Category Archives: Fun & Games

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Where to find a good King Cake?

Photo courtesy of
‘King cake 2’
courtesy of ‘MGShelton’

You know, I have never really gotten into Mardi Gras, but what I CAN get into is a good King Cake. I love the sugary goodness of a delicious king cake – and of course, there’s got to be a little plastic baby inside. So where oh where in DC can you find a good King Cake? Well, I turned to the one and only source for trusted eating info – Chowhound.

The CH commenters recommend picking up your cake at Wegmans, Firehook, or Louisiana Express in Bethesda. But those are the only real “local” place they named – instead, most commenters suggested going straight to the New Orleans sources and having them shipped. But that’s not very locovore of us, now is it? So, readers, where can a girl get a good King Cake round these parts?

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, People, The Daily Feed
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Better than voting for American Idol…

Photo courtesy of
‘marry’
courtesy of ‘anthrovik’

Our beloved morning Metro read, The Express is running the “Express Wedding Giveaway Contest“, the winner of which will win $35,000 in prizes. Readers are to choose from five couples and vote for who they believe deserves the prize (coughJessicaandAnthonycough) – whichever couple receives the most votes, wins! (Duh.)

The contest debuted in the Express last week, and I was thoroughly enthralled. So much so, actually, that I almost missed my Metro stop. So if you’re in the mood for love, or you like voting, stop on by and help a lucky couple get free stuff.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed, The District, WTF?!
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Snuggie Pub Crawl

Photo courtesy of
‘Cult snacks!’
courtesy of ‘davitydave’

Do you like dressing up like the Polyphonic Spree to go drinking? Then we’ve totally got the Pub Crawl for you. DC will play host soon to the Snuggie Pub Crawl, where you and the closest 50 of your cultist friends can get plastered while wearing a WTF Blanket. But, in all seriousness, proceeds go to charity, and you can always wear a Slanket instead, just to mess with people.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Cooking Classes for The Rest of Us

Photo courtesy of
‘Day 14: Rachel Cooking’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’

My roommate and I regularly burn things, under-cook things, and generally make a mess in the kitchen. It’s sort of a trial by error approach to cooking, but hey – that’s how you learn right? Well, until now. Cookology, a recreational cooking school, opened out in Dulles Town Center on Valentine’s Day.

It’s the perfect place for those of us who look at a huge slab of roast and think: “um, what knife do I use” and “what do I do with this weird bone” and “is there a sauce that would go with this that I just don’t know about” and “do I put this in a pan or in the oven or can I just stick this mess in the toaster oven and be done with it?” – all those questions make me wish I could take my middle school home ec class all over again. Cookology is here to answer all the questions I wished I had asked back then!

The site has yet to post classes and prices (please be affordable, please please please!) but they’ve got a list of classes that they’re starting with, including my favorite: “Ready to Bake, take home an entire week’s worth of meals” as well as assorted others, “Make. Eat. (Guys night!)” and nutritional cooking. Cookology also offers wine tasting nights, product demonstrations (got a new gadget you wish you could test before you commit?) and every Friday is Date Night where you can cook with your significant other – perfect for Matt and I, we’re always trying to figure out new fun dates.

I love it, I’m excited! Where do I sign up!?

Alexandria, Fun & Games, History, Special Events, Weekend Flashback
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Photo Flashback: George Washington’s Birthday Parade

Happy Birthday, GW

Yesterday, we headed out to the “largest parade celebrating George Washington’s Birthday in the USA!” – Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade. How can you beat that as the perfect homage to President’s Day? Here it is in a photo review, from clowns to horseback riders, the parade had it all. Continue reading →

Adventures, Downtown, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Night Life, The District, The Features
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Review: Spy at Night

Photo courtesy of Ghost_Bear
Spy, courtesy of Ghost_Bear

If you’re interested in changing up your happy hour plans, then heading over to the International Spy Museum’s “Spy At Night” is for you.

