Review of the Russia House

I'm frankly amazed at myself that I have never done a proper review of the Russia House.

Housed in an old DC building with a lot of character, the restaurant spans several dark, red, moody floors. It is where you take someone when you want your romantic dinner to turn naughty.

Being a Russian restaurant, they have loads of vodka. The best thing to do is get a vodka tasting. They'll bring out an iced tray of shots in whichever flavors you choose. I love the chocolate vodka.

The food is excellent, much to my surprise. My experience with borscht growing up was not a positive one, but theirs was delicious. The duck salad was excellent as well.

Happily, I live within site of the Russia House. Unhappily, I can't afford to eat there too often. That's mostly because eating there means consuming copious amounts of vodka. I don't know though. I think I might be due for a visit.

Russia House, 1800 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

Review of Le Pain Quotidien

Dupont Circle finally has its very own Le Pain Quotidien.

Part of a worldwide chain, this bakery/restaurant manages to feel like it isn't a worldwide chain. They have a good selection of breads and pastries, very tasty lattes, and a decent menu.

Dupont Circle doesn't have that many breakfast places nearby, so I wasn't exactly sad to hear I had another option. I love Afterwords and all, but the food just isn't that great and the lines can be long.

Chris and I were famished when we arrived, so we over ordered a bit. We shared a perfectly cooked Paris Ham & Gruyère omelet. We also shared a super sweet Belgian sugar waffle and two other pastries. Oh, and then there was the bowl of fresh berries. I really couldn't complain about any of it, although I won't say anything knocked my socks off. Also, we blew about $50 before we knew what hit us.

Le Pain Quotidien, 2001 P Street NW, Washington, DC

Ramp it Up Exhibit at the NMAI

The National Museum of the American Indian in DC has an interesting exhibit right now on Native American skateboard culture.

The exhibit starts with surfing (an indigenous Hawaiian invention). It shows how surfing's land-based cousin gained in popularity and how influential skate culture is in native communities.

Different native skaters are highlighted, but the most interesting part for me were the skateboards. The artwork is really cool and I totally want to order some for my wall.

Check it out. It runs through October.

The Great Nationwide Kiss In

I thought the Great Nationwide Kiss-In was a pretty cute idea.

A same sex couple had been harassed after kissing outside a Mormon church. Protesters started going to the church to kiss in protest. That little idea germinated until someone decided we should have a big kiss-in around the country.

It could have been great. Thousands of people gathering to make-out in public was a clear message. And the more we see same sex people kissing, the less of a big deal it will be.

Although thousands signed up on Facebook, including about 800 for Washington DC, this was the sad little group that actually showed up. What's that, maybe twenty people?

Review of Capt. John's Crab House

Captain John's is in tiny Cobb Island in Southern Maryland. It's the kind of place where they lay paper out on the table and your neighbor might be a family of bikers.

We feasted at Captain Johns. I mean we really didn't hold back. One order of king crab legs was so enormous we actually had to take some home with us. They were amazing, succulent, buttery, and a must if you are in the area.

It was my first experience with soft shell crab and, I must say, I wasn't a huge fan. The meaty part inside was o.k., but the goop and the shells...eh, eh.

We also ordered fritters, which I had not had since I was a kid. They were just as dense, sweet, and doughy as I remembered. The corn side was a huge disappointment. They came to the table with a soggy mess that could have come out of a can and we had passed a dozen farm stands selling corn on our way there. Sad.

I'd still go back though, just for those crab legs. Holy crap were they good.

Solomons Island, Maryland

We were only on Solomon's Island for a skip. We stopped at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and then headed to the town center.

The town center is tiny, just a few old houses converted into beachy stores. At the end of the strip, and around a little bend, sat the Tiki Bar.

This was the view from our bar stools at the Tiki Bar. It reminded me a lot of Fort Lauderdale, back when it was a little seedier and filled with bikers and blue collar types.

Everyone was drinking Coors and shooting the shit. I ordered a cocktail made with fresh squeezed orange juice, but I can't remember the name of it. After our drinks we wandered through a few of the stores and took off. I can see how this might be a relaxing spot for a weekend, if all you want to do is lay around and boat.

Not much going on though.

Annmarie Garden on Solomons Island

We almost didn't stop at the Annemarie Garden. I'm so glad we did. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Annmarie Garden is affiliated with the Smithsonian, specifically the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. If you have ever been to the sculpture garden here in DC, you have an idea of what Annmarie Garden is like.

