Say Yum: Serendipity 3 opens in Georgetown

Serendipity 3 is finally open for business, rolling into the former Nathan's space on the corner of Wisonsin and M today. Featuring same characteristic whimsical decor and over-the-top dishes offered at the New York and Las Vegas restaurants, the restaurant will feature the over-ten-million-sold signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and the savory Foot-Long Hot Dog. It also offers new savory and sweet menu items exclusive to the District, such as the President's Lobster Pasta, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Pan Seared Virginia Striped Bass and the Red Velvet Sundae. 

Serendipity 3 has served up savory dishes and sweet desserts to New Yorkers for more than 50 years, including a slew of popular celebrities from Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise to Oprah and Cher. 

The D.C. location promises to be no different, attracting Hollywood household names and Washington politicos alike. The D.C. locale hosts many opulent and playful oddities that pay homage to the city's political roots, including the eight+ foot tall fiberglass statue of a smirking Abraham Lincoln. The Georgetown restaurant also features a historical clock from landmark D.C. jeweler Galt & Bros, as well as a 1960s photograph of Andy Warhol and Serendipity 3 co-founder Stephen Bruce.



We can't wait to check it out!

Friday's Fancies: Make Mine Maxi

We're super excited to kick off the start to summer with Friday's Fancies! It's officially hot as blazes in DC and we're looking to outfits that are stylish yet weather-appropriate. Our closet is full of maxi dresses this summer ... easy, breezy and oh-so-chic. Here are a few of our favorites - we'll surely be donning one of these looks as we head to the Four Seasons tonight!

Friday's Fancies: Make Mine Maxi by deacondoesdc featuring maxi dresses

Nanette Lepore maxi dress
$598 - bloomingdales.com

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress
$485 - shopbop.com

Phoebe Couture floral maxi dress
$390 - bloomingdales.com

Diane von Furstenberg grecian maxi dress
$325 - bloomingdales.com

Cover up swimwear
$648 - anthropologie.com

Aqua Crochet Back Maxi
$88 - bloomingdales.com

In Case You Missed It: Our First Gilt City Piece

One of today's Gilt City Boston deals was written by yours truly! If you're not familiar with Gilt City, this sister site to Gilt Groupe offers luxury flash deals for services and products in specific market areas. Sadly, it's not in DC ... yet! 

Love flash sale sites? We've got a whole listing of great invite codes on the home page - find a new favorite, or leave your personal fave in the comments, below.

You're Invited: Ginger Sidewalk Sale

As if we needed another excuse to shop...

You're Invited: Masters of Food & Wine 2011 at Park Hyatt Washington

Foodies, take note!

Visitors and Washingtonians can enjoy one of the city’s most delicious weekends starting June 2 with Park Hyatt Washington's annual Masters of Food & Wine 2011. In addition to artwork, gastronomic showcases and field trips, the weekend also showcases nightly wine dinners prepared by two of the country’s best new chefs: Executive Chef Joshua Hopkins of Abattoir in Atlanta, and Chef de Cuisine Brian Huston of The Publican in Chicago, along with Park Hyatt Aviara Executive Chef Pierre Albaladejo, and Park Hyatt Washington & Blue Duck Tavern Executive Chef Brian McBride and Chef de Cuisine Eric Fleischer.

Invited local experts include The Washington Post’s Wine Columnist Dave McIntyre, Wine & Spirits Writer & Educator Kelly Magyarics, and Sommelier Andrew Stover who will lead tastings and serve as weekend wine ambassadors.

Buy tix here: masters.phwashington@hyatt.com
Here's what you can expect:

Thursday, June 2

· Winemaker Dinner at 8 PM: Intimate five-course dinner at Blue Duck Tavern led by winemaker, Luca Paschina, from the historic Barboursville Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia. The evening will showcase an evolution of Virginia wine over the past ten years, complemented with a special menu by Executive Chef Brian McBride. Tickets are priced at $140 per person (all inclusive), and the dinner is limited to 30 guests.

Friday, June 3

· Local Wine &Cheese Tastings from 6 PM to 7:30 PM: The Washington Post’s Wine columnist, Dave McIntyre, who also has a popular blog, will lead an educational tasting, introducing varieties of delicious local wines. This tasting is designed to showcase wines from Virginia and Maryland that are setting new standards and raising the bar. Across the Lounge, local cheese maker Pablo Solanet from Firefly Farms, in Maryland, will provide samplings of their artisanal cheeses, paired with rare wines from around the country, selected by guest Sommelier Andrew Stover. Stover manages the wine and sake programs for Asian-themed Oya Restaurant & Lounge and its sister restaurant, SEI. Tickets for each of the tastings are priced at $35 per event (all inclusive), and seating is limited to 12 guests for the local wine tasting, and 10 guests for the cheese & wine tasting.

