Dine like a D.C. native during inauguration week

It doesn’t take an economist to do the math - when five million tourists descend on a city with a population of just under 600,000, things tend to get pretty expensive. If you plan to partake in the weeklong binge known as Obama’s inauguration, there are certain costs you simply won't be able to avoid. Eight hundred bucks a night for a room? Check. Three hundred more for a ticket to an inaugural ball? Check. Airfare? Booze funds? Extra cash for cheesy mementos? Check, check, and check.

But hey, look on the bright side - at least you won’t have to crack into what’s left of your depleted savings to keep from starving during inauguration week. Instead of settling for one of the District’s many overpriced, manically advertised tourist traps, let Metromix give you an insider’s rundown of the best deals in the city to match your culinary mood.

After all, just because you're dropping half a month’s salary to sleep in a grad student’s twin bed for a few days, it doesn’t mean you have to be a sucker for your entire stay in the nation’s capital.

http://dc.metromix.com/restaurants/article/dine-like-a-d/843050/content

Midtown's grand opening

I know what you’re thinking. Does downtown D.C. really need another upscale dance lounge? Is there anything left for a newcomer nightclub to offer that can’t already be found on K Street or Connecticut Ave? Given the buildup and impressive turnout for Midtown Lounge’s grand opening party this weekend, the answer to both questions is a resounding “YES!”

Midtown has taken over the Dupont Circle space formerly inhabited by Play Lounge. Along with an entirely redesigned interior, Midtown boasts a revamped sound system, a state-of-the-art lighting scheme and a new, refreshingly unpretentious aura. There’s no formal dress code, and management contends that anyone who “puts a little effort into their outfit” will get past the bouncer. Patrons are encouraged to cut loose and get lost in a groove wherever they please; whether that’s on the dance floor, atop a VIP table, on the upholstery of a vacant booth in the corner, or straddling one of the venue’s two stripper poles.

On Saturday night, the Metromix Street Team joined hundreds of cosmopolitan twenty-and-thirty-somethings to officially welcome Midtown to the neighborhood. Staying true to the club's laid-back vibe, the event steered clear of the usual cheesy frills and gimmicks to get people through the door, letting the music and the atmosphere set the stage for a high-engergy, stiletto-splitting dance party. The lounge is certainly intimate (ok, maybe even a little cramped at full capacity); but that just provides an added incentive for otherwise perfect strangers to get to know each other as the alcohol kicks in.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/midtowns-grand-opening/776200/content

It’s official: brunettes do it better

Red Sox v. Yankees? Baby games.
Celtics v. Lakers? Yawn.
Ali v. Frazer? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Blondes v. Brunettes? Now THAT’S a storied rivalry.

For the fourth consecutive year, dozens of D.C.’s finest philanthropists descended on the gridiron of Foggy Bottom’s Francis Field Saturday for Blondes v. Brunettes, the annual Powder Puff football fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. Although the event’s primary goal was to raise $100,000 for Alzheimer’s services, research and advocacy, the game also sought to settle one of the most intensely debated questions in history: do blondes or brunettes in fact do it better?

To say the least, Blondes v. Brunettes is not your typical D.C. charity outing. “We wanted to create something different from the usual black tie event,” explained Sara Abbott, co-founder and co-chair of the event. “Something fun and not quite so expensive, since many of our supporters are government employees.”

Her vision? A four-quarter clash of impeccably shampooed and conditioned titans. Sure, it’s just a friendly flag football game among socially-conscious young women supporting a common noble cause; but that doesn’t mean the day is free from trash talk, late hits and heated arguments with the refs.

What began as a casual game among mutual friends of Abbott and co-founder Ryan Triplette has erupted into a national phenomenon. Blondes v. Brunettes has doubled its fundraising each year since 2005, and similar events have begun popping up in LA, NYC, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Chicago and Denver. Altogether, the event has raised over $300,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Though the game was the undeniable highlight of the day, players and fans celebrated (or drank away their sorrows) well into the night in Glover Park, with a Victory Party at Breadsoda, a Victory Dinner at Town Hall and a Victory Dance at Gin & Tonic. Prior to the game, fans were invited to a Tailgate Brunch at Foggy Bottom’s Hudson’s, including all-you-can-drink Peroni.

Rundown of the Game:

The Brunettes (reigning champs for each of the event’s four years) drew first blood with a dramatic run into the end zone by Lauren Schram. The Blondes stuck to the running game and struggled to get it going early, but eventually answered back with a TD run in the second quarter from Stephanie Heil. As the first half came to a close, the Brunettes capitalized on a costly interception with a remarkable TD pass from quarterback MJ Zaring to Morgan Cisterino.

