To Do List: Food and Folklore Gullah Dinner at Eatonville_ Dec 19th

Haven't heard about Eatonville's dinner series, Food and Folklore? Where in the world have you been? These events have been selling out and for good reason. Combine Eatonville's top notch menu with speakers like A'Lelia Bundles, Valerie Boyd, and Camille Akeju and you've got yourself a memorable evening.  Check out the video below for the backstory on this culinary and cultural experience.

Go here for more information and to purchase tickets.

To Do List Weekend Edition: December 3-5th



Long week got you feeling a bit like a melting snowman?
Well, get up, get out and do something fun this weekend!
Image: GraceMagazine



Oh the holiday season! So much to do in so little time! Here are some holiday and not-so-holiday happenings going on in around DC this weekend... and...because I'm so full of holiday cheer... I threw in a couple other events to look forward to later this month and early next year....

Make your Friday night a festive one  with Artist Demonstrations, exhibits, and crafts at the ARTFEST 2010 Open House and Holiday Party Friday. December 3rd. TONIGHT!

Get your holiday shopping on at the Downtown DC Holiday Market Friday, December 3 through Thursday, December 23 on F Street, between 7th and 9th Streets, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and National Portrait Gallery or check out the Christmas Market Place at the Ward Memorial AME Church on Saturday, December 4th.

See what's on the cutting edge of hair design and fashion at Hair Gaga 2010, the Golden Scissor Awards Sunday, December 5 at the Washington Convention Center

Have tea with the Mrs. at the annual Mrs. Claus Tea at the Strathmore on Saturday, December 4th.

 

Catch the only showing of the City Dance Ensemble's Jungle Books at Montgomery College's Takoma Park-Silver Spring Campus Saturday, December 4th.  General admission is only $7!

Get into the holiday spirit at the 3rd Annual Merriment in Georgetown,  the holiday shopping and family event of the year in the heart of Georgetown. They'll be local celebs, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances, hot coco, and of course Santa will be making an appearance! Sunday, December 5th.

 

Start a tradition at the Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater now through December 26th.

Explore Christmas at Mount Vernon , a special daytime program offered through January featuring themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing! Now through January 6th!

Something to look forward to:

A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics at Woolly Mammoth Theater December 8-Jan 9th

The National Symphony Orchestra POPs Holiday Show at the Kennedy Center December 9 & 12th

Sarah McLachlan at the 9:30 Club January 10th

The 2010 Georgetown Jingle at the Four Seasons on December 12th

Tis the season!

Later,
Guru

To Do List Weekend Edition: October 22-24th

With so many Halloween themed events jumping the gun this weekend, it looks like some of us may be breaking out those costumes a little earlier this year. Here's a list of things going on in the area ....some Halloween related...some not..enjoy!

Third Annual Silver Spring Zombie Walk, this creepy little walk starts at Jackie's Sidebar in Silver Spring with a pre-party and ends at the AFI Theater for a screening of Dawn of the Dead, Saturday, October 23 7:30 PM


Image from last year's Zombie Walk in Silver Spring
 from Flickr user M.V. Jantzen



Family friendly activities abound at this year's Air & Scare at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 2-8 PM

Trick or Treating, animal encounters, and Zoo keeper talks at the Boo at the Zoo, Sunday, October 24th ( I hear Saturday is sold out) 5:30-8:30 PM

Science is fun at the US Science and Engineering Festival on the National Mall and meet everyone's favorite scientist, Bill Nye!Saturday and Sunday

Get your dose of culture at the Washington Shakespeare Company's Richard III, now through December 12th
 
As if I need to tell you all about the annual DC Drag Queen Race in Dupont, Tuesday, October 26th 9 PM
 
Sunday is the last day to catch Sabrina Fair at the Ford's Theater, Sunday, October 24th
 
Later,
Guru

TO DO LIST: Tour Ghost Ship Barry at the Navy Yard_ October 29th

For more information go to www.history.navy.mil!

