So I went to the newly re-opened American History Museum this morning. Now, in the interest of full disclosure I should point out that I generally hate museums. I also don't really like people, so this wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but I'll try to look at it objectively...
The museum is certainly much more bright and open than it used to be - thats the good part.
Honestly I gotta ask what took them two years to do this, though. The wings of the museum are essentially the same as they've always been - they just re-did the middle section. Yes, it is dramatically different than it used to be... but two years worth?
The big draw - the Star Spangled Banner, is set in a very nice display, but unfortunately its not longer in an open space like it used to be. As a result, there was about a 30 minute line this morning to get to see it. Sure, today was probably much more busy than a normal November Saturday, but come tourist season this is going to be one more long line to stand in.
Bottom line, the new setup is nice, and was probably needed, but temper expectations
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
This Weekend
Everyone is focused on the big holiday coming up next week, what they're going to do with days off, travel plans, etc. but there are a few things going on this weekend.
After a 2-year remodeling project, the American History Museum opens again with a bang (literally, as there will be a canon) on Friday. The formerly-disjointed space is supposedly now much more accessible and open, and the Star Spangled Banner is back on prominent display.
Friday's festivities will open with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Colin Powell, and the special events continue all weekend. It's TBD as to whether the museum will continue to ask patrons to walk through the mags before entering, but if so be prepared for long lines. Even though its, like, the anti-tourist season around here (which we're thankful for), I'd expect the lines to be extreme this weekend.
Saturday (well, and Friday, too, but your life concierge is going Saturday) is the annual big bash - the Old Ebbitt Oyster Riot. There are a number of tickets on Craigslist as of now, but a quick check suggests you'd better be prepared to pay a significant upcharge from the original cost (the event sold out in 16 minutes back in early September). The event is 630-930, and you can stop by beforehand to pick up your bracelet starting at 4 if you so wish. Yeah, the Ebbitt has free valet, but don't use it. Come on people, all you can drink open bar. Hail a cab.
Sunday the Redskins play the Seahawks at 4:15pm. The skins desperately need this game. Desperately. Even though the Seahawks are only 2-8 on the season, Hasselback has returned and is getting some of his receivers back from injury - and we all saw how difficult it was for the Skins to beat the Lions. Add in the fact that Zorn came from Seattle and Holmgren knows his tricks, and this thing could get interesting
After a 2-year remodeling project, the American History Museum opens again with a bang (literally, as there will be a canon) on Friday. The formerly-disjointed space is supposedly now much more accessible and open, and the Star Spangled Banner is back on prominent display.
Friday's festivities will open with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Colin Powell, and the special events continue all weekend. It's TBD as to whether the museum will continue to ask patrons to walk through the mags before entering, but if so be prepared for long lines. Even though its, like, the anti-tourist season around here (which we're thankful for), I'd expect the lines to be extreme this weekend.
Saturday (well, and Friday, too, but your life concierge is going Saturday) is the annual big bash - the Old Ebbitt Oyster Riot. There are a number of tickets on Craigslist as of now, but a quick check suggests you'd better be prepared to pay a significant upcharge from the original cost (the event sold out in 16 minutes back in early September). The event is 630-930, and you can stop by beforehand to pick up your bracelet starting at 4 if you so wish. Yeah, the Ebbitt has free valet, but don't use it. Come on people, all you can drink open bar. Hail a cab.
Sunday the Redskins play the Seahawks at 4:15pm. The skins desperately need this game. Desperately. Even though the Seahawks are only 2-8 on the season, Hasselback has returned and is getting some of his receivers back from injury - and we all saw how difficult it was for the Skins to beat the Lions. Add in the fact that Zorn came from Seattle and Holmgren knows his tricks, and this thing could get interesting
The $1500 Dinner
This week, two of the country's top chefs gathered at New York's Per Se restaurant at the Times Warner Center to prepare a 20-course feast. The cost? $1500 per person.
Thomas Keller of California's French Laundry (among numerous other ventures) and Greg Achatz of Chicago's Alinea have recently released a cookbook, and what better way to celebrate and market than to cook three of these blowout meals - one at Per Se, one at Alinea, and one at the French Laundrty. $1500 sounds like a lot for one meal (and who are we kidding, it is), but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes 20 courses from two of the nation's top chefs, wine pairings, tax, tip, and a signed copy of the book.
