Gone Out DC

Holiday gifts

2008-11-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

We've posted about holiday shopping events here and here. But what if that doesn't cover everyone on your list? Here's a few thoughts:

Biagio Fine Chocolate: I've posted about it a few times before but I'll keep doing it because I'm a little bit obsessed with this place. They have a great selection of interesting bars in all sizes and prices that are great for a stocking or Secret Santa. To take it up a notch go for the chocolates behind the counter, which come in an ever-changing array of classic and offbeat flavors. You can them in any amount and they cost about the same as the Godiva boxes at Barnes and Noble, but the lucky recipient will know they're getting something special.

GoMamago! I couldn't find a website for this place for the longest time because I've been thinking the sign says GoMango! Whatever it's called, this spot on 14th St. is tucked between other goldmines like Pulp and Homerule. It's got a great collection of household goods, gifts, and tchotchkes from around the world in all price ranges.

Grooming Lounge: $50 may sound like a lot for a shave; but if the preponderance of bowties on men under 70 in this city is any indication, there's plenty of young men who are looking to revive elements of old-timey grooming. If your man is one of them, he'll be bragging about this for months.

National Building Museum: Another Gone Out favorite. A solid spot for house stuff, toys, and books.

Not local but still feel-good bonus: OneWorld Gift Guide

Yeaccch

2008-11-24T10:42:00.002-05:00

This has nothing to do with free ice cream or cheap happy hours but I had to share it- can you imagine anyone swimming in the Potomac today? And what exactly are the people in front doing?

Shorpy: Who Can't Swim?

Crab Soup Cookoff

2008-11-21T14:49:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but, I really don't take advantage of the immediate access to Maryland Crabs that I have living in this area.

If you're the same, I would suggest checking out the CRAB SOUP COOKOFF (!!) in Arlington. For ten bucks you can sample a host of crab soups from participting restaurants. Other food, for sale, will be available from vendors as well.

Check out more information about the event here.

Free HOT CHOCOLATE at TangySweet.

2008-11-20T07:31:00.001-05:00

Today. Thursday. Noon-11pm. 'nough said.

http://www.tangysweet.com/

Hoopla Closing Sale

2008-11-20T07:20:00.004-05:00

I know that it is easy to be swept away by the amazing and unique designs of your corner Anne Taylor, but DC really does have some great boutique shopping. Whenever I walk into a boutique, I think to myself, "YES! Yes, THIS is how I want to dress." Then I look at the price tag of my new favorite find, and I look down at my H&M purse, and I look back at the tag, and I think (shoulders shrugged) "No, this is really not how I am able to dress." Sigh. And after going through this on a monthly (ha, weekly...what...fine...daily?) occasion, I have discovered that boutique sales is one of the greatest things to happen to my young professional wardrobe.

This sale, I'm a bit bittersweet about, because it is a closing sale. Hoopla is closing. This is a eco-friendly store with something for everyone. I could go with my art teacher mom, and my paralegal self, and we could both find something great. They also have jewelry and small house items, which would make great holiday gifts.

(Also, since I'm talking about boutiques, a friendly reminder that today is the Shopping Social on U-street. See previous post below.)

Free coffee at Commissary

2008-11-18T13:30:00.002-05:00

In the month of November, Commissary is offering free coffee to customers who bring in a competitor's to-go cup. I believe there's a Starbucks on the same block so if one cup just doesn't satisfy you, it'll be easy enough to claim.

Cyber Monday Free Lunch

2008-11-18T11:28:00.004-05:00

Another post about Christmas shopping? According to the stockings and candy canes in the dollar bins at Target, it's right around the corner! I never really understood the hype about "Cyber Monday" since by my understanding the whole point of buying gifts online is that you can do it whenever you want. But Shop.org is trying to get consumers typing away with a free lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, complete with laptops set up for shopping while you eat and raffles for giftcards. You'll probably have to fight your way through a few visiting packs of school kids, but a free lunch is a free lunch. And if you win anything you may have one less gift to buy, online or otherwise.

We Love DC: Free Lunch on Cyber Monday

Fotoweek DC!!!

2008-11-17T15:21:00.002-05:00

If you are an avid lover of photography (like me) than this week of all weeks is definitely a great week to call yourself a resident of DC (or surrounding area). People, people, Fotoweek has arrived. It officially began over the weekend, but that doesn't mean that you have missed out on the gobs and gobs of photography events going on in this city. There are gallery openings, lectures...the works. And many of them are free.

Check out the events here.

Shopper Social - THIS THURSDAY

2008-11-17T15:13:00.003-05:00

As mentioned in our calendar (see righthand side column - SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!!), this Thursday, being the third Thursday of the month, is U-Street's Shopper Social. This means, that a number of the U-Street boutiques, Nana, Moojoo Ken, Mulah, etc. will offer specials on a number of their products between 5pm and 7pm (or the respective closing time). And if boutique sales aren't enticing enough, sometime you'll get cookies or a glass of champagne out of the deal.

Craft Mutiny Holiday Booty Market

2008-11-14T11:35:00.002-05:00

Everyone's got someone for whom they have to be pretty conservative in the gift giving department. I have gotten my dad a book for every gift-giving holiday since Clinton was president, and I'm no hurry to break from the pattern any time soon. But if there's someone on your list who'll appreciate a little more creativity, this event with products from 20 artists in the area could be worth a look. There'll be snacks and gift bags for the first 100 customers.

Craft Mutiny Holiday Trunk Show
Saturday, December 13, 2008 -- 10am-5pm
Design Within Reach - Georgetown
3307 Cady's Alley N.W.
Washington, DC 20007

Don't go it alone

2008-11-05T11:39:00.002-05:00

In these troubled economic times, free movies and cheap beer alone will not bring you financial stability (although it may make it temporarily easier to forget about). There's a ton of advice flurrying around out there, but if you don't have plans to buy a house any time soon and you're decades from retirement a lot of it isn't terribly relevant. Ramit Sethi's Save $1000 in 30 Days Challenge on the other hand is geared towards trimming everyday expenses but does "not include [outdated term for learning disabled] suggestions like 'Start a garden' or 'Buy day-old food from bakeries.'" So far he's only gotten through 5 tips but I think number 4 is one of the most helpful for young people: "Involve Your Friends in Your Savings Challenge." It's easy enough to say you'll save money on going out, but if you're the only one you know trying to do so you'll be pretty lonely. On the other hand, trying to get your friends on board will make it a lot easier to socialize without drinking away your budget, and you might even get people to rethink the dreaded group birthday dinner.

Free Makeup Consultations

2008-11-05T10:57:00.001-05:00

Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8: Tim Quinn, a well-known celebrity makeup artist with Giorgio Armani, will be holding free group technique classes and personal makeup consultations by appointment only at the Chevy Chase Saks Fifth Avenue. The group classes will be lightly catered with Champagne, fruit, and cheese. For appointments, call 240-497-5206.

(from the Washingtonian)

Rob Riggle at Sixth & I

2008-11-03T15:11:00.003-05:00

If you can't get enough of Rob Riggle's muscular idiocy on the Daily Show, mark your calendars- he'll be at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on February 19. Tickets here.

Election Night (Part 2)

2008-11-03T11:43:00.000-05:00

If you have a pulse and a TV, chances are you're either sick to death of hearing about the election for the past two years, or so nervous about the results that if you can't distract yourself, you may get an ulcer. For those who want to get through Tuesday night without seeing a single red and blue map, here's a few non-election related activities. We can't guarantee, however, that you won't overhear someone whispering about the numbers from Ohio while furiously tapping on their iPhone.

Adams Morgan First Tuesdays: Restaurants and retailers in AdMo offer discounts on the first Tuesday of every month. Hit up Bourbon, Grill from Ipanema, or one of many other participants (scroll down a ways) with someone who promises not to address you as "my friend", and the two of you could eat and drink for just $25.

Tonic: It is both Wine Night- get a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entrees and an appetizer- and Taco Night- 50 Cent Tacos and $ 4.00 Sam Adams Seasonal Draft. Sounds like a pretty great night either way.

Free Starbucks for voters

2008-11-03T09:53:00.002-05:00

Bring proof that you voted-does the sticker count?-to Starbucks on Tuesday and you'll get a free tall coffee. Also, check out the heated debate in the comments section of the post linked below about whether the offer constitutes an illegal incentive to vote under California law. Nice to see that discussions like that happen outside D.C.

Starbucks Gossip: Vote on Tuesday and get a free tall brewed coffee from Starbucks

Leftover Turkey class

2008-10-30T10:53:00.002-04:00

Target is already carrying Christmas decorations, which means that Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Make the most of the leftovers you scavenge from your parents' house with this class at the Tenley Whole Foods:

Wednesday, November 12th

7:00-8:15 p.m. |

Turkey Stuffed Potato Cutlets - potato cutlets stuffed with leftover turkey and spices and cooked on a griddle
Turkey Dhansak - a Persian dish that contains lentil soup with turkey pieces along with spices
Turkey Keema - ground turkey with spices and green peas
Spiced Rice Pilaf - an accompaniment to the Turkey dishes, this spiced rice pilaf is made with basmati white rice and whole spices.

