take a rest from working your credit card out and go to Bar Pilar where drafts are $2 off until 7pm.

And not to set you into an overspending coma, but it is worth mentioning that DSW’s sale on BOOTS starts today. Up to 50% off.

Tonight the Organization of American States is hosting the program “The Forgotten Women: Femicides of Ciudad Juarez and Guatemale.” After viewing clips from Dual Justice and Killer’s Paradise, Carmen Lomellin and Marty Jordan will discuss how “these two femicides are illustrative of violence against women throughout the world.”
When: 6:30pm - 8pm Thursday, October 18 2007
Where: Organization of American States, 1889 F Street NW
Please RSVP by October 17th to Erica (ericachandra@hotmail.com)
Light Refreshments will be provided
For more information: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Event/100770-106

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Halloween costumes...AHHHHHHH

Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be a nightmare. (ha). The Washingtonian just did a great article on places all over the city (even in my neck of the woods, Takoma Park) to find something. Check out the article because before you know it- you will be costume-less and sad.

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/artsfun/afterhours/5482.html

The article is also a super helpful reference for various vintage stores in the city so you better bookmark this one.

Street Clash

Vote for DC in the Street Clash with Copenhagen. http://www.streetclash.blogspot.com/

STREET CLASH is an international style competition between blogs & photographers around the world. At the end, one city will be named best dressed 2007. And you get to decide!

Spa Week!

I've never participated in Spa Week but it seems like a good deal. Running until the 21st, you can get full service treatments normally costing from $100 to $200 dollars for just $50 dollars.

http://www.spaweek.org/index.php

Participating spas are:

Cultura
Hela Spa
Jean Claude MedSpa
Piaf Salon and Day Spa
Red Door Spa - Washington
Relaxation On-Site
Soul Day Spa and Salon

Virginia

About Face Aesthetic Centers
Cassianna Day Spa
Jon'Ric International Salon &...
Modern Day Spa - Pentagon Cit...
Modern Day Spa - Tysons Corne...
Red Door Spa - Arlington
Red Door Spa - Fairfax
Red Door Spa - Reston
Red Door Spa - Vienna
Reflections of You Fairfax
Salon Cielo and Spa
Solarus Salon & Spa
The Medical Spa at Nova
Valon Salon & Day Spa

Maryland

Ashand Body & Spa
Avatar Salon & Wellness Spa
Red Door Spa - Bethesda
Red Door Spa - Gaithersburg
The Still Point

Anthony Bourdain

Wed. Nov 7, 7:00pm @ Lisner Auditorium in Foggy Bottom

Tony Bourdain: Around the World on an Empty Stomach


Tickets are $24. GW Students: limited $14 tickets available at the Lisner Box Office

Great News!

Finally...no more crappy taxi zones!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/17/AR2007101700802.html?hpid=topnews

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Mark your Calendars!

Paul Krugman will be at Temple Sinai, October 23rd at 7pm with his new book 'The Conscience of a Liberal.' Tickets are $12 OR get two tickets FREE when you buy the book at Politics & Prose.

Dave Eggers (!!) will be at Politics & Prose on October 30th with "What is the What.'

Cheap Tickets!!!

Check out Goldstarevents.com for some awesome deals.

A ticket to Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' at the Folger is a worthy purchase. Even better, when you can get it half-price! Check out the dates below. The Folger is a great theatre so your seat can't be bad.

Folger Theatre
Wednesday, Oct. 17 @ 7:30pm
Wednesday, Oct. 24 @ 7:30pm
Wednesday, Oct. 31 @ 7:30pm
Full Price: $34.00 Our Price: $17.00*

*http://www.goldstarevents.com

Another Event for tomorrow

From the Washington Post:


"6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17
MCCXXIII
1223 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC
Editorial Review
Local R&B star Raheem Devaughn joins forces with Bryce Wilson (formerly of Groove Theory and Mantronix), 'America's Next Top Model' contestant Camille McDonald and several other models for this party, which features music from WPGC's DJ Analyze as well as tunes from Devaughn's latest album.Arrive early to beat the crowds. Incentives include a premium open bar from 6 to 8 and another open bar and soul food buffet from 10 to 11. Admission is free with a pass from http://www.eviplist.com/newsletter/spank.htm."

Not my thing but thought I'd pass it along-three hours of open bar, a contestant from ANTM!

October 17, 2007

Top Recommendations:

Nick Hornby is at the Olsson's in Penn Quarter at 7pm. I've only read 'A Long Way Down' which was about people who want to commit suicide. So yeah, depressing. The 'About a Boy' movie was good, especially when the little boy, Marcus raps. And who knew it was nominated for an Oscar? Obviously 'High Fidelity' is thumbs up. Oh, he has a new book, 'Slam.'

Since you'll be in Penn Quarter, Austin Grill has a decent happy hour in the bar area (have to give a mention since my step-sister worked there once). $3 Bud Light, $3 Shinerbock Draft, $5 Margaritas, and $3 food baskets. Just stick with the margaritas and free chips and salsa. 750 E St. NW.

Make it a night in Gallery Place. Enjoy one of the last nights to grab a drink outside by heading over to the gorgeous patio at Poste Brasserie at 555 8th St. NW. Grab some bite size croques and a Cielito Lindo- a wild berry and garden mint mojito.

Tuesday, October 16

Top Suggestions:

It's not too late to celebrate Ockoberfest...and in a very special way. Check out Rustico tonight, not only for its 30 taps, but for the Don't Hassel the Hof Brau party. Costumes, David Hasselhoff's finest tunes and Hofbrau beer. http://rusticorestaurant.com/

Tuesday is Wing Night at 51st State in Foggy Bottom. Pretty decent wings for $.10 a piece 4pm-11pm or until they run out. Bud/Bud Light for $2.50 or so until 7pm. It can get CROWDED so get there early to snag a table. If you are feeling ambitious or really want to hang out with GWU undergrads, head over to McFadden's for dollar beer night. McFadden's calls it "Trailer Park Tuesdays" so be sure to show up classy. Yikes.

Free champagne at Asylum tonight to celebrate the one year anniversary of Riff Raff (a group of DJs who perform at Asylum the first and third Tuesdays of every month in case you can't make it for tonight). http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=12956044

Last but certainly NOT least, fitness celebrity John Basedow whom we all know and love will be at Borders Books in Kensington, MD from 7pm-9pm. http://www.bordersstores.com/events/event_detail.jsp?SEID=185494