Say Yum: Dine at Cuba Libre Tonight

Sorry again, readers. We've been slow in our postings as we finish up deadlines for other magazines, but wanted to let you know about another great event tonight. A full review of great new restaurant Cuba Libre is coming soon, we promise - but sample the cuisine of this great new tapas-style restaurant and rum bar this evening (October 28) between 4 and 11 PM and 100% of the proceeds will go to the great DC charitable organization the Trust for the National Mall.

The Trust for the National Mall is official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall. The National Mall is the nation’s premier national park, but it suffers from more than 30 years of neglect and dwindling resources. The current deferred maintenance budget exceeds $400 million, and the Trust estimates that the park needs an additional $300 million in visitor improvements. 

Um, as if we needed a better excuse to sample that amazing cerviche or the delish cocktails (grilled pineapple in drink form? Yum.) again.

Luxe Life: Apartment Therapy at Room & Board Tonight!

Sorry for the last minute notice, readers - but we wanted to make sure we told you about tonight's super cool event at Room & Board. From 5:00 - 8:00 PM, co-founder and CEO of Apartment Therapy Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan will be doing a reading and signing of his newest book, Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces. Join him on the roof of one of DC's newest and coolest furniture stores to enjoy gossip about the book's more than 300 pages of ideas and tips.


RSVP here! 

 

Mark Your Calendars: Meet & Greet With Lisa Birnach

On November 13 at 2pm, Bloomingdale’s gets preppy with international best-selling author Lisa Birnach during her book signing for her new book True Prep- It’s a Whole New Old World.

Thirty years ago, Birnach introduced us to the world of everything preppy with her book, The Official Preppy Handbook that topped best-seller lists across the country. This year, Birnach and designer Chip Kidd give us an updated, 21^st century take on preppy looking at cultural changes—in money, work, wardrobe, the Internet, reality television, and much more.

So join Bloomingdales in The New View on Level Two for a meet and greet and book signing with Lisa Birnbach and explore your inner prep!

Don’t forget to follow Bloomingdales on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates!

You're Invited: Rag & Bone at Intermix

Deacon Giveaway: Luxury Bath & Body Products from Jackson Sage

Deacon is one lucky puppy, often getting to test out the latest and greatest products in the beauty world. But it's rare we find a brand that we're totally in love with - and even more rare when that brand is local. So we're super excited to present this giveaway from Richmond-based brand Jackson Sage Botanics.

Their handcrafted line of soaps, body products, and (naturally) pet care not only smells and feels great - but it's eco-friendly too!

So we're spreading the love by giving away two great products that will keep you clean and smelling great - the first is their Blue Eucalyptus handcrafted soap, featuring French Green Clay, Apricot Meal, Sweet Almond, Olive Oil, and Shea Butter - it's moisturizing, exfoliating, paraben-free and all around amazing.  But we don't want to forget the dogs in the family either, so we're also giving away the "Doggie Sage" Shampoo Bar, perfect for lathering up your pup and protecting their skin at the same time.

To Enter, Just Tweet (@deacondoesc), Facebook, E-Mail or Comment Below with your name and favorite way to pamper yourself and we'll select a winner at random on Sunday!

Say Yum: Red Velvet Opens New Reston Location Tomorrow

Suburbanites have a lot to be thankful for -- less traffic, cheaper housing, and the possibility of having a yard that includes more than a small patch of cement. But now they can also rejoice at the opening of one of DC's best cupcakeries, Red Velvet, debuting in Reston Town Center tomorrow!

To celebrate, the shop is giving away free cupcakes all day between 11 am and 11 pm.  Expect flavors like Devil's Food, a rich chocolate buttermilk cake with Valrhona bittersweet chocolate ganache frosting garnished with a 24K gold leaf; Summertime, a light and lemony delight with coconut cream cheese frosting; and Southern Belle, the shop’s best-selling and signature red velvet recipe topped with whipped cream cheese frosting.  The cupcakery also features seasonal treats like Maple Bacon, Champagne, Banana Hazelnut, Pistachio Raspberry and Honey Fig.

Jetset: "Suite" Deals at The Inn at Perry Cabin

Looking for a great weekend getaway? Search no further than The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, MD. Save 40% off all suites when booking stays from December through March. Many of the rooms boast individual fireplaces, spacious bathrooms with heated floors and plush King-sized beds. Amenities include access to Linden Spa (amazing), complimentary Internet, daily newspaper and freshly-baked homemade cookies at turndown.