TO DO LIST: The Scene BISNOW Halloween Party_October 28th

DC is hoping with Halloween festivities over the next week. I'll be in Miami on the 28th celebrating my B-day. However, if I weren't, I'd be here with bells on....

The early bird price is $29.

 GO HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO RSVP!!!

To Do List Weekend Edition: October 15-17th



No I didn't snap this with my cell phone...
it's from http://www.slashfilm.com/

If you plan on taking a break from stalking the Transformers 3 filming all around DC...here's a short list of some other things you could be doing this weekend:

National Geographic Exhibit-Geckos: Tails to Toepads On going-January

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region's 3rd Annual "A Night at the Yards" Friday, Oct. 15th

Bethesda Row Arts Festival  Saturday and Sunday

OVO at National Harbor Now until October 24th

 

Dancing By the Bayou, the Fall Dance Festival at Glen Echo Park, MD- Saturday and Sunday

17-year-old conductor Ilyich Rivas and pianist Markus Groh at The Music Center at Strathmore -Saturday, Oct. 16th

 
Alrighty then...have a great weekend!
 
Later,
Guru

Bourbon Tasting at Acadiana_October 16th

To Do List: Weekend Edition October 1-3rd

Here are my picks for things to do in DC this weekend. After some much needed rain this week, the forecast is looking up for this weekend. So, get out and enjoy fall. In DC, if you blink you might just miss it!

Café du Parc's Vendanges 2010: An Open Air Fête of French Wine, Food, Dance and Grape-Stomping  I went to this last year. It was a pretty good time. Lots of great wines. Sounds like they're changing it up a bit with family-style communal tables-Friday, October 1st, 5:30-9pm

Entourage's SASHA GREY hosts FRIDAYS @ MIDTOWN- Friday, October 1st, 10pm

Fall For Fairfax KidsFest-Fall For Fairfax is FREE to attend; all entertainment and most programs are also free of charge. Also, this is somewhat random yet totally convenient, The Fairfax Solid Waste Management Program is offering a FREE paper shredding service during the event. -Saturday, October 2nd, 9-6pm

 
 

21st annual Taste of Bethesda-Enjoy over 55 restaurants and four stages of entertainment from 11-4pm in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle. Taste tickets will be sold on-site in bundles of four tickets for $5. Food servings cost one to four tickets. -Saturday, October 2nd, 11-4pm

 

Washington Capitals vs. Nashville Predators at the Verizon Center- Sunday, October 3rd

Bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding performs her unique blend of jazz fusion, Brazilian samba, and hip-hop at the Lincoln Theater. After the show, stop by Ben's Next Door for drinks or a late night dinner. -Sunday, October 3rd, 7pm

Later,
Guru

To Do List: Weekend Edition September 24-26th

Well, it's time to do the Friday dance. Looking for things to do in DC this weekend?  Here are a few things happening in and around the District:

Fashion for Autism at City Tavern Club Friday, September 24

The Mid-Atlantic Red Fruit Festival Friday, September 24

R&B Sensation Jeremih at Final Fridays Happy Hour at The Park at Fourteenth Friday, September 24

Food Matters Hosts Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Now-Sunday Septmeber 26

Capital Home Show at Dulles Expo Center Now-Sunday Septmeber 26

Host-DC for Recess at the Aloft National Harbor Saturday, September 25

13th Annual Clarendon Day Saturday, September 25

Dulles Plane Pull to benefit the Special Olympics Virginia Saturday, September 25

Try out Lounge 701's new tasting menu after 5pm Saturday and Sunday

Catch Comedy Central's JB Smoove at the DC Improv Saturday and Sunday

Have a great weekend!

Later,
Guru

To Do List: Weekend Edition September 10-12th

I'm working an event Saturday and will likely be resting my weary bones on Sunday....so, unfortunately I will not be hitting the town with all of you. But, here's a quick and dirty list of things I wish I was doing:

Georgetown's Fashion Night Out- Friday

Touchstone Gallery's Grand Opening-Friday

Arts on Foot- Now thru Saturday

Black Family Reunion on the Mall- Saturday

Loft Style Studio Event- Saturday

Silver Spring Jazz Festival-Saturday

Adams Morgan Day Festival- Sunday

Washington Bridal Showcase- Sunday

Pottery Barn Fall Decorating Class -Sunday

Red Skin's first game of the season- Sunday

DC Shorts Film Festival- Now thru Sept 16th (with a Grand Bash at the Navy Memorial this Saturday)

Alrighty. Have fun for me!

