Going Out Gurus Archive by Category

July 4th Beer Garden at the Hirshhorn

On the Fly is operating a beer garden at the Hirshhorn's plaza on July 4.

By Julia Beizer | July 4, 2009; 05:52 PM ET | Comments (1)

Pick Up a Picnic for the Fourth

Grab a picnic to-go before watching the fireworks on the National Mall.

By Julia Beizer | June 30, 2009; 04:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

On the Horizon: Hill Country Cookin'

Hill County, a barbecue restaurant, will open in D.C. in July 2010.

By Tom Sietsema | June 30, 2009; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (4)

You Have to Try This: BLT Pizza at Rock Bottom

A BLT pizza hits the spot at Rock Bottom Brewery.

By Julia Beizer | June 24, 2009; 11:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Breadline Closed for Now

A sign on Breadline's door Monday morning. (Julia Beizer - The Washington Post) The Breadline, a simple lunch spot that had earned a place in Tom Sietsema's 2006 Dining Guide, is temporarily closed for health code violations. According to...

By Julia Beizer | June 22, 2009; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (10)

You Have to Try This: Conch Fritters at Ceiba

The conch fritters stand out on Ceiba's bar menu.

By Julia Beizer | June 18, 2009; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

'Tis the Season for Barbecue Fests

Love barbecue? Get the details on two June bbq-themed festivals in downtown D.C. and at National Harbor.

By Julia Beizer | June 17, 2009; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (1)

Donna Finally Seals a Deal: Galileo III

Roberto Donna has signed a deal for Galileo will return to D.C. in the former Butterfield 9 space.

By Tom Sietsema | June 16, 2009; 04:33 PM ET | Comments (4)

Mio Loses Its Top Toque

Chef Nicholas Stefanelli is leaving Mio.

By Tom Sietsema | June 12, 2009; 12:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Will Proof Become Destination for Cocktails as Well as Wine?

Only a few weeks ago, D.C. cocktail aficionados stared glumly into the bottoms of their Sazeracs, wondering what would replace Adam Bernbach's wildly inventive (and wildly popular) drinks once he left Bar Pilar. He said he wanted to take a...

By Fritz Hahn | June 11, 2009; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Kids Restaurant Week: Down With Chicken Fingers

Kids Restaurant Week, a new promotion where kids 11 and younger pay their age for a prix-fixe, multi-course dinner, starts June 13 in D.C.

By Anne | June 11, 2009; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Regine Palladin Plans to Beef Up Her Block

Since her restaurant Pesce is moving next door (and doubling its size), Regine Palladin plans to open a new restaurant, called Confit, in its place.

By Tom Sietsema | June 11, 2009; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (0)

Break Out the Sake (and Tequila)!

Chef Kaz Okochi talks about his plans for the new restaurant Masa 14.

By Tom Sietsema | June 9, 2009; 04:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Calling All Military Personnel: Patrick O'Connell Wants You!

The Inn at Little Washington is offering active-duty service members and their parties a 30 percent discount. The discount is offered for dinner Monday through Thursday in July and August.

By Tom Sietsema | June 8, 2009; 01:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Stumptown Coffee: Now Brewing in Arlington

Boccato Gelato & Espresso now serves Stumptown Coffee.

By Julia Beizer | June 8, 2009; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Grill's Night Out at Poste

For summer, Poste chef Tom Weland is starting a family-style dinner made with meat from local farmers. The meal will be served on the restaurant's patio.

By Tom Sietsema | June 8, 2009; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)

New York Accents for a D.C. Steakhouse

Philippe Reininger has been named chef de cuisine at the new J & G Steakhouse, opening July at the W Hotel.

By Tom Sietsema | June 5, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Simple Addition to Glover Park

A preview of Blue Ridge, Barton Seaver's new restaurant in Glover Park.

By Julia Beizer | June 1, 2009; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (1)

Seismic Changes at Buck's and Comet Ping Pong

Here's former chef Carole Greenwood making a rutabaga stew in the kitchen at Buck's Fishing & Camping. (Katherine Frey for The Washington Post) Rumors about a certain chef leaving her roost have now been confirmed: As of today, chef...

By Tom Sietsema | June 1, 2009; 02:12 PM ET | Comments (1)

Food Fetes

Food events and charitable causes often go hand in hand in this town. We take a look at a pig-focused fest, an annual gala and a grilling competition for a good cause.

By Julia Beizer | May 28, 2009; 02:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

Firing Up A Fresh Idea On the Hill

American comfort food and Art Deco accents are coming to Capitol Hill, courtesy of the owners of the two popular Matchbox eateries in Washington.

By Tom Sietsema | May 26, 2009; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (3)

Free and Cheap D.C.: Four Meals for Lower Prices

Eager interns, broke twenty-somethings, over-stretched parents: no matter who you are these days, you're probably in search of a dining deal.

By Julia Beizer | May 21, 2009; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Planting a Steak in Old Town

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group is adding a chop house to its collection of six places to eat in Northern Virginia. By month's end, the company plans to assume the lease at Bookbinder's Old Town and rechristen the space Columbia Firehouse,...

By Tom Sietsema | May 20, 2009; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

An Early Taste of Bayou Bakery

It wasn't hard to spend a few hours taste-testing some of the specialties David Guas will offer.

By Bonnie Benwick | May 18, 2009; 12:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

Breaking News: Two Adams Morgan Bars Have Liquor Licenses Revoked, More Could Follow (Updated)

Two Adams Morgan bars had their liquor licenses revoked for low food sales at yesterday's meeting of D.C. Alcohol Control Board, and more closures could be on the horizon for establishments in the neighborhood and across the city. Bossa and...

By Fritz Hahn | May 14, 2009; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (30)

Kids' Restaurant Week Comes to D.C. in June

A few restaurants have been announced for the Cookie + Gourmet Kids' Restaurant Week, a new local promotion that will give families the opportunity to nosh on three-course meals at a discounted price.

By Julia Beizer | May 14, 2009; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Feast This Weekend: Food Fests Across the City

Spring rolls at the 2006 Taste of Wheaton. Who's getting hungry? (Katherine Frey - The Washington Post) That Carla Hall is one busy lady. Last weekend, the "Top Chef" contestant cooked in Adams Morgan, and this weekend's full schedule...

By Julia Beizer | May 14, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Domaso to Cut Hours, Domasoteca to Close

Some changes out of Rosslyn today: Domaso, the modern Italian restaurant in the Kimpton's Hotel Palomar, is cutting back its hours and tweaking its menu. Domasoteca, the wine shop within the hotel, is closing as of May 30. The restaurant...

By Julia Beizer | May 12, 2009; 02:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

Eatonville Set to Sail

Get ready for fish and grits, po' boys, gumbo and fried green tomatoes at a new place on 14th Street: Eatonville, the restaurant named for author Zora Neale Hurston's Florida hometown, opens its doors tomorrow night at 5 p.m. This...

By Tom Sietsema | May 11, 2009; 05:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

Farm-Fresh Fridays at Cafe Atlantico

The Thursday night Penn Quarter FreshFarm Market has been known to attract chefs from neighboring restaurants for years now, but this summer, you can count on seeing Cafe Atlantico's low-key chef Terri Cutrino and her cooks milling about and picking...

By Julia Beizer | May 8, 2009; 04:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

You Have to Try This: Salmon Tataki at Perrys

The fish is good, but the pearls of roe make this dish fun. (Julia Beizer - The Washington Post) The second the mercury rises above 70 in this town, we all begin taking happy hour outside. Adams Morgan's Perrys...

By Julia Beizer | May 8, 2009; 02:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

Chocolate Fashion Show? Sweet.

As part of the annual Sweet Charity event, fifteen local chefs create costumes out of confections for a runway fashion show.

By Julia Beizer | May 7, 2009; 05:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Empire Expands: Spike Family Buys Space Next Door

Spike Mendelsohn and family buy Zack's Taverna, the Greek restaurant next door to Good Stuff Eatery.

By Julia Beizer | May 6, 2009; 05:03 PM ET | Comments (6)

Dancing With A (Food) Star

Reality TV's "Hell's Kitchen" season three winner Rahman "Rock" Harper, has been hired away from Next Door on U Street to be the new executive chef at the Carlyle Club, the art deco-style restaurant that serves live music with its...

By Tom Sietsema | May 5, 2009; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Top Chef: The Tour Comes to Adams Morgan

Our local "cheftestants" will be showing off their skills at Marie Reed Elementary School this Saturday as Top Chef: The Tour comes to town. Spike Mendelsohn and Carla Hall will be the star attractions at the event, which includes chef...

By Julia Beizer | May 5, 2009; 04:02 PM ET | Comments (1)

The Prez Knows a Good Burger

Politico is reporting that Obama and Biden are grabbing an off-campus lunch at Ray's Hell-Burger today. Not that the commander in chief asked my advice, but I wholeheartedly recommend the Let's Get it On sandwich. So good. It's been a...

By Julia Beizer | May 5, 2009; 01:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cheat Sheet

Our list of Cinco de Mayo parties is full of $3 Corona bottles and DJs spinning salsa, so to help you figure out which of today's events is right for you, we've compiled this list of tips. Best for Free...

By Fritz Hahn | May 5, 2009; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (1)

Farrah Olivia: At Home in Old Town, For Now

Chef Morou (shown at Farrah Olivia in 2006) will be staying put in Old Town. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) Good news for Farrah Olivia fans: the restaurant can stay open in its Old Town Alexandria space -- for now....

By Julia Beizer | May 4, 2009; 05:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Brunches a Mother Could Love

We offer a list of some of the area's best Mother's Day brunches.

By Julia Beizer | April 29, 2009; 09:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Coming Up: Street Snacks a la Furstenberg

Three years after he sold his popular Breadline downtown, Washington baker Mark Furstenberg is getting back into the retail business, this time with a 70-seat restaurant devoted to his current passion: street food from around the world....

By Tom Sietsema | April 27, 2009; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Will Michel Move to Maestro?

"Pure speculation at this time." Michel Richard may be opening up shop in the Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) That was the response I got from Mark Sherwin earlier today when I asked the general manager of the...

By Tom Sietsema | April 20, 2009; 06:47 PM ET | Comments (1)

Southeast D.C. Makes a Call to the Bullpen

An outdoor beer garden across from Nationals Park could be open by May 1 now that the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission voted 7-0 Monday night in favor of a developer's proposal. Plans for "the Bullpen," a 15,000-square-foot entertainment zone on...

By Fritz Hahn | April 15, 2009; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (5)

Making Tax Day a Little Less Painful

Tax day is our least favorite time of year. To help make April 15 a little brighter (and easier on the wallet), we suggest you take time out from filling in forms to sip a cocktail, enjoy a discounted dinner...

By Fritz Hahn | April 14, 2009; 03:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

Live From Opening Day

Today is Opening Day at Nationals Park, so I called in sick decided it would be a great idea to spend the day twittering. I'll be checking out bars and restaurants with pre- and post-game specials, exploring the beer-and-food situation...

By Fritz Hahn | April 13, 2009; 01:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Eat and Drink Your Way to Nationals Park

Opening Day at Nationals Park is Monday, so we decided it was time to update our guide to the bars and restaurants near Nationals Park. If you've been to the Nationals' new home, you know there's not much around the...

By Fritz Hahn | April 11, 2009; 05:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bye-Bye, Bebo

One of the area's most controversial restaurants, Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City, closed its doors last night. Launched to initial enthusiasm by veteran Washington chef Roberto Donna in 2006 -- remember how we swooned over the spaghetti with clams and...