The Blondes came out firing in the second half, tying the game just before the start of the fourth quarter with a touchdown from Josie Taylor. Following an impressive march down the field by the Blondes, an untimely turnover on downs left the door wide open for the Brunettes to steal the game. With just under ten minutes left in the game, the Brunettes responded to the pressure with a clutch TD run by Samantha Dredge. After a witty comment about “Blonde Ambition” from announcer Tommy McFly (of Mix 107.3) and another unfortunate turnover, the Blondes effectively sealed their fate. A second late-game touchdown by Dredge gave the Brunettes a little breathing room as they cruised to a 27-14 victory.

Superlatives:

Metromix MVP: Though winning coach Ali Tulbah insisted that the game’s MVP(s) were the four dedicated Brunettes that did not get to see any live action, the day’s true standout star was Wide Receiver / Communications Consultant / Rockstar Samantha Dredge. Her two touchdowns matched the team output of the Blondes. For the record, Dredge also nailed the National Anthem at the start of the game and won the female division championship of D.C.’s Battle of the Biceps a few months ago. She’s quite the renaissance woman.

Top Play: The impossibly acrobatic TD catch by Wide Receiver Morgan Cisterino. Randy Moss ain’t got nothin’ on that brunette bombshell.

Chant of the Day: “Show your roots!” from the Brunettes fan section. Clever.

Fan of the Game: Current “Miss D.C.” Kate Marie Grinold. As you can probably deduce from her title, she was cheering for the Blondes.

http://dc.metromix.com/events/article/it-s-official-brunettes/759804/content

All eyes on Eyebar (review)

We've all heard the criticisms of nightlife in D.C. Over the years, our city's club scene has developed a rap sheet muddled with inexplicably long lines, unwarranted covers, disappointingly impotent cocktails and cramped, noncontagious dancing. You can't help but wonder what perpetuates such a less-than-stellar reputation, until you spend a Saturday night at Foggy Bottom’s Eyebar.

After a four-year reign as the premier hangout for D.C.'s international community, Eyebar temporarily closed its doors in Sept. for major renovations. The club unveiled its new design last week, featuring a revamped VIP section with extra-roomy booths, a cluster of standing tables on the first floor to facilitate intimate conversation, and a soon-to-open heated rooftop lounge with a scenic view of Downtown D.C.

Decor: With a quick scan of Eyebar’s new veneer, it’s clear that the recent renovations were more an attempt to keep up with the competition than an effort to set a new standard. The club adapts a “sleek modern-minimalism” motif that's similar to the other upscale clubs popping up in the neighborhood recently. In a mildly successful stab at stylistic creativity, Eyebar’s designers made a recognizable attempt to keep any nonessential items out of sight: speakers are nestled in the ceiling, small flat screens are built into the walls and fruit trays and napkin holders are hidden behind the bar.

Although the lounge gives off an effectively comfortable vibe, Eyebar’s new décor seems to lack a certain congruency. The low-key first floor is polished and modern with a red and black color scheme; but the style is thrown off a bit by an awkward greenish hue above the bar (think of a Jackson Pollock painting illuminated with Christmas lights). The concrete floors are left bare, technically consistent with the minimalist theme but more reminiscent of a friend’s unfinished basement than an upscale club.

The upstairs lounge fits the bill of a more traditional Euro-inspired dance club (flashy neon lights, wide-open floor space, mirrors lining the walls, etc). A row of flat screens shows muted scenes from B-rate horror flicks – an admittedly cool concept, but presented in a scale that’s too small to have a real effect on the overall vibe.

Crowd: Staying true to its long-standing rep as an international hangout, the new Eyebar continues to attract an ethnically and racially diverse crowd in their late twenties and early thirties. You'll be out of place without a steady income or an affinity for psuedo-European fashion trends.

Drinks: In theory, an $8 Jack and Coke at a Downtown D.C. club is a relative bargain. But that's assuming there’s more than a splash of whiskey in the glass. No wonder why it took so long for everyone to start dancing!

Insider tips: Be sure to take full advantage of the online guest list to avoid an unnecessary (and undeserved) $20 cover. If you’re looking to save additional coin, consider the venue’s half-price happy hour (Wed. through Fri. afternoons). There’s also an open bar for ladies every Wed. and Thu. from 10-11.

Service: By now, we’re all used to the same silly, irrational club trick: displaying a queue of eager fashionistas outside the door to boast the venue’s exclusivity, regardless of how many bodies are actually inside. It’s all in good fun - unless of course it’s 10 p.m. on one of the first chilly nights of the year - at which point a 20-minute wait to enter a near-empty club is flat-out insulting to the customer’s intelligence (not that I'm bitter).