Election Night (Part 1)

2008-10-28T12:24:00.006-04:00

It seems like everyone in this city has to have a plan for watching the results come in on Election Night. Even trying your hardest to ignore it is a plan, although we'll tackle that later in the week. If you're looking for a festive atmosphere in which to watch John King play with his fancy map and maybe take the edge of the suspense with a cold one, here's a few spots.

Good Stuff Eatery Election Party: For the past month or so, GSE's been tallying the popularity of their McCain Burger(Monteray Jack Cheese, Chipotle Mayo and Red Pepper Corn Salsa) and
Obama Burger (Blue Cheese, Apple-Wood Bacon, Onion Marmalade and Horseradish Mayo). I don't know what Spike Mendelsohn's politics are, but I pity any candidate who's up against bacon. Vote with your taste buds, enter to win nosh for 10 at the "farm table", and check out a few as-yet-unspecified menu additions from 5:30 on.

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: Watch the results on a big screen, hear commentary from local pundits (where'd they scare those up?), eat some "all-American food", partake in the cash bar, and the clincher- take your picture with cardboard cutouts of the candidates. It's free (aside from the booze), but RSVP is required.

Darlington House: Spots in this event, sponsored by Yelp!, will probably go fast. Watch the election on the Maker's Mark "War Room"; the "Lobbyist Lounge" with Canadian Club drinks, free shoe shines and the like; and the Imperia Vodka "Inaugural Ballroom". RSVP to dc@yelp.com by October 31.

Free Films at Bus Boys and Poets

2008-10-11T08:29:00.003-04:00

In conjunction with Nomandsland, an organization which promotes "Films that Matter" Bus Boys and Poets on the occasional Sunday will exhibit engaging international films, and often followed by a Q&A with the director. All films screening are FREE, although patrons of the movie are expected to be patrons at Bus Boys - but with food like that, who can complain?!

Upcoming films include:

The Unbreakables (China)
Sunday October 12, 2008
8pm

Kabul Ping Pong (Afghanistan)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
7pm

Life is Drama (Austria)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
6:30pm

Bus Boys and Poets
2021 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

(please see Gone Out DC calendar for additional information on each film)

Ever thought: "Yeah, I might go to the wax museum, if it was free!!"

2008-10-09T12:39:00.002-04:00

Well, you practically can!

The Washingtonian revealed that the ongoing birthday celebration at Madame Tussauds allows you to skip the normal $20 entry fee, and with a mere rendition of the "happy birthday" song, you can enter the museum for $1.

Check out the possibilities here: http://www.madametussauds.com/washington/

Taste of Georgetown

2008-10-02T11:56:00.004-04:00

I have to admit my ventures into Georgetown usually consist of the movie theater, the Anthropologie sale section, alright, alright, all the sale sections...and a favorite gelato spot. Aside from a post Dean & Deluca post-shopping snack, I RARELY eat in Georgetown. Granted, Georgetown is filled with renowned restauarants, but most of the then are a little too eminent for my wallet.

If you are the same way, and even if you aren't a great way to check out the many fabulous Georgetown restaurants is the upcoming Taste of Georgetown. Five dollars gets you one tasting and a complementary wine. If you spend $20, you can five tasting (all for the price of 4!). Participating restaurants include:

o 1789
o Agraria
o Baked & Wired
o Bangkok Joe's
o Café Bonaparte
o Chadwick's
o Clyde's
o Fahrenheit Restaurant
o Filomena Ristorante
o Hook
o J Paul's
o La Chaumiere
o Los Cuates
o Martin's Tavern
o Mendocino Grille
o Mie N Yu
o Morton's the Steakhouse
o Neyla
o Nick's Riverside Grille
o Old Glory BBQ
o Paolo's
o Ristorante Piccolo
o Rugby
o Sea Catch Restaurant
o Tacklebox
o Third Edition
o Tony & Joe's

Taste of Georgetown
Saturday, October 11, 2008
11am - 4pm

Duke Ellington Jazz Festival

2008-10-01T19:58:00.003-04:00

DC may not have hosted infamous Harlem Renaissance, but since the 1900's DC has been a foundational national outlet for the expression of African American culture, namely, jazz music. And a main staple of DC's rich history is Duke Ellington, a jazz pioneer.

Today, Wednesday October 1st is the beginning of the week-long Duke Ellington jazz festival. Concerts associated with the event are happening all over the city, and many of them are FREE!

There are so many options, and the schedule website is incredibly easy to use, so there is definitely sometime for every jazz (or even non-jazz) lover out there!

Free Film(s) at the Hirshorn

2008-10-01T10:10:00.002-04:00

Well, I know that I'll be glued to my television on Thursday night, but if for some (crazy) reason the upcoming vice-presidential debate doesn't interest you, check out a night of free short films at the Hirshhorn Museum.

The Spanish embassy is partnering with the museum to bring films from one of the well-acclaimed film festivals in Barcelona, LOOP. The Hirshhorn website boasts "new media arts, cinematic work, artists' films, and documentaries provide a wide range of uncommon fare for discerning cinephiles and casual movie fans alike." Please note that some of the material may be for mature audiences only.

Hirshhorn Museum
Thursday, October 2, 2008
8pm

House of Sweden opening

2008-09-26T15:11:00.002-04:00

When my Scandinavian immigrant father yearns for the taste of home, the most convenient place for my mom to load up on lingonberry jam and black bread is usually Ikea. Luckily, Nordic transplants to DC will not be forced to trudge through a poorly lit jungle of particleboard bookshelves, unless of course their books are strewn all over their living room. House of Sweden, the Swedish embassy's cultural outpost, is opening a its "Cafe Bites and Sounds" series this weekend. Each Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 you can stop by for Swedish coffee and snacks and hear some Swedish tunes.

House of Sweden Cafe Bites and Sounds

September 27th to November 30th
Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Rooms 4 and 5
House of Sweden
2900 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007

FREE

National Book Festival

2008-09-25T16:32:00.003-04:00

The National Book Festival is sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by First Lady Laura Bush, and it's taking place this Saturday on the Mall from 10-5:30. There's not much in the way of swag beyond maybe a semi-reusable tote bag and and things of that ilk- the real attraction is the impressive range in authors. There's a bunch of celebrity authors, like Tiki Barber, Dionne Warwick and Cokie Roberts. More literary heavy hitters include Salman Rushdie and Paul Theroux. See the full list here, and more details about the festival here.

National Book Festival
National Mall
Saturday, September 27, 10-5:30
FREE

Crafty Bastards

2008-09-25T13:56:00.002-04:00

If you're of crafty persuasion but have an aesthetic that's more gritty than grandma, you'll find plenty of inspiration at Crafty Bastards, the yearly event sponsored by the Washington City Paper. You can find more information about vendors, performances, and demos here. But even if you've never touched a pair of pinking shears in your life, here's a few events that will appeal to the craftily-challenged. You could get so sucked in by the knitting lesson (10:30am-11:30am, 12:30pm-1:30pm) that you come back as a vendor next year.

Bicycle Safety The Bike Rack Booth (#59)
10am, 2pm Basic Bike Maintenance
12pm Riding Your Bike Safely In The City (meet in front of the Maker Square Workshop Area)

Yoga Silk Road Yoga Booth (#106). All day.
Stop by the Silk Road Yoga booth to watch yoga demos by the experts.

Crafty Bastards
Marie Reed Learning Center
18th St. and Wyoming
Sunday, Sept. 28 10-5

Car Free Challenge

2008-09-22T09:18:00.002-04:00

If you're reading this, chances are you don't have a car to be free from. But that doesn't mean you should miss out on some free stuff. The event going on from 11am - 3pm at 7th & F Streets NW includes:

- Live Music and Entertainment
- Free T-shirts and Other Giveaways
- SmartBike Test Rides and Discounted Memberships
- Free Bike Tune-ups from The Bike Rack
- Segway Demonstrations

You know you want to see a Segway Demonstration! And if you've been meaning to sign up for the SmartBike program, the discount might sweeten the deal.

11am - 3pm
7th & F Streets NW
FREE

Prince of Petworth: Car Free Day Challenge and Celebration Today!

Outdoor Opera

2008-09-17T16:18:00.003-04:00

The Washington National Opera season's started up again, bringing with it a ton of events aimed at filling seats with first-time operagoers. One is this concert at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza of selections from operas in the 2008-2009 season, including La Traviata, The Pearl Fishers, and Carmen. Even if this is the extent of your exposure to opera, you're sure to recognize something. The WNO also has a really great program offering tickets to people under 35 at deep discounts.

WNO's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Perform a Lunch Series Concert
Thursday, Sept. 25
Noon-1:30
FREE

H Street Festival

2008-09-15T10:31:00.002-04:00

Street fair season continues with the H Street Festival on Saturday, September 20. There's quite a range in attractions-from burlesque to a former Redskins cornerback-so your whole posse is bound to find something of interest. Hint for the non-Metrobus savvy- you can get on the X2 at Gallery Place under the big gate and it'll take you all the way down H Street. If you get there early grab a latte at lovely Sidamo, one of the most pleasant coffee shops in the city.