By Tom Sietsema | April 9, 2009; 06:15 PM ET | Comments (10)

Thailand and Greece: A Winning Combination

Okay, it's true. These two countries don't have much in common. Have beaches, great for travel. That's about it. But on Monday, local Thai restaurants and Greek powerhouse Zaytinya both kick off events that give you, the dining public, the...

By Julia Beizer | April 9, 2009; 03:07 PM ET | Comments (1)

Fuddrucker's, You're on Notice

Nando's opens its second location in Washington today, bringing fiery hot chicken to Dupont workers and marking the company's next step in the U.S. market. The new outpost -- located on 18th Street, just across Connecticut from Lucky Bar and...

By Julia Beizer | April 9, 2009; 10:18 AM ET | Comments (0)

Coming Up: Sugar Highs in Arlington

The two owners of The Liberty Tavern in Clarendon have partnered with local pastry chef David Guas to open a southern-themed bakery this June. Their location for Bayou Bakery: 3211 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, better known by java junkies as...

By Tom Sietsema | April 3, 2009; 04:50 PM ET | Comments (5)

Bar Hopping on 14th: Policy and Cafe Salsa

Two new after-dark destinations have joined the bustling strip of 14th Street between R and V, which already boasts some of the city's best lounges and nightspots. Policy is a restaurant and bar run by Omar Miskinyar, whose Soulstice Productions...

By Fritz Hahn | April 3, 2009; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

From Willard Room to Private Room

The Willard InterContinental Hotel announced yesterday that, as of April 13, its grand fine-dining space, The Willard Room, will no longer operate primarily as a stand-alone restaurant. The room will become a venue for private events of up to 175...

By Julia Beizer | April 3, 2009; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Luxury Takes a Holiday at Le Paradou

Chef Yannick Cam plans to close his formal French restaurant after dinner April 25. Le Paradou fell victim to both recession and landlord issues, he says. "Business dropped 30 percent" from last year, says Cam, who actually considered turning out...

By Julia Beizer | April 2, 2009; 05:08 PM ET | Comments (2)

Signature Changes at the Mandarin Oriental

The Asian-themed Cafe MoZU is expected to close early this summer and reopen the same month, with a new look, lower prices and flavors reminiscent of Maryland's Eastern Shore, says Eric Ziebold, the chef of MoZU's sister restaurant in the...

By Tom Sietsema | March 31, 2009; 04:30 PM ET | Comments (5)

Sweet Tweets From Taste of the Nation

Only munched on a salad for lunch today because I'm gearing up to eat my way through Taste of the Nation The foodie-fundraiser extravaganza at the Mellon auditorium tonight features food, wine, cocktails and music by DJ Lil' E. I'll...

By Julia Beizer | March 30, 2009; 07:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Easter Eats

Enjoy the atmosphere in Eventide's dining room on Easter Sunday. (Julia Beizer) With Easter Sunday just a skip, jump and bunny hop away, I've pulled together a list of a few places offering brunch on April 12. A slew of...

By Julia Beizer | March 26, 2009; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tweet Nothings from Cherry Picks

Cherries may not be in season, but you wouldn't know it from looking at our inboxes. Restaurants around town are offering cherry-themed cocktails and dishes to get into the Cherry Blossom Festival spirit. Every year, the festival hosts Cherry Picks,...

By Julia Beizer | March 25, 2009; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Post-Cherry Blossom Chow

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor packed a lunch for the 2006 Cherry Blossoms. Should you choose not to, we offer some dining suggestions in the general vicinity of the Tidal Basin. (Alexandra Garcia - Washington Post Digital) Coming...

By Julia Beizer | March 25, 2009; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (1)

Potenza Opens: An Italian Option in Downtown

One of the plush booths at the now-open Potenza in downtown Washington. (Julia Beizer) Today, the Italian-accented Potenza officially opens in downtown Washington, bringing a collection of pastas, pizzas and salumis to the historic Woodward Building at H and 15th...

By Julia Beizer | March 25, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

Better Food for the Big Dance

Ben's Next Door will be showing tourney games -- and dishing out its better-than-average grub -- this weekend. (James M. Thresher) March Madness officially kicks off tomorrow and chances are that many of you will end up in some sort...

By Julia Beizer | March 18, 2009; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (3)

Mark Slater Moves From Citronelle to Ray's

Sommelier Mark Slater takes up a new gig with the Ray's family of restaurants this week. (Michael Temchine for The Washington Post) After 11 years on the job, Mark Slater stepped down as sommelier and bar manager at Michel Richard...

By Julia Beizer | March 16, 2009; 05:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dining To-Dos and a Foodie Save the Date

Order the baby chicken at Posto on Thursday, and every penny you spend on the dish goes to charity. (Olivia Boinet) A diner's calendar could get pretty full this week -- Scotch dinner tonight, Tequila and Mezcal dinner on Wednesday...

By Julia Beizer | March 2, 2009; 04:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

Polly's Cafe Sparks Fears of Flames

U Street was briefly closed down last night after the fire department received a report of a fire at Polly's Cafe. "Someone saw sparks coming off the roof," says Polly's owner Cici Mukhtar. "They didn't realize we had a working...

By Fritz Hahn | February 26, 2009; 12:22 PM ET | Comments (1)

Cheap Dates: A Social Life Stimulus Plan

We offer more than a dozen date ideas for the bank account-challenged. Free wine tasting at Vidalia is one of our top picks. (Jay Premack) Classic Guru discussion this morning. Some of us felt really bad for all the young...

By Julia Beizer | February 25, 2009; 01:24 PM ET | Comments (1)

Barton Seaver to Blue Ridge

Barton Seaver is back. Seven months after his split from Hook, the chef will be at the helm of the new Glover Park restaurant, Blue Ridge. The 200-plus seat restaurant, which takes over the former Busara space, aims to be...

By Jane Black | February 19, 2009; 02:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dazzling Reception, Delicious Prices

Unless you plan on wearing this gown, chances are food will be the most expensive line item on your wedding budget. The easiest way to cut costs is obviously to cut guests, but if having a big party is the...

By Julia Beizer | February 19, 2009; 09:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

Weigh In on Restaurant Week

This Restaurant Week, my meals have had many of the trappings typical of the semi-annual promotion -- smaller portions, servers who artfully attempt to point you to the Restaurant Week side of the menu (because it's obvious you're not a...

By Julia Beizer | February 18, 2009; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (11)

Martin's Turns 75, You Get a Deal

In an industry where businesses come and go, a restaurant's 75th anniversary is something worth applauding. Martin's Tavern, which was established in 1933 but didn't officially open its doors until Feb. 18, 1934, celebrates that birthday tomorrow. "It's just a...

By Julia Beizer | February 17, 2009; 04:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Brabo Begins

Restaurant press releases are usually pretty straightforward. Especially the ones about soon-to-open restaurants. They usually focus on where the new place is, what kind of food it'll serve and a bit about the chef's resume. Maybe it's just because Chef...

By Julia Beizer | February 12, 2009; 05:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Tide Has (Finally) Come In

"Nats Park took 22 months to build," says Dave Pressley with a smile. "I think we're at 27." This table looks dark now, but tonight, diners can snack on cheese plates or fried oysters on Eventide's first floor. (Julia Beizer)...

By Julia Beizer | February 12, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

Special Wines for a Special Someone

Wine and romance go together at Cork Wine Bar. (Sean McCormick) Chocolates from CVS, boxers with hearts on them -- there are lots of ways a Valentine's Day gift can go oh-so-wrong. But there's something just right about toasting your...

By Julia Beizer | February 11, 2009; 09:58 AM ET | Comments (0)

Restaurant Week Continued: More Days for Deals

As usual, Restaurant Week reservations have been snapped up faster than you can say prix-fixe. This is not to say that there are no more tables left across town from Feb. 16 through 22, it's just that prime times at...

By Julia Beizer | February 4, 2009; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week Extended

Bethesda and Chevy Chase's twice-yearly Restaurant Week was supposed to end last weekend, but the restaurants and the Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce have decided to extend the promotion through this Sunday, Feb. 8. "I don't think it...

By Julia Beizer | February 3, 2009; 04:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Signs of the Times

In light of a sour economy, Michel Richard Citronelle is cutting its hours and staff. Earlier this month, the modern French restaurant in Georgetown stopped serving dinner Sunday and Monday and began the process of reducing its kitchen and dining...

By Tom Sietsema | January 29, 2009; 06:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Valentine's Day Reservations: Going, Going . . .

When it comes to Valentine's Day dining this year, it appears that if you snoozed, you lost. While many of us were still sleeping off the inauguration, savvy D.C. diners snapped up tables at romantic dining rooms around the region....

By Julia Beizer | January 29, 2009; 08:12 AM ET | Comments (1)

The General Store Opens Saturday -- Sort Of

Comfort food lovers have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the General Store, a new venture from chef Gillian Clark (formerly of Colorado Kitchen) and her partner Robin Smith. As Tom Sietsema reported in a November 2008 Dish column, the...

By Julia Beizer | January 22, 2009; 05:27 PM ET | Comments (4)

D.C. Restaurant Week: The List Is Up

As you may have seen over in Tom Sietsema's chat, the wait is over for this winter's Restaurant Week dates and participants. The semi-annual deal, in which restaurants offer three-course lunches for $20.09 and dinners for $35.09, will take place...

By Julia Beizer | January 21, 2009; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (8)

Cuisine From Obama's Hometowns Comes to Town

During the election, we receivers-of-press-releases grew weary of all the Chicago- and Arizona-themed food and drink out there. The specials were designed allegedly as a tip of the hat to the home states of Obama and McCain, but the cynics...

By Julia Beizer | January 15, 2009; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (2)

Best of the Baracktails

We gurus don't like to brag, but this job's got some decent perks. We took advantage of one of them last Friday when we dipped out of the office a little early to try some Barack Obama-themed cocktails: three from...

By Julia Beizer | January 13, 2009; 04:44 PM ET | Comments (1)

Inauguration Day Meals: 'To Go' Edition

There's something very End Times about the Inauguration Day transportation announcements. Bridges will be closed to car traffic. Metro, a company that's in the public transportation business, is basically saying, "Hey, Public, why don't you just walk?" Bus service is...

By Julia Beizer | January 13, 2009; 09:30 AM ET | Comments (3)

Eats Before the Inauguration

Eight days out and restaurant plans for the inauguration are still in flux. Transportation hassles are hindering both staffing and deliveries at locations near the parade route, but many nearby restaurants plan to open early for breakfast or extend lunch...

By Julia Beizer | January 12, 2009; 02:47 PM ET | Comments (4)

Where to Play Gawker

Dozens of movie stars, athletes and entertainers are expected to arrive in Washington in the next week. They'll be at the balls and parties, of course, but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite actors -- or...

By Anne | January 12, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Fall off the Resolution Wagon With Free Sweets

TangySweet, one of the brightest stars of the local sweet-tart yogurt scene, has opened a second location in Penn Quarter. Tomorrow, the shop will offer free small yogurts (one topping included) to every customer who stops by from 11 a.m....

By Julia Beizer | January 7, 2009; 02:54 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Year in Nibbles

Joining the chorus of Best of 2008 lists around the blogosphere, we Gurus clink glasses to the brightest in Washington nightlife. Surfside brought a taste of Cali to Glover Park in 2008. (Olivia Boinet) Trends overtook the Washington dining scene...

By Julia Beizer | December 29, 2008; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (7)

Donna To Resurrect Galileo

Chef Roberto Donna has signed a letter of intent for a location downtown in hopes of reopening Galileo, the formal Italian restaurant he ran in Washington for more than two decades. He expects to sign a lease soon for the...

