Saturday, February 28, 2009

March Madness Bar Challenge

It's that time of year again folks. Break out the tourney sheets and prepare for the bracket-busters and buzzer-beaters. March Madness is upon us. This year I have decided to run the gamut of DC Sports Bars so as to find the best college basketball venue(s) in the city. I will review a total of at least six establishments. The schedule is below. I may add to these based on recommendation--additional reviews will take place on Sunday, a day I have initially kept free for "liver recovery."

Schedule

Thursday, March 19th @ 7pm
Bugsy's Sports Bar, Old Town Alexandria
Friday, March 20th @ 7pm
Saturday, March 21st @ 5pm
Thursday, March 26th @ 7pm
Buffalo Billiards, Dupont Circle
Friday, March 27th @ 7pm
Saturday, March 28th @ 5pm


Who will be crowned the preeminent venue in DC for March Madness? Stay tuned.......

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Bistro Lepic -- A Social Wine Bar

I was nervous when I walked into Bistro Lepic to partake in their free wine tasting. Since I do not have the most exacting palette, nor am I educated about French wine, I was naturally uncomfortable. Specifically, I was worried that there would be an element of “cultured pretension” that sometimes accompanies upscale wine bars. However, I was delightfully surprised with the welcoming demeanor of the bartender and its patrons. The bartender (sommelier is a more accurate description) was engaging and pleased to answer all of my questions, regardless of how elementary they were. There were times during the evening when I felt like I was in an upscale version of Cheers. A host of regulars converge on the bar during happy hour. Familiar with the establishment and each other, they help create a cordial and relaxing environment. The ease of stimulating conversation and abundance of attentive faces made for a delightful evening.

Bistro Lepic is located off Wisconsin Avenue in northern Georgetown, and its unassuming facade mirrors its general aura of acceptance. On the ground floor is the restaurant, where I have not yet had the privilege to dine. The upstairs wine bar conveys a confluence of decor styles--here East meets West. The walls are adorned with full murals, distinctively European, while Asian style wall lamps line the perimeter. Meanwhile, low wicker chairs enhance a lounge type atmosphere. Dim lighting and relaxing music make it an ideal setting to converse over a light meal, and the food is excellent. I can personally vouch for the sautéed sea scallops with ginger broccoli mousse and light ginger butter. Their selection of cheeses complement their extensive wine list. Ask the sommelier what goes well with what—his recommendations are insightful and accurate.

Drop in between six and eight on Tuesdays to participate in a free wine tasting. It is a great marketing device as Bistro Lepic sells itself. Not only will you have a wonderful evening, but like me, you will be eager to return.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Eyebar -- Not Setting a High Bar

Let me preface this review with the honest truth—I am now thirty years old. Please do not interpret the following as a jealous rebuke of a younger social scene—its not. Because while it is true that I am over-the-hill in terms of the DC club scene, I am not mourning or trying to recapture my lost twenties. Nevertheless, my review of Eyebar, reflects a coming of age.

Nothing can spur the regression of humanity like the combination of alcohol, drugs, dance music, dim light, and attractive people. This is the lethal combination I found at Eyebar last Saturday Night. I arrived with some friends who were meeting THEIR friends who had been invited to the birthday party by a DIFFERENT friend’s girlfriend. Amazingly, this translated to me being on a list and jumping the line. Despite my quick and painless entrance, I did take time to notice a loitering group of patrons being asked to “please not smoke on the red carpet.” I elected not to broadcast that the carpet was already coming apart at the seams out of fear that the bouncer might revoke my newly acquired VIP status.

We proceeded upstairs and into an uncomfortable amalgam of intoxication and overly-active hormones. I made a beeline for the bar, hoping there was a concoction for my eyebar ailment. My girlfriend stopped to mention her fondness of the “slide-by”—an overly-utilized tactic by a groping male and apparently an accepted form of “club frotteurism.” Meanwhile, I watched as a guy dressed up as a traffic cop locked lips with not one, but two women in the span of five minutes. Elbowing and nudging my way to the bathroom, dodging the dirty-dancing grinders, and being careful not to slip on the floor saturated with sweat, booze, and god-knows-what-else, I saw a woman with her head under the sink. My first interpretation was that she was sick, a scene that I had wholly come to expect. But then I realized she was drinking water—“wheezing the juice” Brendan Fraser style in the epic great Encino Man. Her actions made sense when I later witnessed someone at the bar order water. The bartender returned with a bottle and a tab.