Except Annmarie is even better. There is a wooded area that is filled with sculptures. There is a whole walkway filled with just sculptures of women. There are modern pieces and quirky faces in unexpected places. Some of the trees have paintings.

There is also a beautiful gallery inside. It is filled with really interesting pieces. My favorite was a mosaic butterfly. I also loved the giant, elegant rabbit in a reclining pose that looked like it should have been at the entrance to temple.

There were crazy fish and disco balls and horse heads and even some roadkill. (In case you haven't figured it out, they were exploring the animal kingdom in their exhibit.)

They don't stop there though. The museum is very interactive. There are activities dispersed all over the place. When we arrived, we were drawn to a picnic table outside set up with paints. Visitors were asked to paint a gourd with the theme of "home is where the ____ is." The gourds are going to be used for an art exhibit. The ones that are done are currently displayed in the sculpture forest in some crazy baskets.

They also have a school where they teach everything from painting to ceramics to jewelry making. Oh, and did I mention the very cool gift shop? If I lived around there, I would be at that place all the time.

Wine Bar and Cafe in Leonardtown, MD

Not far from St. Mary's City is a little place called Leonardtown. We stopped there for lunch at the Wine Bar & Cafe.

As expected, the restaurant had plenty of wine. The decor was a little cheesy. The waitress was not old enough to serve the wine (maybe the owner's daughter?).

The wine was a bit disappointing and had cork in it, but the lobster bisque was tasty. My crabcake was the highlight for sure. It had the perfect amount of breading (not to much).

Chris had some sort of panini that wasn't very good, so unmemorable that I don't even know what was in it. We ended the meal with a chocolate scone pudding that was very rich. It put me over the top.

Not the worst meal I ever ate, but (aside from that crabcake) nothing to write home about.

Point Lookout Prison Memorial

Just outside of Point Lookout State Park in Southern Maryland, Chris and I spotted a monument covered in confederate flags. We were completely creeped out and so had to stop.

The monument is actually a memorial for confederate soldiers. Not just any confederate soldiers though. Turns out there was a prison located at Point Lookout and, according to the monument, prison conditions were so bad that thousands of the prisoners died.

I don't have much sympathy for the confederate "cause" or for confederate flag flying, but I do believe in prisoner rights and the Geneva Conventions (which were, ironically, being incubated during this time). So I found the monument interesting. I suppose if my great grandfather died in a union prison I'd have a slightly different impression of the union soldiers.

St. Mary's City, Maryland

St. Mary's City was Maryland's first capital. It turned 375 years old this year.

For a long time, the remnants of the city lay buried under farm fields and a more modern house (the Brome Howard Inn). In the 1970s they decided to excavate the site.

Today, the site contains "faithfully" rebuilt structures and a lot of old timey people who show you how things were done in the 1600s. I believe many of the people are associated with the university and actually know what they are talking about.

There is a print shop (my personal favorite), an ordinary (like an inn), a church, a store, an old house, and even a recreated Indian hamlet. One of the most impressive sites is an old sailing ship. It isn't a reproduction of the actual ships that landed on St. Mary's shore, but it is from the time period. There's just something about old sailboats.

There's also a museum on site where you can watch a film about St. Mary's history and (of course) a gift shop. There are demonstrations throughout the day. It's complete nerd entertainment.

Farm Stands in Southern Maryland

Although the Amish places were closed on Sundays, there were still some heathens around willing to sell their produce on Sundays.

The kid running this stand was having teenage problems. We very carefully avoided getting into a conversation with him about them.

We bought a dozen ears of corn, peaches, watermelon, and a whole bunch of other stuff I can't remember. The peaches were amazing, but the watermelon was the best.

Chris froze it and used it for frozen, watermelon cocktails. He made them with triple sec and brandy. They were amazing. And the watermelon lasted us like a week. Highly recommended.

Amish Crossing in Southern Maryland

Sadly, I did not get pictures of any of the Amish people we saw in Southern Maryland. I did; however, get a pic of this Amish crossing sign. Gotta love it.

We saw a few horse and buggy while we were out and about. and we saw an adorable Amish girl huffin it on her bike along the side of the road.

Unfortunately, since we were traveling on Sunday, all the Amish markets and farms were closed. Living in a city, you forget how Jesus shuts everything down on Sundays in some places.