By Tom Sietsema | December 26, 2008; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (8)

When the Watering Hole Gets a Wii

Brothers buy a beloved bar, give it a facelift, enjoy the rewards. The storyline is almost a cliche, like that "Family Guy" episode where all the renovation takes place during a speedy construction montage set to '80s music. But that's...

By Julia Beizer | December 23, 2008; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (8)

Take Two Advil and Eat Here in the Morning

Restaurants across the city will be offering inventive and elaborate prix-fixe menus to ring in the new year (often with a glass of champagne included). Just scrolling through the menus that have come into my inbox (and the extensive list...

By Julia Beizer | December 22, 2008; 12:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Coming Up to Temperature

It's still amazing to me that any restaurant, anywhere, ever opens on time. Housed in the Four Seasons hotel, the soon-to-open Bourbon Steak overlooks the C&O Canal (and Rock Creek Parkway). (Julia Beizer - washingtonpost.com) Latest case in point: Michael...

By Julia Beizer | December 16, 2008; 06:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Christmas Eve Table

Traditionalists looking to dine out for Christmas Eve dinner have much to be excited about this year. Restaurants across the region are offering typical holiday fare like beef tenderloin, duck and goose. But there's more to these meals than just...

By Julia Beizer | December 16, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Market Inn to Close This Month

Restaurant lease negotiations strike again. This week's victim: Market Inn, an institution in Southwest Washington since 1959. The restaurant was unable to negotiate a "reasonable" lease with the property owners and will close its doors for good after service on...

By Julia Beizer | December 11, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (2)

Stretching Your Dollars This Weekend

"Man," one of my friends said the other day. "Recession's gonna mean some awesome drink and dining specials." Whether it's because of the economic climate or not, you can make a buck go pretty far this weekend if you take...

By Fritz Hahn | December 5, 2008; 02:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Redwood Loses Its Chef

Redwood is looking for a new chef. Redwood's chef has left the building. (Allison Dinner) Andrew Kitko, who came to the splashy American restaurant this summer, armed with with a resume that highlighted cooking stints at Gary Danko in San...

By Tom Sietsema | December 5, 2008; 01:51 PM ET | Comments (3)

Adding a Spark to Barracks Row

Walking into the soon-to-open Matchbox on 8th Street SE, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the restaurant's flagship Penn Quarter location. There's the same exposed ductwork, same fabric on high-backed booths, same blond wood tables with vintage matchboxes...

By Julia Beizer | December 3, 2008; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (1)

Zola's 'Sister' Debuts

A Two-in-One-Package: With the launch of Zola Wine & Kitchen, Penn Quarter gains a trendy new place to buy wine, and the executive chef of the related Zola restaurant around the corner gets a place to test recipes and teach...

By Tom Sietsema | December 1, 2008; 06:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Post-Inauguration Lunch? Make Plans Soon

Planning on getting lunch after the inauguration ceremony and parade? Don't count on it being easy. You won't be watching the Inauguration from Charlie Palmer's rooftop. The restaurant is already booked for a private event. (Jay Premack for The Washington...

By Julia Beizer | November 25, 2008; 03:07 PM ET | Comments (1)

Au Revoir, Les Halles

After a 15-year run, the Washington branch of Brasserie Les Halles is calling it quits. Tonight's dinner service is the restaurant's final one. Brasserie Les Halles bids Washington adieu. (Lois Raimondo/The Washington Post) "It's joyous and sad," said Philippe Lajaunie,...

By Julia Beizer | November 17, 2008; 07:59 PM ET | Comments (29)

Bring on the Beaujolais Nouveau

Beaujolais Nouveau is one of my favorite marketing gimmicks. Because French law prohibits the young, light-bodied wine from being sold before the third Thursday in November, restaurants around the world make a big deal of staying open late on Wednesday...

By Julia Beizer | November 17, 2008; 04:16 PM ET | Comments (1)

Hailing Changes for Cabs in Adams Morgan

On Friday and Saturday night, Adams Morgan grinds to a halt. Part of the problem lies with the tipsy barhoppers jaywalking for jumbo slices and the people trying to back into parking spaces in front of the Diner. But the...

By Fritz Hahn | November 14, 2008; 01:15 PM ET | Comments (3)

Dinner & Discounts

Forget the economic stimulus. Next week, more than 150 area restaurants want you to think about stimulating your appetite. From Nov. 17 to 21, they'll be offering three-course lunches and dinners for $24 and $35, respectively. OpenTable, the company behind...

By Julia Beizer | November 14, 2008; 10:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

In Search of Turkey and Trimmings

You ask. We deliver. Here's a selection of restaurants offering meals on Thanksgiving Day for those of you who just don't want to cook. Want takeout instead? This list is slated to run in next week's Food section, but we've...

By Julia Beizer | November 13, 2008; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (1)

A Food Fight for a Good Cause

More than 700 hungry people packed into the Reagan Building last night for the fifth annual Capital Food Fight, a fundraising event for DC Central Kitchen. The lights were low, the drinks were flowing and there were apps aplenty. But...

By Julia Beizer | November 12, 2008; 03:10 PM ET | Comments (2)

Art and Aspirations

It's too early to say whether the next president will appoint a new White House chef, but a new restaurateur in town, Art Smith of the fledgling Art and Soul on Capitol Hill, has a resume that could serve him...

By Anne | November 6, 2008; 02:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dinner and Door Prizes at Willow This Weekend

So, I was going to write about two good-cause foodie events this Sunday, but alas, one of two sold out this week, while I was busy being a cupcake warrior and election night volunteer here at the site. But the...

By Julia Beizer | November 5, 2008; 02:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

The (Cupcake) Results Are In

It's official. Georgetown Cupcake reigned victorious in The Washington Post's Cupcake Wars with its luscious Chocolate Ganache. Videographer Anna Uhls stopped by the cupcakery last week to see how the owners work their magic. Check out what the sisters (and...

By Julia Beizer | November 4, 2008; 05:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Rock the Vote, Get Free Stuff

If you're wearing an "I Voted" sticker -- or, in my case, a "Yo Vote" sticker -- a number of area businesses are offering freebies and discounts today. (There's a question over whether this is legal -- Starbucks has already...

By Fritz Hahn | November 4, 2008; 12:56 PM ET | Comments (1)

Chefs: They're Just Like Us!

They wear their team colors on their sleeves -- or in this case, pumpkin. "I want people to get fired up for this game," says Firefly's chef about this week's showdown with the Steelers. (Courtesy of Daniel Bortnick) The masterpiece...

By Julia Beizer | October 31, 2008; 03:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

One Hell of a Beer

So far, most of the Halloween events I've been writing about are costume parties and haunted houses and such. Here's one for the beer connoisseurs: Brasserie Beck is having a fall clearance sale today. Beer sommelier Bill Catron is trying...

By Fritz Hahn | October 31, 2008; 01:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Nori Asian Bistro: The New Sushi Taro?

The gentrification of Columbia Heights marches on. Ruby Tuesday, Potbelly and Dunkin' Donuts have opened up shop -- and Panda Express is on its way. A few weeks ago, Nori Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar bolstered the ranks of the...

By Julia Beizer | October 29, 2008; 04:14 PM ET | Comments (3)

Let the Cupcake Games Begin

10/28 Update: This week marks the last preliminary round of Cupcake Wars. We tasted specimens from Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and BakeshopDC (sold at Murky Coffee). See the results here and check back next week for the finals, when we'll name...

By Julia Beizer | October 28, 2008; 06:21 PM ET | Comments (224)

This Weekend's Food Calendar

Sample sandwiches from Jackson's Roasting and Carving at a two-day festival this weekend. (Aaron Kobilis) Maybe it's the harvest, but this weekend is shaping up to be another food-friendly one. Wine tastings, sandwich samples and cheese classes are all on...

By Julia Beizer | October 15, 2008; 04:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tom Sietsema's 2008 Dining Guide Debuts

Our favorite restaurant critic releases his annual Dining Guide this week -- and it's pretty great, if we do say so ourselves. From a Thai kitchen in Wheaton to a little place you might have heard of down in Washington,...

By Julia Beizer | October 9, 2008; 05:34 PM ET | Comments (2)

Taste of the Towns

Everybody's hungry for the Taste of Bethesda. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) "Taste of [Insert Neighborhood Here]" events are now common around the area, but Taste of Bethesda and Taste of Georgetown are a pair of the longest-running and most well...

By Julia Beizer | October 2, 2008; 05:57 PM ET | Comments (1)

On Violence in Nightlife Districts

Last night violence gripped the Adams Morgan and U Street neighborhoods with two shootings. The first occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. in an alley near 14th and T streets NW; the Adams Morgan shooting took place around 11 p.m. inside...

By Julia Beizer | September 29, 2008; 11:03 AM ET | Comments (18)

Staff Shake-Up at Westend Bistro

Top chefs have recently left the kitchen at bustling Westend Bistro. (Sean McCormick/For The Washington Post) Boys will be boys: Executive chef Leonardo Marino and at least one of his sous chefs have been removed from the kitchen at the...

By Julia Beizer | September 23, 2008; 03:08 PM ET | Comments (6)

Fall Is for Food Festivals

Chocolate, contemporary Greek cuisine, bourbon and a host of other food stuffs are being celebrated at restaurants around town this month. What does this mean for you? Special menus and a handful of freebies -- including lots of free paella....

By Julia Beizer | September 12, 2008; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Dinner Before the Dinner

Got oenophiles in your wedding party? Cork could be the answer to your rehearsal dinner prayers. (Michael Temchine for The Washington Post) Right before our eyes, the modern wedding has become a three-day affair. With welcome dinners and drinks...

By Julia Beizer | September 10, 2008; 09:25 AM ET | Comments (0)

Ray's Hell-Burger Opens for Lunch on Fridays

Expect a line. Ray's Hell-Burger is opening for lunch on Fridays. (Leah L. Jones for The Washington Post) Fans of juicy burgers -- especially those in this Arlington office -- have been hoping for this announcement for weeks, and finally...

By Julia Beizer | September 4, 2008; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (8)

Best in the Burger Biz

Mmmmm. Hell-Burger. (Julia Beizer/washingtonpost.com) When Washingtonians think back to summer 2008, we might as well just call it the season of the burger. Michael Landrum's Ray's Hell-Burger opened to food-fan raves. Top Chef's Spike opened his burger joint on the...

By Julia Beizer | August 29, 2008; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (11)

Queuing for Cupcakes

Customers waited in line today for a taste of Hello Cupcake. It was déjà vu all over again. Adorable shop opens hawking darling cupcakes. Washingtonians behave as if the Second Coming has arrived. Lines form out the door for the...

By Anne | August 25, 2008; 04:25 PM ET | Comments (20)

Wisconsin Avenue's Blue Crush

A beach grill opens in Glover Park. (Julia Beizer/washingtonpost.com) Glover Park just keeps on blooming. Surfside, the strip's fast-casual beach grill, is now officially open for business. Inside the cheery periwinkle building is a surprisingly spacious restaurant, complete with high...

By Julia Beizer | August 20, 2008; 03:43 PM ET | Comments (4)

Get Your Cake On

Some of Hello Cupcake's sugary sweets. (Penny Karas) Downtown: Hi Gurus! Do you know when Hello Cupcake is going to open? I walked past it the other day and it looked like opening day couldn't be too far away. Cupcake...

By Julia Beizer | August 20, 2008; 11:13 AM ET | Comments (11)

Cuisine From Across the Pond

Take a seat at a communal table at the new Columbia Heights hotspot. (Eric Gronning) CommonWealth, the buzzed-about Columbia Heights "gastropub," opened last week to a packed dining room and patio. The curiosity makes sense. After all, isn't British food...