· Taste of America Dinner (two seatings are available at 6 PM and 8:30 PM): A special four-course menu prepared by The Publican’s Chef de Cuisine Brian Huston and Blue Duck Tavern’s Chef de Cuisine Eric Fleischer, paired with America’s best tasting wines. Tickets are priced at $125 per person (all inclusive).

· Winemaker Dinner at 8 PM: An exclusive five-course dinner at Blue Duck Tavern hosted by Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley. Discover the creations of Abattoir’s Executive Chef Joshua Hopkins http://www.starprovisions.com/ and Blue Duck Tavern’s Executive Chef Brian McBride. Tickets are priced at $140 per person (all inclusive), and the dinner is limited to 30 guests.

Saturday, June 4

· Barrel Tasting from 4 PM to 6:30 PM: Wine & Spirits Writer &Wine Educator Kelly Magyarics will lead a tasting in the entranceway of Blue Duck Tavern, surrounded by barrels, to sample the true flavors of American wine and local Catoctin Creek Virginia whiskey. Nibble on light fare and learn the process from the barrel to the bottle. Tickets are priced at $25, and the tasting is limited to 40 guests.

· Chefs’ Farm Table Dinner at 7:30 PM with all of the participating chefs. Join Joshua Hopkins, Brian Huston, Pierre Albaladejo and Brian McBride by the cascading fountain on Blue Duck Tavern’s garden terrace to feast on slow-cooked suckling pig, braised short ribs, whole roasted rich, seasonal salads, local farm vegetables, artisan breads, homemade pies and hand-cranked ice creams, accompanied by premier American wines. Tickets are priced at $125 per person (all inclusive), and the dinner is limited to 45 guests.

Sunday, June 5

· Lunch at Barboursville Vineyards at 1 PM: Executive Chef Brian McBride, Pastry Chef Peter Brett, and Park Hyatt Aviara Executive Chef Pierre Albaladejo, will join Barboursville Chef Melissa Close Hart for a special luncheon on the winery’s beautiful grounds. Tickets are priced at $95 per person (all inclusive), and can be made by calling (540) 832-7848.

Say Yum: Drink to Win ... RAMMY Tickets

Flickr via JustAddCheese

Deacon loves the RAMMY awards, Washington's annual Oscars of the food world. Now, we can share the fun with lucky readers, who, starting this weekend, can drink their way to winning two tix to the June 26 gala.

To enter, simply order a signature cocktail at one of the nominees: Bourbon Steak, ChurchKey, Estadio, Founding Farmers and Tabard Inn. Want to know what to order?

Mixologists Duane Sylvestre and Jamie MacBain at Bourbon Steak are mixing up the creative Is He Sharpe? cocktail made with Cruzan 9 Rum, black tea, lime juice and a housemade vanilla peppercorn syrup. Guests can taste the Is He Sharpe? at Bourbon Steak located at 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

ChurchKey's Alewife is an innovative cocktail concocted by beer master Greg Engert and mixologist Kevin Rogers. They combine Plymouth Gin, Becherovka Liqueur, lemon juice, rich honey syrup and egg white, topped with sparkling wine and a tincture of coriander, black pepper and citrus peel. Guests can drink the Alewife at ChurchKey located at 1337 14th St. NW.

Adam Bernbach, mixologist at Estadio, is stirring up a perfect spring cocktail called the Hop Skip - a refreshing drink made with Absolut Vodka and spice and salt-cured lime soda, garnished with lime and basil. Customers can sip the Hop Skip at Estadio located at 1520 14th St. NW.

Jon Arroyo at Founding Farmers has created the refreshing Citros Gengibre Cocktail, literally meaning "citrus ginger," made with Tres Generaciones Tequila, housemade ginger beer, simple syrup, grapefruit bitters, grapefruit and lemon juices, Aperol and a bit of cherry brandy. He tops this concoction with a sprig of mint. Patrons can try the Citros Gengibre Cocktail at Founding Farmers located at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Chantal Tseng at Tabard Inn is serving up mugs of her Perennial Tea cocktail with Plymouth Gin, chilled Dandelion Tea, Italian Vermouth, French Vermouth and Gran Classico Bitters. The revitalizing drink is served over two ice cubes and garnished with orange peel, lemon wheel and a sprig of rosemary. Patrons can experience the Perennial Tea at Tabard Inn located at 1739 N St. NW.