Anti-Choice Display in Southern Maryland

This is something you don't see in DC. It is a (presumably) faux fetus graveyard on the highway that leads to historic St. Mary's City.

The sign (in case you cannot read it) says "let us commemorate all of the American babies who have died because of choice." Creepy no?

When we first passed it I thought maybe it was for soldiers, people who died in Iraq perhaps. Why is it that church people are more concerned with sperm than actual people?

No really, I want to know.

Brome Howard Inn in St. Mary's City, Maryland

This is the Brome Howard Inn in St. Mary's City Maryland. It is an old plantation house that now serves as a bed and breakfast.

The inn was built by Dr. Brome in 1840 and served as a tobacco and wheat plantation. There are a few outbuildings still, including a slave cabin (although you can't go inside).

The house used to sit on top of historic St. Mary's City, but they moved it in order to do an archaeological dig. They moved the entire house at one time.

Apparently, they built a huge pallet (like the kind you see in warehouses). They slipped the house on to the pallet and then used a tank to bring it to its new spot. They had to take out several trees and the electric lines on the road in order to do it. It was, we were told, quite a site. The whole town came out to take pictures. That was back in 1994.

The bed and breakfast only has four rooms. The one we stayed in was adorable. It was also huge and filled with books and magazines to keep you occupied.

The breakfasts were very good. The mushroom omelet was so flavorful that I had it twice. The blueberry pancakes were fluffy (although short on blueberries). The french toast was disappointing.

The house also has a restaurant that serves dinner nightly and brunch on Sundays. The atmosphere is understated elegance. The food is very good. I ate a perfectly cooked duck. Chris has an enormous steak. We finished things off with some refreshing sorbet.

Service in the hotel and restaurant were spotty. You have to be dedicated to run a bed and breakfast. They don't normally have a whole lot of staff. I got the impression that this couple is no longer dedicated. The in-room explanation misinforms guests about the proper time for breakfast on Saturdays (thus causing confusion on Sunday). There was no housekeeping. There was, in fact, often nobody around.

Still, it was a lovely house. It is very close to DC. The food is good. I don't think I would ever go back, but I wouldn't advise others away.

Dumbarton Bridge Buffalo

The bridge between Dupont and Georgetown is officially the Dumbarton Bridge, named after the part of Scotland the 18th century owner of the property was from.

In 1914,Phimster A. Proctor, an American sculptor famous for western subjects, was commissioned to create four sculptures for the bridge. Each one is a buffalo that is nearly identical and (if you ask me) a bit creepy.

Some locals call it the Buffalo Bridge now. Make sure to say hi when you come by.

C&O Canal in Washington, DC

Before eighteen wheelers, barges were used to move stuff around. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was used to bring things from Washington DC all the way up to Cumberland, MD (on the Pennsylvania border) until the 1920s.

Some of the canal isn't actually canal anymore, but the parts by Washington, DC are. In the pic you can see a tourist barge being pulled along by some historically dressed reenactors and a couple tired looking horses mules.

Bikers sometimes take the canal path all the way up to the end. There is a great website that gives you all the 411. Perhaps one day I'll be feeling very industrious. Or at least I'd like to bike up to Great Falls.

Call Box Art in DC

Before you could call 911 for an emergency, DC had emergency call boxes all over town. The call system was removed, but the boxes have remained.

Rather than spend a fortune trying to remove the call boxes, Cultural Tourism DC has undertaken a project to turn them into art.

Some of the boxes are reproductions of historic paintings. Some are designed by local artists. Many of them have little historic tidbits about the neighborhood on the back.

This particular box depicting George Washington on his horse is in Dupont close to my house. You can find out more about the Art on Call boxes on the Cultural Tourism DC website.

Falun Gong in Washington DC

I've said before that walking around DC is a learning experience. This is another event/protest that took place a few weeks ago.

Falun Gong is a spiritual practice/religion that came into the spotlight in the 90s when practitioners protested Chinese government actions. It has been brutally oppressed in China since then.

I won't try to go into a whole explanation. You can check out the Wikipedia entry here if you are interested.

Holy Rood Cemetery

In Georgetown/Glover Park sits the Holy Rood cemetery. The cemetery dates to the early 1800s and used to be run by Holy Trinity Church. It is now owned by Georgetown University.

The place had apparently been allowed to get pretty dilapidated in the 90s, but they have since propped up fallen headstones and cleaned it up.

