Word of romantic V-day specials is pouring in...but what about that other holiday, the one coming up on Sunday? Yes, it's the Super Bowl, and although our beloved Jets aren't playing, plenty of people will still be partying. Enjoy these great bar deals - we'll post more as we get them!
Café Saint-Ex:
The Super Bowl has turned into the Beer Bowl at Saint-Ex. To honor the two teams in the game, Packers and Steelers, they’re offering all-day food and beer specials and bringing in beers from each of the teams’ hometowns: Leinenkugel from Green Bay and Iron City Light from Pittsburgh. The 14th St. hotspot will also be serving an upscale take on Super Bowl bar bites like Chicken Confit Tater Tots with Dijon aioli, Potato Skins with prosciutto and fontina, and Escargot and Goat Cheese Poppers.
Nage Bistro:
Sports fans start early, and Nage is welcoming Super Bowl morning with a delicious Super Bowl Steak Sandwich at their popular brunch. Served “Pittsburgh” style, the meaty sandwich comes with melted Wisconsin cheddar, smoked onions, Tabasco aioli and a heavy dose of their much-loved truffled frites. Diners can wash the sandwich down and get ready for the game with Nage’s Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys for $15.
Whitlow’s on Wilson:
Sports fans won’t miss a second of the game on this Clarendon watering hole’s giant 101” flat screen TV. From 5 p.m. until the game ends, Super Bowl Sunday on the Big Screen guests will enjoy beer specials like $10 pitchers of Yuengling or Miller Lite, $3 Bud Light drafts and $4 16oz. Coors Light aluminums, and food specials on traditional Super Bowl snacks like ribs, jalapeno poppers and of course, their delicious Buffalo wings, plus $2 off all appetizers. And guests are encouraged to stick around after halftime for an exciting raffle and chance to win Whitlows’ gift cards and more.
Old Glory:
There’s no better way to celebrate the Super Bowl than with good BBQ and beer – especially when it’s all-you-can-eat. Renowned for their authentic BBQ, Old Glory in Georgetown is offering an All-You-Can-Eat Game Day Menu upstairs and on their deck, with endless helpings of Super Bowl snacks like Pork Sliders, Mini Cheese Steaks, Chicken Wings, “Build your own” Nachos, and a full fixin’s bar with condiments. Tickets to Old Glory’s Game Day celebration are available for $20/person online and include door prizes, drink specials and more.
Third Edition: For those who think Super Bowl is more about food than football, this Georgetown bar is offering hungry sports fans All-You-Can-Eat menus, a Tailgating Tiki room and Chicken Wing Extravaganza. Guests can start the game off with Sliders, Pulled Pork Minis, a Chili station and more, and then make their way over to nibble on unlimited Chicken Wings in varieties like Garlic Parmesan, Caribbean Jerk, Honey BBQ – and pretty much any other type of wings known to man. The evening will also include DJ sets, a wing eating contest and more. Tickets to Third Edition’s Super Bowl celebration are available for $25/person online and include door prizes and three beer tickets.
Looking for the “wildest” way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park’s third annual Woo at the Zoo on Friday, Feb. 11 for an opportunity to learn about animal mating, dating and reproductive habits in an honest and humorous forum. This extraordinary evening, open to both singles and sweethearts, features presentations by acting Great Cat curator Craig Saffoe, who will talk about his experiences making matches among our lion pride that led to the birth of seven cubs, and cheetah keeper Lacey Braun, who will share her adventures in breeding cheetahs at Front Royal.
Attendees and their “deer” ones will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a red-stemmed champagne flute with the exclusive Woo at the Zoo logo, the opportunity to decorate Valentine “Cookie Grams” and free parking. A cash bar, with specialty drinks, will also be available. All the fun takes place in the Zoo’s Visitor Center auditorium.
Woo at the Zoo is for adults ages 21 and older (an ID is required for admission). Each ticket is valid for a time-specified show; presentations take place at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come early or stay after to enjoy our cash bar and Valentine festivities. Tickets are $15 for FONZ members, $25 for nonmembers and may be purchased at any National Zoo gift shop between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or online at the Zoo’s website. This event always sells out, so get your tix now!
That's right, the cupcake store has gone "healthy." Starting tomorrow, the Red Velvet is offering new ways to perk up your morning with a muffin line. They're gratis for all tomorrow at the Penn Quarter shop from 8 am - 11 am or until supplies run out, so get your fix early!