To Eyebar’s credit, the service inside is top-notch. Even when the club reaches full capacity, the speedy and attentive barkeeps make sure you don’t have to wait long for a single drink.

Sounds: The first floor is meant for mingling, facilitated by laid-back techno and trance-pop. If you're looking to really party, you'll have to head up one level, where the DJ thumps an internationally-inspired thread of house and pop mash-ups. Come midnight, the narrow dance floor is packed and each of the artistically-lit VIP tables transforms into its own isolated dance party.

Food: Nothing at this point, but the club plans to open a full kitchen for light fare along with the rooftop lounge.

Dress code: Yes, but club management insists that its actually a “fashion code.” Whatever that actually means, patrons seem to stick to your run-of-the-mill clubware: no sneakers, no flip-flops, no athleticwear, no hats. The result is a sufficiently beautiful crowd, but no one is exactly blazing new trails with their wardrobe decisions.

The damage: If your name’s not on the guest list and you’re carrying a Y chromosome, be prepared to shell out $20 at the door. Ladies always get in free, which explains the roughly 60/40 female-to-male ratio. Steer clear of the bottle service and you can get a solid buzz going without letting your final tab run too far over $50.

Bottom line: The club certainly doesn't win any awards for originality; but if you’re in the mood for a typical D.C. club scene, characterized by trance-inducing house beats, décor that’s chic yet ultimately forgettable, and impeccably dolled-up patrons, Eyebar is a safe bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something new, or if you’re at least interested in getting the most bang for your clubbing buck, you can probably do better elsewhere.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/bar_review/all-eyes-on-eyebar/706050/content

Get hip to your local indie scene

The nation’s capital has always been fertile ground for indie-rock. After making key contributions to the funk, go-go and hardcore movements of the 70s and 80s, D.C. was at the epicenter of the post-punk and dance-rock explosions of the late 90s and early 2000s. Without innovative rockers like Fugazi, The Dismemberment Plan, Q and Not U and Faraquet (all of whom called the District home), there’s little chance that indie-rock would have ever achieved the mainstream appeal it enjoys today.

In recent years, Washington has witnessed a rebirth of its once vibrant indie community. From piano-pop to trip-hop, folk-rock to electro-punk, today’s eclectic scene offers something to satisfy any musical palate. Over the past few months, several D.C. artists have successfully branched out beyond the friendly confines of the Black Cat, Iota and the Rock n’ Roll Hotel and are starting to show up on the national radar. Haven’t been staying hip to the Washington D.C. musical underground? Here's your chance to catch-up! Let Metromix introduce you to six of the raddest indie bands in the Metro area...

These United States
Technically, These United States is only a half-D.C. band. Two of the their five members hail from Lexington, KY, while a third is a recent transplant to the District from the same city. Perhaps that explains their unique style - a musical hybrid of catchy southern-inspired folk and gritty, badass rock. In the band’s 2007 debut album, “A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden,” singer-songwriter (and D.C. resident) Jesse Elliott demonstrates an impressive artistic range, flashing shades of Dylan, Wilco, and early Jack White. These United States is currently touring the country to promote their second full-length album, “Crimes,” which hit stores last week.

Jukebox the Ghost
Say what you will about piano-pop; but there are few indie outfits that have mastered the art like D.C.’s Jukebox the Ghost. The trio of recent GW grads has drawn a considerable amount of national attention over the past year; largely attributable to their playful hooks, quirky lyrics (ranging from allusions to Charlie Brown to a detailed account of the apocalypse), and the lofty falsetto vocals and contagiously flamboyant stage presence of front man Ben Thornewill. The band’s sound is the product of diverse musical backgrounds: Ben is a classically-trained pianist, Tommy had a stint as a guitarist in a jam band, and Jesse used to drum for a punk band. The boys have been touring incessantly since the January release of their debut full-length, “Let Live and Let Ghosts.” They’ve been bombarded with rave reviews ever since, including flattering comparisons to Ben Folds and a toned-down version of Queen. Not bad company for budding rock stars.

Exit Clov
With a repertoire of titles like “District Menagerie,” “Moving Gaza,” “Strippers and Politicians” and “Communist BBQ,” Exit Clov is arguably the quintessential D.C. indie band. Grounded by the harmonies of identical twins Susan and Emily Hsu, Exit Clov has achieved a difficult balance of accessible (yet sporadically dark) pop-rock and insightful political discourse. On their Myspace page, the band claims to “write songs inspired by the madness of our city. Tunes of resistance, ennui and societal idiocy.” Despite the power of their lyrics, Exit Clov’s style is more reminiscent of a violin-infused Blondie than a fist-pumping successor to Rage Against the Machine. The quintet released their fourth EP, “Response Response,” in 2006.