By Julia Beizer | August 15, 2008; 02:42 PM ET | Comments (15)

Restaurant Week: Reports From the Field

During Restaurant Week, the service at Les Halles left something to be desired. (Lois Raimondo/The Washington Post) It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of Restaurant Week, but even so, I ended up with two reservations yesterday: lunch...

By Julia Beizer | August 14, 2008; 11:20 AM ET | Comments (43)

Gold Medal Dining Deals

The Source offers roasted duck and scallion wraps as part of a special Olympic promotion. (Amber Pfau) Stop me if you've heard this one: the Olympics kick off in Beijing on Friday! Most of us won't be making the 7,000-mile...

By Julia Beizer | August 5, 2008; 11:04 AM ET | Comments (0)

Women in the Kitchen

On Thursday, a few local restaurants make supporting rising culinary stars as easy as rooting for your favorite cook on Top Chef. Cafe Atlantico, Willow and both Pizza Paradisio and Hank's Oyster Bar locations are among the handful of restaurants...

By Julia Beizer | August 5, 2008; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Week Goes On

Tables for the twice-yearly Restaurant Week promotion have been booking up fast. Missed your favorite spot or going out of town August 11 through 17? We've got you covered. Here's a rundown of some area restaurants that will be extending...

By Julia Beizer | July 31, 2008; 05:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Feast of a Weekend

Flamenco dancers turn up the heat at Taberna del Alabardero this weekend. (Courtesy of the restaurant) This weekend's a great one for local food lovers. Grilling, sipping and a cocktail-making-flamenco-dancing party dot the calendar. The Glover Park location of Ceviche...

By Julia Beizer | July 24, 2008; 10:58 AM ET | Comments (0)

Restaurant Week Restaurants Announced

Today, Destination D.C. and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced the list of restaurants participating in this summer's Restaurant Week (Aug. 11-17). You can find the full list of restaurants here.Tables fill up fast for the twice-yearly promotion, so if...

By Julia Beizer | July 22, 2008; 01:43 PM ET | Comments (19)

After Hours in Arlington

Domaso's terrace is a pleasant place to enjoy an after-work cocktail -- if you don't mind the sound of planes overhead. (Julia Beizer/washingtonpost.com) We're fans of Arlington -- we spend most of our work week here -- so we...

By Julia Beizer | July 21, 2008; 04:16 PM ET | Comments (8)

Ciao, San Marco

San Marco, the unpretentious Italian eatery that's operated in Adams Morgan for more than 20 years, closed its doors on Saturday night. There was short notice -- just an e-mail sent to the restaurant's regular customers that day -- leading...

By Fritz Hahn | July 21, 2008; 01:36 PM ET | Comments (1)

Michel Richard . . . Burger?

Washington's favorite chef joins the burger bandwagon. (Bill O'Leary - The Washington Post) Sick of D.C.'s ever-expanding burger trend? What if we told you that one of our city's best-known chefs was planning on jumping into the burger game?...

By Julia Beizer | July 16, 2008; 03:46 PM ET | Comments (2)

Coming Attractions: Fine Food, Great Wine and Cupcakes

In recent weeks, the local restaurant scene may have suffered a few big closures -- Colorado Kitchen, Restaurant K, Butterfield 9 -- but area diners can expect a rebound during the second half of summer. I talked with several chefs...

By Julia Beizer | July 16, 2008; 12:47 PM ET | Comments (6)

Thinking of Thai?

Neramitra Thai Cuisine's gang ped yang duck. Got Plans? readers had Thai on the brain during yesterday's chat. (Giuliana Nakashima - The Washington Post) Thai food turned out to be a theme in the questions I didn't get to during...

By Julia Beizer | July 11, 2008; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (23)

A European Union of Independence

Driving on Pennsylvania Avenue NW next Monday? Watch out for racing waiters. (Gerald Martineau) There's something about long, hot summers that puts revolution in the air, and I'm not just talking about July 4. France's biggest holiday is Bastille Day,...

By Fritz Hahn | July 9, 2008; 04:25 PM ET | Comments (7)

Burgers, Burgers and More Burgers

From Top Chef's to the top of the Hill. (Dayna Smith for The Washington Post) Non July 4th Related Question: Hi Gurus -- Do you know when Top Chef Spike's new restaurant is opening? New burger joints seem to be...

By Julia Beizer | July 3, 2008; 05:11 PM ET | Comments (2)

Picnic Perfect

Packing up for a weekend picnic can be one of the joys of summer, but for we of little time, sometimes that whole "fixing food" thing just doesn't end up happening. Make an outdoor outing that much easier by picking...

By Julia Beizer | June 27, 2008; 05:10 PM ET | Comments (6)

Cold as Ice

Disgusting D.C. summer came a little early this year, eh? It's only the middle of June and walking outside the past few days has felt like trudging through dense, wet fog. True relief from the heat isn't likely to come...

By Julia Beizer | June 11, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (19)

An H Street Update

If your living room had a wine bar, it might look a bit like Sova. (Courtesy of Sova) Julia recently posted on the opening of Sticky Rice, and there are even more new venues cropping up on H Street NE....

By Fritz Hahn | June 4, 2008; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (9)

Blooming in Glover Park

With shuffleboard, three pool tables, a Nintendo Wii and a great beer lineup, Breadsoda can serve as Glover Park's rec room. (Courtesy of Breadsoda) When it comes to dining and nightlife, Glover Park is often overshadowed by Georgetown, its bustling...

By Fritz Hahn | June 4, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (11)

Sticky Rice: On an Early Roll

Sticky Rice, the newest hipster haven on the H Street strip, opened last week to much well-deserved fanfare. The two-story restaurant and bar serves noodle dishes, tater tots and a staggering array of sushi in a edgy-cool atmosphere with accents...

By Julia Beizer | May 30, 2008; 02:16 PM ET | Comments (3)

Interns' Guide: Days for Deals & Everyday Steals

Capitol Hill interns, meet your lunch: Taqueria Nacionale's taco. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) Many of Washington's best-known restaurants were built with expense accounts in mind -- not an intern's non-existent salary. That being said, happy hour deals make some of...

By Julia Beizer | May 23, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

Stuck on H Street

Yeah, yeah, we know we've teased you about Sticky Rice before, but this time it looks like the H Street sushi spot is really ready to open. Co-owner Brian Deily says that Sticky Rice has invited "friends and family" for...

By Fritz Hahn | May 20, 2008; 06:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

RAMMY Voting Underway

Chef Robert Wiedmaier is nominated for Chef of the Year. His Brasserie Beck is nominated for New Restaurant of the Year and Hottest Bar Scene of the Year. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) Forget the national election. Yesterday the polls opened...

By Julia Beizer | May 19, 2008; 01:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Chocoholics, Meet Your Match

One of Co Co. Sala's chocolate confections. (Len De Pas) Last night marked the first official night of dinner service at the much-anticipated Co Co. Sala, a romantic lounge-restaurant-chocolate factory hybrid that specializes in sweet. The F Street lounge's marquee...

By Julia Beizer | May 13, 2008; 02:34 PM ET | Comments (13)

Hold the Bread Basket

In yesterday's Got Plans?, one chatter raised a question that's probably on a lot of our minds. Eat out the healthy way at Rock Creek Restaurant. (Katherine Frey - The Washington Post) Healthy in D.C.: Hey Gurus -- So I...

By Julia Beizer | May 9, 2008; 02:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

Not the Usual Patios

With the second consecutive weekend promising at least partially beautiful weather, Julia and I thought we'd recommend a dozen or so of our favorite places to enjoy food and drink outdoors. Thing is, we don't want to suggest the same...

By Fritz Hahn | April 24, 2008; 03:36 PM ET | Comments (9)

With Mom in Mind

Like Easter before it, Mother's Day is one of those holidays that's got everyone thinking brunch. Dutiful daughters, sons and husbands: use this guide to find a delicious meal for the mom in your lives. Mother's Day reservations fill up...

By Julia Beizer | April 23, 2008; 11:03 AM ET | Comments (2)

Portrait of a D.C. Institution: Ben's Chili Bowl

The lunch rush was in full swing at Ben's Chili Bowl today. A long line snaked into the back room, half-smokes were flying off the grill and cooks could be heard crooning old-school R&B. In other words, the atmosphere at...

By Julia Beizer | April 4, 2008; 03:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bring on the Carbs

I signed up for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in the same way you might casually agree to meet someone for drinks after work. Some friends encouraged my fiance and me to try it. We paid our $30 fees the...

By Julia Beizer | April 2, 2008; 05:19 PM ET | Comments (4)

Dinner Hopping Near the Verizon Center

A trip to the Verizon Center usually means an after-game drink or dish at a few reliable spots, like Matchbox, Clyde's or Jaleo. This month, newcomers Leeloo and Asia Nine jumped into the fray. Earlier this week, a friend and...

By Julia Beizer | March 19, 2008; 05:57 PM ET | Comments (2)

Eats on Easter

Easter's coming up and you need a place for brunch with your parents/grandmother/cousin-twice-removed. We'll get you started with a list of a few good brunch spots serving their regular menus, in addition to several hotels and restaurants offering special holiday...

By Julia Beizer | March 12, 2008; 06:39 PM ET | Comments (1)

Adams Morgan's Bushy-Tailed New Restaurant

On the weekends, Adams Morgan sometimes feels like an alternate universe, where Miller Lite is king and jumbo slice, his greasy mistress. For the last week and a half, restaurant/bar Black Squirrel has been charting a slightly new course on...

By Julia Beizer | March 4, 2008; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (9)

I Know You Get This All the Time: Restaurants by the Mall

"I know you get this all the time..." is itself a common refrain in Got Plans? Sure, we talk about new clubs, just-opened exhibits and hot restaurants in our weekly chat, but we also get many questions from readers who...

By Julia Beizer | February 29, 2008; 05:31 PM ET | Comments (5)

The Welcome Table

Lest you think all we do here in Guruland is exhort you to spend money on luxuries, such as indulgent restaurant meals, today I'm encouraging you to spend money on a good cause -- while you're also enjoying great food....

By Anne | February 26, 2008; 02:34 PM ET | Comments (1)

Until We Eat Again

In my years as a Guru, I've gotten a number of questions through Got Plans? and in conversation. You know the types. Are the Gurus for real? Do you really eat out all the time? I thought, before I sign...

By Erin | February 15, 2008; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (1)

Solo Suppers

The reasons for dining alone are many: It offers time to catch up on reading, your date is there, but invisible or you're just hungry. But dining alone can be a big pain. Restaurants are often loath to offer a...

By Erin | February 14, 2008; 05:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

Heart Bakers

Newsflash, folks. Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Sure, you can drop some cash on a box of fine Belgian chocolates or treat your sweetheart to a lobster dinner, but for me, there's little that's sweeter than baked goods. If you don't...

By Erin | February 13, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (13)

In Love With Food

If you're in the market for a Valentine's supper, there are plenty of special menus planned at restaurants around town. The restaurant choice is important, but it's also critical to consider what you want to eat. Sharing a meal with...

By Erin | February 6, 2008; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Destinations for Flying Solo

You'd be surprised how many questions we get in Got Plans? about whether it's okay to go out to bars alone. (For some reason, this comes up a lot around Valentine's Day.) Our answer is always the same: Of course...

By Fritz Hahn | February 5, 2008; 05:25 PM ET | Comments (6)

News to Digest: The Valentine's Day Special

If you're a lover who dreams of cuddling up to your honey on Valentine's Day, feeding one another spoons of gooey chocolate cake or foie gras, here are a few restaurants whose special menus you might want to check out....

