Arlo Hotel opens, complete with Arrels Restaurant and a Rooftop Bar

D.C.’s oldest surviving apartment building, the 1888 Harrison Apartments, has been transformed into a glamorous new 445-room hotel, Arlo Washington D.C. The hotel’s highlights include a gorgeous rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the flagship restaurant named Arrels. Helmed by Chef Pepe Moncayo, Arrels means “roots” in Catalan to honor the Chef’s Spanish heritage. Standout dishes on the menu include the crispiest patatas bravas, served in a charming cone alongside a puddle of garlicky aioli, grilled gem lettuce crowned with a snowy mountain of Manchego cheese, chewy mushroom fideos, and, of course, flaky, sugar-coated churros served with a dense chocolate sauce.

Dupont Circle Hotel’s Pembroke Sunday Suppers

In the fall of 2024, The Pembroke, the gorgeous, glass-enclosed restaurant located on the first floor of D.C.’s Dupont Circle hotel, launched a new Sunday Supper series. Each month, a different member of The Pembroke’s talented culinary team will curate a prix-fixe, family-style meal, using fresh ingredients from the market, that honors their own personal culture. Guests can choose to dine just with their party, or,  in the dinner’s spirit of gathering, sit at the community table with whomever else is there that evening.

We were lucky enough to attend the inaugural supper, which had a Sicilian theme. (And as you know, we at the Dining Traveler love all things Sicilian!) The family-style meal included sfincione, a garlicky parmesan-dusted Sicilian pizza, panelle, crunchy chickpea flour crackers, stuffed cabbage, grilled romano beans, roasted cauliflower with almonds, mint, lemon, and chilies, and hearty braised beans. Dessert was a marvel; not-too-sweet ricotta cake arrived topped with warm roasted plums and peaches, and the creamiest chocolate chip gelato was too good not to finish. This is a D.C. hotel experience you don’t want to miss!    

Hotel Heron’s Debuts New Cocktail Bar, Francis Hall

Old Town Alexandria’s Hotel Heron, right outside of D.C. just opened Francis Hall, a craft cocktail bar offering a boozy D.C. hotel experience. The menu features about 30 drinks, including gems like Frank’s Punch, a strong combination of corn whiskey, mezcal, clementine, and suze, and a Negroni that is served as a frozen sorbet with mezcal, vermouth, citrus, and chocolate, and made table-side with liquid nitrogen for an extra special experience.

The Fire Garden at Park Hyatt’s Blue Duck Tavern

Lots of local outdoor patios have closed for the winter, but if you love to enjoy the fresh air even when temperatures are low, visit the new fire garden at Blue Duck Tavern for a super seasonal D.C. hotel experience. The newly created outdoor oasis features firepits and cozy blankets on the terrace and a fun menu of seasonal cocktails like a gingerbread martini, made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and ginger, and a chai white Russian, featuring chai-spiced cream, spiced rum, and cinnamon. There is also a series of drinks that incorporate at least one ingredient or garnish that was sourced directly from the hotel’s rooftop garden, like the sweet potato old fashioned with rum blend, sweet potato syrup, angostura bitters, and pecan bitters, garnished with dehydrated orange and two charred meringue cubes. Also part of the series are the golden pear with pear ginger vodka, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, ginger syrup, and angostura bitters, garnished with dried pear, and the Park DC cider with apple, cinnamon- and clove-infused bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, cranberry and ginger syrup, served in a cider mug and garnished with a cinnamon stick. 

Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s Winter Chalet

Dirty Habit has transformed its outdoor patio into a cozy winter chalet with fire pits, blankets, and a snow cannon, offering a lovely festive D.C. hotel experience. Seasonal beverages include warm concoctions like hot toddies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Don’t forget to order some of their famous truffle frites!

Visitation Hotel Frederick is the first new hotel to open in Frederick, MD in 50 years

Visitation Hotel Frederick, the first new hotel to open in Frederick, Maryland in the last 50 years, is housed in a space that was formerly a convent and Catholic school, which has been renovated into a 65-room boutique hotel. Celebrity chef siblings Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are opening their first joint restaurant in their hometown inside the Visitation, called Wye Oak Tavern, and the venue is a great spot from which you can explore historic downtown Frederick.

