For the Nautically Hungry

If you're hungry and feeling nautical, check out Tackle Box in Georgetown. The restaurant styles itself as "Washington, DC's first and only lobster shack," and serves a wide array of seafood prepared a variety of different ways. I opted for fried bay scallops with sides of sweet potato fries and a corn muffin. In the future, I'd probably choose another dish the scallops were small (I forgot that bay scallops are a fraction the size of sea scallops) and they were a bit over spiced. Plus, they didn't seem to hold the breading very well. On the up side, the sweet potato fries were out of this world, as was the corn muffin which was baked with large chunks of corn inside (I hate corn muffins that don't seem to have corn in them). My dining companions had more luck with their entrees. The grilled tilapia was divine, and the lobster rolls at the table next to us looked droolworthy. My own fault for not ordering the special of the house.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Oh Blooming Days

Spring has sprung and DC is all pretty in pink. After a gray and severe winter, we finally have some color again. And this is our city's time to shine--with cotton candy cherry trees, bright yellow forsythia, massive magnolia blossoms, and countless azalea bushes of all colors. And that's just people's front yards. But the ten acres of manicured gardens at Dumbarton Oaks--standing proud at the highest point in Georgetown--are just, well, lovely. On a series of terraces behind the Federal-style mansion (the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, dedicated to Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and landscape architecture studies), the gardens include Beech Terrace, Lover's Lane Pool, Camellia Circle, Prunus Walk, Forsythia Hill, and more. Admission is $8, but well worth it for the delightful strolling potential...particularly in a pair of seersucker pants or cotton dress.

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Landmarks • Georgetown

Half-Price Wine Nights

Clyde's is a chain--albeit a local one--serving pretty standard (arguably mediocre) American food. So when my friend invited me there on a Monday night, I went for her, not Clyde. Little did I know, however, that Clyde's offers half-price wine nights at many of its locations (Clyde's of Georgetown and The Tombs on Sundays; Tower Oaks Lodge, Clyde's of Columbia, The Tomato Palace, and Clyde's of Chevy Chase on Mondays). Now, I'm no oenophile, but when I saw my friend install herself at the bar with a bottle of champagne on ice and a single flute, declaring that she would be charming for the rest of the evening, I had to recognize the move as pure genius. Her night of drinking was done and dusted for a mere $12! Let's all take a moment to remember that a bottle of bubbly is not just for ushering in a new year, celebrating the birth of a child, hanging out with Birdman, or toasting socialism. It's also for Monday night at Clyde's.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Georgetown

Great Cakes

There is a reason that Georgetown Cupcake won the recent Washington Post Cupcake Wars. They won because, quite simply, their cupcakes are awesome. First of all, they're very cute, which is an important feature in a cupcake. Studies have proven* that as a cupcake's cuteness decreases so does the quality of said cupcake experience. Each Georgetown Cupcake is topped with a cute little decoration. Fondant hearts for the red velvet cupcakes, candy limes for the key lime cupcakes, and mini gingerbread men (also fondant) for the--you guessed it--gingerbread cupcakes. But more importantly, these cupcakes are delicious. Moist cake and well flavored icing go together to create a super tasty dessert experience. It's no wonder the line often stretches out the door. They won the Cupcake War in my house as well.

*made-up facts.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Let's Split It

This is a pretty easy sell: pay less, eat more. The City Paper's "Let's Split It" deal is an ongoing promotion in which you can buy a $50 dining gift certificate for $25. The selection of restaurants varies, but current and past participators have included Mie n Yu, Vinoteca, Ceiba, Acadiana, TenPenh, and DC Coast--all easy spots to spend $50. But supplies are limited, so be sure to get on their restaurant raters list or check their website regularly. I'd also like to point out that in light of the global financial meltdown and upcoming holiday season, a two-for-one deal is a wonderful solution for generously treating local friends and family.

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Websites and Media • Not Applicable

Luddites Unite!

Using paper is not very 21st century. Letter writing is pretty much dead, and stationary is for rich ladies who exchange thank you notes. But I was born in the 20th century, and I am still in love with thick, fibrous paper; letterpress stationary; inky pens; snail mail; and homemade everything. Paper Source is, therefore, a little piece of heaven in Georgetown--full of note cards, stationary, envelopes, gift wrap, greeting cards, and everything you need for your own paper creations. The stock is all perfectly organized by texture, thickness, color, and size--and the lovely staff will guide you through the exquisite shop with ease. Best of all, just surrounding yourself with those materials provokes creativity and compels you to craft you own cards. C'mon, handmade invitations will always be more special than Facebook invitations or Evites, right? Right?!