Vandaveer
Vandaveer is the folk-rock brainchild of D.C. singer-songwriter Mark Charles. Taking evident pages out of the iconoclastic books of Bob Dylan, Nick Drake and Tom Waits, Vandaveer’s sound is simultaneously engaging, dark and artistically beautiful. Charles’ voice is tailor-made for alt-folk, complemented with simple and deliberate strokes of the acoustic guitar and an occasional full-band accompaniment. Vandaveer released their debut album, “Grace & Speed,” in 2007. Since then, Charles has contributed to the latest recording from fellow D.C. folk-rockers, These United States, with whom he currently shares the stage in a nationwide tour.

Middle Distance Runner
Dance-punk is alive and well in the nation’s capital. Case in point: Middle Distance Runner. The D.C. quartet’s sound hints at an eclectic set of influences (think Arcade Fire collaborating with OK Go after listening to mid-90s Radiohead for a week straight). MDR's new single, “Momma,” solidifies their status as an undiscovered local gem, mingling equal parts feel-good pop, psychadelic funk and soulful indie rock. Well, maybe not entirely undiscovered - the band’s songs have already been featured in an HBO commercial and the trailer for Disney’s new documentary, “Morning Light.” Rock n’ roll.

le loup
There are countless classifications of indie rock – post-punk, alt-folk, electro-pop, experimental – and then there’s the seemingly unclassifiable sounds of D.C.'s le loup.

In an age where so many indie bands succomb to gimmicks and frills, le loup concentrates solely on the music. Each of the band’s six members sings and plays an instrument, resulting in a multi-layered, intoxicatingly complex sound. Le loup's tracks are reminiscent of an early Pixies record and saturated with an avant-garde experimentalism akin to popular art-rockers Animal Collective. Following last year's release of their debut album, “The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium Assembly,” NPR dubbed le loup the #1 “Unknown Artist of 2007.” The band is currently preparing for a North American tour with Stereolab, set to kick off at NYC’s Irving Plaza this weekend.

http://dc.metromix.com/music/article/get-hip-to-your/648675/content

Crawling to St. Patty’s Day, one pub at a time

We all love March 17th. It’s a full day dedicated to early-morning binge drinking, grown men dressed as leprechauns, attractive woman demanding kisses in celebration of 1/16th of their ancestry and excessive profanity in fake Irish accents. In all honesty, one day a year just isn’t enough.

Luckily, the good people of Lindy Promotions and Miller Lite agree. That’s why they've been hosting the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Cap-City Bar Tour” every September for the past seventeen years. This year’s event showcased eleven of the most popular bars in Midtown D.C.; each offering unique food specials and an abundance of people watching. The Metromix team took to the streets with the pub crawlers to toast the Patron Saint of Ireland, equipped with a camera and plenty of swag.

Our tour began at Rumors, where a crowd of boisterous twenty-and-thirty-somethings devoured half-priced burgers and mapped out their plan of attack. From there, crawlers were free to jump in and out of a cluster of bars in the area, including Black Rooster Pub, Recessions, James Hoban’s Pub, Mackey’s, Madhatter, Porter’s, Steve’s Bar Room, Penang and Singapore Bistro. By the end of the crawl (around 9 p.m.), most of the honorary Irishmen had descended on Dupont’s Front Page, resulting in the unanticipated mingling of well-dressed young professionals and inebriated partiers decked out in shamrock beads and green top hats. St. Patty would have been proud.

Some might say it's difficult to contrive a true St. Patrick's Day vibe while sipping down Miller Lite and Sparks in the middle of September (especially in a bar named after a country in Southeast Asia). It's a valid criticism, but try saying that to the drunk guy in the kilt singing out of tune to Dropkick Murphys. After all, when it comes to excuses to drink in the middle of the day with hundreds of total strangers, we’re all a little Irish.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/crawling-to-st-patty/612651/content

Lions and tigers and beers, oh my!

A quick riddle: what do you get when you combine two thousand urbanites fresh off a long day at work, a copious amount of premium beer and a park full of endangered species? Unfortunately, it’s not a drunken reenactment of the stampede scene from the film "Jumanji." Welcome to “Brew at the Zoo,” the National Zoo’s annual summer beer tasting event.

