On Tap Magazine // April 2018

Drink. Dine. Do. April 2018

GREEN DC

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUSTAINABLE DINING ECO-FRIENDLY BREWERIES

BRUNCH BUZZ

25 NEW SPOTS COCKTAILS & BUBBLY

BREAKOUT

BATTER MICHAEL A. TAYLOR MEET

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THE DECEMBERISTS INDIE DARLING KATE NASH HARD ROCK DUO BAT FANGS

Photos: John Gervasi

The inaugural Ireland on The Wharf presented by Kirwan’s on the Wharf and Guinness featured bagpipers, Irish dancers, live music, a beer garden and family-friendly activities.

APRIL 26/ 10AM-10PM / CENTRAL PLACE PLAZA

ROSSLYN

READS! SPRING BOOK FESTIVAL Author Readings and Signings Thousands of Books $1 - $5 Special Family & Kids Activities

/B O O K S

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

TABLE OF CONTENTS WHO IS ON TAP?

APRIL 2018: VOL 20 NO 5 BRUNCH, BASEBALL & GOING GREEN Drink. Dine. Do. April 2018

GREEN DC

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUSTAINABLE DINING ECO-FRIENDLY BREWERIES

BRUNCH BUZZ

25 NEW SPOTS COCKTAILS & BUBBLY

BREAKOUT MEET

BATTER

MICHAEL A. TAYLOR

+

THE DECEMBERISTS INDIE DARLING KATE NASH HARD ROCK DUO BAT FANGS

Spring has sprung in the District, and with it comes On Tap’s April issue. This month, we’re highlighting all things ecofriendly in and around the city, from local initiatives and organizations to sustainable dining options and green brews.

Plus, articles on Arena Stage’s solar rooftop and other green building designs in the nation’s capital, and an interview with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Grace Young, who is exploring the ocean while saving coral reefs. On the baseball front, we caught up with center fielder Michael A. Taylor about the Nats’ 2018 season and his pivotal role on the team.

And of course, our favorite foodies Jean Schindler and Alex Thompson are back with their top 25 new spots for brunch, and oenophile Tess Ankeny walks us through the best bubbly for daytime consumption. And last but not least, interviews with The Decemberists, Kate Nash and rock duo Bat Fangs.

On the cover: Nats’ Michael A. Taylor Designer: Devin Overbey

Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

Stage & Screen Events........................... 4

n GREEN DC

In DC, It Is Easy Being Green

Meet Michael A. Taylor

Local Eco-Friendly Initiatives

The Nationals’ Breakout Batter

Arena Stage’s Solar Rooftop. . ............... 6 Building Sustainability in the City...... 8 In DC, It Is Easy Being Green. . ............. 10 Save Earth One T-Shirt at a Time ...... 12 Did You Know? Green Edition............ 14 Drink, Dine, Do...................................... 15 A Day in the Life: Grace Young.. ......... 24

n SPORTS Meet Nats’ Michael A. Taylor.. ............. 26

n DINING

32

36

Brunch Buzz

DC’s Sustainable Dining Scene

The Top 25 Brunch Spots of 2018

Green Restaurants in the City

New, Notable, No Longer.................... 29 Brunch Buzz: Top Spots of 2018........ 32 DC’s Sustainable Dining Scene.......... 36

n DRINKS Green Brewing. . ..................................... 38 What’s On Tap........................................ 42 Behind the Bar....................................... 46 Beyond the Mimosa............................. 50

n MUSIC

50

56

Beyond the Mimosa

The Decemberists

Unique Takes on Brunch Bubbles

Experiment Sonically on I’ll Be Your Girl

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ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

jennifer@ontaponline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Monica Alford

monica@ontaponline.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Trent Johnson trent@ontaponline.com

PRINT & DIGITAL DESIGN Nick Caracciolo Devin Overbey KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tom Roth tomroth@ontaponline.com

natalia@ontaponline.com

n STAGE & SCREEN

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PUBLISHER Jennifer Currie

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Natalia Kolenko

IN THIS ISSUE

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FOUNDER James Currie

Fast-Rising Duo Bat Fangs.................. 52 Indie Darling Kate Nash.. ..................... 54 Rock Stalwarts The Decemberists..... 56 Music Picks............................................. 58

DIGITAL & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kayla Marsh kayla@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS MANAGER Shannon Darling shannon@ontaponline.com

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Katie Seaman katies@ontaponline.com

OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kelcie Glass kelcie@ontaponline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tess Ankeny, Lani Furbank, Joel Goldberg, M.K. Koszycki, Haley McKey, Travis Mitchell, Jean Schindler, Courtney Sexton, Alex Thompson, Amanda Weisbrod

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Gervasi, Michelle Goldchain, Mike Kim, Kayla Marsh, Cristina O’Connell, Devin Overbey, Mark Raker, Amanda Weisbrod On Tap Magazine is published 11 times per year. ©2018 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. Go to www.ontaponline.com for more information.

OFFICE

25 Dove St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-465-0500 Fax: 703-465-0400 www.ontaponline.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS www.ontaponline.com/calendar Due by 15th of the month for print issue

RESTONARTS.ORG

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) is the largest 501(c)3 non-profit in Reston solely dedicated to enhancing community life

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS Mike Cloud April 28–July 7, 2018

through excellence and involvement in the

Building Worlds

visual arts. It serves 80,000 people annually,

July 20–September 15, 2018

providing Virginia, Maryland, and DC’s diverse communities with abundant opportunities to experience and explore contemporary art through exhibitions, education programming,

Caitlin Teal Price September 29–November 24, 2018

STRETCH Mary B. Howard Invitational December 1, 2018–February 9, 2019

and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.

SAVE THE DATE 12001 Market Street, Suite 103 Reston, VA 20190 info@restonarts.org | 703.471.9242

May 18–20, 2018 Sponsored by

By Amanda Weisbrod

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 - SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Paper Dolls This quirky and provocative karaoke musical follows the experiences of five gay male Filipino nurses in Tel Aviv who care for elderly Orthodox and Chasidic men six days a week. But instead of white Keds and scrubs, these fab male nurses don high heels and boa scarves on their day off to headline a drag show. Based on the true story behind a 2006 Israeli documentary, Paper Dolls confronts the challenges that migrant workers face while yearning for citizenship and a place to belong. This American premiere is part of the 2018 Voices from a Changing Middle East Festival and directed by veteran Broadway director Mark Brokaw. Tickets start at $20. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 - SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Two Trains Running Two Trains Running examines everyday life for black Americans in 1969 as tremors of the Civil Rights Movement reach Pittsburgh’s Hill District, which was one of the most prosperous, culturally active black neighborhoods in the country in the 40s and 50s. But when the 60s rolled around, the Hill District faced a sharp economic decline. Playwright August Wilson directly comments on this regression when Memphis Lee’s diner, the center of the Hill District’s community, is slated to be demolished. Arena Stage’s website describes it best: “Confronted with the reality of a rapidly changing world, Memphis and his regular customers struggle to maintain their solidarity and sense of pride.” Tickets start at $81; check website for information on discounts. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 - SUNDAY, APRIL 29 The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Symphonic Metal Version) This reenactment of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel will have you headbanging so hard, your neck will hurt for days. Landless Theatre

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Company and BritishAmerican composer, dramatist and author Rupert Holmes come together to transform Tony Award-winning musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, into a hard rock masterpiece. Tickets are $25. Capital Fringe: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC www.capitalfringe.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 - SUNDAY, MAY 6 Witch Strong, bold and powerful women have been feared, objectified and discouraged for many, many generations – especially when their power has challenged the status quo of that particular moment in history. Witch explores the thread that connects the Salem witch trials in the late 1600s to modern politics, examining the stories of women who have been labeled and chastised as witches throughout the centuries. This musical is sure to make you think long and hard about what it means to be a woman in the modern age, and what it must’ve felt like back then. Tickets start at $30. Creative Cauldron: 410 S Maple Ave. Falls Church, VA; www.creativecauldron.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 SUNDAY, JUNE 10 Girlfriend Set in a small Nebraska town in 1993, Girlfriend tells the tender, coming-of-age tale of college-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will, who are high on the rush of a first-time love filled with excitement, confusion and passion.

All of these emotions and more are perfectly captured

by Matthew Sweet’s alt-rock album, Girlfriend, which inspired the musical. Rolling Stone describes the play as a “rock ‘n’ roll Valentine that delivers subtle wisdom with an exhilarating kick.”

Pride nights on May 11 and 18. Tickets start at $40. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 - SUNDAY, MAY 20 The Crucible Arthur Miller’s classic 1953 play about the Salem witch trials comes to life on Olney Theater’s stage this spring. Enter the world of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, when an unseen evil swept through the small town of God-fearing people. This is a timeless reminder of the terrible outcomes that stem from bending the truth to conveniently fit one’s political agenda. Tickets start at $59. Olney Theater Center: 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. Olney, MD; www.olneytheatre.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 - SUNDAY, APRIL 29 International Film Festival The 32nd annual International Film Festival has been expanding minds and opening eyes for the last three decades, and it’s not about to stop now. Choose from 80 films from over 45 countries over the course of 11 days at various locations throughout the city. Featured films include opening night’s Streake, about a different kind of sports star, and closing night’s Just to Be Sure, a comedy exploring the virtues and vagaries of DNA. Full schedule and ticket information available at www.filmfestdc.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 - SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Another F*cking Warhol Production The feath3r theory, a dance-theatre-media company based in New York City, is coming to the District with Another F*cking Warhol Production.

This American docufiction, post-ballet theatre musical is a recreation of the unrecorded, deleted and lost footage from Saturday Night Live’s 2015 episode on love and war (“The Love Episode”). With dancers wearing brightly colored morph suits inspired by 60s fashion, this musical is just the right amount of quirky and compelling. Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org

Now through May 12 book by William F. Brown; music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls; from the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum; choreographed by Dell Howlett; directed by Kent Gash

Under 35 Nights! Use code UNDER3518 to book.

April 20 [SOLD OUT!] and May 5 at 7:30 p.m., following the performance.

Event Media Partner:

www.fords.org

Tickets: (888) 616-0270 Photo of Christopher Michael Richardson, Ines Nassara, Hasani Allen and Kevin McAllister by Carol Rosegg.

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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ARENA STAGE’S SOLAR ROOFTOP

F

Photo: Nic Lehoux

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ECO-FRIENDLY ACTION

By Amanda Weisbrod

relationship with our community and our environment,” says Dobie, who has been with Arena Stage for nine years. “We tell stories on our stage, and as an institution, we have stories to tell as well. One of those stories is that we want to be as efficient and respectful as possible to the resources – whether they’re environmental or financial – that are given to us.”

As part of Arena’s renovations from 2007 to 2010, the Southwest Waterfront-based space hired Vancouver architect Bing Thom to design a massive glass enclosure that would surround both historical theaters. He even fit a new, third theater in the enormous 200,000-square-foot design. Thom’s idea for using glass came from

Photo: Courtesy of Arena Stage

or almost 70 years, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has impacted countless lives with diverse and groundbreaking work from great artists around the country.

They’ve held programs, classes and events to inspire creativity and expression, reaching over 10,000 students every year through community engagement. And in February, they decided to show their love for the community by installing 1,145 solar panels on their expansive rooftop.

To Arena Stage Executive Director Edgar Dobie, being eco-friendly is one of the best ways the theater can serve their network of artists and theatergoers.

“We feel that we need to respect our

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his environmentally conscious roots. A huge glass wall means lots of sunlight entering the space, and a natural thermal system to save energy. Dobie is certain that Thom would be thrilled with the solar panel design if he were alive today.

With their new 452.3 kW solar system, Arena Stage’s move toward a renewable energy resource is the equivalent to saving 45,231 gallons of gas annually, or taking 85 cars off the road. And to achieve their goal of producing 20 percent of their power supply purely from solar energy, Arena Stage teamed up with EnterSolar, a leading provider of commercial marketplace solar energy options in New York. Dobie says their reputable portfolio isn’t the only reason he’s thrilled to work with them.

“EnterSolar is doing great things, and we are proud to partner with them on this project,” he says. “On top of it all, I love their name. It’s like a stage direction!”

Dobie says that because they’re eventually going to save money with this new energy source, Arena Stage will most likely hire more actors and teachers in the future. Thanks to their initiative and forward thinking, this theater will not only help to save the environment but also step up their mission to bring people together through the arts.

Learn more about Arena Stage at www.arenastage.org.

Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC 202-488-3300; www.arenastage.org

Photo of Marty Rea and Aaron Monaghan by Matthew Thompson.

WAITING FOR GODOT

BY SAMUEL BECKETT PRODUCED BY DRUID | DIRECTED BY GARRY HYNES 35 or Under?

Get $25 tickets and a free drink!

Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m.

Photos: Trent Johnson

ORDER TODAY!

Young professionals attended Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Noura, and enjoyed a post-show reception with craft beer and wine.

ShakespeareTheatre.org/Under35 | 202.547.1122 Wine sponsor: Beer sponsor:

Patrons must be 21 years or older. Valid ID required. Some restrictions apply. Subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers or previously purchased tickets.

Photo of Marty Rea and Aaron Monaghan by Matthew Thompson.

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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Founding Farmers Founding Farmers believes that finding a balance between making quality, accessible food while also giving back to the environment is the best way to approach sustainability as a fundamental, necessary endeavor. As part of the restaurant chain’s effort to embrace great environmental practices, Founding Farmers sources food and ingredients from local farmers, which helps support local economies and keep carbon dioxide emissions down with less shipping. They also have compostable paper straws, which totally amazed me during my first dining experience. Locations in NW, DC (a 3 Star-Certified Green Restaurant® with a LEED Gold-Certified design), Reston and Tysons, VA, and Potomac, MD; www.wearefoundingfarmers.com

MOM’s Organic Market

These DC area locations and businesses each go above and beyond 21st-century sustainability expectations in their own unique way, but one thing is constant: their love for this earth and the people who live here.

Prepare yourself for a long list of goodness, because MOM’s Organic Market is doing just about everything it can to help out Mother Earth.