You're Invited: Knock Out Abuse Fundraiser

Knock-Out Abuse is celebrating their 17^th Anniversary with a James Bond 007 themed evening full of food and entertainment. On Thursday, November 11, the fundraising dinner to raise awareness for abuse against women will take place at the Washington DC Ritz-Carlton. 

 

The organization has raised more than $6.5 million to help women and children whose lives have been shattered by abuse, poverty, and homelessness and hope to continue this success in the future. Tickets for the event can be purchased for only $500. 

So throw on your finest cocktail dress or your best Bond Girl outfit and support a good cause. Visit Knock Out Abuse online for more information on how you can contribute!

In Case You Missed It: John Legend at Capella Pedregal

The secret is out - our favorite hotel in Mexico, Capella Pedregal, will host John Legend, The Roots, and Joss Stone for a special private concert in December. Want to score tix? We've got the deets, over on Luxist.

Luxe Life: Intraceuticals Facials & Pumpkin Spa Treatments at Sports Club/LA DC

This month, Deacon has had the pleasure of not just one, but two visits to the spa at the Sports Club/LA. Cue tail wagging, we know we're lucky dogs.

But it's all in the name of research, dear readers. Our first trip was to sample the spa's newest treatment, a facial using Intraceuticals skincare products, an Australian line with a cult celebrity following. Sports Club/LA is the only DC spa to acquire this particular treatment, which promises dewy, glowing skin. It's obviously worked for some people - Madonna and Justin Timberlake among them. You can read our review on Luxist, here.

The next week, we headed back to the spa to sample the new fall Pumpkin treatments. Priced at $99 each, the spa offers a facial and a body scrub utilizing one of our fave seasonal ingreds. We opted for the 50-minute scrub, which offers a pumpkin-apple peel with phyto nutrients to smoothe away rough skin, followed by a cinnamon-vanilla brown sugar scrub to seal in the peel and quench dehydrated skin. Afterwards, you're wrapped in a warm cocoon. The description promises a luxurious scalp massage, but we enjoyed a reflexology foot treatment instead. After you shower off, a sweet-smelling lotion massage completes the treatment.

We loved this particular treatment, even though we're not typically a fan of being wrapped (thank you, claustrophobia). Particularly during the change of seasons, we feel it's important to help bring clean, new, skin to the surface, and what better way to do it than with one of our favorite scents in the world, pumpkin? Kelly, our therapist, was very thorough in her exfoliation, and ensured us that she wouldn't leave the room during the wrap, which was pleasantly warm but not at all confining.

The only downside of the treatment? We had to walk from the spa to the locker area to shower off and change, which involved the potential of being spotted by a patron in our robe and pumpkin goop. That would have been fine if we hadn't known that Josh Duhamel was in the gym that day ... and we did not want our first meeting to be looking like THAT!!

Thankfully, however, Kelly gave us a second robe to change into after the shower. To make the treatment even better, we added a 50-minute massage to the second half, leaving the spa two hours later to feel exceptionally relaxed, refreshed and smelling sweetly of pumpkin pie.

The only thing that would make it better? If the treatment ended with an edible pumpkin treat - like a muffin or a scone!

Need some facial TLC instead? The facial (also 50 minutes) promises a pumpkin-based peel to decongest the pores and promote smoother, younger-looking skin by encouraging dead skin cell turnover. The treatment is said to be ideal for addressing acne, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

Both treatments are available from now until December. Hie thee to the spa - they're awesome!



Disclaimer: Although the treatments were provided free of cost, Deacon ensures you ... there is no pay for play.

You're Invited: ReadySetDC Fall Fashion Show

Say Yum: Cafe Saint-Ex's Brazilian Night

Indulge yourself in Brazilian culture on Thursday, October 21 from 11am-1:30am as Café Saint-Ex celebrates its Brazilian Rhythms nights 3^rd anniversary with a day-long celebration of all things Brazilian!

Your exploration of Brazil will include authentic Brazilian cuisine, thirst-quenching caopirinhas (the official cocktail of Brazil), and the rhythmic sounds of samba.

