TwoDC Turns Three!

Happy 3rd Blogoversary to us! For 3 years we've been writing about our exploration of this wonderful, dynamic, and world-class city. We're happy to report that we've discovered exceptional food and culture that we'd label as simply the best. Not just the best of DC (which you can read about in this 2009 post), but the best we've ever had. So as a special birthday gift, here's a list of our favorite things in the whole wide world that just happen to be in DC.

B's Favorites

Peking Duck: I've had it in Chinatowns up and down California and in China itself, but I don't remember ever liking it as much as when we had it at Mark's Duck House.

Fried Shrimp: Tacklebox has elevated this Sizzler staple to fine dining.

Grits: Best grits ever were with jalapeno cheese at a friend's friend's friend's (not a typo) house in Atlanta. Best in a restaurant (both with shrimp) were found at Firefly and Art and Soul.

Burger: It doesn't get better than the New Jack Zing at Ray's Hell Burger. Not opinion. Fact.

Beet Salad: Canned beets made me think I hated beets. Hook made me love them.

Fish Tacos: Surfside not only brings San Diego east, it may have also bested the original.

Public Transportation: Being an LA kid, the Metro system, despite its flaws, is still a wonder. Twice a day I get to sit back and read the newspaper. That's how I see my commute. People like to complain about 10 minute single tracking delays. Try a commute that takes 2 hours in stop and go traffic over the course of 7 miles. Been there, done that. Just ask my therapist.

Free Stuff: Where else in the world can you do so much and spend so little? Museums filled with iconic art and historic artifacts... free. Monuments to great leaders or fallen heroes... free. Architectural wonders that are home to the debates and decisions that govern the country, and often times, the world... free. Lectures, tours, concerts, games, and even a couple of famous pandas... free.

J's Favorites

Mac n Cheese: I am a blue box girl through and through but Oohhs & Aahhs' mac n' cheese is the only stuff I've liked more than the classic.

Risotto Balls: I tried them in three different cities in Italy, and I still like Taylor Gourmet's risotto balls best.

French Fries: My all time favorite were McDonald's fries dipped in sweet and sour sauce. Brasserie Beck's frites dipped in curry mayo are a more respectable version of this guilty pleasure.

Fried Chicken: My Dad's Uncle Boyd makes the best fried chicken, but Kerrigan's Corner Deli (an unassuming looking gas station) is giving him a run for his money.

Recreational Activity: Flying trapeze at TSNY DC. Sure you can fly through the air in other cities, but the friends I've made make the DC location number one in my heart.

Noodles: Though the spicy noodle soup we ate for breakfast at our hotel in Cambodia still calls out to me, the classic ramen at Toki Underground just makes me giddy.

Walkable City: We've explored many of the world's cities on foot but we still love walking through DC. Walking to work, to the gym, to dinner, to a concert . . . I absolutely love it.

We have a blast sharing our DC adventures with you. Our tag line has always been "A new couple exploring a new city." We aren't exactly a new couple anymore (we've been married for 1637 days which is 22.74 Kim Kardashian marriages!) and DC isn't exactly a new city to us now (5 years in this transient town practically qualifies us for native status).

However, the tag line reminds us to keep looking at this city and each other with fresh eyes. Also, "A somewhat older couple exploring a city they've lived in for 5 years" just doesn't have as nice of a ring to it.

We look forward to another year of food, fun, and exploration. We love hearing your suggestions, so please, keep them coming! It reminds us that there are people out there who actually read this thing.

We're off to follow B's best advice: "Be a tourist in your hometown."

Thankful for DC

We wanted to take a moment on the eve of Thanksgiving to jot down a few things about DC that we're thankful for. We often take for granted the amazing things our fair city has to offer and thought it'd be good to reflect on the things (some serious, some not) that we appreciate.

J is thankful for:

• Washington Monument (get well soon!)


• Taylor Gourmet risotto balls


• living and working in walkable Downtown


• Toki Underground classic ramen


• atrium at the National Portrait Gallery


• leaves that change color and fall from the trees


• DC Public Library


• early morning spin classes at Vida Fitness


• Trapeze School New York - Washington, DC


• ParkMobile parking meter app


• Jose Andres and his imaginative restaurants


• street vendor at 9th and G who waves every day


• 5 cent plastic bag tax


• (free!) Smithsonian


• little kids in puffy coats


• sloth bears at the National Zoo (RIP Merlin)


• Penn Quarter farmer's market

• all of the new friends we've made that makes DC feel like home
  

B is thankful for:

• to have a job that keeps a roof over my head, food on my plate, and does good for the world

• the Metro


• the Washington Post Express


• an embarrassment of good dining options (regardless of what New Yorkers would tell you)


• walking home from events at the Verizon Center


• the Capitol Building randomly showing up in my rear view mirror


• the view of the National Cathedral out our window


• lightning


• the city after a big snow storm


• fantastic architecture


• no skyscrapers


• the proximity to so many other cool places

• skies full of clouds (especially at dusk)


• the monuments at night


• the many distinct neighborhoods


• the prevalence of sports leagues


• eavesdropping on conversations that involve real issues and not the Kardashians
  


• the turkeys on the Hill and the turkey on my plate
  

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Metrocurean's 5 Bites (times Two)

Last week, one of DC's best food sites, Metrocurean, featured us in their "5 Bites" feature (see here). As the title implies, these are our favorite dishes in DC. It was really hard to narrow it down to less than 100, much less 5, and our choices may change depending on the day of the week (so don't kill us that we failed to include BCB's Half Smoke). We tried to have some balance to our list (no duplicate items or restaurants) and pick things that we have made a special trip for, thereby eliminating some fantastic dishes from Minibar, Komi, and Adour, just to name a few. So without further waffling and rationalization, we present our 5 Bites:

Five Bites from B

1. Negril fish tacos at Surfside
2. Crispy shrimp at Tackle Box
3. New Jack Zing burger at Ray's Hell Burger
4. Garlic bread at Nando's Peri Peri
5. Handroll bento box at Teaism

Five Bites from J

1. Rocky's risotto balls at Taylor Gourmet
2. Milky Way malt shake at Good Stuff Eatery
3. Frites dipped in curry mayo at Brasserie Beck
4. Two Amys pizza at 2Amys
5. Strawberry cupcake at Baked and Wired

Monuments at Night

We are always pushing the idea of seeing the monuments at night, primarily because at that time they are less crowded and more beautiful. We'd like to introduce evidence A-F, taken on a beautiful fall night in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

World War II Memorial. Light, water, and great views of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

Is there a better spot in DC?

Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Beautiful and haunting at the same time. One of my favorites.

Chances are that you're plenty familiar with the Lincoln Memorial, but we've climbed those famous steps often enough to prove that you can't get tired of it.

Korean War Veterans Memorial. Talk about haunting... here's your reminder of the terror of war. It is almost a shame not to see it at night.

And of course, the money shot. Just like you can't film a TV show or movie in DC without this picture, you can't live or visit without marveling at this breathtaking sight.