I’m just going to fire them off. In 2005, MOM’s eliminated plastic bags from all stores. Five years later, they quit selling bottled water during a campaign to eliminate all unnecessary plastic waste. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, MOM’s has free car-charging stations at most locations. All stores are powered by solar and wind energy, and use ultra-low watt LED lights whenever possible. They even offset their customers’ gas mileage to and from their stores by collecting zip codes at checkout, calculating average round trip miles and investing the equivalent in clean air projects based on their research. There’s even more to add, but my editor says I’m pushing my word count limit. One location in Ivy City, five in Northern Virginia and a bunch more in Maryland; www.momsorganicmarket.com

Busboys and Poets

National Museum of African American History and Culture

This quirky gathering hub – home to artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers alike – fights the good fight for Mother Earth by using 100 percent renewable wind energy at all DC locations, brewing exclusively with coffee purchased directly from growers and recycling their food waste into biofuel instead of just throwing it out. Fun fact: Busboys and Poets refers to American poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1920s before he was discovered for his true talent. Three locations in NW, DC and one in NE, DC; www.busboysandpoets.com

A document about the Smithsonian’s sustainable building practices quotes Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch as saying, “We have the opportunity […] to design and build a museum for the 21st century that will demonstrate our nation’s commitment to sustainable development.” With its compact design optimizing open space, 301 photovoltaic panels soaking up solar energy, an underground detention vault treating storm water before discharging it into the public drain system and more, I’d say this Smithsonian museum is the perfect role model for our nation’s progression in sustainable development. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.nmaahc.si.edu

BUILDING

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE DISTRICT

By Amanda Weisbrod

District Wharf This waterfront destination set its sights on a LEED Gold certificate even before laying down a single brick of the development. With its expansive walkways and short distance from public transportation, visitors and residents can cut down on their carbon dioxide emission. And with green roofs, 300 new trees and preservation of mature oaks in the area, this new DC hotspot is cleaning the air at the same time. Come enjoy some sunshine and sustainability down at The Wharf. 1100 Maine Ave. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

The Emerald Door This LEED-certified, green beauty spa exclusively uses non-toxic beauty products and natural ingredients during all services to give customers naturally beautiful skin, fingers and toes while simultaneously giving back to the environment. In 2016, The Emerald Door partnered with DC-based Skincando, a line of 100 percent organic skincare products, to create the first Skincando treatment and beauty boutique. Along with its product line, The Emerald Door’s spa room itself features energy efficient lighting, water-saving toilets and faucets, and tiled floor made from recycled materials. 8311 Grubb Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.emeralddoorsalon.com

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Nationals Park Did you know that Nationals Park is the first MLB stadium to earn LEED certification? Now you finally have something interesting to share at the water cooler – you’re welcome. Because Nats Park sits on the bank of the Anacostia River, the quality of storm water runoff is a major concern. To combat water pollution, the park installed screens to capture solid material from storm water in the seating area. Then, the water passes through large, underground sand filters before it’s pumped into the public drain system. That sounds like a homerun sustainability solution to me. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark

School of International Service at American University As the first LEED Gold-certified building at American University (AU), the School of International Service (SIS) reinforces AU’s commitment to the environment and community by harvesting solar energy through roof panels and using 30 percent less water through low flow faucets and toilets. The building itself is gorgeous; the open university lawn almost seems to flow right into the lobby of the SIS, bringing life and energy from the outdoors in. 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.american.edu/sis

FOR EVERY CASE OF SWEETWATER BEER SOLD IN SELECT VIRGINIA COUNTIES, SWEETWATER WILL DONATE $1 THROUGH THE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF VIRGINIA TO ADD NATIVE TROUT TO LOCAL VIRGINIA RIVERS THIS SPRING.* DISTRIBUTED BY

FOR MORE INFO VISIT SweetWaterBrew.com/VATrout *Based on sales of SweetWater Brewing Company case equivalents sold from 02/15/18 to 04/30/18 through off-premise retailers in the Virginia Eagle Distributing Company footprint. Go to vaeagle.com for more information on VAE Distributing sales and distribution.

SweetWater Brewing • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com

In DC, It Is

By Haley McKey and Courtney Sexton MOM’s solar farm

Though it may not be obvious at first glance, the District is filled with green and sustainable organizations, businesses, events and initiatives. Like many cities around the country, we’re taking the lead on reducing our ecological impact, combating climate change, protecting our air, lands and water, and conserving wildlife. Residents are making a commitment to living sustainably, and city officials are taking steps to reduce waste and protect natural places in the city.

From the buildings we live in to the food we eat, DC is slowly but surely becoming a more environmentally friendly place to live – one innovation at a time. Check out our roundup of the great work that people are doing to make the city a little greener – sometimes literally!

Casey Trees The District has long been known as the City of Trees, and our leafy green streets and parks are part of what makes the city special. The team behind Casey Trees, an organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting DC’s tree canopy, says that trees in urban spaces have many more benefits than most of us realize.

“Our trees do more than just look beautiful,” says Casey Trees Communications Specialist Jona Elwell. “Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen, [and] DC’s trees annually store 649,000 tons of carbon, which is the equivalent of removing 506,772 vehicles from the road. Green spaces in cities have been shown to help residents combat stress, anxiety [and] depression, and treelined streets have a traffic-calming effect, which keeps drivers and pedestrians safe.”

Casey Trees was founded in 2002, and their work has changed a lot over the past 16 years.

“When we first set out, we didn’t know what our urban forest was made of,” Elwell says. “Now, we’re working to measure and identify every tree in the city, and our volunteers and tree planting department annually plant over 3,200 trees throughout the District.

Not to mention, we now have fully fledged pruning, advocacy and children’s education programs, too.”

Casey Trees’ work has expanded, but the mission of keeping DC true to its nickname hasn’t changed. Learn more at www.caseytrees.org.

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ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Photo: Courtesy of MOM’s

City Wildlife Founded in 2013, City Wildlife rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife in DC and the surrounding metro area. That includes everything from squirrels, raccoons and possums to birds of prey, snakes, turtles and even bald eagles.

“Life in the city is hard for all forms of wildlife,” says executive director Paula Goldberg. “Most of the problems people have with wildlife are created by people. A lot of the calls we’re getting right now are nuisance calls, because animals such as raccoons and squirrels are finding openings in peoples’ homes to nest for spring babies.”

Along with the rehabilitation center, City Wildlife has launched several important wildlife conservation programs in the city. Lights Out DC works to encourage businesses and residential buildings to reduce or turn off their lights at night to avoid attracting migratory birds, and the Duck Watch program helps keep DC’s many mallard duck moms and their babies safe during the nesting season. When it comes to wildlife conservation in the city, “many things have changed for the better,” Goldberg says.

“The DC Department of Energy and the Environment has numerous biologists on staff, and then there’s the latest decree by [DC Mayor] Muriel Bowser that made Kingman and Heritage Islands protected conservation areas. We’ve made some incredible environmental strides that make life better, not only for people but wildlife as well.”

Learn more at www.citywildlife.org.

EcoWomen DC Who runs the world? EcoWomen! With DC as host to the headquarters of hundreds of environmentally-focused organizations, it should come as no surprise that our city is home to a strong and substantial contingency of women working to make the world a greener, healthier place for all. Coming together in a community of shared goals and passions, EcoWomen was founded in 2003 in order to create a “space to build relationships among professional women in environmental fields.” This community now includes more than 40 events per year, and features a speaker and lecture series, monthly book club, skill-building workshops, “EcoHours,” a scholarship fund, joint volunteer days and an active listserv.

Today, EcoWomen is an incorporated nonprofit with local chapters throughout the nation (in Seattle, Colorado and Boston).

Members work on issues ranging from wildlife conservation to energy policy to sustainable urbanization, and everything in between. DC chapter co-chair Tamara Toles O’Laughlin says she is constantly excited to find herself in the company of smart, ambitious and generous women, and looking ahead, the chapter’s focus will be on “redefining [its] relationship to power and aligning [its] programs to reflect true diversity as expressed by equity in [members’] expertise and inclusion of every voice working in the space.” Read more about EcoWomen and how to get involved at www.dc.ecowomen.org.

Green Group Houses Let’s face it: the cost of living in DC is pretty high, especially when it comes to paying rent. To afford housing, many of the District’s inhabitants get creative; this often involves “group houses,” aka grownass adults shacking up with four, five, six or eight other grown-ass adults in one house.

But outside of saving dough, another draw of many of DC’s group houses is sharing a life with likeminded individuals. These spaces are often centered around themes like music, religion and acceptance. Co-opt-style green living is also popular here. Residents in green group houses commit as a household to composting, shared meals, recycling, reusing, volunteering for environmental causes and other eco-friendly practices.

For example, JoLeah Gorman chose to join a community formed in 2012 that consists of six people living in two houses in DC’s Northeast neighborhood of Deanwood because she “believe[s] strongly that the earth is precious, good food is a right for all people and being connected to nature is a key part of being human.” Members of Gorman’s community compost, garden, dumpster-dive and make a continuous effort to lower their carbon footprint. Food sustainability and security is especially important to this group. Living in a food desert in Ward 7, Gorman, her husband and four friends worked together to build a space for a year-round garden (with plans for rain barrels and solar panels), which they hope to open to neighbors in coming years.

MOM’s Organic Market Founder and CEO Scott Nash started My Organic Market (better known as MOM’s) out of his mother’s garage in 1987 as a home delivery service for fresh groceries in the DC area. From those humble beginnings, MOM’s has grown into a local business leader that

Photos: Courtesy of City Wildlife

puts the environment first. Their grocery stores can be found at several locations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, and are full of fair trade, organic, sustainable (and of course, delicious) foods, as well as clothing, beauty products and other green goods. And it doesn’t stop there.

“MOM’s purpose is to protect and restore the environment,” Nash says. “We recently invested in a community solar company called Neighborhood Sun, and [we] are placing a pollinator garden and beehives at MOM’s Solar Farm in Kingsville, Maryland.”

That’s right. MOM’s runs its own solar energy farm and purchases wind energy credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

The beloved local chain also frequently partners with groups that support human rights, environmental justice, clean water and other causes.

“As MOM’s grows, we’re continually seeking opportunities to further our purpose inside our stores and in the community,” Nash says.

MOM’s dedication to improving our world makes it special; its roots in the area make it ours. Learn more at www.momsorganicmarket.com.

The Year of the Anacostia We may all be looking forward to summer, and with it the opening of the city’s public pools, but what about the rivers in our midst? Are we getting any closer to the goal of a swimmable Anacostia? For decades, the river and its surrounding parkland have been abused – and used as literal toxic dumping ground.

“The Anacostia River holds a place at the heart of DC’s economic, cultural and ecological history,” says Krista Schlyer, DC area conservation photographer and writer (her forthcoming book, River of Redemption: Almanac of Life on the Anacostia, chronicles

the life of the river in connection to our city). “[It] is also a symbol of our beleaguered urban rivers nationwide.”

But, she adds, “If you look carefully at the Anacostia story, it has the makings of one of the most hopeful stories of ecological redemption.”

And perhaps 2018 will be the year that redemption comes. In January, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared 2018 the “Year of the Anacostia,” pledging $4.7 million toward restoration efforts. According to the mayor’s office, “the Year of the Anacostia is a yearlong invitation to honor history, celebrate progress and enjoy the Anacostia River and its surroundings while envisioning an inspiring future.”

What can you do to get involved? Start by educating yourself (and having some fun) at the Anacostia River Festival on April 15. Learn about wildlife on Kingman and Heritage Islands, recreate in Anacostia Park, bike the Anacostia River and Riverwalk Trails, visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, take a free boat ride or paddle, join a cleanup effort… the list goes on.

And even if you prefer wine to water, you can help the river: $2 from every bottle of wine sold at District Winery’s Rose Release Party on Earth Day (April 22) will go to Anacostia Riverkeeper, one of the great organizations working to protect and restore the Anacostia.

Learn more about Anacostia Riverkeeper at www.anacostiariverkeeper.org.

Anacostia River Festival on April 15: Anacostia Park at Anacostia Drive & Good Hope Road in SE, DC www.bridgepark.org/anacostia-riverfestival District Winery’s Rose Release Party on April 22: 385 Water St. SE, DC www.districtwinery.com

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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Saving the

PLANET, One

T-SHIRT at a Time Photo: Courtesy of John Nagiecki

By Amanda Weisbrod

I

magine you’re a T-shirt – a comfy, cotton blend, perfect for lazing around the house or showing off your favorite sports team. One day, your owner will buy a new T-shirt to replace you, well before you are ready to say goodbye. And more often than not, you will end up rotting to death in a landfill with more than 25 billion pounds of other unwanted textiles that are tossed out in the U.S. each year, according to the Council for Textile Recycling (CTR). It’s really very sad.

Of the 82 pounds of textile waste each U.S. resident produces annually on average, CTR reports that only 15 percent find a new home through donations or recycling. The remaining 85 percent go to landfills, where textiles make up 5 percent of all municipal solid waste generated in the U.S. each year. And it’s only getting worse.

Between 1999 and 2009, the amount of post-consumer textile waste increased by 40 percent, while the amount of waste diversion only grew by 2 percent. CTR estimates that by 2019, the U.S. will generate 35.4 billion pounds of textile waste in a single year.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation published a report stating that if production continues at this rate, the fashion industry will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. Half a million tons of microfibers are released into the ocean every year, which is equivalent to more than 50 billion plastic bottles. These microfibers are nearly impossible to clean up and can enter food chains. So, that leaves us with one question: what can we do to make a difference locally?

The District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is trying to find the answer. On March 14, Sustainable DC – the DOEE’s plan to become the healthiest, greenest and most livable city in the nation by 2032 – launched ReThread DC, an initiative to create a culture of recovery and reuse in the nation’s capital through outreach and education. Danielle Nkojo, a sustainability analyst for waste and materials management on the DOEE’s urban sustainability team, founded ReThread because of her personal passion for thrifting and extending the life of her clothing, as well as her experience as a waste policy expert.

“I look at the fact that about 90 percent of the textiles that are out in the waste stream are usually reusable,” Nkojo says. “I thought it would be great to bring my unique interest in that to the core development of eventual policy to divert textiles from the waste stream.”