We couldn’t stay more than two drinks. Eyebar was too much. Too much grinding. Too much indiscretion. Too much sweat. Too much moral decrepitness. In all fairness, we arrived well after midnight, so it might not have been an accurate representation. And, I have heard that earlier hours boast jazz and a slightly older happy hour crowd. In any case, I found myself on Saturday Night, a fish out of water. But I am probably just getting old.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Café Bonaparte - a little a lot

In the heart of historic Georgetown, amidst the antique shops, lies a diminutive and cozy European café—Café Bonaparte. Small in stature, it has a surprisingly extensive repertoire of food and drink. What appears from the street as nothing more than a coffee shop, also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

The ambiance is personal and romantic. The façade of the café is completely paned windows infusing the dining room with light--coalescing historic Georgetown with a taste of Europe. The walls are adorned with a series of art deco pieces--all of which are for sale. The pastels give added color to an already sunlit room. The tables are tiny and close in proximity, however, amazingly, I have never felt cramped. Meanwhile, the waitresses do an exceptional job of navigating the tight quarters. The size and popularity of the cafe do lend themselves to weekend morning lines. Just leave your name and take a twenty minute jaunt around the corner to the many antique shops—it is worth the wait.

I have yet to try any of their dinner entrees, but their Elba sandwich--smoked turkey with apples, brie, and honey Dijon--was excellent. Their brunch is even more inspiring, as their Renoir—scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, green peppers, and onions rolled in a crepe & topped with cheddar and Swiss cheese—is heavy on the taste buds but not on the stomach. It is light not greasy. The food prices are reasonable, but the drinks can be a bit pricey. Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s run around ten dollars and a couple can add up quickly. Nevertheless, they are both excellent. And finally, the small unassuming bar is a great setting for a nightcap, appealing to the night owl craving something sweet. I hear their deserts are excellent.

Café Bonaparte, as small as it is, somehow manages to offer a little of everything for everyone, at anytime.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The Big Hunt -- "Dive" in for Fun

Make no mistake about it--the Big Hunt is a dive bar. It is dark and dingy and smells like stale beer. That being said, The Big Hunt offers no pretense of being something that it is not—it is comfortable in its character.

The décor, although questionable, is consistent. There is an amalgam of phony dead paraphernalia gracing its walls, from the antler-like lamps, to papier-mâché Rhino tusks, to furry chandeliers. The collection of human heads on stakes is a bit disturbing, but reminiscent of Richard Connell’s, “The Most Dangerous Game,” and certainly consistent with the hunter theme.

I hope that the Fire Marshall overlooks the mesh of wires that are haphazardly connected on the wall, because the Big Hunt provides for a good time. They have 27 beers on tap and the popular selection of shooters makes them sufficiently prepared for debaucherous groups “hunting” for fun. There are multiple televisions for game watching, and a billiards table upstairs. Bar Rules apply and be sure to put your quarters down early, as there is only one table. The food is typical bar fare, but it gets tastier and more necessary the longer your visit. Additionally, every Tuesday you can drop in for fifteen cent wings.

The dive bar has become a faux pas in DC--a political city concerned with social stigma. But it still has its place, and it is refreshing to see that the Big Hunt caters to dive bar junkies as well as the social overclass. Regardless of appearance, you will be accepted here--where the only prerequisite is a willingness for fun. So next time you are in Dupont Circle, don’t hesitate to trade in that sparkling wine for a pint and a shot.

Café Milano – Where you have to pay to play

Located on Prospect Street, just west of Wisconsin Avenue, is the small but elegant Café Milano. It offers all that you would expect at an Italian café, good food, wine and friendly service. But what Café Milano really offers, is a chance to flaunt one’s social status, which is why it has become my second favorite DC establishment for people watching (the first is Kramerbooks Afterwords Café).

Café Milano markets itself to the “movers and shakers” of DC—businessmen, politicians, diplomats and of course, socialites. I have been there on two occasions, and on both, I would be lying if I said that I saw anyone of any considerable fame. But you sure wouldn’t know it judging from the designer suits, fashionable dresses, and air of self importance. It is a rare occasion (Halloween) that you can observe someone wearing sunglasses after dark, which certainly speaks to the heightened sense of self that abounds among the patrons of Café Milano. Fortunately for the perpetrator, the bar and dining room were well lit enough to reveal that they were, in fact, designer. And if the moon glasses didn’t tell the entire story, the designer three piece, cufflinks and all, did.