H Street Festival
1200-1400 H St. NE
Saturday, Sep. 20 12-6
FREE

Frozen Tropics: H Street Festival Saturday

Adams Morgan Day

2008-09-13T07:52:00.004-04:00

I've noticed it too...it's getting darker, hints of yellow are blossoming on the leaves, fall is quickly approaching. Take advantage of the gorgeous end of summer/beginning of fall weather and come out to Adams Morgan Day! What, Adams Morgan is alive, awake and running during the day?! Shocking, I know. I had a hard time believing it at first too. Adams Morgan makes for a great stroll without the lingering waft of Jumbo Slice (and etc.)

Sunday the street is closed off to cars and will be celebrating local vendors and local performs. Food and fun for the whole family.

In the very least, you should check out Batala, who will be performing on the Dance Stage (basketball courts) at 1:30pm. They're an all-female afro-brazilian drum band and amazing (it may be that one of the blog writers is in the band).

Adams Morgan Day
18th St. NW, between Florida Ave and Columbia
http://www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com/
noon-7pm
FREE

Free snacks and a steel drum band?!

2008-09-10T15:15:00.002-04:00

Quick update on tonight (from The Washingtonian):

Hudson the restaurant celebrates the winding-down of summer with an extended happy hour featuring a bunch of tropical-themed specials ($5 Red Stripes; $8 Dark & Stormies) and a buffet of free hors d’oeuvres. The party kicks off at 7 PM with a steel-drum band. At 9, DJ Adrian Loving takes over until midnight. Entry is free and open to anyone—RSVP to Victoria@vmpublicrelations.com.

2030 M St., NW
202-872-8700

Architecture Week

2008-09-10T11:56:00.003-04:00

Some of this year's Architecture Week events are a little pricey and may only appeal to hardcore architecture enthusiasts or people planning on building their own homes. But if you keep meaning to pay a visit to the National Building Museum, this event's a good excuse:

Sunday, September 14, 10-4
Student Competition
Meet the next generation of Washington architects and watch them at work. Students from local architecture schools are challenged by an intriguing design problem (which remains a closely guarded secret until a week prior to the competition). They will work all day to come up with a solution.

Location: National Building Museum | 401 F Street, NW
Metro: Judiciary Square

FREE.

Apartment Therapy: Event Alert: DC Architecture Week

Big Bear Anniversary Party

2008-09-09T14:13:00.004-04:00

What goes better with coffee than a whole roasted pig? To celebrate its one year anniversary (a few months late), Big Bear Cafe is throwing a little shindig on Sunday evening with the aforementioned swine, a keg, and some live music. It's not clear from the website when exactly it starts, but apparently there'll be another barbecue earlier in the day at Big Bear to benefit the Haitian Boys Choir.

Big Bear Cafe
1700 First Street NW

Big Bear Year Anniversary Party, this Sunday Evening 9/14

Going Out Gurus bachelorette party guide

2008-09-08T09:40:00.004-04:00

Planning a bachelorette party can be a daunting task if you've never done it; and if your friend isn't the penis straw/scavenger hunt type, it can be even trickier to give her a memorable night. The Washington Post's Going Out Gurus have published a handy list of places to take a bride-to-be. The format- grouping agendas by categories like "Wild Child" and "If you put a tiara on me you'll regret it"- is a little reminiscent of a quiz for finding your perfect fall bag in Cosmo, but you can mix and match or use the list as a jumping-off point to craft the perfect sendoff.

DC Libary Downloads

2008-09-04T11:15:00.004-04:00

The DC public library system has plenty of issues, but it still beats shelling out $25 for a book you'll probably only read once. And even the greatest program in the world wouldn't be able to remove the hassle of actually going to a library, right? No longer! The truck pictured here is the "Digital Bookmobile," which has partnered with the DC public library to raise awareness about the library's digital media collection. On the Digital Bookmobile you can download free audiobooks, ebooks, music, and video to your laptop or some portable music players, including the iPod. It's parked at the site of the old convention center on H and 10th. After it leaves town, you can access the library's digital collection by downloading software from the library's website. You're not going to find every title on your Netflix queue or reading list, but it's worth a look.

Downloadable Media at the DC Public Library

Drama at Mayorga Lounge

2008-09-03T11:52:00.006-04:00

So I'm not the only one who's sad about the closing of Mayorga Lounge- turns out Mayorga isn't so thrilled either. A press release posted on the company's blog states "It is unfortunate that Sonic Boom [the company who had the license for Mayorga Lounge] has chosen unilaterally – and we believe in violation of our contract — to change its business from a coffee lounge to a sushi restaurant. We are heartened by the many customers who have expressed their appreciation for and enjoyment of Mayorga Coffee. While we share your concern that the neighborhood is losing an important, locally-owned small business, the simple fact is that we did not operate this store and had nothing to do with its abrupt closing.”

Mayorga Coffee Talk: Mayorga Coffee Comments on Sonic Boom, Inc.’s Unauthorized Closure of Tivoli’s Mayorga Lounge

A Street Car Named Desire

2008-09-03T00:11:00.004-04:00

"Stella! Hey, Stella!"

Can't put your finger on the 45th most recognizable quote in film history (according to the American Film Society)?? Well, you should be heading over to the Smithsoniam American Art Museum. That is, if you work in the Penn Quarter area (or for some lucky reason aren't sitting in an office at quarter-to-six). The free film begins Wednesday, September 3rd at 6pm.

Smithosonian American Art Museum
Address: 8th and F Streets, NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red, Yellow, and Green lines)

Mayorga Lounge closing

2008-08-27T09:39:00.004-04:00

Prince of Petworth reports that the owner of Mayorga Lounge, the coffee shop in the Gala theater on 14th and Park, is turning it into into a sushi restaurant. According to PoP, the franchise owner faced high rents, pressure from Mayorga to expand, and stiff competition from the Starbucks down the street. I'm profoundly bummed about this. I'm all for sushi but Mayorga Lounge was a great space to hang out in, had tasty teacakes (has anyone ever seen those outside D.C.?), and was generally a nice locally owned alternative if, like me, you need the occasional break from Starbucks. Let's hope the sushi plan works out better for the owner. I don't want to hate on chains but it'd be a shame if such a lovely location turns into a Subway.

Free Salad at Chop't

2008-08-25T10:14:00.004-04:00

I'm inclined to say that Metro Center has all the soup/salad/sandwich joints it needs, but that's no reason to pass up a free salad. To celebrate the opening of its new Metro Center location, Chop't will be giving out free salads there between 11 and 2 today.

Chop't
618 12th Street, NW

Penn Quarter Living: Metro Center Chop’t…There Is A Free Lunch

Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future at National Building Museum

2008-08-11T13:58:00.006-04:00

The National Building Museum got some exposure a few months ago when Hillary Clinton conceded to Barack Obama in the museum's cavernous atrium. It's also widely believed to have one of the best museum gift shops in the city- heavy on innovative kitchen utensils and design books, light on umbrellas printed with Monet's "Water Lilies." I highly recommend their Washington: Symbol and City exhibit to anyone who wants to know more about the city; and I still elicit eye rolling when I start gushing about the oddly fascinating exhibit on cement I saw there a few years ago. On my last visit I saw Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future, which I thought was very well done. The exhibit gave a survey of the structures (which included terminals at Dulles and JFK, and the St. Louis arch) and furniture he designed throughout his short but illustrious career, and conveyed the post-war sense of possibility that his work embodied. I could have been misreading his handwriting, but I'm 95% sure that if you look closely at some of his papers you might catch what appears to be an extremely vulgar anatomical reference.

National Building Museum
401 F Street NW Washington, DC 2000

Mandu Happy Hour

2008-07-31T08:57:00.004-04:00

Last night I went to Mandu, a Korean place on S and 18th. My friend and I were both very happy with our meals, but the happy hour- over, alas- also caught my eye. From 4 to 7, their selection of Asian beers are just $2 a bottle (normally $6), and mandu, the dumpling from which the restaurant takes its name, are just $3 for a plate of 6 (also $6). If you can snag a set of the small cold vegetable dishes that accompany meals, you're set for the night. Yelpers have griped about the lack of culinary purity, but if you've got a craving for dolsot bibimbap and can't make it to Annandale or are just looking for a happy hour that goes a step beyond Miller drafts and soggy nachos, this is a good bet.

Charity happy hour at 18th Amendment

2008-07-16T16:27:00.004-04:00

Young Consultants of DC is holding a happy hour event tonight at 18th Amendment to benefit Facilitating Leadership in Youth. A $10 donation to this fine cause will get you free apps and drink specials. Specials include $3 Bud Light drafts & bottles, $4 rail drinks, $5 house wines, $10 sangria pitchers and $12 margarita pitchers. There'll be a raffle for free gas cards, dinner at the Park at Fourteenth, tickets to the Comedy Spot, and a one week stay in Bethany Beach, among other things, although it's not clear whether that's included in your donation.