It's quiet and has great views (since it sits on a hill). Quite a few people were laying around relaxing in it when I was there.

Kickball on the Mall

The National Mall really is like a giant yard. On weekends, people swarm out to use the space for all kinds of games.

Kickball is a favorite. I've also seen Frisbee, boccie, softball, and cricket. Afterwards, nearby bars are filled with beer-drunk yuppies in matching jerseys.

Review of Cuba de Ayer

Cuba de Ayer is not actually in DC, it's in Burtonsville, MD. I was very excited to hear about a Cuban restaurant in the area and hopped over the first chance I got.

Although the outside looks like your average dumpy strip mall, the inside is actually quite cute. Deep red walls are covered with Caribbean paintings. Comfortable booths line the walls.

The menu has all the Cuban staples. Chris and I decided to stick with sandwiches. I got the chicken. He got the Cuban.

Disappointingly, my sandwich was not pressed. Also, they did not have any of the little potato crunchies on either sandwich. The sides we ordered were tasty (black beans and rice and yucca fries). The mojito I had was phenomenal, probably the highlight of the evening. The lowlight was the Cuban coffee.

Cuban coffee is not plain espresso! It is espresso with tons of sugar! It should be like syrup! It should have a froth on top!

If the place was close by I might stop by on occasion for a mojito and a passable Cuban sandwich, but the distance and the sad excuse for Cuban coffee means this will probably be a one time deal for me. Once again, a Cuban place disappoints. You just can't get good Cuban outside of Miami. I'm starting to think I'd even be disappointed with Cuban food in Cuba.

Review of Surfside

You all are surely aware that I have been on a quest for decent Mexican food in Washington, DC. It is an impossible task, but I am an optimist.

I had gotten word that Surfside had the best tacos in town. Naturally, I had to put that to the test.

The line was long when we arrived, which is always a good sign. While you wait in line, you fill out a little order form. You can chose one of their pre-designed concoctions or make your own.

Chris and I went with the Cuba (carnitas on corn tortillas with pineapple jalapeno salsa, lime sour cream and cilantro) and the Maui (grilled fish on corn tortillas with black bean and corn salsa, guacamole, cilantro and lime sour cream). All of which was chased down with perfectly iced cold Pacifico from their fridge.

It was great!

I wouldn't go so far as to call it authentic Mexican. It is more like Californian. But it is so much better than most of the faux tex mex crap you get served around here. And it is inexpensive (under $10 for two generously heaped upon tacos).

We took our tacos (and some not-so-great salsa and chips) upstairs to their adorable rooftop patio. It was the perfect place to kick back with those beers.

We will definitely be back. In fact, dinner isn't too far off...

Surfside,2444 Wisconsin Avenue Washington, DC 20007

Washington DC Style

There is a certain segment of the DC population (particularly centered around Georgetown) that likes the most unbelievably tacky clothes.

The pants in this Georgetown shop window are salmon colored with little whales all over them. And lest you think this is a joke, let me assure you that you will see people wearing these kinds of things.

Oddly, it is often people with obscene amounts of money that dress like this. I think it might be some secret code. The tackier you dress, the richer you are?

Cyprus Protest

You never know what you are going to learn just walking around DC.

Chris and I came upon this little vigil the other day. The sign says "We Demand Justice, Stop the Denial." Underneath it has a link to the Cyprus Action Nework.

I am ashamed to admit that I know nothing about Cyprus. So it came as a surprise to find out that Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and has since been occupying the northern part of the island.

And so ends today's history lesson.

Sad Ignorance at the Museum of American History

So, as I mentioned yesterday, we went to the National Museum of American History a couple weekends ago.

The museum has the Woolworth's lunch counter where Ezell A. Blair, Jr. , Franklin E. McCain, Joseph A. McNeil, and David L. Richmond sat down in 1960.

Hopefully, most of us have heard of how these four African American students set off a protest that ultimately desegregated Woolworths. But I don't think most of us know any more than that.

Well this poor kid at the museum was (while in character from the era) trying to educate the museum crowd. He kept asking questions and getting no response. You just know he goes home every day and marvels at our collective ignorance.

On a happier note, the crowd watching his performance was about as diverse as any I've ever seen. They just didn't know much about how they got that way.

The Scurlock Studio Exhibit at the NMAH

The National Museum of American History has an incredible photography exhibit through February of 2010.

