Going Out Gurus

One way to reduce the possibility of familial in-fighting this holiday season? Keep the whole clan entertained. Whether the parents are in town for turkey or you have nieces and nephews in need of some excitement, here are some options for ways to spend the long weekend.

It's easy to get into the holiday spirit at a seasonally themed exhibit, and the Museum of American History has the goods with "Holidays on Display." The show looks at the intersection of the holiday season and commercialism, particularly once-popular department store window displays and over-the-top spectacles like the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Note that the museum is extending its hours on Friday and Saturday and will close at 7:30 p.m. The Museum of Natural History -- also a crowd-pleaser -- will be open until 7:30 p.m. this Friday through Sunday.

Not only is the Botanic Garden open on Thanksgiving, it unveils this year's "Holiday Magic" display that day. Get a new view of D.C. landmarks as they appear amid plants; the miniature White House in the display has an update this year to include the vegetable garden and the Obama girls' swing set. Or, see the storybook-themed train area with Snow White's cottage.

The National Gallery of Art is also open on turkey day, and there are enough exhibitions to make everyone happy. It will be the last weekend to take in work by Dutch painter Judith Leyster, as well as the final days to catch the show of Spanish armor. There are also gallery talks and tours throughout the weekend, ranging from a look at Japanese art to a tour of the gallery's French collection from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Neither the Phillips nor the Corcoran are open on Thanksgiving itself, but both have great shows that are on view during the remainder of the weekend. First up, the Phillips has a display of work by Man Ray. The photos depict objects of African art, alongside some of the actual pieces featured in the photographs.

Meanwhile, the Corcoran also has a photo show, but this one has more of a contemporary, environmental theme. "Oil" features photos by Edward Burtynsky that show the fossil fuel in various states and our dependence on it. Catch images of massive oil rigs, pipelines cutting across a natural landscape and even swirling stretches of highway.

Unfortunately, tickets are sold out for Thanksgiving weekend for the biggest show of the season, the "Terra Cotta Warriors" exhibit at National Geographic. Keep in mind that the warriors are on display through March, so you can plan to catch them with your family another time during the exhibit's run.

-- Stephanie Merry

Watch Motown documentaries, celebrate the foods of the Americas, hear soundtracks composed for silent films and celebrate a bar's 62nd anniversary with live country music.

Monday
"Motown in the Fall at the Nation's Library"
The Library of Congress's new Monday night film series focuses on the Sound of Young America, and two documentaries are on the program. "The Supremes: Reflections" includes clips of the trio performing on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Hullabaloo" as well as unseen footage. "The Four Tops - Reach Out" features Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the only surviving member of the Four Tops, sharing stories about the group. Tickets can be reserved by calling 202-707-5677 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Any seats not claimed 10 minutes before the 7 p.m. screening will be given away on a first-come basis.

Tuesday
Snark Ensemble at the Kennedy Center
In the days of silent films, movie theaters would have pianists who provided dramatic soundtracks for the images on the big screen. They probably didn't have anything like D.C.'s four-man Snark Ensemble, which composes new scores for silent films. At this Millennium Stage appearance, the ensemble plays for screenings of "Liberty," starring Laurel and Hardy, and "Publicity Pays," with comedian Charlie Chase.

Wednesday
Creche Exhibition at the Washington National Cathedral
Nativity scenes from around the world are featured at the Washington National Cathedral's annual exhibition, which is open daily through Jan. 6.

Thursday
Business as usual at the Smithsonian
On a day when many of us gather with friends and family for a holiday meal, the assumption might be that popular D.C. attractions will be closed. Here's a timely reminder that the Smithsonian's museums will be open on their regular hours - in most cases 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - as they are every day but Christmas.

Friday
Maize of the Americas at the National Museum of the American Indian
To mark Native American Heritage Day, the National Museum of the American Indian kicks off a three-day festival highlighting native foods of North America - think chocolate and chilis. There'll be cooking demonstrations and hands-on activities, plus films, live music and traditional dances.