The bar is a scene from the Great Gatsby. There is an obvious dichotomy of company here. The women—young and attractive--have a manner about them that says, “I am not looking for just a husband, but a way of life.” The men, twenty years older on average, have a complementary look that declares, “I can provide that lifestyle. Do you see my suit?” There is nothing that would indicate their message to be false—they really ARE well dressed. I’ll leave the judgment regarding the marital success rate of such matches to the experts.

If you want to ingratiate yourself into this crowd, you are going to have to pay up. There is a premium to dine here. Entrees are in the forty dollar range, and you can get a small pizza for 17 bucks. A glass of wine will run you in the vicinity of fifteen dollars. If you are looking for food, walk south to Filomena’s, it is a better value. But if you are looking to people watch, for next season fashion ideas, or for a husband, come to Café Milano.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Cafe La Ruche - Simply Charming


Café La Ruche is just far enough removed from M Street to escape the Georgetown shopping hustle-and-bustle, but close enough to make it easily accessible. It is a conveniently intimate Parisian style café, aptly named (La Ruche is French for beehive) as it is abuzz with energy.

Part of La Ruche’s appeal lies in its simplicity. You will not find the extraneous bells and whistles so common to the modern coffee shop. A booth stretches the length of the left side of the café providing half of the seating for the row of couples tables that flank it. On the right hand side of the café are three dining tables for larger groups. You can also dine outside on their garden patio when the weather is nice. The décor is simple, not ornate. A French flag hangs in the rafters, and there are a series of rural Parisian pictures on the wall.

As you enter you are greeted by an adorable older man and shown to your table. The service is great, and the attitude and ambiance are cheerful. La Ruche’s typical patrons range from couples, old and young, to friends and co-workers. It is as common to hear French as it is English, further augmenting the Parisian flavor.

The food is excellent. The L’Assiette de Brie (brie and apple) is a fresh and an ample appetizer, while the Poulet Cordon Bleu was one of the best I have had. They offer a small selection of imported beer and have a limited list of wines, but it is sufficient unless you are actively seeking something more exotic.

Café La Ruche is at its core, charming. It is energetic yet relaxing--convenient yet quaint. It is a great place for a date or a quick rendezvous with an old friend. Whether you seek dinner, weekend brunch, or just a cup of espresso, I highly recommend Café La Ruche.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Pizzeria Paradiso -- Their Name Says it All

I am not a pizza connoisseur. I tend to enjoy it anyway it is served—hot, cold, thin crust or deep dish. That being said, I can appreciate a good pie when I have one, and that is exactly what Pizzeria Paradiso delivers.

What differentiates the pizza here is the crust. They cook all of their pizza in a wood-burning stone oven, visible to all in the front of the restaurant. It is their crispy-on-the outside, warm-on-the-inside brick oven taste, complemented by an array of fresh toppings that makes their pizza so good. I ordered the Margherita 12 inch, adding some red peppers and black olives. It was excellent. To drink, they have an ample selection of wines and an extensive collection of imported bottled beer. They also have beer on tap if you are so inclined.

They have two locations, in Georgetown on M Street and in Dupont Circle on P Street. I dined at the Dupont Circle location, which will be moving next door to a larger venue still under construction.

The service is excellent, and the restaurant is popular enough that there is often a wait for a table. Still, they have good turnover, and despite not having a table, and being fourth in line, my girlfriend and I were seated in no more than ten minutes. The excellent pizza, selection of drink, and reasonable prices make Pizzeria Paradiso a great place to meet friends, or for a casual date.

Buffalo Billiards - A Big Game Venue where you can breathe

There are many venues that cater to the archetypal sports fanatic. A host of bars boast plasma television screens, billiards tables, darts, and the expected array of bar food--all of which Buffalo Billiards has. But what separates Buffalo Billiards from its competitors is its size.

They comfortably fit 29 pool tables, five dartboards, a shuffleboard, 6 projection screen televeisions, and another 20 flatscreens. Comfortably. They also have ample places to sit down, from bar stools, to tables, to couches. It is an excellent venue for birthday's or other events as they have two secluded rooms for private parties. The Victorian Room is ideal for a smaller get-together, while the Adirondack Room accomodates larger groups. You can also call and reserve a television on the main floor for the game of your choice.