Young Consultants of DC Happy Hour
7-10
613 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20003

Correction: Mount Plesant film series

2008-07-10T10:16:00.001-04:00

The movie playing on July 12 in Lamont Street Park will be Shrek (in Spanish with English subtitles), not Blanca Nieve. It still starts at 9.

Vapiano Mini Dolce

2008-07-08T15:09:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you just need a little bite of sweetness to finish off your dinner, but $7 bucks for a giant slab of cake can be excessive for your wallet and your waistline. Vapiano has rolled out three small desserts for just $2.50 each- tiramisu, panna cotta, and strawberries with mascarpone- that should do the trick.

Vapiano M Street
1800 M Street N.W.

Free Movies in Mount Pleasant

2008-07-08T12:08:00.006-04:00

When summer hits, it seems like sunset finds a classic movie playing in every park in the city. Now Mount Pleasant's joined in with a series in Lamont Street Park. You've already missed E.T., but you can still catch Blanca Nieve (Snow White, in Spanish with English subtitles) on July 12, and Raiders of the Lost Ark (with Spanish subtitles) on August 9. Films start at 9, but there'll be music before Raiders starting at 8, and starting at 7 before Blanca Nieve there's raffles and games celebrating independent businesses.

Bliss/Ladytron afterparty at Redeem

2008-06-26T15:14:00.003-04:00

Brightest Young Things is hosting an afterparty on Saturday at Redeem for the Thievery corporation / Ladytron / Seu Jorge and TV on the Radio concert at Merriweather and the Bliss show at the Black Cat back stage. You'll have to wait until 1am if you don't have a ticket stub from the Outernational Music Tour or a Bliss dance party hand stamp, hopefully the free booze won't run out first. RSVP here. Once you get in, you're sure to forget the producers are "fueled by Toyota Matrix."

Bliss/Ladytron Afterparty
Saturday, June 28

Redeem
1734 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

FREE: Dolcezza Bethesda

2008-06-23T15:36:00.004-04:00

Dolcezza sells its delicious Argentine gelato at its Georgetown store, where you can also get Counter Culture Coffee and a churro if you're in the mood for something a little more warming, Cowgirl Creamery, and at various farmers' markets. On Thursday between 6 and 11, in celebration of the grand opening of their Bethesda location, they're giving out free gelato until they run out. This week's long list flavors include blackberry, coconut dulce de leche, grapefruit Campari, and Valrhona Chocolate Amargo. You can read about their construction woes, favorite gelato spots in other cities, and their process for selecting new flavors and ingredients on their blog.

Dolcezza Bethesda Row
7111 Bethesda Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Grand Opening Thursday, June 26, 6-11

FREE: fro-yo

2008-06-06T13:50:00.005-04:00

TangySweet the newest edition to the Dupont outskirts (it's on P-street people) opens today. And to celebrate their grand arrival they are giving away FREEEEEE samples, and relatively generous ones! They have three flavors: (1) normal, (2) green tea, and (3) pomegranate. And then you get to add a topping which could include anything from frutti pebbles to kiwi. And it is all natural and fat free, and (on yeah!) delicious.

Plus, despite the growing line, my server was incredibly nice - added bonus. So, if you are in the area, celebrate Friday and cool off with a visit to TangySweet. I have to say, though, now that I have it, I'll definitely be dropping bank at this place.

Tangysweet
2029 P Street NW
(between 20th and 21st)
www.tangysweet.com

Starbucks card

2008-06-06T10:04:00.002-04:00

When I'm close to home I stick to Mayorga, but when I'm further afield Starbucks often serves as my substitute office, library, and meeting room. Now they've rolled out a slew of benefits for customers who register their giftcards on the company's site. In my office, those puppies seem to sprout up at every corner, though not as much now that our Lexis rep changed (Jennifer? I miss you!). If you go to the site and set up a profile, you'll get perks like free refills on drip and iced coffee, free syrups and other customizations like soy milk, and two hours of free WiFi from AT&T each day. It looks like the drink benefits require payment with your card, and to get the WiFi you have to use the card at least once a month. If you're a die-hard customer or are trying to keep track of how much money you spend there, you can also sign up for automatic balance reloads.

Horton Hears a Who

2008-06-05T12:25:00.003-04:00

Who didn't love Dr. Seuss as a child? Or doesn't now?

Tonight, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is hosting a special $1 viewing of the latest Dr. Seuss inspired cinematic installation - Horton Hears A Who. I saw this film in theatres and you will leave feeling happy about life. And for $1, who can complain?

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
Showing begins at 5:45
Thursday, June 5, 2008

http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/default.aspx?page=event&eid=662

Don't just eat mixed nuts for dinner! Read this blog instead!

2008-05-30T11:19:00.005-04:00

The New York Times, this week, published an article on the 1385432434 twenty-somethings living in New York on a budget...a budget for many of them meaning peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and no dinner (let me just make it clear right now that i love pb&js...but i also love dinner). "Every year around this time, tens of thousands of postcollegiate people in their 20s flood the city despite its soaring expenses. They are high on ambition, meager of budget and endlessly creative when it comes to making ends meet"...and I was one of those people, except strike New York and replace it with Washington DC. In fact, I have to say that I think DC, excluding real estate, gives New York a run for its money when it comes to expenses. While food carts are quickly popping up (see Anne's posting below), but they are far fewer cheap food options here, and there is much less of a competition when it comes to sales.

The supposed endless creativity of these neoteric New Yorkers is more of a laundry list on how to skimp on meals, name-brand clothes, getting strangers to buy drinks, and yes, tapping the friend-keg. And, I say, why be the DC-equivalent? Why just eat grapefruit for lunch? Especially, when you can read this blog. :) But I guess if you are reading this posting, you are in fact, reading this blog, so way to go you.

...there is something, something great, about finding a good deal and knowing that you have a few extra dollars to buy one more drink (or whatever) later. To read the article, click here.

Jazz in the Garden

2008-05-30T10:45:00.002-04:00

Okay, okay. So you probably know this already...Jazz in the Garden at that National Gallery of Art is one of the many great things about living in a city like DC. But, now it is your responsibility to R.E.M.E.M.B.E.R. I feel like Jazz in the Garden is one of the those things - because it happens so frequently throughout the summer - that you put off and you put off again, and snap! Somehow you let another year slip by and you didn't take advantage of this great FREE(!!!) event.

It is partly sunny, with a high of 82, so start the summer of right.

Also, I would just to use this reoccurring event as an opportunity to remind you about the GoneOutDC calendar. You can subscribe to it, and it will automatically update your personal google calendar. We won't blog about events like this every week, but they will appear in the calendar for easy access. Enjoy!

Jazz in the Garden
National Gallery of Art
5:00pm-8:30pm
7th Street & Constitution Ave NW
http://www.nga.gov/programs/jazz/

Benefit for the victims of Cyclone Nargis

2008-05-27T13:44:00.002-04:00

I have noticed that the media, the American news media sources in particular, have been covering the issue less and less, but the relief effort in Burma is far from over, and in some ways just beginning. The Burmese government is finally letting aid workers into the country, and hopefully into Irrawaddy Delta, where the cyclone did some of the worst damage. On Wednesday, May 28, 2008, Cafe Meze is sponsoring a happy hour to benefit the victims of Cyclone Nargis. A $15 donation will get you the following:

One complimentary beer or wine
Raffle entry to win door prizes
$4 beer and $5 wine drink specials (all night long)

Yes, normally, 15 bucks for one drink and a raffle entry may not be the cheapest deal around town, but think about the warm feeling in your heart...think...feels pretty good just thinking about it, right? Plus, Cafe Meze is supposed to be really good, and now you have an excuse to check this place out.

For ongoing coverage of Cyclone Nargis, click here.

6pm-9pm
Cafe Meze
2437 18th Street
Washington, DC

New On the Fly Smartkarts

2008-05-21T10:11:00.003-04:00

Sure it wasn't so pleasant going outside for the past few weeks, but once it starts getting hot, it's nice to venture outside every few hours and thaw from the glacial air conditioning. When the weather cooperates, there's no better way to take a break from the work day than by eating your lunch outside. If you work downtown, there's a growing number of vendors offering quick, inexpensive and tasty lunches on a corner near you. Every now and then I need a break from my beloved bulgogi cart and the On the Fly carts are a great option. The carts each have distinct offerings- barbecue by the Portrait Gallery, tacos on H St. (soon to move to 7th and F). Now they're adding Asian-themed carts that will serve items like Thai curries and bento boxes. The soft launch is this week at the taco truck's old location on 8th and H, with full scale operations beginning next week. Sign up for their newslette r or go to their website for coupons.

Free Iced Coffee Day

2008-05-15T10:52:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, it seemed that in typical DC fashion, we were going to jump straight from Arctic winds to humid torpor. Now I'm just happy to see the sun. Enjoy it today with free iced coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. You can find your closest location here.

Free Haagen-Dazs

2008-05-13T16:56:00.003-04:00

Today until 8, Haagen Dazs is giving out free scoops of its new flavor, Vanilla Honey Bee. The "vanilla honey bee ice cream blends creamy vanilla with a touch of golden honey," and if that's not enough, it funds research to protect disappearing honey bee populations.