By Erin | January 30, 2008; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Smokin' Sips

In yesterday's edition of Got Plans?, a reader wrote in seeking a smoking hot beverage: Dear Gurus, I've been craving some seriously spicy hot chocolate in this fair city of ours. Do you know where I can satisfy my chocolately...

By Erin | January 25, 2008; 01:19 PM ET | Comments (2)

News to Digest

Februrary is famous for one particular amorous night, but local restaurants have found plenty of other reasons to cook up a feast next month. If you only have eyes for Valentine's Day, rest assured that we'll pick out a few...

By Erin | January 23, 2008; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (2)

Restaurant Week: Clearly the Word Is Out

For Friday lunch, I decided to book a table at Spezie. The restaurant has touted a full menu offering and I was intrigued to see how it could handle feeding such a large menu to the converging masses: those who...

By Erin | January 18, 2008; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Restaurant Week Begins

We are three days into Restaurant Week, that biannual charge of bargain-seeking diners eager to pack restaurants beyond capacity. In past years, I've filled my week with daily lunch and dinner reservations to survey how different restaurants stack up. Though...

By Erin | January 16, 2008; 03:06 PM ET | Comments (23)

Fake and Bake

Today's Food section explores the wild and crazy world of mock meats. No longer limited to school cafeterias, mock meats -- most made from gluten -- are becoming more popular and bearing stronger resemblances to the real thing. Though I've...

By Erin | January 9, 2008; 12:18 PM ET | Comments (8)

News to Digest

Since last week's News to Digest focused on this year's upcoming openings, I thought it fitting to point out a few recent closures around town, along with a departure. Shaw's Pyramids, which was open late on weekends, serving fragrant Moroccan...

By Erin | January 9, 2008; 11:21 AM ET | Comments (8)

On Stage in January

This month, local theaters show us a hard look at the police force as well as the No Child Left Behind initiative. Two brothers struggle to understand one another with the help of rhythmic poetry, and in a world premiere,...

By Erin | January 7, 2008; 03:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

Erin's Meal Plan for 2008

The new year makes me giddy with anticipation of new restaurants. The horizon holds plenty of seafood, a gastropub, a healthy BBQ joint and, hopefully, a new venture for one of my longtime favorite chefs....

By Erin | January 2, 2008; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (6)

The Restaurant Week List

Ask and you shall receive. In yesterday's Got Plans?, we were inundated with requests for where to eat during Restaurant Week. The list of Restaurant Week participants has been posted. So start scrambling to make your reservations. Here are some...

By Erin | December 21, 2007; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (7)

Cocoa Better

When the weather gets cold, my cravings turn hot. Normally a faithful coffee consumer, I often eschew my morning caffeine in the winters in favor of hot chocolate. Needless to say, I'm always on the prowl for a gourmet version...

By Erin | December 20, 2007; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (7)

Bites for a New Year

Should more effort go into a greeting or a farewell? It seems that most restaurants send the year off in grand style with edible luxuries like lobster, champagne and caviar. New Year's Day, however, is a different matter. Many restaurants...

By Erin | December 19, 2007; 01:26 PM ET | Comments (2)

Christmas Eve Eats

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, thoughts were turned to dinner. In my house, dinner is an inspired compilation of takeout from countries with red, white and green flags. My favorites are usually the spaghetti and...

By Erin | December 14, 2007; 02:50 PM ET | Comments (2)

News to Digest

Today's Food section lists dozens of recipes for delicious cookies. There are vegan, gluten-free, savory and low-sugar cookies alongside all the delicious, buttery unhealthy options. But if you don't have the time or prowess to bake your own treats, here...

By Erin | December 12, 2007; 01:48 PM ET | Comments (1)

Get Into the Holiday Spirits (and Tea)

It's time to dust off that reindeer sweater and velvet party dress and hit the town to get into the holiday spirit. Over the next few weeks, you can brunch with Santa, get all dolled up for tea and drink...

By Erin | December 6, 2007; 03:15 PM ET | Comments (2)

Restaurant Week Is Coming

The year is coming to a close, which means January -- and its Winter Restaurant Week -- will soon be here. Yes, the $30.08 three-course dinners and $20.08 three-course lunches will be offered all around town Monday, Jan. 14 through...

By Erin | December 5, 2007; 01:45 PM ET | Comments (5)

News to Digest

The ground may be covered in white, but green is what is great at a few local eating establishments. Local restaurants are emphasizing earth-friendly practices by using biodegradable takeout containers, wind-powered energy and humanely-raised meats. Also, a barbecue restaurant opens...

By Erin | December 5, 2007; 01:41 PM ET | Comments (2)

News to Digest

Though you may still be recovering from the gluttony of Thanksgiving, December is nearly upon us, which means that it's time to celebrate an Italian feast at a few restaurants and experience Italy at a new spot in Rosslyn. It's...

By Erin | November 28, 2007; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (2)

Erin's Wish List: Make My Dinner

Visions of sugarplums are for wimps. My ultimate holiday gift would satisfy bigger dining dreams. I want a catered dinner with wine pairings as I gaze out over the monuments. I want to sit inside a kitchen and listen to...

By Erin | November 20, 2007; 11:50 AM ET | Comments (1)

The Source for Great Wine

Fantastic food, an airy, open space and A-list people watching opportunities are a few reasons to stop into the new Source restaurant, but one of my favorite aspects of the restaurant is its sommelier, Esther Milstead, who goes by Malia....

By Erin | November 16, 2007; 10:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

News to Digest

This week, News to Digest turns to brunch. Brunch is one of my most favorite meals. I love that one simple word stands for all non-dinner eating between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends. On the (very rare and...

By Erin | November 15, 2007; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Free Lunch

This is probably one of the last semi-warm days we'll have for a while. Celebrate it with free salad at the grand opening of a new Chinatown lunch spot. Starting now through 2 p.m. today, Chop't Creative Salad Company is...

By Erin | November 14, 2007; 11:08 AM ET | Comments (1)

Beaujolais Nouveau Update

I blogged about some Beaujolais Nouveau parties last week, but we've received information about other events since then, and I wanted to come up with an easy way for folks to compare and contrast the various events. Here's our updated...

By Fritz Hahn | November 12, 2007; 04:04 PM ET | Comments (4)

Colorado Kitchen Cooks Again

Anybody who stopped by Colorado Kitchen over the weekend found that the restaurant had temporarily closed due to a massive plumbing blockage. If you've suffered uncontrollable cravings for burgers, fried chicken and ziti, jump for joy that the problems have...

By Erin | November 7, 2007; 05:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

Book a Table for Turkey Time

Thanksgiving is coming. With it, you may have family coming to town, dinner to plan, Martha Stewart centerpieces to arrange and liters of alcohol to stock. Or you could just leave it up to the pros and book a table...

By Erin | November 7, 2007; 12:47 PM ET | Comments (10)

Treat or Bust

I am not ashamed to admit that I love candy. When the Rite-Aid near my apartment put many favorite varieties on sale last month, I bought several bags and brought them into the office. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joys...

By Erin | October 31, 2007; 01:28 PM ET | Comments (1)

News to Digest

With the end of the year approaching, it's time to start thinking about charitable contributions. Two prime celebrations offer up events for fantastic causes on consecutive nights next week. If you still have money to burn, head to a new...

By Erin | October 30, 2007; 04:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Steal a (Chance to Talk About a) Taco

Anybody who is watching the World Series -- or likes tacos -- has heard of the Taco Bell promotion "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco." The promotion went like this: If any player were to steal a base during the...

By Erin | October 26, 2007; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (12)

All Hallows Eat

Though it may be 80 degrees outside, it is late October, which means that Halloween is near. To get you into the spirit, we'll bewitch you with daily posts on events, parties and themed destinations leading up to the 31st....

By Erin | October 22, 2007; 03:53 PM ET | Comments (2)

Oh, More Places You'll Eat

Yesterday I started my post-summer sorting of my favorite restaurants of the past few months. I barely scratched the surface, leaving the best for last. Today: a few clones of established favorites, a destination for amazing wine and Wolfgang Puck's...

By Erin | October 17, 2007; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (3)

Oh the Places You'll Eat

It's been a busy few months in the restaurant world. New spots are always popping up, but the pace of openings has increased since May, with fresh destinations for fabulous wine, family-style Sunday dinners, bowls of mussels and plenty of...

By Erin | October 16, 2007; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (3)

Super Fun Friday

In yesterday's Got Plans? a super-fun-loving reader sought advice on a super fun date: "I want to take my boyfriend on a super fun date tomorrow night. We are in our early 20s, and don't like the bar scene that...

By Erin | October 12, 2007; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (1)

News to Digest

If you like sampling wine, food or wine and food, then leap on the chance to sip Bordeaux beauties or chew on Georgetown's finest. If you happen to find yourself in Penn Quarter, stop in and check out the newest...

By Erin | October 11, 2007; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

News to Digest

Whether you're flat broke or high rolling, there are a few fun food opportunities to suit every budget this month. New around town, Clarendon diners are going for the number three....

By Erin | October 5, 2007; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

Eat More on Sunday

Sundays are about to get a whole lot more scrumptious. Starting this weekend, two hot downtown restaurants will expand their offerings. Whether it's a breakfast version of a favorite pizza at brunch or a lobster burger at dinner, Sunday just...

By Erin | October 1, 2007; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Best Burgers

The Food section ran a tantalizing article about burgers getting the star treatment at some of the area's top restaurants. I concur that you can nab a mighty fine burger at Central, Palena and the top-notch steakhouses -- in fact...

By Erin | September 26, 2007; 12:45 PM ET | Comments (18)

News to Digest

Summer is officially over, so that means that it's time to turn our thoughts to heartier food. Steakhouses are known for deal-making, so take advantage and strike a deal of your own at two local steakhouses. If you're still clinging...

By Erin | September 25, 2007; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (5)

News to Digest

This week, let's raise our forks to new Virginia offshoots of two of my favorite restaurants. Oh yes, you can now find fabulous oysters in Old Town and delicious Thai food in Ashburn. Also, an article in the Food section...

By Erin | September 12, 2007; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Vive le Georgetown

Summer -- and its requisite vacations -- may be over, but if you're looking for a quick jaunt to France, you need travel no farther than Georgetown. Sure, the Potomac is hardly a substitute for the art-laden banks of the...

By Erin | September 11, 2007; 06:53 PM ET | Comments (8)

News to Digest

Summer vacation is over, but that doesn't stop one Hill-area restaurant from launching a rooftop happy hour with free food. Speaking of free food, get a sampling of free paella tomorrow during lunch and try your hand at making it...

By Erin | September 6, 2007; 11:39 AM ET | Comments (0)

Eats on the Streets

Do you ever get tired of seeing the same boiled hot dogs and $5 sodas at every food cart around town? I love getting lunch from a street cart, but D.C. has a long way to go before it offers...

By Erin | August 29, 2007; 09:47 AM ET | Comments (5)

Deliver Us From Hunger

I inadvertently set off a firestorm in today's Got Plans? when I responded to a U Street transplant in search of good Chinese delivery. I think that Chinese delivery is best when it's no-frills, authentic food. When it comes to...

By Erin | August 23, 2007; 04:33 PM ET | Comments (14)

News to Digest

It's good for the conscience to donate to recovery efforts, so enjoy a few cocktails, eat some South American food and help Peru. Meanwhile, tomatoes are all the rage in local tapas and two new Italian restaurants are hoping to...

By Erin | August 21, 2007; 05:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dinner and a Show

It's a classic conundrum. When it comes to dinner and a movie, do you opt for the movie at a normal time, then late dinner and off to bed on a full stomach? Dinner at a normal time and then...