Every Friday and Saturday from 6pm-10pm, the museum stays open to offer guests (read: spies in training) a late night glimpse into the lives of spy operatives.  According to the Executive Director of the International Spy Museum, Peter Earnest, Operation Spy combines real-life details and mission deliverables from past spy operations, and he should know: he’s former CIA.  I can’t give too much away–it’s confidential, and would ruin the mystery behind the experience–but what I can tell you is that Operation Spy is completely different from the museum. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed, The Hill
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Local Baristas Clean Up

Photo courtesy of
‘Mocha’
courtesy of ‘box of lettuce’

Congratulations to baristas (baristae?) from Murky Coffee and Peregrine Espresso who swept the top four spots at the Mid Atlantic Regional Barista Competition. Katie and Allie rocked out the top two spots, representing Murky, and David and Jeremy rocked out 3rd and 4th from Peregrine. If you have any doubts about a well-poured cup of coffee in this town, stand assured, our baristas are best.

Alexandria, Arlington, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Tourism
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Tourism: Ice Skating

Photo courtesy of
‘Skating Together’
courtesy of ‘Karon’

There are few outdoor activities I enjoy when the weather gets this cold. Skiing and ice skating are about the only two that I daydream fondly about. So just in case this week’s iceageddon didn’t take you down, and you’re itching for more (or you want to tackle the ice with proper equipment), you’re in luck.  DC is home to tons of great indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks for you to take a spin (or a fall) on.  Continue reading →

Fun & Games, History, Inaugupocalypse, The Daily Feed
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Best Inauguration Picture Yet

Photo courtesy of
‘Ready for history’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

Click through this link for the most amazing full-screen high resolution picture of the inauguration. It’s incredibly entertaining, plus you can play fun games like  “find Beyonce” and “I didn’t know W had a side table!”. Plus, if you were lucky enough to have a seat up close, you’ll be able to play the most fun game of all – “find me!”

Entertainment, Fun & Games, Night Life, The Features
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No Ball? No Problem

Photo courtesy of
‘__ _______ __ __’ courtesy of ‘Sexy Fitsum’

Former WeLoveDC blogger (and currently preparing to make her way here from CA for next week’s festivities) Brittany hooked us up with a BYT event coming up that promises to be one heck of a party…but not a ball.

Brightest Young Things is having their “Inauguration Classic 2k9 Spectacular” on Tuesday evening at the Bohemian Caverns / LIV night club, located at 2001 11th and U St. NW. Party starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 4 a.m. That’s right – it starts early and goes all day long, celebrating in true BYT fashion.

They’re promising “Inaugural viewing, food, fun, games, happiness, general merriment and much rejoicing.” At 5 p.m. Tig Notaro from The Sarah Silverman Project kicks off a rocket-ride of live performances, featuring the likes of WALE, the Mathematicians, Fatback DJs, Art of Junk, the Buildings and more. (See their online flier for the full list of performers and specials.)

You have to secure tickets, but the souvenir glitter band gives you in and out access all day / night long, plus bag and coat check. Continue reading →

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Media, News, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Want a geeky Obama keepsake, in D.C. you’re SOL.

Spiderman Obama issue from Marvel

Spiderman Obama issue from Marvel

It was announced last week, and for industry insiders, it may have been a bit longer, that Marvel Comics, purveyors of The Hulk, Fantastic Four, and “Geek-in-Chief” Barack Obama’s favorite, Spiderman were issuing a special edition of the latter for the inauguration. This 5-page story was to center around an impostor taking the oath of office this coming Tuesday and Peter Parker, while covering it for the Daily Bugle, helped Spiderman save the day and democracy as a whole. However, unless you’re a subscriber at a local comic book store, you may be out of luck to catch a first printing in D.C.. Fantom Comics in Union Station and Tenleytown were somewhat caught unawares and only had acquired 9 copies total to split between the two stores. However, there is a second printing, albeit with a different cover, coming this Wednesday the 21st.

Featured Photo, Fun & Games, The Features
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We Love Winners! 2008 Holiday Contest Results

Photo courtesy of william couch
A Charlie Brown Holiday, courtesy of william couch

Set your eyes upon this great photo by Flickr user william couch, for this is the winner of the WeLoveDC 2008 Holiday Photo Contest! Congratulations, William! It was a close vote between this rendition of a Charlie Brown Christmas and our runner-up, below.