Here's the menu... http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/11/11/dining/Mentor_Protege_Dinner.pdf
(and in case anyone wondered how bad the economy is, not to worry - all three dinners are sold out with mile-long waiting lists)
Thomas Keller of California's French Laundry (among numerous other ventures) and Greg Achatz of Chicago's Alinea have recently released a cookbook, and what better way to celebrate and market than to cook three of these blowout meals - one at Per Se, one at Alinea, and one at the French Laundrty. $1500 sounds like a lot for one meal (and who are we kidding, it is), but it's also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes 20 courses from two of the nation's top chefs, wine pairings, tax, tip, and a signed copy of the book.
Here's the menu... http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/11/11/dining/Mentor_Protege_Dinner.pdf
(and in case anyone wondered how bad the economy is, not to worry - all three dinners are sold out with mile-long waiting lists)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Yet Another Reason to Avoid Adams Morgan on the Weekends
The Adams Morgan Business Improvement District and the bowtie-wearing DC Councilman Jim Graham recently teamed up to try to improve traffic on 18th Street through the area with an alternative taxi system.
There are now two taxi stands set up near 18th street, and from 9pm until 4am this 90 day pilot program makes it illegal for a taxi to pick up a fare on 18th Street if not at one of these designated stands.
First of all, I don't see the point. Except for stalling Metrobus, which could easily route itself 1 block away in either direction, 18th St isn't a major thruway, and isn't a major traffic disruption to rush hour at those times. Yes, traffic gets clogged there on the weekends, but the only people it's really blocking that badly are the very ones who are causing the issue - the bar traffic taking cabs to go out. Yeah, its annoying, but not intolerable. Residents in the area can take easily-accessed alternate routes.
And shockingly, reports are widespread that the system isn't working. People who try to obey the rules while cabs skirt the taxi stands in favor of side streets one or two blocks over - so all they've done is to spread out the problem to streets that were previously clear for the most part. Which is even better when you consider that the violent crime rate has spiked in that area recently, so sending the scattered masses into the less-travelled neighborhoods nearby is a swell idea. Not.
Adams Morgan is a good time... Tues - Thursday. I know I'm going to get hate mail for this, but this is just the latest in a long list of reasons to stay away from 18th Street on the weekend.
There are now two taxi stands set up near 18th street, and from 9pm until 4am this 90 day pilot program makes it illegal for a taxi to pick up a fare on 18th Street if not at one of these designated stands.
First of all, I don't see the point. Except for stalling Metrobus, which could easily route itself 1 block away in either direction, 18th St isn't a major thruway, and isn't a major traffic disruption to rush hour at those times. Yes, traffic gets clogged there on the weekends, but the only people it's really blocking that badly are the very ones who are causing the issue - the bar traffic taking cabs to go out. Yeah, its annoying, but not intolerable. Residents in the area can take easily-accessed alternate routes.
And shockingly, reports are widespread that the system isn't working. People who try to obey the rules while cabs skirt the taxi stands in favor of side streets one or two blocks over - so all they've done is to spread out the problem to streets that were previously clear for the most part. Which is even better when you consider that the violent crime rate has spiked in that area recently, so sending the scattered masses into the less-travelled neighborhoods nearby is a swell idea. Not.
Adams Morgan is a good time... Tues - Thursday. I know I'm going to get hate mail for this, but this is just the latest in a long list of reasons to stay away from 18th Street on the weekend.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanksgiving Travel Warning
A few notes regarding Thanksgiving travel next week:
- Parking at DCA is never easy around the holidays - there simply aren't enough spaces for the amount of travellers. There is good news and bad news here... The good news is the airport authority is expanding the parking garages to accomodate more parking in the future. The bad news? Construction is currently ongoing, greatly limiting the number of available spaces. Before you leave for the airport, check out http://www.metwashairports.com/reagan/parking_transportation_4/parking_2 for the current number of available spaces. If you have to park economy, add 15 minutes to your trip to the airport so you can take the shuttle. And I wouldn't be surprised if those economy spots filled up next week. Metro is the best alternative (but yes, I loathe taking my suitcase on the train as well).
- Despite pleas from travelers ever since last Thanksgiving, the word from area VDOT/MDOT is that the new Wilson Bridge lanes will still not be open next week to ease the influx of traffic. Apparently painting those lines takes a reeeeeeeeeeeeally loooooooooong tiiiiiiiiiime.