The fourth annual Brew at the Zoo took place last week, hosted by the Smithsonian Institute’s Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Young Professionals. The sold out event featured tastings from 26 local, national and international breweries, hors d’oeuvres from 16 Metro area restaurants and music from two D.C. indie bands. This year’s Brew also offered a brand new VIP option, including full-bottle beer samples at two private bars, unlimited pizza from Armand’s, two up-close animal demonstrations, a discussion with one of the brewmasters and a commemorative t-shirt.

As if the description isn’t enough to spark your interest, the entire event is for charity. All proceeds support the Zoo’s animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability programs. All of the booze, food and time are donated for the event, which allowed FONZ to raise over $60,000 last year. In other words, you can sit proudly at your desk Friday morning knowing that both the ticket cost and your killer hangover are for a truly noble cause.

I know what you’re thinking - Brew at the Zoo seems like the perfect opportunity to live out your dreams of one day sharing a beer with a Spider Monkey or playing drinking games in the Giant Panda den (well - at least they're my dreams). It's not that kind of party. Even if it were, despite their cuddly exterior, it's a well-known fact that pandas are actually ferocious, belligerent drunks.

http://dc.metromix.com/events/article/lions-and-tigers-and/574981/content

Swept away by Current (review)

If you’re a seasoned veteran of the D.C. club scene, chances are you dropped a few tears into your saketini last May when Dupont Circle’s Dragonfly closed its doors for renovations. Well you can finally dry your eyes and lay out your Saturday night best; the chic sushi bar/nightclub hybrid has returned to Connecticut Avenue, albeit under a new name and a fresh, ultramodern aquatic-inspired design.

Enter Current, the latest brainchild from the local nightlife gurus behind Eighteenth Street Lounge and Local 16. The club unveiled its new digs last week, fully conscious of the massive proverbial shoes it was set to fill. At first glance, Current has noticeably taken a few pages out of its predecessor’s book. It retains the general concept of Dragonfly, infusing gourmet sushi, potent cocktails, pulsating music, sleek modern décor and voguing clientele. But other than that, it’s been a veritable overhaul.

Décor: While Dragonfly openly embraced its Far East motif, Current weaves a subtle aquatic theme into its décor. Each of the club’s three bars (two alcohol, one sushi) is decorated with an artistically lit black and white wave pattern, while two water-filled glass windows on the upstairs floor allow VIP clubbers to peer down upon the plebians in the lounge below. A flashy lighting scheme illuminates whitewashed walls, leaving most of the venue in a faint bluish hue. Interestingly enough, the silent projections of kung fu and anime scenes that defined Dragonfly have been replaced with a calming slideshow of sailing imagery.

Drinks: Cocktails run a tad on the expensive side, but generally up to par with similar scenes in the area. Most beers will set you back $7, harder stuff around $10.

Food: Current is a rare blend of essential metropolitan lifestyles -- a hip night club and an upscale sushi restaurant. In addition to a surprisingly affordable list of nigiri and rolls (ranging from $5-9 per roll) the nightly dinner menu features finger-sized international fare, with tasty offerings like salmon ceviche and grilled beef skewers.

Crowd: Young, hip and beautiful; but that’s pretty much assumed when you’re going to an upscale club on Connecticut Avenue. Image-conscious mid-to-late-20-somethings is definitely the target demographic.

Service: The staff, like the clientele, is gorgeous. Most bartenders are thorough and take one drink order at a time, which can result in a slight wait at the bar when the venue reaches full capacity. But with all the eye candy around, you won’t see many patrons complaining.

Sounds: Predominantly poppy-house (think Justin Timberlake meets Bob Sinclair) with the occasional classic rock remix thrown in to keep the crowd guessing. The sound system is top-notch and the lack of a defined dance floor doesn't stop the crowds from getting up and grooving.

Dress Code: Given the décor and the clientele, you’ll want to look your best. Let alone simply feeling comfortable enough to mingle, you’ll have trouble getting through the door in anything less than “fashionable” attire. Translation: leave your tennis shoes, hats and athletic wear in the closet.

The Damage: As is the case with any upscale night club, the final tab will depend entirely on the way you approach the night. The cover can be steep if you come at the wrong time, but if you steer clear of the VIP tables and bottle service, you can manage a solid night for around $50. Give into the temptation of the baller thrills and, well, you better bring plastic.

Insider tips: Show up early (well before midnight) to avoid cover charges and long lines. Unlike most clubs in the neighborhood, the bouncers at Current are surprisingly amiable. Chat them up and see if you can forge a temporary friendship of strict utility.

On certain nights, Current also opens its guest list to online registration. Do your research before heading out. Getting your name on the list probably won’t help you get through the door any quicker, but it will allow you to move freely between floors once you’re inside.