Favorite Restaurants - Revisited

One of our first and most visited posts featured a list of our favorite restaurants. Not necessarily the best, but those that we found ourselves returning to. After all, what does "best" really mean? Rather than assuming that we are any kind of authority, we chose to list those places which won the "put your money where your mouth is" award.

As a refresher, here is the list from the original February 2009 post.

• 2 Amys
• Ben's Chili Bowl
• Teaism
• Mr. Yogato
• Mayur Kabab House
• Brasserie Beck
• Potbelly
• Julia's Empanadas
• Five Guys
• Ray's Hell Burger
• Co Co. Sala

Since that post, loyal readers will testify that we've spent the last year and a half expanding our culinary experiences in DC. They'd also note that we often promise return trips to those places that we've enjoyed. But which restaurants were so good or so memorable that they pushed themselves into heavy rotation?

• Baked & Wired. Forget the Georgetown Cupcake hype. Walk a short distance to Baked & Wired to find cupcake nirvana without the scene. Also try taking home a cake disguised as a (delicious) medicine ball or the best granola we've ever eaten (despite what Tyler Florence says).
  

• Good Stuff Eatery. While it may not be the very best burger in the world (here's looking at you Ray), when combined with a Milky Way shake and fries dipped in sriracha mayo, it is a contender for best burger joint in the world.
  

• Kotobuki. No frills, just plain good sushi served up with a side of the Beatles' Anthology on loop.
  

• Matchbox. It won't make our "best" list with all the superior pizza options around, but we've found ourselves waiting for a table on more than one occasion. Even if we don't know exactly why, something must be drawing us back.
  

• Mitsitam. The best dining option on the Mall. Indian fry bread tacos with a view of a serene waterfall makes this our go-to spot for visiting museum-goers.
  

• Nando's Peri Peri. Spicy chicken and our favorite garlic bread in town can cure whatever ails you.
  

• Ping Pong Dim Sum. While definitely not traditional, the dim sum is surprisingly tasty and the killer happy hour deals at the bar can't be beat.
  

• Surfside. We drool thinking of their tacos. The very best fish tacos outside (and maybe even including) Southern California. No? Then show us what is better.
  

• Tackle Box. The new fangled lobster roll truck may be getting all the publicity, but don't forget the stellar rolls served up at Tacklebox. Add a side of fried shrimp served by the friendliest cashier in town.
  

• Taylor Gourmet. They had me at risotto balls, but the sandwiches are great too. This place has fallen to the bottom of our "favorites" list as they had run out of bread and closed early the last couple times we attempted to eat there.

• Zorba's. A welcome respite from the over-priced under-tasty options in the Dupont area. Big portions of reasonably priced Greek food keep us coming back.

We'd love to know what we're missing. Where are you a repeat customer?

D.C. on the cheap

First off, thank you to the people out there who have taken an interest in our blog. Even though we both (more or less) grew up with the internet, its ability to connect perfect strangers amazes us, and it is flattering to think that people not obligated by friendship or DNA have noticed our efforts.

We recently received an email from a young couple that is new to Alexandria. Like many of us at that stage in life, "bars don't have the same appeal they used to, mostly because in the real world its too hard to stay up past midnight, and going to the movies is just getting boring." With that in mind, here's a list of DC-based activities for our fans in Alexandria that we've enjoyed as a couple that are easy on the wallet (non-museum edition). We've also included some things that have been recommended to us, but that we've not had a chance to do ourselves.

Charity Work. Not surprisingly, D.C. is filled with people who want to make the world a better place. Perhaps not as obvious is that these events (see here and here) often double as social/networking events. Do a little good and meet some good people along the way.
Roadtrip. D.C. is great but sometimes you need a change of pace. In the time we've been here, we've enjoyed tips to Philly, Baltimore, Annapolis, New York, Atlanta, Indianapolis, West Virginia, Gettysburg, and Charlottesville, just to name a few. We like to drive but also consider the various luxury bus companies, like Bolt Bus and Mega Bus. We once snagged 2 roundtrips to NY for the grand total of $35. It probably would have cost that much in tolls, not to mention gas. Plus, our car doesn't have a bathroom or WiFi.
Cooking Classes. There are lots of options, and when you factor in the fact that you're learning something while also eating a top notch meal, it is a good deal too. Seek out classes at restaurants (we've had good experiences at Zola and Zengo), from private chefs (Chef Oliver Friendly), and cooking schools (L'Academie de Cuisine).
Scavenger Hunts. Appealing to everyone's geeky side (and most of us have one, especially in D.C.), you'd be surprised how many scavenger hunts you'll find in this city. In our experience (Post Hunt, Mr. Yogato sponsored hunt for the charity, A Plate for All), if you have a good team, a scavenger hunt can be one of the most goofy/fun times you'll have. And you'd be surprised what you can get away with when you tell a stranger on the street that you're doing a scavenger hunt...
Trivia/Game Night. What did we say about D.C. getting its geek on? When you go to a bar in most other cities, you'll find beer and bad pick-up lines. Here, you can find Trivial Pursuit tournaments.
The Great Outdoors. When surrounded by history and beautiful architecture, don't forget all the natural beauty that surrounds you. Ride your bike, visit Shenandoah, experience Great Falls, or explore Rock Creek Park.
Be a Tourist. There must be some reason millions of middle school kids flock to D.C. every year... Check out Mt. Vernon, the National Cathedral, any number of free downtown walking tours, jump on a Segway tour, see where fabulous lives, or join an embassy tour.
Eating Out. DC has its share of cheap eats, but to experience nicer restaurants when they are "on sale" check out Restaurant Week or try a food club such as Tastings Journal.
Smithsonian Resident Associates. You already know that the Smithsonian museums are free, but did you know that for a small membership fee you get access to a huge array of special events such as lectures, tours, and classes? They usually cost money but member discounts are available. We've been to some great events (An Evening With Tommy Lasorda) and a snoozer (Monet and Giverny) and encourage you to check out their extensive offerings.
Local Music. Since we were completely spoiled by the level of bar and coffeehouse musical talent in LA, this is something we have yet to experience in D.C. However, we've heard great things about the local music scene and it's one of our goals to get out their and listen. We'd love to hear about your favorite places.
Sport/Rec Leagues. Is sitting behind that computer all day making you crazy? Get outside and run around! Whether it is bocce ball, ultimate frisbee, or kickball, D.C. has a league for you.
Professional Sports Teams. It's true that tickets to the major sport teams aren't cheap but don't forget the secondary sports like MLS and lacrosse.
Blogging. Start a blog! Seriously. It is a great hobby to take up, and something you can do as a couple. And depending on your blog's theme, it tends to push you to explore things that you wouldn't otherwise pursue.
People Watching. D.C. has so many fantastic people watching places. Whether it's the American flag-shirted families that populate the National Mall or the frantic holiday shoppers at the shopping mall, there are plenty of interesting things to see if you just stop and look. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, find a bench, and let the games begin.