The Scurlocks were local photographers who chronicled African American life in Washington DC. The exhibit covers about eighty years of DC history.

The photographs are beautifully done. Particularly impressive was an overhead shot of a ballroom from the thirties or forties. I don't know how they got that shot with that old equipment.

Of course, there were plenty of pictures of famous people (Martin Luther King to Marian Anderson), but it was the shots of everyday life that I really loved.

Also, there is a spot in the exhibit where locals can write down their DC memories and they post some up on a board. My favorite was the woman who talked about how nylon stockings used to last six months when they first came out, but how they make them like crap now. (My words, but the sentiment is the same.)

If you can't make it to the museum, you can see quite a few of the photos online.

Iran Protest in Washington, DC

So I inadvertently missed the big Iran protest this past weekend. But I did catch this smaller protest the weekend before on my way to the museum.

Not exactly bowling you over with numbers eh. You want to know the funniest thing about it? There were like four or five cop cars keeping an eye on them.

I mean really. It was totally family - all ages, lots of kids running around. What the hell did they think was going to happen. Why do police have to be everywhere all the time.

India Arie at the Merryweather

That little white spec down there is India Arie. She opened for John Legend a couple weeks ago at the Merryweather Post Pavilion out in Maryland.

I knew she was going to be good, but...she is a goddess.

She gave Chris chills. She almost made me cry. (And you all know I don't cry in public.) She played all the songs I wanted to hear.

And she put on a good show. I particularly liked the part where she ripped off her dreads to reveal her gorgeous bald self.

If you ever get the chance to see her, go.

Review of Thomas Sweet

So Thomas Sweet is not my favorite ice cream place in DC. In fact, I almost always head across the street to Dolcezza.

However, if I were a kid, I would probably like Thomas Sweet better than anyplace. They have all the ice cream flavors kids like and a zillion toppings. They have fudge and birthday cakes and plenty of places to sit and gorge on them.

So, if you are looking for incredible flavors, go to Dolcezza. If you want great ice cream and gruff service, go to Larry's. But if you have a troop of little ones you need to distract with vanilla wafer and m&m topped cookie dough ice cream, Thomas Sweet it is.

Thomas Sweet, 3214 P Street, Washington, DC

Review of El Chalan

El Chalan is a little Peruvian place near Foggy Bottom. It is an aged looking place - the kind of place where middle-aged male waiters wear white shirts and dark pants.

The restaurant was nearly empty the day we were there, nothing to distract from the wood chairs and slightly worse for wear walls.

The food was good, not greats, but good. The pisco sours were good. The lomo saltado - good. You get the picture.

I get the impression that this place is more happening at lunch. I can picture some dudes in business suits from the World Bank or IMF coming into this basement restaurant to discuss policy over some meat and potatoes. For the rest of us, I would recommend Las Canteras instead.

El Chalan, 1924 I Street NW, Washington, DC

Review of Max's Best Ice Cream

I've only eaten at Max's best once, but I'm going to review it anyways. Truth be told, there are so many amazing ice cream and gelato places in DC, there isn't much chance of my getting out to Max's much.

The place is tiny. The wall is covered with pictures of delighted children and DC celebrities (ie. dorky politicians). It is conveniently located right next to Rocklands BBQ and makes a handy dessert stop.

They have a great assortment of homemade flavors - from Mexican chocolate to cookie dough. If you are in the neighborhood, check it out.

Max's Best, 2416 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC

Hana Japanese Market in DC

There is a new Japanese convenience store down the road from our house (on Florida). It is a snackers paradise.

It is also filled with cool looking Japanese packages - so colorful, like someplace you'd want to go on an acid trip.

They have real food too. You can get sushi grade fish, seaweed, all different kinds of noodles, and mochi. (O.k., some of you may not think mochi is real food, but I could totally eat those little dough covered ice creams for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I really hope this place manages to survive. It's not in the most trafficked area of the city. Get the word out.

Hana, 2004 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Review of Martin's Tavern

This is going to be a quick and dirty review, because I won't be recommending Martin's Tavern to anyone.

Martin's has been around for 75 years, opened by Irish immigrants when Georgetown was still a working class port. It's an icon. JFK even proposed to Jackie here.

Too bad the food doesn't live up to the historic reputation - Think velveeta and white toast for a cheese dip.

Many of the Georgetown restaurants are sub par, but I found Martin's particularly disappointing.

