Roundup for April 2018
Hot soup with fresh noodles and umami toppings seems like a good call… Are you one of those people who haven’t tried Ramen yet? Lots of places to choose from around here and most of them seem decent… but if you’re up for it, the hip Daikaya near Gallery Place downtown is worth the trip… I hear they fly their noodles in from Japan!
Yes I’m still on an Italian kick… and loving the crazy-buttery-breadcrumby-roasted cauliflower appetizer and the very creamy mushroom pasta they serve over at Alta Strada. I’ve actually been pretty happy every time I’ve eaten here… and of course Mosaic includes shopping and (usually) puppies, so this could be a comfort stop for sure! Reservations on Open Table.
Are you ready for baseball season? You’re in luck, plus you can throw in some extra dog therapy at the first of six “Pups in the Park” games on Sunday at 8pm. They say “You and your dog will both get to enjoy the game with other dogs and dog lovers from seats in our pet-friendly Outfield Reserved section”. So fun! Tickets on sale through the box office.
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I’m headed down to Chapel Hill this weekend… can’t wait to get some home cooking! If you’re in the mood for North Carolina fare, give Tupelo Honey in Arlington a try. I’ve been to the original location in Asheville and loved it. If you go, make sure to get yourself some biscuits with honey! Some bourbon wouldn’t hurt either.
Almost Queen at the State Theatre
This perennial favorite is a super fun blend of skilled musicians, songs you know and love to sing, and a bit of whimsy. The last time we saw them we had a damn ball!!! It’s highly recommended. Saturday night; tickets at the box office or online.
The Little Mermaid at Stuart HS
The musical productions at our high school are always entertaining, and I am super excited about this one! These kids have so much heart, and the singers and actors in this production are really at the top of their game. I hear the sets are awesome too. It’s sweet and wholesome and I can’t wait to see it! Show times are 7:00 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with at 2:00 matinee on Saturday. New for this season, you can buy tickets online.
When you see ladies making tortillas from scratch in the front window of a restaurant, it’s usually a good sign. I’m thrilled to have easy access to authentic tacos, tamales, and burritos, plus that delightful Mexican street corn, right up the road at the Culmore shopping center. The fish tacos are my personal favorite! No seating, and it takes a little longer than you want it to, but you can call ahead and pick it up.
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Washington DC’s oldest film festival showcases a wide range of films from around the globe including features, documentaries, comedies, shorts and award winners. This 11-day annual festival includes 70 feature premieres, restored classics and special events. The films are shown to the general public and all over the city. Check their website for a full schedule.
The Arlington Festival of the Arts
Head over to Highland Street in the Clarendon District to see a two-day juried outdoor art gallery style art exhibit. The event will showcase the finest work of more than 150 leading artists in the country. They promise to appeal to people of all ages including families, art enthusiasts, and serious collectors. Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 5; Free and open to the public.
Soooo… this looks pretty fun! The DC Beer Festival is an American craft beer tasting event bringing together dozens of breweries from Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. There will be unlimited tastings of seasonal beers, food trucks, lawn games, music and more. The event is 21 and up only and held rain or shine. At Nationals Park on Saturday; Session 1: noon-3 pm. Session 2: 5 – 8 pm.
A little like Beer Fest without the beer… SpringFest is Fairfax County’s official Earth and Arbor Day event! This free festival at the Sully Historic Site in Chantilly VA welcomes thousands of Virginians to celebrate all things green and sustainable! Bring your kids to learn about the environment and pet a baby cow, or bring your friends to enjoy the food trucks and live music (and pet a baby cow). RSVP on their Facebook event page or grab a free ticket from their website.
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Do you know about the old school Fairfax Inn Restaurant in the medical offices at the top of Sleepy Hollow Road? They serve traditional Filipino breakfast dishes like tocino with rice and eggs, and adobo chicken and pork for lunch. AND they serve an American breakfast all day, so you can have a stack of pancakes too! It’s an easy stop with something for everyone in the family.
Do you or a loved one enjoy all things French? If so, Georgetown’s Annual French Market is not to be missed! This annual festival transforms the charming Book Hill neighborhood into a Parisian-inspired open-air market on both Saturday and Sunday. They say “35 locally-owned boutiques, cafes, salons and galleries will feature designer goods, art, home furnishings, and French fare.” Not in the mood to shop? Have some champagne and take in the live music, street performers, and poodles wearing berets.
Maybe you’re a little stiff from the off-season… why not get outside and do a short hike with views of the Potomac and a waterfall reward at the end? There’s plenty of parking and apparently it’s a big dog party too, so don’t hesitate to bring your pup along for the ride.
Mike and I had a super-delicious 9-course kaiseki at Sushi Taro in DuPont to celebrate our anniversary last weekend… it was a real treat! The Michelin-starred kitchen served up all kinds of tasty sea creatures and possibly the freshest sashimi I’ve ever had. The black tea custard dessert was geared to American palates and it was fantastic! I would recommend Taro for special occasions, but plenty of folks were there to get their regular sushi fix too. Reservations on Resy.
