Speak Easy

Not so very long ago, I was taken to a rather unassuming corner of 14th and U Street. I was led to an industrial-looking door which opened into a nondescript hallway guarded by a lone bouncer. This somewhat frightening entrance was actually my gateway to The Gibson, a swank lounge rife with throwback charm. A quick knock on an interior door, and I was whisked into a dimly lit bar swathed in black wood and filled with hushed tones. Inside, the atmosphere was impossibly cool. I wouldn't have been surprised to find Don Draper brooding into a glass of scotch beside me. The cocktails offered are all original to the 1920s and perfectly transporting. The drink menu varies, and bartenders are happy to make you a custom drink based on your likes and dislikes. Some food is served courtesy of next door Marvin, which shares owners with both The Gibson and Eighteenth Street Lounge. In keeping with its secret speakeasy vibe, the main entrance is hidden, the lounge has no online presence and its patrons find their way in by word of mouth. It's a fun place that can't help but seem special.

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Nightlife • Logan Circle / U Street

Love Thy Neighbor: June 26

The Pink Line Project and Policy Brand Clothing Co. are showing neighborhood love this Friday with a trunk show happy hour presenting Policy's newest collection of DC inspired t-shirts, bags and retro jerseys with "Love Thy Neighbor." The second of Policy's trunk shows, the FREE event takes place from 6 to 10 pm with DJs Obeyah and Small Axe on the turntables all night long. Love Thy Neighbor honors neighborhood gentrification and is housed at a abandoned warehouse at 9th and North Streets with a chop-chop food bar by Chix and happy hour specials for guests. Additionally, Policy is going green with a new branch of the company called, Green Diamond Vintage. This collection will focus on the beauty of vintage baseball jerseys from years gone by. Beer and wine specials from $2 to $3 and all jerseys, t-shirts and handbags are on sale on site from $15 to $30. So if you dig your neighborhood, come snag a jersey and represent.

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Shopping • Logan Circle / U Street

Mouth Numbing...In a Good Way

I have a terrible and obnoxious tendency to stop eating the foods of countries I've visited. So after I returned from India, a lot of the Indian restaurants in town seemed overpriced, flavorless, and just not up to the standard of Madurai street food. And after I came back from China, I just couldn't stomach the sesame chicken that I had once loved so much. Again, it seemed flavorless and gelatinous, instead of spicy and crispy. There's no doubt I was just processing my post-vacation sadness into being snotty, and that I was probably going to the wrong places. But then I went to the right place: Great Wall Szechuan House. This tiny spot in Logan Circle doesn't look like much, but inside they are cooking a variety of tasty "ma la" dishes--with a spicy kick that numbs your mouth in the most delicious way. It was kinda like drugs for my mouth, and just one taste got me hooked. For those who are not dependent on heat though, there’s also a regular menu of Chinese classics.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street

Art Buzz

This Wednesday is the 5th Installation of Art Buzz presented by The Dunes, LLC., Senate Realty, DC This Week Blog, and benefiting the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative. Fly over to the Source Theatre for "Fully Fhotographic at Fourteenth & T" where six of DC's most well-known and creative photographers will showcase their newest "fhotographic" works. Appetizers, fine wines a music soundscape provided by DJ Will Eastman is all included in the $15 admission fee, and I speak from experience when I say the wine flows freely and continues all night long. The event begins at 6:30 and concludes around 9:30 and the first 100 people through the door receive an ART BUZZ mix CD of the soundscape provided by the DJ. Benefitting the DC Collaborative all proceeds go back to the non-profit as well as 30% of sales from photographs that night. Noted photographers displaying their works include Patrick Ryan, Kelly Thornton, Nicole Wolf, Ernesto Santalla, Liliane Blom, Mary Clark Gaston, and Katharine Hauschka.

