On Tap Magazine // Winter 2017

Drink. Dine. Do. Winter 2017

COLLABORATIVE

BREWS

BIG EASY BARS

DECADES NIGHTCLUB

WIZARDS

TALK ROMANCE

DC’S

DINING SCENE TOP 20 SPOTS OF 2016 + INNOVATIVE INTERIORS

Table of Contents Winter 2017: Vol 19 No 4

on our

cover

who is on tap

Featured Dish: Bad Saint’s kinilaw na hipon Venue: Bad Saint Photography: Farrah Skeiky Design: Alanna Sheppard

DC’S DINING SCENE Drink. Dine. Do. Winter 2017

COLLABORATIVE

BREWS

BIG EASY BARS

DECADES NIGHTCLUB

WIZARDS

TALK ROMANCE

DC’S

DINING SCENE TOP 20 SPOTS OF 2016 + INNOVATIVE INTERIORS

DC’s status as a foodie town is rapidly growing, with trendy new restaurants popping up all over the city. Bon Appétit even named the District the “Restaurant City of the Year” in 2016.

We worked with local food photographer Farrah Skeiky on our cover, selecting her photo of Bad Saint’s take on shrimp ceviche (Bad Saint was chosen as Bon Appétit’s #2 “Best New Restaurant in America” last year). Jean Schindler gave us her rundown on the top 20 spots that opened in 2016, and Vanessa Mallory Kotz took a look at innovative interiors. We also interviewed Skeiky and Radiator Chef Jonathan Dearden. Hungry yet? We’ve also got pieces on Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, local business UrbanStems, Decades nightclub, beer collaborations, dating tips from Wizards players, and more.

Founder James Currie Publisher Jennifer Currie jennifer@ontaponline.com

Managing Editor Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Trent Johnson

trent@ontaponline.com

Print & Digital Design Alanna Sheppard

alanna@ontaponline.com

Nick Caracciolo KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com

In this Issue n Stage & Screen Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. . .......... 4 Stage & Screen Events........................... 6

n Winter Roundup

4

8

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Not DC Favorite Holly Twyford

UrbanStems Don’t Just Send Flowers, #sendhappy

UrbanStems.. ............................................ 8 Did You Know? Mardi Gras. . ................ 10 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 11

n Sports Wizards Talk Romance......................... 18

n Dining A Day in the Life.................................... 24 Top 20 Spots of 2016.. .......................... 26 Innovative Interiors.............................. 30 Photographer Farrah Skeiky. . ............. 31

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30

The DC Dining Scene

Designer Dining

Top 20 Spots of 2016

Innovative Interiors

n Drinks Fauquier Wine Competition............... 32 Behind the Bar....................................... 34 DC Brewer’s Ball.................................... 36 Collaboration Brews. . ........................... 38 What’s On Tap........................................ 40 Bierdo...................................................... 42

n Music Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears...44 Music Picks............................................. 46 Decades Nightclub............................... 52

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44

Collaboration Brews

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

Matches Made by Beer Cupid

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Digital EDITOR Adrianne Morris

adrianne@ontaponline.com

Events & promotions manager Theresa Converse theresa@ontaponline.com

Events & Promotions Assistant Shannon Darling

shannon@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com

Contributing Writers

Tess Ankeny, Marcus K. Dowling, Nick Hardt, Jon Kaplan, Vanessa Mallory Kotz, Kaitlyn McQuin, Jean Schindler and Courtney Sexton

Contributing Photographers

John Gervasi, Michelle Goldchain, Nick Hardt, Vanessa Mallory Kotz, Mark Raker, Alanna Sheppard and Mark Van Bergh On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2017 by Five O’Clock Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction of any materials contained herein is strictly prohibited without express prior written consent. www.ontaponline.com for more information.

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DC Favorite Holly Twyford in

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?

By Monica Alford Left to right: Holly Twyford, Maggie Wilder, Danny Gavigan and Gregory Linington

hen Holly Twyford stars in a DC production, local theatergoers pay attention. Add veteran director Aaron Posner and one of the most complex plays of the 20th century housed in our city’s historic Ford’s Theatre to the mix, and the crowds will come.

Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will be at Ford’s through February 19, featuring an all-local cast including Twyford, Gregory Linington, Maggie Wilder and Danny Gavigan. Written in 1962, the Tony Award-winning play is set in the home of Martha and George, a middle-aged married couple with years of built up resentment toward one another. The acrimonious pair invite a younger couple, Honey and Nick, over for drinks after a faculty party. Soon, their guests are unknowingly pulled into Martha and George’s web of unhappiness.

Twyford, who plays Martha (most famously portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1966 film version), told me in a recent interview that she isn’t interested in Taylor’s interpretation of the role as she wraps her head around the character. In fact, when she mentions that she’s playing Martha and folks respond, “Oh, the Elizabeth Taylor role?”, she’s been tempted to respond with, “No, the Uta Hagen role actually.”

Hagen played Martha in the 1962 Broadway production.

Instead, she’s chosen to dive into the role with few outside influences. The Helen Hayes Award winner and nominee, whose DC theatre career spans multiple decades, readily admits that she doesn’t fully understand Martha. And that’s okay.

“We’re complicated, we human beings,” Twyford says. “We are incredibly complex, and often completely paradoxical in our actions and emotions. And actors forget that sometimes. They say, ‘Well no, I need to know why I’m saying this. I need my objective. I need my motivation. I need my, you know, my verb.’”

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ON TAP | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Christopher Mueller

The refreshingly honest actress and sometimes director says it has taken her a long time to learn that even as she explores a character and plumbs all of her complexities, she may still see a disconnect between the character’s behavior in different scenes, or even in the same scene.

And to be comfortable with that disconnect.

As she strives to understand Martha and peel back her many layers, she’s sharing the experience with Posner. Twyford has worked with the director many times, and says its their mutual trust and open communication built over years of collaboration and friendship that has allowed them to tell this story onstage, and to tell it well. After reading lines for Woolf recently, she told Posner that just as she thought she had figured out the objective of one line, she’d read another four lines and the first wouldn’t make sense anymore. Suddenly, the lines would seem in direct contradiction to one another.

“And in some ways, that’s correct,” she says of the experience.

“Because we are like that as human beings. We can change on a dime, you know? And that’s what I need to sort of keep figuring out. What is it all about? It’s really all about survival, isn’t it? What are we capable of as human beings?”

And as Twyford points out, we are capable of tremendous insult and rage, and a host of other negative emotions that are bubbling to the surface for Martha and George. Throughout the play, they say some pretty horrible, even cringeworthy, things to one another. The actress says audiences often struggle with their ruthless back-and-forth, wondering how they can say those unforgiveable things and call each other such awful names.

“And yet they love each other,” she says. “They absolutely love each other, and they absolutely need each other. But in a way, they don’t think they deserve what they have. They’re in so much pain for so many reasons.”

At this point in our interview, the actress notes that our conversation is turning into a philosophical discussion. And of course, being the Twyford fangirl that I am, I loved every second of it. We kept talking, about what it means to make audiences uncomfortable by watching a play that doesn’t have a resolution, and how that can also be difficult for the players onstage. Modern-day audiences are used to seeing loose ends tied up, and Twyford fully admits those are the stories she loves too.

We’re complicated, we human beings.

We are incredibly complex, and often completely paradoxical in our actions and emotions. And actors forget that sometimes.

“I love to see good beat evil. I love to see a happy ending. And [Woolf] is not tied up at the end in a nice little bow by any means. This is a play that is really about the journey.”

Twyford is warm and cheeky and sincere, and has an infectious dry laughter that makes you feel like you’re in on something pretty remarkable. Talking to her about the human experience, and how to portray a mere snippet of one troubled couple’s incredibly contentious relationship in a three-hour play, was inspiring. She’s up to the challenge of playing Martha, and as an audience member, I can’t wait to accept the challenge of absorbing a truly human interaction and knowing full well it won’t come with a happy ending.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will be at Ford’s Theatre from January 21 to February 19. Tickets start at $15. Under 35 Night falls on February 3, and Meet and Mingle on February 12.

ignore your emails, turn off your cell phone and leave your ID badge at the office

it’s time to take a NIGHT OFF!

gets you a LIVE performance, an INVITE to a YOUNG PROSE NIGHT reception and FREE glass of wine or beer

NEXT YOUNG PROSE NIGHTS WILL BE HELD Wednesday, March 1 Friday, March 10 Sidney Harman Hall 610 F St. NW

Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; 202-347-4833; www.fords.org

On Tap would like to congratulate Ford’s Theatre on raising more than $88,000 on behalf of local charity Food & Friends through its production of A Christmas Carol this winter. Learn more at www.fords.org.

202.547.1122 ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35

Patrons must be 21 years or older. Valid ID required. Some restrictions apply.

Subject to avalibility and connot be combined with other offers or previously purchased tickets.

www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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Stage & Screen Events

By Kaitlyn McQuin

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Copenhagen Written by Michael Frayn, this Tony Award-winning play reinvents and imagines the meeting of 1940s physicists Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr, an encounter that has been the center of much speculation because their discussion has not yet been revealed.

It’s like Melania and Michelle’s meeting. You just want to know what happened! In this modern drama, the two men reconvene after death to discuss atomic bombs, Heisenberg’s motives with Bohr, and most importantly, what brought him to Copenhagen.

A narration on moral responsibility and friendship, this thoughtprovoking play journeying through science is not to be missed.

Various dates and show times. Tickets are $52.88. Theater J at Edlavitch DCJCC: 1529 16th St. NW, DC; www.edcjcc.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family (Three-Play Cycle) I once bought a single ticket to The Dark Knight trilogy and sat in a theater for hours watching Batman save Gotham. It was great.

This is an event like that, but instead of three films, it’s three plays – and the Joker is probably Trump. The Gabriels shines a spotlight on the 2016 election year and has already garnered rave reviews. Written

by Tony Award winner Richard Nelson and described as a “rare and radiant mirror of the way we live,” this event, which runs a total of eight hours and 15 minutes, will surely suit your political, theatre-loving fancy. The first play starts at 1:30 p.m., second begins at 4:15 p.m. and the third at 8 p.m. Each runs one hour and 45 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $120. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 [gay] Cymbeline Throwing some Shakespeare your way, because I was a theatre major and it’s what we do. Theatre Prometheus’s take on

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On Tap | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

the Bard’s most complex play strives to shed some light on the similarities between Shakespeare’s world and our own. With an original cast comprised of over three-fourths male actors, [gay] Cymbeline is cast with mostly female actors and twists the plot to reflect the casting choice by refocusing the play as a lesbian love story. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore sexuality, gender identity and even homophobia, and to ignite your love for Shakespeare in a fresh, modern way. Show runs Thursdays through Sundays; times vary by day. Tickets are $20. Anacostia Arts Center: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; www.theatreprometheus.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 LIZZIE: The Musical Pinky Swear Productions has been waiting three years to bring this musical to DC, and the time has come. LIZZIE tells the totally creepy tale of Lizzie Borden and the brutal murder of her parents. Equipped with her sister Emma, friend Alice and maid Bridget by her side, Lizzie and her girl gang sing-share their stories of sex, rage and murder, and we’ll love it, because we’re all closet freaks who are fascinated by this stuff. Set with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and a six-piece band, this chilling, murderous tale is sure to strike our fancy. And if it doesn’t, I’m sure Lizzie’s axe will. Various dates; show times are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Anacostia Playhouse: 2020 Shannon Pl. SE, DC; www.pinkyswear-productions.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Anything Goes Hop aboard the S.S. American (the line I used to woo guys in college on) and spend your evening singing and dancing in your seat as Wall Street broker Billy Crocker falls hopelessly in love with fancy pants socialite Hope Harcourt, who is obviously engaged to a boring dude, in this Tony Award-winning musical. There’s nothing like watching a man try to win the heart of a woman with song and dance. What will he do to succeed, you ask? Well, Anything Goes!

Get it? Wednesdays through Sundays; show times vary. Tickets are $25-$30. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St. Alexandria, VA; www.thelittletheatre.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Mack, Beth I’ve blessed you with another Shakespearean show! Is this devastating to you? Just try being McB. One of Shakespeare’s most tragic plays in my thespian opinion has been tweaked for the cyber age with the Keegan Theatre’s production of Mack, Beth. Described as a thoroughly modern, razor-sharp tale, this play promises to deliver Shakespeare’s harrowing message with a modern twist. In a world of consumerism, we’re no strangers to greed, and neither was Macbeth, but the question of how far you will go to have it all remains. Various dates through February 11. Tickets are $35-$45.

Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com

“The most important American playwright of his generation!”

–The New York Times

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 - SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Photo: T. Charles Erickson

As You Like It Comedy comes in threes, and so does Shakespeare in this month’s Stage & Screen. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies hits the DC stage in Folger Theatre’s production of As You Like It. If you’ve ever wanted to see a girl named Rosalind get banished from her family’s home and flee to the Forest of Arden where she meets a dude named Orlando and they fall in love despite her being disguised as a bro because love is love is love, than this play is for you! Exeunt. Wednesdays through Sundays with various show times. Tickets are $35-$75. Folger Theatre: 201 E. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 John Cleese Live Monty Python fans, this one’s for you. Head to the Music Center at Strathmore for a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (the best of the MP films, in my humble opinion) followed by a conversation and Q&A with John Cleese. Silly questions are encouraged, so ask away. Whether you want to know how the comical and very tall English actor came up with the idea for teasing French soldiers in Holy Grail (“Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries” is pretty much the best burn ever) or how many times he had to shoot his famous naked scene in A Fish Called Wanda in order to keep a straight face, the possibilities are endless. Or if you’re like me and like to keep a low profile, just sit back and enjoy the hilarity that ensues from the film and Cleese’s conversation to follow. The screening begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $55. The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

directed by Aaron Posner

Now Playing! Must Close Feb. 19 Under 35 Night! Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Get $20 Tickets with Code UNDER35 Get a drink at 6 p.m. BEFORE the performance.

Event Media Partner:

| Beverage Partner:

www.fords.org

Tickets: (888) 616-0270 Photo of Holly Twyford, Maggie Wilder, Danny Gavigan and Gregory Linington by Christopher Mueller. www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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UrbanStems Don’t Just Send Flowers,

#SendHappy

By Courtney Sexton

I

Photos: Courtesy of UrbanStems

t’s pretty objective – flowers have an uncanny ability to make us smile. That’s why it’s often flowers we turn to – to say “Hi” or “Sorry” or “I love you.” But for many of us living in cities, the days are numbered when we visit the local florist to handpick the perfect stems worthy of our sentiments, or the receiver. Instead, these days, because the people on our minds are often cities or states away, we depend on the good old Internet. Which, as you’ve probably experienced, isn’t the most reliable when it comes to sending feelings.

You know how it goes – you scour a page of impersonal arrangements looking for one that isn’t just full of carnations but won’t leave you broke, choose one that looks “okay,” pay exorbitant fees to the three different companies handling the bouquet and then pray it doesn’t end up on the stoop of the neighbor’s English basement.