Bottom line: As a nightclub or a sushi bar alone, Current probably isn't blazing any new trails. As a hybrid of the two, however, it’s sure to evolve into one of the most popular nightspots in Dupont Circle.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/swept-away-by-current/567658/content

It's jazz, baby

It’s the birthplace of Duke Ellington. Legends like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie all made significant recordings while touring through our fair city. Shirley Horn, Sonny Greer and Roberta Flack were all discovered on the stages of U Street’s storied jazz halls. Sure, D.C. wasn’t the birthplace of jazz, nor does the area have a definitive sound associated with its artists, but the nation’s capital has certainly left its historical mark on America’s most time-honored musical tradition.

But let’s face it. To most of us, jazz is a beloved yet wildly misunderstood art form. We adore the sounds, appreciate the skill, and marvel at the creativity – but ultimately have difficulty distinguishing the masters from the mediocre. For the average Washingtonian, a night at a jazz club is less a celebration of our proud musical history and more an excuse to sip down dirty martinis while indulging our oft-neglected artistic side.

Therein lies the true beauty of D.C.’s jazz culture. With an array of clubs varying in style, price, atmosphere and sound, you’re bound to find the perfect match for the sophistication of your taste and the size of your budget. Whether you’re a novice or an aficionado, on a date or looking to display your chops with the pros, Metromix has you covered for the best jazz in the District.

http://dc.metromix.com/music/article/its-jazz-baby/545311/content

Arlington's newest watering hole (Spider Kelly's review)

When Spider Kelly’s opened its doors last month, owners Nick Freshman and Nick Langman (of next door’s Clarendon Ballroom) had one goal in mind: a laid-back, dependable neighborhood bar in Clarendon where you can always come in for a burger and a beer. In that aspect, Spider Kelly’s has undoubtedly succeeded. Unlike other restaurants and bars in the area, SK promises to be open until 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday, regardless of any lulls in nightly business. To cap it off, the kitchen stays open all night – great news to Arlington locals looking to quell their pesky late-night cravings.

If you recognize the name, you probably read way too much 1920s American literature. It’s actually an allusion to the first page of Hemingway’s "The Sun Also Rises." The grand meaning behind such an obscure reference? There isn’t one. Freshman and Langman simply thought it was a cool name.

Décor: The dining room is small and cozy, accented with beige walls, black candlelit tables and minimalist art deco décor. It’s hardly the atmosphere you’d expect from a neighborhood bar – unless, of course, that neighborhood is Clarendon. Framed photographs of local graffiti line the walls, all snapped by the restaurant’s General Manager, Ben Freshman.

Food: Though inventive menu offerings like Dr. Pepper Pork Chops and a 10-oz. Coleman Organic NY Strip are enticing, the burgers are what will ultimately attract diners from throughout the Metro area to Spider Kelly’s. All burgers are created a la carte from a cornucopia of ingredient options. You start with the basics: 100% beef, chicken, a Portobello mushroom or the specialty “Spider Kelly Burger” - a half-pound beef patty infused with pork fat ( ...because sometimes a regular burger is just too healthy). Slap that baby between your choice of a Kaiser roll or toasted ciabatta and you’re ready to move on to the fixings.

If ever there was a way of expressing yourself through ground beef and cheese, this is it. Pile on as many complementary toppings as you please: grilled onions, sautéed Portobello mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo – you name it! With so many free toppings, it’s difficult to justify splurging for the $2 “This One Goes to Eleven” add-ons like guacamole and Maytag Dip. I love an arbitrary Spinal Tap reference as much as the next guy, but expecting people to pay an extra 25% for a dab of guac on their burger is a tad excessive.

The massively portioned sides, especially the rosemary and garlic fries and the aptly-named cardiac mac and cheese, make Spider Kelly’s an ideal setting for a 1:30 a.m. binge after a night of heavy drinking. At $6 per heaping plate, you’ll have trouble finding a better deal in the area.

Drinks: There are no beers on tap - a definite down side to the otherwise fully-stocked bar. To their credit, SK makes up for it with a decent wine list (four whites, seven reds) and a selection of twenty bottled beers, including a few hard-to-find microbrews like Dogfish Head and Anchor Steam.

Crowd: As eclectic as the neighborhood: mingling 20-somethings, early 30s young professionals and token old-timers just stopping in for a drink.

Insider Tips: Build your burger with care. Besides the obvious risk of clashing flavors (try to avoid the temptation of a guacamole, feta and pork fat medley), overly-ambitious diners are likely to conjure up a culinary monster that’ll inevitably crumble like the Roman Empire.