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Art Galleries , Theaters-Performing Arts Centers • Logan Circle / U Street

Fashionista Roomate Love

My roommate, Alida, is a fashion maven and brilliant problem-solver. When faced with dilemmas like "Should I wear red or green tights with my little black dress?" Her response is "Neither, try a textured pattern." Needless to say, she always has the perfect solution. Recently, while hunting for an outfit for a dinner date, Alida casually suggested Rue 14. I obliged. Like most fashionistas, Alida was absolutely correct. Rue 14 is a tiny boutique with plenty of style. It carries dozens of young and contemporary designers for men and women, including BB Dakota, Free People, and James Jeans. The prices allow you to splurge on shoes and accessories too. I was pleased with my shopping experience and my date was thrilled with my high-waisted skirt. Now, that's always a win-win situation.

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Shopping • Logan Circle / U Street

Max Attack!

During my brief stint of unemployment I explored non-traditional career options: palm reader, secret shopper and dog-sitter. I found watching fox-trot terriers and labradors the most lucrative and highly entertaining. Dogs listen to exaggerated break-up stories and watch reality TV with you void of judgment. The only draw back was scooping up poop. My favorite four-legged friend was a British bull terrier named Max. Because of his apt listening skills, I often treated Max to longer walks and tasty tidbits from "Green Pets," a pet store featuring all-natural foods and supplies. Located in the vibrant U Street Corridor, the premier pet store features Pet Nutritional Counseling and a wide selection of pooper scoopers and healthy pet treats. The staff is super helpful and there treats for every animal--cats, birds, and hamsters too! So, on your next long walk with Lassie, Bubba, or Spike stop by Green Pets. Max loved me for it and so will furry companion.

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Pet Shops • Logan Circle / U Street

Billy Colbert Exhibition

Longview Gallery will launch its next exhibit this Friday with Love is Losing Game by Billy Colbert. Colbert's sculptures "metaphorically speak of modern day relationships by using helmets that serve as the strategic offensive and defensive ways that we deal with relationships and the game of love," according to the artist.  And seeing as we've all been through relationship battles don't be surprised if a head bunting match breaks out in the middle of the gallery at half-time. Friday night you can view a variety of old school football helmuts sculpted and configured with everything from deer antlers to live video feeds and neon signs. With a bit of bubbly to go around the opening night reception will run from f6 to 9 p.m and is open to the public with an after party around the corner at The Space. Let the games begin. Show Dates: March 27 - April 24. Gallery Hours: 11 am to 7 pm.

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Art Galleries • Logan Circle / U Street

Mixtap Dance Party

A long loooonngg time ago (let's say the '90s) before iPods and instant downloads were the norm, I was a mixtape maniac. I would press stop and record over and over again until my Michael Jackson tape was absolutely perfect. It was a labor of love that I cherished...celebrating my completion with my best moonwalk impression. When it was all said and done I just wanted to dance. Fast-forward a decade later and cassette tapes are obsolete but the dancing continues. Let the rhythm take you to the Warehouse Theater for the "Mixtape" alternative dance party on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The self-proclaimed "ass-shaking dance party for queer guys and gals and their pals," DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn spin an assorted blend of Iggy Pop, Run DMC, Donna Summer, and Rich Medina and of course Michael Jackson too...trust me, you'll dance your heart out. It's the most fun you can have (legally) for four bucks. It all goes down this Saturday at The Warehouse Theater, March 14 from 9:30 pm to 2:30 am.

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Theaters-Performing Arts Centers • Logan Circle / U Street

Anna U. Davis: February 21-March 21

DC has an endless array of gallery's sprayed across the city yet Long View Gallery stands apart and recruits some of the most ingenious artists in the country. Situated at the corner of 9th and N Long View is a sign of true gentrification that has erupted in this area. This Saturday, DC-based artist Anna U. Davis brings her provocative work to Long View with an opening night show and reception taking place from 6 to 9 pm. Davis' paintings are created by applying thousands of glossy 2 x 2 inch paper squares creating the scenes for her Frocasian (a mold of "Afro" and "Caucasian") figures. The show runs February 21 to March 21. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm.

