Wine and Food Fest

This weekend I will be volunteering at the 9th Annual Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival. It's taking place today through Sunday at the Ronald Reagan Building. I'm excited mainly because I love food and I adore wine. Dare I say that I'm a wino? Actually, I think the proper term is oenophile. I'm also excited about all the people watching, meeting, greeting, etc. I've heard great things about the festival and this will be my first year attending. I'm hoping that it will be a much needed opportunity for me to hear people talking about something other than politics. Is it just me or has this presidential race become like American Idol?

And of course, it will be a good break from LOVAH-ville. A girl's gotta come up for air sometime!

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Back from Hiatus

As some of you may have noticed, I've been absent for a few days. Well, there is a good reason for that. I've been in LOVAH-ville with a twenty-something guy and having a great time. Guys in their 20's are absolutely lovely! The downside is that my laundry is sky high, I have nothing in my refrigerator, there's two inches of dust in my apartment, and I have bailed on a couple of outings with the girls. So, I have some catching up to do.
And after two months into 2008 and a string of dates, I kind of feel like Goldilocks. This porridge tastes just right! I'll keep you posted.

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Ménage a Quatre?

Tonight I had drinks with Pam after attempting the Brazilian Rhythms at Saint Ex. I was just not in the mood for the loud, crowded space. Afterwards, I had left over energy which turned out to be a good thing because I got a late night call from a friend for a potential business venture. We met at Clyde's in Chinatown. I discovered the importance of talking to people. After my friend left, there was a guy who kept staring at my boots. Weird, transvestite, thief? He finally came over and was none of those things but a typical government nerd. Cute. And how in the world did we discover that we were both born in the same New Jersey hospital? Strange. That eclipse Megan reminded me of last night must mean something.
Well, I was hungry so I took a right for late night Chinese grease. While waiting for my food, I was drawn to a group of four rowdy but friendly guys - two Asian, one African-American, one Cuban. They invited me over for communal food: fish, beef with XO sauce, watercress with garlic, clams, and of course, special tea. The food was delicious. They were all so cute and fun! One of them asked who I was most attracted to. What could I say? Maybe, as I mentioned in my last post, women's choices are not so limited that we are forced to think about settling. Maybe it's hard to choose just one guy and one ordinary life when we're having so much fun.

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Single, Single...Life

So, it's 3am and I just ate leftovers straight from the pan. I was hungry after coming in from visiting with a friend for a game of pool. Someone I've known for the past six years. A nice guy who for various reasons, I never got involved with. While I was at the bar, someone asked if he was my boyfriend. I said no of course, and told him that. He told me that if I had just claimed him, he would have been mine a long time ago. What? Is it really that easy? But as I found out thanks to fellow blogger, Laurie, there is a woman who probably thinks I should have settled for him. According to Lori Gottlieb's article in the Atlantic Monthly, single, thirtysomething, and especially childless women like me, should just shut our pie holes with the complaining and settle for Mr. Good Enough. Maybe if I had, I would be in bed with a snoring husband rather than my teddy bear, maybe I would have three kids who drive me crazy and might take care of me in old age, maybe I wouldn't have had all the amazing experiences I've had over the years living in different places, maybe I wouldn't know and love the person I am, maybe I wouldn't realize that I deserve love and passion, maybe I wouldn't have made and kept long-lasting friendships, maybe I would know how to eat on a plate and not drink beer from a can like Grandma told me. Maybe.
This is what single looked like in the 80's

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Another Saturday Night in DC

Pam and I tried our luck again out on the town on a Saturday night in DC. We started off at Townhouse, which is Pam's favorite dive. An hour and two dirty shot glasses later, we headed to Marvin. It was here that I reaffirmed my thoughts about dating in DC. On a Saturday night there was an abundance of attractive, young professionals. What I love about Marvin is that it seems perfectly designed for meeting and conversation. You would think there would be lots of mingling. Instead, as we looked around, all we saw were completely sex-segregated groups. To our left were two women who could pass for models. Behind them, clearly gawking was a group of guys. Not once did the guys make a move. We asked the women if they were single and what they thought about dating in DC. Both were from other countries and said that they found men in the U.S. and especially men in DC very apprehensive when it comes to approaching women. One of them said that the dating scene is completely different in Europe where men easily approach women and strike up conversations. Pam and I were curious as to what the guys would say and decided to ask three attractive, well-dressed guys standing behind us. One was Indian, one Latin American, and the other second-generation African. We figured we would get a good mix of responses. Instead, they were pretty much the same guy. It was almost like they had stepped out of a Benetton ad. One was in "mergers and acquisitions" (whatever that means) and the other even claimed to be an actor on The Wire. They didn't feel the need to approach women and were of the belief that women should be more willing to approach them. Hmmm. I always find it suspect when a guy has decided that women should take the initiative in dating: asking out, paying on a first date, making the first move, etc. All I know is that these guys were typical of so many guys in DC. They seemed way too interested in saving face. Sorry, but being a guy involves some degree of regular rejection. Think I need to take a trip to Europe.