William wins a $50 certificate to Overwood and has chosen the Nationals ticket package in the “Presidential Club,” complete with parking pass.

And our runner-up… Continue reading →

Entertainment, Fun & Games, Penn Quarter, Sports Fix, The Features
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Caps Extra: Halfway There

Photo courtesy of clydeorama
Boudreau and Capitals at Bench, courtesy of clydeorama

I recently had the pleasure of chatting about hockey with John Buccigross, ESPNEWS Anchor and SportsCenter host – and the former primary host of NHL 2Night when ESPN covered NHL games. Bucci’s (as many call him) columns on hockey on the ESPN website are often insightful, humorous and engaging. Just don’t call him ESPN’s “hockey guy.”

Since the Washington Capitals have hit the halfway point, I wanted to give a mid-season review, so why not Bucci?

Sum up the Caps season so far. At or above expectations?

[Bucci] Right about where I thought they would be. Maybe a little better. They are certainly among the NHL elite. Time will tell if they can win low scoring playoff games and if they have enough playoff defense and goaltending when they play a good team every night for two months.

Areas of improvement?

[Bucci] Team defense, blueline, a goaltender to trust to win for two months, and keeping their goals against lower.

Goaltending. Can they be successful with just Johnson and Theodore (and some solid minor-league backups), or is this where McPhee needs to pull a trade-trigger?

[Bucci] This where GM’s earn their money. They get paid to make tough decisions. They have to make a determination if they have the goaltending to win the Cup. I would think they don’t because they are not a great defensive team. But, if they can improve in that area and they keep scoring goals, they might have enough. Continue reading →

Fun & Games, The Features
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Haul Out the Holly… and the whiskey.

Christmas at the White House, courtesy Flickr user M.V. Jantzen

Christmas at the White House, courtesy Flickr user M.V. Jantzen

While Comedy in DC is on December hiatus, it occurred to me that right after the infamous office holiday party, family holidays are the next best source of unintentional comedy. I think the Post’s Carolyn Hax got some hard-to-top stories, but I’m sure there are some other good ones floating around out there, just waiting to be shared.

From freak turkey-carving accidents, to mom’s opinion of your new boyfriend (my dad remembers well the holiday in which my grandmother told them she missed my mom’s old boyfriend), to family drama oozing out around the corners of Christmas dinner (food fight!), or gifts that make you wonder whether you’ve offended the giver in some way, the holidays, with their gifts and merrymaking and alcohol consumption always seem to bring out the ridiculous in people. And this year, with the Inauguration coming hot on the heels of the holidays, it seems even more fraught for the family members who live here, with relatives inviting themselves over to stay for the festivities, thus extending this uh, joyful family season for another three weeks.

Unlike office holiday parties, I actually recommend alcohol as a way to enhance your enjoyment of family gatherings. There’s nothing like a pleasant buzz to make your uncle’s antics entertaining rather than creepy.

When I was 16, I got into an argument at some holiday gathering with my aunt, the family instigator, and she got so angry… she mooned me.  For years after that, the universal gesture for telling her she was being ridiculous about something was to turn around and show her your ass. I know, it’s not as over-the-top as the Hax submitter who went to the family thanksgiving that turned into a murder confession, but we can’t all have families that crazy.

So it’s time to share, DC. What ridiculous things happen to you at the holidays? The worst gift you’ve gotten? You can remain anonymous- we promise not to tell your mother-in-law that the collection of Franklin Mint collectible kitten plates went straight to Goodwill.

Entertainment, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Keep Your Dignity. Keep Your Job.

ecard by RTCRM

ecard by RTCRM

In a follow up to Tiffany’s The Office Holiday Party piece, Washington DC advertising agency RTCRM has come up with the microsite keepyourdignity.com in an effort to help people make it through the holidays with their dignity and job intact.

You can watch helpful PSA-style videos, take a risk assessment quiz to see if you’re in danger of embarrassing yourself, and if it’s the day after the party you can send out an apologetic e-card (this image above) to make up for your faux pas.