As a second tip, consider planning your visit around the nightly happy hour schedule (usually running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). If possible, take full advantage of Sunday’s half-priced bottles of wine, Monday’s half-priced burgers or Thursday’s $2 domestic lights.

Service: Everyone loves a joint where the bartender insists on introducing himself the second you take a seat. Service is quick and attentive, and the friendly servers are sufficiently versed in the menu to help you think through your dining decisions.

Sounds: Sticking to the “local bar” motif, the music selection is feel-good and accessible. Mostly a mix of upbeat modern rock and pop. After ten on weekend nights, the volume goes up and the quiet dining room quickly transforms into a bustling lounge.

The Damage: If you come on a Monday night, you can make the most of your coin with a burger and a beer for around 11 bucks. Otherwise, burgers will set you back around $8 (plus any gourmet add-ons), entrees $10-18, and drinks $4-7. Not bad, especially when you consider the area and atmosphere.

Dress Code: Never. This is actually one of the key selling points of the bar – a “come as you are” atmosphere that welcomes everyone regardless of their threads.

Bottom Line: Though its décor gives the impression of a bourgie lounge for arthouse snobs, Spider Kelly’s is a friendly neighborhood dive at heart.

http://dc.metromix.com/restaurants/article/arlingtons-newest-watering-hole/555546/content

Join the mile high club (Fly Lounge review)

To an extent, Dupont Circle’s Fly Lounge is a lot like the act of joining the real mile high club. It is undeniably sexy, steamy and accessible only to a lucky few who get the casual nod. Despite all the hype, the real thing’s probably a bit more cramped than you had anticipated.

Since its debut in 2006, Fly has generated a lot of buzz as one of the most unique and exclusive clubs in the District. Founded by a local DJ-turned-pilot, the lounge is fully immersed in a sleek aviation theme. Fly’s interior is modeled after the cylindrical cabin of a hyper-classy private jet. Beautiful waitresses navigate the crowd in skimpy stewardess uniforms, complete with short skirts, neck scarves and bosom-hugging button-downs with winged lapel pins. Small LCD screens line the walls, displaying lucid images of passing clouds. Tables are even stocked with miniature packs of mixed nuts to complete the feel.

For such a small space (capacity is capped at 120), Fly packs in a surprising amount of energy. The venue’s impressively powerful sound system pulsates an eclectic mix of danceable music, facilitating a kinetic vibe. The DJ spins an engaging blend of house-infused rock, 80s pop, funk and hip-hop, promising to get even the most timid clubbers on the dance floor. Just try standing still when you hear Johnny Cash successfully transition into Kanye. Not possible.

Sound too good to be true? Unfortunately, you can expect to pay for all the frills. There are no drinks in the single digits, and most hover around $13. Bottles range from $250 to $2,800 (yeah, that’s not a typo), making the signature martinis are a relative “bargain” at $14. The roped-off VIP tables may look comfy, but they’re off limits unless you’re willing to shell out $600-$1,500 for a reservation. For true ballers, two private rooms (complete with password-protected bathrooms) can be reserved for a flat two grand.

Fly certainly isn’t for everyone, but that’s kind of the point. As a means of boasting the club’s exclusivity, bouncers unapologetically screen potential patrons at the door. There’s no official cover, but single guys should be prepared to pay $20 on weekends. That is, if you’re lucky enough to get in.

If you’re not used to the scene, here are a couple helpful pointers:

1) Dress to impress. The dress code is chic business casual (no shorts, no sneakers, jeans are fine). Expect your wardrobe decisions to be inspected and latently judged at the door. Ah, the things we put ourselves through to dance in the company of beautiful young professionals.

2) Show up early. Doors open at 10, so if you’re not reserving a table try to get in by 11 on weekend nights. After that, you’re likely to find yourself at the end of an obnoxiously slow line.

3) Pre-party. Fifteen-dollar cocktails certainly take a toll on the old wallet.

4) Bring a posse of attractive women. This obviously isn’t always a possibility, but you’ll have a much better chance of getting in the door. As an added incentive, ladies are always free and the “dude cover” is set at a sliding scale based on the company you keep.

Haters may claim that Fly is trying too hard to keep up with the country’s more notorious club scenes, but you have to give credit where it’s due. At the very least, Fly offers Washingtonians an upscale alternative to the average night out that’s sufficiently hip. Washington’s nightlife may not be quite up to par with New York or LA just yet, but at least places like Fly Lounge keep it in the same ballpark.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/join-the-mile-high/492400/content

The freaks come out at night (Palace of Wonders review)

When you ask most DC residents whether they’ve ever been to the H Street Corridor’s Palace of Wonders, you’re likely to get some rendition of the same response: “No, but I think I’ve heard of it. That’s the freak bar, right?”