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The Food at Aventino

Like all of Mike Friedman’s spots, the Italian fare at Aventino is hearty and mouth-watering. Kick off your meal with a traditional Roman flatbread called pizza rossa, simply topped with a jammy tomato conserva, sea salt and Sicilian oregano, and meaty artichokes smothered in buttery and crispy breadcrumbs and a lemony dressing, with elegant mint leaves as a garnish. From there, choose from a variety of pastas. For something decadent, try the cacio e pepe. Made with thick spaghetti strands called tonnarelli, the cheese and black pepper sauce is like a warm blanket that will wrap you up from the inside out. The ricotta-stuffed cappelletti is another great choice, with a creamy sunchoke-infused sauce and sunchoke chips for a crunchy note. Dessert options are equally as irresistible; the budino with dark chocolate ganache is decadent and luscious; the Amalfi lemon float is fun and unique with vanilla gelato and lemon granita doused in a juniper soda, and the apple cake comes with a gorgeous olive oil gelato that is just the right combination of sweet-salty-fruity-creamy.

The Drinks

Ranging from fun and unique to classic, there is a cocktail for everyone on this menu. For drinks on the lighter side, try the Sicilian spritz for something lesser known, made with Lambrusco and blood orange, or a classic Aperol spritz. For a boozier option, there is the pink lotus with Aperol, gin, lemon, egg white, and orange bitters, or a standard delicious negroni with gin, Campari, and vermouth.

The Vibe

The golden light fixtures, velvety bar stools surrounding the oval-shaped bar, and warm wooden floors are all recipes for an inviting dining experience. The staff is as warm and friendly as the décor, and the only issue will be getting a reservation at this already well-known spot.

The Verdict

This is already our new favorite spot in Bethesda! Aventino can get busy so make sure to reserve in advance. If you’re in Washington, D.C., check Mike Friedman’s other spots too. The Red Hen is also one of our favorites!

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Ilili DC

With its colorful interior, spacious windows, gorgeous hanging plants, and dangling gold light fixtures, Ilili is quite the place to dine. Lately, Ilili has started lunch services, which include a variety of unique dishes. You can design your meal as you fit. Maybe a series of mezza with hummus, labneh, or olives is all you need; maybe you prefer a salad, or maybe your appetite is calling for a full entrée. Whatever you choose, there are several standout dishes to keep in mind.

First, the hummus, made inhouse, which is so silky smooth it is practically buttery. You may choose to order your hummus with a topping; for something spicy, try the jalapenos; for a bit of crunch, add a sprinkling of the rich pine nuts, and if you are craving a meaty element, go with the umami sauteed wild mushrooms. Baba ghanoush is also a treat, super smoky and earthy, and the tabbouleh is bright, fresh, and tart. Perhaps best of all is the fatayer, with heaps of melted cheese, a doughy crust, and a drizzle of fragrant lavender honey. The fattoush salad is sunny and light, and the falafel is made with chickpeas and fava beans for an extra nutty kick.

If your lunch can include a cocktail, sample the thyme after thyme, which is light but brimming with earthy and bitter notes. The baklava, made with walnuts and pistachios, is flaky and sweet and begs to be eaten alongside a cup of Turkish coffee. You can make your lunch at Ilili quick one, but the ambiance and cuisine beckon you to dine, indulge, imbibe, and luxuriate in the gorgeous setting with impeccable fare.

Cranes

The fusion fare at Cranes is one of the best in the DMV, and now you can try Chef Pep Moncayo’s dishes at lunchtime. Delicate dumplings, where mashed edamame is enrobed in dumpling wrappers, steamed, and then doused with a buttery sauce with a sprinkling of spring peas, are sublime, as are the meaty mushroom gyoza. The red miso ramen is the star of the menu, with springy noodles, cubes of tofu in a sweet glazed miso sauce, a bold, savory tomato and miso broth, and lots of earthy veggies like grilled bok choy. For those who can’t decide, choose the bento box menu with several options from the menu. Close your meal with the yuzu cheesecake: it is undoubtedly the creamiest cheesecake you will ever have the pleasure of eating, and the contrast of the tart, acidic yuzu, and calamansi to the luscious cheese is sublime.