That’s exactly why Ajay Kori and Jeff Sheely started UrbanStems in the District. Four years ago, the former roommates – no strangers to the startup and tech community – thought there had to be a better way. So, says Kori, they “took a deeper look at the flower exchange and realized how backwards it was, how it actually creates a higher price and a worse quality experience. Which is kind of the

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On Tap | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

opposite of what e-commerce has done for every other category.”

The pair decided to build their new venture by imagining the best possible experience and working back from there. They made it their mission to deliver happiness not only to customers but to the community and everyone in their supply chain – so much so that their company hashtag has become #sendhappy.

Industry veterans told Kori and Sheely that what they were suggesting – flowers delivered in an hour, lasting for two weeks and starting at $35 for delivery – couldn’t be done. But that didn’t stop them from ending up on a bed of roses – literally. And the duo’s success is owed in part to their DC start.

“The startup community here has been phenomenally supportive,” Kori says.

“Obviously, it’s much smaller than in New York or the Bay area, but because it is small, everyone really looks out for each other.

Our first Valentine’s Day, we were less than a week old but we had hundreds of orders, mostly from the tech community and friends of the tech community here. It’s just such a nurturing and supportive environment.”

Kori recalls Valentine’s Day 2014 during their launch week, when the two drove around the city hand-delivering those orders.

“When the final delivery was made, I would say probably four hours later at like midnight, Jeff and I were just sprawled out in the middle of this tiny floor on a bed of rose petals and we were like, ‘How are we going to do this on a daily basis?’”

“One [note] that sticks out from awhile back is, ‘Sorry about the incident at Pilates.’”

INTRODUCING

NAT GEO NIGHTS EVERY THIRD THURSDAY | 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Starting this February, join National Geographic for special monthly happy hours that feature live stories from Nat Geo explorers, fun interactive activities, lively music, food, and drink specials at our cash bar. Admission to the National Geographic Museum is included. Tickets start at $15.

But the answer was kind of simple. If you build it, they will come.

UrbanStems tapped into what people today care about. The company’s USP is one based in empowerment every step of the way – from the field to the front door where the flowers are delivered. They work directly with socially and environmentally responsible farmers, employ talented designers in-house, and offer full benefits to their team of bike couriers, who snap a photo of the gift and send it to you as it is safely delivered, within an hour of your order.

“With us, we found it really important to bring in the couriers as part of our family,” Kori says. “If that courier really cares about making your day, it makes a huge difference in that gifting experience.”

Now in DC, NYC, Philadelphia and Baltimore, the company is growing fast, and the challenge will be to maintain the standards that distinguish them from large competitors.

“As we continue to scale and expand to new cities across the country, we’re expanding this very different structure,” Kori says.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

THUR, FEB 23

Celebrate Mardi Gras and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans by listening to four of our explorers and photographers—CAROLINE GERDES, VICTORIA HERRMANN, TYRONE TURNER, and KRIS DAVIDSON—tell amazing stories of resilience, recovery, hope, and healing in the Crescent City.

THUR, MAR 16

PHOTO: KRIS DAVIDSON

FIELD NOTES: NEW ORLEANS

EARTH EXPLORERS THUR, APR 20

FIELD NOTES: PERU THUR, MAY 18

Left to right: Ajay Kori and Jeff Sheely

“Really the key is getting the right people on the ground and doing the right thing to set up shop and replicate that experience,” Sheely adds. “The technology is the easy part. You’ve got to set up the supply chain and get the right people on the ground – the people who have really committed to that mission and are willing to get into the community and spread happy. And that’s our real advantage over the big guys.”

And while during this time of year many customers are thinking about hearts and roses, most of UrbanStems orders are not occasionbased, but rather sent “just because.” At their weekly meetings, the team reads their favorite notes aloud.

Sheely says, “One [note] that sticks out from awhile back is, ‘Sorry about the incident at Pilates.’ That could mean anything! So the mystery of things like that is pretty hilarious. But it really does come out how sweet and heartfelt the notes are that people are writing to each other and sending with the flowers.”

And that is reassuring. Because the truth is, everyone could use a little more happy in their lives.

PHOTO: KRIS DAVIDSON

EXPEDITION RAW

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

natgeo.org/natgeonights

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | 17TH & M STS NW | WASHINGTON, D.C.

Farragut Square Metro stops on the Orange, Blue, and Red lines.

Learn more at www.urbanstems.com.

www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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Did You Know?

Mardi Gras:

A Local Perspective have 1. Beads Gras i rd a M been a the early e c in s n traditio ntil a wasn’t u they 1900s. It that ades ago ous few dec synonym became hing ya with flas . boobs

’s a 4. There arade p g in walk r rleans fo in New O rs called love Star Wars s, which is a h cc u Chewba ewbacca and Ch play on cchus wned Ba n the re o parade.

7. Mardi Gras is alw ays the Tuesda y before Ash Wedn esday. So before you go get ble ssed at the Cath olic church , make sure you sin a lot during the festivities.

As a native New Orleanian, I was super jazzed to write this month’s Did You Know? To keep it as authentic as possible, I reached out to my pals from the Big Easy (no one in NOLA calls it that, by the way) for their input and Carnival expertise. You want real? I’m bringing you real. Au naturel, baby.

ng 3. Weari glitter is ry. If you mandato u even yo don’t, do s, bro? ra G i Mard 2. People used to sa ve their spots on Carniva l parade rou tes by placi ng a ladder w herever th ey were standing. T his is illega l now, but it used to work lik ea champ. Do not touch someone’s ladd during Carn er ival.

5. Beads a ren’t the only co v eted items thro wn from fl oats.

Various pa rad glittered sh es throw oes, painte d coconuts a nd even plungers – and everyo ne wants one .

8. NOPD officers rid e down Bou rbon Street on h orseback to officially mark the close of Ca rnival season.

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By Kaitlyn McQuin

ON TAP | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

rent 9. Locals rds and a y out their t-ofys to ou drivewa arking, and for p ll for towners wners fa fout-o to . time it every

6. It’s not unusual fo r people to camp out overnight on Canal S treet in Mid-City to nab a p rime spot for th e largest parade, th e Krewe of Endymion .

10. P Irela eople in Aust nd, Eng ra la and lia, New nd, Cana Zeal Panc and da ce a on M ke Day, lebrate wh ar panc di Gras, b ich falls akes y all d eating ay lo ng.

Fun facts courtesy of the following articles (and New Orleans residents): #1, 7, 10: www.us105fm.com/10-fun-facts-about-mardi-gras/ #2, 5, 6: New Orleans native Kaitlyn McQuin, 25 #3: New Orleans transplant Lindsy Greig, 29 #4: www.neworleanscvb.com/calendar-events/mardi-gras/fun-facts/ #8: New Orleans transplant Jenny Stephens, 27 #9: New Orleans transplant Clare Denhollem, 27

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All Drink, Dine, Do event listings are provided by the venues hosting them.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 Barley & Hops Beer Dinner Winner of the Maryland Beer Association Comptroller’s Cup 2016, join the brewers from Barley & Hops Grill and Microbrewery for the next beer dinner. Be the first to taste the newest release in their Collaboration Brew Series with Matt Cronin. Four beers paired with four delicious courses prepared by Chef Nico. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $54 per person (includes gratuity).

McGinty’s Public House: 911 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; www.eventbrite.com

Burgers ‘n’ Brews No. 2 Spreading the Shack love enjoy Burgers ‘n’ Brews with Port City Brewing at the Shack. Beer here! Join them for a guided tasting of Port City Brewing beers specially paired with four rounds of Shake Shack burgers, event-only specials and frozen custard beer floats. Each round at this unique pop-up consists of a full-size portion, so come hungry! 7-10 p.m.

Tickets are $35. Shake Shack: 1100 S Hayes St. Arlington, VA; www.eventbrite.com

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week

$35

Feb 17th-26th 5-10PM /couple Join us for our 3-course, prix fixe dinner for 2!

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Special dinner for 2, Feb 14th, 5-10pm

WEEKLY SPECIALS Monday $14.95 Rib Special 5-10pm

Tuesday 1/2 Price Burgers - Trivia 4-9pm

Wednesday 40¢ Wings 4-close

Thursday Steak Night 5-9pm

Sunday Brunch Special!

10am - 3pm

713 KING ST. ALEXANDRIA, VA 7035481717 www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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DRINK | DINE | DO seating. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner starting at 7 p.m. *Event will also be held at the Glover Park location. Click here for details. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.eventbrite.com

Chocolate & Whiskey Tasting Class Enjoy an evening with Valrhona Chocolate’s Chocolate Connoisseur and Diageo’s Whiskey Guru to explore the diversity of whiskey and chocolate. Led by Nick Crutchfield, regional manager for Diageo Reserve, Anna Basilio, Valrhona Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager, and hosted by Co Co. Sala, an award-winning restaurant and chocolate boutique, this event promises to be as delicious as it is educational! 6-7:30 p.m.

Co Co. Sala: 929 F St. NW, DC; www.cocosala.com

Robbie Burns Beer Dinner & Tribute Enjoy a Mad Fox tradition and celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national poet Robbie Burns with a five-course beer dinner and tribute. Their culinary team has created a Scottish-inspired menu paired with our award-winning Mad Fox beers including its signature 80 Schilling Scottish Ale. Enjoy a live bagpiper and poem readings. Premium scotch tastings available for an additional charge. Reservations are required with limited

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Vodka Nation It seems that Americans love vodka as much as they love mom, baseball and apple pie.

One out of three cocktails ordered at a bar has vodka in it, and there are more than a thousand brands in the market.

Americans go through 66 million cases of the clear spirit every year – more than whiskey, Scotch and bourbon combined.

Why is it that after a two centuries-long love affair with whiskey and rum, Americans fell in love with a neutral grain spirit with roots in medieval Russia that only arrived here in 1934?

And how is it we not only love vodka as much as we do apple pie, but we’re happily drinking apple pie-flavored vodka? Find out at Vodka Nation. 6:45-8:45 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center: 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, DC; www.smithsonianassociates.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Maryland Polar Bear Plunge Are you brave enough to take a dip into the 30-degree bay?

ON TAP | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Every January, over 10,000 courageous plungers head to Sandy Point State Park seeking thrills and chills all to benefit the 7,311 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. Sandy Point State Park: 1100 E College Pkwy. Annapolis, MD; www.kintera.org

SIPS: A Wine Tasting Experience Embark on the SIPS Wine Tasting Experience hosted at the prestigious Hecht Warehouse Cellar. With winter creeping in, there’s no better time or way to ease into the season than by sipping on wine perfect for fireside conversation and comforting, slow-cooked meals.

Swirl your glass and toast to the season at this seasonal wine pairing and tasting. This experience is sure to be the talk of the town, featuring six different winter wines: three unique whites and three fullerbodied reds. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $40-$45. Hecht Warehouse: 1401 New York Ave. NE, DC; www.eventbrite.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Winter Trivia Bash Grab your pups and join us at Rumba Café’s heated, covered patio for a tail-wagging good time at the BarkHappy Winter

Trivia Bash to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance.

Attendees will receive a coupon for a free day of doggy daycare at Doozydog! Club (a $35 value), dog treats and goody bags filled with fun giveaways. Rumba will have exclusive food and drink specials and fun trivia games with exciting door prizes. 4-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Rumba Café: 2443 18th St. NW, DC; www.eventbrite.com

The Year of the Rooster at The Bird Celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rooster with a five-course tasting menu for $33 (five and 33 are lucky Chinese numbers). Tasting includes lucky dumplings with duck, cabbage, radish and cherry blossom soy; crispy spring rolls with guinea fowl, carrot and ponzu; longevity noodles with soft egg, ginger and mushrooms; Sichuan catfish with ground chicken, chili, black garlic and forbidden rice; and glutinous rice cake with dates and bean pasta. 5 p.m. to close. $33. The Bird: 1337 11th St. NW, DC; www.thebirddc.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Sips & Suppers Jose Andres, Joan Nathan and Alice Waters proudly present Sips & Suppers, two extraordinary evenings featuring the country’s finest

chefs in support of DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table, organizations that serve the neediest individuals in the nation’s capital. Newseum: 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.sipsandsuppers.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Chinese New Year Parade and Festival Usher in 4716, the Year of the Rooster. Take the Metro to Gallery Place Chinatown, and come early and grab lunch at one of the many dining spots.

This year’s spectacle will be the biggest and best yet. With over 50 parade entries, don’t miss this one. It’s all free, so bring

the whole crew! Starting at 2 p.m. Chinese New Year Parade and Festival: Various locations in Chinatown; www.facebook. com/DC-Chinese-New-YearsParade-Sunday-Jan-29-20172PM-546049842209278/

MONDAY, JANUARY 30 - SUNDAY, FEBURARY 5 DC Winter Restaurant Week The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington will host Winter Restaurant Week, January 30 through February 5, inviting participating restaurants to offer three-course lunches for $22 and threecourse dinners for $35. This biannual event invites diners to

WENDESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 The National Symphony Orchestra with Joshua Bell, curated by Gourmet Symphony Acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell, celebrity chef Mike Isabella, the NSO and the innovators of Gourmet Symphony offer a unique experience that will couple classical works with delicious cuisine and cocktails for an unforgettable, decadent evening. With a multicourse menu, and several acts playing before you as the concert unfolds, the marriage of art and eats has never been more anticipated.

“The National Symphony Orchestra, Mike Isabella and Joshua Bell have all been inspiring collaborators in this process and together, I believe that we have created an incomparable concert experience,” says John Devlin, cofounder and artistic director for Gourmet Symphony. “It’s been very exciting to see the inventive ways that the musical ideas in our programming have informed Chef Isabella’s culinary concepts. This fusion of art forms enhances the effect of both, and the audience will be sure to feel this on February 8.”

Show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $300.

Ronald Reagan Building: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

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Drink | Dine | Do experience Washington’s top restaurants at an affordable price point. As an added bonus, some restaurants including 701 Restaurant, Ambar Clarendon, Ardeo + Bardeo, Bibiana, Nopa Kitchen + Bar and The Oval Room will be extending their offerings through February 12 allowing more time to enjoy the winter savings. Times and prices vary. DC Winter Restaurant Week: Various locations in DC; www.ramw.org/restaurantweek

best medicine. Others say penicillin. Either way, we can all agree that immigrants and health care are two issues that have been caught in the crossfires of presidential politics lately and are being targeted by the incoming administration.

Let’s get laughing for a great cause! Grassroots Comedy DC makes people laugh while improving humanity. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. The Bier Baron Tavern: 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; www.eventbrite.com

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual two-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. In 2017, the festival will be held Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast begins at 8 a.m.) and Sunday, February 5 from 12-4 p.m. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more. Old Town Hall: 3999 University Dr. Fairfax, VA; www.fairfaxva.gov

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Standup Comedy Benefitting Health Care for Immigrants Some say that laughter is the

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival

10th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason: Virginia Polar Dip Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman and Robin are just examples of some of the costumes folks adorn to jump into Lake Anne in frigid temperatures for the Annual

Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip. The mid-winter event will kick off with music from Danny DJ, family-friendly activities and a warm-up, with the dip scheduled to take place starting at 2 p.m. 12-3 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza Waterfront: 1609 Washington Plaza N. Reston, VA; www.freezinforareason.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 - SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Selfie: Me, Myself and Us CulturalDC is pleased to present Selfie: Me, Myself and Us by the Sparkplug Collective from February 11 through March 11 at Flashpoint Gallery. The exhibition features innovative

WARM UP

TO WINTER

The Corona Ski Patrol Has You Covered!