"Our chefs have taken the time to perfect a new product line that represents the high quality and care that Red Velvet is known for," said Co-Owner Aaron Gordon. "With the combination of our earlier store hours and home-made, morning muffins, we are eager to provide another delicious option for Washingtonians on the go."
Red Velvet's muffin line includes three signature flavors - Nuts About Bananas, a banana nut muffin made with roasted bananas, toasted black walnuts and rolled oats; Scrumptious Apple Bran, a heart-healthy mix of raisins and apples, a hint of fresh pineapple and warming spices; and Bits of Heaven, a classic chocolate chip recipe topped with streusel. In the coming months, the store will offer additional seasonal flavors, like apple cinnamon and blueberry. Muffins are priced at $2.65 each and $30.00 per dozen.
Last week, Deacon had the privileged of meeting with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau not once, but twice. We're planning a visit for music fest Tin Pan South in April, and the team happened to be in town this week showing off Music City to the residents of Washington.
We've always been intrigued by this southern city, which offers a mix of great live music, celeb sightings and rich history. But what we really wanted to share was this great photo from Thursday's private Dierks Bentley concert. We got a sneak peek of some of the songs from his newest CD and got to meet the singing sensation in person. He was, true to the country music stereotype, exceptionally nice, supremely talented and quite good looking.
We're all about the upcoming trip. If you have a suggestion of anywhere we should go or stay, leave it in the comments below!
Back by popular demand, vintage glamor returns to Old Town's The Full Cup for the second year in a row as they celebrate the intimate and beautiful art of a woman’s beauty. Photographer Marjolaine of See Through Me Photography is visiting the store on Saturday, February 12th from 12-2PM. Her boudoir art collection will be on display from February 11-17th .
Marjolane is known for her vintage flair with an edge and a romantic touch. She uses a lot of textured backgrounds, scenery and props to create her signature sultry images. Enjoy The Full Cup's special offer -
purchase lingerie from The Full cup and receive a free 8x10 photograph when you book a photo session with See Through Me.
Love the ballet and luxury? The St. Regis hotel is offering a special Ballet Afficionado package to celebrate The Washington Ballet's spring 2011 performance of Carmen on May 19th.
The Washington Ballet Aficionado Experience is available between May 17 and May 21 and includes:
·Access and transportation to a private afternoon dress rehearsal which will offer a sneak peek of the Opening Night performance ·Limousine service to and from the Harman Center for the Performing Arts on Opening Night ·Attendance to the Opening Night showing of Carmen, with an exclusive backstage tour led by Septime Webre himself during intermission ·An invitation to the celebratory Opening Night Party, attended by company dancers, Ballet VIP’s and board members ·An intimate lunch at Adour at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. with Septime Webre to discuss his creation ·Accommodations for four nights in a luxurious St. Regis suite ·Spanish wine accompanied by light tapas waiting for guests in-room upon arrival ·A signed copy of the ballet’s Wonderland coffee table book, which offers dramatic glimpses of life backstage and photos of the dancers in landmark Washington locations ·Access to signature St. Regis Butler Service throughout the stay
What will it cost you? Just $5,000 AND twenty percent of the proceeds from the booking will be donated to The Washington Ballet.
Our inboxes held a great suprise this morning when we found this link to BHLDN.com by Anthropologie. As several outlets reported last spring, the company, owned by Urban Outfitters, plans to launch a wedding concept site on Valentine's Day.
According to the press release, it will bring together a curated collection of heirloom quality wedding gowns, bridesmaid frocks, party dresses, assorted jewelry, headpieces, footwear, and lingerie.
"We know our customer, and we know she's looking for a brand that reflects her unique perspective. She may have interests common to her friends, but she's looking to create a moment that's all her own… it's not so much about our point of view as it is about capturing hers," explained Managing Director, Kristin Norris.
The collection will feature own-brand designs, as well as established and up-and-coming guest designers – its point of edit being a twist on tradition. Gowns pay respect to the old, new, borrowed and blue, but each with a wink and a nod. Fleur Wood, Tracy Reese, and Catherine Deane contribute exclusive designs to the tailored and voluminous, soft and draped, embroidered and embellished assortment, complete with refinements like built-in boning and corsets. Retail prices for the brand range from $1,000 to $4,000 for gowns, and $200 to $600 for event dresses.