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Feb. 15th - Veteren's Day for Singles

Even with a Shaw Singles Night Valentine's Day hangover, I managed to go out tonight. I had a date at District Chophouse. I needed the nourishment given that all I've had for the past twelve hours has been water. Decided that I don't really like the place. I've been there a couple of times for the beer since they are also a brewery and I like a good steak every once in a while. But I've found it old, boring, and stuffy. And for a steakhouse, the steak is not that great. Took myself out for a beer afterwards.

I ran into a guy who counts Arnold Schwarzenegger as one of his role models. And this is what he said about his approach to dating and sex:

I love pleasing a woman. There's nothing better than going down. I can be down there for hours. When I'm done, I'll let you know. I could care less about sex. I could just as easily masturbate. I'm the most unselfish guy I know.

Where are all the nice, shy guys who cook and know good wine? But I love being single. The war stories I could share...

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Celebrate Being Single on V-Day at Old Dominion Brewhouse

What's the best way for single people to celebrate Valentine's Day? Celebrate being single! That includes the basics: get drunk, sing karaoke, dance, and get plenty of phone numbers. You can do that tommorow at Old Dominion Brewhouse at the Convention Center. Details:

SHAW SINGLES NIGHT
Come flirt, mix, and mingle with your neighbors and new friends!
$25 Open Bar, Half Price Appetizers (Open bar includes Heineken, Amstel, Bud/Light and all rail drinks)
Dancing, Karaoke, Games and Prizes
Arrive Early for Complimentary Chocolates and Roses

Old Dominion Brewhouse - DC Convention Center
Thursday, February 14, 2008
7pm-11pm
1219 9th Street, NW

While I don't do karaoke, I might be willing to for my new theme song. For some reason I'm way behind on popular music. I've been playing either my same old stuff or cds from local artists I get at shows. So, I'm just now hearing the song "Single" by Natasha Bedingfield and I love it!

Watch Videos:

Single (Natasha Bedingfield) Video Codes by Video Code Zone

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More Fun in Chinatown

Tonight I attempted the newly merged Zipcar/Flexcar Mix N Mingle party at Rocket Bar in Chinatown. As a carless city girl, and thankfully on this icy night, I have been a member since moving to DC. I just love being able to reserve a car at any time of the day or night, walk around the corner from my apartment, and take off. The Zipcar people were offering free food, an open bar, and a dance-off(?) for three hours. But by the time I got there around 8, the place was packed, the food was gone and/or severely picked over and the open bar had been shut down.
So, still needing a drink I headed elsewhere. The streets and sidewalks were so icy today that I almost fell down at least ten times. I figured if I was going to fall down I might as well be a little tipsy doing it and thus, it would hurt less.
This dreary weather lately has also put me in a very foul mood so I needed a good laugh. I got one on my way home. I've seen just about everything in DC and especially Chinatown. Last summer I even saw a girl pull her pants down and pee in front of the movie theater. But never have I run across a flamingly gay panhandler. His tone and mannerisms while asking for change were just too much! He actually complimented me on my hair even though I didn't give him any money. While this is probably not a very PC thing to laugh at, it was totally funny. I love DC...sometimes.

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Eat Your Heart Out This Valentine's Day

I'm not big on Valentine's Day and actually think it's a slap in the face for us singles. I've even advocated on this blog for a Veteran's Day for Singles the day after Valentine's Day every year. However, I do know and love some couples and feel obligated to do a plug for my generous employer, Going Out Tonight?, as well for my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Veranda. The food and service at Veranda are always amazing. The restaurant is owned by the owners of Marx Cafe and Heller's Bakery in Mount Pleasant.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Veranda
Shaw/Logan's newest family-owned Mediterranean restaurant at the corner of 11th and P NW

In Veranda's cozy, intimate atmosphere, couples will enjoy a romantically inspired three-course menu for only $60 per couple featuring tantalizing appetizers, entrées, and an assorted dessert plate to share - all designed to arouse the senses. From shrimp in a mango-peach-basil sauce to lobster stuffed ravioli, there will something to please every palate. To set the mood, a Lover's Cocktail will be offered all night at a special price for your sipping pleasure. Make your reservations today!

Veranda
1100 P Street NW
Washington, DC
202-234-6870

Sign up for Going Out Tonight's Mailing List and receive a complimentary gift. Just fill out the comment box to let them know you will be dining at Veranda on Valentine's Day.

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Plenty of Soup for You

Another one of my passions is food - good food. I'm always on the hunt for good food when I'm out exploring the city. A girl's gotta eat.
It's still soup season for me and as you may have read, pho has been one of my latest obsessions. I'll even go to the burbs to get it. One of my favorite food blogs is metrocurean.com and my list of great soups around the city made it to the weekly Five Bites yesterday.
If you know of any other great soups and especially where to get good pho, let me know!

