Category Archives: Arlington

Adventures, Alexandria, Arlington, Downtown, Dupont Circle, Entertainment, Foggy Bottom, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Music, Night Life, Penn Quarter, Petworth, The Great Outdoors, The Hill, The Mall, We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends: July 24-25

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Rachel: Well, I’m fresh off a stint in Nashville to audition for American Idol. It didn’t go my way but I learned a lot and am ready to rock out harder than ever before after being “cut” from the program before ever seeing any air-time. I’ve got a gig booked for Saturday night at the Tonic Lounge (located at 2036 G Street NW, near the Foggy Bottom Metro). I’m not the only entertainment on tap, several artists from the DC area will take the stage too. So grab a drink at the bar, stay for the tunes, and if you’re a Glee fan I guarantee a solid new cover added to my repertoire from the second half of last season’s show. Not gonna tell you what it is, you’ll have to stop by to hear it. Show starts at 8 p.m. with a $5 cover. I’ll also have albums on sale with proceeds going to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of my late father who received a heart transplant in 1999. Hope to see you there! It should be a rockin’ good time.

Patrick: Weeks of no social life ends this weekend. Noises Off! opens this Saturday at Keegan Theatre in Dupont Circle. As the stage manager I’ll be in the booth playing the role of incompetent sound technician #1. No seriously, come see the show and watch the actors freak out at me during Act III. The show will run through August so I hope to see everybody there eventually. While I’m running the show I’ll also be trying to figure out where to eat and drink before and after performances- anybody have any suggestions for places I should check out around 17th Street?

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Arlington, Crime & Punishment, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Say Cheese and Pay Up

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Remember those red light cameras that Arlington installed for your safety, last month?  Well, today is the day of reckoning. Arlington PD will start issuing $50 infractions to drivers the cameras catch blowing red lights.  To be fair, this is a significantly lighter fine than would be issue by a cop catching you doing the same, and you won’t get any points on your license.  Remember, citizens, these cameras are there for your safety, and are in no way a revenue generator for the city’s budget.

And, in case you’re wondering, the cameras are at the intersections of Lee Highway – Fort Myer Dr, and  Lee Highway – North Lynn St.

Arlington, The Daily Feed
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Mystery Object Found in Shirlington

Shirlington Mystery Object

I was waiting on a friend in Shirlington the other day when I saw this contraption. Anybody have an idea what it is? It is rather reminiscent of things I remember from history class, like stocks and pillories. In fact, the first thing I thought when I saw it was a photo I recalled from the Boxer Rebellion. No joke.

Anyway, hopefully this is some sort of useful device under construction, and not a form of public humiliation for lawbreakers, although honestly I don’t think that would be so bad. Any thoughts?

Arlington, The Daily Feed
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Fancy Solar Compactors Spotted In Rosslyn

I think a co-worker spotted me taking this photo after work- she probably thinks I’m weird.

I was only snapping this photo because I just noticed that Rosslyn is sporting these fancy new Solar Compactors (aka the Big Belly) outside my office yesterday. Look how neat and tidy it looks compared to an overflowing trash can (which we’ve all seen on occasion around these streets.)

I first saw one of these things in action back in Boston and I’d love to see it in the middle of crunching down some garbage. For those that aren’t familiar with these things, a Big Belly is trash compactor that is with a solar powered from UV Power so you get a trash receptacle that can hold more and prevents pests from picking at the trash (and it doesn’t need any power.) The only complaint I had was that it made it hard for me to dump and run as I’m known to do in my jet-set lifestyle. However upon hearing that complaint my roommate told me I was a lazy, lazy person.

These units are already in use around Georgetown University, DC Parks, and Fairfax County.

What do you guys think about these the new bad boys of trash around the streets? If anything I bet M street could use some of these on the weekends.

Arlington
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Why I Love DC: Patrick Pho

Photo courtesy of
‘Oz’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

I never really knew Washington, DC despite traveling there every year.

As a kid my family would pack up the van and we would take semi-annual trips to Herndon, VA where my grandparents lived. Despite being 30 minutes away from The District we hardly went inside the beltway, however the sight of the Washington Mormon Temple was a sight I never forgot as a child. It was a sign that we were close to DC and close to the Dulles Toll Road that would take us to grandma’s house.