Anyone out there have any other good ideas for where to go when your bank account is as empty as a Washington Nationals game? New to the area and looking for some other suggestions? Contact us here.

Washington Post Express - Best of 2009

We've both made clear our love for the Washington Post Express. In fact, many of our posts are about places we first learned about through the Express. As part of my daily commute (it is available for free outside Metro stations), I look forward to catching up on what's going on in the world, whether thousands of miles away or in my own backyard. Speaking of the latter, the Express recently released a "Best of 2009" edition that included every category imaginable, and relied on reader input. As faithful readers, J and I decided we'd use this space to bring you our own (not nearly as comprehensive) Best of 2009 list. Obviously our experience is significantly less expansive, but if someone were to ask us, "In your opinion, what is the best...," this is how we'd answer. Need more information? Click on the links for our reviews of many of our suggestions.

Food and Drink

Bar (Express winner: Wonderland Ballroom) Brasserie Beck - we aren't big bar people but you can't argue with a bible of Belgian beer that can fit any taste. It is probably the biggest reason J has begun to like beer... at least a little.
Cocktails (Express winner: Founding Farmers) Co Co Sala - again, we're not big drinkers but we, and the many guests that we've taken here, have never had a drink that didn't make us say, "Mmmm!"
Sports Bar (Express winner: Penn Quarter Sports Tavern) Bar Louie - clearly letting our bias show (this is the UCLA bar), Bar Louie is big, clean, and right outside the Verizon Center for a quick pre- or post-game drink.
Restaurant (Express winner: Zaytinya) Komi - just read our gushing review. Others that come to mind: Charlie Palmer Steak, BLT Steak, MiniBar, CityZen, and Adour.
Meal Under $20 (Express winner: Ben's Chili Bowl) Teaism - can't argue with the Express' choice but for us, variety carries Teaism to the winner's circle.
24-Hour Eatery (Express winner: The Diner) Steak 'n Egg Kitchen - quirky and cheap, this is what a 24-hour joint should be. The Diner is good but almost too well known for this category.
American (Express winner: Old Ebbitt Grill) Poste - not to knock Old Ebbitt, because it is worth the trip, but we'd opt for fresh and local foods any day.
Bakery (Express winner: Cakelove) Sticky Fingers Bakery - the best bakery despite having one hand tied behind its back (it is vegan). Cakelove's cakes are great, but their cupcakes are below average.
Brunch (Express winner: Tabard Inn) Market Lunch - no single TwoDC picture has elicited more feedback than that of the blue buck pancakes. Believe it or not, they taste even better than they look.
Burger (Express winner: Five Guys) Ray's Hell Burger - NO CONTEST! I'm still puzzled how so many people could get this one wrong.
Chinese (Express winner: Meiwah) Meiwah - authentic flavors in heavy sauces that should please American palettes, and some of the nicest owners in town.
Comfort Food (Express winner: Ben's Chili Bowl) Five Guys - it kills us to overrule another BCB selection but for us, nothing is more comforting that a burger and fries that can be found all over town.
Cupcake (Express winner: Georgetown Cupcake) Baked and Wired and Hello Cupcake - maybe the most fun post we've written... reviewing cupcakes. No losers here but certainly some winners.
Farmer's Market (Express winner: Eastern Market) Eastern Market and Penn Quarter - Eastern Market is king but Penn Quarter's location is perfect for us.
Frozen Yogurt (Express winner: Tangysweet) Mr. Yogato - Another one they got wrong. You want frozen yogurt? Go where the experts go (growing up in Southern California makes you an expert). Hint: fro-yo is more than a frozen treat... personality counts.
Gourmet Food Store (Express winner: Trader Joe's) Trader Joe's - don't know if TJ's is a "gourmet food store," but we couldn't miss an opportunity to hype it.
Ice Cream (Express winner: Cold Stone Creamery) Larry's Ice Cream - seriously, people chose a chain for best ice cream? You just can't beat homemade.
Indian (Express winner: Rasika Restaurant) Rasika - this ain't cheap Indian food - which we love - but it is awesome... Awesome!
Italian (Express winner: Filomena Ristorante Georgetown) Filomena - nothing beats fresh, homemade pasta except gigantic portions of fresh, homemade pasta.
Kebob (Express winner: Moby Dick House of Kabob) Mayur Kabab House - here's that "cheap Indian food" we love so much.
Pizza (Express winner: 2 Amys) 2 Amys - they seem to have slipped from the spotlight of a few years ago, but they're still the best in DC if you don't mind the wait and lack of Metro access.
Place to Take Your Parents (Express winner: Old Ebbitt Grill) Mitsitam - parents and really, any out-of-towners, should drop into the National Museum of the American Indian to try food inspired by Native American cuisine from around the country. Perfect location for a quick bite while sightseeing.
Restaurant Bathroom (Express winner: Mie N Yu) Charlie Palmer - completely odd and indescribable, I've been tempted to bring my camera in on multiple occasions. Would that be weird, especially when you can see into the other gender's facilities? The answer is yes.
Seafood (Express winner: DC Coast) Tackle Box - simple but great seafood, and the best fried shrimp ever.
Steakhouse (Express winner: Ray's the Steaks) Charlie Palmer - we've yet to find something to criticize here.
Street Food (Express winner: Julia's Empanadas) Fojol Bros. of Merlinda and the Bulgogi Cart. We love Julia but we don't consider her emps to be street food since we usually visit her store locations (her emps are also sold via On the Fly's Smartkarts).

Sushi (Express winner: Sushiko) Kotobuki - no frills sushi is the best we've found... and we've looked!
Vegetarian (Express winner: Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant) Java Green - not only vegetarian, vegan. Good enough to open the mind of the most die-hard carnivore.

Arts and Entertainment

Dance Club (Express winner: Black Cat) Town - knowing the owners makes us biased but even a straight couple can enjoy a night at Town.
Gallery (Express winner: Hillyer Art Space) National Gallery of Art - there are so many great ones to choose from, and this one is free.
Indie Bookstore (Express winner: Kramer Books & Afterwords) Kramer Books & Afterwords Cafe - great location, cool indie vibe, and pie. Let me say it again. Pie!
Museum (Express winner: National Gallery of Art) National Museum of American History and National Air and Space Museum - free and expansive... so expansive that in the case of Air and Space, there are two locations.
Theatre (Express winner: Kennedy Center) Ford's Theatre - most theaters are only as good as the production that is playing there at the time. Ford's is a great, intimate space, and nothing can match its history.