This is an all day event, so there is no excuse to miss it!

In Case You Missed It: Philadelphia Fashion Week

This weekend, Deacon had a chance to experience Philadelphia’s 2^nd Annual Fashion Week! The designers included Alecia Zameska, Brian Saunders, and Project Runway’s very own Kristin Simms just to name a few.

The fashion shows were held in Philadelphia’s 23^rd Street Armory with an antique, cozy feel, fashionistas alike came together to enjoy over 15 runway shows. The room was filled with much excitement, unlimited PopChips and Vitamin Waters, and many local fashion lovers. The attendance was better than expected, possibly comparable to New York’s MB Fashion Week.

“The concept behind Philadelphia Fashion Week is to invite residents and visitors to celebrate the vibrant fashion, food, and arts and culture scene in Philadelphia. In a city known for its rich history, we are proud to make history by producing the first fashion week in Philadelphia,” says the Executive Director Kristie Bergy.

The designers revealed the Spring/Summer 2011 collections full of bright colors, vintage graphics, and vibrant patterns. The seasons are sure to highlight beautiful purples and lime greens and the florals will continue to be a favorite among designers.

If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry! DC will be hosting it’s very own Fashion Week, February 21-27, 2011! Start planning now and don’t miss it!

Enjoy these great photos and video from Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010!

Say Yum: Slip Into Fall With New Cocktail offerings at BOURBON STEAK

One of Deacon's favorite spots to sip cocktails is none other than The Four Seasons Georgetown's BOURBON STEAK. Because really, if we're going to shell out $15 for a drink, it had better be a good one - in a place filled with beautiful people. And The Four Seasons certainly fits all of our requirements.

The fall menu includes modern twists on classics like the Alexander Cocktail, made with Bols Genever, crème de cacao and cream, as well as specialty creations, such as the Winter Jam with Plymouth gin, pineapple and quince rosemary jam. Hot “Buttered” Rum, a warm favorite from last fall, returns to the menu as well with its soothing combination of Myers’ rum, cinnamon, allspice and dulce de leche foam, while the new Rimoka heats things up with a combination of spiced chocolate mix, hot coffee, Jim Beam Rye and Kahlua.

Our Pick? The Rimoka, sipped by one of the bar's outdoor fire pits. Anyone want to join for a libation or two next week?

Say Yum: Muncheez Mania Free Crepes

There’s a new spot and town and much buzz about it! On Thursday, October 21, Georgetown will welcome its new, hip, and trendy restaurant Muncheez Mania. In celebration of its doors officially opening, the restaurant will be giving away one free crepe or sandwich per person from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Diners can enjoy healthy, homemade sandwiches served on the restaurants signature bread, saj, in options like Three cheese Thin Muncheez or Wild Thyme. There will also be delicious crepes available including the PBJ or Ham, Cheese and Mushroom to name a few. In addition to delicious cuisine, the restaurant offers a lively, energetic atmosphere with original mural artwork from a local DC artists, UV lights and fun music.

So make your lunch break a funky experience and grab a free crepe while you’re at it!

In Other News: E! Snags Rob Lowe's "Potomac Fever"

Reports Variety today.  Looks like DC has another reality show in the works!

Say Yum: Fall Cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

Another of Deacon's favorite hotel bars is the lobby bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown - this underrated spot boasts a convenient location and free Wi-Fi, making it perfect for catching up with a friend or on work before another in-town event. Plus, we're in love with their seasonal promotions.

“Rendezvous at The Ritz” takes place every evening in Degrees Bar & Lounge from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and features half-priced cocktails like the Starry Night Martini made with Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Espresso, and Cream; or an Autumn Orchid, a blend of Navan Vanilla Cognac, Champagne.

Starting Friday, the hotel’s Fireside Signature S’mores are back. Patrons can cozy up to the hotel’s outdoor fire pit and create their own customized s’more, or simply sit back and allow Chef Duong to build The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown Signature S’more. Rich with seductive blends of flavors from melted Valrhona chocolate and homemade marshmallows sandwiched between two slices of French baguette bread prepared French-toast style, this complimentary festive treat is butler passed every evening from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in the hotel lobby.  The hotel’s S’more-melier will also be available to recommend wine and cocktail pairings as well as to discuss the art of making s’mores at your request.