By Erin | August 16, 2007; 10:20 AM ET | Comments (1)

Restaurant Week Returns

I'm of two minds about Restaurant Week. For many, it's a chance to sample the talents of bold-name chefs who cook at restaurants that are ordinarily out of our normal price range -- and at $30.07 for dinner, it can...

By Fritz Hahn | August 8, 2007; 12:16 PM ET | Comments (42)

The Week Lives On

Restaurant Week offers the opportunity to stuff yourself on three courses (or 6 if you can swing lunch and dinner) each day for seven days. If your waistline and budget can support more dining debauchery, several fantastic restaurants have extended...

By Erin | July 27, 2007; 11:56 AM ET | Comments (6)

News to Digest

Restaurant Week is coming, so what better way to get excited than with a trial run at a different Restaurant Week? Also, National Ice Cream Month is melting away. Where do you satisfy your scoop cravings?...

By Erin | July 25, 2007; 04:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Restaurant Week Tips

In yesterday's Got Plans? chat, a reader hungering for some food deals wrote in with this question: Arlington, Va.: Some friends and I are hoping to take advantage of Restaurant Week, but one member of the group is a vegetarian....

By Erin | July 20, 2007; 05:45 PM ET | Comments (2)

News to Digest

There's a lot of food to be excited about this week. Chocolate-lovers can embrace the return of decadence -- or at least its cooler cousin -- at the Ritz-Carlton, while several places are cooking up magical treats for Harry Potter...

By Erin | July 18, 2007; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (1)

News to Digest

Two venerable and pricey steakhouse chains offer enticing summer specials for two. If a meaty splurge doesn't appeal, check out the week's new restaurants, which include a casual pizzeria and an eco-friendly Mediterranean spot. Bastille Day is this Saturday, so...

By Erin | July 11, 2007; 03:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bastille Day Blowouts

Washington becomes a hotbed of French culture every July as restaurants, bars and cultural groups throw parties to celebrate Bastille Day, which marks the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution. This year, the 14th falls on a Saturday, which is...

By Fritz Hahn | July 10, 2007; 03:07 PM ET | Comments (7)

News to Digest

Fourth of July celebrations are winding down, but we're lucky enough to have another reason to celebrate this week. Also, there is a new spot to find plenty of wine in Chinatown, while a nearby restaurant offers the chance to...

By Erin | July 5, 2007; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (5)

News to Digest

Summer food lovin' is here. Barbecue is the center of a philanthropic battle and a brunch spot heats up this Sunday with a scorching one-day drink special. All of the farmers markets are open with berries, cherries and plenty of...

By Erin | June 21, 2007; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (6)

Silver Diners

Last night, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington hosted the 25th annual RAMMY awards in a silver-studded event that paid tribute to some of the area's best dining experiences. The awards yielded few surprises, though the awards selected by the...

By Erin | June 18, 2007; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (9)

News to Digest

Restaurant Week dates have been announced, so it's time to start thinking about where to dine. It's still too early to book reservations at most of the promotion's top participants. In the meantime, there are hot deals at two popular...

By Erin | June 13, 2007; 01:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

News to Digest

Two restaurants celebrate al fresco dining tonight and those looking to spice up lunch have multiple options thanks to a delicious and affordable spread of curry at a posh hotel. New around town, burger spots and pizzerias get a few...

By Erin | June 6, 2007; 02:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

Pick a Picnic Purveyor

Whether you're heading out to the Shakespeare Free for All or just spending time in a park, Memorial Day weekend offers plenty of opportunities for a picnic. Take-out preferences largely depend on your taste and neighborhood, but here are some...

By Erin | May 25, 2007; 02:45 PM ET | Comments (3)

News to Digest

With the holiday weekend ahead, thoughts turn to longer days and summer's favorite foods. The first bright beacon of warm weather, the strawberry, has stormed the farmers markets. Around town, you can find the berries in custard, shortcake, daiquiris and...

By Erin | May 24, 2007; 05:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Eat for Eastern Market

If you're looking for a dinner idea tonight, plan to eat out in support of Eastern Market. Today, participating local restaurants will donate 25-100% of sales to the Eastern Market ... Keep it Going fund. As of this morning, the...

By Erin | May 21, 2007; 11:58 AM ET | Comments (0)

News to Digest

Wednesdays are becoming a popular night for specialty dinners around town. Wine pairings and all-you-can-eat pasta are just two of the tempting options for mid-week dining. For those in search of new restaurant destinations, I round up the restaurants that...

By Erin | May 17, 2007; 11:19 AM ET | Comments (0)

News to Digest

Spring's finest offerings are appearing on menus around town. Ramps, asparagus, spring peas and soft shells are just a hint of what's to come. One premier local restaurant will pay tribute to some of the season's best produce with themed...

By Erin | May 9, 2007; 01:11 PM ET | Comments (2)

Dining With Mom

Mother's Day is reportedly the most popular brunch day of the year. It's a chance to take Mom out and show her you care, while hoping that restaurants don't go to town on overpriced specials. Whether you prefer to order...

By Erin | May 7, 2007; 03:28 PM ET | Comments (2)

Eating Up Summer

We're barely into May, but two local restaurants are channeling Southern summers with buckets of warm-weather foods that are perfect for savoring outside. After the jump, find out where to get mud bugs, fried oysters, shrimp corn dogs and buckets...

By Erin | May 4, 2007; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

News to Digest

Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday and local restaurants are celebrating with a week of special dishes, a tribute to the avocado and even a hybrid Cinco de Derby spread. In other restaurant news, a local restauranteur offers a discounted...

By Erin | May 3, 2007; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (0)

Fishing for Crabs

In yesterday's Got Plans? discussion, one reader was eager to jump onto the crab boat: Washington, D.C.: Hey GOG's! Is it crab season yet? Are there any new, fun places to go? Quarterdeck is my standby, but it's always nice...

By Erin | April 27, 2007; 01:58 PM ET | Comments (2)

News to Digest

For anybody in search of new local flavor, there are restaurants cropping up faster than dandelions all around town this week. Sustainable seafood arrives in Georgetown with a pleasant splash and sweet desserts, a bit of upscale Mexican spices up...

By Erin | April 25, 2007; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (1)

Circa Now

As Julia reported ages ago, WrapWorks in Dupont is no more. The replacement, an upscale coffeehouse and restaurant called Circa, opened its doors earlier this week. With WiFi, outdoor seating, an inviting wine bar with a WineKeeper fridge and hours...

By Erin | April 19, 2007; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (8)

On Restaurants

Earth Day is coming and local restaurants are going green with several opportunities to enjoy sustainable, organic, earth-friendly meals. Get ready to cast a line to a new Georgetown fish spot, and look for a new outlet-area outpost of a...

By Erin | April 18, 2007; 10:56 AM ET | Comments (0)

On Restaurants

Last week, I posted a few nibbles of news, but this week marks the first of a weekly blog segment to let you know about openings, special events and what is in season on the menu on the local restaurant...

By Erin | April 11, 2007; 04:04 PM ET | Comments (1)

Nibbles of Food News

Wednesday usually shines as the midway point of the work week, but this dreary day, responsible for washing away the cherry blossoms, feels particularly gloomy. To add some sun to the day, here are a few nuggets of food news....

By Erin | April 4, 2007; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Easter Brunch: Case of the Where Rabbit

Easter is rapidly approaching and with it, my love/hate relationship with rabbits. On the one hand, I adore chocolate rabbits and stockpile as many different types as I can find. (For those who love them, this is also the time...

By Erin | March 30, 2007; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (1)

Don't Pass Up Passover

Passover is rapidly approaching and with it arrive some enticing offerings from local restaurants. Most certified kosher establishments will close for the holiday, but a few spots are embracing Passover fare with both traditional and very eclectic dishes....

By Erin | March 29, 2007; 03:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

Battle Star Andres

Less than a year after chef Morou was defeated by Bobby Flay in the frozen peas battle on "Iron Chef America," another local talent has stepped up to challenge Flay. Chef Jose Andres of Jaleo, Oyamel, Cafe Atlantico/Minibar and Zaytinya...

By Erin | March 20, 2007; 03:42 PM ET | Comments (1)

Mex and the City (or Where to Eat With the Girls)

In yesterday's Got Plans?, a stumped reader asked for restaurant ideas for a girls' night out. She wrote, "Any suggestions for new/cool restaurant in D.C. for a group of 30-something women? One of the party is not an adventurous eater...

By Erin | March 16, 2007; 02:40 PM ET | Comments (1)

Get a Life

If your big Thursday night plan includes Chinese delivery and "The Office," get out and enjoy Life. Dining Out for Life offers an unbeatable excuse for splurging on a good meal out. Tomorrow, March 8, 150 local restaurants will contribute...

By Erin | March 7, 2007; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

Blissful Decadence

If Willy Wonka reinvented the tea party, the resulting dream come true would be pretty close to Chocolate Decadence at the Ritz Carlton. Every Friday evening through March 30, the hotel's Lobby Lounge is transformed into chocolate bliss. For $30...

By Erin | February 23, 2007; 03:13 PM ET | Comments (3)

Getting Haute in Here

Luckily for those looking to conquer the bitter chill and ice of the past few days, there's a brand new Adams Morgan spot specializing in summer's favorite food. M'Dawg Haute Dogs is grilling up 13 types of dogs and sausages...

By Erin | February 14, 2007; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (4)

Rice and Easy

Two local Spanish restaurants are celebrating aspects of their national cuisine in the coming months. The time has come for Jaleo's annual paella celebration. To kick it all off, two Spanish chefs will prepare giant paella at the Dupont Circle...

By Erin | February 8, 2007; 04:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tea Off

Those who thirstily dug into Got Plans? yesterday will recall a reader who wrote in seeking a destination for high tea. Astute readers pointed that afternoon tea is the practice with which most are familiar: tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and...

By Erin | February 2, 2007; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (10)

I Heart Dinner

Heart-shaped cookie molds, pink candy and stuffed animals that serenade with lovey songs. Valentine's Day is over two weeks away, but aisles of Valentine's merchandise have been calling -- or singing -- to us for months already. Many area restaurants...

By Erin | January 29, 2007; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (1)

Hungry for More?

Restaurant Week is nearly through, but a few local spots are extending their specials. Whether your calendar frees Tuesday, toward the end of this month or not until late-March, there are still three-course specials to be found around town....

By Erin | January 12, 2007; 04:16 PM ET | Comments (3)

Central Time

In writing my look forward at new restaurants for 2007, I noticed that one particular spot had also landed on my look ahead to 2006. The poky restaurant, Central Michel Richard, is finally open. From chef, you guessed it, Michel...

By Erin | January 9, 2007; 01:27 PM ET | Comments (2)

Erin's Meal Plan for 2007

The new year is upon us and with it, the promise of plenty of fine dining. In the works are several sibling restaurants to beloved local establishments, ranging from four-star affairs to midnight cheap eats. More restaurants are popping into...

By Erin | January 4, 2007; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (1)

Erin's Tasty Morsels in 2006

As we look back on our various beats in 2006, I'm embarrassed by how much I've had to eat this year. I should probably trademark the phrase "I'll never eat again," but most food comas have been pleasant ones. It's...

By Erin | December 29, 2006; 10:38 AM ET | Comments (2)

P Party

The Dupont Circle-area stretch of P between 21st and 22nd streets has transformed in the past year. From the opening of Hotel Palomar to the sugary addition of the Fractured Prune, constant changes are afoot. The newest addition to the...