Stores and Styles

Men's Haircut (Express winner: Hair Cuttery) Spa/lon - I've got difficult hair to cut with any kind of style (stick straight) and I've been to a range of different places from the cheap (Hair Cuttery) to the expensive (Grooming Lounge). In my experience, Ben at Spa/lon does the best job. The shop doesn't look like much, but the guy can cut some hair...
Women's Haircut (Express winner: Bang Salon) Spa/lon - J's hair is the complete opposite to mine which is to say it is very curly. To prove he is more than a one trick pony, Ben does a nice job with her hair too. J has been to Bang Salon on several occasions, and has tried out a variety of stylists there and has not been impressed.
Amateur Sports League (Express winner: Happy Hour Kickball) WAFC - is it the best sports league? I wouldn't know since I've not tried them all. But I can say that WAFC (that's ultimate frisbee to you kickballers) is very popular (100s of teams) and rather well run for a bunch of frisbee-throwing hippies.
Biking Trail (Express winner: C&O Canal Towpath) Mount Vernon - to quote myself, "This is my favorite bike path, not only in DC, but probably anywhere."
Hiking Trail (Express winner: Billy Goat Trail) Great Falls - so close, yet it makes you feel so far away.
Gym (Express winner: Washington Sports Clubs) Vida Fitness - J here to put in a good word for Vida. I joined in May because I was looking for a gym that offered a variety of classes. I've gone to several classes a week every week since then, and love it. The Verizon Center location is big and clean, and offers a ton of different classes. I also pop into the Renaissance Hotel location when I need a quick (and very conveniently located) cardio fix.
Race (Express winner: Race for the Cure) Avon Walk - ok, it isn't a race but there's something to be said when thousands of pink-clad women (mostly) walk 40 miles in the rain for a cause...

Sports and Recreation

D.C. Team (Express winner: Capitals) Capitals - the lack of competition in this category notwithstanding...
Local Athlete (Express winner: Alex Ovechkin) Alex Ovechkin - the Great 8 has enough star power to make some hockey converts in this city.
Stadium (Express winner: Verizon Center) Nationals Park - the stadium is almost as good as the team is bad.

Home and Away

Local Blog (Express winner: District of Sound) duh...
Monument (Express winner: Lincoln Memorial) Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial - J loves the Washington Monument for its simplicity, the view from the top, and use as a navigation device. As for the Jefferson, you have to love its pairing with the Tidal Basin and that it is underrated and off the Mall enough to thin the crowd. Plus who doesn't like an underdog?
Neighborhood (Express winner: Dupont Circle) Dupont/Logan Circles - we both instantly thought of Capitol Hill but if you tracked where we go the most, the evidence clearly points to Dupont and Logan Circles... and everything in between.
People-Watching Spot (Express winner: Dupont Circle) The National Mall - it is a perfectly named place for the seemingly millions of tourists from every corner of this country that gather together with a collective look of awe and confusion, while clutching a camera in one hand and a map in the other (and some awesomely terrible patriotic t-shirts!).
Reason to Travel Outside the Beltway (Express winner: Shenandoah National Park) Butler's Orchard - I can't believe we're disrespecting Skyline Drive but for a quick escape from the city, plus added benefits like fresh produce, Butler's is a great choice.
Unintentionally Funny Thing About D.C. (Express winner: Marion Barry) Washington Nationals - again, there's no arguing with the Express' winner, but we've yet to go to a Nats game (and we've been to many) where we haven't hung our head in shame and laughed at their best Bad News Bears imitation.
Volunteer Organization (Express winner: So Others Might Eat) One Brick - they make it almost too easy to do something good in the world.
Weird Landmark (Express winner: The Awakening) Einstein Statue - not so much weird as it is unexpected... a giant Einstein statue across the street from the Vietnam Memorial. It seems to be a big hit with all our friends on the B&J 5-cent tour. (J says - this statute is flat out weird because it looks like Einstein is made of poop. B hates when I say that but it's true. Go check it out for yourself and let us know if you agree).

Capital Fashion

When we moved from LA to DC, we quickly realized that our wardrobes were woefully inadequate. Not only were our closets full of "student clothes" that wouldn't cut it at the workplace, but we also had clothes fit for California weather. Since California lacks seasons, people wear pretty much the same thing year round. The biggest decision is whether to throw a hoodie over your t-shirt. Once in DC, it didn't take many walks to work in October or the months that followed to realize that we had some shopping to do.

Clothes Encounters

DC, like all big cities, provides easy access to shopping malls (Pentagon City is metro accessible but Tysons Corner offers a much larger selection of stores) and outlets (we like the outlets in Leesburg). Georgetown's M Street features many of the big fashion chains in a unique outdoor setting. Also, if you're looking for deck shoes, pink polos, and whale belts, you can't miss in Georgetown. For the high rollers out there, Chevy Chase and the Mazza Gallerie is the place for you.

There are a couple of regional stores that were new to us and are worth pointing out to new residents. Filene's Basement is a discount store (think Nordstrom Rack) where great deals can be found if you don't mind a little digging around. I found a great pair of Coach heels for 75% off once and B routinely finds great deals on dress shirts and ties. The company recently filed for bankruptcy which has impacted the volume of merchandise, but now under new management, the DC stores are again up and running.

If you are in need of a suit for a job interview, Jos. A. Bank has several locations in downtown DC and calls itself the "expert" in menswear. While you're not going to get Armani quality here, you can find decent suits at low prices and its a good place to get your first post-grad school suit. Try to take advantage of their frequent sales.

DC is not known as a fashion mecca and, as a consequence, does not have a booming boutique industry. There are some cute stores scattered about town that are worth a visit if you're looking for something different than the mega chains can provide. Try Caramel on U Street or Sugar in Georgetown.

DeeDee Dresses DC

Do you ever walk into a store and feel overwhelmed by the options? Don't know the difference between Savvy, t.b.d., The Rail, and Individualist? Frustrated because you spent all of this time in the mall and came home with nothing? It might be time to test out a personal shopper.

Last winter, B and I decided to treat ourselves to a visit to a personal shopper. What most people don't realize is: (A) most large department stores have personal shoppers and (B) they are usually free to use. B did some research and found the wonderful DeeDee McPhaul at Nordstrom Tysons Corner. I must admit I was hesitant to go because I've had some bad service experiences when I'm shopping. Often, salespeople think I'm too young to spend any real money and they ignore me. Luckily, DeeDee made us feel comfortable instantly.

Before our first appointment, she called B and I individually to ask about our personal style and sizes. Don't worry if you don't have a "style" - she'll guide you through the process by asking what your favorite kinds of clothes are and what types of items you're looking for. When you arrive for your appointment DeeDee will have pre-selected outfits that she thinks you might like. Then the process of trying on clothes begins. As you go, you'll tell DeeDee things you love and those you hate and she'll keep bringing in new things until you're satisfied or completely exhausted. Exhaustion is a real possibility as our first trip lasted nearly four hours. I don't recommend making appointments during peak traffic times (or huge sales) because she can get really busy and the level of personal service can suffer a bit. But even on a day when she was balancing us and Beyonce's mom (seriously, she was in town for the inauguration!), we still felt like rock stars.

As I mentioned above, this service doesn't cost you anything but be forewarned: you'll probably end up liking a lot of the clothes she finds for you, so you should work out your budget before stepping into the dressing room. I thought it was a nice touch that she brought us sale items to try on and didn't flinch in the slightest when we suggested that some things might be a bit out of our price range. We also took advantage of opening a Nordstrom credit card and have received lots of Nordstrom Notes (gift certificates) as a result.