Diners who purchase a RAMMY cocktail at any of the five restaurants until June 20 will be eligible to win two tickets to the RAMMY gala on June 26. Consumers will fill out an information card for each RAMMY drink purchase and a winner will be chosen at random on June 20 at the end of the promotion.

All of the 2011 RAMMY Award winners will be announced at the RAMMY gala on June 26, 2011 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2011 RAMMY Awards is "Carnevale da Cuisine," celebrating the DC region's culinary success and the wide diversity of restaurants with cuisines from around the world.

Friday's Fancies: Fashion Show (And Kelly Cutrone!)

Friday's Fancies: Meeting Kelly Cutrone by deacondoesdc featuring turquoise dresses

Turquoise dress
178 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Yves Saint Laurent high heels
559 GBP - farfetch.com

Yves Saint Laurent leather handbag
$1,195 - saksfifthavenue.com

3 1 Phillip Lim bib necklace
$195 - lagarconne.com

Pave ring
$238 - charmandchain.com

Tonight, we're headed to The Front Row at Bethesda Row, an annual celebration of DC fashion. Tonight's headlining event features special guest and longtime Deacon fave Kelly Cutrone. We're terrified and excited about meeting her - so we've designed an extra special outfit. What do you think?

Mark Your Calendars: NOW at the Corcoran: Chris Martin

The Corcoran will open NOW at the Corcoran: Chris Martin from June 18- October 13. Martin, a DC native, is the second artist to show in NOW, the Gallery’s newly established contemporary art program dedicated to emerging and mid-career artists.

Martin uses his art to explore landscape, personal and historical applications of abstract paintings, and the relationship between art and everyday life.

In addition, starting October 1 until February 12, 2012, the Corcoran will open 30 Americans, contemporary art collectors comprised of established emerging black American artists. This will bring together both established and emerging artists whose work explores race, gender, identity, and popular culture.

For more information on the exhibits, visit the Corcoran online.

You're Invited: The Front Row

Don't forget that The Front Row at Bethesda Row kicks off today!
(Check out our Q&A from last year, over on Luxist)

Say Yum: Pizzeria Da Marco Opens (With Free Food!)

Image via WeHeartIt

Love pizza? So do we. Get your fix at the brand-new Pizzeria da Marco (opening today at 8008 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda). Tonight only, score gratis 'za between 5 PM to 10:30 PM, and a 50% discount on all pizza purchases from May 17-31*.

What makes this restaurant different from all of the other places that have opened in the area recently? Pizzeria da Marco will be the first pizzeria in the Washington area to have a 4,500-pound handcrafted, SF Allestimenti brick oven, created by Stefano Ferrera, which cooks pizzas in 60 seconds at a temperature of 900 degrees.

The restaurant's Italian born chef, Dino Santonicola, is a Naples native and has worked throughout Italy as a pizza maker. Most recently, Santonicola opened Seattle's Via Tribunali pizzeria, Ristorante Picolinos and Mamma Melina, before relocating to Washington, DC in October 2010 to join Pizzeria da Marco.

The menu focuses on Neapolitan 12-inch pizzas and the pleasures of Mediterranean dining, and the restaurant also offers calzones, salads, charcuterie, Italian cheeses and house-made gelato along with traditional Italian sweets such as Tiramisu and Budino al Caramello. Drinks at Pizzeria da Marco feature a selection of lesser known, great value Italian red, white and sparkling wines from various regions of the country. Over 45 wines will be available by the bottle along with 12 wines by the glass. Prices range from $6 to $12 for wines by the glass and $22 to $60 by the bottle. Nine beers will also be available by the bottle and four on tap: Peroni, Miller Lite, Bass Ale, Sam Adams Boston Lager.

Luxe Life: Win a MINI Countryman

Love Mini Coopers? Here's a new driving experience - the MINI Countryman is the brand's latest model, and, to celebrate, they're launching a series of creative events this summer with invitation-only Wanderlust events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Chicago and New York. Activities will range from surprise concerts and parties to fun with food and art.

Sadly, they're not headed to DC ... yet. In addition to the sponsored events, fans are invited to submit their own Wanderlust event ideas at the MINI Countryman Wanderlust page. If your event is chosen, you'll be entered for the chance to win a 2011 MINI Countryman at the end of the campaign. Additional weekly prizes will be given away for ideas that earn the most community votes. The deadline for entries is May 27, 2011.

*This blog was posted in partnership with Deacon partner Travel Onion, although Deacon was not paid by the company to do so.* 

Say Yum: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Tonight at Butcher's Block

Looking for a fun Sunday evening activity? Tonight from 5:00 - 7:00, The Butcher's Block is hosting an Italian wine & olive oil tasting featuring iGreco and Fontodi Winery. The $15 registration fee gets you all the tastes and nibbles you want.