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DC @ Night

Those who know me are well aware of my fondness for exploring the city at night, hence the subtitle: Nightlife Confessions of a Single Girl in DC. I discover things that I never would during the day. I also love the stars and the moon, which is why when it's over 60 degrees in February in DC, I feel the need to sit outside. I did so the other night at Marvin with a glass of champagne. It seemed as though every hipster socialite in DC had the same idea. Even saw City Paper cover boy Tony Cord. Way too sceney so, I headed to one of my favorite dives, good ole Solly's. I just love Irish guys who try to convince me that Powers is not the worst whiskey ever. And while I enjoy the familiar faces (bar owners and the women they're secretly dating, the cop I never should have hooked up with, neighborhood regulars), I also love the interesting people I meet. The other night I met the band members of Violet Says 5 - a very cool local rock, hip-hop, funk band. I also met local hip hop artist Flex Mathews who epitomizes the underground DC hip hop scene. I got invited to a showcase at the wonderfully grungy Velvet Lounge that he was hosting last night. It was great. I have a passion for live music and love the creative types and these guys - Flex, Mr. Free, FreeLance 33.3, Shin Q, Tamu, Dirty Water - were really good.
All in all, a couple of fun nights out.

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New Late Night Option on U Street

For some time now I've been eyeing the spot at 1214 U St. with the newspaper up to the windows and wondering what it will be like. The name is Ulah Bistro and I finally found out that it will open February 17th and will feature American fare with a European influence. While I love Ethiopian food, I was happy to hear that this was not another Ethiopian restaurant given that there are plenty in that area. The same folks own Tunnicliff's and Stoney's. It will have two floors, a brick oven, and an open kitchen. It sounds exciting. Even more exciting is that it will be open during the week until 2am and until 3am on the weekend. The kitchen will be open until an hour before closing every night as well. This night owl can't wait to check out Ulah!

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Raheem DeVaughn On TV

I don't know if it has something to do with this being a new year and my one resolution to diligently seek out happy thoughts and experiences, or the approaching of Valentine's Day, but I just can't get enough of Raheem DeVaughn's new CD. I posted about his Grammy nomination last month before his CD came out. Once I got it, I couldn't stop playing it. It's just the kind of thing a woman needs to hear and how nice that it's coming from a man! I was so happy and not surprised that Love Behind the Melody debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Well, if you missed his performance on Jay Leno last week, you can catch him tonight on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

"Ain't nothing like a woman." - Woman, R.D.

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City Girl Rules #1 and #2

After hanging out in Adams Morgan one too many Saturdays, here's the beginning of my City Girl Rules: No Hanging Out in Adams Morgan on a Saturday night - or a Friday for that matter. It's like you get the bottom of the men barrel. Like this Saturday, you get the guys who fight (at Bukom), the underagers (at Toledo), or the Euro trash (at Left Bank). Just don't do it ladies. And more importantly, if circumstances aren't right, don't be enticed by the late night booty call, which is Rule #2. You know what I mean. The guys who call on your way home after not asking you out that weekend. Or even worse, the trolls who stand outside the clubs after last call trying to pick up women. As Megan wisely stated, "If you didn't contribute to my buzz, you can't profit from it." Plain and simple.

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Stand By Your Man?

I am embarrassed for the city of Detroit but I am more embarrassed for women. What's up with these wives who repeatedly apologize for their cheating husbands and vow to stand by them? This seems to happen a lot for political wives: Hillary Clinton, the wife of Larry Craig, the wife of the New Jersey governor who came out of the closet (she did wise up later), and now the wife of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

View the video of his apology with his wife here

I just don't get it. Why endure not only the humiliation of your spouse having cheated on you but also looking like an idiot sitting by his side asking for the public to forgive him and to give you the space to deal with his infidelity? It's not like he accidentally hit someone in a car crash. I mean really, if she's getting paid to be the dutiful wife, couldn't she just as easily get paid through alimony and child support? And from unfortunate personal experience, I know this doesn't just happen with the wives of public figures. A few years back I was a ridiculous stereotypical cliche: the other woman (one of many) to a married man who claimed he loved me and was getting a divorce. Yeah, I know. This was a very unfortunate period in the life of City Girl and under NO circumstances would I ever support a single woman's decision to be with a man who is married even if he is separated and no matter how much he claims to love you. Just a bad decision all around - dangerous, costly, and draining. I know.
Anyway, this dude was in no way rich or famous but his wife stood by him. Here's an excerpt of an email she sent me after he told her about the affair:

"He has made a mistake and I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt anyone. I am giving you a heartfelt apology that you have been emotionally hurt behind this. Just know we are all hurting. I will love [Mr. DJ] forever! If you care and "love" [Mr. DJ] as much as you say you do, please allow him the time and space to heal, recover and get over this difficult time in his life."

Funny how the same words were used by Kwame and his wife. And from my perspective, how is it that the "other woman" always gets swept under the rug as this "mistake" and product of a "difficult/vulnerable" time in these men's lives? And why is the marriage all of a sudden treated like this holier than thou institution when the dude gets caught? Pure bullshit!

If I get married, dude will have to haul ass if found cheating. To the left to the left!
What reasons could exist for this strange "wife" behavior other than large sums of money? Not only can I feed and clothe myself, I can also please myself in a moment's notice if need be. So, if anyone can help me understand this strange phenomenon, please let me know. Staying together for your children? Well, as my friend Leah pointed out, the children will just grow up knowing their daddy was a ho and their moma was a fool. Instead of standing up for these men, women need to start standing up for themselves!

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