Seven Reasons

There are many updates related to Seven Reasons, including a new space down in CityCenterDC and a spectacular new brunch menu. From the finger-linking melted cheese tequeños, served with dollops of guava jam, to the irresistible avocado dip, served with egg yolk, to the crunchy waffles to the traditional Venezuelan breakfast with eggs, black beans, arepas, and fried cheese, this brunch has something for everyone. Vegans will appreciate the impossible burger, and those with a sweet tooth will not want to pass up the tres leches or mango flan. The brunch cocktails include pina coladas, espresso martinis, bloody marys, and tropical aperol spritzs. The brunch is a delight!

The Verdict

Visit all of these spots!

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There’s nothing like the sound of a Champagne bottle popping to signify a special occasion. In this day and age, restaurants and wine shops are full of a plethora of options of both Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, ranging from Spanish Cava to Italian Lambrusco to French Crémant, but there is something extra fun about visiting a bar that is specifically dedicated to bubbles. This Valentine’s Day, or the next time you have something to celebrate, or even for no reason at all, visit one of the Champagne bars in D.C. with your partner or bestie or to toast yourself.

For a French-themed fizz bar experience: Apero

If you want to feel like you are enjoying a glass of champagne in a Parisian café in France, Apero, located in Georgetown, is the place for you. This intimate wine and Champagne bar in D.C. offers a cozy and chic space to indulge in a glass or bottle of sparkling wine alongside classic French fare. The menu of champagnes and sparkling wines is extensive; feel free to ask your server for a recommendation, and they will be more than happy to guide you. Pair your beverage with crunchy potato chips served with French onion dip or decadent black truffle and Gruyère gougères, and you have the recipe for an extraordinary evening.

For a fizz bar experience with fizzy cocktails: Bar Jo

Located inside Josephine’s, a French brassiere in Alexandra, Bar Jo is a charming hidden bar within the restaurant that specializes in bubbles and fizzy cocktails. The bubbly cocktails include gems like Hemingway’s kir royal, a boozy twist on a Kir Royal where the sparkling wine and cassis are combined with absinthe, the pamplemousse spritz, with vodka, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling wine for those who love a bitter element, and the classic champagne cocktail, with sparkling wine, sugar, and bitters, for those who love a cocktail with a hint of sweetness. Feeling peckish? Sample one of the many items on the French-themed menu, including butternut squash soup, Marconi gratin, and a daily changing cheese plate.

For a fun and casual fizz bar experience: Pop

From the catchy pop tunes to the sound of bottles popping, you are immediately set up for a fun evening as soon as you walk through the door of Pop. This champagne bar in D.C. or “fizz bar” is located in Shaw, from the same folks who brought you Maxwell, one of the most popular wine bars in the city. Choose something from the extensive list of bubbles; there is champagne by the glass and half bottle, which allows you the opportunity to sample several different kinds of sparkling wine, and there is also a lengthy bottle list if you feel like splurging. The bar even has options for fizzy canned cocktails like a Negroni made with Lambrusco and a cucumber and lemon-lime hard seltzer. Lowbrow snacks eliminate any pretension that comes with the word champagne; indulge in fried pickles, truffle fries, and Detroit-style pizza, all of which pair surprisingly well with a glass of bubbly.

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For a glass of Champagne: Bar Jo

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of champagne, and there’s no better place to enjoy a glass of bubbles than at a champagne bar – namely, Bar Jo’s, the cozy champagne bar inside Josephine’s in Old Town Alexandria. The list of champagnes by the glass and bottle is extensive, and the menu of champagne cocktails includes something for everyone. There is the boozy Hemingway’s Kir Royale, a twist on a classic Kir Royale with absinthe, the light and airy Lighter Side of A, a wine-based aperitif with sparkling wine and lemon, and the tropical Alpine Airmail, with rum, peach, lime and of course, sparkling wine. The venue even offers a sparking wine negroni! Enjoy your champagne with a cheese plate, or, for something indulgent, the creamiest macaroni au gratin in town.

For happy hour with a wintery vibe: Dirty Habit’s Ski Chalet

The iconic Kimpton Hotel Monaco converts the patio of its restaurant, Dirty Habit, into a ski chalet every winter to set a seasonal vibe for guests. There are fire pits, cozy blankets, and of course, winter-themed beverages such as a warm espresso martini, a cranberry sparkling wine beverage, mulled wine, and more. Be sure to visit the annual Penn Quarter holiday market before or after happy hour, located right in front of the hotel.