This is great news for all of our friends who are brides-to-be, and for us as bridesmaids, as we appear to be vying for a role in the next iteration of 27 Dresses. If the success of J.Crew's wedding catalog and Ann Taylor's bridesmaid dresses is any indication ... BHLDN will be a huge hit!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! With the coldest months of the year now knocking on DC’s door, Nage Bistro in Scott Circle is offering a special Snow Day Happy Hour every time it snows! The drink and menu specials are available for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5-4-3-2-1 happy hour prices.
You'll enjoy $1 Nage Bites selected by Executive Chef Glenn Babcock, $2 Truffle Frites, $3 glasses of House White or Red Wine, $4 Domestic Beers and $5 Specialty Cocktails (including the rich Espresso Martini with Mount Gay Rum, Frangelico, Kahlua, Godiva and espresso, or the heat-inducing Fahrenheit 451 with cucumber, ginger, lemongrass, orange juice and “heat,” Nage’s house-infused jalapeno vodka).
Half-priced small plates include Tempura-Fried Squash Blossoms with pecorino mousse, summer squash, pine nuts and orange vinegar, Bacon Wrapped Dates with housemade chorizo, apple, fennel and almond, and Swordfish Ceviche with avocado, red onion, cilantro, popcorn and pine nuts.
Are you an avid movie lover? Get ready for a weekend of films featuring favorites from the last seven years of DC Shorts, Best of the 2010 Fest, Free Family Films and a wide variety of showcases.
This new concept of DC Shorts Rewind provides the perfect opportunity to catch films viewers have missed from previous festivals. On January 28 and 29, the Atlas Performing Arts Center will host the DC Shorts Rewind. Showcased in multiple theaters, provides something for everyone including comedies, documentaries, dramas, animation and films by local and foreign filmmakers. In addition to enjoying the weekend full of films, attendees are encouraged to visit neighborhood restaurants and bars offering festival specials and opportunities for free tickets through the “neighborhood pass.”
For a complete list of movies and for ticket purchases visit DC Shorts online!
The region’s most anticipated bargain shopping event is coming back to Alexandria this February 5. Fine boutiques from Virginia and Washington will come together under one roof for their annual, one-day clearance sale.
“This is a once-a-year chance to find great boutique fashions, jewelry, and home goods at prices up to 70 percent off retail,” said sale organizer Elizabeth Todd.
“We have people who drive from far away every year just for this sale,” said Todd, whose women’s shoe and accessories store, The Shoe Hive, is one of the annual participants along with Treat, Red Barn Mercantile, Apple Seed Maternity & Baby, Hysteria, and Periwinkle.
More recent additions to the sale include La Cuisine, the well-regarded purveyor of kitchen accessories, upscale consigner Diva, children’s clothier Pink & Brown, and children’s linen boutique Finnian’s Moon.
Jewelry and accessories will be popular items at this year’s sale, with sellers including Fornash, Top It Off, Queen Bee Designs, Lawrence Miller & Company, Stanton Gallery, and Andrea Ambrosia.
The sale opens at 9 am and closes at 4 pm, although eager shoppers have been known to line up long before the doors open. The location at the Masonic Memorial affords quantities of both inside waiting area and on-site parking. It’s easily accessible by Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines – on Callahan Street across from Alexandria’s Union Station. The annual event started in 2005.
For more information on the sale, log onto OldTownBoutiqueDistrict.com.
You'll enjoy overnight accommodations for two in Park Hyatt Washington’s Presidential Suite, dedicated butler service, Champagne and strawberries, an en-suite couples massage for two, along with a set of monogrammed robes, a $2,000 shopping spree at Tiffany & Co., with chauffeured, round trip transportation in Park Hyatt Washington’s BMW 7-Series sedan, a specially-created, decadent five-course tasting menu for two, with wine pairing, prepared by Chef Brian McBride, accompanied by a live pianist, a private moonlight tour of the famed monuments, a rose petal drawn bath in the suite’s handcarved travertine tub, en-suite breakfast for two, and naturally, valet parking. The package is $8,000 and includes tax and gratuity. It's only valid ON Valentine's Day, so get hopping!