- A one bright spot: President Bush is once again opening up "Holiday Express Lanes" for air travel through military airspace normally off-limits to civilian traffic. This helps to ease traditional choke points when air "lanes" merge around these zones, and decreases traffic delays (which will be lighter than years past anyway due to reduced schedules).
- Seattle Tacoma, Chicago O'Hare, and Washington Dulles are all opening new runways this Thursday. All three are projects to significantly reduce delays during inclement weather - you can't have two runways open during bad visibility if they are too close together, so these improvements are coming just in time for the winter season.
And, as always, remember people with millions of people taking to the roads, rails, and airways, a little patience goes along way to keeping everyone happy. Get to the airport a bit early, chill out, and for the love of God remember exact change on the airplane.
- Parking at DCA is never easy around the holidays - there simply aren't enough spaces for the amount of travellers. There is good news and bad news here... The good news is the airport authority is expanding the parking garages to accomodate more parking in the future. The bad news? Construction is currently ongoing, greatly limiting the number of available spaces. Before you leave for the airport, check out http://www.metwashairports.com/reagan/parking_transportation_4/parking_2 for the current number of available spaces. If you have to park economy, add 15 minutes to your trip to the airport so you can take the shuttle. And I wouldn't be surprised if those economy spots filled up next week. Metro is the best alternative (but yes, I loathe taking my suitcase on the train as well).
- Despite pleas from travelers ever since last Thanksgiving, the word from area VDOT/MDOT is that the new Wilson Bridge lanes will still not be open next week to ease the influx of traffic. Apparently painting those lines takes a reeeeeeeeeeeeally loooooooooong tiiiiiiiiiime.
- A one bright spot: President Bush is once again opening up "Holiday Express Lanes" for air travel through military airspace normally off-limits to civilian traffic. This helps to ease traditional choke points when air "lanes" merge around these zones, and decreases traffic delays (which will be lighter than years past anyway due to reduced schedules).
- Seattle Tacoma, Chicago O'Hare, and Washington Dulles are all opening new runways this Thursday. All three are projects to significantly reduce delays during inclement weather - you can't have two runways open during bad visibility if they are too close together, so these improvements are coming just in time for the winter season.
And, as always, remember people with millions of people taking to the roads, rails, and airways, a little patience goes along way to keeping everyone happy. Get to the airport a bit early, chill out, and for the love of God remember exact change on the airplane.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Restaurant Week Part Tres?
It's True! Open Table (if you don't know what open table is, get off my site. Now. Go.) is running a promotion called the Appetite Stimulus Plan. Similar to Restaurant Week, a 3-course lunch is $24 and dinner is $35. 150 Restaurants are participating, but the promotion ends this Friday so book fast!
http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&ref=4684&pid=329
http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&ref=4684&pid=329
Thursday, November 13, 2008
DC Steak Houses
It seems like you can't go a block these days in DC without running into a steakhouse. Which are worth you dollars? Depends on what you're looking for...
The Palm - This is the steak place everyone knows but few seem to have been to. Recently The Palm underwent renovations - gone is the clubby and dark feeling, its now bright and very open with a lot of windows and a "modern" feel. It just doesn't really work for me, though. This is a K street staple, and it seems like it should play more towards its audience, not try to be young and hip for the dupont crowd. I've heard a fair number of people say the food is tired and the steak isn't that great - none of the steak regulars I know visit The Palm anymore.
Smith and Wollensky - Across the street from the Palm, this old standby has a more rustic feeling interior. I like S/W for lunch - they have a decent burger and some good salads, but I don't see myself here at dinner. While I appreciate that they haven't remodeled for the ultra-modern set like The Palm, the interior looks a little tired and dingy - but the prices are reflective of something more.
Mortons - this national chain seems to be the most popular of the DC area steakhouses, with locations near K St, Crystal City, and Bethesda. Yes, Mortons is a chain, but doesn't always feel like one. They have great bread before dinner, a respectable wine list, and a usually experienced staff. This is a classic, safe steakhouse where you know you'll get a good meal and a good experience, though you probably won't be blown away by anything in particular.
