Fun DC Stuff for Spring

C – I know it’s not Spring yet. Not even close. But a girl can dream and, in fact, plan. Here are a few fun things to look forward to this Spring:

The National Park Service announced yesterday, peak bloom for this year’s cherry blossoms. April 11-14. The actual festival will be held March 20 – April 12, so fingers-crossed the blooms will come out during the window. Follow the #Bloomwatch on Twitter @NationalMallNPS.

DC United opens the regular season this Saturday, March 7th against the Montreal Impact. A bit chilly for soccer if you ask me – the forecast shows a high of 43 – but perhaps the experience could trick you into thinking it’s Spring? Maybe?

Nothing says Spring like walking for a good cause. Walk for Wishes will be held at the Mosaic District on March 26th. Maybe it’ll be one of those awesome March days!

Iggy Azalea is coming to the Verizon Center May 12th. I have to admit, I’m curious. Plus, she has a very Spring-like name. So, there’s that.

I am not entirely sure how many beer festivals there are in the DC area, but I came across two that seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. The 2015 DC Beer Festival will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 1:00 to 9:00 pm at Nationals Park, while Savor is on the calendar for June 5-6 at the National Building Museum.

I hope this helps at least a little bit. Good luck with the rest of Winter and look forward to a wonderful DC Spring.

The Counter: When You’ve Got a Big Hankerin’ for a Big Honkin’ Burger

Image from thecounterburger.com

C – Have you ever had one of those days when you can’t shake a burger craving? When all you want is a big ol’ sloppy burger? Well I stumbled into our version of Heaven, my friend, and it’s at Reston Town Center.

The Counter, boasting custom built burgers, is a chain that only seems to have one location in the Metro DC area – but strangely has outlets in Dublin and Jeddah. With locally sourced ingredients, you can opt to build-your-own or pick from their menu. I find building my own anything stressful, so I tend to just choose. For me, it’s typically The Official Counter® Burger: hormone and antibiotic free beef, sharp provolone, crispy onion strings, lettuce blend, sautéed mushrooms, ripened red tomatoes and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette on a brioche style bun. But one of these days I’m going to get one of their Burgers in a Bowl which is, essentially, a burger salad. The 1/3 pound burger is definitely big enough, so unless you’re super-hungry, best to avoid the 1/2 pound option.

The Counter has a nice, relaxed and casual atmosphere. They have a good bar with tons of craft beers — you can even get a Beer Float, which sounds just awful if I can be totally honest. And, at some point, I’m going to try one of their “adult milkshakes.” But that’s not something I can do during lunch, so I’ll have to wait.

The Counter
11922 Democracy Drive
Reston VA 20190

Mad Fox’s Hoppy Oktoberfest

C – The last Saturday in September saw Mad Fox’s annual Oktoberfest in Falls Church, and this year did not disappoint. The line to get in stretched through the parking lot, but everyone managed to get into the Market Square in good time. It was a family (and pet) friendly event, which made the atmosphere happy and lively.

My favorite pour of the day

There was an impressive selection of the region’s top IPA’s and Oktoberfest beers along with pretzel bites, bratwurst and chili. Admission was technically free, but to eat and drink you had to buy tickets and a souvenir mini-beer stein. $20 for 6, 4 oz. pours worked quite nicely for me, though some in my party opted to mix in some food. The weather was amazing, the music was good and the company was outstanding. I’d recommend it for next year!

Mad Fox Brewing Company
444 West Broad Street, Suite I
Falls Church, VA 22046

Florencia in the Amazon at the Kennedy Center

Photo taken from Kennedy Center website.

K- I confess I do like opera although that hasn’t always been the case. As a kid, when my mother listened to opera I used to think that it sounded like chickens being strangled. However, living in Europe, I could easily attend an opera or classical singing from anywhere such as a church or the street corner. After awhile I learned to appreciate it. So when C asked me to go to Florencia of the Amazon at the Kennedy Center I said “yes, certainly!”

First we started with dinner and a drink at the bar. It actually wasn’t crowded sowe were able to get a table. The mussels were good, but I would say the frites were even better – especially with beer.  After dinner, we dashed to the opera house and went to our seats. As the seats aren’t on a huge incline, being a short person, I asked to sit near the aisle so I could peek around anyone sitting in front of me.  The show was in Spanish and had the subtitles above the stage. The story was interesting, which was basically an opera diva returns to the Amazon to see her true love. Although the actors did a great job and the singing was beautiful, it was much better not knowing what they were singing. Seeing the subtitles saying “Iguana, I don’t like eating Iguana!” or something like that, kind of ruined it for me.  But overall I enjoyed it. I think the show is no longer, but if you get a chance to an opera – La Boheme is coming up – I would recommend it.