Sustainable DC has helped waste management policy before. Have you ever noticed that DC restaurants don’t hand out Styrofoam takeout boxes anymore? That’s because in 2014, the DC Council banned all food-serving businesses and organizations in DC from using containers or other food service products made from Styrofoam beginning January 1, 2016. The ban also requires these businesses and organizations to use recyclable or compostable products, which is helping Sustainable DC’s

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goal of diverting 80 percent of waste in the next decade.

Because they launched only a few weeks ago, ReThread is a long way from working toward major policy changes. However, Nkojo says that will come in the future. Right now, ReThread’s main focus is to answer the question, “What can I do with my unwanted clothing and textiles?” But before we answer that, we need to turn our attention to what you can do to reduce your personal textile waste output in the first place: Buy less Take care of the items you already own Go thrifting Donate

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ow, imagine you’re a T-shirt again. Maybe you’re a different one this time. You’re about to be thrown out and cast aside, but instead, you end up in the arms of a new owner – one who treats you like a diamond in the rough or buried treasure, who discovered your worth after hours of digging through bins full of other tees that are also waiting to find their next home. Feels good, right?

When you feel like cleaning out your closet this spring, you can do your ex-favorite T-shirt one last favor by donating it to a local organization that will help find its next owner. And that next owner could really be in need of a new shirt. That’s where Clothing Recycling Company (CRCO) comes in.

Since 1999, CRCO has served the DMV with its attention to detail, local touch and family-owned approach to redistributed second-hand textiles. The organization partners with Interfaith Works in Maryland, Christ House in DC and A-SPAN in Arlington to help low-income families and the homeless gain access to nice, affordable clothing and wares.

CRCO Assistant Director Vlad Brostky says that one of the special things about the organization is its connection to the community. Because CRCO only collects and distributes in the greater DC area, the operation is small – but the impact is great.

When asked about why keeping it local is so important to the organization, Brostky says that CRCO wants donators to know exactly where their clothing and wares are going – whether it’s to homeless people through A-SPAN or families in need through Interfaith Works.

“This is why we’re staying small and local, but there are bigger companies that recycle huge amounts of clothing, and they are focusing on just getting as much as possible,” he says. “Basically, it’s just a mass market of clothing recycling.”

He’s referring to the secondhand clothing trade – a goliath operation where certain secondhand clothing collectors export their surplus

donations to developing countries in Africa. Since 2016, the governments of the East African Community laid out a plan to prohibit all secondhand clothing imports by 2019 to boost domestic manufacturing.

In March, the Office of the United States Trade Representative responded with a threat to impose trade sanctions on African nations and announced an out-of-cycle review of the eligibility of Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda to receive benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which enhances U.S. market access for qualifying SubSaharan African countries.

The reality is that although the exporters themselves benefit the most from this secondhand clothing trade, there are still many people and communities that receive help from foreign organizations dedicated to empowerment and positive change in developing nations.

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ne such organization is Planet Aid, a nonprofit based in DC that collects and recycles used textiles to protect the environment and support sustainable development around the world. Planet Aid uses its proceeds from selling used clothing overseas to implement programs that support teacher training, help subsistence farmers find a path out of poverty, educate people on HIV/AIDS prevention and more.

Planet Aid Communications Director John Nagiecki says that while there is little demand for secondhand clothing in the U.S., the secondhand economy in the developing world is very robust and provides a good source of employment and an affordable source of clothing. He also says that Planet Aid sells its clothing instead of giving it away because “such an attempt would undermine the secondhand economy on which so many people rely for their livelihood, and countries thus refuse to accept such handouts.” Although there are conflicting opinions about the secondhand clothing trade in developing countries, both sides can agree that something greater must be done to fix our massive textile waste problem.

“The real issue that must be addressed is the rise of fast fashion in the U.S. and other developed nations,” Nagiecki says. “We simply consume too much clothing.”

Brostky concurs. “[CRCO] recycles thousands of pounds of clothing a month, which is nothing compared to what America really consumes, but we still are helpful,” he says. “People should be more educated about it.”

Ultimately, Nkojo, Brostky and Nagiecki all agree that one of the best ways to fight textile waste is to educate and inform the public so that they can make their own decisions on buying less and recycling more.

“The function of how we get people to care is just letting them know how much is being wasted, and how they could change simple habits that could really have a huge impact,” Nagiecki says. “To the extent that they can, we encourage people to adopt these practices so that their clothing consumption can go much further.”

Picture this. You’re a T-shirt on its way to the clothing recycling bin at the end of the block. You’re sad to say goodbye to your beloved owner, but there’s some reassurance in the new opportunities waiting for you on the other side. You could become a ball of yarn, then woven into a new scarf or blanket. You could become a quilt or a handbag or fancy needlework on someone’s hand-designed jeans. Your future is bright, and you’re happy knowing that you did your part in keeping the earth clean.

Let’s keep it that way.

Learn more about these DC-based organizations and initiatives at their websites.

Clothing Recycling Company: www.clothingrecyclingcompany.org Planet Aid: www.planetaid.com Sustainable DC: www.sustainabledc.org

“A rock and roll valentine” – ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

Photo of Charles Tangires & DaVon Moody by Christopher Mueller

The vibrant coming-of-age musical based on Matthew Sweet’s seminal album.

April 17 – June 10

4200 Campbell Avenue Arlington, VA 22206 Free Parking 16 Nearby Restaurants

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Make Every Day Earth Day

By Amanda Weisbrod

Add this list of 12 helpful tips to your daily regime to reduce your personal waste output and form healthy, Earth-loving habits. Every bit helps!

1

CLEAN YOUR PLATE

43 percent of the 72 billion pounds of food wasted in America each year comes from households. Instead of going in blind, create a meal plan for the week ahead and don’t shop while hungry.

2

BUY THE RIGHT BULB

Energy-efficient lightbulbs like CFLs and LEDs use about 25-80 percent less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than your average incandescent bulbs.

3

GO THRIFTING

Cut back on clothing consumption while feeding your shopaholic side at thrift stores. This will lower production of the fashion industry, which is responsible for 6.7 percent of global green house gas emissions each year.

SUPPORT ECOFRIENDLY BUSINESSES 4

Check out the most environmentally conscious businesses and breweries in DC on pages 8 and 38 to see how they’re saving the earth.

USE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS 5

Many household cleaners contain harmful chemicals that are no good for you or Mama Earth. Try Mrs. Meyers, cleaners made from essential oils, or mix your own with natural ingredients like white vinegar, salt and baking soda.

TWO WORDS: ELECTRONIC. BILLING. 6

What are you even doing with all of those envelopes in your mailbox? Electronic billing is convenient and eliminates paper waste.

BEFRIEND A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE 7

The Ellen MacAruthur Foundation reports there will be more plastic than fish by weight in the ocean by 2050. To save Nemo, fill up a stainless steel water bottle instead of grabbing a plastic one from the fridge.

8

FORGET THE CAR

Try walking, biking or taking public transportation to cut back on harmful carbon monoxide emissions.

Facts courtesy of the following articles: #1: www.feedingamerica.org #2: www.energy.gov #3: www.quantis-intl.com #5: www.mrsmeyers.com #7: www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org #10: www.sierraclub.org #12: www.home-water-works.org

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9

BYOB

Whenever you’re out shopping at the grocery store or the mall, bring reusable bags along to reduce paper and plastic bag consumption.

DON’T FLICK YOUR BUTTS 10

Cigarette butts are the most littered items in the world, with roughly 4.5 trillion being tossed each year. If you’re a smoker, try to discard your cigarette butts properly instead of just flicking them aside.

BUY A BAR, NOT A BOTTLE 11

Choose bar soap over bottled soap to reduce the amount of plastic containers in landfills.

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CONSERVE WATER

A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute, so in one 10-minute shower, you’ll use 25 gallons of water. An easy way to cut back on water usage is to take shorter showers and shower less often.

ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN SEVENTY HILARIOUS MINUTES!

“HAD US ROARING WITH LAUGHTER!” Washington Post

“CASTS THE PERFECT SPELL OVER THE AUDIENCE!” The New York Times

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

National Cherry Blossom Festival Poster Process by Thomas Burns Thomas Burns, creator of the 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival poster, will talk about the poster including his design process and ideas.

Along with the lecture, the Library’s new gift acquisition of historic National Cherry Blossom Festival posters will be introduced in a first-time display together. The lecture is followed by a display of these historic and beautiful posters at the Prints & Photographs Division Reading Room. 12-1 p.m. Free to attend. Library of Congress: 101 Independence Ave. SE, DC; www.loc.gov

20th Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk A short, non-competitive walk and program to celebrate and learn about the Japanese American spirit of patriotism and perseverance during World War II. This year’s program will highlight the 20th anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This year’s theme is “E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One,” and while you celebrate the motto of our founding fathers, it’s also a reminder to that society must continue to stand with others in protecting civil liberties for all Americans.

Registration at 9 a.m., program at 10 a.m. and walk begins at 11 a.m. Free to attend. National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk: Japanese American Memorial in NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

must close april 22 back by magical demand!

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SUNDAY, APRIL 8

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Petalpalooza Join The Wharf as they host Petalpalooza, a National Cherry Blossom Festival official event featuring a full day of art, music, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! Enjoy beer gardens on Transit and District Piers, a pop-up roller rink on Transit Pier, and live music on all three outdoor stages. They’ll cap it all off with a candy-colored fireworks finale at 8:30pm. Stay tuned for even more details on the music lineup. 1-9:45 p.m. Free to attend.

The Wharf: 101 District Square SW, DC; www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/petalpalooza Blossom Bash with Bush and Third Eye Blind The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off the inaugural Blossom Bash concert. Blossom Bash will feature alternative rock icons Bush and Third Eye Blind, and hypnotic indie-pop group lovelytheband to The Anthem at The Wharf. So bust out your favorite concert tee and be prepared to belt out along to high-energy anthems that defined 90s and 2000s alternative. Doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $55-$95. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com Freer Film Friday: Japan and Jazz Join the Freer|Sackler at this special after-hours event.

Get an unexpected view into Japanese culture through live jazz by Japanese musicians, Q&As with artists, and exclusive curator tours of Japanese art exhibitions. Enjoy small bites and a cash bar. And at 7 p.m., catch The Stormy Man, a classic film about dueling jazz drummers, which kicks off our retrospective of films by legendary Japanese director Umetsugu Inoue. 5:30-8 p.m. Free to attend. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, DC; www.freersackler.si.edu

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl Enjoy all the spring flavors

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DC has to offer on the Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl. Eat your way through downtown DC on a self-guided food tour sampling diverse cuisine at some of DC’s most popular restaurants. Just check in, grab your wrist band and passport, and head out on a culinary crawl of the District. At each participating location, show your wrist band to enjoy some delicious Cherry Blossom inspired tastings. Passport includes tastings at up to eight restaurants (enough for a full meal); so you can pick and choose until you’re full or the event ends. 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m. $84. Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl: Various locations in DC; www.carpedcfoodtours.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Cherry Blossom Wine & Beer Cherry Blossom Wine and Beer is back for 2018 – your favorite time of year meets your favorite tasting spectacular. Celebrate the arrival of spring and DC’s favorite cherry blossoms with us. With tasty beverages provided, gather your friends together for the annual Cherry Blossom Wine and Beer. For two days, enjoy tastings of 100+ beers and wines, unlimited full pour beverages, access to DC area food vendors and live entertainment all day. Various times. Starting at $50-$90. Akridge Lot: 151 T St. SW, DC; www. drinkthedistrictwinefestival.com

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Official Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony Nestled under the Cherry Blossom trees on the Tidal Basin, this ceremony includes remarks by top U.S. officials and Japanese diplomats as well as traditional songs and music performed by the Toho Koto Society of DC and the DC Choral Society. Tidal Basin: Independence Avenue and 17th Street in SW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 DC Bike’s Cherry Blossom Chase A two-hour bike ride slated to start in Dupont, before ending at a bar or restaurant. More details to come. DC Bike’s Cherry Blossom Chase: Starts in Dupont Circle in NW, DC; www.dcbikeparty.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Cherry Blossom Grand Ball NCSS’ Member States and Territories and International Partners gather for an evening reception with food and refreshments. This premier blacktie affair starts with a sushi and cocktail reception, followed by a full course duet dinner. After dinner, the spin of the wheel selects the new 2018 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen. Dancing starts after the coronation. 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the NCSS Cherry Blossom Princess Program and the MIKIMOTO Ceremonial Cherry Blossom Crown. 6:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. $200. Omni Shoreham Hotel: 2500 Calvert St. NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org Newseum Nights: In Bloom Celebrate cherry blossom season with a party that’ll get everyone in the springtime spirit.

“Newseum Nights: In Bloom,” hosted at the Newseum in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will immerse you in an evening of Japanese sights, sounds and tastes. Join for the first

Newseum Nights of 2018 and help celebrate this festive DC tradition. 8-10:30 p.m. $50-$60.

Newseum: 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.newseum.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade One of DC’s largest spectator events runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the festival.

From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, spectators are wowed by the pageantry and excitement that is the nation’s premier springtime parade. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free to attend. Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: Constitution Avenue along 7th17th Streets in NW, DC; www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org SAAM and BYT’s Cherry Blossom Yoga in the Temple Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Brightest Young Things and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for yoga in the Burning Man temple. You will be practicing in artist David Best’s room-sized installation, part of the exhibition “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man.” All levels are welcome to bring their own mat and enjoy this led session. 9-10 a.m.

Free, but registration required.

Renwick Gallery // SAAM: 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.americanart.si.edu Sakura Matsuri The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is the largest oneday celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, and is proud to be the grand finale of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Performers and vendors travel from all over the country and the world to DC to share

their love of Japanese culture and traditions with the Festival attendees. 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $10 for adults, free for children.

Sakura Matsuri: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd-7th St. NW, DC; www.sakuramatsuri.org Workhouse Arts Center Cherry Blossom See an artistic celebration of the cherry blossoms in every building of the Workhouse Arts Center as expressed in ceramics, glass, jewelry and other visual arts. Enjoy walking along our property and stepping into the historic buildings and museum.

All studios will be open. Plus, talk to artists about what inspires them. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA; www.workhousearts.org

THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 14 NOVA Film Festival Great expansion has come to the festival in its fourth season.

