Dating and Suburbaphobia

Weekend date: attractive, 30-something man, intelligent, nicely dressed, great job. I know, you're thinking what's the problem? Geography.

Lives in Maryland, frequents the suburban hangouts, frat buddies and friends who live in those spooky suburban housing developments in the woods separated by acres of space. Yes, I am truly suburbaphobic. And? I live in a major city! The burbs are irrelevant.

The date started out well at Rasika. I had been hearing great things about bartender Gina Chersevani and she really is as good as they say. I took a picture of the beautiful drink she made me but my camera phone doesn't take good pictures in dim light. I really need a digital camera.

Anyway, all in all, a very nice guy. But just not used to parking in DC which means we didn't end up grabbing a bite at Annie's to continue dancing at Five after I'd endured a visit to the Bay Street nightclub in (gasp!) a Best Western in Lanham, Maryland.

And believe me when I say, there were guys in the parking lot drinking Grey Goose served from the hood of their car. This picture above says it all. So you can understand why I restrict my partying to the city.

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Zengo in 2008

As I await the New Year, I discovered that there's something to look forward to at Zengo in January. I was visiting my manager friend the other night and learned that this restaurant, which attempts to balance Latin and Asian flavors, will be having Feng Shui classes on the last Monday of each month form 7-9pm.
In addition to the classes, you get to mix your own margaritas and roll your own sushi rolls. While I'm not always happy with the attempt to balance flavors at Zengo, I'm all for balance in work, life, and food. And maybe the classes will help me to improve upon the haphazard placement of things in my apartment. I am so NOT Martha Stewart.

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Recognize: Dance Music in DC

Truth be told, I am a true Disco Queen. I did Donna Summer impersonations in the mirror as a child. Yeah, imagine that. Looks like the Washington Post has decided to give some recognition to us dance music fanatics in DC. A recent Sunday Source feature discussed the resurgence of disco in DC. Well, from the perspective of an East Coast born, Midwest raised person, DC was and always has been fertile ground for good dance music. It lives and thrives in various textures from go-go to house to punk. While I appreciated the article, I felt something was left out. Like maybe the real roots of dance music and interviews with the many people (loyal and consistent dancers, DJs, promoters) who have helped to keep dance music alive in DC over the years. But how mad can I be when legendary DC DJ Mandrill was rightfully spotlighted? I went to his Sunday Soiree party at the Fab Lounge last night and had mad fun. Much love to Mandrill. As always, last night a DJ saved my life!

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All I Want for Christmas...

A true city girl has got to have a great holiday party dress right? Well, I've found it.
However, I have yet to reach the point of fabulosity where I can spend over $3,000 on a dress and have yet to become a trophy wife. But, if I could buy myself a Christmas gift, this Michael Kors dress would be it - out of necessity of course. I love Net-A-Porter.com because it allows me to live out my shopping fantasies without having to spend the money. The good news is that this extravagantly expensive dress is sold out on their site. So, I don't have to feel as bad about it. Go figure.

I find it interesting though that this dress looks a lot like a Laura Bennett creation. As other Project Runway fans would know, she was a season three finalist and Kors, as a judge on the reality TV show, was very vocal in his complaints about her many sequined, feather-trimmed frocks. Interesting. All I know is that I need a good, much less-expensive dress to dance my ass off this holiday season. Any suggestions?

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Misadventures in Eating Out

As some of you already know and just by the mere title of this blog, I am not a fan of the suburbs. I try my best to stay in the city and for the most part, anything I want or need can be found in DC. However, when it comes to food, I will go slightly out of my comfort zone as long as I can hop on the train. So, when I had a craving for Pho recently, I was happy to see that Amanda at Metrocurean had just blogged about finding Pho in the DC area. Several commenters raved about Pho 75 in Arlington which happens to be metro accessible.
Unfortunately, as I have commented on Metrocurean, I went the other night and ended up leaving in disgust. While the Pho was good, all I have to say is YUCK!!! I was sitting in front of some of the kitchen staff and one of them was seriously picking his nose. Even after staring directly at him in shock for several minutes, he did not stop. I was halfway through my soup at that point, went to the counter to pay, and left in disbelief. I was totally pissed off as I walked the four blocks back to the metro. As far as I'm concerned, this was a sign that I need to stay in the city!

