BRABO Tasting Room -- Bravo for BRABO

From the man who brought you Brasserie Beck and Marcel’s, Robert Wiedmaier now presents BRABO in Old Town Alexandria, and he delivers once again. Specifically BRABO Tasting Room, adjacent to main dining room, is a perfect place for congregating with friends.

As you enter the tasting room you cannot help but notice that everything is brand new. A pristine stainless steel and brick oven greets you upon entering. The walls are painted pure white, contrasted by the black nautical decorations—simple yet sleek. There is nothing superfluous about BRABO. It’s brick flooring combined with the unadorned décor create the perfect balance of contemporary and rustic. I felt as though I was being entertained in a magnificent Tribeca loft as the ambiance and service are that personal.

Situated in the middle of the tasting room is an elongated table at which patrons stand, eat, imbibe and socialize with friends. Private booths offer a bit more seclusion and look out onto King Street. But don’t visit the tasting room if you are seeking quiet conversation. The atmosphere here is electric, and at times a bit noisy. But this only accentuates the tasting room’s purpose--a casual and lively dining experience with friends. Those looking for a more romantic evening can visit the main dining floor next door.

The service is impeccable; formal and considerate but also friendly and engaging. Our meal was brought out in a timely fashion and we actually enjoyed our dialogue with the waiter. It is a rare experience to be served not only a delicious meal, but meaningful discourse. For an appetizer we split the signature mussels, steamed in a classic white wine garlic, shallots, and parsley sauce. It was a meal in itself, and the perfect social food for those who are just as interested in conversing as eating. For my entrée I had the Five Onion soup and the Oven Roasted Chicken sandwich. Both were amazing, and so filling that I opted out of desert. To drink I had a Westmalle Trapist Tripel, a thick-headed Belgian beer. I must have enjoyed it, as I ordered three.

I look forward to dining at BRABO, in their main dining room. But for a social get-together with friends, the atmosphere, the service, and the food at BRABO Tasting Room are all A+. It is a must visit.

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.

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.

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.

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.