After hosting several hundred films from over 30 countries, producing two satellite film festivals in Los Angeles and DC, and adding a music festival, it will continue to be a complete two week celebration. Seminars, panels, receptions and party after party lead up to an elaborate Oscar-style awards ceremony held at the Mosaic, home to the beautiful Angelika Film Center. Ticket prices may vary. Angelika Film Center: 2911 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; www.novafilmfest.com

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Sake Social: Private Tasting Experience with a Sake Master Guests will enjoy a structured

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SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Anacostia River Festival The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the fourth annual Anacostia River Festival, the official closing of the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s festival will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Anacostia Park and the Year of the Anacostia, a year-long invitation to honor history. 1-5 p.m. Free to attend. Anacostia Park: Anacostia Drive and Good Hope Road in SE, DC; www.bridgepark.org Flower Power 2018 Enjoy an interactive art installation, art exhibitions, floral arranging classes, workshops, live music and spring fashion that’s free and family-friendly. Enjoy live music from Dior Ashley Brown and the dAb Band. 1-5 p.m. Free to attend. Anacostia Arts Center: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; www.anacostiaartscenter.com

tasting of seven different types of premium sake, and learn about the history of Japan’s most famous drink, the differences in production and, most of all, the wide variety in taste. Light bites included. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and socialize with others as you develop your beverage skills. 6-8 p.m. $70. KAZ Sushi Bistro: 1915 I St. NW, DC; www.kazsushi.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Five-Course German Wine Dinner B Too is delighted to invite you for a beautiful five-course dinner, paired with a great selection of German wines presented by the owner and winemaker, Christian Stahl.

Menu available online. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $90.58. B Too: 1324 14th St. NW, DC; www.btoo.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Opening Day 2018 at Nationals Park The best place to pregame for the opening game is at the Budweiser Terrace inside the ballpark. As the Nationals warm up to play the New York Mets for the home opener at 1:05 p.m., head to the Budweiser Terrace pregame show for live 90s rock music from Jeff From Accounting and enjoy ice cold beer from the Budweiser Bar. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Price of game ticket. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, DC; www.nationals.com

THURSDAYS, APRIL 5, 12 and 19 Dogfish Head Record Store Day Celebrations Music has been a part of Dogfish Head since before Dogfish Head. So it’s a natural fit for a brewery that makes “Analog Beer for the Digital Age” to be the official beer of Record Store Day. A celebration of the unique culture of record stores and the special role they play in their communities, Dogfish Head is getting in on the fun with their friends at Busboys and Poets on April 5, World of Beer on April 12, and the Gaithersburg Dogfish Alehouse on April 19. All three events will have live entertainment and giveaways. Free to attend.

Busboys and Poets: 2021 14th St. NW, DC; Dogfish Head Alehouse: 800 West Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg, MD; World of Beer Rockville: 196 East Montgomery Ave. Rockville, MD; www.dogfish.com/events

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Discover Amazing Peru: Dinner Reception and Art Exhibit Peru is the third largest country in South America and it’s home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city high in the Andes Mountains. Peru’s steady gastronomic ascent over the past 15 years has accelerated to a rapid boom, a source of national pride and a motor

of the economy as increasing numbers of tourists head there to sample the original and varied cuisine. Join to discover a taste of Peru. 7-9 p.m. $65. Embassy of Peru: 1700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.embassyofperu.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 – SATURDAY, APRIL 7 DC Web Fest May the creatives and digital content junkies convene from all over the world for two days of extraordinary digital content from international and local web series, short films, VR/AR, and trailers to games, scripts, blogs, and podcasts. We look forward to celebrating with food, drink, the best of the web and a whole lot of merriment.

Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from 12-10 p.m. Tickets are $50-$150. AT&T Forum for Technology, Entertainment & Policy: 601 New Jersey Ave. NW, DC; www.dcwebfest.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Union Market District Spring Street Festival The Union Market District is kicking off spring and celebrating the diverse collection of businesses, both old and new, with a daylong street fest featuring food and activities from district neighbors and partners including Trader Joe’s, Politics and Prose, Cotton & Reed, Masseria, Pluma, A.

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N O I S S I M D FREE A

running of the CHIHUAHUAS

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SATURDAY, MAY 5 | 1-5 pm

District Pier at The Wharf 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

COLD LIVE THE CINCO BEER MUSIC RACES FUN!!

Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol

CASH !

PRIZES

GUEST EMCEE

TOMMY MCFLY Host of 94.7 Fresh FM’s

The Tommy Show

REGISTER YOUR RACER! ALL entry fees are donated to Rural Dog Rescue.

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Litteri, Blue Bottle, DC United and more. From all-day live music at Neal Place to a pop-up bookshop by Politics & Prose and a bevy of food trucks lining Neal Place NE, the entire district, long known for attracting innovative retail as well as launching and scaling businesses, will be activated for a day of creativity and community. More details to come, so check Union Market’s website. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

MONDAY, APRIL 9 DC’s Taste of the Nation Ensure that no kid goes hungry, whether in DC or across the nation, by joining the city’s finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, a remarkable night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America. Guests will mix, mingle, and enjoy food and drinks prepared by the area’s top chefs and bartenders. 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $100-$250.

Ticket packages available.

National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.nokidhungry.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 The Late Shift: What is Art? Celebrate the work of some of the region’s best up-andcoming talent during the opening for Target Gallery’s Emerging Artists exhibition.

Meet the exhibition jurors and featured artists and hear them talk about their artwork. Mix and mingle with the Factory Society young-patrons group.

7-11 p.m. Free to attend.

Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA; www.torpedofactory.org

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SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Masters of Food & Wine: A Kyoto-Style Tea Ceremony & Chano-yu Workshop Park Hyatt will host a seasonal culinary and beverage experience focused on Japanese treasures. Spring is cherry blossom season, merging two cultures, as these magnificent trees were a gift from Japan to the nation’s capital. This is the perfect time to present the art of the Japanese tea ceremony with the seasonal bounty of the mid-Atlantic region.1-3:30 p.m. $100. Park Hyatt Washington DC: 1201 24th St. NW, DC; www.hyatt.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Nat Geo Nights: Unexpected Origins Discover how biological anthropologist Marina Elliott, paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger, evolutionary biologist Ryan Carney, and documentary artist and photographer Matthew Cicanese are uncovering the mysteries of our human ancestry, the beginnings of written language, the evolution of bird flight, and the biological origins of the world’s ecosystems. Your ticket includes fun interactive activities, lively music, food and drink specials at the cash bar, and admission to the National Geographic Museum. 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $20. National Geographic: 1600 M St. NW, DC; www.nationalgeographic.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 SUNDAY, APRIL 29 DC International Film Festival Every year, Filmfest DC welcomes residents and visitors from around the globe to the amazing experience of great films and good times for

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

Shakespeare Theatre’s Potted Potter with PostShow Reception Grab a ticket to Potted Potter, the smash-hit Harry Potter parody, which takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 hilarious minutes.

Join after the performance for Fantastic Beers and Where to Find Them – featuring specialty beers from Ommegang Brewery, Harry Potter trivia and the chance to mingle with fellow Potterheads. Use the promo code BUTTERBEER to receive a $40 ticket to the show and a drink at the post-show reception.

This magical evening is sure to fill up faster than the golden snitch can fly, so book today! Starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets $40-$95.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Enjoy an evening of 244 exceptional wines from the world’s best wine-growing regions. All wines have been rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator’s editorial staff. Meet the winemakers, enjoy a delicious buffet and take home a souvenir Riedel™ wine glass. All included in your ticket price! 6-10 p.m. Tickets start at $225.

Ronald Reagan Building: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.grandtour. winespectator.com

which the festival is known.

The festival has become a prominent venue for recognized filmmakers to show their work and for new voices to express themselves. Filmfest DC is one of DC’s signature cultural events.

Stay tuned for details regarding showtimes and ticket prices.

DC International Film Festival: Various locations in DC; www.filmfestdc.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Record Store Day Vinyl Listening Lounge Club Session Join the Vinyl Listening Lounge Club on the nationwide Record Store Day at The Record Exchange to listen and share music on vinyl records. All are welcome to this event. Bring a few of your favorite vinyl records, any artist, any genre, and the store will allow you to share your selections where we may discuss the song, the artist, the times, the background, etc. Light refreshments will be available or you can bring your own. 3:30-6 p.m. The Record Exchange: 8642 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.recordexchangeofmd.com

NAT GEO NIGHTS EVERY THIRD THURSDAY | 5:30–8 P.M.

Join us for special monthly happy hours with stories from National Geographic Explorers, fun interactive activities, lively music, food, and drink specials at our cash bar.

Your ticket includes one free admission to the National Geographic Museum starting the day of the event and expiring at the end of the month.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

UNEXPECTED ORIGINS HAPPY HOUR

Discover how National Geographic Explorers Marina Elliott, Genevieve von Petzinger, Ryan Carney, and Matthew Cicanese are uncovering the mysteries of our human ancestry, the beginnings of written language, the evolution of bird flight, and the biological origins of ecosystems.

Photos: Devin Overbey

NAT GEO NIGHTS EVENT PARTNERS

Guests at Nat Geo Nights: Front Lines met with and listened to National Geographic explorers and conservation biologists while enjoying fare and craft beer and wine.

F O R MO R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T N ATG E O.O R G / N ATG E O N I G H T S

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3/15/18 10:49 AM

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Carpenter’s Cook-Off Head to The Birchmere and indulge in an afternoon of food and fun while supporting Carpenter’s Shelter. At CookOff, nearly 500 attendees enjoy tastings from 20+ area restaurants, bid on hot ticket items during the live and silent auctions, and listen to live music by the Alpha Dog Blues Band.

All ages are welcome to attend.

12-3 p.m. $50. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.fb.com/carpenterscenter

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Under 35: The Wiz Ease on down the road with Dorothy and her friends Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on their quest to meet The Wiz. In this adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s magical novel, Dorothy is whisked away by a tornado to the fanciful land of Oz. There, she and her sidekicks encounter Munchkins, flying monkeys and a power-hungry witch named Evillene who vows to destroy them. This event is part of Ford’s Theatre Society’s Under 35 patron initiatives, which include special access events for young professionals interested in Ford’s Theatre history and performances.

Starts at 7:30 p.m. $28-$74.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Sixth Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts Enjoy a weekend of true visual inspiration as more than 100 artists will showcase their works including glass, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, and pottery, providing all sorts of opportunities to appreciate and purchase art. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Free. Arlington Festival of Arts: 3003 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.artfestival.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Record Store Day at Crooked Beat As they do every year, Crooked Beat is set to give out grab bags filled with swag from various labels and artists to the first 100 paying customers.

This year, the first 100 paying customers will get a grab bag and the first 75 customers will get a free, limited edition, 20th anniversary Crooked Beat tote, which feature a picture of The Clash. Till supplies last. Crooked Beat: 802 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA; www.crookedbeat.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Historic Garden Week Each spring, visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” This 8-day event is a unique opportunity to see gardens at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color, and over 2,300 arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members. Various times. $25-$55 per hour. Virginia Historic Garden Week: Various locations throughout Virginia; www.vagardenweek.org

ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

District Winery Rosé Release District Winery is excited to share their very first DC made wine – a 2017 dry rosé. In celebration, they are hosting a Rosé Release Party in their private events space. Enjoy Provence-inspired décor, live entertainment, a menu featuring an array of decadent food offerings, premium beverages and District Winery wines. Culinary offerings will include a “Provencal” station with French-inspired favorites and roaming oyster shuckers.

Sessions from 12-3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $75-$95. District Winery: 385 Water St. SE, DC; www.districtwinery.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Smithsonian Craft Show The Smithsonian Women’s Committee presents the 36th annual Smithsonian Craft Show, featuring 120 American artists.

For the first time, the show will highlight Asian cultural influence on American crafts. Many of today’s top U.S. artists creating cutting-edge art are reconnecting American modernism to its roots in Asian culture. The show seeks to engage the public through educational and artistic components that complement the theme “Asian Influence/ American Design.” $20-$30.

National Building Museum: 401 F St. NW, DC; www.smithsoniancraftshow.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Rosslyn Reads! Spring Book Festival There’s something for everyone at the first-ever Rosslyn Reads! Spring Book Festival. The Rosslyn BID is excited to partner with Carpe Librum to bring a pop-up bookstore to the neighborhood.

Drop by to enjoy author readings, beer samplings and live music, and have fun browsing thousands of used books, CDs, and DVDs for sale on Central Place Plaza. Prices range from $1-$15. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Central Place Plaza: 1800 N. Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Georgetown French Market The Georgetown French Market, one of the District’s most anticipated shopping weekends, marks the triumphant return of the spring season.

Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood will transform into an inviting, open-air market as more than 40 locally owned merchants, restaurants, salons and galleries display discounted items and unique finds. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Free to attend. Georgetown French Market: 1580 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www. georgetownfrenchmarketdc.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

DC Potter Crawl We solemnly swear that we are up to no good! Calling all muggles, wizards, squibs and elves! Grab your cloaks, brooms, owls and wands, and get ready for the wizarding bar event of the year. You’ll receive a refillable magical Potter mug, party favors, access to some of Dupont Circle’s best bars, raffle entry for great prizes, and free pictures of the event. 2-10 p.m. Tickets $20 early online, $40 day of event. DC Potter Crawl: Participating bars in Dupont Circle in NW, DC; www.dcpottercrawl.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 2018 DC Chocolate Festival After great sold-out events in 2016 and 2017, the festival is back and it’s bigger and better.

Hosted in DC, this event seeks to bring together both chocolate makers and chocolate enthusiasts for a day of tastings, educational micro workshops and a keynote address. DCCF will feature the best artisanal chocolate makers from the local area and beyond. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. $25-$45.

Washington Marriott Wardman Park: 2660 Woodley Rd. NW, DC; www.thechocolatehousedc.com Margarita Rumble Fiesta like there’s no mañana when the Margarita Rumble kicks off. More than 15 specially curated, best of the best, bars and restaurants send their mixologists in to compete for the title of Best Margarita in DC. Sample the best margaritas (and then vote for your favorite) while live music keeps you la bamba’ing. 12-8:45 p.m. $45-$65. Big Chief: 2002 Fenwick St. NE, DC; www.dcmargaritarumble.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 SUNDAY, APRIL 29 National Harbor Wine and Food Festival A world-class, waterfront, culinary event. Join in the excitement of the 10th Annual Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor, bringing together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen and culinary pioneers with thousands of DC’s foodies.