Say Yum: Masa 14 Debuts Endless Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Cocktails

One of Deacon's favorite meals is brunch - that oh-so-delicious hour between breakfast and lunch, an excuse to eat our favorite breakfast foods ... and desserts too, often with cocktails. Now we're doubly excited, because one of our favorite restos, Masa 14, is rolling out a new weekend unlimited brunch and cocktail offer. Saturdays and Sundays from 11 - 2:30, guests can order multiple serving of any of the featured Latin-Asian inspired dishes for an all inclusive priced of $35 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and sip on their favorite featured morning libation.

The pre-fixed brunch menu includes tempting standouts such as Masa Breakfast Pizza with house bacon, egg yolks, Gruyere cheese, pico de gallo and arugula; Pan Dulce with ancho whipped cream and roasted pineapple syrup; Chilaquiles with corn tortillas, chorizo, queso cotija, soft scrambled eggs and salsa verde; Pho Beef Sandwich with eye of round, siracha-hoisin aioli, Thai basil, bean sprouts
and pickled onions, as well as Tenderloin Benedict with scallion kimchi pancake, poached egg and green chili hollandaise. Brunch offerings can also be ordered a la carte for a light bite.

Masa 14 will also offer a variety of bottomless drink specials (included in the $35 price) ideal for leisurely weekend dining. Signature weekend brunch cocktails include Masa 14's outstanding Lemon Lager along with a delicious Bloody Mary, Rye Bacon Bloody Mary and Orange, Leeche, or Mango-Blood Orange Mimosas.

In Case You Missed It: Meet Your Meat at The Sanderling

We can think of a few men (and women) who would love this new foodie workshop at chic Outer Banks resort The Sanderling. We can't wait until we get the chance to visit! Check out our latest, via Gadling.com.

You're Invited: Beauty Bar

Don't miss this great event!

Spotted: Josh Duhamel and Shia Labeauf at Ritz-Carlton DC

The hotties of Transformers 3, Josh Duhamel and Shia Labeauf, were getting their workout on this morning at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington's Sports Club / LA. Deacon was lucky enough to be enjoying a fabulous pumpkin body scrub and massage at the same time.

We hear they were running on the treadmills upstairs, if anyone wants to plan a stakeout this week. More to come on the amazingness that is the seasonal pumpkin spa treatment soon.

In Case You Missed It: Canyon Ranch Miami

More coverage to come soon from Deacon's latest jaunt to South Beach, but we'll get your Tuesday started right with this piece on Luxist about a new offering from Canyon Ranch Miami!

You're Invited: Bright Pink Cocktail Reception

Say Yum: Halloween at Buddha Bar

Not sure yet where to celebrate Halloween? Lots of area bars and restaurants are offering special menus, parties and promotions. We'll be sharing a few of them on the site in the upcoming days -feel free to submit your suggestions too!

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite “bad guy” at Buddha-Bar in Washington, DC as the restaurant is celebrating the holiday with a Villains and Vixens theme on Saturday, October 30th.

First prize will receive a $500 gift certificate to redeem at restaurant; second prize receives a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne, and third prize is a bottle of Ketel One Vodka. The evening will also include discounted Potions & Brews such as Bloody Halloween Brew, with prices ranging from $4 to $8 per cocktail.  Additionally, the restaurant will feature music courtesy of DJ Saint James, who will be mixing spooky grooves all night! The party takes place from 10 PM to 3 AM on October 30. Limited reservations are also available for bottle service throughout the evening.

You're Invited: Find Your Style Profile with ELLE and Wella

In Other News: Old Town Businesses Fight Parking Regulations

Old Town boutique owners are taking action against increased parking rates tomorrow by protesting outside of City Hall in advance of the City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. The boutique owners issued the following statement in advance of the protest. As Deacon is obviously a champion of local businesses (and small businesses in particular), we felt it important to share this information with our readers in hopes that they too will champion the cause.

Luxe Life: Equinox Bethesda

Deacon had the good fortune to tour the new Equinox Bethesda recently and let us tell you ... it makes us wish we lived in Bethesda. This second DC-area outpost of the luxe fitness chain boasts multiple levels, private yoga and pilates studios, an extensive array of classes, childcare, and a spa! Oh, and a saline pool. The 40,000 square foot facility boasts luxe extras like Kiehls products in the locker rooms, cafe, Wi-Fi lounge and retail store. The shop also boasts an eco focus, with large windows for natural light, renewable materials and state-of-the-art water and air filtration systems.