Enjoy Corona & Corona Light Specials Win Cool Winter Gear Enter to Win Lift Tickets February 3 ....... Miller’s Ale House & Tommy Joe’s Kentlands February 9 ....... La Rumba & Unplugged February 16 ..... Tommy Joe’s Bethesda, Pansa Llena & Unplugged February 17 ..... Beers & Cheers Too & Senor Tequilas

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work by eight local artists who will examine our cultural obsession with selfies and our narcissistic desire to record and manipulate digital representations of ourselves.

Various times and dates.

Flashpoint Gallery: 916 G St. NW, DC; www.culturaldc.org.

breweries in an intimate setting over seasonal ales. Think stouts, porters, winter seasonals, sours and anything out of the barrel.

Enjoy all-you-care-to-sample of some of the best winter brews, along with light fare provided

by Mission BBQ and live music.

6-10 p.m. Tickets $50-$65.

Silver Spring Civic Building: 1 Veterans Pl. Silver Spring, MD; www.marylandbeer.org

Company’s exciting range of craft beers. $15 from each ticket sold will be donated directly to the SCES PTA. 7:30-10 p.m.

McGinty’s Public House: 911 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; www.eventbrite.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Love Thy Beer In honor of FeBREWary, Maryland’s craft beer lovers’ month, Love Thy Beer is an event for the ultimate craft beer enthusiast. Attendees will get the opportunity to chat with brewers and owners of local

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 SCES Dinner Featuring Waredaca Brewing Company Join McGinty’s for an evening of great food and beer provided by one of Maryland’s newest farm breweries. Enjoy a threecourse dinner served with four pours from Waredaca Brewing

Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival The eighth annual INTERSECTIONS Festival will feature more than 100 performances in dance, music, theatre, family programming and youth development, and will be seen by over 7,000 patrons and arts lovers. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org/ about-intersections

DC Distillers Fest Get ready for a trip back to pre-Prohibition DC with the DC Distillers Fest. Over 20 specially curated craft distillers join a 1920s jazz band at Long view gallery and serve patrons tastings over a three session, all-day, all-night speakeasy experience. This speakeasy event showcases speciallyselected, premium craft spirits from incredible craft distilleries.

You’ll sample over 60 craft spirits to your heart’s content while a 1920s style jazz band keeps the party lively during this one of a kind experience. Noon-10 p.m.

Tickets $85-$150. Long View Gallery: 1234 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcdistillerfest.com

Relax responsibly.® Corona® Extra Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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Drink | Dine | Do Children’s Tumor Foundation and neurofibromatosis research.

Festivities start at noon on the day of the event, and then you can run/dance around the streets and come back for post-run festivities and awards.

1-5 p.m. Registration is $35. The Park at 14th: 920 14th St. NW, DC; www.cupidsundierun.org/ city/washington

Thursday, February 23 Nat Geo Nights: Field Notes from New Orleans Introducing Nat Geo Nights!

Every month National Geographic Museum will open its doors for a night of fun and exploration. These special monthly happy hours feature live stories from Nat Geo explorers, fun interactive activities, lively music, food, and drink specials at our cash bar. Admission to the National Geographic Museum is included. The events begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 8:00 p.m. Each evening will kick off with a happy hour with hands-on activities such as drink tastings, small bites and trivia.

The series kicks off with Nat Geo Nights: Field Notes from New Orleans. Join Abita beer and Bayou Bakery for a pre-Mardi Gras evening featuring stories four National Geographic photographers telling amazing stories of resilience, recovery, hope, and healing in the Crescent City.

For more information and tickets, visit www.nationalgeographic.org/ events.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 7th Annual Barleywine Festival

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Hot N Juicy Crawfish Mardi Gras Celebration Instead of hitting up a bar, why not settle for some delicious Cajun cuisine in the form of crawfish? With an eating contest and beer and food specials, this is a good opportunity to ring in the celebration with likeminded foodies in the mood for a New Orleans-style grub session.

Prizes for the contest include gift cards. Eating contest starts at 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

Hot N Juicy Crawfish DC: 2651 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC: www.hotnjuicycrawfish. com; Hot N Juicy Crawfish Falls Church: 116 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA: www.hotnjuicycrawfish.com Join Mad Fox for the MidAtlantic’s largest annual Barleywine Festival. The twoday event features more than 30 special and limited edition barleywines from around the region and across the country.

The event showcases awardwinning handcrafted beers for aficionados and foodies alike.

It’s always a good time when you step through the doors of Mad Fox. Check Mad Fox’s website for more details. Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 West Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com

On Tap | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Sip, Sew & Art: Pre-Valentine’s Day Pop-up This is by far the best preValentine’s Day event ever. Join in on the fun and judge for yourself. Sip some, sew some and create some! Participants will use a sewing machine to make a pillow (no sewing experience needed). Once your pillow is completed, you can tap into your inner artist skills by creating a Valentine’s Day greeting card. All materials including sewing machines are provided. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration is required. 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $35. West Elm Pop-up/Lab 1270 at Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.FB.com/studiotissue8

Valentine’s Ball at the Embassy of Italy In 1595, Romeo and Juliet turned the quiet little town of Verona into one of the most romantic spots in the entire world. On this night, Romeo and Juliet reappear in one of the most exciting venues in DC, and what better time to do this than during the Valentine’s season? The embassy will create the culture and romance of Italy, combining the Valentine’s holiday with this ball. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. 7-11:45 p.m. Tickets are $89-$124. Embassy of Italy: 3000 Whitehaven St. NW, DC; www.embassyexperiences.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Cupid’s Undie Run Cupid’s Undie Run is a mile(ish) run in your bedroom-best on Valentine’s weekend. No, participants aren’t crazy, they’re just crazy serious about raising money for the

Drink & Ink Soul & Ink has partnered with The Lemon Bowl to bring you a special Valentine’s Day experience. The Lemon Bowl will pair fine wine and decadent sweets with the fun vintage technique of screen printing.

Sip on refreshing libations while creating art that you can gift

to each other. The Drink & Ink workshop series invites you to discover a new experience at a unique venue. All supplies will be provided. Wear something you don’t mind getting inky. No previous artistic skills? All good.

2-4 p.m. Tickets are $70. The Lemon Bowl: 3015 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.eventbrite.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 ‘Living Single’ V-Day Singles Party Singles have the most fun! No Valentine, no worries. Come party with us and meet other fun singles like yourself, while enjoying good food, drinks and hookah! Then get your dance on with the one of the city’s hottest DJs. 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Tickets are $5. Da Luft Restaurant & Lounge: 1242 H St. NE, DC; www.eventbrite.com

Puffing Picasso: Valentine’s Day Edition Couples, friends, lovers – all are welcome for this event!

You must come in pairs as the canvas will be an actual body, and Manor can’t provide those for you. All female attendees will have their backs painted, so it is recommended to wear a loose fitting, backless shirt. All male attendees will have their chests painted, so it is recommended to wear a loose fitting, buttonup shirt. Please bring or wear

clothing that you don’t mind getting paint on. 6:30-9 p.m.

Tickets are $40. Manor: 1327 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.puffingpicaso.com

Transformer’s Heartbreakers Ball Come celebrate your love of art with us on Valentine’s Day at Hyphen DC. The event will include a kissing booth, sitespecific artist installations, a performance pop-up FlatFile store, and DJ sets from Bad Religion’s Brian Baker, DJ Baby Alcatraz and DJ Ian Svenonius.

8-11 p.m. Tickets are $50-$85.

Hyphen: 1402 Okie St. NE, DC; www.transformerdc.org

Tussie-Mussies: A Victorian Language of Flowers Workshop Straight-laced Victorians used floriography – the language of flowers – to send coded messages of affection that they dared not speak aloud. Under the guidance of floral designer Sarah Von Pollaro, modern-day romantics can become fluent in expressing their emotions by creating a 19th century-inspired bouquet called a tussie mussie for a special Valentine’s Day recipient. 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $65-$85. Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center: 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, DC; www.smithsonianassociates.org www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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OT: Where do you buy your Valentine’s Day gifts in the area?

KO: Tiffany & Co. That’s pretty solid.

From the

Court to

Courtship Wizards Talk Romance

By Kaitlyn McQuin It’s here again, folks: the most romantic day of the year according to your girlfriend and card companies. Feeling a little rusty when it comes to love? We’ve got your back, so you can get some back. We polled some of our Wizards fellas for some insight on how to do Valentine’s Day right.

With some single-and-ready-to-mingle ideas, and some feedback from our taken bros that’s tried and true, you have everything you need.

Kelly Oubre - On the market On Tap: What is your idea of a perfect date night in DC? Kelly Oubre: I think a perfect date would be two people going around the city seeing the attractions. Maybe have a little picnic in front of a memorial or something like that – that would be pretty smooth. They’ve got some nice restaurants out here, go to a restaurant. Have a good time with somebody just one-onone, and pretty much just go see the sites. I think in DC that’d be something cute to do.

OT: What are three things you look for in a partner?

KO: Personality, I got to be able Photos: Courtesy of Getty images to vibe with them; cares about others; and is just a positive person.

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OT: Where is the most romantic place to take your date in DC? KO: RPM or Ocean Prime OT: What’s the best piece of dating advice you’ve ever received?

KO: Invest a lot of time in your significant other. Don’t worry about other people, just worry about you two. Things will go smoother that way.

OT: What is your favorite place in the area to meet people?

KO: Georgetown

Ian Mahinmi - Married On Tap: What is your idea of a perfect date night in DC? Ian Mahinmi: I already had it; it was really awesome. I’d say leaving the house by 6:30, nice suit on.

My lady in a nice dress, heels, makeup done right. Taking selfies in the car, driving to the spot. Fig & Olive is actually my favorite spot.

Playing a little Bruno Mars in the car – that’s what my lady likes to hear. Get a little wine to start, a couple appetizers, a good dinner, good dessert. Go home, watch a movie or one of our shows, and call it a night.

OT: Do you like to go all out for Valentine’s Day? IM: I do like to do something special, maybe not all out every year, but I feel like it’s Valentine’s Day, so step up your game a little bit. Make a reservation [at] one of the best spots in town, wherever we’re at. Always dressing nice – got to look good, and flowers. I do flowers. This is like a must. Any Valentine’s Day, my lady gets flowers, my mom gets flowers, everybody gets flowers.

OT: Where do you buy your Valentine’s Day gifts in the area?

IM: That’s a good question, I haven’t really thought about that yet.

Her birthday is February 9, so Valentine’s Day is a week after that. She already gets a good gift for her birthday, so she usually doesn’t really get anything crazy.

OT: Where did you meet your wife?

IM: The first time I saw her was at a lounge in San Antonio, and then I liked her so much. I was lucky enough to have one of my best friends know her best friend, and somehow they connected us.

OT: What is your favorite place to take your wife in DC? IM: Fig & Olive and RPM. We actually spent New Year’s Eve at Fig & Olive, and I think the night before we were at RPM, so it’s back-toback between those two places.

FROM THE

COURT

TO

Courtship CONTINUED...

Jason Smith - Married On Tap: What is your idea of a perfect date night in DC? Jason Smith: I’m a very simple individual, so a perfect date night for me [would be with] my wife. And I have a baby daughter. She’s two years old and my wife is now pregnant with our second child, so she would definitely want to have a lowkey meal. Might spice it up – we’ll get a babysitter for our daughter, we’ll go out to a nice steakhouse, she’ll get a nice meal, we’ll have a nice dinner conversation, come back, relieve the babysitter and probably call it a night after that.

OT: Do you like to go all out for Valentine’s Day? JS: I will get her flowers and maybe some chocolates. The typical, but nothing super crazy.

OT: Where do you buy your Valentine’s Day gifts in the area?

JS: It’s going to be new for me. I haven’t been in this area, so I’m going to have to find a spot to go to for Valentine’s Day. Being in Bethesda, I think it won’t be too hard. They have a lot of good places out there. I might hit up Georgetown Cupcake now that I think about that. You’re welcome, Georgetown Cupcake.

OT: Where did you meet your wife?

JS: I met my wife when I was in Philly. We were up there, and then I got traded down to New Orleans and she came down to New Orleans with me. We decided to hitch up and had a blast down there. We got married in the Philadelphia area. She’s from New Jersey, about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. It was a good wedding. My family came out from Colorado. Her family was close, so we had a nice, good get together, and it has been great ever since.

OT: What is your favorite place to take your wife in DC? JS: The restaurant we really want to try is the Mexican restaurant, Uncle Julio’s. I keep on hearing great things about it, so I think we’re going to try that place for sure.

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ON TAP | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

In one of the team’s best victories of the season, the Washington Redskins trounced the Green Bay Packers in a decisive 42-24 blow out at FedEx Field. Led by the offense, the Redskins repeatedly marched up and down the field on the Packers, and held the red-hot Aaron Rodgers to a mostly pedestrian performance.

Photos: Mark Raker

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Happy Hour Monday - Friday: 3-6 pm

Drink Specials $ 5 Select Appetizers Flatbreads Deviled Eggs Chips & Queso Spin Dip Potato Skins Chicken Tenders

52 TVS + 27 DRAFTS = EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT SEASON

From the

Court

to

Courtship Continued...

Otto Porter - On the market On Tap: What is your idea of a perfect date night in DC? Otto Porter: You definitely have to go out to dinner somewhere nice. My spot is Ruth’s Chris in Crystal City.

[It’s] next to the airport; it has an amazing view. It’s a nice spot. Then maybe [go] to the movies or something like that. Keep it traditional.

OT: What are three things you look for in a partner?

OP: She has to have a great sense of humor. She has to be beautiful, kind and caring.

She’s got to like basketball.

**Mondays - Neighborhood Night** (Happy Hour til 9pm!)

**Tuesday Night Trivia** **1/2 Price Burger Wednesday**

**Thursdays - Ladies Night on Stage**

**Live Bands - Friday & Saturday** T&H is the place that reminds you of home!

We are also a full service events and catering company so let us bring the fun to you! Go to www.tortoiseandhare.events for more info!

567 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22202 | (703) 979-1872 info@tortoiseandharebar.com

OT: What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on, and how did you recover?

OP: I’ve never really had a worst date. I make sure all my dates go according to plan.

OT: Where do you buy your Valentine’s Day gifts in the area?

OP: Depends on the gift. I go Neiman Marcus or Tysons Corner. They have a lot of different shops that you can go to. Oh, and Victoria’s Secret.

OT: Where is the most romantic place to take your date in DC? OP: I would say the CityCenter. That’s a real nice spot. A lot of lights, [and] some camera action for great pictures.

OT: What’s the best piece of dating advice you’ve ever received?

OP: Don’t set your standards [too] high, always be open.

OT: Is dating in DC easy, or do you find it to be more of a challenge?

OP: The great thing about DC is that it is like a melting pot. There’s a variety of people that live here. That kind of makes it easy, but at the same time it’s tough to find out where everybody is at.

OT: What is your favorite place in the area to meet people?

