Lacy (winner, Most Affectionate)
@ Dupont Circle
Q:If your dog was a celebrity, who would it be?
A:"Charlize Theron. She's glamorous."
WHEN IT COMES to the Fourth of July, two things are guaranteed: fireworks and barbecues. But fun in the sun doesn't have to mean the same old dogs. Local eateries offer high-end, to go bites perfect for the Glorious Fourth.
» For a treat that scores a bit higher than the average Oscar Mayer, pick up some Red Apron hot dogs. The dogs will be sold in packages of five for $10 per pack. Place an order for this cookout must-have by June 30 by e-mailing cparker@neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com. A limited supply can also be found at Planet Wine (2004 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-3444) throughout the week.
» Butcher's Block (1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-5253) will offer its gourmet sandwiches, wine, beer and snacks in a portable picnic basket. The meal-to-go is a perfect companion for relaxing by the waterfront and watching sparks fly.
Continue Reading "Patriotism on a Plate: Foods for the Fourth" »
SATURDAY: Charles Ross became famous with the "One-Man Star Wars Trilogy," where he played every character in George Lucas' opus and managed to keep the story understandable, poignant and, above all, funny.
Well, once you hit on a winning formula, you stick with it. So Ross is back with that other most famous fantasy trilogy.
No, not "Back to the Future."
In his one-man version of "Lord of the Rings," Ross takes the longest, most treasured epic of our time and turns it into a funny, snappy, costume-and-set-less hour of entertainment. Go. Your inner dork will thank you.
» Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; Sat., June 20, 7:30 p.m., $35; 703-549-7500.
Photo by Jason Woodruff/Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Soul Dad
Pair a complimentary flight of beer with an all-you-can-eat carving station and you’ve got a meal fit for a king — if he happens to be your dad. Art and Soul is offering Father's Day dishes including Carolina barbecued pork and prime rib alongside the regular menu.
» 415 New Jersey Ave. NW; Sun., June 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $39; 202-393-7777.
Musical Dad
At the Kennedy Center's Rooftop Terrace, enjoy the tunes of the Brian Litz Trio this Dad's Day while indulging in the acclaimed Sunday kitchen buffet brunch. If this isn't enough to make the old man happy, check out the spectacular view.
» 2700 F St. NW; Sun., June 21, 11 a.m., $20-$39.95; 202-416-8555.
Continue Reading "Three Cheers for Father: Father's Day Feasting" »
SINCE 2001, Charles Ross has been living the nerd dream — traveling the world and being paid to act out the "Star Wars" trilogy onstage. Mind you, he's not some chubby kid on YouTube, but a trained theater actor who does all the voices and compresses the action into 70 minutes. And he's Canadian, so it's all nice and good-humored. Now, he brings his "One Man Lord of the Rings Trilogy" (official tagline: "One Man To Play Them All") to the D.C. area for the first time when he performs at the Birchmere on Saturday night.
» EXPRESS: This show is your first since licensing issues were resolved?
» ROSS: Yeah, it's all come to a positive change in the last few weeks. It's the first time I'll have done the "LOTR" gig since 2005. And, believe me, after four years of exclusively "Star Wars," it'll be nice to get some new voices in my head.
» EXPRESS: What should people who've seen the movies but not you expect?
» ROSS: Imagine the epic scale of "LOTR" reduced to the human scale — one person with no costumes, sets or props who's conjuring the characters and re-creating the battles. And the love story crap as well.
Continue Reading "An Epic in 70 Minutes: 'One Man Lord of the Rings'" »
MONDAY: Vince Gill performs the kind of country music that's fueled by a sappy, lovestruck wonder rather than the kind fueled by rye whiskey and a love of trucks. It seems to be in demand though — he's in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He'll be a doing an acoustic show at the Birchmere, so grab your big hat and your heartache and go.
» Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; Mon. and Tue., June 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m., $125; 703-549-7500,Birchmere.com.
Photo courtesy Vince Gill
AMADOU AND MARIAM'S latest CD is called "Welcome to Mali," but it really should be called "Welcome to the World." It's the type of record that is so joyous and positive that it feels like it could bring together warring factions — take note, State Department — but it's really more of a sonic Evite to explore the diverse country in Northwest Africa.
"'Welcome to Mali' is an invitation to meet the various people and likewise to meet the richness of the music happening in Mali from the different ethnic [groups]," guitarist Amadou said through translator Thierry Picouret.