Capitol Grille - I want to like this place, I really do. The interior is, in my opinion, what a good steakhouse should be. A little dark, rich, warm. But they have some serious consistency problems with the food and service. Yes, I'm under 40 and don't drive a Bentley, but my money is as good as the guy's across the room, and I know how to tip. The tartare is very good, and they have the best tomato and vidalia onion salad I've had around here. The entrees can be iffy, I've had some wonderful steaks before and some that weren't so great, and a tuna steak that was cooked to the point of being rubbery by the time it hit the table (ordered medium rare). This is a chain and I've only hit the Capitol Hill location, the others may be better (or worse).
Charlie Palmer Steak - This plays pulls off the modern steakhouse that The Palm tries and fails to, and they do it really well. The ambience is bright and open without being jarringly so, and the menu is similar. The tuna tartare is excellent as a starter, and all of the beef and seafood entrees I've had have been top notch. Dessert is also a hit, too - get the Chocolate Pave if it's on the menu when you are there. Fair warning, the markup on the wine list is excessive. Service goes from being professional to detached. During lunch, they do offer a $25 3-course special from a small list of pre-defined choices.
Ruth's Chris - this is a ubiquitous chain steakhouse, and it feels like it. A side of a Caramelized beefsteak tomato is good in theory - but not if its February with a hot house tomato. Steaks are ok, but at this price point I'd hit Mortons instead. If you gotta go, the Dupont location seems to be the area's best.
Prime Rib - I actually just ate at Prime Rib last night, so its still fresh. Walking into Prime Rib is a bit like stepping into 1940. Jackets and ties are required for men in the dining room for dinner, there is leopard skins carpet, black leather booths, etc. The tomato and onion salad was ok, and the sides were a bit on the small side and a bit weak. But the beef... three of us had the filet that was perfectly cooked to medium rare and had a great, buttery flavor. The prime rib was HUGE and well-marbled. And you HAVE to get the bread pudding here if you go - it was the best I've ever had by far.
Ray's the Steaks - I debated about putting this on the list because it isn't really a DC steakhouse per se - its in Clarendon and is definately a different breed. There is no decor, they take no reservations - but the beef is good and its incredibly reasonably priced.
The Palm - This is the steak place everyone knows but few seem to have been to. Recently The Palm underwent renovations - gone is the clubby and dark feeling, its now bright and very open with a lot of windows and a "modern" feel. It just doesn't really work for me, though. This is a K street staple, and it seems like it should play more towards its audience, not try to be young and hip for the dupont crowd. I've heard a fair number of people say the food is tired and the steak isn't that great - none of the steak regulars I know visit The Palm anymore.
Smith and Wollensky - Across the street from the Palm, this old standby has a more rustic feeling interior. I like S/W for lunch - they have a decent burger and some good salads, but I don't see myself here at dinner. While I appreciate that they haven't remodeled for the ultra-modern set like The Palm, the interior looks a little tired and dingy - but the prices are reflective of something more.
Mortons - this national chain seems to be the most popular of the DC area steakhouses, with locations near K St, Crystal City, and Bethesda. Yes, Mortons is a chain, but doesn't always feel like one. They have great bread before dinner, a respectable wine list, and a usually experienced staff. This is a classic, safe steakhouse where you know you'll get a good meal and a good experience, though you probably won't be blown away by anything in particular.
Capitol Grille - I want to like this place, I really do. The interior is, in my opinion, what a good steakhouse should be. A little dark, rich, warm. But they have some serious consistency problems with the food and service. Yes, I'm under 40 and don't drive a Bentley, but my money is as good as the guy's across the room, and I know how to tip. The tartare is very good, and they have the best tomato and vidalia onion salad I've had around here. The entrees can be iffy, I've had some wonderful steaks before and some that weren't so great, and a tuna steak that was cooked to the point of being rubbery by the time it hit the table (ordered medium rare). This is a chain and I've only hit the Capitol Hill location, the others may be better (or worse).
Charlie Palmer Steak - This plays pulls off the modern steakhouse that The Palm tries and fails to, and they do it really well. The ambience is bright and open without being jarringly so, and the menu is similar. The tuna tartare is excellent as a starter, and all of the beef and seafood entrees I've had have been top notch. Dessert is also a hit, too - get the Chocolate Pave if it's on the menu when you are there. Fair warning, the markup on the wine list is excessive. Service goes from being professional to detached. During lunch, they do offer a $25 3-course special from a small list of pre-defined choices.