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Shopping • Georgetown

The Taste of Times Past

The three-course $40 dinner at 1789 has been dubbed a "recession special" by the Washingtonian. Now perhaps it is, but in my income bracket, a bargain has always been in fashion. I must be ahead of the curve. 1789, however, has rarely been accused of being trendy. Rather, it is a Georgetown institution--described by turns as "matronly," "stately," and a "throwback to a kindler and gentler era." One wonders, however, if that was the reaction to eating twenty-something chef Giusti's new (always changing, always seasonal) menu of rabbit terrine, muscovy duck leg crepinette, or braised shortribs with sweet potato puree. And my personal favorite part of a prix fixe menu--the fact that ordering dessert is not up for debate, it's compulsory--is addressed beautifully by offering the full selection of pastry chef Olson's creations, from apple tarte tatin to spiced poached bosc pear split. Face it, loyalists: things are changing. There's non-baby boomers in the 1789 dining room, and in the kitchen.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

The Je Ne Sais Quoi of Democracy

The annual Taste of Georgetown showcases the spectacular cuisine of thirty of Washington, District of Columbia's finest restaurants, highlighting Georgetown's culinary personalities and featuring nearly sixty delectable, delightful and desirable dishes to sample, as well as wine pairings and the jazz talents of Blues Alley. As the fifteenth annual celebration of food, wine, and music, the Taste of Georgetown has become the premier food and wine festival of D.C. Tasting tickets range from $5 for one to $20 for five. You can purchase tickets at the event the day-of on the Fidelity and Trust parking lot. In-person ticket sales begin at 11 am and end at 3:30 pm. Participating restaurants topping my list include: 1789, Baked & Wired, Cafe Bonaparte, Hook, Mie N Yu, Neyla, Rugby and Tacklebox. Also for you wine lovers (you know who you are! ah!) a Wine Pavilion located on the lawn of the Grace Church (because Jesus drank wine you know) will have wine, Oktoberfest beer, and cider tastings.

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Events • Georgetown

Cakes & Kids

I'm not sure if Baked & Wired intended to become a hotspot for cupcakes, but it certainly turned out that way. Despite the pink-framed doors that welcome you, Baked & Wired fortunately doesn't scream cute and girly, like a lot of cupcake shops nowadays do. Instead, the interior is quiet and pleasant, with plenty of space towards the back to eat, drink, or do your homework (this place appears popular with the nearby Georgetown kiddies). The displays are also charming, as the treats are stored in these old-school glass cake stands and jars. For many, the draw here is the strawberry cupcake, with real chunks of strawberry in the cake. The frosting was a tad too sweet for my liking, but overall, it was unlike any cupcake I ever tried. But again, since Baked & Wired isn't solely a cupcake shop, there are plenty of cookies, brownies, and bars available for the non-cupcake-crazed, as well as a full-service tea and coffee bar. Sugar and caffeine are the names of the game here, and it's a perfect pick-me-up spot on those tiring shopping trips down Georgetown's M Street.

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Coffee • Georgetown

Other Fish to Fry

This New England-style 'fry shack' is sister restaurant to swank eatery Hook. Tackle Box has fish dinners with sides and their signature "Maine Meal" offers diners a choice of main course fish or seafood , two side dishes and a sauce for just $13. Their selection includes bluefish, tilapia, rainbow trout or calamari or crispy fried bay scallops, catfish, shrimp, clams, oysters or calamari. For a side you can grub on some grilled asparagus, mac & cheese, sweet potato fries and braised greens showcase the season's freshest offerings. Yet perhaps their most amazing idea was to sell lobster pots for $40 a person. They are even delivered right to your front door. The lobster pot includes fresh Maine lobster, White Water mussels, Quahog clams, chorizo sausage, grilled red onions, potatoes, corn on the cob, red rock weed, drawn butter and Tackle Box's unique spice blend. Tackle Box has gone green and continues its dedication to preserving the environment and educating guests on the issues facing the oceans. Containers and utensils are made of sugar cane, corn and potato fibers, all of which are biodegradable and/or compostable. And all of the fryer oil used at Tackle Box is recycled and converted to biofuel, which reduces greenhouse gases and contains fewer pollutants than traditional petro-diesel.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Konichiwa Bitches