Another benefit of using a personal shopper is that it will help you to expand your horizons and find clothes that actually fit you. You may learn you've been wearing the wrong size clothing or that your favorite suit cut doesn't actually flatter your body. DeeDee has encouraged me to embrace color and patterns in a way that I never would have done on my own. I'm not saying that I want to look like a bad 60's flashback, but it has been nice to spend some time away from my best friend: the basic black sweater.

Second Thoughts From B

I'll admit it, shopping for clothes isn't my favorite thing in the world. Shocker, right? Hey, I'm a guy and some stereotypes are true. We all like to look good but it is the process that is a pain.

That said, I probably enjoy/tolerate clothes shopping more than most... But wherever you fall on the spectrum, you can't not love a good personal shopper. For us, DeeDee eliminates all of the exhausting and frustrating elements of a trip to the mall. No hunting for the right size, no debating if this goes with that, no waiting in dressing room lines with a maximum of 5 items. All you do is show up, try a bunch of stuff on (beware of chafing after 4 hours), and determine if you like how you look. It doesn't get much easier.

I know nothing about fashion but I think I have a decent sense of what looks good and what doesn't. After 4 hours and probably 100 different items, there were exactly zero things that I tried on and didn't like. And if I was undecided about something, I had an expert and J to give me their two cents. In truth, it was a fun thing to do together.

So to you ladies out there who are always complaining that your man dresses like a slob, take him to DeeDee. You might not ever get him to love shopping but this is about as close as you'll get. And let me say it again, it is all free! Count me as one of the converted because I'm not afraid to say that I'm looking forward to my next trip.

Grocery Stores

Though it may be hard to believe, we do eat at home fairly frequently. But since we live downtown, grocery shopping isn't quite as easy as it might be in the suburbs where there seems to be a store on every corner. To help our fellow city dwellers (or those new to DC who aren't familiar with local grocery chains) we've put together a list of the local stores and our experiences at each.

You'll notice that this list focuses on large chains. If I had unlimited time and money, I would stay away from all of these stores and shop strictly at farmer's markets and local bodegas. Unfortunately, our reality doesn't line up with this ideal. We work long hours and sometimes need the convenience of our neighborhood 24-hour Safeway. For information on local farmer's markets and Community Supported Agriculture programs, click here and here.

Giant

This DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware chain that we call "Gigante" can be hit or miss depending on the location. Some, like the one closest to our house on 8th Street, are a bit run down and the selection can be frustrating. One day we were in search of boneless-skinless chicken breasts and they didn't carry them. Also, the bacon and processed meats section takes up an entire aisle but they stock only a few varieties of yogurt. I'll save the rant on the obesity epidemic in America for another day.

To be fair to Gigante, there are some jewels in their crown. The Super Giant in Columbia Heights has a much larger selection and a wider variety of natural food brands. Giant also features Peapod, a grocery delivery service. We've never used Peapod but know neighbors who have and swear by it.

Safeway

I don't need to say much about Safeway since you probably are familiar with this mega-chain. For our West Coast readers, Safeway = Vons and for our Chicago readers, Safeway = Dominick's. For some reason, DC has a thing with giving each Safeway a cutesy name. Here are a few:

The Social Safeway: This Safeway, on the outskirts of Georgetown, is apparently the place for single people to go if they're looking for a date. You'll find lots of Georgetown students there trying to buy their beer before the 10pm alcohol sales cutoff. The clientele is young and chatty. Don't go running over to Wisconsin Avenue now though - this location is closed for a major renovation.

The Soviet Safeway: Empty shelves and long checkout lines give this Dupont Circle Safeway its name. It's a very small store in a crowded neighborhood with no parking lot, so not the best place to go for a serene shopping experience. The chances of them having everything on your list are slim. Luckily, there is a big Whole Foods just a few blocks away.

The Sexy Safeway: Mayor Fenty named this brand new Safeway located at 5th and L in DC. It's bright, big, and new, and corners the market on strange gimmicky features: a fancy bakery that will bake you bread in the shape of a crab (yeah, I don't know either) and a make-your-own nut butter station. While I love the free underground parking and the fact that it is open late, I think a better name for this place is the Surly Safeway. Want to see what I mean? Just try giving the cashier your reusable grocery bags. The number of eye rolls and sighs I've gotten when I hand over my bags are too numerous to count. Come on cashiers, it's not like I'm giving you homemade canvas bags that don't stay open. These are huge, insulated bags that stand straight up on their own for ease of loading. Do these people have a secret pact with plastic bag manufacturers? Anyway, if you can take a bit of 'tude with your turkey breast and Total cereal, this place is for you.

Harris Teeter

We first discovered H-Teet when B lived in Virginia. It operates in 8 states and DC, and is our favorite of the regular grocery chains. It has the best selection of produce and healthier foods, and is generally clean, fully stocked, and staffed with friendly people. The DC location is on the small side, so we recommend making the trek out to Pentagon City. They also have free cookies for kids by the checkout lanes and I may have liberally interpreted the meaning of "kid" on a couple of occasions. Shhhh.....

Whole Foods

People in DC like to call this store "Whole Paycheck" but I think it is worth paying more for their gorgeous (and often locally grown) produce. It's also one of the few places I can find all of the ingredients for my favorite Green Monster smoothies and maintain my quest to eliminate highly-processed foods from our pantry. They are conveniently located on P Street in Logan Circle, but it's better to shop early in the day because it gets really crowded on the weekends.

Trader Joe's

I have lots of nice things to say about Trader Joe's but B's love for this store shines so brightly that I wouldn't want to deny him the opportunity to tell you about it. Before I pass it off to him, I'll say that our Foggy Bottom location is the second most visited in the U.S. (behind Manhattan). But, as you stand in the long (but quickly moving) line, make sure to look around because Sonia Sotomayor was seen shopping there recently.

B here. That was quite a build-up but I must confess that it is true. Among the local grocery store chains, Trader Joe's is far and away my favorite. It seems to combine interesting international products with local and fresh ingredients, all while keeping their prices mysteriously low. Seriously, I don't think I've ever left without being pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is. Like many of you, we have our own favorite items. Of particular note, take a long look at their frozen food aisle, the 99 cent pizza dough, and of course, all the free samples. I can't tell you how many interesting homemade meals have been inspired by a curious jar of who-knows-what found at Trader Joe's. Despite all this praise, TJ's does lack some necessities which forces us to other stores. If they didn't, I'd never stray but since that's the case, I do get the opportunity to be reminded how much I love great service at low prices. How's that for making lemonade out of lemons?

Bicycle! Bicycle!

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike...