12-6 p.m. $39-$69. National Harbor: 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD; www.wineandfoodnh.com

MONDAY, APRIL 30 Mexico in a Bottle This grand tasting will feature more than 100 mezcals and incredible bites from local restaurants, cocktails from local bartenders, encounters with incredible personalities in the mezcal world, a tiendita and more. 5:30-9 p.m. $60-$75.

Mexican Cultural Institute: 2829 16th St. NW, DC; www.mexinabottle.com

MAIBOCK August 18th | 6-8pm Navy Yard Location

Live Music, Raffles & More to benefit our charity partner Dress for Success!

5th Anniversary Party Navy Yard Location!

Wednesday, April 4 | 5-8pm

LIVE MUSIC BY JOHN LUSKEY Portion of proceeds going to team Rubicon

Navy Yard

100 M Street SE | Washington, DC | 202.484.2739

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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A Day in the

Life Emerging Explorer

GRACE YOUNG Courtney Sexton

By AmandaBy Weisbrod

I

Photo: Fabien Cousteau

t all began on the Great Lakes of Ohio and Michigan. As she sailed across the open waters with her family, a pint-sized Grace Young began to develop a deep love for the water and everything in it. After she moved to DC in high school, Young took a school trip to the Chesapeake Bay that could only be described as life-changing. In this moment, she realized she couldn’t live without the calmness of the waves and the beauty of a sunrise out at sea.

So she followed her dreams. In 2017, National Geographic named Young as one of 14 Emerging Explorers, or “uniquely gifted and inspiring scientists, conservationists, storytellers and innovators” who

On Tap: How did you feel when you found out you were nominated for Emerging Explorers?

Grace Young: I was absolutely thrilled. It’s made me think a lot more about how I’m sharing the work that I do. There was this quote: “If you don’t share your science, you might as well not have done it.” So now I’m trying to be conscious of that. I’ve been so fortunate to be a woman interested in technology from a young age [and] to have my degree from MIT, but many women don’t even realize that’s a career they can have, so I want to share that in order to bring the best talent into the field that we can.

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are “already making a difference and changing the world.” As part of the program, she received a $10,000 grant to fund research for new technology to explore the ocean and save coral reefs.

On April 10, Young will host “Extreme Ocean: Exploring the Deep,” a discussion about why taking care of the ocean is so crucial to preserving life as we know it. She’ll also go into detail about her exciting 15-day adventure of living nearly 20 meters (66 feet) below sea level off the coast of the Florida Keys during Fabien Cousteau’s Mission 31. We caught up with Young before her upcoming talk about the Emerging Explorers program, protecting our coral reefs and being a former ballerina, among other things.

OT: What will you be focusing on during the “Extreme Ocean” discussion?

GY: I’m looking forward to sharing my stories about my time on the ocean and my perspective as a technology developer, and what I think of as the biggest changes affecting our ocean. People don’t tune in unless they learn to love it and see why I’m passionate about it, and why so many people at Nat Geo and other places are too.

OT: How does the work that you’re doing to save these coral reefs affect lives in DC? GY: Two things: one, even if you’re living far from the ocean, we’re still all connected to

the ocean. The ocean covers 71 percent of our planet; it provides half of the oxygen we breathe, and it’s a protein source for at least a billion people. Two, I always think, “What kind of ocean do we want to pass on to the next generation?” I’ve seen remote beaches that are covered in trash, [with] more coming in with each wave. On the other hand, I’ve been able to jump off a boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and go swimming at sunset. I would like for that to be an experience that everyone can have. But it’s not just about us.

Those stories connect us to the ocean, but it’s about keeping our planet habitable for our species and all the other species.

WORK MUST-HAVES Scuba gear Air Notebook Pen Watch underwater, we have to innovate – we have to do something different and more creative. I think that is going to have so many unintended discoveries.

Photo: Ian Foulk

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT My family The ocean Coral-safe sunscreen StarTalk podcast by Neil DeGrasse Tyson STEM education OT: Is developing technology to help restore these coral reefs a new movement?

GY: My work uses cutting-edge technology, but artificial reefs have been used since ancient times. People learned pretty early that if you have any artificial structure, it attracts fish, and putting any collection of rocks together worked okay. What we’re trying to do now is use advancements in technology and a lot of data to design optimal artificial reefs so that they can attract fish, keep healthy coral reefs and help protect against shoreline erosion.

OT: Does seeing all of this pollution in the ocean ever make you feel discouraged?

GY: I try not to get discouraged. There are so many people who really care, and new businesses and technologies are being developed to try and help solve this problem. We only realized it was a huge

problem maybe like 50 to 60 years ago, and it’s hard to make big-scale changes, but I think the movement is there.

OT: I read that we know more about outer space than we do about our own oceans.

How do you feel about that?

GY: It baffles me. I actually wrote my undergraduate thesis on this topic. I went to look at the history, and space and ocean exploration were on pretty much the same path until the 1960s when we put man on the moon and men at the deepest point of the ocean. But after that, the trajectories really diverged. Even now, NASA’s budget for just pure exploration is 150 times greater than any equivalent exploration budget for NOAA [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]. But I think that’s starting to change. I think everyone’s realizing how important, how serious and how alien our ocean is.

OT: Do you think it’s about time we start looking more inward to ourselves on Earth?

GY: Yes. There’s a T.S. Elliot quote that says, “At the end of our exploring, we come back to where we came from.” From a technology standpoint, I’m thinking of the new, unexpected discoveries we’re going to make by developing technologies that help us explore the ocean. Because GPS and electromagnetic waves that we rely on for most communication don’t work

OT: As a former ballerina and with your experience working on a coral reef sculpture, what do the arts mean to you?

GY: I trained at CityDance at Strathmore, and I was also at the Washington Ballet School. That really shaped who I am and my work ethic. I think it taught me discipline, and how to be inspired by my peers, but also how to focus on my own strengths and weaknesses. Although I don’t dance anymore, I watch the ballet as much as I can. I think art and science are connected.

There’s creativity involved in both of them, so that certainly informs my thought process.

OT: How important is it to marry science and arts together?

GY: Arts and science are fundamentally very similar thought processes. We can learn how to become a better scientist by learning the arts, and vice versa. Art can be a great way to engage in a unique way with science. I was at the UN’s [Ocean Conference] in New York City last summer, and in front of the UN, they had a gigantic whale and fish sculpture. From afar they just looked like great sculptures, but up close, they were made of little bits of plastic that people pulled up from this one beach. It was so moving, and I feel like if you never heard of this plastic problem before, you definitely got the picture right there with that piece of work.

Don’t miss Grace Young at National Geographic on April 10 from 7:30-9 p.m.

Tickets are $25. Learn more about the event at www.nationalgeographic.org/explorers.

The National Geographic Museum: 1145 17th St. NW, DC; 202-857-7700 www.nationalgeographic.org/dc/events

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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BREAKOUT

BATTER

T

By Joel Goldberg he “A” has always stood for Anthony. Now, it stands for his performance.

Michael A. Taylor, center fielder for the Washington Nationals, established himself last season as one of the young players to watch in Major League Baseball.

He finished among the top three Gold Glove candidates at his position in the National League despite playing in a mere 118 contests. In his injury-abbreviated season – Taylor spent most of July and part of August on the disabled list with a strained right oblique – he swatted 19 home runs and stole 17 bases. Only five other National League players can say the same about their 2017 campaigns.

“I think [one] of the major changes I made [was] my view going into the game, and what I consider successful for me a lot of the time,” Taylor says. “I would get caught up in the result, and baseball is a game of failures day in and out – whether that’s just swinging at good pitches or moving a runner [and] making hard contact.”

Hard contact was something that drew Taylor into the spotlight late in 2017. In September and October of the regular season, he had one of the best stretches of his career in terms of power, notching seven home runs that included an inside-the-park grand slam against the Phillies. Taylor’s power

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ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

MEET MICHAEL

A. TAYLOR

Photos: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

I TRY NOT TO MAKE TOO MUCH OF STATISTICS. I GO OUT THERE AND TRY TO DO MY BEST. took the national stage in the playoffs, when he hit yet another grand slam, this time to seal a win over the Cubs and force game five of the National League Division Series.

Then, in game five, he hit a three-run bomb into the Cubs bullpen in left, giving the Nationals the lead in what ended as a heartbreaking 9-8 loss. That’s nine home runs in 33 games among September, October and the postseason, for whoever is counting.

Taylor isn’t one of them.

“I try not to make too much of statistics,”he says.

“I go out there and try to do my best.”

Regarding his unexpected, late-season mash fest, Taylor says he thinks it’s a byproduct of a good approach in his game.

“Home runs will come. When I try to force home runs, I end up putting myself in a bad spot, swinging too hard or swinging at pitches out of the zone.”

Taylor’s approach will be much-scrutinized at the start of 2018. For the first time since 2015, he’s the favorite to start in center field at the beginning of the season. In 2016 and 2017, respectively, trade acquisitions Ben Revere and Adam Eaton filled that role. Thanks to Taylor’s breakout 2017 and his superb defense, Eaton is now moving to left field while Taylor hunkers down as the “field general” in center.

The potential scrutiny doesn’t seem to faze Taylor, who maintains a calm, composed demeanor in on-camera interviews. Part of his confidence stems from a positive relationship with Nationals fans. Even during his first twoplus seasons in the majors, during which Taylor hit a combined .228 and struck out more than once a game, he says fans had his back. In 2017, Taylor returned the favor, lifting his average to .271 with an OPS of .806.

“One thing I can say about fans in DC [is] they’ve been very supportive through my whole career. I’m very grateful for that. Even the years I felt like I didn’t perform as well as I’d like, they still were behind me and very supportive.”

CATCH GREAT LIVE MUSIC Before Every Friday Home Game!

2018

BUDWEISER MUSIC SERIES OPENING DAY!

Jeff From Accounting Thursday, April 5 Music @ 10:30 | Game @ 1:05

4/13 Pebble to Pearl 4/27 David Thong Band AN

PRODUCTION

5/4 Down Wilson 5/18 Uncle Jesse 6/8 7 Deadlies 6/22 Lloyd Dobler Effect 7/6 Justin Trawick

& The Common Good 7/20 Lovely Rita

8/3 8/17 8/31 9/7 9/21

Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 As If Hand Painted Swinger The Reflex Turtle Recall

Music @ 5:00 | Game @ 7:05

Photos: Cristina O’Connell

This year’s Pink Tie Party fundraiser at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center benefitted the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Taylor is also lucky in some respects. In June, then-Nationals Manager Dusty Baker called him “one of the most fortunate dudes” he had ever managed, according to Patrick Reddington of SB Nation’s Federal Baseball blog. For example, although he didn’t start opening day in 2016 and 2017, he did see significant playing time both seasons because of injuries to Revere and Eaton. This year, he also has the benefit of two experienced, talented outfielders – Eaton and Bryce Harper – flanking him in left and right.

“They make it really easy on me,” Taylor says of Eaton and Harper.

“Those guys have a lot of experience and are great outfielders. I think we work very well together. We’re all on the same page. They make it easy and encourage me to go out there and take the lead.”

Adding to the rocky beginnings of Taylor’s career is the fact that he’s had three different managers since the beginning of 2015. This season, Dave Martinez takes over, and based on Taylor’s attitude, it’s just another fortuitous turn.

“Davey has been great. [He] communicates with the guys every day. It’s been very laid-back and energetic. I’ve really enjoyed spring training with him, and I’m looking forward to a full season.”

A full season is actually one concern lingering around Taylor, even now that he has established himself as a serious player. In spring training, what the Nationals called “tightness” in his right side – the same side as his oblique strain last season – forced him out of the lineup on March 5. Luckily, he returned to the Nationals’ Grapefruit League lineup on March 17, going one for three with a pair of strikeouts.

So what’s Taylor’s goal for 2018? Play in 162 games? Reach the 20-home-run, 20-stolen-base plateau? Make up for that near miss at a Gold Glove?

“To win a World Series,” he says.

If Taylor, with all of his good fortune, helps the Nationals bring home the World Series trophy, he can go ahead and add “plus” to that “A” in the middle of his name.

The Washington Nationals’ home opener is on Thursday, April 5 at 1:05 p.m., when they will host the New York Mets at Nats Park.

For more information on Taylor and the Nats’ 2018 season, visit www.mlb.com/nationals.

Nationals Park: 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC 202-675-6287; www.mlb.com/nationals

to sample the brew and guess what it is to win an order of pot stickers. There are also four craft cider taps and a wide selection of bottled beers to provide a little variety.

The food menu features “xiaochi” such as mala pickled cucumbers, sour plum sweet potato fries, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, Malaysian chicken satay and my personal favorite, a scallion pancake with stir-fried beef. There are also a few larger plates, like garlic noodles with grilled shrimp and a deep-fried pork chop with rice. 4009 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax, VA; www.highsideva.com

Alhambra’s Lobster Folie Folie

Photo: Greg Powers

By Lani Furbank On Tap keeps locals in the know about the hottest new food and drink spots around town, the top culinary news of the month and recent closings. Read on to get the inside scoop on what’s new, notable and no longer in the DC area.

NEW

served over chorizo and olive, pit-roasted chicken. In addition, the restaurant partnered with Boulangerie Christophe to offer an exclusive fig and walnut bread.

The sophisticated service includes several tableside preparations, like tuna tartare.