Looking for blogging and new media work experience? Do you have an insider's knowledge of DC fashion, food and fun? If so, you might be the perfect addition to Deacon's team. We're always looking for regular guest contributors in our main categories (fashion, food, culture and luxury lifestyles) as well as an intern or two in need of college credit.
Our intern will get an insider's view of what it takes to run a blog, plus assist in other writing tasks and social media endeavors. The opportunity for paid work through our consulting firm, KMV Media, may also be available for the right candidate.
Think you've got what got what it takes? Send us a pitch letter detailing why you'd like to contribute (no formal cover letters needed here) as well as a resume and any clips you've got.
This January, Historic Manassas, Inc. is hosting the Sesquicentennial commemoration kick-off event, the Blue and Gray Ball.
The ball will take place on Saturday, January 22, from 6 pm to 10:30 pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Va. Guests will be transported back in time to the 1860s while enjoying a cocktail reception, dinner, desert, dancing, and entertainment. All proceeds from the ball will go towards the 2011 Sesquicentennial events in July.
There will be free dance lessons offered to guests the week prior to the ball on Monday, January 17 and Friday, January 21 at 6:30 pm. Lessons will be instructed by Janet Rodriguez and John Hinkle from John Hancock Financial Network.
Deacon decided with 2011 just beginning he would take a crack at his New Year’s Resolution – maintaining his trim figure in other ways than constant Wubba time. Deacon had been spying a number of Pole Fitness coupons in his daily array of deal e-mails, and had seen a number of news features saying that this fitness trend was the latest craze. Never one to shy from a challenge, Deacon and his sister, Hailey, decided to give pole dancing a try, opting for local studio Xpose Fitness Annapolis, which offers a free intro class each Saturday at noon.
Thankfully, we recruited Xpose Annapolis owner Rachal Frank to give us a private session - having four paws makes participating with the "regular crowd" a bit of a challenge. She briefed us on what to wear, why dancers wear those crazy heels and super short shorts, and what the difference is between Pole Fitness and the pole dancing you'd see at a club.
What Do You DO?
Filling Out Safety Forms
We'll admit to being a bit skeptical until we walked in all of the ladies in the studio were nice, normal females with real jobs, ranging in age from 18 to 60+, and of a variety of body types and sizes. No men are allowed, and while those truly looking to train are encouraged to wear smaller clothing and heels, (see What do I Wear below for the rationale) everyone is welcome.
Pole Fitness is much more closely related to Cirque due Soleil or gymnastics than "Girls Girls Girls," Frank assured us. Most moves combine cardio, yoga, pilates and strength training through a combination of dance moves and whole body resistance training on the pole. After just a few minutes of class, both Deacon and Hailey were out of breath and exhausted-- but having a blast.
In an intro class, you'll go through a dance based warm-up and combine moves like squats and lunges before trying basic spins like the Fireman. The next day, our arms, rear and core were as sore as they are after an hour-long session with our personal trainer, and we'd gotten a fun cardio experience as well.
Pole dancing proved to be quite the workout for Deacon – imagine climbing up and down to the top of 15 foot poles, spinning and lifting up your entire body weight! Deacon tried his hardest, but even the toughest of German Shepherds would have a hard time mastering some of the moves Xpose owner Rachal Frank was showing Hailey and Deacon.
Still Skeptical?
Not sure you're quite ready to master the pole? Don't worry - we felt awkward too (at first). It's tough to let loose in front of women you don't know, but Frank assures us that after a few weeks, class attendees will start to feel more comfortable with basic moves and even exhibit more confidence in their daily life - particularly on the dance floor! If you're still skeptical, Xpose, like many other studios, also offers a variety of other athletic activities including Zumba, Hip Hop, Floor/Chair in addition to its signature Pole Fitness classes. Planning a girls night out or a bachelorette party? Most studios offer private parties and workshops, a great way to break into the sport with a group of friends.
Each studio sets up their class structure differently - some offer drop-in lessons for students of different levels, while some require that you sign up for a series where moves build upon one another from week to week. Most offer discounted or free intro classes for newcomers as well.
Deacon poses with XPose teachers
What do I wear?