By Erin | December 20, 2006; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (6)

Return of Restaurant Week

It's that time of year again. Yes, of course, New Year's, Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching, but restaurant- and bargain-lovers know that early January means Restaurant Week. Once again, some of the area's best restaurants will dish up a three-course...

By Erin | December 13, 2006; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (4)

Bring Us Our Figgy Pudding (Or Whatever's on the Menu)

Whether you're exhausted from opening presents or looking to spend the quality time on Christmas with family instead of the stove, a few local restaurants will be open and serving dinner on Christmas Day. Most restaurants in hotels will be...

By Erin | December 6, 2006; 05:20 PM ET | Comments (2)

Hope for the Best

Yesterday in Got Plans?, a hungry, yet philanthropic reader asked if Michel Richard Citronelle would again host Sweet Hope. For those who are not familiar with it, this is an event that offers free admission, dessert, drinks and entertainment to...

By Erin | December 1, 2006; 04:56 PM ET | Comments (1)

The Sweet Life

One of the most frequent questions I stumble upon in Got Plans? is from people in search of a mellow post-dinner destination or a spot for delicious desserts. Baltimore has Little Italy, Los Angeles has its own cupcake row on...

By Erin | November 16, 2006; 04:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

Restaurant Roundup

Several long-awaited establishments are opening their doors in the coming days. As if the city wasn't already jazzed about Tuesday's election madness, Washingtonians can go wild over Grilled Cheese (yes, that Grilled Cheese), donuts, Afro-Euro-American bliss and so much more....

By Erin | November 2, 2006; 04:58 PM ET | Comments (3)

What's New on the Circa

"We really want to make ourselves part of the community." Those are the high aspirations Matthew Carlin has for Circa at Dupont, the new restaurant moving into the WrapWorks space as early as next March. Carlin is the chief financial...

By Julia Beizer | October 30, 2006; 06:56 PM ET | Comments (2)

That's a Wrap

Some of you Dupont worker bees have no doubt noticed that WrapWorks on the corner of Connecticut Ave. and Q St. has closed. As one Got Plans? reader asked: Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: LOVE the chats! Submitting early due to...

By Julia Beizer | October 25, 2006; 03:54 PM ET | Comments (1)

Crystal City's New Treat

When Oyamel closed its doors last month, many feared that Crystal City would fall flat without the lively dishes that offered a small taste of Mexico. News that Roberto Donna would open a casual new trattoria with pizzas and pastas...

By Erin | October 24, 2006; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Cheesy Substitutes

When the beloved Guru hangout Stoney's lost its lease early this year, many of us were at a loss. What would happen to the multitude of police badges? How would we replace Stoney's Ale? And, most importantly, wherever would we...

By Erin | October 23, 2006; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

Slice of a Comet

Comet Ping Pong, the long-awaited New Haven-style pizzeria from Carole Greenwood, the chef of Buck's Fishing & Camping, recently opened and is poised to become one of the area's coolest restaurants. Presently, the spot is no culinary destination -- there...

By Erin | October 11, 2006; 05:53 PM ET | Comments (2)

It's Elementary at PS 7's

PS 7's is named for chef Peter Smith and the restaurant's address (777 I St.), but it also feels very much like a nod to elementary school. Be it at the bar or a table in the dining room, obsequious...

By Erin | September 28, 2006; 02:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

'Souris with a Smile

The newest meat market in Washington isn't a singles bar, but a Dupont-area French bistro with a menu that'll make any red meat-lover content. Montsouris, from the owners of Montmartre, opened in the former Johnny's Half Shell space on P...

By Erin | September 25, 2006; 02:50 PM ET | Comments (1)

Soul Searching

It seemed like just yesterday that the area around Ninth and U streets was transitioning from Little Ethiopia into a bastion of Southern comfort. Several fairly new restaurants have competed for your soulful cravings served straight-up without the frills. Hush...

By Erin | September 13, 2006; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (4)

Rice, Rice Baby

Summer is so last week, so my thoughts are racing towards fall with its colder weather, warmer clothing and, of course, heartier meals. In hopes of finding my first fall meal, I dropped into the rich red dining room of...

By Erin | September 11, 2006; 03:44 PM ET | Comments (2)

Top This

Piola, the international Italian pizza chain, opened up today in Rosslyn. Located next to Cafe Asia, the restaurant has an industrial style, spruced up with two chandeliers and dozens of brightly colored glass wall sconces that lend a near theatrical...

By Erin | August 28, 2006; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (10)

Sweet Relief

It's been nearly a year since Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast, but there's still a lot of work to be done. You can do your part next week simply by choosing to splurge on a huge dinner. Share our...

By Erin | August 25, 2006; 06:17 PM ET | Comments (3)

Make-A-Date

In yesterday's edition of Got Plans?, a reader wrote in seeking a third date destination that is authentically D.C., delicious and low-key. Truthfully, I find this to be a complex issue. The destinations and activities you choose for your dates...

By Erin | August 25, 2006; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (4)

Cod Almighty

The long-awaited Eamonn's A Dublin Chipper from Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve softly opened its doors last night, but it wasn't more than a few minutes before it was packed to capacity. I arrived around 6:45 to a mob-scene of...

By Erin | August 22, 2006; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (8)

Expanded Week-ness

I just returned from vacation and, while I had the time of my life romping around and trying new dishes including kudu and ostrich, I was sorry to have missed a huge portion of Restaurant Week. For those of you...

By Erin | August 18, 2006; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (6)

Finally Lia's

In the midst of stagnant summer heat and six months after its anticipated opening, Lia's opened the doors of its breezy Chevy Chase space on Monday. From Geoff Tracy, the man behind Chef Geoff's, the Italian spot (Lia is short...

By Erin | July 26, 2006; 03:13 PM ET | Comments (1)

Week-lings Unveiled

OMG! Restaurant Week participants have been announced and HARD ROCK CAFE is on the list! There were a few interesting new additions to this year's list, but that one was the most jarring. But fear not: there is absolutely no...

By Erin | July 21, 2006; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (8)

The Full Scoop

If there's one thing to love about the current weather, it's that it gives us a no-holds-barred pass to chill out with ice cream. So I went on an ice cream rampage, sampling the different options to find my favorite...

By Erin | July 18, 2006; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (5)

Even Without the World Cup, the Party Goes On

French expats and Francophiles mourning Les Bleus' penalty-kick loss in the World Cup final will have a reason to cheer by the end of the week: Bastille Day, France's independence day, invariably brings parties that go on well into the...

By Fritz Hahn | July 10, 2006; 02:05 PM ET | Comments (6)

Let Me See That Sushi Roll

Wasabi, a restaurant in the Farragut area, opened on Wednesday, and I stopped by last night to test my agility and to play a rousing game of "Guess That Sushi Roll." This sleek restaurant is the second in the area...

By Erin | July 7, 2006; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

1789 Savings

Fresh off its three-star review from The Washington Post's food critic Tom Sietsema, 1789 is giving summer diners an affordable way to nab a gourmet meal. Now through Sept. 13, the restaurant offers three courses for $35....

By Erin | July 3, 2006; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Rocking Out With Restaurants

Last night was the 2006 RAMMY Awards Gala presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. It was a rock star-style black-tie affair recognizing favorites in the local restaurant scene. As I reported in March when the nominees were announced,...

By Erin | June 26, 2006; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (4)

That's Just Ducky

Round these transient parts, it's a standard query to ask where people are from. And now you can play the same cocktail party game with your dining companion's meal. At the Blue Duck Tavern, the restaurant opening tonight in the...

By Erin | June 23, 2006; 03:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

Sunshine From a Bottle

With the forecast calling for rain, you could whine about your weekend plans, but if you hit the Omni Shoreham Hotel you could wine instead. Though it's no bargain, the seventh annual Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival will...

By Erin | June 22, 2006; 06:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Thrilled with Chills

Summer officially begins today and with it the search for ways to beat the heat. Some of my surefire ways include kicking back with tropical cocktails, small light meals (no paella for me this summer), maximum time outside and plenty...

By Erin | June 21, 2006; 12:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

Git Along Cowgirl

Just in time for picnic season, Cowgirl Creamery will open its doors in the Chinatown area tomorrow with its sumptuous signature cheeses and a variety of gourmet food goods....

By Erin | June 12, 2006; 12:21 PM ET | Comments (2)

Starting a Rumberos

Like girls who got gussied up for the school dance and then spent the night sitting on the sidelines, Julia and I had a huge letdown at dinner last evening. We boogied over to Rumberos, a brand new restaurant in...

By Erin | June 9, 2006; 03:51 PM ET | Comments (9)

Nearly Ready to Farm

After months and months of speculation and waiting, Agraria, the restaurant owned in part by the North Dakota Farmers Union, has opened its doors at Georgetown's Washington Harbour. Situated among Nick's Riverside Grill, Cabanas and Sequoia, this will be the...

By Erin | June 6, 2006; 05:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Full 90

With the World Cup just over a week away, every soccer fan's looking for a place to watch. Adams Morgan residents are fortunate to have a new prime venue: Earlier this spring, they welcomed the 90 Min Cafe, which hopes...

By Fritz Hahn | June 1, 2006; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (4)

Get Your Kicks at Jaleo

With soccer fans gearing up for the excitement of the World Cup (Viva L'Italia!), Jose Andres has upped the ante for fans by putting his money where his cheer is. The enterprising Spanish chef behind Cafe Atlantico and Minibar, Zaytinya,...

By Erin | May 31, 2006; 05:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Summer Lovin'

If you're like me, you've been wondering about the dates for the the summer 2006 Restaurant Week since January when the winter promotional week ended. Well, I just received confirmation from the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation that this...

By Erin | May 19, 2006; 02:41 PM ET | Comments (6)

May's the Steaks

The Palm restaurants are celebrating 80 years in business this Monday, May 21, and they're preparing to stuff diners to the gills with Palm-style lunch treats. For $19.26, after the year the original Manhattan location opened, lunch diners can feast...

By Erin | May 18, 2006; 05:20 PM ET | Comments (1)

Adding Spice to Peppers

David Barigault and George Gozem, Bistrot du Coin's former executive chef and general manager respectively, have turned the former Peppers space on 17th Street into Le Pigalle, a French bistro. This is good news for locals and gourmands who've long...

By Erin | May 11, 2006; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (3)

Greek to Me

Zaytinya, which arguably offers the best collection of Greek wines in the area, is hosting a complimentary tasting of Greek wines on Sunday. This event, part of the All About Greek Wine campaign, gives you the opportunity to try wines...

By Erin | April 28, 2006; 10:56 AM ET | Comments (0)

New Heights

Yesterday in the chat, somebody wrote in asking where to find a passion fruit martini. Fritz mentioned the one at Ceiba, and I noticed last night that a new spot in town is also concocting some mighty delicious cocktails. Open...

By Erin | April 7, 2006; 06:28 PM ET | Comments (1)

Galileo's Star

With spring upon us and the sun shining brightly, there's no excuse to say inside and huddle over a bag lunch or another Lean Cuisine. Instead, go get in line for one of the best gourmet bargains in the city....

By Erin | April 3, 2006; 04:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

Ray's Up Your Cheers!

Those who mourned the sudden closure of Ray's The Steaks can rejoice: the restaurant will reopen tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, with a few changes. The restaurant will have even fewer seats (45), will no longer accept reservations and will instead...

By Erin | March 31, 2006; 07:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

Ready to Rustico

Rustico has barged into the Alexandria restaurant scene, serving up wood-fired pizzas, comfort food and a whole lot of beer in a brand new commercial complex on Slaters Lane. This newest spot from the group behind Evening Star Cafe, Tallula...