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Art Galleries • Logan Circle / U Street

Crème de la Crop

I've dined all over the city and continue to be wowed, but when I stepped into Mio, owner and restaurateur Manuel Iguina greeted my friends and me himself. That was the first sign we were in for a treat. We started off with warm Peanut Soup and Stuffed Calamari. Next up was the most amazing risotto I've ever had outside of my trips to Europe (and yes, there've been many)--a Carnaroli Risotto with Bartlett pears and Grayson cheese. Finishing off with a Roasted Blue Ridge Mountains Lamb you would think our gluttonous ways were done. But no. Because executive chef Nicholas Stefanelli (who is some serious eye-candy) came to visit our table and suggested we try the Rice Pudding with Bourbon for dessert and he also sent us over these delightfully sinful Ricotta fritters whipped up by pastry chef Tom Wellings. The wine completed the entire night as the table shared a bottle of Massaya, a Rhone Blend from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. I've been back twice since this visit to Mio and it’' taken over as my dinner power-hour hot spot with some incredible art to please your eye, food to please your palate. Certainly makes you appreciate fine DC dining.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street

Proud To Be American

Situated across from Whole Foods, this neighborhood bar/eatery may be the most environmentally-friendly block in all DC. As a proud member of the Green Restaurant Association, it uses wind energy credits and furniture of recycled materials. The restaurant is also extremely proud to be American, or to be located in DC, judging by the number of American flags in the restaurant and Web site. Its menu lists the most American dishes possible, in a font simulating a very neat, fifth grader's handwriting for a very homestyle, fresh-from-the-farm sort of feel. The food is comforting and delicious, but as America goes, there's still a melting pot of cuisines on its menu: a croque monsieur, chicken dumplings, and huevos rancheros with beans and tortillas featuring a few of what makes up true American food. There's also a coffee and wine bar, and free Wifi to encourage people to linger. While the Web site conveys the image of amber waves of grain and purple mountains, the restaurant itself is not necessarily so bright and outdoorsy--more dark and lounge-like, with essence of Old Glory bearing down as you dine.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street

New Taste for the Bayou

And I've tried it. So I can personally aver that this is the truth. Acadiana is in the same family as DC Coast, TenPenh, and Ceiba, who all share the same owners. Each of these restaurants offers high quality food and an elegant dining experience (and accompanying price tag), but each embraces its own particular style. In the case of Acadiana it pulls its menu selections from Lousiana, "serving up the rich and complex flavors--the roux, the remoulades, the bisques, and the etouffees for which the region is known and savored." You meal could begin with the trio of deviled eggs (featuring crabmeat ravigote, pickled shrimp, and duroc ham), followed by the practically filler-less crabcake, and finished with the warm raisin bread pudding covered in a butterscotch sauce. Or try the jalapeno cheese grits (as a side or with veal), they're nothing like your Aunt Betsy's, but in a very good way. Entrees run in the $25 range, and the atmosphere will make you want to tuck your shirt in.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street

Unsinkable Rice-Based Dishes

There's always a crowd around Thai Tanic on the single sketchy block on 14th Street, a sign that the restaurant is that popular despite its questionable surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere is hopping and funky, with modern Thai art glazing the walls and art-deco dining tables. The typical dishes (pad thai, pad see-yew, chicken satay) are all crowd pleasers, but the real gem is the more exotic fare. Try the pla goong: crunchy shrimp served artfully in a phylo-dough basket with garlic and chili; the very crispy and fatty duck with not-too-sweet tamarind sauce; and kanom jeep appetizer which combines crab, chicken, shrimp and water chestnuts into a little wonton, dim-sum style. Of course, always begin the evening with one of Thai Tanic's many tropical drinks, even if it's snowing outside. If it's too busy, the wait staff can get a little harried, but there's always takeout--ready within 20 minutes.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street

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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Parties, Name-Checking

9:30 has seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Beastie Boys and Radiohead. Just in the past year I've seen the Faint, the Bravery, and danced my ass off at the infamous Blisspop parties. But the end-all-be-all of dance party is coming to 9:30 this Friday: the Blisspop.com Holiday Party Extravaganza. Six of the swellest DJs on the East Coast (including Tittsworth, Nadastrom, Bob Jong Ill) are set to rock the turntables. The event is sponsored by UpfrontDC.com and BrightestYoungThings.com and features the best house and electronica in a relaxed, super hip environment. Peeps come to dance and get funky. The focus is on the music and 9:30 continues to stick to its 30 year tradition of showcasing the best and most affordable musical performances in the region. The event kicks off at 11 pm and goes till the weeeeee hours. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.930.com.