Holiday parties should be about laughter, joy and the open bar.  Not awkward moments and ruined reputations.  So visit the site, educate yourself and have a safe, happy and office-appropriate holiday.

Fun & Games, Night Life, We Love Food
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We Love Food: New Year’s Eve!

Photo courtesy of mattyp_
Closer – NYE 2005, courtesy of mattyp_

Yes, yes. A bit early? Maybe. But now’s the time to start thinking of NYE planning before the rest of the holiday season overwhelms you and suddenly find yourself lacking a place to enjoy and celebrate ringing in the New Year. So here’s a very non-comprehensive list of restaurants for you to consider. We’ll post more as we find out about them!

THE DISTRICT

Article One at Hyatt Regency Washington, on Capitol Hill. Call a reservationist at 202.719.8436
A la carte from 1:00 – 8:00pm.
Menu Highlights: Pan Seared Scallops with Baby Spinach ($12); Peppercorn Crusted Filet of Beef with Butter Poached Rock Lobster Tail ($42); Crème Brulee Sampler ($7).

Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, in the West End. For reservations call 202.974.4900
Prix-fixe menu: 6:00-6:30pm and 9:00-9:30pm seatings; $150 per person.
Menu Highlights: Terrine of Foie Gras, Cranberry Sauce, Duck Croquant and Dried White Figs; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon & Maple Glazed Pork Loin, Collard Greens, Hoppin John and Pork Jus. Includes five-course menu, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and special party favor.
Menu by Chef de Cuisine Joe Palma.

Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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We Love Peeing in Troughs: Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place

Urinal Trough!

My company had a fancy-shmancy lunch at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place recently. Nice place, I suppose, except for the fact of the waiter telling me that they don’t really cater to vegetarians. He proved it by bringing me a baked potato with bacon. I guess honesty is worth something in this day and age.

The best part was the classy trough-style urinal. It really brought back memories of the ballpark, highway rest stop, “out-back” facilities in Thailand and many more. Have you seen one of these old troughs still in operation anywhere recently? Extra points if you link to a photo.

Don’t go for the food or service, but definitely go for a beer and to check out this relic of a by-gone age.

The Grafton Urinal Trough by Mac(3)

Adventures, Downtown, Entertainment, Essential DC, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Special Events
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DC Loves the Holidays

Photo courtesy of FredoAlvarez
Union Station Wreaths, courtesy of FredoAlvarez

Ok, I confess.

My initial intent with doing a “Holiday Happenings” article was to hit the majority of the cool stuff happening in the area. But as I did more and more research, the more amazed (and flummoxed) I became with the sheer volume of cool holiday stuff to do around here.

This’ll be my third Christmas in the area and my first real foray into finding out what all is going on to sate my holiday appetite. Normally we just hit the area neighborhood to ‘oooh’ and ‘aaah’ over light displays but this year? We wanted to really take advantage of the season.

Hence wanting to take this project on. Boy, am I ashamed to say I was utterly ignorant on the goings-on around here during December.

Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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One Last Chance: Free Lunch!

As we wrote two weeks ago, there’s free lunch at the Hard Rock downtown today, so if you’re reading this to find out where to go for lunch: Get Gone. It’s a product of the Shop.org people, who are, incidentally, responsible for the godawful name that reminds of a friend of a “seedy national holiday for indulging in illicit and adult-rated conversation?”

But hey, Free lunch is hard to ignore. Get outta here!

Business and Money, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, WTF?!
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Gird Your Loins For Battle, It’s Black Friday

shoppingpreview.jpg
an Easter inflection by Intangible Arts

The economy is looking pretty dire. The numbers came out this morning, and both disposable income is down, and so is the rate of growth of the American Economy. But, that means sales are what we’re looking for this holiday season, right? Okay, so what we’re really looking for is good deals. Black Friday will have those deals, provided that what you’re willing to do is get up so early on Friday you’ll think it’s still Thursday, and brave hordes of shoppers whose nearest evolutionary target is either the barracuda or the great white shark. So, with that in mind, get yourself ready. Continue reading →