Amadou and his singing wife Mariam met and fell in love at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and the duo recorded its new album in France, England, Senegal and the couple's homeland. The music touches on Afro-pop, blues, electronica and more, and the rangy disc includes collaborations with everyone from kora player Toumani Diabate to Blur frontman Damon Albarn, who produced the CD's first single, "Sabali," which plays around with African melodies before breaking into an almost Pet Shop Boys-like thump. "'Sabali' is all about patience," Amadou said. "It's a golden way, in everything you do in life."
JAMES RICE IS EASY TO SPOT as he maneuvers his bike along the National Mall. It's not his oversize aviator sunglasses, navy mesh Adidas shorts, mismatched green and blue socks, or even the pale yellow "Air Force Dad" T-shirt that does it, though. It's the two-seater cart the 26-year-old is tugging along behind him.
"It's a lot like fishing," he explains over his shoulder to the two passengers he's pedaling in his Capitol Pedicab along Seventh Street. "You want to go where the most fish are."
On this sunny Tuesday afternoon, that's easily the National Museum of Natural History. As Rice cruises by a dozen tour buses crammed along the Constitution Avenue curb, he passes three pedicab peers who smile and wave. A look at the varying logos on the drivers' carts — Capitol Pedicabs, D.C. Pedicab and National Pedicabs — prove there are like-minded entrepreneurs at work here.
The District is in the midst of a rickshaw renaissance. The last two years have seen a steady rise in those willing to ferry folks around on the oversize two-seater carts.
"There's more of a market for it now," explains Steven Balinsky, a 23-year-old co-owner of Capitol Pedicabs (Capitolpedicabs.com).
Continue Reading "Peddling Pedals for Profit: Despite the Recession, Pedicab Companies Thrive" »
THERE'S SOMETHING ILLICIT about this meal. It's in a private space reserved for you and your guests; you command the full attention of the chef. The seasonal meal is designed specifically to your taste. You are surrounded by shelves, wine bottles and shelves of wine bottles.
What looks like an ordinary wine shop turns into an intimate gathering around a familiar picnic table. And until the wine shop closes, Del Ray neighbors can pop in, sneak a glance at your expertly prepared food and buy their own wine as usual.
Yes, you're at a table in the middle of the wine store — welcome to the Farm Table at Planet Wine.
Groups from 10 to 14 set dinner reservations and then decide among three options. The market menu at $60 per person includes a cocktail, two canapes (deviled eggs!), appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert. Southern fried chicken and the traditional accoutrements make up the $45-a-person Sunday supper. But the real fun begins with the custom-built menu at $85 per person.
STILL DON'T THINK you're ready to make a splash in your Speedo? Dive into a nearby pool.
Lap swimming is an incredible cardiovascular workout, promises Monica Pampell, a trainer and swim instructor at the Sports Club/LA (1170 22nd St. NW; 202-974-6600). "The heart rate is elevated to an extent that many calories are burned, so this can promote weight loss and the building of lean body mass," she says.
If her recommendation of 20 to 40 minutes in the lanes sounds too tough, Ellen Jones, director of aquatics for the Alexandria YMCA (420 E. Monroe Ave.; 703-838-8085), advises working with an instructor on proper stroke form and breathing. Small corrections in technique can improve the efficiency of the workout.
The back-and-forth can become repetitive, so Jones reminds that there's more to swimming than freestyle. "Start challenging yourself with other strokes because that's going to work the muscles in a whole different pattern," she says. And pretend to be Michael Phelps every once in awhile — quick sprints add in calorie-burning interval benefits.
Continue Reading "Something in the Water: Dive Into These Pool Workout Ideas" »
HE TURNED Ben's Next Door into as hot a dining destination as its sibling spot, Ben's Chili Bowl; now, chef Rahman "Rock" Harper is splitting the U Street eatery for the Art Deco delights of the Carlyle Club.
Harper, who won Season 3 of Fox's cooking competition "Hell's Kitchen," is an Alexandria native; He's going back across the river to head up the menu at the romantic restaurant and supper club — and to stretch his culinary muscles. Fans of his cooking and the dining-and-dancing experience can expect a more upscale selection of dishes.
» The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria; 703-548-8899, thecarlyleclub.com.
Addison Road