I have rarely been to Buffalo Billiards when it is crowded. The Floyd Mayweather--De La Hoya fight last year was as packed as I have seen it, but there was plenty of elbow room and it wasn't claustrophobic. The one complaint that I have is that there are only two bars. As expansive as it is, when there is a big game or fight, you often find yourself waiting to be served.

The demographic is relatively consistent as they have carved out a niche with undergrads and twenty-something professionals. Situated next to the Dupont Metro stop makes it extremely convenient and a good solution if heavy drinking is in your plans. Given its spaciousness Buffalo Billiards can host the big games in a more comfortable atmosphere than most bars. It may be the best suited venue in the city for the first two weekends of March Madness.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Layla's Lowly Lebanese Restaurant

Hungry and cold, my girlfriend and I wandered east on King Street looking for a restaurant where we could recharge and dine. We happened upon Layla’s, a Lebanese restaurant on the corner of King and Alfred. Having never eaten Lebanese food, and my girlfriend being an advocate, I decided to give it a go. Big Mistake.

The red neon sign reading “open” should have been a harbinger. It is the type of marketing practiced by gas stations aimed at getting the attention of night-weary passer-bys. Little did I know, that by the end of my meal, I would be craving a pre-made sandwich from the Exxon station. Layla’s was THAT satisfying. Please don't mistake my negativity for naivete. Because although it was my first Lebanese experience, my girlfriend assured me that it was also the worst meal she has ever tasted.

As you walk into Layla’s, there is a small bar to the right--besieged by putrid yellow pastel walls. Since my visit I have made it a point to glance in when I pass (because I am dumbfounded as to why anyone eats there) and the bar is usually occupied by one or two unkempt patrons watching television and chain-smoking. The walls are complemented by the tacky purple curtains separating the bar area from the dining room (whose walls are decorated in a slightly more tolerable orange).

The décor isn’t even the problem at Layla’s—it’s the food. We ate only an appetizer, unable to stomach the thought of an entrée. We ordered “Layla’s Special Appetizer Platter” thinking it would provide enough of a variety to enable me to learn more about Lebanese food. The platter consisted of Hommos (dip made from chickpeas), Baba Ghannouj (dip made from eggplant), Tabouleh (chopped parsley, crushed wheat, tomatoes and onions), Grape Leaves (vine leaves stuffed with rice and parsley), Spinach Pies (bread dough turnovers with chopped spinach leaves), and Falafel (deep-fried chickpea patties).

The platter looked and tasted as though it had been sitting out for a week. The Falafel was so dry that it had the consistency of hockey pucks. The Grape Leaves had no taste whatsoever and looked like they had been rolled on the floor. The Hommos, a dipping paste that I usually enjoy, had a soupy consistency and was bland. The Spinach Pies were not terrible, but after having tried the other “un-appetizers” I couldn’t even eat them. My girlfriend and I, embarrassed at not even denting the stale mess in front of us, took to hiding the appetizers in the Baba Ghannouj so as to make it appear to the waitress that we had eaten.

I hope that our visit was an anomaly, and that the waitress accidentally served a platter from the prior evening. Perhaps their entrees are better than their appetizers. And maybe I am giving Layla’s an unfair rap. But I won't get the chance to find out as I will never eat there again.

Landini Brother's

Situated off of King Street, one block from the waterfront, Landini’s is a good lunchtime reprieve from Old Town shopping. The exposed brick walls, flagstone floor and dark mahogany trim produce a quaint Tuscan experience. There is a sense of family--it seems all of the waiters know each other, and all have a similar, and sometimes difficult to understand, accent.

Downstairs provides a spirited atmosphere, catering to larger groups. Upon entry, there is a perceptible smell of cigar smoke, lingering from the night before. The non-smoking area to the left is set-apart from the main floor. And, the noticeable red ductwork hanging from the ceiling provides the necessary ventilation, alleviating the smell for its non-smoking patrons. If you are looking for a quieter or more romantic venue, you can sit upstairs adjacent to the wine room, containing a host of Italian favorites.

