Looks like DC is getting another British-style gastropub come this fall - and right in my neighborhood - from the Whisk Group. I keep hearing how Shaw will explode with restaurants and retail once the Convention Center Marriott goes up, but it will be a while before that happens. That's why I'm always happy to hear about a new opening within a few blocks from my doorstep. I passed by tonight and noticed that the windows were still covered with paper. It's called Againn and no, that is not a typo. Why the extra 'n'? I don't know. Must be a language thing. It's located on street level inside the Tishman Speyer office building at 11th and I NW. It's also a block away from Brassirie Beck. Considering how packed Beck is almost every night after five, another option will be quite welcome.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Againn - Not a Typo
Friday, August 21, 2009
Project Runway?
I met a couple of neighbors last night for the season premiere of Project Runway at the Duplex Diner, which was guaranteed to be showing it. I got there somewhat late but I don't think it would have mattered. The place was packed! Could there have been more gay guys in one place? I've noticed that in my old age I've become claustrophobic so I couldn't take it, not even for Project Runway. I took my old ass to Clyde's for a roasted turkey sandwich and a beer and called it a night. At least now I know Clyde's is having a filet mignon special for the month of August and a 1st Annual Old Ebbitt Grill (same owners) Block Party on September 5th. But the question remains...how was Project Runway?
Sphere: Related ContentWednesday, August 19, 2009
DC Beer Week
Looks like there's something to celebrate this week: It's DC Beer Week. Tonight's lineup looks particularly good. While I'm not a beer snob, beer geek, or cocktail nerd (as explained by Derek Brown in the City Paper), I do love some good beer. I didn't start drinking beer until later in adulthood compared to other beer drinkers. I think this is why I bypassed the bad beer drinking (Bud Light) of college years. I didn't even have beer from a keg until a couple of years ago. I also love being served beer in the appropriate glass. It's like beer fashion. And it really does make a difference in terms of taste as well as how it feels in your hand. I absolutely hate huge mugs. I fell in love with the Sam Adams pint glass (right) a few months ago. The Boston Globe has a nifty little guide to glasses on their site. The good thing is that I've seen a growth in bars and restaurants with good beer on tap and in bottles as well as bartenders who are passionate and knowledgeable about beer. When I want a beer, you'll tend to find me at: The Reef, The Saloon, Commonwealth (the cask conditioned ales are amazing!) , and the Brickskeller. If I lived closer to Granville Moore's, I would be there more often too. Ok, I'm getting thirsty.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hot and Bothered
I'm quite sure I've ranted before about my dislike of hot, humid DC summers. And yes, I do agree that this summer has been rather kind comparatively. But today, I'm particularly bothered by this uncomfortable weather and thus, feel like ranting about other stuff as well.
First, could someone please remind me never to go on a job interview in 90 degree heat all the way out in Virginia?! I still haven't decided if I'm returning to my job next month after the restructuring and being offered less money and fewer benefits so, I've been looking yet again. Too much to think about. That, coupled with these freakish, gun-toting town hall protesters just makes me want to pack up and move to Copenhagen, where the summers are cooler and apparently Denmark is the happiest country in the world.
I'm also hoping to cure myself of this bad habit of giving out my phone number to stupid dudes. I got a healthy dose of Trickster Dude the other night and he has continued to text me for the past few days. The scenario: British journalist in town for business I met while out with friends. Seemingly nice, fun, interesting, yada, yada. He's here for a month and is having trouble finding fun places to go. At the end of the night we were both hungry and went to The Diner. We share a cab afterwards and as a typical dude, suggests I hang out in his hotel room. Uh, no! There will be two stops Mr. Cab Driver.
The next day he texts several times about my day and what I'm doing. I told him I'd be out later and to let me know if he wanted to meet for drinks. He said he felt really tired and might not be up for it but would call if he did. While I'm out later that night I spot Mr. Brit over in the corner with a woman getting pretty cozy. We glanced at each other a few times so I'm sure he saw me. I also notice him making the rounds and approaching several other women. At the end of the night when I walk over to speak, he acts all surprised like he didn't know I was there. I say good night and leave. About a half hour later, I start to get a barrage of texts asking me why I left and how he really wanted to see me. He actually said that he thought we had plans. Plans? I don't think so. He never called to make any.
Apparently he thought he would try his hand at a few other women (why waste time when you're only in town for a month?) rather than commit to hanging out with me. So, when he doesn't get lucky he figures why not make another attempt with Good Time Girl (me) from the night before. Same tactic as every other dude who likes to call/text at the end of the night to "see what you're doing." How stupid am I supposed to be? I'm done ranting for the day.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mad Men Party Recap
Last night's Mad Men viewing party turned out wonderfully, even with one broken TV. The venue, show, and people were all great. I want to thank all the folks from Yelp for showing up. I just wish I had more time to mix and mingle and take pictures but was off to another spot right after the show. As expected, the Season 3 Premiere was worth waiting for. It was a thought-provoking, conversation starter that has already taken the characters to the next level. I can't wait for the next episode.
Ulah Bistro is one of those U Street places in my regular rotation but I obviously don't hang out upstairs enough. The lounge is gorgeous and it's a great place to throw a party. Since I'm usually there late when there's a limited menu, I haven't had much other than the typical bar food - burger, pizza, wings - and it's all been good. Next time I'll have to try one of the many entrees that sound delicious like the short ribs with gorgonzola polenta or the braised lamb fettuccine. They also have a great beer selection. While I didn't have a true Old Fashioned like Don Draper, I did have a bourbon drink prepared by Brian the bartender, who was great. As luck would have it, he informed me that Ulah will be showing Mad Men every Sunday now! Brian assured me that other TV will be fixed by next Sunday. So, for all of you TV-challenged people like me or those of you who just like coming out and watching a great show and socializing with cool people, come on out to Ulah next week. See you there!
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