Tribute to Harrison Ford

2008-05-13T16:36:00.005-04:00

Perhaps in anticipation of the upcoming fourth installment in the Indiana Jones series, EatBar is screening a tribute to Harrison Ford for their weekly Cinema Series this Sunday. This Arlington gastropub serves everything "crafted in house," which means that they occasionally run out of items on the menu, but their prices for such labor-intensive dishes are very reasonable. If you're not deterred by the dinner scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, there'll be free popcorn all day and other snacks at the 8:00 show.

EatBar
2761 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201

12 PM – Blade Runner (1982)

2 PM – The Fugitive (1993)

4 PM – Air Force One (1997)

6 PM – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

8 PM (Prime Time) – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

10 PM (Late Night) – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Sara Bareilles

2008-05-08T10:00:00.004-04:00

You know, the one from the Rhapsody commercials? She'll be performing at Union Station from 1-2:15 on Saturday as part of...National Train Day? There's a whole bunch of other events going on at Union Station that day, including an appearance by Al Roker and book signing by Chef Michel Richard, model train displays, and appearances by the mascots of the Nationals and Wizards.

Troegs Tasting in DC

2008-05-07T13:29:00.003-04:00

Dixie Liquor has been back open for a few months now. It very inconveniently closed in early 2007 so I was unable to return the keg I got for New Year’s Eve. The keg made a lovely table instead. Anyway, tomorrow night Troegs (from Harrisburg and very yummy!) is holding a microbrew beer tasting.

It's from 5-8pm.

3429 M St., NW

Revolution is in the Streets

2008-05-07T13:21:00.002-04:00

Revolution is in the Streets: The Sixties from an International Perspective is going on right now at the Goethe-Institut.

Description-
The “Sixties,” especially the pivotal year of 1968, were a global phenomenon, witnessing protest movements in places as far apart as Chicago, Berlin, Mexico City, Prague, Paris and Rome. In the public memory of numerous countries, images of generational revolt, countercultural liberation and confrontations with the authorities are closely tied with those years.

This series highlights some of these events through the eyes of contemporary films, and discusses their legacies with former participants and scholars of this turbulent time.

Tickets are $6 for regular admission.
202 289 1200
info@washington.goethe.org

Goethe-Institut Washington
Lecture and Discussion
05/13/2008, 6:30 pm
Students in Revolt

Goethe-Institut Washington
Panel discussion
05/14/2008, 6 - 8 pm
"One, Two, Three, Many 1968s?"

German Historical Institute
Film
05/19/2008, 6:30 pm
Blow-Up

Goethe-Institut Washington
Film
05/21/2008, 6:30 pm
The Battle of Algiers

Organic Beer Happy Hour

2008-05-07T13:11:00.002-04:00

Every Wednesday, Busboys and Poets Shirlington has organic beer for $4 between 4 and 6pm. By the time, I’d get there, it would be after happy hour but maybe the information is useful to someone.

$4- WOLAVERS ORGANIC -Brown Ale -Farmhouse Ale PEAK ORGANIC -Amber Ale BROOKLYN BREWERY -Winter Ale CLIPPER CITY-Winter Storm Ale

4251 S. Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Virginia

James Bond Film Festival

2008-05-07T12:59:00.002-04:00

The James Bond Film Festival starts TOMORROW. Each Thursday, around 8ish (dusk), the movies start so bring a blanket or a low lawnchair and enjoy. The location is North of Mass Ave.

If you are really motivated, get there at 6:30 dressed as your favorite character. Have a couple of lines memorized and try to win a prize. Apparently, the wackier the better. Or you can dress up as Oddjob to have a shot a throwing a bowler hat at a statue. Okay?

Schedule:
Thursday, MAY 8 DR. NO (1962)
Thursday, MAY 15 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963)
Thursday, MAY 22 GOLDFINGER (1964)
Thursday, MAY 29 THUNDERBALL (1965)
Thursday, JUNE 5 YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967)
Thursday, JUNE 12 DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971)
Thursday, JUNE 19 LIVE AND LET DIE (1973)
Thursday, JUNE 26 THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (1974)
Thursday, JULY 10 THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977)
Thursday, JULY 17 MOONRAKER (1979)
Thursday, JULY 24 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981)
Thursday, JULY 31 OCTOPUSSY (1983)
Thursday, AUGUST 7 A VIEW TO A KILL (1985)
Thursday, AUGUST 14 GOLDENEYE (1995)
Thursday, AUGUST 21 TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997)
Thursday, AUGUST 28 DIE ANOTHER DAY (2OO6)

One Liners closing party

2008-05-01T13:49:00.003-04:00

When you were a kid, did you ever try drawing a picture without lifting your pencil? Pretty hard to come up with anything but scribble. But Meghan Walsh's actually look pretty good, and until Saturady, May 3 they'll be on display at the Big Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale. The closing party is on Saturday at 7. A preview of Meghan's work and more about this neighborhood gem, see here.

FREE CONE DAY @ Ben and Jerry's

2008-04-29T16:46:00.003-04:00

Participating DC Stores:

Ben & Jerry's Dupont Circle
1333 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-1722
202-785-4882
Ben & Jerry's Eastern Market
327 7th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-546-2253
Ben & Jerry's Georgetown
3135 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-2222
Ben & Jerry's Old Post Office
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-842-5882
Ben & Jerry's Union Station
50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
202-842-2887

Free Glass Tonight

2008-04-28T15:36:00.001-04:00

If you happen to be running low on drinking glasses at home, Brasserie Beck is offering the glass you drink out of tonight if you order (“enjoy”) two of the featured beers. Not a bad way to feel like you are getting your money’s worth from Beck’s expensive beer selection.

1101 K St., NW

Pete's Apizza opening Monday

2008-04-25T11:24:00.004-04:00

If you've lived in DC for a while, at some point, an acquaintance from Long Island has bitched to you about the lack of good pizza in this city. Someone from New Jersey or -shudder- Philly then chimes in, and a heated debate ensues over which region can claim pizza supremacy over the Northeast. They might have to make way for Connecticut with the opening of Pete's Apizza on Monday. The restaurant, located right over the Columbia Heights metro next to Potbelly's, will serve New Haven style pizza made from organic ingredients. I can't say I know exactly what New Haven style pizza is, but the owners say here that key elements are the cooking time and temperature, which produce a crust that's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Yalie? In their post on Columbia Heights News (link above), they say "Above all else, let us know if you've got a NEW HAVEN connection. We'll treat you real special."

Terra DC

2008-04-24T14:21:00.003-04:00

Terra’s spring fashion event is featuring 15%, munchies from Gazuza and Dolci Gelato, and most importantly…mojitos. RSVP to hello@shopterra.com by tomorrow to secure your spot. You'll find some eclectic fashions, accessories, book, and even baby socks (?).

April 30
6:30-8:30pm
1706 Connecticut Ave. NW

"Pay What You Can" at Improv

2008-04-24T14:02:00.001-04:00

Washington DC Metblogs relayed the info that DC Improv has begun a monthly “Pay What You Can” night. The first one will be April 30th for the Marc Maron show. Show up that night and if there are seats available, you pay what you can. No 2-item minimum either.

Wine Tasting at Cork

2008-04-24T13:49:00.002-04:00

If you’ve been waiting to check out Cork when it’s not massively crowded, Saturday could be your day. Grappoli wines will be on hand to pour some Italian whites and reds wine and talk about each type, its region, and the wine makers.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
Cork Wine Bar
1720 14th Street, NW
3 to 5 p.m.

Sierra Club Hike

2008-04-23T14:57:00.001-04:00

Sierra Club MWROP organizes all sorts of interesting outdoors events around DC/VA/MD. One that may be of particular interest-

Easy 7-mile hike through Glover Archibald Park, along the C&O Canal towpath; return via Battery Kimble Park. Kids who can walk 7+ miles over hilly terrain are welcome. Bring beverage and light snack. Meet at 1 pm on south side of Van Ness Street NW, 100 yards west of Wisconsin Ave. Leader: Jim Finucane, 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.

Should wrap up around 5pm.

OF NOTE- MWROP suggests that each event participant make a $2 donation to help defray MWROP expenses (the organization is wholly self-supporting).

beauty is as beauty does...

2008-04-23T13:10:00.001-04:00

Aveda is throwing a fashion show to benefit the Potomac Conservancy this weekend. On Sunday night from 6-9pm, there will be a silent auction, cocktail reception, and (derrr) fashion show for a super duper non-prof dedicated to protecting the Potomac.

$75- VIP ticket- Reserved Seating, private viewing of silent auction items + swag bag
$25- advanced ticket purchase
$30- at the door ticket purchase
$10- student ticket

To register, call 703-535-8254
Aveda Institute Washington D.C.
713 7th Street NW

Walking Tour Weekend

2008-04-23T12:58:00.003-04:00

Free walking tour day strikes again. Cultural Tourism DC is bringing 80 free walking tours (and a few bike tours) to 18 neighborhoods across the city. I did one of Georgetown last year and it was quite interesting- WAY WAY too crowded but interesting. The tour guide was very perky and when she couldn’t remember information, she had her notes ready. We ended up jumping off the tour early since with so many people, walking from stop to stop was becoming excruciatingly slow and drank beer and had a late lunch instead. Here are a couple that look interesting. Check out the schedule for more.