Ruth's Chris - this is a ubiquitous chain steakhouse, and it feels like it. A side of a Caramelized beefsteak tomato is good in theory - but not if its February with a hot house tomato. Steaks are ok, but at this price point I'd hit Mortons instead. If you gotta go, the Dupont location seems to be the area's best.
Prime Rib - I actually just ate at Prime Rib last night, so its still fresh. Walking into Prime Rib is a bit like stepping into 1940. Jackets and ties are required for men in the dining room for dinner, there is leopard skins carpet, black leather booths, etc. The tomato and onion salad was ok, and the sides were a bit on the small side and a bit weak. But the beef... three of us had the filet that was perfectly cooked to medium rare and had a great, buttery flavor. The prime rib was HUGE and well-marbled. And you HAVE to get the bread pudding here if you go - it was the best I've ever had by far.
Ray's the Steaks - I debated about putting this on the list because it isn't really a DC steakhouse per se - its in Clarendon and is definately a different breed. There is no decor, they take no reservations - but the beef is good and its incredibly reasonably priced.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Super Duper Flight Sale
Due to lagging demand, Southwest has announced a major flight sale all across the U.S., and many of the legacy carriers have followed suit. Southwest's fares are $49-109 for weekday travel (each way) and $59-159 for weekends. These are by fare the lowest fares that I've seen in months, and the sale ends TOMORROW, so if you're planning on booking travel for a winter vacation, book NOW.
Monday, November 10, 2008
New Sushi Joint in Chinatown
A new sushi place (well, ok, Japanese Restaurant) has opened in Chinatown at 5th and H St. NW, and so far it's getting pretty good reviews.
Momiji looks to offer many of the standard sushi staples with a few unique rolls added to the mix. There are also the ubiquitous miso soup and tempura options. This could be a good alternative to the nearby Wok 'n Roll - which has always smelled a bit odd (though the sushi isn't bad).
Momiji looks to offer many of the standard sushi staples with a few unique rolls added to the mix. There are also the ubiquitous miso soup and tempura options. This could be a good alternative to the nearby Wok 'n Roll - which has always smelled a bit odd (though the sushi isn't bad).
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Putting the Lounge Back in Cap Lounge
When the House recessed this fall for the election, Cap Lounge took advantage of the lull by closing the dankish lower level to be remodeled. Just in time for the return of the Hill posse, the lower level has re-opened with a new and improved loungy-ness.
The remodel includes new flooring, new ceilings, what had to have been a DEEP cleaning, and trendy new furnishings. But more exciting are the changes in the beer selection.
Behind the downstairs bar is now a refrigerator with nearly 50 beers by the bottle, and on top of the bar there will soon be twelve taps. Why, oh why, with all of these beers, do they STILL not offer Miller Lite?!
The current beer list includes the usual domestics (non-miller products), Rogue Dead Guy, several Chimays, Bell's Porter, Eggenberg Doublebock (a favorite of the Life Concierge when Miller Lite is missing) and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, plus quite a few more.
The lounge always had a certain divey feeling that I liked, but downstairs took it a bit far. Hopefully this will be a much better alternative (no word yet on if the pool tables remain - lets hope so.)
The remodel includes new flooring, new ceilings, what had to have been a DEEP cleaning, and trendy new furnishings. But more exciting are the changes in the beer selection.
Behind the downstairs bar is now a refrigerator with nearly 50 beers by the bottle, and on top of the bar there will soon be twelve taps. Why, oh why, with all of these beers, do they STILL not offer Miller Lite?!
The current beer list includes the usual domestics (non-miller products), Rogue Dead Guy, several Chimays, Bell's Porter, Eggenberg Doublebock (a favorite of the Life Concierge when Miller Lite is missing) and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, plus quite a few more.
The lounge always had a certain divey feeling that I liked, but downstairs took it a bit far. Hopefully this will be a much better alternative (no word yet on if the pool tables remain - lets hope so.)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Holiday Air Fare Sales
Most people who are planning to fly over the holidays are seeing sticker shock at the ticket prices. Many tickets are up 50% over last year, and some rural-to-rural tickets (imagine Bemidji, MN to Butte, MT) are averaging over $1,000. So the theme of this year is, if you see a moderate fare, grab it while the grabbing is good.