United States Botanic Garden

This is the U.S. Botanic Garden, just next to the capital. This picture is actually a bit old. It seems they have put up some covering since then, which is nice, cause it gets hot.

Inside, the conservatory is divided into sections - desert, jungle... Personally, I find most of the conservatory a bit claustrophobic. The paths are narrow and crowded with slow walkers.

The exhibit rooms are more spacious and more interesting than you might think. Christmas time they decorate the hell out of the place. They also have an annual orchid show.

At the moment, they have an exhibit called plants in culture that focuses on how people use herbs and flowers. You can walk around sniffing vanilla and patchouli and whatnot.

The garden also has a significant educational center where you can take classes on gardening and food. They even provide a certification class in botanic illustration (who knew).

Globes in Washington DC

These crazy globes are all over the place near the Botanic Gardens on the mall.

They are part of the Cool Globes exhibit, meant to bring attention to sustainability.

I have to say, they are all pretty cool. I wish they weren't slated to come down in October. Personally, I think we should have art like this all over the city.

But alas, you have only another few months to check them out, so go to it.

Hotel Rouge in Washington DC

The Rouge is a Kimpton Hotel and the only hotel in DC I have actually stayed in. As you can see, it is kinda funky, modern, hipster.

We got a great summer deal when we stayed there, but normally the place costs 2 - 300 per night.

The room was a decent size. They have a cool little, moody bar downstairs where you can get lovely cocktails and snacks.

On Saturday mornings, they serve cold pizza for breakfast. They also have a daily wine and beer happy hour for guests. Of course, they serve only red wine and Red Stripe. It is the rouge after all.

Like all Kimpton hotels, it has personality and the service is friendly. The fact that Kimpton is consistently voted as one of the best hotels to work for really shows.

If you have the cash or can get a good deal, you should definitely put this place on the top of your list.

The National Holocaust Museum

This is the National Holocaust Museum. It is enormous and anyone visiting should set aside several hours.

You'll need tickets to see the main exhibit. You can get them online (with an appointment time). Alternatively, you can show up early and get them first come first serve at the museum, but you may have to wait a while to get in.

Our appointment wasn't for a while, so we wandered around the other exhibits first. They have a multimedia genocide exhibit that covers current crisis, like Darfur and the DRC. Unfortunately, the exhibit is in a tucked away corner of the museum that wasn't heavily trafficked. It would be better if they focused more on getting people involved.

Another exhibit was the diary of a young boy who survived the concentration camps. They recreated the home he lived in before and the ghetto they had to move to afterwards. At the end of the exhibit, there was an activity center for people to write down their feelings about the exhibit.

There was also an exhibit about the Protocols of Zion, something I had never even heard of until recently. This book is, apparently, the go to text for all people who think the Jews are trying to take over the world. Though it was proven a fraud, it has been translated into multiple languages and can be found within all sorts of antisemitic communities.

The main exhibit, which starts with an elevator ride to the top floor, works its way down through the history of the holocaust. It covers historic antisemitism, Hitler's life, the Nazi rise to power, the ghettos, the camps, and the world's reaction.

One of the most remarkable things to me was not the stories of those people who closed their eyes to what was going on, but the ones who didn't. The entire country of Denmark banned together to save their Jews, while all those other countries did not. One entire town in France hid Jews, despite great danger to themselves, while other nearby towns did not.

I've stopped being surprised about people being caught up in a wave of evil or acting out of pure selfishness. But I am in awe of those people who fight the wave, while everyone around them succumbs. Makes me want to go to Denmark.

Review of the Tabard

The Tabard is an inn and restaurant. The eclectic inn has been in operation since 1917. I've never stayed there, but it is the place I usually put up guests when they come to town.

The restaurant; however, I have been to on several occasions. Tucked into the back of the house, it feels like a hidden bistro. The small, brick enclosed and covered courtyard is one of the best places for a weekend brunch (assuming you can get a reservation) or a quiet weekday breakfast.

The dining room is the scene of power lunches during the day and romantic dinners at night. The highlight of all meals are the sweets. They have an incredible desert menu, currently highlighting Turkish Creme Brulee and chocolate truffle torte.

My least favorite meal at the Tabard was the salmon I had the one time I ate there for dinner. It was, sadly, a bit mush. The other diners were much happier with their meals, but I still prefer to stick with breakfast, lunch, and desert. If you are going to drop $25 or $30 for an entree, there are better places in DC to do it (food wise).