Later,

Guru

To Do List: Food and Folklore Event at Eatonville_ September 21st

Go HERE for more information!

To Do List: 2010 Labor Day Weekend Edition

Dear Metro,
Thank you for stranding me in Silver Spring for the holiday weekend. No, don't worry about me. We have a farmer's market, a Starbucks....make that two Starbucks, and a very colorful fountain. I'll be just fine...

;) I love Silver Spring and here's what's happening in good old DSS this weekend:

image from www.graphicshunt.com

Get up and get your workout on at the first Sunday morning Early Bird Fitness event.

Don't be a mashugana. Come out to the Jewish New Year celebration on Sunday from 2-5pm. Two words-MOON BOUNCE.

Get your car washed at Whole Foods to benefit the Salad Bar Project.

Then, of course, there's the Farmers Market and that other little market up the street on Fenton.

Here's whats happening at other spots in and around DC:

This really needs no explanation....Labor Day Burger Eating Contest at Whitlow's on Wilson Bar and Grill.

Get the blues Saturday from 1-7pm at the annual DC Blues Festival. The event features live local and national acts at the Carter Barron Amphitheater.

National Symphony Orchestra's free concert on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building Sunday starting at 8pm.

Jazz, check. Wine, check. Let the Herndon Labor Day Jazz &Wine Festival be the perfect ending to your holiday weekend. Monday from 12-6pm.

Mmmm...pie. Sunday Bethesda Central Farm Market will be holding the First Annual “Bake Bethesda a Pie” Contest.

Get a special 20% off Labor Day Discount on DC Metro Food Tours’ Little Ethiopia Tour this Saturday.  Email sharone@dcmetrofoodtours.com to reserve your spot

Looking to get your party on? Don't miss DJ Skribble at Eden on Sunday and be sure to stop by by Lima's Labor Day Bash.

Go here for a list of labor day events in and around DC!

Later,

Guru

To Do List: Bisnow September Schmoozarama -September 22nd

GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

To Do List: Weekend Edition August 27-29th

Lots to do in and around DC this weekend! Whether you're a tea partier or just looking for a party, here are a few things happening in or near the District:

NAS, ap image

Rapper NAS will be performing live at the super sexy BAR7.Sunday, August 29th

Get the family together for Columbia Heights Day featuring live entertainment, food, and kid friendly activities. Saturday, August 28th

from Ching Ching Cha. com

For those looking for an actual tea party, stop by the Willard's Peacok Alley for Sunday Tea Service or for a more authentic Chinese Tea house experience, head over to Ching Ching Cha in Georgtown

Takoma Park Market

Oh how I love a good farmer's market. Check out the year round setup at Takoma Park's Farmer's Market Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Experience "LOUIS", a new silent film about the life of the legendary musician Louis Armstrong. The show will include live on-stage musical accompaniment by Pulitzer Prize andGrammy Award-winner Wynton Marsalis, his 10-piece ensemble, plus internationally-acclaimed classical pianist Cecile Licad. Saturday, August 28th

Maryland Renassance Festival-All Weekend

While most Dc Restuarant week deals have already drawn to a close, Alexandria Restuarant Week is still in full swing-Now until August 29th

Have a wonderful weekend!