The food is good. For lunch I had the “Pollo alla Griglia”—a grilled chicken panini that was tender and tasty. I washed it down with a couple of Peroni’s, nothing fancy. On a dinner occasion, I had the “Suprema di Pollo alla Bolognese”—a chicken breast sautéed in butter and white wine, topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce—for my entrée. It was excellent, but the portion was a bit small for what I have come to expect from a family Italian Restaurant. Perhaps I was spoiled from my visit to Filomena’s in Georgetown only days prior.

All in all, I cannot complain about my experiences at Landini Brother’s—the food and service are good, it is not overly-expensive, they have an ample selection, and the atmosphere is vibrant. I will go there again without hesitation, but for a really special dinner or celebration, I will probably search elsewhere as it lacks that extra “wow” factor.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Clarendon Grill – Bring Your Hard Hat

The decorative scheme at Clarendon Grill is obvious. From the scaffolding on the ceiling to the embedded nails, hammers, nuts, and bolts at the bar, patrons are reminded that they are in a construction site. I understand what they were going for, I just can’t figure out why. Do young professionals secretly yearn to toil nine hour days in the piping heat, after which, they can crack open a few cold ones with their worker buddies? Is Clarendon Grill this fantasy realized?

Despite the odd choice of décor, Clarendon Grill is an ideal venue for entertainment. As you walk in, there is a lower level to the right where various bands set up. The floor is expansive enough to enable dancing and mingling without too much discomfort. Gonzo’s Nose, an 80’s and 90’s cover band, was playing on my last visit. They were extremely entertaining and managed to sound surprisingly like the original artists they mimic—from Duran Duran, to Everclear, to Gwen Stefani. The list is an extensive one. Fans can even visit their website to purchase the must-have of all fanatic attire, the Gonzo’s Nose women’s thong. I digress.

The Bar is set above the dance floor, and albeit by only a few feet, it offers a great perspective for not only watching the band, but for scrutinizing the often overly-intoxicated crowd on the dance floor. Perhaps the greatest feature of Clarendon Grill is the patio. It allows for a much needed escape to those whose ears are ringing, or to those with a nagging cigarette craving. When the weather is nice, the patio is a place to relax with friends--especially now, since they have used some of the construction paraphernalia inside to renovate it.

Clarendon Grill is comfortably expansive, thoroughly entertaining, and well worth the 7$ band cover. So bring your hard hat, and enjoy whatever weekend entertainment they have on tap.

Bilbo Baggins -- A cozy Bar for Beer and Buddies

There is a comfy local restaurant in Alexandria that lies off King Street’s beaten path. Walk north to Queen Street and follow it towards the Potomac. On your right, you will find a warm and cozy watering hole named Bilbo Baggins.

The atmosphere inside is incredibly warm—worn wooden tables complement the fireplace and the delightful demeanor of the wait staff. I would liken the ambiance to that of a ski-lodge. Patrons come in tight knit groups to enjoy each other and an ample selection of wine and beer. Bilbo Baggins boasts a selection of over 150 wines and a number of micro-brewed imports. Personally, I am always drawn to the Belgian Ales-- Chimay, Duvel, and Delirium Nocturnum. They are relatively expensive, but after you taste them and feel them, you will know where that money went.

Bibo Baggins is great for a group of friends, old or new. The atmosphere is not conducive nor does it cater to the local singles scene. It is a cozy place to “catch up” and if the conversation wanes, look no further than the Trivial Pursuit cards stacked in rocks glasses at the bar.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Kramerbooks Afterwords Cafe -- Seductive Intelligence

As I stand in front of the bookshelves of Kramerbooks, off Dupont Circle, I can't help but think, "what is going on?" There is a plethora of young professionals, all wearing their weekend best, fully groomed, and smelling of their favorite cologne. Something isn't right. They are holding books. But they are not studying--at least not the words on the pages in front of them. They glance up periodically scanning the floor for looks of approval. The expression on their faces read, "I am a man of culture and intellect. I am the Renaissance Man for whom you search." I realize I am in the midst of a scholarly meat market with no shame.

And how convenient.......the bookstore just happens to be situated ajacent to the "Afterwords Cafe." The transition from academia to social mingling has never been easier. Gentlemen, if your studiousness was not seductive enough, the cafe has an abundance of ploys to get her in the mood. Perhaps she will notice the risque advertisements on the wall--one of which pictures a man on his back wearing a dog collar while a woman tugs at it as she pins him down with her stiletto heel. It reads, "satisfying all appetites."