Let's start with a few disclaimers:

1. J and I aren't die-hard bicyclists. We don't have matching spandex outfits and we can't talk shop about your $3,000 carbon frame road bike. Rather, taking our bikes out is no more than a great way to explore the city, enjoy a beautiful day, and get some exercise. Both of us love sports and one way to bridge the gap in skill, strength, and ACLs (J has had multiple knee surgeries), is through biking.
2. Both J and I are still in our mourning period, having had our bikes stolen out of our garage just recently. On the other hand, J and I have just begun our honeymoon stage, having just purchased a pair of Cannondale Quicks.

So rather than rant about how bike thievery is far too common in DC (I've yet to talk to someone who seemed at all surprised that our locked bikes were stolen from our locked garage) or pretend to know more about cycling than we do, here are a few places we've enjoyed on our dearly departed bikes, and look forward to exploring again on our latest purchases.

Mt. Vernon Trail. This is my favorite bike path, not only in DC, but probably anywhere. It has just about everything, including unfortunately, lots of other cyclists. Starting from Georgetown, it winds along the Virginia side of the Potomac, yielding incredible views across the river. The trail is almost completely flat over the almost 20 miles to George Washington's home at Mt. Vernon (an excellent place to walk around after your ride). But as they say in life, the journey is often an even bigger payoff than the destination. In addition to the literally monumental views of DC, the path winds through historic Old Town Alexandria (great place for a snack break!) and wooded areas that feel quite removed from the city. J would say that the wooden bridges through swampy areas look like Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland. If you knew how much she loves that place, you'd know that's a huge compliment - although I'd still argue that Disneyland looks like the Mt. Vernon trail as opposed to the other way around... The point is that this path reminds us of the "Happiest Place on Earth." Finally, don't forget to pause at Gravelly Point where you can do your best imitation of Wayne and Garth, and watch the planes fly right over your head on their way into, and out of, DCA.

The Mall/Monuments. Visitors of Casa de B&J are often lucky (or unlucky) enough to enjoy the infamous "march around the monuments" walking tour of downtown. I'm a big believer that those people who drive by, take their generic postcard snapshot, and move on are missing out. There is something so majestic about walking in and around these wonderful structures, but I do understand that a 10 mile death march isn't everyone's idea of a great time. If you're in that camp, a bike ride around the Mall is perfect. You can avoid the traffic and the parking nightmares by being on your bike... just make sure you can avoid the tourists too.

J here to report on a few more of our favorite bike rides. I'll spare you the monumental rant about getting my bike stolen and cut to the chase....

Capital Crescent Trail/Bethesda. The Capital Crescent Trail (or CCT as we serious bikers call it) is a trail from Georgetown to Silver Spring, Maryland. The CCT was built upon the abandoned railbed of the Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad. You'll see remnants of the railroad as you pedal under the Rock Creek Trestle, an old rickety-looking railroad bridge. The path winds near the Potomac as you make your way from Georgetown to Bethesda. I'm sure you won't be shocked to hear that I plan my bike rides around restaurants and meals. For example, when B told me we were going to ride to Bethesda, my mind filled with all of the restaurant possibilities in that far off land that some refer to as Maryland. I highly recommend riding up to Bethesda for brunch. Remember, you can burn off the calories from your french toast as you ride the 10 miles back to Georgetown.

Rock Creek Park. The Rock Creek Trail system is a group of paved bike paths and on-road bike routes that weaves its way through beautiful Rock Creek Park in the heart of DC. On the weekends, sections of Beach Drive (the main drag) are closed to vehicles, creating a biker's paradise. On previous trips through the Park we've come face to face with deer, cruised past really old cemeteries, and wandered into the zoo to visit Merlin, my favorite sloth bear.

Eastern Market. I'd ride 50 miles to Eastern Market for blueberry pancakes. Lucky for us, it's just a short ride to pancake heaven. It's not the most leisurely ride because you have to contend with city traffic and lost tourist drivers, but we like to pedal past the Capitol and Supreme Court and check out the beautiful row homes on Capitol Hill. For more on Eastern Market, make sure to read our post here.

DC has a very active bike culture, coming from cyclists and from the city government. For more information, see the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or this very informative site that details some of the major paths/trails. Also check out the news and resources provided by DC here. Of particular note, I would recommend this map, which you can download here or order a free printed copy by email here. It is something that is nice to keep in your bike bag... right next to the U-lock!

DC Neighborhoods

As with any large city, DC (and the surrounding area) is made up of many different neighborhoods that each have their own unique charm. Granted, we've not had a chance to explore all of them, but here are some of our favorites, in no particular order. For a more detailed review of the city's neighborhoods and really - everything and anything of interest related to moving to DC - I would highly recommend the book, "Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Washington, DC."

Downtown. Clearly we're biased since this is where we've chosen to live, but the sites, museums, restaurants, culture, and access via Metro is second to none. However, residential green space is at a premium/minimum, traffic can be a nightmare at certain times especially without anything more than a 2-lane road in or out, and tourists can be overwhelming (depending on the season).

Georgetown. The ritziest part of DC is not surprisingly the least accessible. There are few places in the city, purely residential areas not included, that are not accessible by Metro. Georgetown is one of them. Consequently, you'll have to tolerate the traffic and parking challenges (or buses) if you want to shop or dine among the preppy and the rich. So pop your pastel collar, throw on your navy blazer and loafers, and don't forget to make a point to see the historic homes that are some of the most charming, and most expensive, in the city.

Arlington. Just over the river, Arlington offers a little bit of everything. Shopping, quiet neighborhoods, restaurants and bars, commerce mixed with a college town, etc. However, when you offer a little bit of everything, you tend to do so by sacrificing character and charm.

Alexandria. Old Town to be specific. With apologies to Baltimore, Old Town Alexandria is charm city. Quaint homes and boutiques, brick and cobblestone streets, and 300 years of history make Old Town a popular destination for lazy afternoons and visiting parents.

Capitol Hill. I read somewhere recently that Capitol Hill was one of the top U.S. neighborhoods to live in. As another highly-walkable area with mom and pop shops and restaurants, we always leave this area wondering why we don't come here more often.

Dupont Circle. This is where the action is. Often packed with young singles flocking to the bars and clubs, there are few places in the city with more of a nightlife. It is no wonder that MTV put the next Real World cast here (at 20th and S St. in NW).

Adams Morgan. This is where you'll find the quirky and worldly shops/restaurants that you might associate with Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley or any other bohemian area. Cheap eats abound in an area that is absolutely unique in a city that is dominated by the buttoned-up or urban chic.

U Street. A historic district once known as the most significant African-American cultural hub prior to the emergence of Harlem, U Street is now experiencing a renaissance. Call it renaissance or gentrification, the combination of high-end condos and fine dining with run-down shacks is becoming a familiar calling card of the many "up and coming neighborhoods" that are so prevalent throughout DC.

Columbia Heights. Speaking of up and coming, Columbia Heights features new development sprinkled throughout a neighborhood still in transition. In most cases, the transformation of a neighborhood is subtle, with a new store here or a freshly polished shop there. Columbia Heights on the other hand, was as subtle as a sledgehammer. This new complex, named DC USA, is home to the District's first Target and also features a half dozen other major national chains including a Bed, Bath, and Beyond and a Best Buy.