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No, I Am Not "Ready" for the Holidays

Call me a Grinch, but I'm just not one of those people who gets into the holidays. I've never decorated my home (or office cubicle), I don't spend months ahead of time shopping for gifts, I try my best not to wrap gifts that I do buy (that's what gift bags are for), I don't send greeting cards, I don't dress in holiday colors and would never wear one of those awful Santa hats, and I try my best not to ask people questions like, "So, are you ready for the holidays"? I'm single, don't have children and just really dislike the commercialization of holidays.

What I do like are holiday parties and having time off from work. And I believe we should all have more time for parties, food, and the people we love. All that other stuff is just work.
So, if you're not ready for the holidays, my generous employer at Going Out Tonight? can get you set. From last minute shopping to party planning, they've got you covered. You can find them at: GoingOutTonightDC.com

Cheers!

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Project Fitness Launch Party

My idea of working out is based on my chronic lateness: I walk really fast to wherever I have to go. But many of my fabulous gal pals swear by real exercise and my friend Megan actually has a personal trainer (below).



For me, the phrase "personal trainer" always brings to mind a drill sergeant who wants to cause me pain, which I don't like. I can't even imagine paying someone to torture me. But it probably helps that he's gorgeous. I attended the recent launch party for Project Fitness, and from what I've heard, he and his partner are very effective at whipping you into shape.

The party was at The Space which has become my favorite lounge spot with its urban elegance and welcoming environment. They even have a sushi chef at the bar now. The music is always great as well.

Anyway, even though I'm not a fan of lunges and crunches, I would encourage anyone interested in getting into or staying in shape to give Chickaro at Project Fitness a call. Happy training!

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Holiday Party at Cue Bar

It's Holiday Party Time at Cue Bar, one of my favorite U Street hangouts. Celebrate the holidays and their 2nd anniversary this coming Wednesday.

• Free Hors D'oeuvres
• Free Pool
• Free Ping Pong
• Door Prizes
• Holiday Drink Specials

Location: 1115 U St., NW
Date: Wednesday, December 12th
Time: 5pm-9pm
http://www.cuebardc.com/

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Am I A Dating Snob?

Over the past two weeks I have had at least three strange occurrences that have made me think about things I refuse to do when it comes to dating. These three seemingly normal guys that I had just recently met, all suggested that they bring food to my apartment and two of them actually thought I would cook it! I was appalled. Even if, as one might venture to speculate, these dudes were trying to save money, this is in my opinion, just bad taste. And it is evidence that the guy either does not know how or simply refuses to ask a woman out on a proper date. Either way, I'm done. I mean really, whatever happened to courtship? I may be a modern city girl but some things never change. Like going out on a date in a public place getting to know someone you've just met.

While we're on the topic, here are some other dating rules I adhere to:

I don't go out on dates in Maryland, Virginia, or any other surrounding suburb. Come on, I live in DC! That would be like living in Manhattan and going out to eat in Queens.

I don't eat at chain restaurants. Once again, I live in DC where independent fine dining establishments are abundant.

I was once at the mall with a guy and he actually suggested that we eat at the food court! I haven't done that since I was 13.

That's just me.

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Post-Holiday Vacation for Singles

I am once again advocating a special event just for singles: the post-holiday vacation. The first weekend after Thanksgiving was spent in recovery. I spent several days in the home of a married sibling with two teenagers, a toddler, and a grumpy spouse. One thing I now know is that if having children means potty training, then please just sterilize me!
As I've wondered before, why is it that the life of a single person is always scrutinized and judged? It's like being married is always viewed as the sensible decision. I beg to differ. Just ask Amy Winehouse fans.

So I spent last night on a return visit to Marvin. The place was packed, interesting conversation was abundant, and there was a line down the block by the time I left. I've decided that Leffe Brune, one of their beers on tap, is my official fall/winter brew. I also met an adorable guy who I had a late dinner with. I came home and took a long hot bath. Just what I needed to take the edge off the past week. Back to business as usual, being single in the city.

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