Peirce Mill to Turn Again
Saturday 10 am - 12 noon
Meet and end at Peirce Mill, Tilden Street and Beach Drive, NW
Peirce Mill, the last standing mill in the District, is nearing completion of a $1 million restoration program that will enable the 200-year-old mill to grind grain again. A visit to the mill will reveal the fish ladder at the dam that allows herring to migrate upstream for spring spawning and Cloverdale, a historic home once owned by the Peirce family. Led by Steve Dryden and presented by Friends of Peirce Mill.

Drawing Wisconsin
Sunday 11 am - 12 noon
Meet and end at the Corcoran College of Art + Design, Georgetown campus, 1801 35th Street, NW
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown is a lively mix of historic architecture, greenery, intriguing shops, and people from near and far – an ideal subject for sketching! The tour guides will offer lessons in observational drawing suitable for beginners and more experienced sketchers. Materials provided. Presented by the Corcoran College of Art + Design.

A Musical Tour of Mount Pleasant
Sunday 2 - 4 pm
Meet across from Columbia Heights Metro station on 14th Street in front of CVS
End in Lamont Park
Discover DC’s historic popular music scene – from country/western through rock ‘n’ roll, mariachi, and punk. Starting on 14th Street in Columbia Heights, wind your way through Mount Pleasant to see where music makers lived and played, and hear the tour guides recreate their music! Led by Mara Cherkasky, with Natalie Avery, Olivia Cadaval, Wayne Kahn, and Janelle Treibitz.

H Street NE Alley Tour
Sunday 10 am - 12:30 pm
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (south exit at M Street, NE)
End at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1300 H Street, NE
This tour traces the development of the H Street neighborhood along the railroad, and discusses how alleys became locations for stables, industry storage, and housing. The tour includes a stop at two occupied alley dwellings. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog, Frozen Tropics blog, and the Citizens Planning Coalition.

DC 8 WARDS EcoTour (Bike Tour)
Sunday 9 am - 1:30 pm
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station plaza
End at Tenleytown Metro station
Reservations required: www.WholenessforHumanity.com or 202-686-9813
This 21-mile bike ride through all eight wards of DC will raise awareness of projects that enhance the health of the Anacostia Watershed. Visit active service projects and learn about successful environmental projects along the way. Led by Ronald Austin, clean city coordinator, Office of the Mayor, and presented by Wholeness for Humanity, U.S. EPA, Service for Peace, Downtown DC BID, Friends of the Earth, DC Department of the Clean City, DC Department of the Environment, and Office of Planning.
Special instructions: Please bring your own bike.

Free lecture and what's at market

2008-04-23T12:46:00.001-04:00

If you’ve got spring eating on the mind (as I obviously do), RSVP immediately for “Urban Gardening: Spring Menus from an Urban Kitchen Garden.” Ed Bruske, president of DC Urban Gardeners, will walk you through seasonal vegetables, fruit cultivation, and harvesting.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The Historical Society of Washington, DC (801 K St NW)
Admission: Free
Reservations: Required
Phone: 202-383-1828
Email: rsvp@historydc.org

On that note, FRESHFARMS notes that the following are available at the market-

Apples, Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cilantro, Cucumbers (greenhouse grown), Dandelion Greens, Escarole, Frisee, Green Garlic, Honey, Kale and Stirfry Mixes, Leeks, Lettuce and Salad Mixes, Mustard Greens, Mint, Mushrooms (including Morels), Spring Onions, Parsley, Potatoes (new whites and reds), Radishes (French breakfast variety), Ramps, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes (grape and slicing varieties, both greenhouse grown), Turnips and Watercress.\

Last week at Penn Quarter I got some excellent Loudon lettuce and persian cucumbers.

The Washington, DC International Film Festival

2008-04-23T11:51:00.002-04:00

The Washington, DC International Film Festival is upon us. It runs from April 24 to May 4th. Two major festival focuses this year are Politics & Film and New Latin American Cinema.

A couple of films I think might be of interest are below. I pulled directly the info straight from the website and only included the first sentence of the synopsis to keep this post from taking up the whole page-

I Just Didn’t Do It- Soredemo boku wa yattenai

MASAYUKI SUO- Japan, 2007, 143 minutes, Color

It was a surprise that Masayuki Suo made nothing for 10 years after Shall We Dance?, his hit comedy-drama about the closeted world of Japanese ballroom dancing. Even more surprising, he has broken his long silence with this impassioned drama about the structural weaknesses and blatant hypocrisy of Japan's legal system. In Japanese with English subtitles
Tuesday April 29 8:15 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema
Wednesday April 30 8:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema

Jade Warrior- Jadesoturi/Yu Zhanshi

ANTTI-JUSSI ANNILA-Finland, The Netherlands, China, Estonia, 2006, 104 minutes, Color

Jade Warrior is an often bizarre, bracing, and wildly successful mixture of a traditional Chinese martial-arts film and laconic Finnish auteur cinema that nails its central conceits so perfectly that it feels entirely natural for a contemporary Finn to be fighting an ancient demon in medieval China. In Finnish and Mandarin with English subtitles
Wednesday April 30 8:00 PM Avalon Theatre
Friday May 02 8:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema

Late Bloomers- Die herbstzeitlosen

BETTINA OBERLI- Switzerland, 2006, 90 minutes, Color

In the "determined underdog" tradition of The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, and Chocolat comes this rich Swiss confection about realizing your dreams—no matter what they are, how long it takes, or how much they may offend local sensibilities. In High German with English subtitles
Friday May 02 6:30 PM Avalon Theatre
Saturday May 03 9:00 PM Regal Cinemas Gallery Place

The Pope's Toilet- El bano del papa

CESAR CHARLONE , ENRIQUE FERNANDEZ- Uruguay, Brazil, France, 2007, 97 minutes, Color

The Pope is coming to Melo, a poor Uruguayan village on the Brazilian border, and everyone's getting ready. In Spanish with English subtitles
Visit any Latin Concepts Restaurant including Ceviche or the Chi Cha Lounge for a free appetizer or cocktail with your Latin Cinema ticket stub throughout the Festival, $10 value. www.latinconcepts.com
Saturday April 26 9:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema
Sunday April 27 5:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema

The Tracey Fragments

BRUCE MCDONALD- Canada, 2007, 77 minutes, Color

"My name is Tracey Berkowitz, just a normal girl who hates herself." The troubled teen, played by white-hot Juno star Ellen Page, is anything but ordinary: she's a runaway in search of her younger brother as a blizzard bears down on the unnamed Canadian urban wasteland.
Friday April 25 6:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema
Saturday April 26 7:30 PM Landmark's E Street Cinema

**Actually I’m just going to stop now because I keep finding ones that look interesting. Go here and take a look yourself.

Saturday at The Pug

2008-04-23T10:38:00.002-04:00

Already covered in the Post, but thought I’d give it an extra mention here. This Saturday, head over to The Pug from 7-9 for open draft beer and open rail liquor for $10 to benefit the Whitman Walker Clinic. On tap is Red Hook ESB, Hegaarden and Bare Knuckle Stout so we are not just talking Miller Lite or Bud Lite. Try Granville Moore’s if you haven’t been before or check out the relatively new Napa 1015.

Slow Food USA

2008-04-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

If you are feeling up for a splurge and benefiting a good cause, check out this info on Slow Food Benefit Dinners-

For $75, you get a four-course meal with biodynamic wine pairings, restaurant gift bag and your copy of "Kitchen Memories" by Alexandra Greeley. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the DC Chapter of Slow Food USA. Pretty good price for everything that’s included. Reserve by calling Jeanne Hommel at 703.507.9071 or email at jeanne@threelockharts.com.

Slow Food Dinner Schedule:

~ Monday, May 12, reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm at Mio Restaurant featuring Chefs Stefano Frigerio (Mio), Todd Gray (Equinox), Anthony Chittum (Vermilion) and Josh Short (Buzz Bakery).

~ Monday, June 2, reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm at PS 7's Restaurant featuring Chefs Peter Smith (PS 7's), Kevin Reading (Nage), Heather Chittum (Hook) and Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve).

Slow Food USA envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice –in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair.

You can also support Slow Food USA by subscribing to GOOD Magazine (which is super interesting and always provides you with dinner time conversation points!)

Free Beer, Maybe?

2008-04-23T09:35:00.002-04:00

So I don't have all the details, but I heard through the grapevine that Local 16 is having an event tonight (happy hour-ish time) sponsored by Peroni, and all Peroni is FREE. Clearly, you are taking a bit of a risk on this one. If it ends up that I'm wrong, don't let it ruin your evening. If you decide that Local 16 is a little out of your price range, I recommend crossing the street and heading to the Alero happy hour. All margaritas and appetizers are essentially half-off before 6pm. Plus, a margarita just makes everything better.