Saturday
Santmyer Family Band at JV's Restaurant
"Ageless charm without yuppie bastardization" is the motto at JV's, a cozy honky-tonk bar and restaurant that's served Falls Church since 1947. JV's marks its 62nd year by doing what it does best: serving up cold beers and presenting some of the finest country music in town. Brothers Richard and Vernon Santmyer have been performing at the club for more than 30 years, and Vernon still hosts the Wednesday night open-mike session. The Santmyers - with Pauline Dross on drums - are joined by guitarists Mike Woods and Diana Quinn of the excellent local group Honky Tonk Confidential. (Woods and Quinn are relative newcomers to JV's - their band has been playing there only a dozen years.) Try to arrive early for the 4 -8 p.m. show; the bar holds only 50 people.

Sunday
American Music Festival at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art's annual American Music Festival is a great way to immerse yourself in works by the nation's composers. This is the third of four concerts this year, and it features Waves by Fred Lerdahl, the U.S. premiere of "Lines in Motion," a violin concerto by James Aikman and John Corigliano's Symphony No. 2, which won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 2001. A conversation with the three composers precedes the music.

-- Fritz Hahn

Another week, another contest. We wanted to give away a pair of "Lost in Yonkers" tickets, so we asked you where you bring out-of-town visitors. You turned in some great, offbeat suggestions. We learned about barbecues at Gravelly Point, walking tours and trips to the National Building Museum. Check out the full transcript for more suggestions -- and, of course, our usual serving of advice and commentary. We dished about hanging at the Black Cat, watching sports at bars and dining at restaurants run by "Top Chef" contestants.

We're taking next week off -- Gurus need turkey, too! -- but we'll be back to chatting on Dec. 3. Ask away!

-- Julia Beizer

Who doesn't love a grilled cheese? Whether it's a classic rendition like the one at Stoney's . . . (Kathryn Norwood - For The Washington Post)

My mission for this week's Dinner Deals column: to find the best grilled cheeses in the area. I settled on five classic faves and three upscale twists. My picks'll be in tomorrow's paper, but you can check 'em out a day early.

When researching this story, I found people all over the city with really strong opinions about melted cheese on bread. The Hamilton's version of the sandwich kept popping up among Hill-dwelling sources, so I tried it. Twice. Not-quite-melted white cheddar with tomato and bacon didn't do it for me. The Saloon and the Vienna Inn have decent options, but thin bread turned me off in both cases. Probably more authentic that way -- just like your mama used to make! -- but if I'm paying $5 for a sandwich, it better be a step up.

I was sad to leave out a few faves. Bourbon's simple grilled cheese (and waffle fries!) go down easy. Tunnicliff's take is pretty tasty as well, but it was so similar to the one at Stoney's that I left my notes from that midday meal on the cutting room floor.

So let's kick this Cupcake Wars-style. I've listed the eight grilled cheeses from my story, plus some other popular favorites in the poll below. Vote for your fave and add your write-in nominations in the comments below.

-- Julia Beizer

. . . or an upscale twist like the grilled halloumi slider at Cava. (James M. Thresher for The Washington Post)

Chowhounds might already know there's a diner planned for the long-vacant McDonald's in Cleveland Park. Discerning types should be thrilled to hear that the owners of the popular Nooshi and Spices, chef Jessie Yan and Vanessa Lim, are behind the replacement. Unlike their pan-Asian eateries, the future venue, tentatively called DC Diner, will have a more American focus.

Think omelets and sandwiches, some sort of steak and long hours: DC Diner may serve as early as 6 a.m. and on weekends, as late as 2 a.m., says Lim. She's hired Beltran Design Group in Washington to turn the space at 3407 Connecticut Ave. NW into a bucolic 140-seat dining room.

Look for barn wood inside. A note from the architect, read by Lim, suggests the interior will "reflect the beauty and simplicity of the farm."

The restaurateurs hope to open the diner in April, but "you know construction," says Lim. Yan will serve as executive chef. Pitching in: Spices' in-house pastry chef, Hong Kong native Sammy Chong, and a crew of cooks yet to be identified. The American menu will fit in some Asian accents, promises Lim. "We can't resist some Asian sandwiches."