Friday's Fancies: NYC Bound

Deacon is headed to NYC this weekend for meetings with the Gadling crew, and we're very excited to spend time with the team. Tonight, we're having drinks on the rooftop at The Gramercy Park Hotel and then headed to dinner (and staying in one of their swank loft rooms tomorrow).

We'll be staying tonight at The Michelangelo, another swank Manhattan hotel. Since we want to look our best, we've chosen this chic yet sophisticated number and jewels by one of our design faves, Ippolita, for our Friday's Fancies this week. We saw this dress at Anthropologie last night and fell in love- you have to go online and look at the back of it!! Check out our shoe options - we decided to pack flats in case we want to walk somewhere later in the evening (it's no fun to cab three blocks in nice weather!).

Friday's Fancies: Dinner in NYC by deacondoesdc featuring a green gold ring

Print dress
$168 - anthropologie.com

Valentino platform sandal
$795 - valentino.com

Envelope clutch
$895 - intermixonline.com

Ippolita green gold ring
$2,900 - ippolita.com

Bounkit handcrafted earring
$75 - charmandchain.com

Ippolita gold jewelry
$3,795 - net-a-porter.com

New Arrivals - Boutiques - Bloomingdales.com
$150 - bloomingdales.com

What do you think? Of course, don't forget to link on up over on {long distance loving} and see all the other great ideas for this week!

In Case You Missed It: Park Hyatt Washington on Jetsetter

One of our favorite DC properties is currently live on Jetsetter ... with copy by yours truly!

Psst - need a code? Here's our link.

Say Yum: Buzz Bakery Opens in Ballston

Image from Cupcakes Take The Cake

Deacon made a trip over to the new Buzz Bakery this morning and we're proud to report that it's just as cute as the original. From pies to cupcakes to cookies to savory items like sandwiches and evening cocktails, this bakery and cafe is a much-needed addition to the neighborhood and compliments new restaurants in the corridor like Sweetgreen and Rustico.

“We’re fortunate to be able to open a second Buzz Bakery. The success we’ve had with this concept can be credited to a devout following of loyal guests, for which we are extremely grateful,” said Michael Babin, owner of Buzz Bakery and Neighborhood Restaurant Group. “We want to expand on the upbeat experience that’s become Alexandria’s trademark while personalizing the space to the Ballston community.”

For the first time, Buzz will offer take-home ice creams and sorbets in an assortment of flavors including Brown Sugar-Oatmeal and PB Crunch – peanut butter ice cream with bits of PB toffee and chocolate dipped pretzel chunks. Buzz plans to roll out summer popsicles including Apricot-Chamomile, Kiwi-Basil, Grape-Elderflower and Strawberry-Passion Fruit, as well as Chocolate-dipped Bananas and Pudding Pops. There are also new take-and-bake items in the freezer including cookies, sausage-cheddar biscuits and manchego scones.

Additions to the breakfast menu include Homemade Whole-Wheat Pop Tarts available daily in a variety of seasonal flavors including Lemon-Poppy Seed, Sour Cherry Cheesecake and Strawberry Cheesecake. We're itching to try their Belgian style waffles, available in two choices – plain or bacon & toffee-studded.


We sampled their breakfast brioche, a sweet and savory mixture of eggs, cheese and fluffy brioche, as well as a skinny latte, prepared just to our specifications with new coffee provider MadCap coffee. The free Wi-Fi, ample seating both indoors and out, and friendly staff make this a place we'll return again and again.

Want more news? Check them out on Twitter.

818 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, 703-650-9676. Hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Luxe Life: Annie Creamcheese Owner Opens Pretty People Vintage in Old Town

Annie Creamcheese fans, get excited: Old Town has a new vintage shop. Pretty People Vintage combines an edited selection of unique vintage women’s clothing and accessories with a selection of new and consigned contemporary pieces.

Lovers of Annie Creamcheese will find the same high end lines mixed in with one-of-a-kind, affordable pieces.

Owner Annie Lee

“The store inventory reflects the way women shop today,” says owner Annie Lee. “Over the years, I have seen how my clients want both new and vintage pieces to build a stylish and personal wardrobe. I hand-select pieces that are special, wearable--and affordable."

Nestled in a cozy storefront just off King Street (108 N. Patrick Street) in historic Old Town, the store’s atmosphere and selection reflects the owner’s signature blend of eclectic influences, including splashes of animal prints.

The store will host grand opening events in June, but is now open to the public and accepting selected consignment by appointment.