Bethesda. While technically in Maryland, Bethesda (and other nearby neighborhoods like Chevy Chase) is where DC's rich goes to live and/or shop when they want to avoid the scene that is Georgetown. But beyond the glitzy stores and high-end boutiques lies a clean and friendly pocket of town filled with hybrid cars, discussions of art and literature, and PTA meetings. Suburbia at its best... if you can afford it.

The Great DC Cupcake Taste Test

Last year, the Washington Post capitalized on the DC cupcake craze and did a "Cupcake Wars" taste comparison. In a showing of true dedication and sacrifice to our loyal readers, B and I decided to perform our own scientific analysis of four of the area's most popular cupcake joints. The shops we chose are all located within the District, were high on our list from previous visits, and have received high marks on the Washington Post and other DC cupcake reviews. Three of them have opened in the last year (Hello Cupcake, Georgetown Cupcake, and Red Velvet Cupcakery) and only serve cupcakes. The fourth, Baked and Wired, has been serving up an assortment of baked treats since 2001.

On a sunny Saturday morning, B drove me around town so I could collect our cupcake samples. Rather than having our own personal preferences bias our review, we decided to call each store ahead of time and ask them to name their "best" cupcake, and thereby, decide their own fate.

Left to right: Red Velvet's Southern Belle, Hello's Peanut Butter Blossom, Georgetown's Chocolate Ganache, Baked and Wired's Fresh Strawberry

Red Velvet Cupcakery

This tiny Penn Quarter shop serves up eight different flavors of cupcakes for $3.25 each. The price is fairly steep considering that the cupcakes aren't all that large. There is no seating in the store but a sign on the counter lets you know that you're welcome to sit at TangySweet, the yogurt shop next door owned by the brother of Red Velvet's owner. Red Velvet also loses a couple of points for service. The guy getting my cupcake was less than enthusiastic and placed the cupcake on a napkin for me to take to go. When I asked for a bag, he set a plain paper bag down on the counter and stuck out his hand for my money. As I attempted to put the cupcake in the bag I ended up getting frosting on my hand and accidentally scraped some of the frosting off of the cupcake and onto the side of the bag. Not a good beginning for Red Velvet.

Luckily, the cupcake was better than the person serving it. We tried the Southern Belle, which is a red velvet cupcake (dyed red chocolate cake) with cream cheese frosting. The cake was moist but had little flavor. The frosting was excellent and had a sharp cream cheese tang. The consistency of the frosting was unlike any I've tasted before. It was perfectly smooth without the gritty taste that is common in many frostings.

Second Thoughts from B

As J said, the consistency of the frosting was like nothing I've ever tasted. I've spent the last couple of minutes trying to compare it to something and I'm drawing a blank. It was extremely light and smooth, almost fluffy. It was so unique, it was almost disorienting and I'm still not quite sure if I liked it more than the traditional texture of frosting. As for the flavor, the frosting was true to it's cream cheese base and again, absolutely unique. Did I like it? Again, I'm undecided but I certainly appreciated it. Unfortunately, the cake itself served no other purpose other than to shuttle the frosting into my mouth...

Hello Cupcake

If this was a store naming or interior design competition, Hello would win hands down. I love the cheeky name and the beautifully designed Dupont Circle shop. The aroma of baking cupcakes surrounds you as you enter and the cupcakes are displayed on labeled shelves behind glass. I've been to Hello a couple of times and the service has never been particularly notable. It's a bit annoying that they won't give you a box unless you order three cupcakes. Two or less? You're stuck with a plain white paper bag.

Hello's staff recommended the Peanut Butter Blossom: chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting topped with a chocolate kiss.

This one was a winner. The cake was moist and a bit denser than the others. The frosting was outstanding. It was like eating the creamiest peanut butter straight from the jar. Hello Cupcake also gets high marks for making the cupcake so pretty to look at. The cupcake was priced at $3.

Second Thoughts from B

This was probably my favorite cupcake of the bunch. I don't think I would have ordered it because I'm not a huge fan of chocolate cake, but as far as execution, this was top notch. I don't think there's a thing I can criticize. It was a decent size, the frosting was rich and flavorful with a smooth texture, and the cake was moist and tasty. Well done!

Georgetown Cupcake

According to the Post, this is the crown jewel of the DC cupcake scene. Based on this one visit, I'd have to disagree. The shop, tucked on a side street in Georgetown, is so tiny that a line is almost always formed outside. They had a variety of very interesting looking flavors beautifully presented on tiered stands. The cupcake was the least expensive at $2.75 but it was pretty tiny as you can see from the first picture.

Georgetown Cupcake reminded me a lot of Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. It has the same sort of People Magazine-style buzz and similar clientele. As far as ambiance, this isn't a good thing in my book.

The person who answered the phone at Georgetown Cupcake said that the Red Velvet flavor was the most popular but the Chocolate Ganache was the one that won the Washington Post's top honors. I have a feeling that I would have ranked Georgetown Cupcake higher if I had been able to sample one of the more unique flavors such as Cherry Blossom or Lemon Berry. The Chocolate Ganache was just ok. The cake was pretty bland, tasted very cake mix-like, and while the ganache was rich, it was a very thin layer. I did like the cute sugar flower that topped the cupcake. It receives high marks for looks but low marks for overall taste.

Second Thoughts from B

Like I said, chocolate cake isn't my first choice but I feel like I still can tell good chocolate cake from not as good. Maybe I'm fooling myself because I can't tell what the Washington Post was so excited about. To be honest, aside from the beautiful presentation, you could have told me that you got this at Safeway and I might have believed you.

Baked and Wired

Baked and Wired is the only store in our taste test that does more than just cupcakes. If their cupcakes are any indication of the quality of the rest of their baked goodies, I can't wait to go back and try other things. This is also the only place that has ample seating in a cafe-like atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and they gave me a box for my lonely cupcake. The price ($3.50) was the steepest of the group but this cupcake was HUGE compared to the others (see first picture). We lovingly dubbed it "Monster Cupcake."

The Baked and Wired staff recommended the Fresh Strawberry cupcake: vanilla cake with chunks of fresh strawberry topped with strawberry frosting and little pink sugar sprinkles. This was my favorite cupcake. I thought the cake was incredibly moist and loved the fresh strawberry taste. Baked and Wired may have had a bit of an unfair advantage because I like vanilla cupcakes better than chocolate.

Second Thoughts from B

So this would be a cupcake I would order. I really enjoyed both the cake, especially the mixed in pieces of strawberry, and the frosting. I also couldn't help but be impressed by the size (I think that the cupcake from Georgetown Cupcake may have been intimidated when they were side by side). However, something seemed off and I can't put my finger on it. Maybe I was just thrown off by the natural favoring, which is such a sad statement that I would be so used to artificial flavoring that it would seem to be the norm. This is something that I look forward to figuring out on future visits.