C – That’s hilarious. I totally agree with K on the subtitles. And there were a few parts of the opera that made me go, “hmmmmm.” I will say that we got the best of the cheap seats – $25/each – and that’s because this year I became a member of the Kennedy Center. I’m at the second level which is “contributor” for $120/year. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Ticket priority! Weeks before shows go on sale to the public, members can choose from their pick of seats. In the past few months I’ve seen the Magic Flute, Jerry Seinfeld and Florencia in the Amazon. In the next few months, I’m headed to Evita, the Mark Twain Prize and La Boheme. The cheap seats sell out first, so ticket priority has been key.
• Member lounges. At this level, it’s nothing fancy. But during intermission, do you really want to stand in a concession line? Coffee, lemonade, water M&M’s and cookies are available in the member lounge. I’ll take it!
• $2 parking coupons. OK-So it really only reduces the cost to $21 to park, but still. It’s something.

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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20566

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ

K- Last Saturday C and I went to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at National Harbour. The event touts “60 Beers, 40 Bourbons and lots of BBQ.” The day we went was for their VIP Bacon Session. I’m not a huge meat-eater as I lean more vegetarian however I’m always up for an adventure. C had a couple of VIP tickets so we thought we’d check it out.

The event began at noon and we arrived about 1 p.m. By the time we arrived there was already an huge crowd milling about the tents. We were a little unsure of where we needed to go but we figured it out. Upon entrance we received a souvenir glass as well as a couple of bracelets labeling us as VIPs and of age to drink.

We went to the pier as that is where they had the VIP section. Once there, the confusion began. We got into a line but wasn’t sure if it was to get in or if it was for a taste of bourbon. We found that it was a line for moonshine punch. We didn’t have the punch but tried the “moonshine.” I tried a cherry-flavoured one. It wasn’t too bad.

We walked along the pier to see what else was offered as there really wasn’t a map or plan that showed where things were. However we discovered that on the pier there was a bacon tasting station, cheese tasting station as well as beer tasting station. Really no BBQ.

We went to the more general section – not on the pier. There you were able to taste different bourbons, ciders, beers, etc. However, the BBQ we found was not included in the ticket – you had to pay for it. We also found a lot of other booths that were separate from the ticket, in other words you had to pay. Also, if you wanted to have some water or soda – it was a very, hot day – it was not easy to find and once you did, it cost you $2.

Overall, I must admit I wasn’t impressed by the event and am unsure if having a VIP ticket was worth it. Although we got in a couple of hours early and were able to go to the pier for items not available to the general attendees, I wouldn’t recommend it.  I’m glad that C invited me along, but I guess overall I would say, “Been there, done that and got the glass.”

C – Been there, done that, indeed! It was a lovely day, weather-wise and it was nice to be near the water, but that’s about all I can say about Beer, Bourbon and BBQ. I have friends who go every year and just love it. Me, not so much. Though I was driving, I opted for the regular ticket because I wanted to at least taste a bourbon or two – I’ve never had bourbon so I thought it would be a learning experience. I managed to taste exactly two. And when we went to the driver’s area so I could get a soda and a water, I basically had to beg for it. This event is not set up for people who want to stay safe, clearly. The lack of any water available meant the opportunity for drinkers to pass out from heat/dehydration was highly likely. We left and got fro-yo (and water) at Pinkberry. Not my scene. Next time I’ll skip the event and just go walk around Washington Harbor.

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World of Beer – Yes, there is such a thing!

C – I didn’t really have high hopes for this place. The name is kind of cheesy and it really just looked like your typical sports bar. But little exceptional things kept happening and the sum throughout the evening meant that I’ll be going back soon.

1. Seriously the most comfortable bar stools ever. Super cushiony, double-wide. You could pretty much sit there all day (and I’m sure that’s the point).
2. Mac and cheese to die for. Everyone’s doing this little side these days and I can’t fully explain what made this one different. It was very small, but totally rich with flavor.   I couldn’t have had any more than I was served. It was perfect.
3. A truly great selection of beers from around the world. I had the Maes Pilsner from Belgium. Someone else had the Hofbrau Original from Germany. But the real test came from the girl from Galway. She was absolutely beside herself when she found out Kilkenny was on the menu.

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The atmosphere was friendly and casual. The place had an open feel which made me comfortable – as if I could escape if need be. There was a band that played on a little stage and super huge pretzels served hanging. The only negative was the specialty drink my friend ordered. The Berry Cosmo was very thick and she had a hard time with it. So, they don’t do everything right, but WOB totally works if you’re looking for low key and lots of beer.

World of Beer – Arlington
901 N. Glebe RD 105
Arlington, VA 22203

Top 5 DC restaurants worth your lunch hour

K- C and I are both traveling this week but we didn’t want to leave you “post-less.” So here is a quick list of restaurants that are worth leaving your office for and spending around an hour for lunch, especially since many of these places offer the same type of menu for dinner as lunch but at a more affordable price. Some of these places we’ve reviewed on the blog and others I’ve been to and are on the list to be revisited and reviewed.

1. Mari Vanna, 1141 Connecticut Ave NW –

Grandma’s house?

A great place to get a taste of Russia and looks like it could be your grandma’s living room. You could have a nice bowl of Borsch, a vegetable ragout and Kiev cake. Who knows, you might see Alex Ovechkin at the next table! To check out our review click “here.”