Having said that, most airlines are starting to offer non-peak sales around the Christmas/New Years holiday (I've gotten emails from NWA and AA about this, but I bet they're all doing it). Which days are off peak? Well... think of the most convenient days to travel, and then search for the opposite. Christmas Eve and Christmas day are both good options. If you want to fly out on 12/23 and come bac 12/27 - so does everyone else, so be prepared to pay up. Even though the best fares are off peak, I'd check out the airlines' Web sites and see if you can at least do one of the legs at a reduced fare. A couple of weeks ago I paid $473 for my flight, that same flight is now $441 - not a huge difference, but I'm also not flying on off-peak days.
Having said that, most airlines are starting to offer non-peak sales around the Christmas/New Years holiday (I've gotten emails from NWA and AA about this, but I bet they're all doing it). Which days are off peak? Well... think of the most convenient days to travel, and then search for the opposite. Christmas Eve and Christmas day are both good options. If you want to fly out on 12/23 and come bac 12/27 - so does everyone else, so be prepared to pay up. Even though the best fares are off peak, I'd check out the airlines' Web sites and see if you can at least do one of the legs at a reduced fare. A couple of weeks ago I paid $473 for my flight, that same flight is now $441 - not a huge difference, but I'm also not flying on off-peak days.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tom Sietsema in some hot water...
Tom reviewed the new Logan restaurant named Commissary last Friday. Well, I wouldn't say he reviewed it as much as he slammed it in a piece that was unusually vitrolic for the mild-mannered critic.
Today, the post issued a complete retraction and pulled the article from their Web site. Apparently Tom had a prior "personal relationship" with one of the owners of Commissary's parent company, and the Post (and Commissary's owners) feel as though he should have recused himself from this review.
What the nature of the "personal relationship" was, is unclear. It is clear, however, that Tom was pouring an unusual amount of criticism on the fledgling restaurant - we'll hope he was just having a bad day and there was no sinister intent.
Today, the post issued a complete retraction and pulled the article from their Web site. Apparently Tom had a prior "personal relationship" with one of the owners of Commissary's parent company, and the Post (and Commissary's owners) feel as though he should have recused himself from this review.
What the nature of the "personal relationship" was, is unclear. It is clear, however, that Tom was pouring an unusual amount of criticism on the fledgling restaurant - we'll hope he was just having a bad day and there was no sinister intent.
DC Traffic Alert
If you're thinking of driving around the DC suburbs tonight... don't. The Washington Redskins kick off about 8:40 at FedEx Field in Landover, and the beltway will be jammed with the usual pre-game crowd during the height of rush hour. Even on Saturdays, game-related delays extend the full 60+ mile stretch of the loops, and turn 295/Anacostia freeway into a parking lot. My recommendation is to take East Capital/Central Avenue.
On the opposite side, Obama is holding his closing rally tonight in Manassas, except the usual expedient (hahaha I made a funny) ride out of town on 66W to be especially mind numbing. It's been suggested you add 2 hours if you're headed to Prince William - good luck.
With 40,000 going to Manassas and 90,000+ at Fedex, it's a rare day I'm happy I metro.
On the opposite side, Obama is holding his closing rally tonight in Manassas, except the usual expedient (hahaha I made a funny) ride out of town on 66W to be especially mind numbing. It's been suggested you add 2 hours if you're headed to Prince William - good luck.
With 40,000 going to Manassas and 90,000+ at Fedex, it's a rare day I'm happy I metro.
Finn McCools Version 3.0?
Rumor on the street has it that Finn MacCools in Eastern Market is in the process of being sold to the owner of another nearby bar, who then plans to close it for a few months to be remodeled.
FMacs used to be a reliable go-to after work on the hill if you wanted to avoid the classic hill scene. Above average food, friendly bartenders, a decent jukebox, etc. Then several years ago it was bought out by a few guys who were a bit... green and things started to go downhill. It still isn't a bad place to go, but got cut from the top of the list, so this buyout could be good news if its true.
The place has a lot of potential - a large space spread out two floors make it idea for live music downstairs, a more loungy upstairs, dining during the day and more drinking at night. Sort of a mix between Fado and Rock n Roll Hotel if done right.
FMacs used to be a reliable go-to after work on the hill if you wanted to avoid the classic hill scene. Above average food, friendly bartenders, a decent jukebox, etc. Then several years ago it was bought out by a few guys who were a bit... green and things started to go downhill. It still isn't a bad place to go, but got cut from the top of the list, so this buyout could be good news if its true.