“There has been a huge demand for an innovative, value-oriented fitness facility in a number of urban cities where the market is underserved,” says Harvey Spevak, CEO of Equinox. “By opening the new location in the DC area, our aim is to meet the needs of a discriminating consumer who demands the best and currently doesn’t have the opportunity to get it.”

Say Yum: Bar Pilar's Offal Happy Hour

Happy hour is anything but awful at Bar Pilar! This neighborhood grub spot is introducing its first Offal Happy Hour offering daily specials on gourmet dishes Monday through Friday from 5-7pm.

Because Bar Pilar’s changes to reflect seasonal product availability, happy hour will offer a rotating menu of several dishes for only $4 each including chicken liver pate, crispy friend pigs ears, and sautéed lamb liver to name a few.

Don’t worry about being thirsty either. There are a variety of cocktails being offered including Mexican Kidney Punch, Lemon Livernator, and several wine specials.

Wind down and catch up with friends at Bar Pilar after a long day at work. Visit Bar Pilar online or follow them on Twitter for the newest updates!

Deacon Says: Here's To Wake Forest

Hi Guys! Deacon here. Sorry I've been quiet this week - there's been so much travel that we needed to take a few days to catch up on e-mail and work on assignments. Sadly, that also means that we're busy this weekend and won't be able to cheer on our Deacons in person as they take on Navy in the homecoming game. So here's a small message for the Wake Forest fans - Go Deacs, Beat Navy!

And, if Navy wins ... we won't be tooooo sad. Mostly because they're our hometown team.

xoxo,
Deacon (and McLean)

In Case You Missed It: Deacon on Fox 5

We chatted with the team at Fox 5 on tonight's 10 PM news about the State Department alert issued Sunday for European travel. Read our Gadling post here, or weigh in on the video, below:

You're Invited: Rock the Runway

You're invited to join Deacon and other Fashionistas on October 23 as we "Rock the Runway" with BLING! Marking the five-year anniversary of Fresh! Boutique and benefiting several area charities, this fashion extravaganza is a must-attend.

You're Invited: Dinner with Michel Richard

Looking for something fabulous to do tomorrow (Saturday) night in DC? How about dinner with Michel Richard? For just $50, you'll enjoy the St. Francis Wild Oak Wine & Food Tasting at Bloomies Tysons Corner, plus a $25 Bloomingdales gift card. It's at 6 PM sharp, so make your reservations now - call Kit Manougian @ 703.556.4519

Say Yum: Second Annual Bacon Week at Restaurant 3

Who doesn't love bacon? Well, vegetarians, we suppose, but even our vegetarian roommate makes an exception for bacon ... seriously, she does.

As such, it's a given that we'll be hitting up Clarendon's Restaurant 3 for their second annual Bacon Week,  October 14-21, 201. Enjoy festivities all week long, including special demos of Chef Brian Robinson's curing techniques and rub recipes, a Bacon Tasting Dinner and a Bacon Brunch, as well as a daily Bacon Happy Hour.

Executive Chef Brian Robinson cures all his own bacon in-house and is a firm believer in the foodie philosophy that, “everything tastes better with bacon,” a philosophy that he looks forward to sharing with his guests through his specially created Bacon Tasting Menu being offered for the duration of the Week of Bacon. Priced at $33 per person, the menu will feature some of Robinson’s favorite food and bacon pairings such as Bacon & Eggs and Maple Bacon Ice Cream.

A longtime bacon lover, Chef Brian Robison began curing his own bacon over 10 years ago. At three, Chef Robinson has been able to play around with several different cures and produces several dishes featuring his various styles of house-cured bacon.  Additionally, bacon-curing demonstrations and tastings will be offered in the bar during happy hour from 4:00pm – 7pm throughout the Week of Bacon.

Say Yum: Havana in DC with Cuba Libre

Say hola to Cuba Libre, finally opening today after many long months of waiting. We'll have the full scoop on this rum bar in a few weeks after it's worked through the inevitable opening kinks ... but if you're looking to hit the town's coolest new bar & resto, sneak in this weekend!