For the best holiday cookies: Levain Bakery

The cookie tin at Levain Bakery, with locations both in Georgetown and Bethesda, is guaranteed to chase away any winter blues. The dark chocolate peppermint is sinfully rich, the chocolate chip walnut is crunchy, and the oatmeal raisin is a classic. If you are buying one as a gift, get one for yourself too!

For a cozy brunch: The Tabard Inn Restaurant

The Tabard Inn welcomes you with a cozy lounge complete with a fireplace, which leads to several small rooms with dining tables and an enclosed patio with heat lamps. In addition to that, their brunch menu has all the comfort foods you crave in winter. Flaky, butter biscuits, latkes topped with eggs and gravy, pear-topped pancakes, and best of all, irresistible house-made donuts.

For a lunch of classic Italian comfort food: Claudio’s Table

There’s nothing as comforting as pasta when the temperatures drop, and so Claudio’s Table, which just opened in Palisades, is the perfect spot for a winter lunch. Indulge in arancini, where creamy spheres of risotto are enrobed in a crunchy exterior, cheesy cacio e pepe pasta, hearty eggplant parmesan smothered in mozzarella cheese, classic margherita pizza with burnt edges, and, of course, sweet cannoli.

Happy holidays!

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Tlayudas at Tequila & Mezcal

There’s a block on 14th street that features a series of Mexican restaurants in D.C., including Mezcalero, Taqueria Habanero, Anafre, and, most recently, Tequila & Mezcal. This new spot hosts a charming covered patio and colorful indoor dining room. The menu highlights a variety of different tacos, but what I zeroed in on was the tlayuda – a dish not often seen on menus of local Mexican restaurants. Tlayudas are a classic Oaxacan dish, made with a crispy toasted tortilla smothered with creamy mashed refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, queso fresco, and any additional toppings you may choose. Served everywhere from food carts to high-end dining venues, tlayudas are a quintessential Oaxacan dish, and for good reason. Tlayudas are uber satisfying with just the right amount of crunchy, a hint of smoke from the beans, freshness from the vegetables, and creaminess from the cheese. At Tequila & Mezcal, you can have yours with meaty portobello mushrooms and corn, making the dish even heartier and more delicious.

Quesadillas at Oyamel

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love quesadillas. After all, what’s not to love? It’s cheese melted in a tortilla, a Mexican grilled cheese of sorts! Originating from northern Mexico, quesadillas date back to the Aztecs, who also incorporated huitlacoche into their meals. Huitlacoche are Mexican truffles made of corn fungus. The flavor of huitlacoche is smoky, velvety, and rich, and when served inside a quesadilla, as done by the Aztecs, it is an experience in decadence. At Oyamel, you can have this experience. Oyamel is the original Mexican fine dining venue in D.C., and their huitlacoche quesadilla has been on the menu since the restaurant opened. Oyamel also serves squash blossom quesadillas during squash blossom season, wildly popular at street-side stalls throughout Mexico City. No matter what kind of quesadilla you treat yourself to at Oyamel, you will have an authentic, cheesy meal. Note: Oyamel is a very popular Mexican restaurant in D.C. so make sure to make a reservation.

Camote at Muchas Gracias

During a recent trip to Merida, in the Yucatan, where the Mayan culture has had a huge influence on the local cuisine, I was surprised to discover how popular camote, or sweet potatoes, are. They are actually native to the Yucatan peninsula, and were grilled or roasted by the Mayans. In modern dishes they are served with different toppings, sometimes drizzled with crunchy and savory peanuts, sometimes arriving in a puddle of moles, or, like at Muchas Gracias, come served with a bit of sea salt and a heady, garlic infused salsa negra. In any form, camote is delectable and I highly recommend the one at Muchas Gracias.

Enchiladas at Republic Cantina

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, originating from the Valley of Mexico, where present-day Mexico City is located. Republic Cantina is a new Tex-Mex spot near NoMa serving chips, queso, and really dynamite enchiladas. Served in a skillet, with tortillas stuffed with classic Mexican ingredients including squash, corn, and mushrooms, smothered in melted cheese and doused in a tangy green salsa, it’s a delightfully dense and earthy dish.