OP: [The] Georgetown area.

Learn more about the Wizards at www.nba.com/wizards/.

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on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

Fans at the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman enjoyed the Official Military Bowl Tailgate before the showdown between Temple and Wake Forest. The tailgate featured military displays, games and music, food and beverages, traditional tailgate foods, and plenty of Budweiser beer.

Photos: Alanna Sheppard

www.ontaponline.com | Winter 2017 | On Tap

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Photo: Courtesy of Radiator

ghes

Photo: Jennifer Hu

hef Radiator CJ on

athan Dearden

By Trent Johnson

C

hef Jonathan Dearden thrives with knives behind Radiator’s kitchen doors, prepping the kitchen to old school hip-hop and grazing on snacks scattered about his workspace. The former Ardeo + Bardeo Executive Chef leads the culinary charge at Kimpton’s Radiator, a buzzworthy cocktail bar and restaurant that opened on 14th Street last summer. Dearden draws on Creole, Caribbean and pan-Asian influences for Radiator’s menu, inspired by years of cooking at restaurants around the country and as far as Saint Lucia. On a quick break from work, cooking with his son and doing CrossFit, the tatted chef caught up with On Tap for the debut of our “A Day in the Life” column.

On Tap: How did you get into the food business?

Jonathan Dearden: My father tended bar at a restaurant in Alexandria, and when [my twin brother and I] were 13 or 14, he brought us into the restaurant. We would help prep and wash dishes, and it kept us busy on the weekends. It eventually transcended into a love of food and culture. In the restaurant, everything was made from scratch, so we learned how to make fresh soup, chicken wings and chicken fingers. It wasn’t anything glamorous, but it was exciting.

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OT: What’s the first meal you remember?

JD: It’s funny, because I’ve traveled around.

One of the most memorable meals is going to Clyde’s for Thanksgiving. I would always get the big turkey leg. I always wondered, “How could they cook so many turkey legs?

How could they feed so many people?” Kids usually get slim pickings, but there I got a leg all to myself.

OT: How’d you get into tattoos?

JD: Yeah, tats are awesome. I have 12 tattoos, and most of them are culinary-based. I have

a “chef life” one. And I have a few on my back, and a couple on my chest. I’m already working on my sleeve [laughs].

OT: You often cook with your kid. What’s that like?

JD: The most important thing is the entertainment value of it. As a chef, I used to be strict in the kitchen and very aggressive, but as soon as my son was born I began to approach things differently. Now I’m much more patient. The goal when you’re cooking with a child is to let them lead the way. The

Can’t Live Without: • • • • •

Chef utensils Beats Pill+ Sonicare toothbrush $600 chef knife Phone

they’re eating now, and you’ve got to be on your P’s and Q’s.

OT: What’s your favorite drink/food combination?

JD: Chicken and beer. Straightforward.

Chi-Mc is a place I go to frequently when I want that cheat meal. They do Korean fried chicken and beer. I’ve tried to duplicate the recipe, but I just can’t get there. There’s an ingredient or something I’m missing. I’ve gotten it close. I’m a crazy guy for chicken wings and draft beer.

Photos:: Trent Johnson

first time he cracked eggs, it was a disaster; he crushed the whole thing in his hand. His specialty is cakes. He can take the whole thing out of the box and decorate it.

OT: What kind of movies do you enjoy?

JD: I love action films. The best movie I saw in 2016 was Straight Outta Compton, and my wife didn’t know any of those artists, so I was sort of explaining who Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg [are]. I go to the AMC Hoffman the most.

OT: You played football and basketball in high school. Do you still follow sports?

JD: Of course. My father is a Cowboys fan and my stepfather is a Redskins fan.

Thanksgiving was particularly interesting this year, because I was getting group texts

All-Time Faves: • • • • •

Food Family CrossFit FaceTime Sauté pan

on one side, and group texts on the other.

I’m truly a diehard Redskin fan, but for some reason, when the Cowboys and Redskins play, I sort of lean toward the Cowboys.

It’s very weird. After Washington missed the playoffs, my Facebook feed was a little aggressive.

OT: Has an athlete ever come to you for a specific diet, or meal plan?

JD: Yeah, I’ve dealt with athletes a few times. It’s very important to understand that part of nutrition. Though I’ve never been approached to construct a regimen, we’ve served athletes here, and I've catered for celebrities and athletes in the past. Strict foods aren’t fun to cook at first, but my mom is a vegetarian, so I experienced what that’s like for someone who chooses to eat that way. I look at it more as a challenge than a letdown. I think more people know what

OT: What’s your favorite social drink right now?

JD: Blue Moon. I’ll usually taste a local beer, but if I’m in the mood to drink a few, I’ll stick with Blue Moon. I also love Port City Brewing and Devils Backbone. I’m no beer connoisseur, but I have elevated taste buds, so beverage people ask me to taste drinks all the time.

OT: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to when you’re working?

JD: We always start off with 80s rock or pop, and eventually we segue into early hip-hop.

Music is an important part of the kitchen, and I allow music up until we start service.

I’m not into new-age rap, but my staff plays it sometimes.

Kitchen Must-Haves: • • • • •

Salt Olive oil Fresh herbs Chicken Lollipop kale or Brussels sprouts

OT: What’s the most memorable concert you’ve been to?

JD: John Legend in 2012 or 2013. I saw him in Florida, and it was the first concert my wife and I went to. He even touched on Bob Marley, and it was great.

Radiator: 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; 202-742-3150; www.radiatordc.com

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ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar

2016 eiky

h Sk Photos: Farra

By Jean Schindler

2016 was another dizzying year for DC’s restaurant scene – summer alone saw 85 new openings and Bon Appétit named Washington its “Restaurant City of the Year.” Burgeoning food trends solidified their hold: ethnic eats (Filipino, Basque and more) continued blossoming into mainstream American dining habits, while hotel bars sustained their transformation from drab transit stations to glam destinations. The District upped its quotient of establishments anchored by alcohol, and local talent built on past successes to grow empires and open new concepts.

Very few “bad” restaurants opened in or around DC – a random stroll now through any given neighborhood will probably yield a delicious meal. The more interesting quandary is: how many of these new restaurants will survive? After all, the media is predicting that the restaurant industry is in a “Bubble About to Burst” (Thrillist) and “About to Implode” (GQ).

These headlines might be overly grim, but the realities

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Bad Saint

of rising labor costs, intensified competition and highly price-sensitive diners mean that survivors will need more going for them than a great meal. There’s a reason why soulless corporate chains survive: economies of scale and the ability to carry a location through a lull in business can anchor the business’s long-term viability.

Local restaurants that survive and thrive will have to have their own anchors. In DC, I boldly predict four broad categories of survivors: concepts centered on craft alcohol (DC is a hard-drinking town!), those based in hotels or other larger businesses (such as MGM at National Harbor), those established as part of existing local restaurant groups or by industry vets with strong business acumen, or by local talent snagging major awards (who then go on to grow their own empires).

So in alphabetical order, here’s our list of the best new restaurants of last year that you’ll probably still be eating at next year – and maybe even the year after. Bon appétit.

1

All-Purpose Pizzeria

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Convivial

Anchored by: Local talent All-Purpose brings together a powerhouse team drawn from Red Hen and Boundary Stone, and features desserts from Photo: Scott Suchman Buttercream Bakeshop (which saves manpower in the kitchen from being spent on the low-margin dessert course). The modernized Italian-American was named as critic Tom Sietsema’s favorite new restaurant.

All-Purpose: 1250 9th St. NW, DC; www.allpurposedc.com

Anchored by: Industry veteran The second restaurant from Chef Cedric Maupillier is rightfully gaining the same rapturous attention Photo: Scott Suchman Mintwood Place got when he opened it in 2013. When Convivial got shade from a local foodie, DC rallied to Maupillier’s side – Convivial’s reputation is immune from one cranky diner on an off night, which bodes well for its longterm survival. Convivial: 801 O St. NW, DC; www.convivialdc.com

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Cotton & Reed

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District Distilling

ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar

Anchored by: Hard cider This is DC’s first licensed winery since Prohibition, though ANXO actually focuses Photo: Farrah Skeiky on hard ciders (the process is similar enough that DC licensed it as a winery). Business models anchored in alcohol production have slightly stronger margins (once they get past exorbitant equipment prices and costly regulations, that is), particularly if they can add wholesale to their business plan. Opened by industry vets from a handful of DC establishments (including Meridian Pint and Smoke & Barrel), ANXO also provides a tour of Basque country culinary riches. ANXO: 300 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.anxodc.com 3

Bad Saint

Anchored by: Awards and local talent Ownership by the talent behind Room 11 means this is a wellgrounded business; a Bib Gourmand shout-out Photo: Farrah Skeiky and the #2 placement on Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurant list means the lines will not get any shorter. It also means they will be able to stay in business for the foreseeable future, which is great news both for creativity in cooking and for a cuisine that rarely gets attention in the U.S. Bad Saint: 3226 11th St. NW, DC; www.badsaintdc.com 4

Bindaas

Anchored by: Empire Bindaas, the latest project from the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (Rasika, Oval Room), features Indian street food, which means Photo: Greg Powers no curry (making it very different from Rasika). It replaced the Bardeo half of Ardeo+Bardeo, the group’s modern American restaurant that has long been a Cleveland Park classic. The larger business provides a cushion (however thin) to repurpose one venue without freezing all revenue across the business. Bindaas: 3309 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.bindaasdc.com

Anchored by: Booze DC’s first rum distillery rode a wave of crowdfunding to build out the distillery and its glorious tasting room/bar. With an Photo: Farrah Skeiky exceptional range of rums, Cotton & Reed will have no problem getting shelf space in liquor stores. Visit the tasting room/bar to learn what to do with it – I really liked the Redbeard (rum, Campari, lemon and a spicy house-made ginger soda). Full disclosure: yes, I participated in the crowd-funding campaign. Totally worth it.

Cotton & Reed: 1330 5th St NE, DC; www.cottonandreed.com

Anchored by: Booze Thanks to a new distillery pub law, this is DC’s first combination distillery, bar, retailer and restaurant. I will admit I was initially Photo: Jeff Martin a little skeptical – kitchen sink concepts are difficult to pull off. But the venue is attractive, the cocktail menu is thoughtful, the food is good – and the cachet of “District-made” is hard to resist. District Distilling Co.: 1414 U St. NW, DC; www.district-distilling.com 8

Duck Duck Goose

Anchored by: Industry veteran Bethesda has long labored under a reign of chain restaurants and staid locals, so the arrival of DDG was a flash Photo: www.ddgbethesda.com of culinary lightening.

Owner-chef Ashish Alfred’s first venture was the nearby 4935 Kitchen and Bar, where he learned what it takes to keep a restaurant alive. He took that knowledge, and opened his dream: a bright, adorable brasserie serving contemporary French food. Duck Duck Goose: 7929 Norfolk Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.ddgbethesda.com

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9

Duke’s Counter

Anchored by: Local talent Everyone knows (and loves) Daniel Kramer from his days running booze walks in Dupont Circle. When he and Photo: Courtesy of Duke’s Counter his partners opened Duke’s Grocery, he continued to be an easy cause to support – the London-inspired menu was outstanding from day one.

Now, a new iteration on the Duke’s theme – this one with an even bigger bar – livens up the strip across from the Zoo. Here’s hoping the empire continues to grow. Duke's Counter: 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.dukescounter.com

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Anchored by: Empire Tim Ma made his name with award-winning restaurants in Virginia, and promptly snagged a Bib Gourmand shout-out for his DC Photo: Rey Lopez debut. I still remember swooning over the ice cream and scallops (served over risotto) at Maple Ave, so I was excited to see it make an appearance here.

When Ma was able to salvage his first restaurant and make it profitable, he set the groundwork for his growing culinary empire today. Kyirisan: 1924 8th St. NW, DC; www.kyirisandc.com 14

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Anchored by: French wine Fresh flowers and graffiti, French wine and happy hour specials – this is our favorite wine bar in DC. Opened by a French Photo: Dave Bloom expat and a former political fundraiser, La Jambe proves that not every noteworthy new bar is cocktail-centric (though La Jambe has some good ones).

Though margins on wine have shrunk, a good wine bar still attracts R&R-focused consumers, rather than just budget-conscious booze hounds. La Jambe: 1550 7th St. NW, DC; www.lajambedc.com

Farmers & Distillers

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Anchored by: The farmers of North Dakota Founding Farmers is a Washington institution.

Owned by a cooperative of North Dakota farmers, its family of restaurants Photo: Ken Fletcher are all beautifully built and feature large and lavish menus. The newest member of the family, in Chinatown, opened on an even grander scale. There are more than 300 seats, around 150 dishes for lunch and dinner, and 40 cocktails on the drinks menu. The “Founding Spirits” of rye, gin, amaro and vodka are used at the bar, and bottle sales will follow shortly. Can this behemoth dominate the neighborhood? Farmers & Distillers: 600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.farmersanddistillers.com

Ivy Room

Anchored by: Booze Part of the womanowned Republic Restoratives Distillery, the beautiful Ivy Room is an industrial-style space with lots of Photo: John Robinson Photograhy windows and plants.

Cocktails feature the Distillery’s Civic Vodka; while the concept might evolve as the distillery adds new products, the bar itself will be here for a long time. Ivy Room: 1369 New York Ave. NE, DC; www.republicrestoratives.com

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Little Coco’s

Anchored by: Empire The legendary Jackie Greenbaum (El Chucho, Bar Charley) tends to fly under the radar in DC’s personality-obsessed food scene, but her Photo: www.littlecocos.com restaurants make up for it with outsized pizzazz. Her hallmarks: quirky venues, strong drinks and food that is trendy without trying. Little Coco’s comes through with a menu ranging from fried pizza to smoked rabbit pasta, and a stellar cocktail list that includes the mesmerizing Quack-quack-erac (bourbon, rye, rum, duck fat, St. Germain, bitters). Little Coco’s: 3907 14th St. NW, DC; www.littlecocos.com 16

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La Jambe

Espita Mezcaleria

Anchored by: Booze No, Espita does not produce mezcal, but they are the go-to and final word on the spirit in DC – the bar has almost 100 different Photo: Rey Lopez bottles selected by a certified master mezcalier. While the menu is not cheap to produce (Oaxacan heirloom corn is flown in from Mexico to make tortillas – yes, I initially rolled my eyes too), the food is delectable.

Espita Mezcaleria: 1250 9th St. NW, DC; www.espitadc.com 11

Kyrisan

Radiator

Anchored by: Kimpton Hotel Just off the bustle of 14th Street, Radiator feels like an oasis of cool. Inside, the bar is sleek and sophisticated; Photo: Jennifer Hughes outside, the patio has soft lights and shuffleboard. Wherever you sit, the cocktails are charming – bartender Sarah Rosner (Copycat Co.) crafted the opening menu. Hotel bars used to be dismal affairs; now, they are opportunities for hotels to show some flare – and anchor some creativity in a more secure business foothold. Radiator: 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; www.radiatordc.com

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Sfoglina

Anchored by: Empire This is the fourth culinary adventure for power couple Fabio and Maria Trabocchi (Fiola, Fiola Mare, Casa Luca), this one Photo: Sfoglina’s Facebook focusing on handmade pasta and a more casual vibe. We’ll definitely be back for the ligurian corzetti with white pork ragu and foraged mushrooms.