2. Estadio, 1520 14th St NW

It’s been awhile since we’ve been to Estadio but we continue to hear great things about it. There have also been a few celebrity sitings.  It’s a wonderful place to escape to for the best sauteed kale I’ve ever eaten, a deliciously warm soup and heavenly calamari. Our review: here.

3. Brasserie Beck, 1101 K St NW

My mouth just starts watering when I think of the mussels at this delightful restaurant. They do have other items for lunch such as steak and frites if you aren’t into mussels but I find it very difficult to try something else. Our review here.

4. Rasika West End,  1190 New Hampshire Ave

We’ve not reviewed Rasika West End yet, but I’ve been a couple of times. The first time the service was very slow but it seems to be picking up a bit. I brought a friend with me who has recently begun a foray into Indian food. She loved it! The restaurant itself has a very nice, modern interior and the food – I usually have palak paneer – is good.

5. Fiola, 601 Pennsylvania Ave

Fiola is a bit on the expensive side however it was ranked #4 in Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants 2013 and Bon Appetit named it one of America’s “Best New Restaurants” in 2012. The food and service is fantastic. It’s one of the few places I will go to for Italian food.

Mad for Mad Fox

K – I have passed the Mad Fox on numerous occasions, especially when going back and forth to Pilates class, but have never stopped by. Until now. For a weekday afternoon it was quite crowded and I can understand why. It has a nice gastro-pub, brewery atmosphere, good food and of course, beer.  I had a Kirsche Weissen – a cherry, wheat beer – that tasted very good, not too sweet and not too “wheaty.”  For lunch, I had the black bean burger and for a side onion rings. The black bean burger was quite tasty with a Tilamook cheese, pesto, tomato and lettuce. I will say that I had to remove the bun as it was too much for me and I was more interested in the burger than the bun anyway. The onion rings, wow, they were HUGE. They looked like Cruller doughnuts! That being said, they were good, crunchy and not greasy at all – although there was more crunchy outside than onion but nothing to truly complain about. For dessert I had the root beer float. I hadn’t had one of those since I was a kid and when I saw it on the menu, I thought, yeah, I want one of those. And I’m so glad I ordered it because it was the best root beer float! Yes, I know, how can you ruin something that’s just root beer and ice cream but I’m sure there is bad root beer out there and it’s possible. This one though made me think that I miss having a root beer float and should have them more I often – sigh.

C – I have actually been to Mad Fox Brewing Company more times than I care to admit. On our recent trip, it was a dreary, drizzly Friday at 1:30 and it was still packed. Most local restaurants clear out after the lunch rush, but Mad Fox seems to keep going right into happy hour. The food there is great. There’s nothing I’ve had that wasn’t good. The truffle mac and cheese pizza, available only during dinner hours, is as obscenely awesome as it sounds. I’ve had the frickles while enjoying a drink with a friend. They’re good, but you kind of have to be into the taste of fried pickles. They have excellent burgers and the beers are outstanding. During the winter holiday season, they offer a dark, robust ale called Festivus. (For the rest of us).  I tend to routinely go for the Kölsch — a German-style golden ale. If you can’t decide on a beer, you can get the sampler of 4. And if you know what you like, you can walk out of there with a growler filled with your favorite.

On our recent trip, I skipped the beer and went directly for the nearest high-calorie foods: the fig and balsamic blues pizza and the butterscotch pudding. The latter was so divine I’ve been thinking about it all weekend.

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Mad Fox Brewing Company
444 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046

Brasserie Beck – It’s got mussels!

K – Brasserie Beck, I can sum it up in one word – YUM! Cute brasserie with blue and white decor, wood tables and good food. I had the classic white wine mussels with garlic, parsley and cream. They were very tasty however I will say I wasn’t too fond of the cream part – I think it made it a bit heavy. I’m used to having the white wine and garlic be in more of a “broth” than a cream sauce. But it was still good and the frites were nice and crispy and went well with the Gulden Draak beer I had. For dessert was the chocolate cake – mmmmm – I had that with a coffee, not the beer! Service was good, our waiter was most helpful and he’s the one that suggested the Gulden Draak (they have a huge beer menu), which was an excellent suggestion. Overall, although a bit pricey, I would go back.

C – First of all, I got lost on the way. So, word to the wise: ignore your GPS. Brasserie Beck is actually really easy to find: 1101 K St NW. If you’re taking Metro, get off at McPherson Square, cut through Franklin Park and it’s just 2 1/2 blocks East. When I got there, the first thing I did was order a beer. I have no idea what I was drinking. Sorry. I asked the waiter for something Pilsner-y or Lager-y and, like magic, the perfect beer to go with my post-GPS battle arrived. I had the mussels as well and I agree with K, the sauce was a bit heavy. For dessert? Again, I don’t remember… because I had like 3 of those beers. Thank goodness for K who actually remembered what she had. Otherwise, this would be a sad little review. I did take a snapshot of it. I seem to recall it was REALLY fantastic chocolate awesomeness. The perfect end to a lovely meal.