Meanwhile, Yan has begun testing pancakes. "She's good at it!" reports her business partner.

-- Tom Sietsema

It's Thursday, and we're ready to chat at 1 p.m. Looking at the dozens of questions that are already in the Got Plans? queue, people are anxious to talk about holiday parties, Thanksgiving eve destinations and places to take visitors. Of course, we're ready and willing to talk about more than that -- all you have to do is ask.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we also have a prize to give away this week: a pair of tickets to see "Lost in Yonkers" at Theatre J on Tuesday night. All you have to do is suggest your favorite off-the-beaten-path place to take holiday visitors. Everybody goes to the Air and Space Museum or the World War II Memorial -- we're looking for something different.

So as you're hanging out with your family next week, just think: you could go watch a family that's even nuttier.

Get ready to play tour guide, and we'll see you in an hour.

-- Fritz Hahn

Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.com (800-955-5566) for these shows at the 9:30 club:
• Wale and Remy, Jan. 1 ($25)
• Thievery Corporation, Jan. 21-23 ($40-$50).

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for Moody Blues, March 26 at DAR Constitution Hall ($48-$68).

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Live Nation for these shows at the Warner Theatre:
• Steven Wright, Jan. 23 ($39.50-$119)
&bull: Jimmy Fallon, Feb. 5 ($35)

Tickets go on sale Friday at noon through Ticketmaster for the Magnetic Fields, Feb. 4 at Lisner Auditorium ($35).

Tickets go on sale Friday at noon through Ticketmaster for these shows at the Birchmere:
• Justin Townes Earle and Joe Pug, March 7 ($22.50)
• Crooked Still and Chatham County Line, March 14 ($25).

Tickets go on sale Friday at 4:20 p.m. through Live Nation for Cheech & Chong, April 10 at Warner Theatre ($39.50-$49.50). 877-598-8696.

Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for John Mayer and Michael Franti & Spearhead, Feb. 20 at Verizon Center ($42.50-$78).

Tickets for the summer 2010 performances at Wolf Trap's Filene Center go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through the Wolf Trap box office. 877-965-3872.

-- Amy Orndorff

If you're tired of the same-old nightlife destinations, take heart -- it's a big week for bar openings and reopenings in D.C.

Probably the most welcome is the rebirth of the Black Rooster, the downtown pub that closed in October after losing its lease in a downtown office building. After a public outcry (and help from D.C. council member Jack Evans), owner Jody Taylor quietly reopened the bar Monday. Regulars will also be celebrating on L Street on Friday, when Evans presides at a 6 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony that Taylor called "the quote-unquote unofficial-official grand reopening." A DJ will spin from 6 p.m. on, and there will be food and wine specials in addition to the usual "$1.50 off all draft beers" deal that's offered at its weekday happy hours. It won't be hard to miss the party; Taylor says there will be searchlights outside.

We mentioned the Peroni Blue Ribbon party at Recess in this week's Nightlife Agenda, but I just wanted reiterate that this Friday will be the public's only chance to check out the new basement-level lounge at 727 15th St. NW until sometime next month. "This is it," owner Fisayo Esconsay says. "The grand opening's going to be in December. We're going to have some private events between now and then," but nothing else that everyone can attend. RSVP by the end of today to RSVPDC@modernluxury.com for admission to the happy hour, which runs from 8 to 10.

And finally, contrary to what I wrote earlier this week, the new cocktail bar the Passenger is going to open tonight, not tomorrow. The Passenger, which is taking the place of the bar at the Warehouse Theater north of Chinatown, is very much a work in progress. The dining room, which will be styled to look like a dining car, is little more than an arched ceiling and a couple of booths at this point, and the intimate Columbia Room, where mixologist Derek Brown (formerly of the Gibson) plans to whip up drinks for small groups of cocktail aficionados, is still not ready. But the Brown brothers are chomping at the bit to get going, so they're opening, regardless.

And they're not taking any chances with the new place: A Catholic priest is coming in to bless the bar on Thursday afternoon.

-- Fritz Hahn