The highlight for me was the eponymous dessert: chocolate gianduja, Monte Carlo mousse and strawberry sorbet. 923 16th St. NW, DC; www.alhambradc.com

Photo: Courtesy of High Side

Photo: Greg Powers

Alhambra

High Side

Open: February 9 Location: Downtown Lowdown: The new restaurant at The St. Regis Hotel is a Mediterranean concept with French influences. The space got a quick facelift to add modern touches highlighting the historic building before debuting as Alhambra, an elegant power dining spot. The menu’s signature dishes include scallops a la plancha, rockfish

Open: February 9 Location: Fairfax City Lowdown: Craft beer and Taiwanese small plates make for an ideal pairing at High Side, Fairfax City’s new bar. The downtown spot offers 20 craft beers on tap, ranging from tart and funky sours to malty, dark roasts. There’s also a heavy emphasis on local brews. Each Wednesday, the bar serves a mystery beer, inviting nerds and novices

Photo: Rey Lopez

Mi Vida Open: February 23 Location: The Wharf Lowdown: The varied cuisines and cultures of Mexico are on display at Mi Vida, the new waterfront restaurant from KNEAD Hospitality + Design and Chef Roberto Santibañez of Fonda in New York City. Santibañez, a native of Mexico City, modeled Mi Vida’s menu after the culinary diversity of his city. Choose from dishes like ceviche de tiritas, tacos de carnitas, queso fundido, enchiladas suizas and braised short ribs from the hearth oven. Santibañez’s favorite aspect of Mexican cooking is the art of creating a rich sauce, so naturally, he spotlights Oaxacan mole negro, the most complex sauce in the country. The dark sauce gets its hue from blackened pepper seeds, along with dozens of other ingredients like fruits and nuts that give it a deep, sweet heat. In addition to showcasing time-honored traditions, Santibañez also plays with modern preparations that are unique but distinctly Mexican. The bar has a vast selection of tequilas and mezcals – more than 130 options – and fresh cocktails like a tequila take on a piña colada and a frozen mango and passion fruit margarita. Several of the drinks are served in whimsical glassware, like the Mez-skull that comes in a glass skull. The spacious www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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11,000-square-foot restaurant is anchored by a 19-foot clay depiction of the “Tree of Life,” and each of the three floors depicts different periods in Mexican history – from the colonial hacienda terrace to Mayan pyramid motifs in the upstairs ceiling. 98 District Sq. SW, DC; www.mividamexico.com

there will be an all-night Pass the Porron party where free porrons of a sherry cocktail called rebujito will be passed around for guests to enjoy. There will also be pairings of sherry with pintxos at the bar Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m., and nightly four-course tasting menus paired with sherry. Throughout the festival, two sherry flights will be available, as well as extremely rare reserve sherries and new sherry cocktails. 1520 14th St. NW, DC; www.estadio-dc.com

NOW OPEN Blue Bottle Coffee 1250 4th St. NE, DC www.bluebottlecoffee.com Bread & Water 1201 S. Joyce St. Arlington, VA www.breadandwatercompany.com Capital Burger 1005 7th St. NW, DC www.thecapitalburger.com Cortez 1905 9th St. NW, DC www.cortezbardc.com

Momo Yakitori

Photo: Courtesy of Momo

Open: February 23 Location: Woodridge Lowdown: Momo Yakitori, the weekend-only restaurant that popped up in Woodridge earlier this year, has a laser focus on one aspect of Japanese cuisine. You won’t find ramen, rice bowls or sushi. Instead, the menu almost exclusively offers yakitori, or skewered chicken prepared on a traditional charcoal grill. You can order single skewers or platters, with options ranging from chicken breast or skin to more unusual choices like duck heart or wagyu. There are also a few salads and other veggie dishes, like shishito peppers and shiitake mushrooms. To drink, opt for sake or shochu by the glass. 2214 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; www.momoyakitori.com

NOTABLE

Fancy Radish 600 H St. NE, DC www.fancyradishdc.com Photo: Peter Wagner Photography

WhiskyFest Date: April 17 Location: Marriott Marquis Lowdown: Whisky Advocate’s WhiskyFest will be hosted in DC for the third year in a row. The event, now in its 21st year, boasts nearly 300 whiskies from around the world – including single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian and craft-distilled whiskies – plus rum, cognac and other spirits. It’s also a chance to learn from master blenders and whiskey experts during educational seminars and tastings.

Representatives from distilleries will be on hand throughout the evening at their pouring booths. 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; www.whiskyfest.com

NO LONGER Ardeo in Cleveland Park Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington Photo: Courtesy of Estadio

Sherry Blossom Festival Date: Now through April 15 Location: Estadio Lowdown: While cherry blossom trees bloom across the region, Estadio is putting their own spin on the festival by celebrating Spanish fortified wine. The restaurant’s third annual Sherry Blossom Festival features rare sherries, pintxos pairings, happy hours, sherry dinners, educational tastings and more. Every Monday,

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Del Campo in Penn Quarter

Frida Beer Garden 4905 Fairmont Ave. Bethesda, MD www.fb.com/fridabeergarden Insomnia Cookies 1309 H Street NE, DC www.insomniacookies.com Maizal 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, DC www.maizalstreetfood.com Players Club 1400 14th St. NW, DC www.playersclubdc.com Sababa 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC www.sababauptown.com Soup Up 1309 5th St. NE, DC www.soupup.us Taqueria Local 1627 K St. NW, DC www.localtaqueria.com Tiki Taco 2010 P St. NW, DC www.tikitacodc.com

Geranio in Alexandria Las Canteras in Adams Morgan Mason Dixie Drive Thru in NE, DC Old Glory BBQ in Georgetown Tortoise & Hare in Crystal City

POP-UPS Minnie 301 Water St. SE, DC www.icecreamjubilee.com Morini Piccolo Boardwalk along the Anacostia River in SE, DC; www.osteriamorini.com

now Now available

in dc!

Drink responsibly. Corona Premier

© Beer, Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago IL 12 FL. OZ. SERVING AVERAGE ANALYSIS: CALORIES 90, CARBS 2.6 GRAMS, PROTEIN 0.7 GRAMS, FAT 0.0 GRAMS

Brunch Buzz T op

Duck sausage toast

Photo: Courtesy of Ana at District Winery

By Jean Schindler and Alex Thompson

25 of

2018

Socially, Washington is held together by the glue of brunch. More than the city’s other social institution – the happy hour – brunch allows for extended, leisurely bonding without a set agenda. And the District can never get enough of new culinary adventures – so we compiled our favorite newbies from the past year. These are wonderful places to hang out, see, be seen, and roll out refreshed and ready for the work week.

1.

Ana at District Winery

Between high ceilings and massive windows, dining at the District’s only winery feels like dining outside. The cocktail menu is limited, but the menu features the winery’s growing range of house wines. District Winery sources grapes from across the U.S. and then produces wines that highlight the flavor profiles in America’s different growing regions. 385 Water St. SE, DC; www.districtwinery.com

2. Baba

This Turkish hot spot in Clarendon serves brunch daily (Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.), offering heavenly crafted bowls of oatmeal, egg dishes and pastries, along with high-quality coffee drinks. On Saturdays and Sundays (9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.), enjoy unlimited brunch

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for $34/person, with music and a buffet section of handmade Turkish pastries, salads, sandwiches and more, along with made-to-order Balkan eggs, sliders and smoked salmon crêpe. And $1 mimosas, bellinis and Bloody Marys. 2901 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA; www.baba.bar

3. Bar Elena

Comfort food and arcade games is one form of brunch heaven. Add in a sophisticated seafood menu for a lux touch, and you have a formula that will endlessly appeal to DC’s trendy young professionals. 414 H St. NE, DC; www.barelenadc.com

4. Bindaas at Foggy Bottom

This casual take on Indian street food with a flavorful twist is the newest location from Chef Vikram Sunderam of Rasika. Brunch

runs from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the weekends, offering an array of dishes that mix sweet and savory. Try the avocado golgappa with sweet yogurt and chutney, the lamb kathi roll with roast masala and fennel seed, or the Parsi fried chicken roadside sandwich with spiced fried chicken and beef tomato chutney. 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.bindaasdc.com

5. Bluestone Lane

Every library should have an airy, lightfilled Australian café attached. DC’s West End Public Library is wrapping up its renovation, and diners can take their coffees into the library’s reading area.

Order a flat white and an avo toast (easily the best in DC) – but note the café has no liquor license, so plan to air your liver out.

1100 23rd St. NW, DC; www.bluestonelane.com

Bodega at 7. Burmese Union Market There’s always something new going on at Union Market, and grazing at different food stalls has become a beloved DC brunch option. We are intrigued that beloved local Peregrine no longer has the coffee market cornered (welcome, Blue Bottle Coffee!), and our favorite newcomer is the Burmese Bodega – lots of rich, earthy Southeast Asian flavors underscored by very fresh ingredients. 1309 5th St. NE, DC; www.unionmarketdc.com

8. Chloe Photo: Courtesy of Brothers and Sisters

and Sisters 6. Brothers in the LINE Hotel If you love Maketto, you’ll adore Erik Bruner-Yang’s newest adventure. Brothers and Sisters also occupies a unique space – a neoclassical church with most of its original architectural elements preserved

– and has a similar buzzy energy. Brothers and Sisters serves American classics with East Asian influences, as well as a collection of unique cocktails. We recommend “It’s Not Just for Osaka Anymore” (Cocci rosé, gin, red shiso syrup, vitamin C powder).

1770 Euclid St. NW, DC; www.thelinehotel.com/dc/venues/

Chloe’s eclectic brunch menu (available Saturday and Sunday) pays homage to Chef Haidar Karoum’s Lebanese roots and world travels. Start with the sheep’s milk ricotta with raw honey, rosemary and grilled house-made bread, or the crispy churros with bittersweet chocolate ganache. Then go for the Ivy City smoked salmon tartine or the poached eggs with warm scallion biscuit and shiitake mushroom mornay sauce. Grab a house Blood Mary, or mimosas by the carafe to wash it all down. 1331 4th St. SE, DC; www.restaurantchloe.com

Come join us for brunch at Tunnicliff’s Tavern, located right in the middle of Eastern Market!

We are open for brunch from 9am until 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays.

Try our brunch special: one brunch entree and a cocktail for $15.

Enjoy our patio all year long, as well as our bar area where we have lots of TV’s showing all the day’s games.

Craft beer, cocktails and delicious seasonal fare– reserve your table or private party today!

222 7th St SE, Washington, DC | 202.544.5680 www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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9. Del Mar

Wharf restaurants take full advantage of the water views – with lots of windows and cathedral ceilings – and Del Mar pairs its prime real estate with perfect service, a buzzy atmosphere and an extensive menu of authentic, carefully prepared Spanish dishes. Order a carafe of sangria roja (red wine, brandy, vermouth, orange) for the table and enjoy the buzz. 791 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.delmardc.com

10. Delirium

When Belgium beer makers Delirium decided to open their first-ever U.S. restaurant/bar location, they ran several analyses and settled on Leesburg, Virginia as the perfect location. And lucky for us, because their 300-plus beer list and epic brunch offerings are amazing. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., dishes include fresh waffles that can be piled with ice cream and fresh strawberries, poutine with classic brown gravy and house-made farmers cheese (add that fried egg!), and scrambled salmon with cream cheese and fresh herbs. Grab a beermosa featuring delirium tremens or a mimosa (by the glass or carafe). 101 South King St. Leesburg, VA; www.deliriumcafe.us

11.

Heritage Brewing Co. Market Common Brewpub and Roastery

This brunch is for beer and coffee enthusiasts alike, as Heritage Brewing Co. beers and Veritas Coffee Co. nitrogeninfused cold press coffee are on full display, along with elevated pub fair. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., grab the $25 brunch special, which includes a main course, two 13.5-oz. flagship beers and a dessert. We recommend the heavenly, thick-cut brioche French toast with salted caramel maple sauce or the eggs Benedict served on cheddar and scallion scones. Go with the coffee stout chocolate brownie for dessert.

1300-1398 N Fillmore St. Arlington, VA; www.hbcmarketcommon.com

12.Hummingbird

Inspired by popular traditions of clam bakes and oyster boils, this Alexandria waterfront restaurant and bar offers a daily breakfast (6:30-10:30 a.m.) and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Start the table with a brunch bread basket, and then move on to the crab and corn fritters with chipotle aioli or the crispy

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fried oysters. You can’t go wrong with the French toast or our favorite, avocado toast with an added fried egg. Other notable dishes include the eggs Benedict with the option for a crab cake or lobster tail, and the Irish smoked salmon platter.

220 S Union St. Alexandria, VA; www.hummingbirdva.net

13. Joselito Casa de Comidas

We adore this bit of Spain in DC, complete with an Iberico ham cart. And while the mimosa-bellini-Bloody Mary bar is perfect, we prefer the delightful sangria – served with a lovely, enormous, fruit-filled ice cube. 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; www.joselitodc.com

14. Kith and Kin

When Kwame Onwuachi’s overly-ambitious Shaw restaurant crashed and burned, no one envisioned his Phoenix moment.

Onwuachi landed at the Wharf’s new Intercontinental Hotel, where he has created a menu that blends Nigeria with the Bronx. Note that it’s technically a breakfast menu – but you just need to grab the cocktail list to make it a smashing brunch. 801 Wharf St. SE, DC; www.kithandkindc.com

15. Lucky Buns

Influenced by Southeast Asia, Australia and the UK, brunch offerings include such sandwiches or “buns” as the Proper Bacon Bun with bacon rashers, brown sauce, and charred tomato on sourdough (add on the cheese, avocado and egg!) Other dishes include the Full Monty English breakfast and smashed avocado toast on sourdough with cotija and roasted tomato. Grab a side of proper chips with malt vinegar mayo to round things out. Brunch offered all weekend starting at 11:30 a.m. 2000 18th St. NW, DC; www.luckybunsdc.com

16. Pamplona

Photo: Courtesy of Siren

Named after the town in Spain where the famed running of the bulls occurs, Pamplona serves up unlimited Spanish tapas and mimosas during their bottomless brunch for $35 per person on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Choose from dishes like the chorizo biscuits, lamb burgers and serrano ham benedict. Mimosa flavors include classic, grapefruit or apple, with a two-hour limit on bottomless. 3100 Clarendon Blvd.