Flash forward a a few years and I’m a senior at Fitchburg State College, wondering where to go on internship. Nearby Boston was an option and so was Atlanta, headquarters to CNN. Despite being a film/video major I didn’t want to go to LA or New York City like all my other classmates- I wanted to do something different. I remembered the trips to Virginia every year and figured Washington, DC wouldn’t be a bad place to spend a semester.

Little did I know it would become the place I would start my life.   Continue reading →

All Politics is Local, Arlington, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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President Obama Makes A Return Stop To Ray’s Hell Burger

Photo courtesy of
‘”you gonna eat that?”‘
courtesy of ‘oceandesetoiles’

It’s hot out there in the district but that won’t keep President Obama from being a gracious host to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. The two just hit up Ray’s Hell Burger in Rosslyn where the two had burgers and shared fries together. What a touching moment for the US and Russia, sharing fries! According to Fox News’ Major Garrett Obama enjoyed a burger w/cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato & “bread & butter” pickles and Medvedev had a burger with cheddar cheese, onions, jalapenos and mushrooms.

How bold of the Russian leader to opt for the spicy on his burger!

Medvedev is in Washington today to talk with Obama about the global economy and other assorted international business stuff that World Leaders often talk about. Obama is no stranger to Ray’s, having visited the joint with VP Biden last May.

Check out more photos and video below:

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Arlington, News, The Daily Feed
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Rhodeside Grill Crash

Photo courtesy of
‘Rhodeside Grill, Clarendon’
courtesy of ‘carlweaver’

What’s with people driving their cars into things this week? First we had the I-395 Tunnel incident off New York Ave, then we had a UPS driver plow into the Hirshorn Museum, and now we’ve got a car crashing into Courthouse nightspot Rhodeside Grill in broad daylight during an accident.

C’mon now people, cars are for driving, not careening into things with, okay? Seriously, people, this is getting silly.

Arlington, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Clarendon Strikes up a St. Paddy’s Eve Parade

Photo courtesy of
‘Lemon #37’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Remember how it snowed in February? I definitely don’t need to remind anyone that the city lost a lot of events in the storms. Well, among the many things that got Snowpocalypsed was the annual Fat Tuesday parade hosted by the Clarendon Alliance. Not to fear, instead of being completely swept away in a snow drift, the parade transformed into a St. Patrick’s Day eve festival – i.e., tonight! If you want to check it out, and it actually is more fun than you’d think, floats will begin rolling up Wilson Blvd. at around 8 p.m., starting from Barton Ave.

In the area or venturing out to Clarendon for the parade? Why not give a little back while you’re out preparing for St. Patrick’s Day? Relay for Life Arlington will be hosting a post-parade gathering at Mister Days at the corner of Washington blvd and N. Highland St. Present this coupon, and Mister Days will generously donate a portion of your check to Relay For Life of Arlington. You can also make a donation at the door, and there will be a small raffle for gift certificates to the bar and other exciting items.

Arlington, The Features, Where We Live
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Where We Live: Court House

Photo courtesy of
‘Courthouse’
courtesy of ‘rpongsaj’

After profiling 22 neighborhoods in the District, it’s time Where We Live headed out to the suburbs. This week we’re focusing on Court House, an urban neighborhood in the middle of Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Sure, it’s technically a ‘suburb’, but with a movie theater, multiple grocery stores, tons of bars and restaurants, and office and government buildings, Court House has more to offer than many neighborhoods in the heart of DC.

History: In 1791, this area used to be part of DC.  But Virginia wanted Alexandria County back (mostly due to the sad fact that Alexandria was a big slave port, and talk of abolishing slavery in DC had Virginia scared), and this land was retroceded in 1846.  Fort Woodbury was a Civil War fort built in 1861 that stood where the current courthouse stands.  In 1852 the City of Alexandria split off, and in 1920 this area was renamed as Arlington County.