Cemitas at Taqueria Xochi

Many of us have heard of tortas, which are Mexican sandwiches that originated in Guadalajara. Cemitas are a different kind of Mexican sandwich that hails from Puebla and are distinguished by the round, sesame seed dotted bread that is always utilized for them. Taqueria Xochi, a rising star in the local Mexican restaurant scene, serves up a divine cemita with eggplant, Oaxacan cheese which is sort of like mozzarella, avocado, chipotle, beans, onions, and tomatoes. It is a heavyweight in the world of sandwiches and one that will have you relishing each and every bite.

Enfrijoladas at Cielo Rojo

Enfrijoladas is a classic Oaxacan dish, made with mini tortillas stuffed with cheese or eggs and served swimming in a black bean sauce, where the black beans are stewed with garlic, avocado leaves, and hoja santa, which is an aromatic Mexican pepper leaf. With the flavors of anise and mint from the hoja santa, the creamy and soft textures of the sauce and the cheese, and the nutty aroma of fresh corn tortillas, this dish is a whirlwind for your senses. The one at Cielo Rojo is visually stunning as well and can be veganized with vegan cheese. The addition of guacamole, epazote, cashew cream, onions, and smoky chipotle makes it even more of a flavor bomb. Wash it down with one of their tart and smoky margaritas! Although Cielo Rojo is not a Mexican restaurant in D.C. proper, it’s worth the drive to Takoma.

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Going for a formal tea is fun any time of the year. But there is something particularly festive about going during the holiday season. This December the Willard Intercontinental in downtown DC is offering a decadent holiday tea every day (except for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve) from 1pm to 4pm in their grand Peacock Alley.

Holiday Decadence: Tea at the Willard

Upon arrival, you will be seated a white table-clothed table, from where you can hear the elegant notes of the live harp. Your server will bring your menu, which features a $52 per adult, $22 for children 5-12 years of age, children under 5 are complimentary. That includes an array of organic teas, festive tea sandwiches and decadent pastries. Cocktails are available at an extra cost.

We started off with two kinds of tea: I choose a green tea and my mom went for a darjeeling black tea. Of course, warm milk and sugar were offered tableside which she took advantage of! I enjoyed mine without adding anything. Then came the best part: a three tiered crystal dessert platter filled with holiday treats. On the first level there were scones, both cinnamon and cranberry, which were served with four different spreads: passionfruit jam, lemon curd, whipped cream, and strawberry jelly. Each one was better than the last!

The second layer of the tray was filled with savory tarts and tea sandwiches. There were little gougeres filled with tomatoes, mushroom tarts, eggplant tarts and puffed pastry shells filled with a savory custard. The final tier was the best of all: sweets! Small brownies, caramel tarts, macaroons, chocolate cake, and chocolate cups filled with a cappuccino mousse. Sinfully good.

I would definitely recommend making a reservation; it was understandably quite crowded when we were there. Also be sure to leave yourself ample time to enjoy the music, tea, and treats. You want to relax during this tea time! Servers will refill your tea with hot water if you want more.

The Verdict: Tea at the Willard is the perfect holiday experience in the city! Take someone as a holiday treat or perfect to entertain relatives from out of town. At the Dining Traveler, we’re big fans of The Willard! Check out our spa a lunch review.

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As a writer for the Dining Traveler, you can imagine that I love to travel largely in order to sample the delicious and authentic cuisines of other countries. Luckily, in DC we have a great deal of fantastic international fare so even if I can’t travel, I can sample the dishes of other countries in my own city. One of the cuisines that the city has been lacking for some time however is good, spicy Chinese food. Yes, there are great spots in Virginia and Rockville, but sometimes you just want to eat close to home.  Luckily for me, right around the time that I was craving a meal of good Chinese food, a new Chinese restaurant opened  in Shaw, Chao Ku. I immediately went for a visit and discovered that I now have a new favorite spot for Chinese food in Washington, DC.

Chao Ku and it is nestled among the row houses lining the 9th Street Corridor. The menu is small but full of gems. Indoors the venue is small but cute, with a casual, low-maintenance vibe. I went with a group of friends, and we vowed to share all our dishes so we could try as much as possible! We started out our meal with a tart pickle plate and a refreshing cucumber salad, to wet our palates, and then, moved on to the real stuff.