The couple is known for combining lush aesthetics with a shrewd business sense, so we see a long life in the cards for this pasta joint.

Sfoglina: 4445 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.sfoglinadc.com 18

Sovereign

Anchored by: Empire Sovereign focuses exclusively on Belgian beers in a sprawling venue with an extremely sophisticated, multi-floor tap system. And as part Photo: Sovereign’s Facebook of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Bluejacket, Birch & Barley and many more), Sovereign draws from deep business experience in creating unique neighborhood-oriented venues, as well as the support of an economic powerhouse. If anyone can stay in business long enough to get Americans to move beyond IPAs, it will be Sovereign.

Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com 19

February

BREWERY EVENTS

Tail Up Goat

Anchored by: A Michelin star and local talent More than almost any other award, a Michelin star guarantees the avalanche of Photo: Victoria Milko customers that allows small restaurants like this Mediterranean superstar to survive and continue to be creative. And being opened by local talent (veterans from Komi, Little Serow) makes that star all the more fabulous. It might be harder to snag a reservation to get our fix of goat lasagna and cashew cardamom sorbet, but it’s worth it to keep them in business. Tail Up Goat: 1827 Adams Mill Rd. NW, DC; www.tailupgoat.com 20

Tyson’s Location

Union Drinkery

Anchored by: Empire As the latest from Ali Bagheri (A&D, Sundevich), Union Drinkery knew how to connect with its neighborhood from Photo: Union Drinkery’s Twitter day one: friendly local bartenders serving top-notch cocktails at good prices in a building that retains its bones. I liked the Gray Hat (vodka, maraschino, crème de violet, lemon), but the bartenders are happy to quiz you on your taste and come up with something special. No corporate drones here – but Bagheri’s business experience means that Union Drinkery will know how to keep the doors open for a long time. Union Drinkery: 3216 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; www.uniondrinkery.com

2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28

TUESDAY BREWERY TOURS 3:00PM - 4:00PM

“I never knew all this was back here” -Ferdinand Magellan

SAY I LOVE YOU WITH $3 BEERS 4:00PM-6:30PM “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink $3 beers for Happy Hour” - Frank Sinatra

BREWERS HAPPY HOUR 3:00PM - 4:00PM

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk.

See you at 3 o’clock” -Ernest Hemingway

FAT TUESDAY DONUT/BEER PAIRING 4:00PM - 10:00PM “Donuts... Is there anything they can’t do” -Homer Simpson

www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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DC’s Innovative Restaurant & Bar Interiors

Community

Sakerum

By Vanessa Mallory Kotz How would you describe the interior of your favorite restaurant? Is it bold and sophisticated like a glass of red wine, or cheerful and casual like pop music? Maybe it’s sensual and romantic like a slow dance.

As the bar and restaurant scene continues to boom in DC, its interiors are becoming increasingly customized, intentional and, well, manipulative. But in a good way.

On Tap spoke with the designers of some of our favorite new spots, including Sakerum, Lincoln, Columbia Room, The Dabney and Community, delving into how they create the ultimate environment for a special night out.

Maggie O’Neill, cofounder of Swatchroom, starts off every new project by asking the client how they want their space to feel. She’s searching for a launching point, a spark for the creative process.

For example, her client wanted Sakerum on 14th Street to be both soothing and exotic.

Her firm realized the concept with clean lines, natural materials and “punctuations of glamour.” As a sushi restaurant, looking to Japanese design was logical, but Swatchroom also brought in Latin cultural influences like bright, mismatched pillows lining benches

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Photo: Farrah Skeiky

Columbia Room

adjacent to the Asian element of low wood tables.

Designers of the best new restaurant interiors in DC consider every single aspect of your experience in the space. From how you enter the restaurant, to the way diners and servers circulate through the room, the tiniest details have been considered and choices carefully made. Beyond lighting and materials, the most successful designers select everything from the font on the menu to the weight of cutlery in your hand.

When Brian Miller, design director at Streetsense and longtime friend of Columbia Room Owner Derek Brown, agreed to redesign the bar in Blagden Alley, the firm approached the project almost like production design for a play. The bar is small, so designers developed a kind of choreography dictated by the space to have “the best drinks you can possibly make while having the best time you can possibly have,” Miller said.

“We really wanted to pinpoint what was special about the old Columbia Room and what could be improved.”

There are three spaces in the bar: a tasting room, punch garden and spirits library. The latter conjures masculine rooms in sprawling English estates, with rich woodwork and

Photo: Vanessa Mallory Kotz

Photo: Greg Powers Photography

deep leather sofas. The original bar could only be accessed by walking through another restaurant. Miller and Brown felt it was crucial to keep that kind of sequence in the new space: first enter the alley, pass through the garden, into the spirits library and finally arrive at the bar.

“The anticipation that builds is a really important part of the experience,” Miller said.

The most impressive feature of Columbia Room is the large, custom Italian glass mosaic mural behind the bar. No rows of bottles or TV screens stare back at patrons of this exclusive spot. The firm designed the artwork based on medieval illuminated manuscripts.

It is highly detailed, allegorical and rich with iconography, exploring the duality between dark and light, man and woman, sun and moon. Alchemists were the first to mix delicious cocktails, and the artwork explores the techniques and ingredients of the craft.

It’s the ultimate message to patrons that this place is special, it’s intentional and it will last.

Custom art is something our top picks share – the mosaic wall in Columbia Room, wrought metal mirrors in Sakerum, custom portraits and penny floor in Lincoln, and the cheerful, Hollywood-inspired painted mural in Community. Richard Stokes, founder of

Stokes Architecture, designed the latter, a new-concept diner in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails, it even features a window where late-night partiers can pick up fresh doughnuts and coffee. Stokes has created a space that pays tribute to mid-century modern casual dining spots, elevating the look with sleek lines, dark wood and custom barstools in orange with smart, plaid seatbacks. A partial wall of stacked white stone separates the bar from the dining room – but all diners have access to views out of the wall of windows overlooking the street.

Trends to watch for? Clean lines, custom elements – often made by local artisans – metals like rose gold, brass and polished copper. Mid-century modern is in, while reclaimed materials and Edison bulbs are out. Casual gathering places where people can come and go all day are more common than the white-tableclothed steakhouses of the District’s past. Boho chic and warm colors are on trend, as are colors found in Miami Beach, like muted mauve, dirty yellows and minty greens. O’Neill avoids the latter, however, creating classic spaces that aspire to timelessness.

“This is the year of intensions,” she said, her excitement and passion bubbling through the phone.

Restaurantgoers in DC are sophisticated, savvy and looking for “high-impact moments,” she said. These hot spots deliver just that.

Columbia Room: 124 Blagden Alley, NW, DC; www.columbiaroomdc.com Community: 7776 Norfolk Ave. Bethesda, MD; www.communitybethesda.com The Dabney: 122 Blagden Alley, NW, DC; www.thedabney.com District Distilling: 1414 U St. NW, DC; www.district-distilling.com Lincoln: 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, DC; www.lincolnrestaurant-dc.com Provision 14: 2100 14th St. NW, DC; www.provisiondc.com Sakerum: 2204 14th St. NW, DC; www.sakerum.com

By Monica Alford Farrah Skeiky is a name that’s popping up everywhere in the city. The Bloomingdalebased food photographer and founder of Dim Sum Media supports some of the city’s trendiest new spots – ANXO, Bad Saint, Cotton & Reed, Haikan and Bantam King among them – and was one of the driving forces behind inauguration weekend’s All in Service fundraising event. She also shoots punk shows, collects records and is a self-described fangirl of all things food, from seasonal produce obsessions to hot sauce ranking lists. We were lucky enough to use Skeiky’s image of Bad Saint’s kinilaw na hipon (basically a Filipino shrimp ceviche with passion fruit) on our cover this month, and took a few minutes to catch up with the talented photographer about what makes her tick.

On Tap: Why food photography?

Farrah Skeiky: I began as a music photographer, but I’ve always cared about connecting stories to food. My favorite dishes are those I’ve shared with people who have taught me something about themselves, and about myself. It didn’t take very long for me to bridge these two interests. Taking “food porn” photos is fun, but I’m more interested in taking photos that connect the human element and reveal part of the story.

OT: Name your go-to comfort food or bev during the winter months. Best place to get it in the city?

FS: My mother makes shorabit ‘adas majroush, which is Lebanese mashed lentil soup. It’s a simple but hearty vegan recipe that I crave on rainy days. I’m also willing to drive to Eden Center [a Vietnamese restaurant strip in Falls Church, Va.] at the drop of a hat for pho, or Pho Viet if you’re staying in DC. And any time there’s arroz caldo at Bad Saint, I’m there. Filipino food was my first food love.

OT: You’re also a music photographer.

What kind of shows do you like to bring your camera to?

FS: Mostly punk shows. DC’s punk scene is alive and well. It has its own identity, independent of the 80s and 90s scene. I prefer

Photo: Emma McAlary

basement shows to ones at larger venues, because I prefer to take photos with little to no division between the band and the crowd.

OT: And when you’re not taking photos, you’re playing the guitar. What kind? Do you ever perform?

FS: I’ve been playing upright bass since age 10, and bass guitar since age 12. I haven’t performed in years, but hopefully that will change soon.

OT: You also collect records. Name a few you’ve picked up recently.

FS: Solange’s A Seat at the Table, a great 7” from Spain’s Suicidas called Baile de Máscsaras and DC’s own Give just released their Electric Flower Cult 12”.

OT: Tell me a little bit about Contrario Collective. Where can we check out your photos?

FS: We’re an all-woman photography collective comprised of photographers with very different styles and subject matter. One of our members recently moved to Burma, so we’ve gone international. You can find photos at www.contrariocollective.com.

OT: All in all, I’d say you have a pretty rad life. What are you loving most about your life right now?

FS: I’m lucky enough to work with people I like as people, and I get to spend a lot of time working with all kinds of women, each with their own talents, backgrounds and strengths. All of these women are smarter than me in different ways, which means I’m constantly challenged to think differently and work differently.

Learn more about Skeiky and Dim Sum Media at www.dimsum.media, and follow her at @dimsumdc. www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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By Tess Ankeny

Photos: Faith Maddox Photography

et your ballots (and glasses) ready! The third annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition returns this year on Saturday, February 25.

“There are many wine events in the spring and fall, but we wanted to do something in the winter [when not a lot else is going on],” explains Fauquier County Tourism Coordinator Catherine Payne.

The daylong event will be held again at Airlie, a hotel and conference center located on 300+ acres in Warrenton, Va. While only about an hour from DC, the retreat offers stunning landscapes amid charming old-world style buildings. Once an elite destination for world leaders and diplomats, the estate is now making itself open to the public and hosting events such as the Tasting Competition.

There are two wine tasting shifts – one beginning at 12:30 p.m. and one at 3:30 p.m.

– and each is 2.5 hours. During the tasting, guests will have the opportunity to taste through signature wines from 15 Virginia wineries. The wines will also be paired with featured hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Airlie kitchen. Some highlights from the 2016 event included Barrel Oak Winery’s reserve chardonnay paired with beet and chèvre mousse garnished with beet greens and candied apple, and Morais Vineyards and Winery’s touriga nacional alongside duck breast prosciutto with figs, sweet and sour shallots, and a grape glaze.

Enjoy live music while you stroll among the wine booths, and if you need a little break from tasting, you can visit the wine experience area where you can learn about different wine-related topics. If you find some

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Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery at last year’s competition

new favorites, you’ll also be able to purchase bottles to take home.

There will also be a number of professionally-judged awards, including an additional category for the best rosé, dessert or sparkling wine. The favorite “Tasters’ Choice” red wine in 2016 was Barrel Oak Winery’s 2013 cabernet sauvignon, and the winning white was Desert Rose Ranch and Winery’s 2015 Ole Moo Moo – a vidal blanc/ viognier blend. The professional judges awarded Best in Show to Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards for their quality white and red wines.

If the tasty hors d’oeuvres caught your attention, you’ll also want to participate in the intimate wine pairing dinner later in the evening. The five-course meal will again be prepared by Airlie chefs, and each course will be showcased alongside wines from the participating wineries. Tickets for the main tasting and competition are $35, and dinner tickets are $95.

The event is a fantastic way to taste through the great variety of wines being produced throughout Virginia without having to drive from tasting room to tasting room. This annual event continues to grow and improve – last year’s event attracted more than 350 wine lovers to participate in the competition and tasting. Tickets for both the tasting and dinner must be purchased online via Eventbrite in advance; there will be no sales at the door.

Tickets are $35-$95, and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com.

This year’s participating wineries include Arterra Wines, Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn, Barrel Oak Winery, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery, Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint, Desert Rose

Ranch & Winery, Miracle Valley Vineyard, Molon Lave Vineyards, Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards, Philip Carter Winery of Virginia, Three Fox Vineyards, Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Narmada Winery.

Airlie: 6809 Airlie Rd. Warrenton, VA; 540-347-1300; www.airlie.com

Inside Scoop with

Brian Roeder

Owner, Barrel Oak Winery

On Tap: What is new at this year’s wine tasting competition?

Brian Roeder: This year, there will be a series of tables set up where people can truly learn about the winemaking and growing process.

OT: Tell us about the competitive aspect of the event.

BR: For us, we’re not competing against other wineries around the world, it’s more just the local places. It’s more of a gathering of family, friends and peers.

OT: What makes this event special?

BR: You’re on this rural campus in an old building with all this charm. All the winery owners are here together. We’re in a beautiful location, we’re all together and we’re all drinking wine.

BEHIND THE BAR

By Trent Johnson

With February comes the celebrated New Orleans staple of Mardi Gras, and even though we’re a few states north of Louisiana, the distance between DC and the festivities seems non-existent given the number of local bars offering a slice of the Southeast region. On Tap traveled to a few locations boasting New Orleans-style libations, so you’re not without a venue come February 28.

Tom Latterell

Photos: Trent Johnson

General Manager, Big Chief

Photos: Trent Johnson

Mike Love

Beverage Director, Due South

On Tap: How did you decide which New Orleans-style cocktails to feature on your menu?

Tom Latterell: Honestly, it’s about finding a balance between authenticity and speed, because look at this place. It’s massive. Trying to make real New Orleans cocktails in a place like this is a challenge.

On a casual Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’re all about Hurricanes and Sazeracs. Most of the time, it’s stuff like the Hand Grenades and slushy-style drinks, which are still very New Orleans.

On Tap: You guys pride yourselves on being authentically Southern. Are you doing anything on Mardi Gras that won’t be done at other places?

Mike Love: We feature Abita on a draft line, so we’ll have Louisiana beer. We’ll do some frozen Hurricanes, and some other Mardi Gras cocktails as well. What we will have is Southern hospitality. I lived in New Orleans for eight years, so I’m familiar with Mardi Gras and that season. We have a comfortable bar where you can come and hang out.

OT: Do you think it’s hard to capture an authentic feel so far away from New Orleans? And how do people respond to the one you have?

TL: As long as you keep people happy, it’s all good. That’s the kind of culture we’ve drawn from New Orleans.

