January 6/7
Is anyone else feeling a little pudgy and poor after the holidays? Would it kill us to stay home for once and not look for fun things to do? Yes it would! Here are some ideas for a low-key weekend:
Go Vegan for a Day
Now, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t go for this type of thing, but the vegans in my life say it is super good and very affordable. Essentially a Vietnamese place, favorite dishes include summer rolls, spicy noodle soup, and the vegan desserts.
Warm Your Body and your Heart
Oh are you going to Georgetown GLOW? Have a snack or early dinner at Dog Tag Bakery. People love the food and the mission: “mixing up batches of handmade baked goods while providing valuable work experience for disabled veterans and caregivers.” Plus they have house-made hot chocolate! Be advised that they close at 6:00.
Behave (or Not?)
Not as sexy as it sounds, but this organic takeout gets great reviews from those who love their health food. As one yelper put it, “I mean, let’s not kid ourselves, it’s a healthy grain + veggies in a compostable bowl, so it’s not going to taste like a burger and fries, but makes you feel great and is filling enough to keep you full till dinner!” Inside the Mom’s Market at Mosaic.
January 13/14
Is everyone fully recovered from the holidays, caught up on work, all organized and ready for action? No? It’s OK, you can stick with the program and still manage to throw some fun into the weekend. Consider:
Put some Kick in your Kick
South Block
How’s the health kick coming? Stop by this micro juicery in Arlington to throw in a little excitement. They offer fresh juice plus fruit, protein, and green super smoothies. You could also order an Acai Bowl, which is basically a tub of smoothie with fresh toppings of your choice. The Falls Church location also promises Kombucha and Nitro on tap. Nitro??!
Keep on Skating
Didn’t get enough ice skating during the cold snap? We are so fortunate to have a variety of ice rinks within easy reach, and the outdoors will be much more tolerable this weekend.
Be sure to check websites to see the pricing, public skating hours, and holiday extended hours. Options include: Tyson’s Corner Ice Rink, Reston Town Center, Pentagon Row, and (the new) Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Go for the Baba Ganoush
Cafe Raouche
We’ve enjoyed the authentic Lebanese fare here for years, and I saw over the summer that the owner actually won $200K on a lottery scratcher. So now there is a whole new dining room! The food is delicious and they do a great job with takeout too. If you happen to be doing errands in Merrifield it is a great stop!
Get a Good Deal on Songs and Jokes
Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar
Yelpers call this place in Washington Harbour “a BLAST” and “seriously fun”… if you’re up for an outing that’s kitschy and different… this Sunday is a great night to enjoy this dueling piano-comedy routine-sing along experience on the cheap: standing room seats are only $5. Insider tip: Eat before you go. Sunday at 8 pm; Tickets are $5 and available on their website.
January 20/21
Are you ready cast off those resolutions and to re-join society? Gather up some friends you haven’t seen this year for and head out for one of these fun group activities.
Go Communal
Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot
Go out for a great communal dining experience at this popular spot in Eden Center. Cook-your-own meats, seafood and veggies in a a “yin-yang” broths– one half of the pot is filled with traditional spicy broth, and the other with a mild soup. Don’t miss the secret cubby hole under the benches so you don’t dribble broth on your jacket.
Sample Tiny Tastes of Spain
Portlandia fans may remember… “Did we say it’s tapas? So they’re small plates but they cost as much as a normal plate.” Don’t hang back; at this festive spot in Clarendon, they offer “all you can eat” small plates for $35. So you can eat small portions and wreck your diet at the same time! Yelpers agree it’s good for groups, too.
Dust off the Cowboy Boots
Nick’s All-Country Nightclub in Alexandria is a hoot and awesome for groups! Line Dance lessons are $10 on Friday and Saturday nights, and then later in the evening they’ll have live music in one room and a DJ in the other. It really is a great time and a fun change of pace. Lessons are at 7:45 on Friday and Saturday; $10 cover charge on the weekends.
January 27/28
Wrap up the month with some seriously delicious craft beer, a mysterious new eatery in Annandale, a gourmet feast via Tokyo, and some good old fashioned blues on a Sunday afternoon!
Take your Beer Seriously
Serious beer drinkers probably already know about this small shop with a superb selection of local craft beers. They offer a beer tasting every Friday night from 5:00 to 7:00. The tap list this week includes “Prairie Bomb!: Imperial Stout w/ Espresso, Vanilla, Ancho Chile Peppers (13% Alcohol!) Oh my gosh what a way to start the weekend! Who wants to go?
Seek Out Something New
Everyone seems to be talking about this spacious yet hidden cafe in Annandale. The menu is updated American and yelpers are going nuts over both the food and the atmosphere. Honestly I’ve never seen so many 5 star reviews for a new restaurant.… I plan to go this weekend for sure! They are open until 10 on Friday and Saturday, closed on Sundays.
Experience a Feast from the Far East
Make the trip to Old Town to enjoy a meticulous 5-course tasting menu prepared by a Tokyo-trained chef. On a recent visit our group was wowed by the quality and execution of grilled seafood, sashimi, Wagyu beef, soup, and dessert. They will even pair sake with each course. With a fixed price of $48 and only 20 seats available, reservations are a must, but you really must go!
Get the Sunday Night Blues
Do you enjoy live music, but want an early bedtime too? Stop by JV’s on Sunday afternoon to relax with soulful and progressive blues provided by Eric King and the Thin Line. Their sound is awesome! You can get a sneak listen here. Jan 28th from 4:30 to 8:30.