First and foremost the veggie dan dan noodles are absolutely essential to your meal at Chao Ku. The handmade noodles come in a spectacularly spicy, sesame oil-infused sauce, then sprinkled with loads of peanuts, shards of radishes, and spring onions. The chewy noodles just soak up the gorgeous sauce, and are a perfect contrast to the crunchy toppings. The dish is just so good. Another highlight is the mapo tofu, brutally spicy and bursting with flavor. The cubes of tofu soak up the sauce and just melt in your mouth. Be sure to eat the tofu with the mound of rice the dishes comes with, it will offset the heat a little bit! A cold beer will help as well, the restaurant has plenty you can choose from. For something with less heat try the Singapore noodles, which have more of a curry flavor than a heat index. Fragrant and warm, with notes of turmeric and cumin, with the addition of sweet, bright, crunchy vegetables like broccolini, it hits the spot.

The Verdict: Chao Ku is officially the new best cheap eats in the city. Reservations aren’t need for now; be sure to go before everyone discovers this spot and there is a line out the door! Note: after Dining Traveler Jessica read this draft, she made the beeline to Chao Ku, she concurs!

Chao Ku, 1414 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Website 

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Casablanca at Dupont Circle

With the summer travels, I have not been able to do a DC post in a little while. Sometimes, we get caught up with travels that we forget how amazing our own city can be. In honor of the arrival of the Dutchman, I decided to do a little staycation less than two miles from my home: 24 hours in Dupont Circle. After my stay at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam through the Jetsetter Mystery Hotel Sale, I was sold on the same offer in Washington DC. I was excited to find out it was the Dupont Circle Hotel. The room had an amazing panoramic view of Dupont Circle, the bed was light and airy (which the Dutchman appreciated after a nine hour flight), and the location was perfect.

Soft Shell Crab at Ping Pong

Cozy Bed at the Dupont Circle Hotel

As we walked back to the hotel from dinner, we walked around the circle to be pleasantly surprised by the screening of Casablanca right on Dupont Circle. We were impressed by the magical display right in the middle of the city, an intimate setting shared by a diverse set of people. After a good night sleep, we headed to Kramer Books for brunch. The Dutchman is always impressed with the level of friendliness he receives in the United States, especially at restaurants. What I enjoyed about Kramer Books the most were the nice plates of mini-breads and fresh fruit we received upon being seated. Nice touch, especially as we arrived starving. The crabcake eggs benedict was delicious as a washed it down with a pomegranate mimosa.

Dutchman Chowing Away at Kramer’s

We walked off the brunch at the Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market. Much bigger than my neighborhood market at Bloomingdale, it had a great variety, especially of fruits and vegetables that are rare finds at supermarkets. One of the things I appreciate the most about DC is how much neighborhoods can change within a few blocks. I am in love with my neighborhood of Bloomindale but I am also happy that a whole new world and experiences are available in a two mile radius.

At the Dupont Farmer’s Market

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Paintings at Eastern Market

 Another adventure I recently went on was the National Gallery of Art.  It was my first time there and I was impressed with the structure.  I went to see the film “The Fifth Season”, a Belgian film, part of the Environmental Film Festival.  I was impressed with the entrance of the café: a futuristic light installment within a classic building.  Although the film was quite depressing, I enjoyed the experience.  What even made the experience more enjoyable is that it was free.  I will be keeping an eye out for more screenings when the weather gets hotter and need somewhere cool to escape.

Walkway to the National Gallery of Art Cafe

Living in DC has made me a Wizards fan.  January 1st was my very first Wizards game.  Although they lost, I decided then I will support them.   I have always rooted for the underdog and this team has improved dramatically from the beginning of the season.  Two more games have followed and tickets purchased for the Wizards vs Bulls showdown.  Favorite highlight:  seeing Carmelo Anthony’s face of disbelief as the Wizards defeated the Knicks in February.  I love the energy of the crowd, easy access to Verizon center from work and home, and plenty of restaurants and bars for post game drinks or dinner.  One of the highlights of having the underdog team is how easy is to get tickets.  If you are willing to do the nosebleed, tickets normally cost $15.

With my G-Wiz at the Rockets vs Wizards Game

Whether it is food, art, or sports, there is plenty to do in DC.  Most importantly (with the looming furlough) many activities are either free or very affordable.  I have a very diverse set of interests and enjoy discovering new places in my new city.  Now looking forward to more sunshine and warmer weather in order to discover new neighborhoods and activities.

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