Local 16
1604 U Street, NW
6-8ish (i think...[sorry])

AFI: A Dream in Doubt

2008-04-21T10:57:00.003-04:00

The AFI hosts a number of old, new, indie, bizarre...well, practically every type of movie. While E-street Cinema does a great job with their weekly art-house films, in addition to their almost main-stream indie collection, AFI defines the phrase "art-house cinema". Plus they got some of those regular movies too! If you haven't ever had a chance to check out the Silver Spring AFI, or if you are like me, and going back is on your list of things to do, tonight is a great night to make that a reality.

This evening (Monday April 21), the AFI is having a free screening of A Dream in Doubt. The movie focuses on a close-knit community of families who experienced a wave of frightening hate crimes in the aftermath of 9/11. Rana Singh Sodhi, a 36-year-old Indian immigrant, finds his life forever altered by the 9/11 terror attacks because his turban and beard became symbols of the terrorists who attacked America. Rana's eldest brother, Balbir—who also was bearded and wore a turban—was America's first post-9/11 hate crime murder victim, gunned down at his gas station by a man who claimed he was rooting out a terrorist.

AFI
7:00pm
(just off the Silver Spring metro)
FREE

Masked Rider: The First

2008-04-17T17:00:00.005-04:00

"The evil terrorist organization SHOCKER is kidnapping unwilling citizens and turning them into cyborg inhumanoids used to carry out SHOCKER’s nefarious schemes. The only man who can stand in their way is one of SHOCKER’s own inhumanoid agents who cannot forget his humanity- KAMEN RIDER!" Masked Rider: The First, the 2005 Japanese film described so vividly here by the Japan Information and Culture Center, falls within the Tokusatsu genre, which is characterized by "use of special effects, gigantic monsters, imaginative costumes, and high-flying, fast-paced martial arts fight scenes." If that's speaking to you, the film is playing at the Japan Information and Culture Center on April 24 at 6:30. It's free but reservations are required, you can make them at jiccrsvpspring08@embjapan.org.

Masked Rider: The First
Presented by the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, with the DC Anime Club
3 Lafayette Center
1155 21st St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-6949
Thursday, Apr. 24 6:3

Into the Wild

2008-04-17T12:26:00.005-04:00

Washington Film Institute is hosting a FREE screening of Into the Wild this Friday night. The movie is directed by Sean Penn, and got great reviews when it was released onto the big screen.

Goethe-Institute
7th & Eye, NW
http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/enindex.htm
Showings at 7:00 & 9:30

It is first come first serve, so my only request is that you don't get there before I do.

Biagio Chocolate Tasting

2008-04-15T15:07:00.004-04:00

I first went to Biagio Fine Chocolate a few months ago to buy the Vosges bacon chocolate bar for someone who loves both of those things. The store is a little tough to find, particularly when it's dark and pouring rain. But you'll find it, praying as you clutch the railing that a. you don't slip and break your neck on the wet metal staircase and b. even though your anniversary gift will be late, the power of bacon and chocolate will be enough to redeem you with your significant other. After my ordeal getting there, I couldn't resist getting one of their beautiful truffles for myself. The woman behind the counter put on a pair of white cotton gloves, placed the chocolate on a small porcelain dish, and slid it solemnly across the glass. I tossed that baby back in one delicious $2 bite. This Thursday, Biagio is having a tasting to introduce its spring lineup, including Lavender Cranberry, Green Tea, Lime Coconut, Lemon Almond, and Strawberry Mint. Their website helpfully points out that it's a perfect time to get your gifts for Administrative Professionals Week, but if you're reading this you're probably more likely to be on the receiving end of that particular occasion.

Biagio Fine Chocolate
1904 18th Street NW
6:30-8:30

Fundraiser for Mt. Pleasant Fire

2008-04-12T12:19:00.003-04:00

Haydee's Restaurant is having a fundraiser on Wednesday for the 200 people displaced by last month's five-alarm fire in a Mt. Pleasant apartment building. The restaurant will raffle off two $100 gift certificates; and collect donations that will go towards security deposits, the first month of rent, and bedding for residents moving from temporary housing to new apartments. Haydee's has one of the longest happy hours you'll find- 4 to midnight-which includes beers for $2.50 or less, and $4 margaritas.

Haydee's Restaurant
3102 Mt. Pleasant Street
April 16, 6pm

Ooooooooh shiny

2008-04-08T08:41:00.001-04:00

Mia Gemma, the jewelery store that just opened down the block from Cowgirl Creamery, is having a "fun and playful style boost" on Thursday, April 10 to help you decide "just what type of jewelery can reveal the real you." If you'd rather spend your money the $90/lb Jamon Iberico at CC or you're not staying awake at night trying to decide whether you should go with "Chunky? Delicate? Gold? Silver? Modern? Classic?" there'll be wine and cheese to sweeten the deal.

Mia Gemma
933 F St. NW
5-6:30

Ron Jeremy?

2008-04-07T14:57:00.001-04:00

Ron Jeremy will be at Steve’s Bar Room tonight at 9pm for a book signing and photo ops.

1337 Connecticut

All sorts of weeks coming up

2008-04-04T16:02:00.003-04:00

Just to give you a small preview so that you can make your upcoming schedule accordingly…

Yoga week

You may want to leave a couple evening open the week of the 12-18th for free to $5 yoga classes at various yoga studios throughout the city. You can “stretch, strengthen, & transform your body & mind through yoga.” Yipee!

Spa week

It’s the 14-20th. $50 treatments at many different spas. You have to register to check out the spas offering services but it’s only takes a minute to fill out the page. Booking appointments now is recommended so you can get your preferred time and date. I am super psyched about getting some sort of fancy facial packed with vitamins to keep me youthful and some serious pedicure action to get these feet sandal ready.

Pay-What-You-Can

2008-04-04T15:32:00.003-04:00

As someone broke, the Studio Theatre shows can often be out of my price range. SO...I like the ... Pay-What-You-Can shows. Pay what you can for Amnesia Curiosa on April 8th at Studio Theatre. The performance starts at 7:30 and tickets are available IN-PERSON 2 hours prior. It’s cash only. Try your damnedest to get there at 5:30, grab a ticket and then grab a quick bite (and cocktail) at Saint-Ex or Bar Pilar.

1501 14th St. NW

DC Rollergirls Spring Break

2008-04-03T13:28:00.003-04:00

The DC Rollergirls are having what looks like the last home bout before the championships this Saturday at 5 in the Armory. We've posted about the DC Rollergirls earlier, if you want to watch a sporting event on Saturday that won't involve huddling outside in the rain (after you get in the door, at least), this is a good bet. As an added bonus, you can now buy tickets via Paypal from their website for pickup at will call. You can still buy them from Ticketmaster, but your money is better spent on beer at the afterparty.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under. Afterparty at the Pour House in Eastern Market following the bout.

DC Rollergirls Spring Fling
DC Armory (Stadium/Armory stop)
Bout starts at 5, doors open at 4

Event cost:
Ticket $12
Metro from the Armory to Capitol South: $1.35
Drinks: The Saturday night special is $10 Bud Light pitchers and$2.50 Bud/Bud Light bottles

Wine Tasting at Tenleytown Whole Foods

2008-04-03T08:58:00.005-04:00

A Whole Foods seems to magically appear whenever I need to kill ten or fifteen minutes, offering a chance to scoop up a few pieces of artisan olive bread and indulge in a little food porn. Now it may one day become my actual destination. The Whole Foods in Tenleytown is holding wine tasting classes on Fridays between 5 and 7. The class itself is free, the samples are $5 for 5. Cadge a cube or seven of fancy cheese from the sample trays and all you're missing is some art to ooooh and ahhhh at.

Whole Foods Wine Tastings
4530 40th St NW (behind Tenleytown Metro)
Fridays 5-7
$5 for 5 samples

Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse Newsletter

2008-04-02T13:41:00.002-04:00

If you are as cheap as I am, you really need to join the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse newsletter email list. They sporadically send out emails for free Admit Two for advance screenings. In line with all things free, you will have to get the Drafthouse EARLY to ensure you get in. On top of the invites to advanced screenings, upon signing up you get a complimentary Sunday "2 for 1" movie coupon emailed to you.

Botanical Garden

2008-04-02T12:58:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday marked my (embarrasingly enough) FIRST trip EVER to the United States Botanical Garden. I have definitely been missing out. The purpose of the trip was to check out “An Alphabet Garden of Orchids” which only runs until APRIL 13 (you have 11 days left). Venturing to the National Mall on the weekend is, as a rule, never a sound move in spring but I was willing to take the risk. Yes, it was mobbed and people were very agitated trying get the perfect orchid picture but if you found a tucked away bench, it could be quite peaceful for moments at a time. The orchids were amazing (duh). But even if you miss this exhibit, the rest of the conservatory is more than worth checking out. There’s a jungle area (with a canopy you can walk on to get a bird’s eye view), desert area, and my personal favs- the medicinal plants and rare and endangered species. The Conservatory is open 10 AM - 5 PM everyday and it’s FREE. Plus you’ll be right by the American Indian Museum which has the best food on the Mall. The Conservatory main entrance is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW.