If the surroundings don't immediately entice her, the food and drink will. Offer her a "Loosey Goosey Cosmo" or if she has just escaped from an unhealthy relationship, woo her with a "Clean Slate Riesling." She will love it! After she feels secure with her tabula rasa indulge her with a "Menage A Trois Rose"--a blend of zinfadel, merlot and cabernet. You can reveal your intentions by ordering an "Original Sin Cider" from the waiter. And after a few drinks she will surely have worked up an appetite for the "French-Cut Hanging Tenderloin of Beef." Bon-Appetite. No pun intended--well, sort of.

Despite the not-so-subtle atmosphere I have to admit the "Peanut Chicken w/ Asian Noodle Stir-Fry" was excellent. And at the very least, Kramerbooks Afterwords Cafe is the greatest venue for people watching I have ever experienced.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Filomena - A Great Value In Georgetown

Perched off of Wisconsin Avenue, Filomena's in the heart of Georgetown. My experience with Georgetown Restaurants has been that they are usually good but overpriced. The food at Filomena's is excellent, and although the price tag is comparable to other local restaurants, the portions are massive making it an exceptional value.

Filomena's has an array of appetizers. I can personally vouch for the "Bruschette Con Pomodoro" and the "Scampi alla Zia Katie" both of which were excellent. For an entree, the "Pollo alla Parmigiana" is outstanding. The chicken is tender, served breaded and piping hot under a salty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. The serving is so large, I could only try the side of penne pasta--also very good.

They have a relatively extensive list of Italian wines--especially red. Personally, I enjoy their Chianti and Sangiovese based selections. And after dinner, you can look forward to a complementary carafe of Sambuca and Amaretto complete with coffee beans. And if you have any room left in your stomach their desert list looks amazing. I have yet to try one.

The atmosphere at Filomena's is quite festive. The small unassuming entryway belies the open and grandiose interior. Situated to the right of the entrance is a small room where their "Pasta Mama's" handmake the pasta--adding to the Italian flavor. Their dining floor decor borders on intrusive but adheres to the current Holiday theme and is jovial. Currently they are decked out for Valentines Day. My only complaint, politics aside, is that the stuffed donkey at the entrance overshadows the hospitable maitre de. But I suspect they will take it down after the novelty of the new administration diminishes.

Overall, Filomena's is an excellent venue for a date, a business meeting, or a get-together with friends. Your experience will justify why it has been voted DC's best Italian restaurant three years running.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bookbinder's - Steak Heaven

5. Wolfgang's 4. Bobby Van's 3. Smith & Wollensky's 2. Peter Luger's and the number one place to order a filet mignon, medium rare.........Bookbinder's. That's right, I still can't believe I am ranking an Alexandria Steakhouse above the Mighty New York Four--but I am. Bookbinders' filet is the best I have ever had; crispy and sweet on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside--cooked to perfection.

Bookbinder's of Old Town delivers in all aspects. Their steaks and lobster are top notch, and their steamed asparagus, al dente, with Hollandaise, is excellent. And as good as the food is, the ambiance is even better. The exposed brick, spiral staircase, and iron chandeliers are all charming. A small outside alcove is perfectly romantic. Shaded by a large tree and saturated with potted ivy, there is a distinctive garden feel. It peeks out onto St. Asaph Street, one of the quaintest streets in Old Town, famous for its colonial flavor.

Bookbinder's is a great place to take family, friends, or that special someone.

Gin & Tonic - A Glover Park Frat Party

I have never actually been to Gin & Tonic during the day. I have never eaten a meal there. Nor have I ever knocked back a few beers while watching a sporting event. So the following review may indeed lack a well rounded perspective, because contrary to popular belief, Gin & Tonic offers all of the above.

There must be something that has brought me back to G&T five times since moving to the DC area. It's not the thirty minute line outside. It's not the 98.6 degree sweatshop that waits beyond its doors. And its not the opportunity to dance shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of undergrads and young professionals. So what can it be? Oh yeah. I forgot. I am, after all, a frat boy at heart. Because despite the overly crowded dance floor, the uncomfortable environs, and the sometimes excruciating wait for the bathroom, Gin & Tonic IS fun. Well, as long as you don't show up sober. Make no mistake. It is--on weekend nights--a frat party.