Brunch and lunch, on the other hand, are hard to beat. And, in a city with a serious shortage of hotels, the Tabard is one of the best (and most economical) choices.

I was remiss on Friday and didn't post upcoming events. Bad!

• Both the Source Festival and Capital Fringe continue to entertain, although Source wraps up on the 12th.
  

• Also on the 12th, Busboys and Poets is screening the movie Medicine for Melancholy. The filmmakers will be around for a post film discussion.
  

• The 14th is Bastille Day and French restaurants around town are celebrating. The most raucous crowd promises to be at Bistrot du Coin.
  

• The 15th, there is a revolutionary puppet show and food drive at La Casa Community Center (3166 Mt. Pleasant Rd. NW, Washington DC 20010)
  

• The 15th is also a Wednesday, which means free concerts at the Strathmore.
  

• Thursdays free concert is jazz at the American Art Museum.
  

Fourth of July Parade 2009

This is definitely my picture of the month. It was taken at the tail end of the yearly Fourth of July parade.

Chris and I didn't go to the parade, but we caught the last float on our way to the Folklife Festival. Thankfully, the last float just happened to be the Hare Krishnas.

It was quite festive. This long haired, bearded hippy was truly loving life. I'm not sure all that jubilation was just from singing, but whatever.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2009

Every year the Smithsonian puts on a Folklife Festival on the National Mall. This year's themes were African American storytelling, Wales, and Latin American music.

The Latin American Music section had three stages with musicians from all over. They played everything from merengue to conjunto.

The African American storytelling section had different stages set up, including a kitchen, a barbershop, and a stoop. Performers told stories, recited poetry, and sang.

Craftspeople from Wales also set up demonstrations. Pictured is the spinner. There was also a bookbinder, an animator, basket weavers, wood carvers, boat builders, and a baker. It made me want to learn something useful.

Each section had food as well. We ate in Central America (platanos and chicken with rice). Nothing to write home about.

Review of 2 Amys

Ask most people what the best pizza place in DC is and they will send you to 2 Amys. There you will get authentic Neapolitan pizza, as certified by the Italian Verace Pizza Napoletana Association. Very official.

The restaurant is a bit off the beaten track, several blocks from the Tenleytown metro. Not to worry. I guarantee you will need to walk off the extra food you stuffed in while you were there.

They use the best ingredients. I was blown away by the my stuffed pizza. The Ripieno Extra was filled with salami, prosciutto, pancetta, tomato, grana and the freshest ricotta I have ever tasted.

The pizza was preceded by a simple and flavorful mixed green salad with a lemon, red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. It was followed by creamy, homemade ice cream.

Service was perfect. Prices are reasonable. You really can't go wrong. (Unless you don't like pizza. And that's just weird.)

Review of Matchbox

Matchbox has found some sort of magic formula, thus ensuring that there is almost always a long wait for a table (at least in the Chinatown location).

The restaurant takes advantage of its row house location. Exposed brick and wood dominate the decor. Aside from the cramped bar, the narrow dining areas are cozy.

Service is generally good. Although, like all crowded places, your server can disappear for a while. If you can manage to get there at an off hour when it isn't jammed, eating at the bar is a treat. The bartenders are on it.

The beer, wine and mixed drink menus are extensive. I'm a particular fan of the Watermelon Tease (house-infused watermelon vodka, rum, gin, tequila triple sec, splash sour mix, Coke & Sprite). Although you can't go wrong with a glass of the Brooklyn Weisse wheat beer.

Their specialty at Matchbox are sliders, tasty mini burgers covered in thin, crispy onion rings. You can get them with gouda, mozzarella or gorgonzola cheese. Also incredibly good are the pepperoni and meatball rolls - perfect crusty dough stuffed with spiced meat, cheese and sauce and then baked in the wood-fired oven.

Prices are very reasonable, especially by DC standards, and it's a great place to go with guests or friends. It is not; however, a great place to go to actually hear what people are saying. As it gets loud as hell in there.

What better place to be on Fourth of July weekend than Washington, DC. Get into your zen state so the crowds won't get to you and:

• Hit the National Mall for the yearly parade, concert and fireworks display on Saturday.
  

• Do not miss the Folklife Festival, especially not the Latin American music section. Sunday is the last day.
  

• Sunday also closes out this year's Artomatic.
  

• Not to worry, the Source Festival continues.
  