Mark Your Calendars: Charity Day at Old Town's Boutiques

Deacon Says: Happy Mother's Day

It is very important that you always remember to tell your mom how much she means to you. 

We love you, Mom!

Friday's Fancies: Kentucky Derby Chic

In honor of tomorrow's Kentucky Derby, we're featuring for Friday's Fancies what we'd love to wear to a dressed-up Derby soiree (perhaps one of the ones we listed in our earlier post?).

Friday's Fancies: Kentucky Derby Chic by deacondoesdc featuring summer hats

Nina Ricci tiered dress
1,105 GBP - brownsfashion.com

Tory burch sandal
$350 - net-a-porter.com

Forzieri pearl ring
$3,775 - forzieri.com

Gabrielle Sanchez pearl earring
$2,440 - barneys.com

American Apparel vintage jewelry
$360 - americanapparel.net

Philip Treacy summer hat
539 GBP - harrods.com

You're Invited: Kentucky Derby Parties

Image via Velo Steve on Flickr

Kick off one of Deacon's favorite days of the year (Kentucky Derby Day, natch) with one of these great parties in DC:


The Willard Intercontinental
The Willard InterContinental's historic Round Robin Bar host an "Afternoon at the Races" event on Saturday with its annual Bonnets and Bow Ties Kentucky Derby Party. Join the fun at the Round Robin Bar, a favorite of locals, celebrities, and politicos. The $75 entry fee includes a southern-style buffet featuring country baked ham with baby soft rolls, Kentucky coleslaw and potato salad, a display of international cheeses and Derby pies, including a thematic variation on the pecan pie with a healthy measure of Maker's Mark and two of the bar's famous Henry Clay Southern-Style Mint Juleps. Each drink is individually handcrafted and served in the official keepsake 137th Kentucky Derby glassware. To make a reservation, visit the hotel website.

The St. Regis 

The Bar at The St. Regis Washington D.C. will become the perfect destination to celebrate the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7^th from 3-7 PM. In addition to the Derby being aired in the bar, starting at 6 PM, classic Mint Juleps will be served, as will Lynchburg Lemonades and Horse’s Neck cocktails. A special charcuterie and cheese platter, paired with a specialty cocktail, will be available for guests to order. Partygoers are encouraged to wear their favorite hat and root for the fastest horse—prizes such as dinner for 2 in Adour, complimentary cocktails and desserts and appetizers will be given to the winners!

Having your own party? Here's how to make a Mint Julep:

Say Yum: Tequila Tasting

Hola, chicos y chicas! Today, we're participating in the Cornflake Dreams blog crawl.

It's Cinco De Mayo - one of Deacon's favorite holidays ... mostly because his favorite spirit is tequila. We know what you're thinking:


But that's not it, although we do love that song. Tequila has long been one of our favorite spirits for its complexity and inherent ability to stand both alone and in cocktails. Not unlike fine bourbons or scotches, tequila has a wide variety of tastes and textures... it's not all Cuervo and Patron, that's for sure.

We opt to drink ours straight up, usually with a lime wedge or splash of lime juice (unsweetened, usually from Whole Foods) or a little bit of Key West Lime Juice if we want something a dash sweeter.

If we're making cocktails for friends, we'll add a splash of Cointreau or Triple Sec, a packet or two of Truvia, and a healthier dash of lime for our own take on the Skinny Girl Margarita.

But the most important base ingredient is the tequila itself. You'll be tasting it, not shooting it, so it's important to pick one that's full of smooth flavor and lacks that acidic bite at the end. If we're making things in batches or have to go for what's in a regular bar, we usually turn to Patron Silver or Cabo Wabo, both of which have good flavor. These "white" tequilas are fine for shooting, sipping, or mixing. We like the "silver" tequilas because they are typically un-aged, where the true flavors and the intensity of the Agave are present, as well as the natural sweetness. 

But if you really want to enjoy your experience, we'd suggest one of our favorites - these tequilas are all reposados,  the first stage of "rested and aged". The Tequila is aged in wood barrels or storage tanks between 2 months and 11 months. The spirit takes on a golden hue and the taste becomes a good balance between the Agave and wood flavors. Many different types of wood barrels are used for aging, with the most common being American or French oak. Some Tequilas are aged in used bourbon / whiskey, cognac, or wine barrels, and will inherit unique flavors from the previous spirit. Reposado tequilas aren't usually the most expensive, but they still have great flavor. Our favorites?

Clase Azul

 Casa Nobles (the blue bottle is their reposado)

 Herradura (while not a white tequila, we love this flavor)

Drink responsibly, and enjoy! We're still enjoying our week in Montauk (pics to come soon), but don't worry, we'll be raising a glass in celebration tonight!