Later,

Guru

To Do List: The Home Bar - The Basics & Beyond at Occidental Grill & Seafood _August 24th

Occidental Grill & Seafood

Cocktail Seminar

The Home Bar - The Basics & Beyond

Thursday, August 26
7:00 - 8:30pm

Cocktail Tricks from Phil Greene of the Museum of the American Cocktail
Home Bar Tips from Jerry LeNoir of Mr-Booze.com

This seminar will teach you the basics (essential spirits and ingredients, bar tools, glassware, etc.), as well as some quick and easy tips on entertaining!
Five Specialty Cocktails
Hors d'oeuvres by Executive Chef Rodney Scruggs

$45 in advance
$50 at the door

Reservations
www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/events
Occidental Grill & Seafood
1475 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
202.783.1475
http://www.occidentaldc.com/

Metro: Metro Center, exit 13th and G or 12th and F

(post courtesy of PennQuarter.org)

To Do List: Chef Rock reveals all at CulinAerie this Wednesday

Join the Season Three winner of the cooking reality show Hell's Kitchen for a Q&A Session and cooking demo. Get Chef Rock's take on what it's really like to be a reality TV star and the challenges of being in the public eye. Most importantly, get the opportunity to sample some of his fabulous dishes created on Hell's Kitchen.

Image from CulinAerie.com

I had the chance to meet Rock while dinning at Ben's Next Door last summer. While we were chomping away on a VERY amazing brunch consisting of chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits, the busy Chef was nice enough to come out and say hello. If his menu at Ben's Next Door is any indication, this demo should be worth every penny!

Chef Rock Reveals All
Aug 25, 2010

6:30pm
Menu:
Pea Risotto; Scallops w/Corn Puree; Monkfish Wrapped in Proscuitto and a surprise dessert

Price: $85.00 per seat

CulinAerie
1131 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005


GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

To Do List: Weekend Edition August 20-22nd

Here are a few things happening this weekend in and around DC this weekend....

Redskins' preseason game vs. the Baltimore Ravens is this weekend at Fedex Field.- Saturday at 7pm

The Street Glam Fashion Show  will be taking over the main drag of Downtown Silver Spring with an ultra chic event featuring 5 hot local designers and a VIP Reception_Saturday at 6:30pm

This is the last weekend to catch Mary Poppins, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical adaptation of Disney's Academy Award-winning film, at the Kennedy Center- Now through August 22nd

Rihanna's Last Girl on Earth Tour at Jiffy Lube Live, with Special Guest Ke$ha. Hope you "woke up this morning feeling like P-Diddy" or that you're just plain "Hard" becuase Rihanna and Ke$ha are sure to put on one hell of a show.-Tonight

Atlas Performing Arts Center presents the summer film series Cinema al Fresco showing films made or set in Italy-Now through September 4th

Check out Georgetown Cupcakes. These ladies have been causing quite a stir with their super sweet reality show. I've been lucky enough to skip the infamous line outside their shop by sampling their tasty treats at various special events. Although, I hear these gourmet creations are well worth the wait. Grab some friends (and maybe a lawn chair) and find out what all the fuss is about.

Capital Harvest Market on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza by the Ronald Reagan Building/International Trade Center-Today until 3pm

Later,
Guru

To Do List: Weekend Edition August 13-15th

What's there to do in and around DC this weekend?

If you’re not on your way to see Inception for the 3rd time, check out Eat, Pray, Love. I’m reading the book right now. It’s great so far. I’m also a huge fan of Julia Roberts. Can’t wait to see this! Imagine..a movie about three of my most favorite things!

Why not get the girls together for some painting and wine at Brush N Blush. Looks like there are still spots open for their Saturday night class. Get step by step instructions while enjoying BYOB wine.

Tour Willowcroft Vineyards & Bluemont Vineyards with Reston Limo this Saturday.

Do good and look good at the one80 Salon Summer Fling to benefit Fashion for Paws this Sunday from 10-6pm.100% of the day's proceeds go to Fashion for Paws benefiting the animals and programs of the Washington Humane Society (WHS)!

Free Children’s Admission for Kids Safety Day at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment today, August 13th. Admission is fee for all children under 13 years of age and reduced the admission fee for all other event attendees by 50%, to receive this event rate, simply state “Safety First” at the admissions desk.

Get your history fix this weekend in Fairfax, VA. Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 10am-3pm the Sully Historic Site will be hosting they're Civil War Encampment Weekend. they'll be reenactments, live music, and...get this...a fashion show.  Sounds interesting....