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Nightlife • Logan Circle / U Street

A Noble Try

This U-Street bar is like the cool kid in high school: seems pretty hip, but still has some inner flaws. Don't get me wrong, Bar Pilar is cool. It has an off-beat draught beer selection, some creative (and delicious) tapas-like dishes, and it offers a really chill ambience. But unless you can snag a table, Bar Pilar's set-up is more conducive to bumping into the wait staff than mingling with a cool guy or gal. And apparently you have to be hotter than hot stuff to get the bartender to take your order. And what's up with the half-naked mermaids painting? My beer and soup were delicious, though--and there is a photo booth in the back, which would be pretty awesome if it actually worked.

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Nightlife • Logan Circle / U Street

Great Lost Art of Paper

In this cozy little off-Dupont shop, travel back to a time when stationery mattered--or to a neighborhood reflecting its up-and-comingness with expensive paper goods for the well-heeled who shop at Whole Foods across the street and write thank-you cards. Regardless of its purpose, the Written Word is a pleasant, timeless place to browse and shop for pretty paper, cards, books, and other gifts. It operates its own antique letterpress in the back of the shop, printing out beautiful (and expensive) cards and invitations. If you have a few hundred or thousand to drop, this place is perfect for weddings, fancy parties, or a personalized gift. If anything, ask to watch the letterpress in action to appreciate this great (lost?) art form.

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Shopping • Logan Circle / U Street

Utility For You And Me

Now here's a utilitarian store with helpful staff, guaranteed service, and products you're looking for. You can't walk into Logan Hardware without someone greeting you and asking what you're looking for. And since few people wander into a hardware store just to browse, they’ll know exactly what you're looking for, where it lives and you're on your way out with purchase in hand in five minutes. From paint to gardening tools, closet solutions and kitchen items, pet supplies and plumbing items, you'll find almost anything here--and if you don't, they can order it for you within three days.

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Hardware Stores , Shopping • Logan Circle / U Street

Art Buzz

The newly renovated Source Theatre has turned into a vibrant, multi-user performing arts space in the heart of DC's 14th Street Arts District. This Thursday, November 20, from 6:30 to 10 pm the 4th installation Art Buzz will launch at the space for a one-night only event with fine wine provided by White Rocket Wine Company, light hors d'ouevres, a music soundscape and the chance to preview and buy the newest works of five of DC's most dedicated artist: Chris Bishop, E.B. Kellinger, Marielle Mariano, Adrian Loving and Aidah Fontenot. The Source includes a 150-seat black box, classroom, rehearsal room and administrative space for four resident companies including the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, which benefits from Art Buzz events. Thirty percent of all art sold by these amazing artists will go to the DC Collaborative. Hosted by DC This Week Blog and Senate Realty, Art Buzz is designed to showcase the works of DC's top artists and actively raise funds for the DC Collaborative's Arts for Every Student (AFES) program. A donation of $10 is requested at the door.

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Art Galleries , Theaters-Performing Arts Centers • Logan Circle / U Street

You Wouldn't Understand

Like many street food carts, the 'Yellow Bulgogi Cart' doesn't have an official name, at least not yet (and from here on, I will refer to it as the YBC). But unlike most street carts, the food is different, filling, not overpriced, and most importantly, really good. The Korean food gods answered my prayers when I was longing to discover a new lunchtime joint. Sandwiches and salads get old really fast. The YBC sells two of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine: bulgogi, which is thin marinated strips of beef; and bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with hot red pepper paste, vegetables, beef, and a fried egg (the last two are optional). Chicken teriyaki is also available. All of the meats are cooked right in the cart, and the kimchi is homemade. Portions are very generous; I can never finish my meal in one sitting, which makes for good dinner leftovers. A mother-son team from Annandale runs the YBC, which is open during weekday lunchtime hours, so long as the weather conditions aren't too severe. For $6.75 a dish, the Yellow Bulgogi Cart is an excellent bargain for lunch in the District.

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Restaurants • Logan Circle / U Street