Whatever you'd like! It's recommended to start out in clothing similar to yoga wear. More form-fitting clothing will allow the instructors to see if you are holding your body in the correct position against the pole. Many Pole Fitness attendees opt for small, tight shorts (similar to the kind you'd wear in a Bikram Yoga class) because as one becomes more advanced at spins and climbs, they'll benefit from having exposed skin to "stick" to the pole. Excess fabric can cause one to slide and can become dangerous. Heels are also optional, particularly at beginning levels. The plastic that many heels are made of can help students stick when learning one of the more basic advanced moves - climbing up the pole - and also help keep the leg muscles in a contracted position, creating a better workout. Most studios suggest you buy special Pole Fitness shoes as they have a thicker heel and platform (for safety and comfort) as well as an ankle strap to hold the shoe on as you go from move to move.
Who attends? Most of these studios are 18 and older, women only classes. All classes are taught in smaller, private rooms where there are no visitors allowed (you generally can't even see in the door), so do not worry about having to be watched. But for those of you that like performing for an audience and want to show off your moves, many studios have in house competitions and demonstrations, or end of the class performances.
If Annapolis is too far to venture for your workout, there are dozens of Pole Fitness studios in the DC/Metro area. Deacon highly recommends:
Xpose Fitness; Annapolis, Arundel Mills, Towson, Owings Mills
Every Saturday at each location the 12:00 class is FREE to first timers! Fall in love? Mention Deacon at Xpose Fitness Annapolis ONLY and get 15% off your purchase!
Pole Pressure; DC, Georgetown and Leesburg
Introductory classes are free at all locations. Please check the schedule for details.
Diva Fit; Ashburn, Chantilly, Herndon and Falls Church
Introductory classes are $20, but the fee is waived if you sign up for a class package after your session.
Jordin's Paradise; Mount Vernon Square
Walk-in classes are $39 each.
Chic Physique; Bethesda
Introductory classes for new clients are $20.
Thank you to guest columnist Hailey Robbins for the photos, video and article.
Want to shape up, start a new look, or simply spa yourself silly this 2011? Here's our latest from The Washingtonian, featuring great deals for mind, body and soul.
Hey Ya'll, Deacon is en route home from New Orleans now and had our very first piece of King Cake today. We were so excited to visit this historic (and adorable) city and also to be in town on the twelfth day of Christmas, or Twelfth Night, as New Orleanians refer to it. Also known as King’s Day, it celebrates the conclusion of Christmas, as well as the beginning of the Carnival season – the grand finale of which is Mardi Gras on Tuesday, March 8.
If you can't make it down to the Big Easy, celebrate with D.C.'s two best alternatives - Acadiana and Baoy Bakery.
Beginning Friday, February 25 – the day of the first parade down historic St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Bayou Bakery will begin offering daily King Cakes – just in time to throw your first Mardi Gras party. Bayou Bakery’s king cake is laced with cinnamon and topped with traditional sugar tinted the colors of Mardi Gras – gold for power, green for faith, and purple for justice. Tucked inside this treat is a New Orleans style, tiny plastic baby that just may end up in your piece…and crowns you King for the day.
And for the grand finale on Mardi Gras, head downtown to the district’s own Louisiana fish house, Acadiana, and be welcomed with a Mardi Gras mask and beads as well as a menu featuring specialties of the season such as Jambalaya, Rabbit Etouffée and more. In keeping with the festive spirit, enjoy specially priced cocktails including the Dark and Stormy, Category Five, Pimms Cup and Bourbon Lemonade, and at the bar munch on good ole’ New Orleans Street Fare offerings such as House-Made Cracklin’, Southern Sliders, Louisiana Crawfish Bread, and Cajun Pop-Corn Shrimp.
Calling all brides to be! Coming soon, Nordstrom Tysons Corner Center is launching a specialty Wedding Suite, a one-stop-shop for everything from engagement parties, to the wedding day and honeymoon.
Capsule collections of bridal, bridesmaid and special-occasion dresses by guest designers will include ML Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Milly, Kate Spade and Trina Turk. Special accessory and footwear designs through exclusive partnerships with Alexis Bittar and Stuart Weitzman will also be offered.
Brides and their attendants will enjoy personalized (and complimentary!) Nordstrom Wedding Stylist service as well as the benefit of other Nordstrom services like on-site tailoring, bra fit specialists, beauty services, garment steaming, shoe shining and free shipping on orders placed with Wedding Stylists.