• And Capital Fringe kicks off on Thursday.
  

• Also next week is the DC Hip Hop Theater Festival.
  

• Oh, and for all you skate rats, there are skateboarding demonstrations at the NMAI all weekend

Happy Fourth.

Review of Lauriol Plaza

The search for a good Mexican restaurant has continued. Pictured here is Lauriol Plaza.

Lauriol Plaza has a few things going for it. They have a large outdoor eating area and a huge dining room. They make some great drinks. And they have an ideal location (between Dupont and Adams Morgan).

The first time I went there (for breakfast) I ordered the chilaquiles. They were awful. I didn't go back for a long time. The next time I was dragged there by my work and ordered a carne asada. It was flavorful and perfectly cooked.

I went back again with Chris. This time I ordered a salad and a tamale. He ordered an enchilada. The salad was passable. The tamale was good. The enchilada was delicious. All in all, Lauriol Plaza is a hit or miss experience. Stop by for a few drinks with friends. And stick to the few things on the menu they seem to do well.

Ruff & Ready

Ruff and Ready is on 14th street, not too far south of U. It's located in an old house that is quite literally falling apart.

The place is packed to the gills with antiques and junk. This is the patio area where they keep outdoor furniture, some dishes, pots, birdhouses, iron, and who knows what else.

Beyond the patio is a huge warehouse type room with furniture in a variety of conditions. Prior to the patio was the main house which is so packed that two people cannot get through any hall at any time.

Any kind of knickknack or whatnot you can think of can be found at this place. I could wander its dusty corridors for hours. Last trip, I discovered that they have a basement as well. Turns out it was just as packed as the rest of the place. It's nuts.

If you are a treasure hunter, this place is not to be missed.

Review of Lebanese Taverna

There are several Lebanese Tavernas in the area, but I have only been to the one in Woodley Park. It has a very healthy sized outdoor eating area and a lovely dining room.

Pictured is the shankleesh (feta with paprika rolled in sesame, thyme and sumac). Another favorite, the fattoush salad, is perfectly spiced and flavored with olive oil.

The pitas are like puffy little pillows, perfect for dipping in hummos or shankleesh or (for the brave) their super spicy harissa.

Prices at Lebanese Taverna are surprisingly reasonable, although you always have to watch yourself in places with a large selection of small plates. Service can be a little spotty, but not usually terrible.

All in all a good choice.

Asia After Dark at the Freer Sackler

Back on June 4th, the Freer and Sackler galleries had their first ever Asia After Dark event.

Tickets were only $15 each and included food, entertainment, and one cocktail. You could also wander around the exhibits.

The dancers in the picture are from the Silk Road Dance Company. They had two performances of traditional Middle Eastern and Persian Dance.

The woman who was describing the dances to us had the biggest hair I had ever seen in my life. She was also extremely cranky that nobody was listening to her shpeel.

It was a great event, with two exceptions. The DJ had every drunk person out there dancing up a storm and nobody was very happy that the dancing had to stop for the performance. Also, the food was stuck in two little corners. The lines for the food were incredibly long and then the food wasn't too great.

Still, I'll be looking forward to the next one.

Coming This Week

Another packed weekend here in DC:

• For play addicts, the Source Festival continues until July 12th
  

• For art addicts, Artomatic continues through July 5th
  

• The Smithsonian Folklife Festival kicked off this past Wednesday. This year the focus is on African American storytelling, Welsh crafts, and Latin American music.
  

• The annual Safeway BBQ Battle is this weekend
  

• As is the grand reopening of Eastern Market, complete with free food and entertainment
  

• Yoni Ki Baat, the South Asian version of Vagina Monologues has three performances this weekend at the DC Arts Center
  

• Jazz in the Garden continues tonight in the Sculpture Garden
  

• You can join the ACLU tomorrow to protest Don't Ask Don't Tell
  

• And if you aren't completely exhausted by Sunday, you can hit the Festa Italiana
  

Three Servicemen Statue Vietnam Memorial

When you think of the Vietnam memorial in DC, you probably think of the long, black, reflective wall of names.

The memorial actually consists of two parts, that wall and this statue called Three Servicemen.

Apparently, many people thought that the wall was too focused on death. They wanted something more heroic. The servicemen were added a couple years later.

Frankly, I think the focus on death was appropriate, but the statue is fine. The figures are not particularly heroic or grim.

They are just a few somber kids with very large weapons.