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Arlington, Special Events
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Happy Hour TONIGHT: Hard Times at 6pm with Capital Weather Gang

Photo courtesy of
‘Hard Times’
courtesy of ‘ccperkdog’

I know you’re enjoying some quality time inside, or kicking it up at the various snowball fights throughout the city (Only in DC do we need a grassroots committee to throw a snowball fight, right?) but it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to be doing tonight. So here’s the deal:

We Love DC/Capital Weather Gang Happy Hour
6pm – 10pm
Upstairs at Hard Times – Clarendon
3028 North Wilson Boulevard (Right across the street from Clarendon Metro)
Arlington, VA

Virginia ABC Law prevents us from publishing specials, but I suspect that Hard Times will be running draft beer specials, and we may update this post after we arrive. Tell us if you’re coming, either via Twitter, or via a comment here, so we’re sure to save some room for you.

And, we shouldn’t have to say this, but: Be safe out there. This won’t be the only time we hang out with the Capital Weather Gang, so don’t take any unnecessary risks in getting there. Please don’t drive. Metro only!

Adams Morgan, Arlington, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
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In Search of a Decent Bagel 2: The Consensus

Photo courtesy of
‘bagel – before’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’

Did you see how good I was? I almost made an “Electric Boogaloo” reference in the header, but I restrained myself.

Anyways, the bagel question really brought out the comments, so I thought it would be worthwhile to share the reader’s consensus.  Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse seems to be the almost universal favorite, but So’s Your Mom and Bethesda Bagels also got some significant love. I think that fairly settles it: the best bagels in DC are actually in Arlington.  Now I’ve got to get over to Brooklyn Bagels to see for myself.  I feel that this has been a useful exercise and one that I must repeat for all of the other major food groups.  Well done, readers!

Arlington, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The Features, The Hill
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Where to Watch the Game

Photo courtesy of
‘2010 BCS Championship 2010 BCS Championship Logo’
courtesy of ‘RMTip21’

Unless you live in a cave, or genuinely care about nothing sports related, you’re probably aware that the BCS Championship Game is this evening.  And, if you have even an inkling of football fanaticism, you’re probably planning on watching it. Year to year, the BCS Title is a clash of the titans, and one of the highlights of the football season.  This year pits the Texas Long Horns against the Alabama Crimson Tide.  I’ll leave analysis and predictions to others and focus on the most practical of matters: where to watch the game.  I’m going to assume that you’re already aware of the “my house” and the “my friend’s house” options, so here are a few suggestions in case you want to leave the living room.  If you’re not a real sports bar type, big game nights are excellent for branching out.  In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the places below:
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Adams Morgan, Alexandria, Arlington, Dupont Circle, Essential DC, Life in the Capital, Penn Quarter, Petworth, The Features, WTF?!
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Surviving the Next Snowpocalypse

Photo courtesy of
‘South Smithsonian Escalators’
courtesy of ‘william couch’

The DC area, this weekend, was something of a post-apocalyptic landscape. Driving down 395 on Saturday, one would have seen abandoned cars spun out at odd angles and their stranded drivers trudging towards some nameless help. Most residents stayed holed up in their homes, living off of the provisions they had dutifully stocked the day before. Basic commodities were impossible to come by and the majority of services simply shut down. As the snow storm abated, DC residents peered from their homes at the changed landscape, and painstakingly began the cleanup, trying to return to normality.

Ok, sure, that is a bit of an over-dramatization, but seriously, 395 did look like something out of 28 Days Later.  This snow, like any snow, threw into sharp relief how woefully unprepared DC area citizens are for wintry weather. So, as a northerner, I take it upon myself to save you all from yourselves before the next snowpocalypse.

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Adams Morgan, Alexandria, Arlington, Downtown, Dupont Circle, Essential DC, Foggy Bottom, Life in the Capital, Penn Quarter, Petworth, The Daily Feed, The Hill, The Mall
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Giving Map

Photo courtesy of
‘Salvation Army Christmas Give Away’
courtesy of ‘docentjoyce’

Continuing with our “Good Samaritan” theme, I now provide you with a means by which you may become said Samaritan.  Behold: the WaPo giving map.  This handy application maps out charities in the DC area and sorts them by type.  The list includes everything from homeless shelters, to non-profits for the arts, to religious charities.  So, in the spirit of the season, take a look at the map and find a place in your area that you’re willing to give time or money to.  Make someone’s holiday better.