Like any crowded venue, you have to buy multiple drinks when you get to the bar, because competing with the slew of other patrons for bartender attention is impossible. But like all good frat parties, people come to party, and people come to dance. The atmosphere is only enhanced by their selection in music, which is all that was good in the 80's, as well as a few more recent pop hits. And if you get bored with the music, look no further than the movies playing on the elevated televisions, Animal House or Wedding Crashers--cult flicks that don't need to be audible to be enjoyed.

If I ever questioned the frat house theme, such doubt was recently eradicated when I learned Tucker Max hosted a private screening at G&T for the new movie based on his book, "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell." I don't know Tucker.....but they serve it at Gin & Tonic.

On a side note.....don't read the book. And don't see the movie.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Tiffany Tavern - Live Bluegrass Differentiates this Old Town Pub

Tiffany Tavern --It has your staples of the average watering hole. They have beer and booze. The bar is old. The food is standard pub chow. But every Friday and Saturday night they have live Bluegrass, no cover charge, and it is worth checking out.

For five hours the relatively dark and dank setting transforms. The band plays at the front, visible and audible from King Street, beckoning in a crowd looking for entertainment and fun. It permeates the venue, from the front bar, to the dining area in back. Smiles abound among a diverse age demographic, ranging from twenty-somethings to retirees.

Spending Friday evening in Old Town Alexandria? You might want to drop by Tiffany Tavern.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Proof - For Whom?

From the exposed brick to the wide-plank floors to the pewter bar, Proof does not lack character. As you make your way through the double glass doors you are transplanted into an interesting combination of a rural wine tasting room and chic lounge--elegant yet rustic. Here, Sonoma Valley meets New York, and it does so in a most unexpected place--Penn Quarter, Washington DC.

There is a little of everything for everyone at Proof. Wine connoisseurs can indulge in an extensive wine selection, kept fresh with the Enomatic wine machine. A vast selection of cheeses complements their collection of over 1,000 wines. If you are not a wine afficianado there is a bar and a selection of beer. And although they are not nearly as extensive as their wine list, beer drinkers can indulge in a high glass of Delirium Tremens, a Belgian strong ale that I highly recommend.

Above the bar is a series of plasma televisions that transmit images from the American Art Museum--it's neighbor. It is an odd form of entertainment, perhaps catering to it's "cultured" crowd. Personally, I feel like it offers an unecessary distraction from the Enomatic wine machine below which is far more interesting.

If you carry an appetite for more than just wine and cheese, their dinner menu includes an array of meat entrees--seafood, pork, duck, steak, and chicken, complemented by a number of appetizing sides.

The result? Proof offers a great venue for a couple with diverse tastes. Chic and elegant, it appeals to those looking for a "cultural" experience, but it is balanced with a menu offering substance for the hungry patron. Make no mistake about it--this dichotomy has been meticulously planned, and for better or worse, Proof's marketing is along gender lines. You need to look no further than the risque posters hanging at eye level in the men's bathroom. Even the restroom sign illustrates this--as a mischievous male character looks over the stall next to him where a female is perched.

The message is NOT so subtle. Men, you can bring your girl to Proof and give her the cultured and elegant evening she desires, and yet leave satiated, in stomach and spirit.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Rocket Bar - A Weekday Basement Bar When You Need It

Nestled on the bustling streets of Chinatown, Rocket Bar offers an excellent venue to escape into a dark den of gamedom. You will find an eclectic mix of visitors, from the suit laden happy hour crowd, to the jersey wearing Caps Fanatics--all seeking to enjoy this gameroom enclave. Rocket Bar is home to 17 HDTV's for your viewing pleasure as well as 7 pool tables, shuffleboard tables, darts, and three bars. Rarely is it difficult to get a table and at $12/hr for two players it doesn't break the bank.

Bar service is quick and efficient and the crowd is cheerfully boisterous. Located across the street from the Verizon Center, this basement venue can get crowded before and after a big game, but is large enough to handle the sudden influx of sports fans. While other venues struggle to create an upbeat weekday atmosphere, Rocket Bar is generally hoppin'. But if you are looking for a glass of wine and some quiet conversation with an old friend, this might not be the venue for you.

Located on 7th Street between G and H Streets, Rocket Bar can offer an exciting reprieve from the mundane midweek doldrums.