By Erin | March 23, 2006; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (5)

Rock On

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced the finalists for its 2006 Rammy awards Wednesday afternoon at a party at IndeBleu. On hand were RAMW president Lynne Breaux, Bob Madigan and Carole Schwartz (who spoke of her crusade to halt...

By Erin | March 22, 2006; 07:47 PM ET | Comments (4)

Cherries Jubilee

The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws thousands of visitors to behold the fleeting flowers, but this event is not just a treat for your eyes. Several local restaurants are offering dishes, drinks and even full menus inspired by the cherry...

By Erin | March 22, 2006; 03:26 PM ET | Comments (21)

Woman-Eater

Chicas, if you've been feeling underappreciated, Ristorante Tosca has a culinary solution. In conjunction with Women's History Month and Italy's Festa della Donna (festival of the woman), the restaurant is offering a special three-course specialty menu to honor female patrons....

By Erin | March 6, 2006; 04:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Drinks at Vegetate

Vegetate's battle for a liquor license is over, and Shiloh Baptist Church's protest has been successful. Officially, the vegetarian and vegan restaurant, which opened in Shaw last fall, can't serve alcohol because it's within 400 feet of a school. (Shiloh...

By Fritz Hahn | March 3, 2006; 12:54 PM ET | Comments (8)

A Pall Over Foggy Bottom

Foggy Bottom beer is no more. Founder and owner Gary Heurich has announced in a e-mail today that "after 20 unprofitable years, the Olde Heurich Brewing Company has discontinued brewing operations, and will cease sales of its beers ... with...

By Fritz Hahn | March 1, 2006; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (3)

The Good Life

As if you need another reason to go enjoy a phenomenal meal, Dining Out For Life will take place Thursday, March 9. Over 150 local restaurants will donate 25-100 percent of sales to Food & Friends, a group that delivers...

By Erin | February 23, 2006; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (2)

Countdown to Fat Tuesday

With a week to go until the start of Lent, it's time to begin gearing up for Fat Tuesday. We know not everyone wants to go Bourbon Street-crazy, so here are our suggestions for celebrating New Orleans-style, whether that means...

By Fritz Hahn | February 22, 2006; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (2)

Choc It Up

Chocolate fanatics, sugar babies going through withdrawal after last week's Chocolate Lovers Festival and those who fall victim to an irrepressible sweet tooth can lap up the splendor of Chocolate Decadence at the Lobby Lounge of the West End's Ritz...

By Erin | February 10, 2006; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Week-lings Rejoice

If the thought of life after D.C.'s Restaurant Week depresses you, rest assured that relief (or at least a brief extension of edible exhilaration) is on the way. The Greater Bethesda/Chevy Chase Restaurant Week is just around the corner. Participants...

By Erin | January 10, 2006; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (2)

Erin's Flash-Forward Food

We're only a few days into the new year, but the city is buzzing with restaurant rumors, openings and ideas. Without further ado, things for which I ready my fork: The crew of Buck's Fishing & Camping will take a...

By Erin | January 6, 2006; 01:10 PM ET | Comments (8)

Lighters Down

As expected, the D.C. Council passed a city-wide smoking ban today by a margin of 11 to 1; all restaurants, bars, taverns and dance clubs will become smoke-free on January 1, 2007. Mayor Anthony Williams still has to sign the...

By Fritz Hahn | January 4, 2006; 04:16 PM ET | Comments (176)

Erin's Food Finds of '05

As I get ready to hop a flight to beautiful, glamorous and often anorexic L.A., I realize I've done a lot of eating this year. Some of it was delicious, some not so much. Here are my most memorable culinary...

By Erin | December 27, 2005; 10:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Week Will Prevail

If you were planning to eat healthy in the new year, formulate a new plan. Mere days after the start of 2006, while leftovers still tempt us from the fridge, the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation and the Restaurant...

By Erin | December 20, 2005; 10:42 AM ET | Comments (4)

Hey Jude

If you're seeking a good excuse to enjoy some delicious holiday-season treats, drop by Michel Richard Citronelle on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The restaurant is hosting Sweet Hope, a charity event that benefits the children at St Jude...

By Erin | December 7, 2005; 04:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Limits of City

Open City has opened its doors and the place is already hopping. This Woodley Park newbie is the third establishment from the owner of Tryst and the Diner and it follows the same formula as its sister establishments, combining upscale...

By Jen Chaney | November 16, 2005; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (4)

Dining and Donations

Now that the sun is setting earlier, it only makes sense to have dinner earlier. In that spirit, Ristorante Tosca has unveiled a new "Dine at Dusk" menu. Patrons of the downtown restaurant can enjoy a $32, three-course meal from...

By Erin | November 2, 2005; 02:17 PM ET | Comments (3)

Taste the Power

If you weren't one of the lucky few to snag a scrumptious shrimp or roast beef po' boy at last month's Po' Boy Power fundraiser, then you have a second chance. Acadiana will host a reprisal of the overwhelmingly popular...

By Erin | October 20, 2005; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (1)

Ready to Veg Out

Finally, y'all can stop peppering Got Plans? with questions about Vegetate, the vegetarian restaurant/art gallery/lounge run by hip-hop mixmaster DJ Dredd (aka Dominic Redd) and his wife, Jennifer. After months of delays, red tape, inspections and more delays, Vegetate opens...

By Fritz Hahn | October 18, 2005; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (1)

No Moment of Zen

After generating buzz for months, Gallery Place's Zengo opened its doors last night. The swanky restaurant sells itself as Asian/Latin fusion, but the menu reads as predominantly Asian, with sushi, dim sum and other similar offerings. While there are empanadas...

By Erin | October 13, 2005; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (3)

Sign Me Up

"Iron Chef America" -- the Food Network phenomenon in which a visiting chef faces one of three master chefs in an hour-long cookoff that involves a secret ingredient -- has come through Washington, D.C. Three of the District's top culinary...

By Erin | October 5, 2005; 04:03 PM ET | Comments (1)

Bite of the Bayou

I recently ate at Acadiana, the shining new Louisiana-style seafood restaurant from Chef Jeff Tunks. I had high expectations going into dinner -- DC Coast is one of my favorite local restaurants and I love Southern food. For the most...

By Erin | September 26, 2005; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Snap to It

Two weeks ago, I was running along the C&O Canal in Georgetown when I discovered Snap, a bubble tea house and creperie in a converted townhouse on Thomas Jefferson St. behind Barnes & Noble. I was lured in by the...

By Erin | August 30, 2005; 07:22 AM ET | Comments (8)

Silver's Ceviche

I headed up to Silver Spring last night to check out Ceviche, the newest venture from Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld, the man behind Gua-Rapo, Chi-Cha Lounge, Agua Ardiente and Matte. In line with its sister restaurants, Ceviche hovers between a restaurant and...

By Erin | August 25, 2005; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (9)

New On U

These days, new places are cropping up all over the U Street corridor. The food and bar scene is getting particularly interesting, thanks to three spanking-new spots with distinctly different flavors on the block between 13th and 14th streets. Tabaq...

By Fritz Hahn | August 11, 2005; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Non, Grazie

Last week during a torrential downpour I snagged a cab to my dinner destination, Al Tiramisu . When I arrived, I was grateful to the manager for ushering me into the restaurant under a large umbrella. While waiting for friends...

By washingtonpost.com | July 21, 2005; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (6)

Dine-o at Dino

For those in search of a good casual, but authentic Italian restaurant (or a first date-friendly dinner destination), Dino is now open in the former Yanyu spot, across from the Uptown movie theater. The restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine...

By Erin | July 13, 2005; 01:16 PM ET | Comments (5)

Another Blossom Festival

We're not talking cherry blossoms here. There's a much more scrumptious festival going on at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in Arlington. The Squash Blossom Festival (or Festival de Flor de Calabaza, for those who like a little Latin flavor) is happening...

By Erin | July 7, 2005; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Dogged Cat

Fans of the popular Lost Dog Cafe (and cat lovers, too) have a reason to purr. Dog's long-awaited feline companion, Stray Cat Cafe, is now open and thriving a few doors down in the same Westover strip. The walls are...

By Erin | June 28, 2005; 05:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hungry yet?

After several delays, it appears that the fifth Summer Restaurant Week -- or Affordable Extravagance, as I like to call it -- is finally set for Aug. 1 through 7. More than 90 D.C. area restaurants, including 1789, Corduroy, DC...

By Erin | June 16, 2005; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (21)

Melt Your Heart

If you're feeling charitable, don't just do something; fondue it. On Thursday, June 23, the newest location of The Melting Pot opens its doors with a special grand opening event to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For a mere...

By Erin | June 6, 2005; 03:01 PM ET | Comments (1)

Get in 'line

Carb-lovers with day jobs have it rough. It's hard to get to Breadline during the week when you're busy making dough! Unless you can swing an early lunch to beat the midday lines or rush out of work before the...

By washingtonpost.com | May 26, 2005; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (3)

A Kingsbury Summer

It is summertime on King Street: the boys at Kingsbury Chocolates are making ice creams. And, if the giggles are anything to go by, are having a high old time of it to boot. On the telephone to chat about...

By washingtonpost.com | May 12, 2005; 03:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

Delivering the Goods News

Good news for people in Old Town if, like me, they've been longing for good Asian takeout. Asian Bistro on King Street blows a raspberry at the usual gluey offerings and, for free (with a minimum order of $17) delivers...

By washingtonpost.com | April 21, 2005; 10:41 AM ET | Comments (4)

Late Night Grub Compendium

Before I begin, I'd like to make sure we're all operating from the same basic premise that "jumbo slice" pizza is unsavory, uncivilized and generally unwise. Ok. Good. So instead of our usual practice of giving you a nugget of...

By washingtonpost.com | April 7, 2005; 01:14 PM ET | Comments (23)

Tea and Blossoms

In my life it's always tea time, but sitting down to formal afternoon tea is one of life's lovelier pleasures. The historic Willard InterContinental Hotel is now offering afternoon tea in its Peacock Alley, Wednesdays through Sundays from 2:30 to...

By washingtonpost.com | March 22, 2005; 05:36 PM ET | Comments (7)

All You Can Eat

We will be cheering on big eaters tomorrow, March 10, when D.C. area restaurants will contribute at least 25 percent of all sales to Food & Friends, the organization that prepares and delivers meals to people with HIV/AIDS and other...

By washingtonpost.com | March 9, 2005; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Ciao, Yanyu

Sad news for diners in Cleveland Park, as the stylish pan-Asian restaurant Yanyu closed last week. A new team of owners plans to open an Italian restaurant in the space in June. In the meantime, customers can call Yanyu's old...

By washingtonpost.com | February 28, 2005; 03:00 PM ET | Comments (6)

Restaurant Week Redux

Washington's annual Restaurant Week is one of the city's most popular culinary events, with folks from around the area clamoring to take advantage of discounted meals at the city's top restaurants. This week, 10 Capitol Hill restaurants have organized the...

By washingtonpost.com | February 22, 2005; 01:33 PM ET | Comments (4)

Italian Dreams

When it comes to the Del Ray Dreamery, I sing my song of praise over and over again. Frozen Custard and Nostalgic Treats (as owner Liz Davis taglines her exemplary "sweet shop") don't come much better than this. But I...

By washingtonpost.com | February 17, 2005; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

Vegging Out With DJ Dredd

DJ Dredd is one of our favorite local DJs, providing the hip-hop and old-school beats at Uncle Q's Living Room; Lovesexy, the monthly Prince dance party at Modern; and a long-running Friday residency at the Aroma lounge. Soon, he's going...

By washingtonpost.com | February 16, 2005; 11:31 AM ET | Comments (8)

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