Headliners for 2008 Virgin Mobile Festival

2008-04-02T12:17:00.006-04:00

The headliners for the 2008 Virgin Mobile Festival, scheduled for August 9 and 10 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, have been announced. The headliners- Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, and Jack Johnson- skew pretty heavy towards the aging rocker variety so the other acts (still unannounced) will have to be pretty spectacular for me to consider it. Tickets for both days last year were $175 for general admission and getting to Pimlico without a car will be no small feat. But if the lineup is speaking to you and you'd just as well skip the mud and questionable toilets that seem to be a feature at other summer music festivals, or you'd like the chance to recoup what you paid for your ticket at the track, it could be a good bet.

Dreams at the Hirshhorn, Review

2008-04-01T23:28:00.004-04:00

According to the little pamphlet that I picked up Dreams, the current exhibit at the Hirshhorn, is a collection of artists who "employ and evoke the technology and techniques of the cinema to recall the dream-like state induced by film viewing, transporting viewers out of their daily lives to a place where definitions and understandings of reality are questioned."

First of all, let me say, if you are thinking about being transported out of your daily life on a casual sunday and are ridiculously hungover, Dreams, may not be the exhibit for you. There were moments at which I thought some of the films were more like nightmares, and I almost fell over, from well, just standing....maybe it was just me. BUT...in an normal state, this has been one of the less cohesive, but more interesting exhibits that I have been to. All of the videos definitely fit into their description above, but, in my history of museum going, I haven't thought about the placement of pieces as much as I thought about it during this one. Seeing actual images is clearly a very powerful tool, and I often left one piece wondering "hmmm....I don't really know how that was supposed to make me feel" and before I had time to ponder that thought, the dark hallways led me to a piece that evoked an entirely different emotion than whatever it was that I was feeling before. However, I must admit, the installations that I found to be interesting, I thought were really, really cool. And the others, well, no dream is run-of-the-mill.

Dreams is the first part of "Cinema Effect: Illusion, Reality and the Moving Image" and runs until May 11, 2008. The second part (which I am definitely going to check out) Realisms will run June 19, 2008 - September 7, 2008.

Hirshhorn Museum

General Admission: ALWAYS FREE

Washington Capitals

2008-03-31T17:14:00.002-04:00

It’s the last week of the regular season of the Washington Capitals (so the Express tells me). If you haven’t been to a game yet (like me!) and if you still have your student ID because your school wasn’t smart enough to put your graduation year on it (like me!) then think about attending the Student Rush Night. It’s only $10 for the upper level and $25 for lower level. You have to buy your tickets at the Verizon box office. But beware- I spoke with my office hockey guru who regularly goes to student night. Tickets go on sale at noon, and with only three games left, he warns that you really should get there at noon. Everyone in your party must be there with an ID and in order to get tickets together, only one ticket transaction can be processed (if you are buying four tickets, there will be one charge for $40- bring cash).

TONIGHT, MONDAY

2008-03-31T10:53:00.005-04:00

The SAIS program at the Johns Hopkins University, DC campus offers multiple opportunities to learn more about various problems facing our globalizing world. Tonight they are hosting a screening and discussing of the recent PBS documentary "Child Lives: Stolen Bribes." Following the screening, the International Center for Research on Women and Tostan will host a panel discussion.

Wine and cheese will be served.

5pm-8pm
Kenney Auditorum
Johns Hopkins University
1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
RSVP: kecheve1@jhu.edu

This American Life Live

2008-03-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

People hate on it. Once when my boss asked what I was listening to and I answered "This American Life," he doubled over and groaned like I'd just kicked him in the gut. But I'm unashamed of my love for it and now, I can enjoy it with not one but two senses. This American Life, that show "where those hipster know-it-alls talk about how fascinating ordinary people are," is coming to a screen near you on May 1st and tickets go on sale on April 4. The closest area venues are Hoffman Center 22 (Huntington Metro) and Ballston Common Stadium. For tickets and details go here, unfortunately they don't seem to say how much tickets are.

This American Life Live
Thursday, May 1, 8:00
Hoffman Center 22/Ballston Common Stadium (additional venues listed)

The Hills Drinking Game

2008-03-27T13:44:00.001-04:00

I’ll never quite get the obsession with the MTV show “The Hills.” It’s “reality” but the people in the show are obviously “acting” (poorly). Nothing ever seems to happen (though Lauren seems to think that any little thing will CHANGE EVERYTHING FOREVER). Having not had cable for seven months or so, I have been easily able to avoid it minus the occasional Us Weekly cover story. HOWEVER, upon discovering this I now have a new found interest in watching the show. I can’t even tell you what night the show is on, but reruns seem to be on nonstop. Gather your pals, buy plenty of booze (from the looks of it, you’ll be drunk by the end (I dare someone to do this during a marathon)) and enjoy the trials and tribulations.

BASEBALL

2008-03-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

The Express had an excellent insert today on the new stadium. I plan on keeping mine. It was a run down of everything you’ll need to know about venturing to see the team play in the new venue. Most importantly, for this Express reader, was the FOOD section and second most helpful, the local bar page. I personally cannot wait to pull the Concessions map out of my wallet to guide lost souls to the local vendor of their choice. Yes, it will probably take an inning to get to your choice, but do I mind? Not particularly, for me, the baseball experience is about the crowds, the beer, and the food.

Heads Up for Tomorrow

2008-03-26T14:19:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is $1 Robeks Day. From 3-6 you can get a 12oz smoothie for a buck.

Locations in the District-

2000 Pennsylvania Ave

4523 Wisconsin Av

1707 L Street NW

I recommend the Naturally Light smoothies so that you don’t end up consuming like 600 calories. Naturally Light come in four flavors (yum pineapple-mango) for around 150 calories in a 12oz.

U2 3-D

2008-03-26T13:11:00.003-04:00

I have been dying to see U2 3-D at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. I have not managed to make it there yet. However, when you combine cocktail hour and the movie, it simply becomes irresistible. Tomorrow evening, The Smithsonian Young Benefactors are holding a screening of the movie along with cocktail hour and a word (thirty minutes worth) from Producer Lisa Truitt. The event is open to non YB members as well.

I haven’t been all that enthralled with the Young Benefactors program (watch as my name goes on the YB blacklist). But occasionally, events like this sound like a lot of fun and limited shmoozing.

6 to 7 p.m. Cocktails
7:30 to 8:00 p.m. A Word from Producer Lisa Truitt
8:00 to 9:30 p.m. U23D screening

Johnson IMAX Theater
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

Tickets- $25 for YB Members
$30 for Non Members
Online and phone ticket sales will end at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 27th.
Go to www.YoungBenefactors.org or call 202-633-3030 to purchase

Hump Day Happy Hour

2008-03-26T12:59:00.002-04:00

An easy go-to place for a dependable happy hour exists at Capitol City Brewing Company. Not only do you get some mighty tasty beers at a discount but you also get half price appetizers at the bar. This being the case, it can also be a crowded happy hour so it’s probably the right place for two or three friends to grab some stools but not the place for all twenty of the after-work gang to grab a drink. It’s runs from 4-7.

Beers-

I personally tend to get the Capitol Kolsch. It’s a golden ale and for me a good choice for a beer when you are eating. I’ve tried the rest of the signature brews and you generally can’t go wrong. Check out the listed percentage of alcohol because some of them will leave you staggering out. Happy hour prices on beers are $3.50 until 7.

Food-

Seriously, the appetizers are huge. I’ve had good experiences with the Capitol Hill Hummus (regular price $7.50, half price $3.75), Spinach-Artichoke Dip (regular price $8.25, half price $4.15), and the Chicken Quesadilla (regular price $8.75, half price $4.40). The Fish Tacos have been both very good and very bad (over seasoned). I’ve tried to order the Eastern Shore Crab Dip only to find they are out. Be sure to ask if they are serving soft pretzels because they are delicious, especially with the mustard that is served with it. Half price until 7pm.

Locations-

2700 S. Quincy St
(703) 578-3888

2 Massachusetts Ave, NE
(202) 842-BEER

1100 New York Ave, NW
(202) 628-2222

Anniversary Party and Sale at Pulp

2008-03-25T13:28:00.004-04:00

I love sending mail, but am constantly frustrated by the sorry state of the greeting card market. Once you get past the most obviously offensive tacky lacy sparkly section, there's not much left besides the Far Side and black and white pictures of little kids. If you need a card for that special someone in your life who's having a birthday (and freaking out about it), getting married (to the man of his dreams), or about to have a kid (which means she can finally go back to hitting the bottle) and CVS can't quite capture your sentiment, Pulp is a great place to start. Their card selection can accommodate any point on the taste spectrum, they have a great kids' book section, and more brightly colored tongue-in-cheek tchotchkes than anyone could ever wish for. And this Saturday they're celebrating their anniversary with cake and Champagne from 11am "until we run out." You can also pick up a coupon for $5 off of any $25 purchase valid until March 31st; and on Friday after 5pm , you'll automatically get 5% off.

Pulp anniversary event
Saturday, March 29 at 11 am
1803 14th St., NW (at S St.)