Benihana is an international chain. And DC's franchise is actually located in a shopping mall... in Georgetown. As such, I'd be loath to recommend it to readers of the Not For Tourists website. But, in addition to its hibachi histrionics, Benihana guards a well-kept secret: its all-you-can-eat sushi special. For $27, you can order anything and everything off their sushi menu--as well as sides, salads, ice cream, and sherbet. Now okay, it's not the best fish out there--but it's more than halfway decent, and frankly you don't need high-end when you're engaged in a head-to-head, nigiri-for-nigiri eating competition. When I'm not blowing the competition out of the water with my super-human ability to eat countless tuna hand rolls, I'm trying all the weird rolls I normally shy away from, such as the Vegas roll, which is deep-fried with jalapenos on top. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Zum Zum Ah!

Walking into this Chinese tea room instantly transports you out of the hustle and bustle of Georgetown. With impeccable service and ornate rosewood tables—both standard height or floor level, Ching Ching makes for an intimate, romantic date spot. The tea room calms, while urging you to get a little more adventurous than the standard Lipton tea bag. With such an extensive list of products, there’s sure to be an exotic blend (Blackberry Jasmine, Orchid Oolong) you’ll take a liking to. For those who want something to munch on while relaxing with a cup of “cha,” (the Chinese word for tea) dumplings are a perfect, light snack. And no, this serene experience doesn’t have to end after leaving the tea room. Take home some of the more than 70 varieties of tea from the on-site store.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Like the Third St. Elmo's Fire

You’ve probably been to The Third Edition at least once or twice, scoping out the late-night eye candy. College students and young professionals know it’s the place to go to in Georgetown to party all night. But it may be time to re-visit during daylight hours, to try something more than just the beer menu. The Third Edition is an institution in the area, serving up food for more than 30 years. The pub-like appearance can be deceiving. Sure, you’ll find the obligatory fish and chips. But who would expect comfort foods like a steak sandwich and pasta primavera to taste so great here? Whether you want to test some of the seasonal fare or just check out the place where scenes were shot for St. Elmo’s Fire, you’ll understand what prompts celebrities and DC bigwigs to stop in time and time again. And if you don’t like the food… well, you can always go back to the nighttime routine.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Georgetown

A Random Street in Georgetown

When the wallet gets thin, I keep myself from spending unnecessarily by going for a walk and looking at houses. Think of it this way: free cardio, fresh air, and motivation to save up for a down payment. The best part is discovering hidden side streets lined with adorable row houses. My favorite? A cluster of 100-year-old homes off Wisconsin and M tucked among new condos. If you the ignore the presence of the condos, the street looks so unchanged by time that it wouldn’t be shocking for a horse-drawn carriage (or ghost in translucent bonnet and gown) to pass by.

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Landmarks • Georgetown

Strange Name, Good Food

Some of the sandwich names are as silly as the restaurant name, but Booeymonger is serious about its food. And you’ll leave feeling seriously fulfilled. Is it the most gourmet of all sandwich shops, using exotic ingredients? No. But it’s tasty, cheap and won’t leave your stomach grumbling an hour after eating. At Booeymonger, special orders are the specialty. Don’t want alfalfa sprouts on the Scheherazade? No problem. Hold the avocado on the Pita Pan? Absolutely. Or you can just customize your own sandwich, from scratch, and pair it with one of the 10 side dishes. A few bites into my warm, gooey “Ace”, made me see why this place has been able to stick around to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the salads are just as fresh as the sandwiches. Booeymonger also offers breakfast and dessert items, but I’m sticking with the hearty sandwiches. With so many delicious, reasonably priced creations, it’s hard to go wrong.

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Restaurants • Georgetown

Potomac Aqueduct Bridge

Oasis in Georgetown. Three words I know you want to read. While it’s fun to go for the shopping or for the eating, every time I forget exactly how crazy it can get on the weekends. If you’re overwhelmed by the crowds after shopping at Urban Outfitters or H&M you should stop in at Johnny Rockets, grab a couple of milkshakes, and wander on down to K Street. If you walk all the way to the end past where it turns into Water Street, you’ll find a stone archway next to the Potomac Boat Club. Look to the right of the archway, there’s a set of twisty, white cement stairs. Climb them. And there you’ll be…standing on the ruins of the Potomac Aqueduct Bridge. Built in the 1830s it used to be a connector between the C&O and Alexandria canals. The remaining abutment is grassy, peaceful, and a nice little place to be. Enjoy the view of the Key Bridge and the river, read some graffiti, take some pictures, and think about how glad you are that you didn’t have to build an aqueduct bridge in the 1830s.