Bingo.

Simply labeling the Palace as “unique” is an injustice to freaks everywhere. A “unique” bar has inventive names for its signature cocktails - the Palace is more “unabashedly bizarre.” Nestled in the heart of DC’s most up-and-coming neighborhood, this carnie-inspired nightspot boasts the only vaudeville stage, museum of oddities and full bar in the world (I know – it’s hard to believe that no one else has cashed in on this idea). The bar is decked-out in 1930s carnival décor, presumably swiped from the back of a circus trailer. The walls are covered with vintage posters of traveling carnie acts, enlarged clippings of hilarious headlines from the Weekly World News (apparently Satan’s remains were found in Mexico ten years ago) and display cases overflowing with props and costumes from some of America’s most famous sideshows.

Despite its immediate charm, you can’t fully appreciate the novelty of the Palace of Wonders until you venture upstairs. Here you’ll find the venue’s “Museum of Oddities,” an eclectic collection of gag-inducing monstrosities of nature inherited from Baltimore’s historic Dime Museum. The exhibit’s main attractions include “Fivey,” the adorable freeze-dried corpse of a five-legged show dog, “Spider Kid” the eight-legged lamb, a 20-pound albino rodent and of course, a real Unicorn. A separate showcase stores the infamous “Sea Worm,” which is either a venomous mythological creature preserved off the coast of Samoa or a fifth grader’s paper mache project. Additional oddities are scattered throughout the bar, including the mounted head of “King,” the two-faced bull from New Jersey (obviously).

Given the motif, one would expect the Palace to be reserved for avant-garde Washingtonians and awkward social outcasts. Au contraire. By the time the place fills up, you’ll find yourself in one of the most diverse crowds in the District. Even if you ignore the performances, the Palace promises to keep you entertained with an endless supply of people-watching. Mingling is especially easy here, as the bar itself is an effective conversation starter. You’d be surprised how much people have to say about freaks.

The bartender will insist that the Palace is best known for its martinis, but a quick scan of the room suggests a much more appropriate drink of choice among patrons: an ice cold $3 can of PBR. Staying true to the theme, you can order your favorite carnie fare at the bar all night, including hot dogs, pizza, corn dog bites, chili cheese nachos and popcorn.

The stage is small and awkwardly tucked in the rear of the venue, so it can get a little claustrophobic on show nights. If you can’t wiggle your way to the stage, flat screens are strategically placed on each floor so you don’t have to miss a single pair of pasties. A cozy roof deck supplies a great spot for a mid-show butt break, as long as you’re willing to suffer through the overpowering odor of fish sticks coming from the restaurant next door.

On the third Thursday of each month, the Palace hosts its signature sideshow, “Professor Sprocket’s Weirdo Show.” The show is billed as an “Astounding Assortment of Aberrations of Nature and Culture,” but it’s better described as a good ol’ fashion ta-ta’s and variety show. “The Weirdo Show” combines the sultry sexuality of burlesque, the whimsical hypnotism of fire dancing and the crowd-pleasing kitsch of quirky musical performances. The mastermind behind the event is the delightfully eccentric Professor J. Mathius Sprocket, who doubles as the show’s MC. At times the Professor comes off as a bit over-the-top, but I guess you’d have to expect that given his chosen career path.

This month’s show opened with the tastefully playful burlesque of Sugar Anne Spice. Subsequent acts included two fire dancers (Malibu and Silver Raven), a local juggling and diabolo guru (Randy Early) and a pair of ukulele-strumming beauties (Tippy Canoe and Uni & Her Ukulele).

None of the acts will blow you away, but the spectrum of emotions and sheer absurdity of the show make it well worth the $10 cover. To be honest, Early’s sloppy juggling kind of screamed “local dude with a ton of downtime” and I question the decision to book two separate musical performances for an event advertised as a freak show, but it was a great time nonetheless. The seductive fire dancing of Silver Raven and the catchy ditties of Uni & Her Ukulele were the night’s stand-out performances, especially Uni’s rendering of I’m So Excited.

The Palace of Wonders may not be for everyone, but most creative treasures in this world aren’t. The Palace hosts a different sideshow every weekend night, each promising to take you miles beyond your comfort zone. If you’re in the mood for a titillating deviation from the DC nightlife norm, the Palace has to be at the top of your to-do list. Just be sure to leave your inhibitions at the door.

http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/the-freaks-come-out/471403/content