OT: What is your favorite Abita brew?

ML: It’s probably the most popular beer in Louisiana. We rotate through their seasonal selections, and we also have their root beer. It goes great with our duck jambalaya, and our crawfish dip.

OT: Are there any DC twists you plan to put on Big Chief’s Mardi Gras celebration?

TL: There’s no particular flair that we have to add. We’re here to be an authentic representation of what [Mardi Gras] is like in DC. OT: What is the ratio of Brooklyn to New Orleans influences at Big Chief? Where are they similar and where are they different?

TL: Both cities are full of creators, and people that want to stand behind what’s happened, and what’s going to happen. It’s not necessarily a physical reputation. It’s an attitude.

OT: What did you take away from living in New Orleans?

ML: How to take care of somebody; the way you welcome them in. It’s a lot more laidback city. I try to bring some of the Southern charm and relatability.

OT: What are some Southern beers people in DC probably haven’t tried yet that they should?

ML: SweetWater is probably our number one. We do a ton of their rotational selections, and we have their Pulled Porter coming up next, which has a smoky, almost bacon taste.

OT: And are there any plans to add a kitchen in the future, or will you stick with BYOF? TL: Adding a kitchen is something I think about, but at this point I don’t know.

OT: What Southern drinks do you suggest for colder months?

ML: Sazerac is a good one. We also do have our Bear Bryant Old Fashioned, which is a blend of a classic Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. We also have a bourbon-based Shoo Fly Punch, which gets you going; it’s everything you could want from Mardi Gras.

Big Chief: 2002 Fenwick St. NE, DC; www.bigchiefdc.com

Due South: 301 Water St. SE, DC; www.duesouth.com

Tom’s Pick

Mike’s Pick

• • • • •

• • • • •

Sazerac

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Rye whiskey Sugar Peychaud’s Bitters Absinthe Orange

On Tap | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

Bear Bryant Old Fashioned Old Forester 100 Signature Bourbon Dolin Rouge Sweet Vermouth Housemade brown sugar maple syrup Orange slice A cherry

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

Chris Miranda

Photos: Trent Johnson

General Manager, Vieux Carre

On Tap: What are your patrons’ favorite cocktails to order? Why do you think they’re so popular?

Chris Miranda: It’s between the Vieux Carre, our namesake, and the Hurricane. We run a special for Hurricanes on Tuesday for $7. To me it’s a little sweet, but on a hot day that is a perfect boozy drink to enjoy.

The Vieux Carre is not sweet, but it’s extremely liquor-forward, which is New Orleans. On our menu, it’s called the Eyes Wide Shut.

OT: Your decor is blatantly an homage to New Orleans. How long did it take to set it up? What’s your favorite part of the atmosphere?

CM: The railing made it that way. Originally, we wanted to be a loungey cocktail bar, and when we painted the railing black, we decided it looked straight up New Orleans. Then we added the French Quarter aesthetics like the chandeliers, and just the overall style. The mezzanine is definitely my favorite part of the bar.

OT: How often do you change up the menu, and add other selections from New Orleans?

CM: We’re actually in the process of switching things up, but we’re still trying to decide where we want it to go. We want to continue making classic cocktails, but we also want to meet consumer needs.

The cocktails will still be New Orleans-based. At night when we get a younger crowd, they don’t really order the cocktails. They want things like vodka-sodas, so we’re working on some variations.

OT: How have people responded to Vieux Carre’s signature New Orleans cocktails?

CM: People are actually kind of hesitant at first. When they taste it, they’re in, but because of the liquor-forward approach, people are a bit nervous to try those classic cocktails.

OT: Vieux Carre is rather new. Is there anything you plan on adding in the future?

CM: We just opened a bar downstairs called For Rent. It’s a very cocktail-forward spot. We’re both cocktail-friendly, but downstairs won’t have the New Orleans style. It’s been open about a month.

Whereas this is glitzy and glamourous, downstairs is a bit more of a dive bar.

Vieux Carre: 1413 K St. NW, DC; www.vieuxcarredc.com

Chris’s Pick

The Eyes Wide Shut Vieux Carre • • • • •

Bulleit Rye Hennessy Sweet vermouth Benedictine Bitters

Mister Days in Arlington, Va. hosted the winter Year of Beer.

Guests enjoyed beer samples from Devils Backbone, Old Dominion and Goose Island.

Photos: Mark Van Bergh

www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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Brewer’s Ball 2017 ServIng Up Hops & Hope

By Bill DeBaun, DC Beer or over a decade, the Metropolitan Washington, DC chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been serving up hope, one pint at a time. The gala event returns for its 13th year on March 4 at the National Building Museum, and this year promises to be the best and biggest edition yet. Tickets are on sale now and cost $150, of which $80 is tax-deductible.

The 13th Annual Beer Institute Brewer’s Ball will continue to feature more than 35 of the very best local and regional craft breweries, as well as some national players. Beyond the beers, over 25 great restaurants will keep attendees well-fed while the VIPs keep the crowd moving with live music and dancing.

“Brewer’s Ball is a highlight annually for those that love great beers and better causes,” says Dennis O’Leary, one of three co-chairs of the committee that coordinates Brewer’s Ball each year. O’Leary’s desire to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF) is deeply personal; his son, Casey, was born with the disease. “This event raises funds that have contributed greatly toward research for new treatments, programs and care for those with CF.” CF is a genetic, life-threatening disease that affects about 30,000 people in the United States. Approximately 10 million additional people are carriers of the gene that causes CF. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs, which clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to

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Photos: Mark Raker

infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure.

A few decades ago, most people with CF didn’t live long enough to attend elementary school. Through the efforts of the CF Foundation, the life expectancy of a person with CF has doubled in the last 30 years. Today, many people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Recent drug discovery and development programs have yielded drugs that have changed the course of CF. For the first time, two FDA-approved therapy (Kalydeco and Orkambi) treat not just the symptoms of the disease but the underlying genetic defect for a small percentage of the population. Recent research shows great potential for additional treatments that will similarly affect a larger percentage of people with CF. Although great progress has been made, there’s still a lot of work to do to put a cure in the hands of every person with CF. Brewer’s Ball has grown immensely along with the DC area’s craft beer scene. When the event started, there were no production breweries in DC or Northern Virginia. Now, over a decade later, the event features multiple breweries from the DMV. Local favorites like Port City, Flying Dog and Manor Hill will rub elbows with nationally renowned brands like Dogfish Head, Allagash and Boulevard.

The event, which has become well-liked among breweries as well, gives attendees the chance to chat with brewery representatives, and gives lovers of fine ales and lagers plenty of chances to ask questions and find out more about their favorite suds. (Don’t worry, wine, cider and mead fans, there’s something here for you, too). Area restaurants

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

like Ted’s Bulletin, Hill Country Barbecue Market, Matchbox, Hank’s Oyster Bar and Dino’s Grotto in Shaw pull out the culinary stops, often pairing their dishes with the breweries at the event.

Once the well-dressed attendees are fed and watered (or beered, as the case may be), they can bid on silent auction items ranging from brewery tours, to weekend getaways, to themed baskets. Using their smart phones, guests can check back periodically to make sure they haven’t been outbid on that bourbon basket they’re itching to bring home. During the live auction, guests go head to head for one-of-akind experiences, which in the past have included a “custom cask build experience” at Heavy Seas, a trip to Hollywood to see The Ellen DeGeneres Show and a week-long trip to Palm Springs.

Brewer’s Ball, which raised $420,000 last year, has grown from more modest roots (it raised $40,000 in its first year) and has now raised close to $3.5 million for the CF Foundation. With the help of the local craft beer community, area restaurants, and attendees and sponsors, the event will hopefully grow even more this year as it taps into the continued push for a cure.

For more information about the event, visit www.dcbrewersball.org.

For details regarding sponsorship or to be a brewery and restaurant tasting station, please contact Erin Leahey, Senior Development Director at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at eleahey@cff.org or 301-657-8444. On Tap is a proud supporter of the DC Brewer’s Ball.

The DC Craft Bartenders Guild held their ninth annual Repeal Day Ball at the Historic Carnegie Library to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. Photos: Michelle Goldchain

www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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Brews

By Trent Johnson February houses Valentine’s Day, the 24-hour period where folks are expected to drop their normal routines in favor of either pleasing, or chasing, a significant other with extravagant gifts and grandiose gestures of kindness. Apart from people celebrating the idealism centered on the pairing of two individuals, breweries have also been dipping their toes in these gleaming waters through various collaborations. These combos are birthed from neighboring businesses, and sometimes national competitors. Typically, the concoctions are well-received and delicious.

“We like to reach out to other breweries,” Devils Backbone Brewmaster Jason Oliver says. “Each collaboration is different because you’re either working with an individual or a group. One cool thing is there’s no set formula. Sometimes it’s complimentary and sometimes it’s contrasting. It’s a cool way to step out of our comfort zone.”

This trend isn’t likely to be a fleeting infatuation either, as more and more craft breweries plunge headfirst into the rapidly burgeoning industry. The ever-increasing number of businesses creates a plethora of opportunities for brewmasters to put their heads together. This is true whether the beermakers are similar or vastly different.

Often, the unions create beverages for

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Artists in all mediums routinely combine knowledge, and the craft beer industry is no different.

Port City at Schlafly

Photo: Courtesy of Port City Brewery

events or simply because they’re big fans of one another.

“Collaborations get started in a number of different ways,” says Jeff Hancock, president, cofounder and head brewer at DC Brau. “It normally happens when sharing the same space or a cobranded event with another brewery. It’s kind of like a ‘I dig what you do’ and ‘I dig what you do as well’ type of conversation.”

In Denver, these idea exchanges have earned their own festival with Collaboration

Fest. Organizer PJ Hoberman says the nationally recognized celebration of these unique brews is always a sellout. Though it started as an idea for Colorado Craft Beer Week, it is now a gathering where breweries from across the country flock.

“I don’t think you’ll start seeing collaboration-only beer bars anytime soon,” Hoberman says. “But collaborations have been a part and will continue to be a part of this incredible industry. It’s a way for brewers to work with and learn from those they respect.”

Though the most common collaboration involves two companies actually in the business of producing beers, that’s not necessarily a prerequisite. DC Brau has been known to collaborate with bands, and a number of national breweries have joined forces with artists, nonprofits and other various organizations. While this isn’t a

traditional beer merger, it’s still an exchange of ideas.

“I’d love to work on a beer with a well-known English metal band called Orange Goblin,” Hancock says. “Following in the same trend, I’d love to work with local metal outfit Clutch on a brew as well. I've been a fan of Clutch since I was in high school, and they all grew up locally.”

While patrons reap the rewards most, other entities enjoy the unions as well. The DC Brewer’s Ball on March 4 offers DMV breweries a ripe opportunity to connect with one another, and the organizers of the ball themselves in an effort to produce things folks in the area have yet to taste. Not to mention, it provides a chance to build camaraderie to raise awareness for a stellar cause, such as last year’s creation from Belly Love Brewing Company and Adroit Theory – the first ever Brewer’s Ball collaborative beer.

“We’re excited to announce that Belly Love and Adroit Theory will be at it again for this year’s event, brewing up something special,” says Erin Leahey, a Brewer’s Ball organizer and the senior developmental director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “Their collaboration is a true testament to the generosity of the craft beer community at large, and that is what collaboration is all about.”

However, it’s still important to find the right dance partner. When making any product in tandem, the breweries must be on the same wavelength; not necessarily in practice, but in the vision of their coopted creation. “[Last year], we did our first two collaborations ever,” says Chris Van Orden, Port City Brewing Manager of Marketing and Outreach.

“It’s important to come up with something that shows everyone who both brewers are. With our collaboration with Schlafly Beer, we were going to do something that both of our respective fan bases would appreciate.”

The actual workflow varies tremendously, with each brewery visiting one another at separate times, or doing one big batch at a singular location.

“Another collaboration we did was with DC Brau, and we went out for a couple of visits,” Van Orden says. “We’ve been growing together, and we know each other very well.”

The fusion of ideas isn’t limited to proximity however, as Devils Backbone’s Oliver cites a collaboration effort with the nationally prominent Sierra Nevada Brewing Company based out of Chico, Calif.

Devils Backbone is currently in the midst of a collaboration adventure pack, working with Virginia breweries Parkway Brewing Company, Ocelot Brewing Company, Mad Fox Brewing Company, O’Connor Brewing Company and Three Notch’d Brewing Company.

The pack is set to be available in early April.

“It gives you inspiration to do beers you normally wouldn’t do, or it gives you an excuse to do a beer that you’ve wanted to do for awhile, but couldn’t find a justification [for],” Oliver says.

DC Brau is working on a few collaborations this year as well, including a project with local black metal band Darkest Hour titled Savor the Swill, a Belgian Farmhouse IPA with Union Craft and an imperial Pilsner called Conflict of Interest.

If I were to attempt to write every collaboration due for 2017, the enormous list would probably be longer than an issue of On Tap, but the ones above and the DC Brewer’s Ball in March provide a glimpse of what happens when breweries sit in a room together and create.

And why wouldn’t they? Artists in all mediums routinely combine knowledge, and the craft beer industry is ultimately no different.

“Everybody gets to learn how other folks do it, and it’s really helpful,” Van Orden says.

For more information on Brewer’s Ball, go to www.dcbrewersball.org.

To stay up-to-date on new collaborations, visit www.dcbrau.com, www.dbbrewingcompany.com and www.portcitybrewing.com.

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www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

39

By Trent Johnson Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely know, there are a number of wonderful establishments in the DMV where you can grab a pint, and their menus are always evolving and adapting to your tastes. If you’d rather avoid the guessing game, check out some of what’s coming up On Tap at these beer hot spots.

Photo: www.fb.com-anxocider

Photo: www.melvinbrewing.com

Red Derby

ChurchKey

On Tap: What new beers are you guys carrying in February?

Nick Schiever: A couple of new things that we’ll be bringing on are ANXO Cidery cans and Republic Restoratives Borough Bourbon, and we’ll be pairing that with Atlas Brew Works District Common Beer.

On Tap: What new things do you have coming up in February?

Kevin Ramsey: Probably the thing we’re most excited about is the Melvin 2x4 on February 4. Melvin Brewing Company is from Wyoming, and this is a double IPA from them. It’s won a number of awards, including the Alpha King championship, and it’s citrusy and hazy.

General Manager Kevin Ramsey

Beverage Manager Nick Schiever

OT: What’s exciting about them?

NS: They’re both local, and we’re supporting local businesses. A lot of people want it, and it’s a trend that I’m seeing. I think a lot of other places are keeping it local as well.

Red Derby: 3718 14th St. NW, DC; www.redderby.com

OT: What about this is exciting?

KR: For the event, Melvin is encouraging bars around the country to make it ninja/Wu-Tang Clan style.

ChurchKey: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

Jack Rose Dining Saloon Beer Director Nahem Simon

On Tap: What new beers are you guys carrying in February?

Nahem Simon: I’m excited to get the Off Color Dino S’mores. It’s one of those rare beers that isn’t produced in massive quantities, and it’s incredibly tasty and sought after. It’s the perfect beer for chilly February days.