If you're looking to step back in time with a little less blood shed, head over to the Jane Austen Ball  tomorrow night at the Gadsby's Tavern Museum  in Alexandria.

Public Enemy w/ Octave & Kendo the Almost Famous will be at the 9:30 Club tomorrow night.

If you have the kids in tow this weekend, stop by Sing-A-Long Saturdays - Children's Hour at Clyde's of Gallery Place. This Saturday John Henry "The Guitar Man" will be entertaining the kiddies. Call 202.349.3700  for more information.


Have a great weekend!

Later,
Guru

To Do List: Weekend Edition

Alright, I'll make this quick. There's so much going on in the DMV this weekend! Too much. Here's my list in no specific order...

from jmayers.blogspot.com

Legg Mason Tennis Classic: It all comes down to this weekend! I had a blast on Monday. Good food, great tennis, and lots of tennis hard bodies walking around make this an absolute do. It runs until Sunday, August 8th.

Bar 7: Check out this hot new(ish) endeavor by owners Tefsa “Taz” Wube and Taweke “Bennie” Alemayehu. The sleek muli-level space hosted an invitation only launch party last night drawing Washington's social elite. DC Fab's Joi-Marie has the recap.

Zumba at Contradiction Dance: That's right. Get your butt out of bed on Saturday and join me for a heart pumping hour of Zumba with the hottest little instructor this side of the beltway, Camille. It starts at 11:30am.

Avenue Q: I saw it 3 times in NYC and last year when it was at the Warner Theater, now this funny, irreverent puppet musical is playing at the Lansburgh Theatre until August 15th. Get some friends together and go. It's a good time.Just don't bring the kids.

Summer Spirit Festival at Merrieweather Post Pavillion:  Saturday's music fest will feature B.o.B, Janelle Monáe, Common, The Roots, Erykah Badu and the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. This is an insane lineup!

The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest" at the Smithsonian's Johnson IMAX® Theater: Renowned climber Conrad Anker retraces the steps of  George Mallory's in an investigation of the English mountaineer's obsession with becoming the first person to conquer Mount Everest. The film opens Friday, August 6th.

Cambodian American Heritage Master Ensemble: Stories of the Gods: I'm not a 100% sure what this is all about, but it sounds interesting and it's free, so why not check it out. Dancers and musicians of Cambodian American Heritage will be retelling classic stories related to the Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on view in the exhibit, Gods of Angkor. Saturday at 2pm at the Smithsonian Institution.

Downtown Silver Spring: Ok, I'm biased cause this is my little corner of the world, but there's lots to do here. Stop by the farmers market on Saturday (9-1pm), get some culture at the Ivorian Community Festival on Sunday,  have brunch at 8407 Kitchen Bar, or grab a pound of carmels at Velatis and smuggle them into the AFI where you can catch Pretty In Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles on the big screen as part of their Totally Awesome 80s month.

Washington DC's first-ever Black Theatre Festival: A week-long event (Sunday, August 1 – Sunday, August 8, 2010) celebrating more than 70 provocative and ground breaking theatrical performances, by local and national artists, writers, producers, and the theatre companies. Busboys and Poets will be hosting a One Act Battle for just $10 a ticket. The competition wraps up this Friday at 9pm.

To Do List: Charlottesville Winery Tour from Reston Limousine

Check out this 1 day wine tasting trip being offered by Reston Limousine. For only $40 roundtrip, this is a definite To Do!

Relax and enjoy a trip to Charlottesville area wineries! Following the tastings, you will have the chance to visit downtown Charlottesville for some shopping or a bite to eat.







9:00 AM – Depart, 1605 Tysons Blvd., McLean, VA
11:00 AM – Horton Vineyards*
1:00 PM – Bleinheim Vineyards*
3:00 PM – Downtown Charlottesville
5:00 PM – Arrive, 1650 Tysons Blvd.
*Winery itinerary may change – passengers will be notified of any updates.
Get your friends together and book your trip now! Or call 703.478.0500 Option 1 for more information.

Go here for more information!