The place has a lot of potential - a large space spread out two floors make it idea for live music downstairs, a more loungy upstairs, dining during the day and more drinking at night. Sort of a mix between Fado and Rock n Roll Hotel if done right.
Election Night
Election Night in DC resembles a sort of.... super Super Bowl. Election night around here takes on a bit of a more serious tone as most people in the metro area are directly affected by the results - even if you don't work in politics, it is the primary driver of the area's economy and any local will tell you that economy sees big changes depending on which party is in the White House. Not that the evening still can't be festive - this damn thing has been going on for 2 years, and win or lose there are a lot of exhausted people out there glad that it's finally coming to an end. So... how to mark the occasion?
Well, just like the Super Bowl, you have a good mix of bar specials, sanctioned parties, and private events. A couple of things to keep in mind - the metro closes at midnight, cabs will be hard to find, and most of us have to be at work Wednesday morning (a sore point for your Life Concierge.)
Bar specials - Any bar with a television will likely be showing the results, most with the volume up. Hill bars like Hawk and Dove, Bullfeathers, Cap Lounge and Tune Inn will be packed with very partisan crowds. Chef Geoff Restaurants (including Lia's) and the Clydes restaurants are all hosting results parties. Bars are not the best venue for the serious observer for several reasons - first, the crowd is going to be large and loud. Secondly, if you wind up on the losing side and don't get the joke, you aren't going to enjoy seeing the crowd reaction from the winners. Plus, who wants to get a pink slip in the form of a TV announcer while surrounded by 300 drunken revelers celebrating the opposition's win? Probably best for the casual crowd that is more interested in people watching than results watching.
Sanctioned Parties - the Capitol Hill Club, DNC Club, and just about every special interest group in town will be throwing soirees to see the results. While both campaigns are hosting their parties out of the area (Illinois and Arizona), the RNC is hosting an invitation-only event at a downtown hotel, and am sure the DNC has a similar arrangement. If you have an invite to any of these types of events, this is probably the best bet for those who are deeply involved in the process - you'll be surrounded by people who are like-minded and who are as interested in the outcome as you are. Will probably be kind of a bummer though if that side loses the night...
Private Event - If you have a tv and nothing to do, have a few friends come over and BYOB. I personally like this because if you are interested in targeted races more than the national picture, you can stay up-to-date in your computer while watching the results with friends. Bear in mind the partisan leanings of your invite list... a mixed crowd is fine but obnoxious types who take it too seriously can make for a long evening.
Well, just like the Super Bowl, you have a good mix of bar specials, sanctioned parties, and private events. A couple of things to keep in mind - the metro closes at midnight, cabs will be hard to find, and most of us have to be at work Wednesday morning (a sore point for your Life Concierge.)
Bar specials - Any bar with a television will likely be showing the results, most with the volume up. Hill bars like Hawk and Dove, Bullfeathers, Cap Lounge and Tune Inn will be packed with very partisan crowds. Chef Geoff Restaurants (including Lia's) and the Clydes restaurants are all hosting results parties. Bars are not the best venue for the serious observer for several reasons - first, the crowd is going to be large and loud. Secondly, if you wind up on the losing side and don't get the joke, you aren't going to enjoy seeing the crowd reaction from the winners. Plus, who wants to get a pink slip in the form of a TV announcer while surrounded by 300 drunken revelers celebrating the opposition's win? Probably best for the casual crowd that is more interested in people watching than results watching.
Sanctioned Parties - the Capitol Hill Club, DNC Club, and just about every special interest group in town will be throwing soirees to see the results. While both campaigns are hosting their parties out of the area (Illinois and Arizona), the RNC is hosting an invitation-only event at a downtown hotel, and am sure the DNC has a similar arrangement. If you have an invite to any of these types of events, this is probably the best bet for those who are deeply involved in the process - you'll be surrounded by people who are like-minded and who are as interested in the outcome as you are. Will probably be kind of a bummer though if that side loses the night...
Private Event - If you have a tv and nothing to do, have a few friends come over and BYOB. I personally like this because if you are interested in targeted races more than the national picture, you can stay up-to-date in your computer while watching the results with friends. Bear in mind the partisan leanings of your invite list... a mixed crowd is fine but obnoxious types who take it too seriously can make for a long evening.
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