OT: Any brews you’re bringing back from last year?

NS: We are going to carry a special batch of Space Reaper 2.0 from DC Brau, where they aged it in one of our cask barrels. It ended up amazingly. They’re almost done with the final carving of the keg, and it’s really fantastic. It takes all of the elements of the beer, but it kind of imparts this deep, dark wood character. It’s almost as if sequoia had a flavor.

One of the beers that I’m really enjoying right now is the Van Steenberge Gulden Draak Nitro Ale. Photo: www.dcbrau.com

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Jack Rose Dining Saloon: 2007 18th St. NW, DC; www.jackrosediningsaloon.com

on the scene

Kingfisher

General Manager Sam Buis On Tap: How do you guys select beers?

Sam Buis: I definitely try to acquire the more unique, interesting beers that I think people will really enjoy.

I come from 10 years of working in craft beer bars.

I’m fully aware of what good beer is, and what beer nerds like, so I try to achieve what they want. We’re all cans here, so that limits our ability to get certain beers, but it also helps us get others that aren’t as common.

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

Photo: Trent Johnson

OT: How often do you reach out to distributors to get new stuff in?

SB: Constantly. I only get a few cases of any beer I choose, so I’m always on the lookout for new beers. I’m always pestering my reps to find new things, and they put their weight on breweries to find out what they have in cans. If enough people request a can of a certain beer, they’ll make it.

OT: What are some beers you’re looking forward to carrying in February?

SB: Union Rye Baby IPA because Union always makes great beers, and this one has a great peppery resin quality with a super smooth mouth feel. Another is Evil Twin Mission Gose – it’s salty, sour and funky. Always happy to see good sours in cans, and so will my regulars. And last is Old Ox Black Ox Porter. I love me some dark beer, doesn’t matter what time of year, but it’s even better when it’s a cold day in February. Plus, it has great malty, roasty flavors balanced with some rye to give it a crisp finish.

Kingfisher: 1414 14th St. NW, DC; www.kingfisherdc.com

Smoke & Barrel Beverage Director Jace Gonnerman

On Tap: What new beers do you have coming up in February?

Jace Gonnerman: We will have year two of our Triple IPA with Ocelot Brewing Co. called Talking Backward.

It’s a collaboration with our three restaurants, and it’s an 11 percent IPA with citrus and mosaic hops. On February 7 at Meridian Pint, we’ll be hosting Firestone Walker, and it’ll be Photo: www.twitter.com-ocelotbrewing a bunch of rare beers that they have.

We’re also revamping our cocktail and liquor list, which will be inspired

by Frank Mills. He’s made a big name [for himself ] in the city. That will be released on February 6.

Smoke & Barrel: 2471 18th St. NW, DC; www.smokeandbarreldc.com

For the seventh year, the DC Tattoo Expo hosted 400 of the world’s best tattoo artists. The expo also featured tattoo-themed wares, entertainment and a pin-up contest.

Photos: John Gervasi

www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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The Bierdo “Lets Get Beer’d!”

By Nick Hardt

The Bierdo Visits Langdon’s Neighborhood Brewpub

We talked with the brewers, Tony and Bill, and found out they’ll be expanding soon, both in their current brewing facility and in some type of cool music venue upstairs, which used to be an old-timey jazz club. Sounds too cool for school, huh? It was. Here’s what you should try when you visit with your boo, non-boo, blind-boo or just go boo-less for heck’s sake! They’ll provide the booze. Get it? Got it? Great!

Photos: Nick Hardt

“Luck is not as random as you think. Before that lottery ticket won the jackpot, someone had to buy it.” - Vera Nazarian That’s exactly how I stumbled upon The Public Option, a Langdon-based brewpub just a stone’s throw away from Brookland in Northeast DC. I was on a blind date, and we had some time to kill after our initial date at the Hirshhorn Museum, which is a great place to meet strangers (they can’t run away because the place is a circle!) As we giggled at the phallic statues and suggestive sexual paintings (I told you it’s a good first date spot), I leaned in and whispered, “Hey, do you want to go on a brewery adventure after this?” She said, “Yes!” Two nights before, a blip had appeared on my Yelp screen about a local beer place that opened last fall. We were going there, and she was coming with me!

“We gonna rock down to Rhode Island Avenue...and then we’ll drink some fi-yah!” - a buzzed Bierdo quoting Eddy Grant Long story short, that was our first and last date (she politely told me she didn’t really like beer – what are the chances, Bierdos?) But even she enjoyed the atmosphere of this quaint little neighborhood hole-in-the-wall (with beer literally brewed in the basement). The Public Option has ample new beers to try, bowls upon bowls of free Goldfish crackers (a.k.a. fat kid heaven), and some food options sourced from STUFF’t DC and Republic Kolache. For the most part, however, this is an ideal low-key beer den offering eight varieties of beer, two of which seemed to be rotating experimental or seasonal brews. They also offer domestic canned beer for you hipsters, plus wine, spirits and a tasty handmade whiskey ginger cocktail on tap, which was perfect for my non-beer drinking date. But don’t judge her too harshly – she did after all agree to a date with me.

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Citra IPA, 6.5 percent: It seems like Public Option’s IPAs are constantly rotating, but they definitely know how to brew them. This one had your typical malt backbone and citra hops, but it was also more on the bitter side toward the end. It’s an acquired taste, but bitter beer when done right is fantastic and you should give it a try. Rating: Bitter than what the other local guys are making! #lovedthisplace Cream Ale, 5.8 percent: Not a hop head? This is the beer for you. It’s a cream ale that goes down easy. It’s a pale, light beer with “flaked maize” added to it. Don’t ask, but it totally works!

Rating: Creaaaaammm...get on top!

Sam’s Stout, 5.3 percent: This was probably my favorite of the bunch because it was so drinkable. Oats, malts and roasted barley create its backbone for a dry, palatable stout, but it also has some lactose to it so it goes down as smooth as mother’s milk. It’s balanced, and probably the perfect winter warmer for this time of year. Rating: I joined a new Sam’s Club, y’all.

The Public Option: 1601 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; 202-397-5129; www.thepublicoptiondc.com

Have a beer for the Bierdo to try?

Drop him a line at beer@ontaponline.com.

Black Joe Lewis and the

Honeybears

By Jon Kaplan

O

n a recent call with Joe Lewis, it was clear that he was enjoying the comforts of home, just as he was poised to give them up again – for a while at least. The heart, soul and frontman of the eponymously named Austin, Texas band Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears was having a quiet lunch at home as he prepared to hit the road for the better part of two months, the band’s biggest tour since 2013.

“I made a chicken pot pie the other night,” he said. “I’m gonna finish that off.”

Lewis is soft-spoken in conversation, a marked contrast to the gruff, high-energy singer that he becomes when leading his band.

Combining a range of influences from Lightnin’ Hopkins to Iggy Pop, Nile Rogers to James Brown, Lewis and his band have made a name for themselves through their live shows, featuring horns and a rhythm section that doesn’t quit. They show off that same intensity on their albums, the fourth of which, Backlash, will be released on February 10.

Lewis thinks it’s the band’s best yet.

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Photos: Courtesy of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

“My skill level now versus then…everybody has just grown so much,” he said. “The songwriting [has] gotten better. I’m getting older, maturing. I was older when I started playing guitar, and all those early years you’re kind of learning, I was just doing it onstage. I feel like now I know my way around stuff more. You refine all that over the years.”

The band’s last album, 2013’s Electric Slave, featured a heavier, rockier sound and didn’t come with the “and the Honeybears” part of the band name which, Lewis said, sowed confusion. His intention at the time was just to shed a part of the band name that he didn’t want to keep for so long, but the change made a bigger splash than he imagined.

“We had the name and kind of just got tired of it,” Lewis said, “and we took it off. And it became like a big issue, and everyone was confused.

So this time around I just put it back on, simple as that. The name change threw everybody off. I didn’t think it would, but it did.”

As for the band’s four-year hiatus, Lewis said there wasn’t any master plan, just a lot of different factors that added up, including wanting to record and release the band’s best possible material. While he often

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“I was older when I started playing guitar, and all those early years you’re kind of learning, I was just doing it onstage.” brings an idea to the table, he said the band’s songwriting process varies.

“Each song’s different,” he said. “A lot of times, I’ll come up with the beef of it, and I’ll bring it in and the guys will do what they do to it. Or it’ll be an idea that comes up in a sound check that we jam out on, and somebody will record it on their phone, and when we’re back home working on stuff, we’ll f--- with it. A lot of times, something will come up and it won’t be going anywhere, and we’ll say, ‘Hey, that thing from back in the day would sound cool here,’ and we’ll put ‘em together.”

The band has been signed to Lost Highway Records and Vagrant Records in the past, but this time around, they’re self-releasing their album.

“Unless someone is gonna be able to guarantee how much they’re gonna pump your stuff, and how hard they’re gonna work it…if you have enough money saved, it’s definitely better to do it on your own.

You can control what’s gonna happen with it more.”

As the band gears up for the album release and tour, Lewis’s home cooking will be replaced with whatever is available on the road – just one of the changes that takes a little getting used to after some time off. But Lewis knows the drill and he’s ready.

“It usually takes me about a week to acclimate to being back out on the road,” he said. “And then it’s all easy sailing from there.”

Catch Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears at the 9:30 Club on February 21. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are $25. Learn more about the band at www.blackjoelewis.com.

9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com

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www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

45

By Trent Johnson and Courtney Sexton

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

Basecamp Basecamp is what you get when three badass producers from Nashville decide to join forces to write their own music – and it’s mixing magic. Not just your typical drum and bass, these guys are masters at subtle layer, sick beat and sophisticated rhythm. If you dig the likes of Phantogram and Chvrches, check them out. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

The El Mansouris/Young Rapids Both bands are calling it quits. And it’s a real bummer for the DC local music scene, and especially for those of us who have been following the curiously beautiful evolution of experimental alt rockers Young Rapids.

They’re going out in style with a farewell show, where they’ll both be releasing new (and final?) records. Rumor has it the first 150 in the door get a limited-edition cassette copy of The El Mansouris’ self-titled,

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full-length album, and a limited edition copy of Young Rapids final release, the Everything’s Perfect EP. Get ‘em while you can. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

Smith Public Trust: 3514 12th St. NE, DC; www.publictrustdc.tumblr.com

The Smithereens Oh where did the 80s go? We don’t quite know, but the four original members of the classic New Jersey power pop band who left us with hits like “A Girl Like You” and “Blood and Roses” are getting back together to bring us back in time – for four shows only. It’ll be just like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

Tickets cost $21. State Theatre: 220 North Washington St. Falls Church, VA; www.thestatetheatre.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Crystal Bowersox Who needs to win a reality show to become

a bonafide performer? Not Crystal Bowersox, who actually made the cast of American Idol’s ninth season. Instead of taking home the mantle of “American Idol,” she has crafted a successful career simply creating music, instead of living up to a title. How many winners still even make music? Not a ton.

But Bowersox does, and you can catch her rocking side to side while delivering powerful folksy songs into a microphone at Wolf Trap.

Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26-$28. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Mogwai These Scottish post-punkers have been shoegazing since the mid-90s. With influences like Sonic Youth, The Pixies and The Cure, their music is heavy on distortion and effect.

Their stop in DC is part of a North American tour promoting their latest project, Atomic, the soundtrack to Mark Cousins’ film Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise. Show at 9 p.m.

Tickets cost $30 in advance; $35 at the door.

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Star FK Radium The cosmic, ethereal songs that this local chamber rock trio creates are hypnotic – but far from repetitive.

The notes are colorful enough to keep from lulling into a bore, and the tracks are smart enough to keep you wanting more. It’s Sigur Ros-eque but not quite as esoteric – seeing guitarist Bill Martien in a cowboy hat really flips the lid on any preconceived notions about musical genres. Plus one if you’re a sucker for anything with a violin. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $5 at the door.

Galaxy Hut: 2711 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.galaxyhut.com

OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE

FRIDAY, JAN 20

THE BUREAU OF SABOTAGE FT. JOHN KADLECIK, OTEIL BURBRIDGE, ARON MAGNER, JEFF FRANCA SATURDAY, JAN 21

THE BAND OF HEATHENS WEDNESDAY, JAN 25

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 J Boog Some people like to argue that all reggae music sounds the same, save for the occasional run through the Bob Marley greatest hits. Although I’ll agree that there is a formulaic method to the madness of most great musicians operating within the genre, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time bobbing your head and subtly allowing your shoulders to roll while partaking. J Boog combines those simple tunes with a raspy voice, most often reserved for traditional R&B, in a beautiful medley of digestible songs. So forget the naysayers, and boog to J Boog. Doors 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.25-$20.75. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

THE 19TH STREET BAND, THE PLATE SCRAPERS THURSDAY, JAN 26

ADWELA & THE UPRISING, THE ELOVATERS FRIDAY, JAN 27

GYPSY JAM 3.0 FT. COVERED WITH JAM, CACTUS LIQUORS SATURDAY, JAN 28

THE NEW STEW (BILL WITHERS TRIBUTE) FT. COREY GLOVER, ROOSEVELT COLLIER, YONRICO SCOTT, MATT SLOCUM, DAVE YOKE, JARED STONE FRIDAY, FEB 3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB MARLEY FT. NAPPY RIDDEM & JAH WORKS SATURDAY, FEB 4

$5 $10 $6 $3 $3

Appetizer Menu Sangria Pitchers Bombs Sangrias Guinness

SOPHISTAFUNK, FUNKY DAWGZ BRASS BAND WEDNESDAY, FEB 8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Joe Purdy He had a beard and suspenders and heartbreak on his face before it was cool. Singer-songwriter Joe Purdy has been a figure on the American folk revival scene since Y2K, and has put out a new release almost every year since – all consistently well-crafted. It’s hard not to be seduced by his deep, gravelly voice, especially when he’s crooning original tunes that combine some of the best elements of blues, ballad and rock. In his latest album, Who Will Be Next?, Purdy taps in a little more to traditional Americana a la Dylan, so you can probably expect a bit more of a protest-song vibe from this show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20-39.75. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

ROSE COUSINS THURSDAY, FEB 9

MADAILA

JOE MARCINEK BAND FT. STEVE MOLITZ, CLAY PARNELL, SCOTTY ZWANG

2/4 Here’s To The Night

SATURDAY, FEB 11

2/10 Scorpion Rose

THURSDAY, FEB 16

2/11 Doc Marten & The Flannels

ALL GOOD PRESENTS: THE WERKS BIG MEAN SOUND MACHINE FRIDAY, FEB 17

BETTER OF DEAD (GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE), THE THE BAND BAND (THE BAND TRIBUTE) SATURDAY, FEB 18

JAZZ IS PHISH (PHISH TRIBUTE) SUNDAY, FEB 19

GRAND OLE’ DITCH, DEAD MEN’S HOLLOW THURSDAY, FEB 22

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Bob Marley’s 72nd Birthday Tribute Event w/LITZ + Threesound With the extensive catalogue and legacy of Bob Marley, it would be really difficult to screw up a tribute event as long as you had folks on the stage who could play the music. Jammin Java will double the trouble with two groups set to take the stage as they pay homage to one of the most influential reggae artists. LITZ and Threesound will tackle some of the legend’s timeless material, with twists representing

2/3 TBD

FRIDAY, FEB 10

GANG OF THIEVES THURSDAY, FEB 23

SUN-DRIED VIBES, I & I RIDDIM FRIDAY, FEB 24

2/11 UFC - Pay Per View 2/17 Advanced Party Solutions 2/18 Nelly’s Echo 2/24 Drunk Naked Pirates 2/25 Vinyl Rhino 3/3 Alter Ego 3/4 The V.I.P.’s

ON THE BUS (DEAD TRIBUTE), EAT YER MEAT (PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE), HAYLE JANE AND THE PRIMATES SATURDAY, FEB 25

JARED & THE MILL

9811 WASHINGTON BLVD GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877 240.780.7139 UNIONJACKSRIO.COM www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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Music Picks who the two respective group are as artists. LITZ brings a sonic sound, while Threesound brings heady festival experience.