Arlington, VA; www.pamplonava.com

17. Quinn’s

This Rosslyn sports bar boasts that it’s the longest brunch in Arlington, running 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the weekends. Start with the French toast sticks and then move on to the cheddar bacon Belgian waffle, served with two eggs sunny side up, or go for the crab cake BLT. Be sure to save room for the Reese’s sundae for two, and don’t forget the $1 bottles of champagne (per person with brunch item order). 1776 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.quinnsonthecorner.com

18. The Salt Line

A popular happy hour spot for Nationals fans, this New England-style seafood restaurant serves up an amazing brunch complete with gorgeous Capitol Riverfront views. Classic dishes include the clam chowder and fried clam bellies, while brunch staples include a heavenly lobster omelet, decadent king crab mac and cheese, and an unexpected but completely welcome duck confit French toast. Wash it all down with one of several signature brunch cocktail creations – our go-to is the Seaside Spritz. Brunch is served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. all weekend, with cocktails going until 5 p.m. 79 Potomac Ave. SE, DC; www.thesaltline.com

19. Sfoglina

The picky eaters should order malted milk pancakes and mimosas, while the more adventurous can explore the approachable menu of pho noodle soups and bahn mi sandwiches. Do not miss the small but creative brunch cocktail menu – we heart the Pink Expat (charred pineapple and chili-infused tequila, guava nectar, lime, prosecco). 682 N St. Asaph St. Alexandria, VA; www.sundayinsaigon.com

The Trabocchis’ posh pasta palace refocuses its menu for a glorious weekend experience. We love the Maine lobster skillet pancake alongside the eponymous Sfoglina (vodka, elderflower shrub, prosecco), which tastes like summer and joy. And don’t be fooled by the white tablecloths – the service is warm and friendly. 4445 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.sfoglinadc.com

22.Supra

20. Siren

Located in the Darcy Hotel, this latest addition from Chefs Robert Wiedmaier and Brian McBride take the freshest seafood and put it center stage. Brunch runs 11 a.m.

- 2:30 p.m. and for $35 per person, you can enjoy a raw bar, salad and dessert buffet spread in the lower lounge of the Darcy, with à la carte menu items available. For those looking to take it up a notch, order from the caviar service, which comes with crème fraiche, red onion, chive and egg.

1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW, DC; www.sirenbrw.com

21. Sunday in Saigon

Sunday in Saigon has masterfully blended East and West in its beautiful brunch menu.

DC’s first Georgian restaurant (the country, not the state) is helmed by the Embassy’s former chef, and shows off a national cuisine that’s a natural fit for brunch (think lots of beautiful carbs and cheese). Georgian cuisine also inspires the drinks menu – we love the Bloody Mariami (vodka, red Georgian plum sauce, red ajika seasoning, lemon, cilantro syrup, svanuri salt). 1205 11th St. NW, DC; www.supradc.com

23. Tiger Fork

This Blagden Alley restaurant takes Hong Kong culture and mixes it with hints of Asian, European and Islamic flavors. Their “Dim Sum and Then Some” brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m.

- 2:30 p.m. features a variety of small plates

including broccolini with house-made oyster sauce, Chinese bacon with pickled radish salad, and Hong Kong style French toast with burnt coconut cream and a cute smiley face, of course. For cocktails, you can’t go wrong with the gin-based All the Pretty Flowers. 922 N St. NW, DC; www.tigerforkdc.com

24.Tulips

Champagne brunch in a charming Dupont Circle rowhouse? Yes, please. The extensive renovation converted the old Irish Whiskey into a haven of brick and chandeliers and chintz. Order bottomless for the table, and you’ll get a steady stream of mimosas, bellinis, oysters and beignets. 1207 19th St. NW, DC; www.tulipsdc.com

25. Unconventional Diner

Diners love classics (example: pancakes) like kids love candy – and we love this diner’s unconventional take on the classics (example: lavender-ginger pancakes with vanilla mascarpone). And we love the Unconventional because it really does live up to its name. Our inner fat kid is happy. 1207 9th St. NW, DC; www.unconventionaldiner.com

ch Sp Br$un .95ecial!

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2-Course Menu + 1 Glass of Champagne

Join us f0r brunch every Sat & Sun from 11am to 3pm a space to enjoy French cuisine with a great wine selection & craft cocktails in a vintage attic decor, a cosy atmosphere with intimate ambiance on the vibrant H street corridor

We have all your favorites from Traditional Irish Breakfast to Eggs Benedict & Pancakes.

Check us out at sineirishpub.com for the full brunch and regular menus.

Come enjoy our brunch inside when you want to watch your favorite sporting event on our flat screen HD TVs, or outside on the patio in the beautiful weather.

Open Tuesday - Sunday | Brunch Saturday & Sunday 502 H Street NE, Washington, DC | 202.544.5999 | legrenierdc.com www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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DC’s

By Travis Mitchell

SUSTAINABLE

DINING SCENE

O

Urbana’s rooftop garden

rder up a drink at Hank’s Cocktail Bar and you may notice something’s missing when you take that first sip. The reason? This Petworth hangout, along with its five sister restaurants, only provide straws when requested. This shift is just one way the bar and its parent company, JL Restaurant Group, have been moving to improve sustainability.

“We work really, really hard to use things multiple ways and be as zero waste as possible there,” says beverage director Jess Weinstein, who oversees the bar program at all Hank’s properties.

For example, orange trimmings from the bar’s old-fashioned garnishes are saved and reduced down with sugar into a syrup that’s then used to make a Trash Gimlet cocktail. They dehydrate partially used limes from a night of service for use in future drinks rather than using fresh ones. Weinstein even uses liquid runoff from roasted red peppers in her negroni riff, the Bittersweet Surrender.

These steps toward sustainability might seem small, but they can noticeably improve a business’ carbon footprint and bottom line.

And Hank’s is not alone in its quest to become greener. Last year, DC was named the first LEED “Platinum City,” a nod to its leadership in this area.

Urbana in Dupont Circle is the first DC restaurant to use a machine called a Bio-Digester, which converts food scraps into grey wastewater that is then transported for treatment through existing drain systems. Five to One, a craft cocktail bar on U Street, has opted to ditch garnishes entirely. The Dabney recycles all of its oyster shells through Oyster Recovery Partnership.

At Kyirisan in Shaw, chef and owner Tim Ma uses scraps and peelings from vegetables to create stocks for upcoming dishes.

He is also one of three national chefs participating in the BlueCart Zero Waste Kitchen initiative, which uses technology to track food

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Photo: Courtesy of Urbana

waste and map out improvement over time. Ma says thinking about sustainability and efficiency has always been a part of his day-today operations – both from an environmental and practical point of view.

“All my restaurants were very small, and it was only just me as the owner, so every percentage point counted to me,” he says.

Being nimble with menu development wherever possible can also pad profit margins as well as help the environment. Kyirisan gets regular emails from producers selling unwanted “ugly” vegetables, often at value prices. Urbana makes use of its rooftop garden for seasonal produce – it sourced 1,500 pounds from onsite growing in 2016.

Weinstein and the rest of the Hank’s Cocktail Bar team also look to the kitchen for ways to use surplus ingredients that would otherwise get thrown out. It’s all part of the push to make each dollar go further in a small profit margin world, while also being a good environmental steward.

There’s still work to be done, of course. Not all restaurants buy exclusively local produce or second-rate vegetables. And when it comes to balancing hospitality with sustainability, some guests still prefer a plastic straw or fresh citrus in cocktails – and may still be new to understanding the sustainability movement.

“That’s something that we are starting to see change in the food and beverage world,” Weinstein says. “But it’s not changed yet.”

Learn more about these eco-friendly spots below.

Dabney: 122 Blagden Alley, NW, DC; www.thedabney.com Five to One: 903 U St. NW, DC; www.fivetoonedc.com Hank’s Cocktail Bar: 819 Upshur St. NW, DC ; www.hankscocktailbar.com Kyirisan: 1924 8th St. NW, DC; www.kyirisandc.com Urbana: 2121 P St. NW, DC; www.urbanadc.com

FARMERS MARKET BUFFET BRUNCH SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 9am – 2pm LOCAT E D AT 6 T H & MASS N W,

near Capital One Arena and the Convention Center

Reserve your table at FarmersAndDistillers.com

Green Brewing

By Amanda Weisbrod

With thousands of options out there, make your choice matter by opting for a brew from one of these eco-friendly and sustainable breweries.

From clean water initiatives to preserving the Appalachian Trail, these 11 breweries each have their own approach to doing what they can for the environment. Check out our list below to find a brewery with a cause that speaks to you. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your new favorite beer while you’re at it.

Abita Brewing Company

Great Lakes Brewing Company

As the first brewery in North America to install an energy-efficient Merlin Brewhouse system, Abita has a long history of protecting the environment and serving the surrounding New Orleans community.

The Merlin, which reduces boiling time and carbon dioxide emissions, uses 70 percent less energy than traditional brewing methods. Plus, Abita’s glass bottles are endlessly recyclable, their trucks run on emission-decreasing accelerated processing units (APUs) and their used grains find their final resting place in the troughs of local farms.

From beginning to end, Abita is brewing green. Try their seasonal Mardi Gras Bock or one of their many year-round mainstays – the Purple Haze never disappoints. www.abita.com

In February of last year, this Cleveland-based brewery installed a 62-panel photovoltaic array to soak up the sun for some sweet solar energy. These panels offset 13 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is like planting 200 trees. Great Lakes also created the Burning River Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving, maintaining and celebrating Cleveland’s freshwater resources.

Together, they host Burning River Fest, an annual summertime celebration to spread awareness about the importance of keeping our freshwater resources clean. With crisp, bright flavors and a hint of citrus and pine, the Burning River Pale Ale is the perfect way to toast the Great Lakes. www.greatlakesbrewing.com

Atlas Brew Works

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

DC’s own Atlas Brew Works won the 2016 Department of Energy & Environment Sustainability Award for claiming the title of the District’s first and only solar-powered craft brewery. In addition to their massive 67.5-kilowatt solar array, Atlas also tries to recycle as much as possible during the brewing process by recapturing water for reuse and donating saturated grain as feed to local farms. If you’re into sours, check out their seasonal Blood Orange Gose – it’s to die for. www.atlasbrewworks.com

After a decade of brewing experience, lifelong friends Eric McKay and Patrick Murtaugh came together with a mission to brew with purpose by minimizing environmental impact and giving back to the community. Their vision came to life in 2011 when they founded Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Virginia’s first brewery to use 100 percent renewable power.

Take a day trip to the Richmond-based taproom to try their flagship pilsner – and check out their gorgeous tap handles crafted from fallen trees while you’re at it. www.hardywood.com

Deschutes Brewery Lovers of this Oregonian brew are in luck; Deschutes recently opened a tasting room in downtown Roanoke with a brewery to follow suit in the next few years. In 2016, the Business Intelligence Group awarded Deschutes with a sustainability award for renewable energy usage and their partnership with Deschutes River Conservancy to restore a billion gallons of water to the Deschutes River each year. Try their year-round Fresh Squeezed IPA or their seasonal Red Chair NWPA. www.deschutesbrewery.com

Devils Backbone Appalachian Trail hikers call them “trail angels” for a reason. Ever since Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows settled into the valley only a few miles from the Appalachian Trail’s Reed’s Gap trailhead, they’ve been a welcoming spot for hikers and adventurers alike. In 2018, Devils Backbone became an official sponsor of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) in order to help preserve and maintain the trail. With every purchase of Trail Angel Weiss, their award-winning, Bavarian-style Hefeweizen brew, Devils Backbone donates to the ATC. www.dbbrewingcompany.com

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SweetWater employees on the Chattahoochee River

Photo: Courtesy of SweetWater Brewing

Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm Milkhouse Brewery is the pinnacle of local sustainability, with an onsite supply of Maryland hops from its family-owned and operated farm in Mount Airy that visitors are welcome to explore. Pick a warm spring afternoon to drive out to the countryside and enjoy a picnic at Stillpoint Farm with a pint of Milkhouse’s Homestead Hefeweizen. www.milkhousebrewery.com

New Belgium They aren’t trying to fool anyone. They know they pollute; they even admit it on their own website. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do anything about it. New Belgium tackles this reality head on by diverting 99 percent of their waste, using solar thermal and solar photovoltaic energies, reducing their carbon footprint and conserving water. With their profound self-awareness, New Belgium has perfected the most efficient way to make a damn good beer. Try their year-round, Belgian-style Fat Tire or opt for a special seasonal brew like the Tartastic Raspberry Lime Ale. www.newbelgium.com

Sierra Nevada With their local landscapes in mind, Sierra Nevada takes great care to reduce the amount of waste and pollution their brewery emits by recovering 99 percent of their total solid waste through reusing, recycling and composting. When they opened their Mills River brewery in North Carolina, their first move was to restore the surrounding forest to its former glory by hiring a team of natural resource specialists. This proactive approach to saving the environment one step at a time is admirable – and so is Sierra Nevada’s newest beer: the hop-heavy Hazy Little Thing IPA, brewed with hops grown onsite at their brewery in Chico, California. www.sierranevada.com

SweetWater During their annual Save Our Water campaign, SweetWater donates $100,000 to five nonprofit organizations dedicated to maintaining, improving and cleaning freshwater resources. This year, SweetWater fans can even lend a hand by picking up a Protect Natural Habitats Variety 12-pack, which features favorites like 420 Extra Pale Ale, Goin’ Coastal IPA with pineapple, TripleTail tropical IPA and their brand new summer seasonal, Tropical Lover Berliner Weisse. A portion of sales from this variety pack will go toward the campaign, so you can feel good about contributing to a great cause while cracking open a summer seasonal beer. www.sweetwaterbrew.com

Photos: Kayla Marsh

Wild Wolf

Primetime Sports Bar & Grille in Fairfax hosted the spring Year of Beer sampling series. Guests enjoyed complimentary appetizers, beer samples from five craft breweries and a gift card raffle.

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For the third consecutive year, Wild Wolf Brewing Company earned the Virginia Green Travel Alliance’s Green Brewery of the Year Award for their top-to-bottom environmentally conscious practices, including water and energy conservation, recycling and composting. They also grow their own hops in an onsite, chemical-free hopyard where freerange chickens and ducks roam around to their heart’s content. And by packaging their beer in the lighter option of cans rather than bottles, they use less fuel when shipping specialty brews like Blonde Hunny, a refreshing, Belgian-style blonde ale. www.wildwolfbeer.com

All What’s On Tap listings are provided by the venues hosting them.