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Landmarks • Georgetown

Mate

I don’t typically partake in DC’s lounge scene, but on this night my comparatively much more chic companion convinced me to check out Mate. As I approached the velvet ropes, my palms began sweating profusely and I was relieved when my department store attire made the cut. Once inside, I couldn’t help thinking I was being judged, but this was most likely a side effect of the numerous cocktails I had consumed earlier that day. I was told Mate specializes in sushi, and as I slunk down in the minimalist furniture I was implored by my companion to consider the Dragon Roll. What arrived at the table was so pretty it could have been a piece of contemporary art from the nearby Corcoran Museum. This was simply the best sushi I have had in a long time and I did not hesitate to order seconds. When you look past the chic veneer you are almost shocked to find the food is actually excellent and the service is on point, free of any pretense. One easily forgets this place is a restaurant first and a lounge second, but you can rest assured the chef and wait staff have certainly not.

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Nightlife • Georgetown

Exorcist Steps

Remember when you were eight years old? You watched The Exorcist over at a friend’s and it gave you nightmares for a week. You still get a chill when you think about the priest throwing himself headfirst down all those stairs. You can make all that terror feel real again by checking out the real Exorcist Steps. This 73-step cement staircase (the bottom located at the corner of an Exxon station parking lot, adjacent to the Key Bridge and the top on Georgetown campus) isn’t exactly creepy…or quiet. I suggest bringing your iPod, a pair of big headphones, and listening to the movie soundtrack to really boost the fear factor. If you’re hoping for a photo op, it’s a little tough to snap a pic without someone else in it–not only is it a tourist attraction, but it’s also a big cut-through for students as well as a stationary Stairmaster for some of the athletic teams. Whether you approach from the bottom or come over from the top, whatever you do…don’t trip.

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Landmarks • Georgetown

Taste of Georgetown

On Saturday October 13th from 11am to 4 pm the Taste of Georgetown takes over the cobblestone streets of DC’s signature shopping district. Samples of high-end cuisine from noted DC restaurants, along with free wine tastings in the Old World wine pavilion are just the beginning to this foodie festival. It’s a rarity you can chow down on goodies from uber chic and pricey restaurants like 1789, AGRARIA, Baked and Wired, Cafe Bonaparte, Fahrenheit, J Paul's, La Chaumiere, Leopold's Kafe, Red Ginger, Rugby and the like for a mere $5 a piece for samples. But I’m most excited about the participation of Georgetown’s newest restaurant, Hook, who will feature an apple frangipane tart and tuna tartar with lemon chip, mint, and roasted squash puree at the event. Hook has become DC’s newest power dining spot and it is their first year to partake in Taste of Georgetown. Their chefs only use artisanal sourced seafood from small fishermen who practice responsible fishing. More than 5,000 DCers are expected to attend the event and proceeds benefit the Georgetown Ministry Center. Individual tasting tickets are $5, and a packet of five tasting tickets is $20. Visit www.tasteofgeorgetown.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

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Events • Georgetown

Islamic Mosque Center

My apologies to L’Enfant, but DC architecture has never exactly been the most impressive or varied sight to take in. Federal style is nice, but how many Doric columns can one person deal with? That’s why I’ve always been drawn to the Islamic Mosque Center on Massachusetts Avenue. It’s my weekly hit of Islamic architecture without having to deal with visa applications. Scrolly gates, inlaid tiles, and the Rapunzel minaret, it’s got the whole exotic Eastern niche covered. It’s not exactly historical, (built in the 1950s) but it is the first mosque built in the metro area. It mostly serves the religious from embassy row, but a few tourists wander in aimlessly. The regulars are used to it, and the devout don’t even look up from their prayers. For a mosque they’re also pretty lenient on the dress code, although you do need to cover your arms and legs, and women need to put on a headscarf (can be borrowed from mosque workers). Turn off your cell phone and avoid Friday visits unless you like that whole “shopping at Tyson’s the last weekend before Christmas” feel.

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Bookstores , Landmarks • Georgetown