Two Conclude

While this review may indicate some clear cut winners, these four shops were carefully chosen to be among the best of DC, so you really can't go wrong with any of them. Obviously your favorite will be determined by your own personal tastes, but it is fair to say that the DC cupcake craze is as "healthy" as anywhere. Also, in our experience, Washington's best certainly matches up well with those around the country, including the ever popular Magnolia (NYC) and Sprinkles (LA).

DC Sports and Recreation

J and I first met because of our mutual fanaticism for sports, so it is natural that we have actively sought out local sports-related activities. In some ways we were looking to recreate our passion for our West Coast teams, but like many others in this city, we were also seeking a connection to our new home. Sports, for both the fan and the weekend warrior, bring people together and have proven to be something that J and I share as a couple and something that has fostered many new friendships.

As discussed, Washington, D.C. is a town that is made up of many people who have come here from many different places. This is seldom felt more prominently, for better and worse, than in the sports and recreation scene. If you've spent any time in the District, you'll know that networking functions, particularly happy hours and power lunches, are a dime a dozen. Some of this is because of the political and legal industries that dominate much of downtown, but it is also a result of the many transplants that are new in town looking to find their professional or social niche. Therefore, it is not a surprise that newcomers look for something familiar through their sports teams. Alumni groups gather to support their college team, while many bars cater to particular fan groups from all around the country. If that's what you're looking for, you're only a Google search away from finding fellow UCLA basketball fans, Longhorn football fans, or diehard Cubbies fans, to name a few.

This phenomenon also carries over to many of the professional sports teams. While the Redskins and DC United enjoy relatively loyal fan bases due to their sustained history of high-level play over the years, other organizations struggle to maintain a consistent following during their down years. Not surprisingly, this transient support hurts the teams' economic bottomline and therefore, competitiveness.

Washington Redskins. Let me first get this off my chest. I don't understand how the Nation's Capitol, home of historic civil rights marches and a population that is 70% minority, still has a very popular football team named the Red Skins. This boggles my mind. I understand the history and marketing challenges but really, Red Skins? Could this happen to any other ethnic population? Can you imagine hearing this on SportsCenter, "The San Francisco Slanty Eyes defeated the Atlanta Black Faces by a score of 24-20 as San Francisco's fans rang their gongs and threw fortune cookies at opposing fans, many covered in black face paint." How is this any different?

OK, off the soapbox. Washington's football team might be the one that enjoys a true home field advantage. However, you'll have to know someone who is either very wealthy, very well connected, or been a fan for a very long time, if you want to get a seat (much less a decent seat) at FedEx Field. However, once inside, the unity and passion of the fans is palpable. This loyalty and passion is the benchmark for all other DC based franchises.

For those left on the outside looking in on gameday, host a cookout or hit the bars, all while sporting as much team paraphernalia as possible (car flags included). Just be wary that the team's big rival, the Dallas Cowboys, seem to have a very strong, if not vocal, fan base here too.

Washington Nationals. Retro is in and the Nats are bringing back old memories of the historically bad Washington Senators… The team got a brand new ballpark in 2008 and promptly went out and lost 102 games. Still, the ballpark is a wonderful place to spend a warm summer night or lazy Sunday afternoon, although it is not particularly distinctive. It is a shame that a city that is so iconic has a stadium that gets lost in the long list of modern baseball stadiums. This isn't to say it isn't nice because it is, but there's no warehouse like in Baltimore's Camden Yards or a great view like those that are prominently featured in San Francisco, Colorado, or Pittsburgh.

What it does have, however, it has in spades. Nationals Park features food that is much better than standard stadium fare since it is mostly from local establishments. Highlights include Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes, Five Guys burgers, Noah's Pretzels W-shaped pretzels, Red, Hot & Blue barbecue, and Giffords ice cream. Another plus is the scoreboard which is 4800+ square feet of HD beauty. The highlight however, for better or worse, of most games is the President's Race in the 4th inning. 12-foot mascots, representing the four presidents on Mt. Rushmore (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt), race across the field. Ever since this race started, Teddy has never won and has become the crowd favorite and lovable loser. Which segues nicely into the Nationals team itself... I'm always hopeful but let's just say that you shouldn't be too surprised when the cheers for the opposing team dwarf those for the home team. For more details on the Washington Nationals, read our post here.


Washington Capitals. With young, flashy stars that play an emotional and high-energy style, the Caps are seeing a surge in support. While hockey is still a fringe "major" sport in the U.S., this is the team to learn by. Even for those who don't know a blue line from a line change, the Caps offer a very nice product that can be enjoyed by any level of fan. The Verizon Center, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is a standard modern arena that benefits from its own Metro station and a growing number of restaurants and bars nearby. The Capitals are on such a high right now that the Washington Post dared to ask the question of its readers, "Can the Capitals become more popular than the Redskins?" In this football-crazed town, the question alone speaks very well for hockey's future in DC.


DC United. Currently in a battle for a new stadium, the United is one of MLS' most popular and successful teams. Their fan club, the Screaming Eagles, set the tone for the games that feature all that is great about soccer. On the field, the team is usually very skilled, in part due to their dedication to obtaining stars from South America. In the stands, the passion for MLS is, in a word, fanatical and is refreshingly far from the typical American blase towards the sport. This is a good thing.


Washington Wizards. Formerly the Bullets (somehow this was the local team name that was deemed so inappropriate for DC that it had to be changed...), the Wizards are positioning themselves for a very high lottery pick in this year's lackluster draft. Here's hoping they strike gold and finally find a core group that can sustain success and warrant a decent following. Until then, the biggest attraction may be the opposing team's stars.

Washington Mystics. In my limited experience, the WNBA faces similar issues in most of their cities. The Mystics are no exception.

Baltimore. Can't find what you're looking for in DC? Don't forget that Baltimore is less than an hour away and features the Ravens and the Orioles.

Collegiate sports. The local teams, Maryland and Georgetown, both feature strong basketball histories and consequently, enjoy a pretty good following. Maryland’s football team is also relatively strong of late.

As discussed, there are a variety of reasons that DC lacks (mostly) the loyal fans that span generations and anchor franchises in other cities. However, the same factors that challenge the building of consistently large fan bases also creates a very healthy recreation environment. As mentioned before in an earlier post, there are plenty of options for running, biking, and hiking in and around the District. But the area that really excels is the multitude of sports leagues that includes every major sport, as well as large leagues for less mainstream sports like ultimate frisbee, kickball, and bocce, among others. In addition to groups of friends, teams are commonly formed by industries, companies, alumni groups, neighborhoods, and perfect strangers.

For field sports, you can almost always find people playing some sort of game on the National Mall or the surrounding areas. There is something majestic about playing on the front lawn (more or less) of the White House or in the shadow of the Washington Monument...

If the weather is good, chances are you’ll find me on a field with a frisbee in hand. Ultimate is coordinated through the Washington Area Frisbee Club (WAFC), which is one of the oldest Ultimate clubs in the country. In my humble opinion, you’ll be hard pressed to find this many good natured young people in one place with such disparate personal and professional backgrounds.