Arlington, The Daily Feed
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Good People Save Animals

Mysterious Ultra-Cute Dog Sitting Up
Mysterious Ultra-Cute Dog Sitting Up in Arlington

You don’t hate cute puppies and kittens, do you? You enjoy a fine brew from time to time, right? Prove it! Come out tomorrow night, Thursday, to Mister Day’s in Clarendon for a low-dollar fundraiser for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue! The suggested donation is only $10 and you will make that up in drink specials anyway. From 6-9pm, a mere $2.50 gets you pretty much any beer, draft or bottle, AND rail drinks. For you classy types, $3 gets you wine. Top it off with $5 pizza and pasta and you’ve got a great night!

It’s for the animals. It’s a good cause. Dogs are awesome and cats are not so bad themselves. Plus, Homeward Trails has something called a “kitty city”. Have you put this in your calendar yet? I’ll make it easy for ya…click here to add it right to your Google calendar! See you there.

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Arlington, Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Morton’s Final Smoke Out

Photo courtesy of
‘Smoke, Farragut Park Washington DC’
courtesy of ‘Photos by Chip Py’ 

To mourn or celebrate the Virginia statewide smoking restrictions really isn’t my purview, being a proud (and let’s face it, clueless) DC resident, but if you are in that demographic and also just happen to love steaks and cigars, this is for you.

Three Morton’s locations in Virginia, the fair state that tobacco made, will be hosting “Smoke Out” parties this evening – Monday, November 30. Crystal City, Reston Town Center, and Tysons Corner will all feature 7pm dinners sponsored by Virginia Tobacco, Paul Garmirian and Davidoff Cigars. Their cocktail and dinner cigars will be paired with specially designed dishes and Virginia wines.

Contact the individual restaurants for details. Sounds very “Mad Men” decadent. Celebrate or mourn, Virginia, whichever you prefer.

Arlington, The Daily Feed
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Smoking Ban in VA Starts Tomorrow, Top 10 Reasons to Love It

Photo courtesy of
‘Santa the Magnificent’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’

Merry Christmas Virginia.
For the majority of its residents, Virginia becomes a better, healthier and down right less stinky place to live tomorrow. Starting Tuesday, December 1st (i.e. TOMORROW), smoking will no longer be allowed in Virginia bars and restaurants. There are some exceptions that do make sense and I’m sure there will be a handful of bars that put in the work to provide for a completely separate smoking area that is ventilated, etc., but for the most part, all bars and restaurants in Arlington, Alexandria and beyond will be smoke-free starting tomorrow. Virginia joins DC and 23 other states in banning smoking in bars and restaurants. After the jump, you can even see my top ten list!

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Arlington, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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The Phallic Deli

Photo courtesy of
‘Every Food Fits – Well, Hot Dog!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’

Do you like a little innuendo in your local deli?  Maybe some masculine flair?  Well, look no further than Ballston’s Market Place & Deli. Jeff, one of our readers, sent us a picture of Market Place’s hilarious and unintentionally(?) sexual logo.  This may be old news to Ballston locals, but most people aren’t in on the sausage fest yet, so I thought I’d give you all a laugh.  I took the liberty of posting the logo on Failblog, so get over there and vote for it. Penis.

Arlington, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Wine for a Cause

Photo courtesy of
‘Bottle’s Top’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’ 

Looking for a happy hour option tonight that will also help others? Charity events are always a win-win, and the elegant Hotel Palomar Arlington has you covered tonight with “A Taste of Virginia’s Own.”

The event will raise funds for the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry, which has been helping educate the community about HIV/AIDS since 1987. Tickets are $35 at the door and the event will run from 6pm to 9pm. Varietals from such local winemakers as Chateau O’Brien, Horton Cellars, Pearmund Cellars, Tarara Winery and Rappahannock Cellars will be featured. The Palomar always does an excellent spread of hors d’oeuvres so you’ll be fed well too.

Helping a worthy cause + learning about local wines = a good Thursday night plan.