Whether you’re a casual fan, or a diehard groupie, this is a mustsee show. Show at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12-$22. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

nights, as the party vibe transcends the stage and makes its way to the dance floor. These four musicians bring their years of experience and “frontman” performing mentalities to the table to give audiences an unforgettable live show that is as visually interesting as it is sonically impressive. Union Jack’s: 9811 Washingtonian Blvd.

Gaithersburg, MD; www.unionjacksrio.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Charlie Hunter He’s been a soloist, a trio and a quartet, and for this show four is the magic number. Charlie Hunter has been called a “guitar virtuoso” by critics – he plays on custom seven and eight string instruments – and brings Latin flavor to traditional jazz.

He has written interpretive arrangements and covers of the late greats Bob Marley and Kurt Cobain, but his original work can certainly stand solo in the catalogue of (sometimes aggressively) experimental jazz.

His new album, Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth was released July 22 on GroundUP Music. Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www. jamminjava.com

Sampha Don’t think about it “Too Much” and go see Sampha. His lyrics are touching and soulful, and his melodies are to die for.

The British singer had been experiencing an explosion in popularity over the past few years, which is the opposite of his sound, as he chooses to dabble in sentimental experimentation with his vocals, often bellowing emotional, heartfelt tracks.

Sampha isn’t a concert you go to if you’re looking for a ravelike atmosphere. Instead you’ll find a man on a stage with a propensity to get you laughing, crying, smiling and crying again.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

as a-ha, or even contemporary stalwart Chvrches, instead favoring a more deliberate approach to the noisy electric sounds. Speaking of which, I used to watch Beverly Hills Cop on VHS all the time when I was a kid, and is there a synthier intro than that? Probably not, no.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com

and cut loose. With the fusion of old-school bluegrass, blues and folk with some New Orleans flair, the revival won’t be of the tough times Dust Bowl. No, it’ll be the resurrection of your closeted dance moves. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; www.thehamiltondc.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Aztec Sun If you guessed an Aztec Sun would be hot and smoldering, you’d likely be correct. However, did you think it would be groovy? DC’s Aztec Sun is just that, as they combine funky chords with bluesy vocals that sounds similar to Austin’s Gary Clark Jr. and some of the slow jams owned by The Black Keys, particularly in their indie days.

The group has experienced an eventful 2016, and is looking to get your 2017 started off right with moody, groovy blues. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1363 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

Kali & Ancestors in Training Growing up in Vermont, Kali Stoddard-Imari was big into poetry, hip-hop and chorus until his teenage discovery of the guitar. With a wide array of experiences, he has used these influences as a springboard to learn more about the craft of making music, and now is a bonafide performer in his own right. Sometimes combining too many influences can mean chaos, but Stoddard-Imari embraces this clash of sounds, forming a truly unique live show.

Doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Free show. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC: www.gypsysallys.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Here’s to the Night Hailing from Baltimore, Here’s to the Night fully immerses listeners in a nostalgic experience, with a song list comprised of some of the most fun and energetic rock songs from the mid-90s through the turn of the millennium.

From start to finish, audiences can’t help but recall countless memories and unforgettable

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VHS Collection Synth on synth on synth – that should be the mantra of VHS Collection, as the band embraces the sounds of 80s pop music in a more somber tone. It’s not as fast

On Tap | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | www.ontaponline.com

The Dustbowl Revival In a talent-laden place such as L.A., the moniker of “best live band” carries a tremendous amount of weight, especially when the title is awarded by LA Weekly. The Dustbowl Revival puts on such a raucous show that The Hamilton is clearing out a dance floor so folks can throw away their inhibitions

The Wood Brothers One of the most exciting things about American roots music is how much wonder it evokes when you hear what can be done by just a man, and a couple of strings on wood. But The Wood Brothers are two (sometimes three), and what they do with an upright bass and guitar is beyond impressive.

Their style has evolved some

since their debut album a decade ago, and they’ve opened up beyond the two-dudes-in-chairs-on-the-stage vibe to put on quite a show.

They’ve also added multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix to the mix, and the combo really amps that big, round rootsy sound. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Nuex Nuex is a duo out of the DMV that is making moves. With a combination of tight control over instrumentation and electronics, and Lady Gaga-like vocals, it’s not hard to be mesmerized by Nuex.

The pair cites Lana Del Ray and Beach House as musical influences, and you can hear some of those otherworldly effects. Their live performances are sultry and intimate – Galaxy Hut should be a perfect spot to see them. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $5 at the door. Galaxy Hut: 2711 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.galaxyhut.com Sweet Yonder Have you ever seen the Coen Brothers’ Oh Brother Where Art Though? If you have and enjoy the music from the period film, Sweet Yonder will make you warm and fuzzy inside. From plucking banjo strings, unison backup vocals and lead vocals with a pension for storytelling in a bold folk manner, this all-woman group is a must-see for those without a time machine in search of classical bluegrass music.

In fact, even if you do have a time machine, go see Sweet Yonder. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18-$20. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2739 West Ox Rd. Herndon, VA; www.fairfaxcounty.gov

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 July Talk This. Is. Rock ‘n’ roll. I mean bluesrock, the Elvis-inspired kind. I mean the kind that screams primal sexy.

Peter Dreimanis’ deep, soulman voice catches you completely off-guard – Consequence of Sound describes it as Tom Waits on steroids – but mingles in perfect contrast with fellow vocalist Leah Fay’s. These guys have grown a following by putting on “explosive” live shows. We’ve got a feeling they’re about to blow up the scene. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $13. DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dcnine.com Parquet Courts Forming in Brooklyn, Parquet Courts is a tad hastier, and honestly, a little more fun than your average indie band. Why? Probably because their guitar riffs border on twangy, and their use of instruments reminds us of the 70s, or any track from Reservoir Dogs. We’re not saying Quentin Tarantino will put their music in a movie, we’re just saying we wouldn’t be all that surprised to hear a track playing in the credits, likely after a weirdly humorous death of a pain-in-the-ass antagonist.

Oh right, anyways, Parquet Courts is a perfect way to kick off February www.ontaponline.com | WINTER ISSUE 2017 | ON TAP

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Music Picks with a subtle bang. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $25. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

The Radio Dept.

In many markets, the radio department is sort of marching slowly toward doom, being replaced by podcasts, the Internet and it’s longest foe, television. One reason for this is radio’s inability to adapt and evolve into something fresh. The Radio Dept. isn’t one to follow the fate of its namesake, offering up experimental tunes reminiscent of a baby Radiohead. The group strives to bring balance and shifting tones to each of their tunes, creating a whirlwind of enjoyable indie music.

Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

Teamster, Sundrainer and Consumed with Hatred Make sure you remember to bring your earplugs to this one. As their names might suggest, all three acts produce heavy, headbang-inducing contemporary hardcore.

Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $5. Slash Run: 201 Upshur St. NW, DC; www.slashrun.com

the main track. For Big Gigantic, it’s different, as the group has spent years honing their live performances. With backgrounds in jazz, the Colorado group has been a staple at festivals, performing at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and other events. So instead of braving the elements of an outdoor concert, cozy up in Echostage and see one of the best electronic live performances imaginable.

Show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $44.45.

Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com

Arlo Guthrie In many American households, it’s a Thanksgiving tradition in to listen to the full, extended version of “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.” But beyond the 27 8x10 colored glossy photographs, Arlo Guthrie has been carrying on the American folk tradition for decades. Like his famed did father before him, he writes and performs songs of protest and of change. Catch him Running Down the Road as we enter a new era in American politics.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $65. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.birchmere.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Big Gigantic When you think of electronic music, you might immediately think of musicians hitting keys and buttons on a device in a studio, carefully planning which sound to tack onto

quality of making you want to simultaneously thrash around and solve math proofs. Not for those looking for lowkey. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$14.

Songbyrd Music House & Record Café: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

Palm/Horse Lords/Dove Lady This trio of bands represents what we’ve been hearing leaking out of basements and garages in the past few years – in other words, they are what is happening in music right now. It’s not quite rock, not quite electronica, or anything else definable, really.

It’s largely noisy and gritty, and has a distinct

brushes Luce Unplugged is one of, if not the most, influential local music series. Acts are featured at free monthly concerts among the paintings and sculptures in the Luce Center. If you haven’t been, you definitely should. February’s show will host brushes, the solo project from Nick Anway of locals Baby Bry Bry. brushes is a fitting name for the project because Anway uses a palette of lyric, layer, loop and more than a few dashes of feedback-heavy nostalgia to paint tracks that bring us into a realm somewhere between Stranger Things and The Velvet Underground.

Art Talk at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:00 p.m. Free.

Luce Foundation Center for American Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum: 8th and G Streets, NW, DC; www.americanart. si.edu/luce/unplugged

George Clinton There’s not much to say about George Clinton that hasn’t already been said, or written.

Clinton is undeniably on the Mt. Rushmore for funk artists with a long and storied discography. You only get a few opportunities to see pioneers of anything, so think of this as a plea to go see this music icon perform live.

It’s a grant chance to get funky with one of the funkiest dudes on the planet. Show at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $42-$138. The Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; www.thehowardtheatre.com

Lisa Hannigan With a strum of her acoustic guitar, Lisa Hannigan can either melt your heart or give you a severe case of the feels with her faint Irish accent and soothing vocals.

Sometimes it’s good to melt into a puddle or get lost in your emotions, especially if you have an excellent performer helping you along the way. Hannigan is someone who drives this bus, with every song featuring twists and turns, that can leave the listener in tears of joy, or tears of sorrow. Good art makes you feel, and Hannigan is exceptional here. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Bone Thugs-NHarmony Formed in Cleveland in the early 90s, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony changed the way hip-hop sounded, with fast and furious rhymes paired with a melodic know-how, rare for the then rough and tumble genre.

Though there are a few original members following other paths in the music world, the group still knows how to put on an epic performance, and remain rap legends because of their electric past. Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30. The Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL

January Entertainment 1/21 ....... Excellent Drivers 1/26 ....... DJ Paul Surreal 1/27 ....... Advanced Party Solutions 1/28 ....... Under the Covers

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Leopold and His Fiction With vocals that cause comparisons to Jack White and Julian Casablancas – think a whiney, nasally highpitched screeching sound – Leopold and His Fiction is an extremely fun listen.

From the bleached blonde hair to the 80s sensibilities, the groove is strong with this group, as they use psychedelic guitar riffs to perfectly compliment the strange, irregular rhythm timing from the percussion. Leopold and His Fiction is a nonfiction success story, and you should experiences this story of a concert. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

February Entertainment

MARDI GRAS February 28 PARADE

at 8pm

Thunder Buddies Trio

2/2 .......... DJ 2Nutz 2/3 .......... Dr Fu 2/4 .......... My Hero Zero 2/9 .......... DJ Lingo 2/10 ....... DJ Killabeats24 2/11 ....... Back to Zero 2/16 ....... DJ Paul Surreal 2/17 ....... For the Win 2/18 ....... TBA 2/23 ....... DJ Killabeats24 2/24 ....... Advanced Party Solutions 2/25 ....... Sub Radio

2854 Wilson Blvd.

703-276-WOWE (9693) Clarendon Metro Stop (Orange Line) www.ontaponline.com | wINTER iSSUE 2017 | On Tap

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By Marcus K. Dowling ast August, I checked in with Panorama Productions owner and longtime DC event promoter Antonis Karagounis about potentially covering a few upcoming events. I’ve been collaborating with Karagounis since the start of my nine-year career as a music and nightlife journalist, covering the likes of Tiësto, David Guetta and more at his Club Glow parties.

But instead of a media pass, Karagounis presented me with the opportunity to become the concept development and social media director of Decades, a three-story, 12,000-square-foot, retro-themed nightclub that opened downtown at the end of 2016. The last six months have been entirely unexpected, and ultimately beneficial to the nightlife scene in the nation’s capital.

Until February of last year, the space now occupied by Decades was known as Midtown, a club that specialized in Top 40 pop and dance from the present day. However, for Panorama Productions, opening a pop nightclub wasn’t enough. Panorama owns Northeast DC mega concert hall Echostage, and a quartet of Northwest DC spaces including restaurant and nightclub Barcode, fully soundproofed underground house and bass music venue Soundcheck, multilevel dance den Ultrabar, and urban pop space L8 Lounge.

Alongside vaunted turntablist DJ Enferno (who once toured with Madonna), venue designer Josh Lee, artist Keneth Nyakabwa, Decades Marketing Director Kamal Azzouz and myself, Karagounis focused on creating an atmosphere “celebrating club and DJ culture, plus the hits of the recent past and the present day.” Together, we are aiming to do something more by paying homage to the top hits of the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.

As the journalist involved in this process, my most significant role is ensuring that the story of the club is correct. Everything in the planning stages was selected with precision – the Air Jordan sneakers hung artfully as if they’re swinging from telephone wires on the Decades of Hip-Hop floor, the beer and other alcohol served on the 90s floor, the faces of the most culturally relevant pop stars in the 2000s floor’s Pop VIP bottle service area, and of course, the music itself. It’s my job to ensure that the respective timeframes of each floor are accurately represented, making a nostalgic impact on the nightclub’s clientele.

It’s important to hear the perfect song in the perfect place with the perfect mood and feel completely transported to a likely forgotten, but pleasantly remembered age. If even one of those concepts falls short, in many ways the club falls short. In my attempts to overdeliver alongside a team of creatives also obsessed with overdelivering, Decades has thankfully been packed since it opened.

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Photos: Alex Martin

The larger goal of Decades is to celebrate just how well-liked and remembered these songs and eras were – forever. Within one classic era cycle, the music industry sold nearly 1 billion albums in the year 2000 alone. And for roughly 30 years, MTV excelled at turning music into indelible pop culture. There is now a very real, three-story and must-enjoy opportunity in the heart of DC for everyone who wants to connect with a sound from their past.

Decades: 1219 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-853-3498; www.decadesdc.com

on the scene

For more photos from these And other events, visit the online gallery at www.ontaponline.com.

Despite rainy weather, attendees at the annual Winter Ice Fest and Mega Block Ice Carving Competition at the Village at Leesburg watched ten world-renowned ice carvers compete for prizes while strolling the boulevard enjoying music, s’mores, hot cocoa, special photo opportunities and more. Photos: Cristina O’Connell