By Trent Johnson and Amanda Weisbrod Greetings, beer nerds! As you likely know, there are a number of fantastic spots 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 what’s coming up at a few of these fine establishments.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Founders Brewing KBS 2018 Alexandria Release Party Join Rustico Alexandria as they celebrate the annual release of the inimitable Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. This night will feature 12 beers from the Michigan brewery, including a slew of barrel-aged beauties.

One of Rustico’s very favorite releases of the year, KBS is brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolate, then cave-aged in oak Bourbon barrels for an entire year until it’s absolutely perfect. Be sure to come on by to taste one of the first kegs of KBS 2018. 5-11 p.m. Free to attend. Rustico Alexandria: 827 Slaters Ln. Alexandria, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com

Port City Tap Takeover Join Blackfinn Ameripub in Vienna, as they’ll be carrying several of Port City’s locally brewed beers plus awesome food features including the relaunch of their Craft Your Thursday, which includes a $12.99 beer and burger combo. 5-8 p.m. Free to attend.

Blackfinn Ameripub: 2750 Gallows Rd. Vienna, VA; www.blackfinnameripub.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Allagash Beer Dinner Join Granville Moore’s for a four-course, Maine-meets-Belgium dinner. The dishes include raw oysters, Maine lobster rolls, cod chowder with shrimp and mussels, brined duck and dessert. Each meal comes paired with a tasty brew from Allagash. 7-10 p.m. $60. Granville Moore’s: 1238 H St. NE, DC; www.granvillemoores.com Strong Beer Tasting Come for a very unique, sit-down beer tasting where you can meet the brewers and brewpub owners from across the region and taste their amazing Strong Beer and Ale selections. Each brewer will discuss their beer and answer any questions that you have.

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to meet and talk to key individuals in the brewing industry.

Mad Fox is still working on the brewery list and is focusing on 12 beers from breweries across the mid-Atlantic. 7-10 p.m. $55.

Mad Fox Brewing Company: 444 W. Broad St. Falls Church, VA; www.madfoxbrewing.com

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FRIDAY, APRIL 6 The Interboro Spirits and Ales and 3 Stars Brewing Showcase On this night, Churchkey pours 11 beers from the two breweries, including their highly touted collaboration. Headlining the list is one of the last remaining kegs of Interboro and 3 Stars Prophet of Rage, an imperial stout brewed with rye, wheat, oats and Chinook hops. Other notables include 3 Stars Sonic Hummingbird, a double IPA conditioned with agave nectar; and Interboro Yo! Play, a fruit smoothie-inspired IPA infused with blueberries, maple syrup and lactose. 4-11 p.m. Free to attend. ChurchKey DC: 1337 14th St. NW, DC; www.churchkeydc.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 HopFest 2018 HopFest 2018, the only DC beer festival by local brewers, for local brewers, is back for the fourth year in a row to support the DC Brewers’ Guild. Breweries from across the DMV will come together at DC Brau Brewing Company for an afternoon of hoppy beers, including old favorites, one-offs, and hardto-find rare brews. Sloppy Mama’s Barbecue truck and other food vendors will be on site selling food, and DC Brau’s tasting room will be selling full-sized pints, six-packs and growlers. Entertainment will be provided by local musician Reed Appleseed. 1-5 p.m. $35. DC Brau Brewing Company: 3178-B Bladensburg Rd. NE, DC; www.dcbrau.com

The Sovereign’s Second Anniversary Celebration For this very special occasion, The Sovereign will pour thre different Cantillon kegs – Rosé de Gambrinus, Kriek and Mamouche – plus De La Senne Wadesa #7, a blend of De La Senne-brewed Saison and Cantillon Lambic.

Not to be out-done, folks at The Veil and Oxbow also offer special kegs for the evening including The Veil’s Escape, All That You Are and No More Sleep, and Oxbow’s Barrel-Aged FPA: Bordeaux and Gin Barrel-Aged Sasuga.

All this and more. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Free to attend. The Sovereign: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; www.thesovereigndc.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Alumni Beer Olympics Rep your alum in the best way you know how: out-play and out-drink your rival school. The Budweiser Beer Olympics at Dirty Water is alumni style. Teams of six are welcome to rep their alum in a variety of drinking games to determine which team went to the best beerdrinking university. 2-7 p.m. $75 per team.

Dirty Water Sports Bar: 816 H St. NE, DC; www.dirtywaterdc.com Kegs and Eggs: Up Top Acres and Bell’s Spring Rooftop Beer Garden Come celebrate the spring with a rooftop beer garden event at Up Top Acres. Standing on a roof at a farm, you will enjoy a memorable day of good beer and delicious food.

Drawing inspiration from spring produce and seasonality, Up Top Acres and Chef Colin McClimans work together to create a menu that highlights eggs. Beverage director Peter Grimm teams up with Bell’s Brewery to offer the first taste of freshly released spring seasonal beers along with some of their staples. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. $55-$75. Up Top Acres: 55 M St. SE, DC; www.uptopacres.com

MONDAY, APRIL 16

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

Aslin Beer Company Dinner On this night, Rustico offers five exceptional beers from Aslin alongside a specially designed menu by Chef de Cuisine Aaron Wright.

Don’t miss this opportunity to try some deliciously rare treats like Pisghetti Western, Awkwardly Sweet and Master of Karate. As an added bonus, the team from Aslin will be in the house, sharing stories behind their excellent brewery and outstanding beers.

The Aslin beer dinner begins at 7 p.m. $60 per person. Reservations are required. Rustico Alexandria: 827 Slaters Ln. Alexandria, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com

Founders Brewing Breakfast Stout Bash An absolute classic, Founders Breakfast Stout is an imperial stout brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and imported chocolates, and two types of coffee. There will also be pours of hard-to-find, barrel-aged versions of Founders Breakfast Stout, including CBS, aged in maple syrup-soaked Bourbon barrels and Kentucky Breakfast Stout, aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. Other highlights from the list include Fuzzy Sweater, a small batch IPA hopped exclusively with Cashmere, and Backwoods Bastard, a Wee Heavy aged in Bourbon barrels. 5-11 p.m. Free to attend. Rustico Ballston: 4075 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.rusticorestaurant.com

Scouts Honor: Girls Pint Out’s Fourth Annual Beer and Cookie Pairing Join the DC area chapter of Girls Pint Out and their friends over at Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar for what is sure to be a delicious evening. The event will take place in the upstairs bar, and tickets are limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. The $15 ticket price includes admission, samplings of all six beers and free cookies. 7-9 p.m. $15. Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar: 1104 H St. NE, DC; www.facebook.com/dcmetrogirlspintout

For the Love of Beer and Whiskey Join Bluejacket as they celebrate their love of whiskey and beer with master distiller Dave Pickerell and beer director Greg Engert. On this night, they’ll host an intimate five-course beer and whiskey dinner hosted by these two luminaries of the beverage industry. In honor of the occasion, executive chef Marcelle Afram has designed a unique menu to pair distinctly with each beer and whiskey offering. 7-10 p.m. $125. Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.bluejacketdc.com

with

Ben Evans

CEO and Head Brewer, Hellbender Brewing Company On Tap: Where does Hellbender Brewing get its name?

Ben Evans: We’re named after the Hellbender salamander, which is indigenous to this region.

We have a very strong focus on sustainability, so it made sense for us to have an endangered species as our name. We also get to do partnerships and fundraisers for the National Zoo to help them raise money for endangered Appalachian salamander habitats, and we thought the name sounded tough and cool.

OT: How does Hellbender help save salamander habitats?

BE: We try to raise awareness and do events to raise money to protect them directly in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, in recent history, they were much closer to DC and they’ve since moved out because their habitats have declined. Cutting down on your

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Union Brewing Beer Dinner Join for an evening of great food and great beer provided by one of Maryland’s favorite breweries. Enjoy a three-course dinner served with four pours from Union Brewing’s tasty range of craft beers. $15 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Silver Spring Warriors Youth Lacrosse team. 7:30-10 p.m. McGinty’s Public House: 911 Ellswhorth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; www.mcgintyspublichouse.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 2018 DC Beer Fest The DC Beer Festival returns to Nationals Park, bringing together dozens of craft breweries and featuring spring seasonal beers. Taking place throughout the stadium’s concourse including Centerfield Plaza, Budweiser Brew House, Bud Light Loft and Budweiser Terrace, the DC Beer Fest will have over a dozen food trucks throughout as well as lawn games, DJs and more. Two sessions: 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. $45. Nationals Park: 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; www.dcbeerfestival.com

waste and what’s going down the drain at your brewery is a significant step toward helping species like the Hellbender.

OT: What’s currently on tap at Hellbender?

BE: We have a couple of year-round beers, like the German-style kölsch and the American IPA. I think the kölsch is a great, refreshing beer, especially when it’s warm out or after a long day. The IPA is clean and has a mix of new and old-school American hops in it to give it a more citrusy and tropical flavor. We have a couple of extended seasonals like our saison, and we’re bringing in a hefeweizen this April.

OT: Why brew with a Meura mash filter?

BE: Ninety percent of the beer coming out of Belgium is made with [Meura filters], so it didn’t take much to convince me once I discovered the benefits. The main question I get from American brewers is they’re worried about the process of imparting off-flavors into the beer; they aren’t used to crushing grain so fine without getting the grain into the boil, which can cause astringency in your beer. The short answer is we’re using about 30 percent less water and about 15-20 percent less grain per batch to get the same result. We’re also brewing from start to finish significantly faster, so we can make a lot more beer in a given amount of time than a similar-sized brew house with a traditional system.

Photo: LT Goodluck

OT: Why do you think it’s important for breweries to be environmentally conscious?

BE: Because breweries can put out a lot of waste. At the end of the day, whether you’re conscious of the environment or not, all these options we’ve chosen are actually saving us money. You’re being business savvy by choosing these options; it’s not just a romantic notion that you need to save the environment.

These are things that will cut down on your bottom line, and you’re also making good decisions as a person.

Hellbender Brewing Company: 5788 2nd St. NE, DC; www.hellbender.com

BEHIND THE BAR

By Amanda Weisbrod

Looking for a little hair of the dog? These brunch spots offer some of the best – and most unique – brunch cocktails in the city. On Tap sat down with Green Pig Bistro, HalfSmoke and Whaley’s to find out what makes their brunch cocktails a cut above the rest.

ALEXANDER TAYLOR

Photos: Amanda Weisbrod

Bar Manager, HalfSmoke

ALAHÍN MENTADO Bar Manager, Whaley’s

On Tap: What’s the story behind the Breakfast of Shaw cocktail?

Alexander Taylor: The Breakfast of Shaw was created by the owner, Andre McCain, and it’s a local take on the ostentatious Bloody Marys that have come about over the years. Ours consists of a couple of our fried goods – sweet potato tots, mac and cheese bites, Mexican corn bites, French fries – [and] we also throw some chicken wings and a sausage slider on there.

On Tap: What is Whaley’s most popular brunch cocktail?

Alahín Mentado: The Number One, which is a rum-based cocktail.

It has a little bit of St-Germain, which is a nice elderflower, and that brings some sweetness to it. It’s mixed with fresh grapefruit juice and some sparkling rosé, so you’re going to have a little bit of tartness from the grapefruit, which is a nice balance with the rum, and then a nice, sweet flavor from the sparkling rosé. It’s beautiful.

OT: What other drinks make your brunch cocktail menu so special?

AT: I’d say the more popular item that makes our brunch menu special is the fact that we offer free bottomless mimosas. Our mimosas are different in that we source craft bitters, and we use Triple Sec along with champagne and orange juice.

OT: Do you have any off-the-menu cocktails that guests can try?

AM: If a guest wants to try something different, our bartenders are world-trained and can make anything. We ask [our] guests about their preference of alcohol and from there, we can go make a nice cocktail for them and make them happy. I love to see smiles on people’s faces after they taste a drink. I like to experiment, and that’s a good thing about Whaley’s. You can always come back and try different things at our bar.

OT: What gives HalfSmoke its whimsical vibe?

AT: Our motto is “Don’t grow up – it’s a trap.” And we’re very nostalgic.

You’ll find that we use Trapper Keepers as our menu binders, and we use old Disney VHS cases as our bill folders.

HalfSmoke: 651 Florida Ave. NW, DC; www.halfsmoke.com Alexander’s Pick

THE BREAKFAST OF SHAW Tomato, lemon and lime juice Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper Tabasco Kahlúa

OT: What’s the vibe of Whaley’s rose garden?

AM: The rose garden is a unique drinking experience for the city, and an opportunity for diners to forget they are in Washington. The space is very transformative, with the pink and white umbrellas, lush greenery and amazing view of the water. We offer a dozen or so of some of the greatest still and sparkling rosé wines from all over the world – from Israel to Australia. We don’t have a specific opening date for the garden yet, but it’s looking like it should be mid- to late April, depending on weather.

Whaley’s: 301 Water St. SE, DC; www.whaleysdc.com Alahín’s Pick

NUMBER ONE Caña Brava rum Sparkling rosé St-Germain Grapefruit

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JUST RELAX AND ENJOY THE VIEW

NELSON COUNTY’S

ORIGINAL BREWERY INDEPENDENTLY BREWED SINCE 2007 WWW.BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM | 9519 CRITZERS SHOP RD, AFTON, VA 229200 | 540-456-8020 | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

WEST CORK DISTILLERS

Steeped in long tradition, our authentic whiskeys represent Irish Whiskey-making at its finest.

10 Year Single Malt: A non-chill filtered whiskey matured in first-fill, flame charred bourbon barrels for ten years, with an additional 100 days aging in sherry butts for added complexity.

Bourbon Cask: A delicate blend of grain and malt whiskey matured in bourbon casks, delivering a smooth and approachable whiskey with a soft vanilla finish.

Irish Owned and Hand Crafted Triple Pot Distilled Prepared with locally sourced spring water Only Distillery to Malt Its Own Irish Grown Barley

TIM VOGELEY, GM & Chef STARLYNNE VOGELEY, Assistant GM Green Pig Bistro

On Tap: What inspired the full bar menu for brunch?

Starlynne Vogeley: That’s what our guests want. Our prices for Arlington [are] pretty comparable. But one thing we do have that’s different is if the ingredients call for fresh-squeezed orange juice or lemon juice, we try to get the freshest possible. If we can make it, we do that.

OT: What’s your most unique brunch cocktail?

SV: I would say the Iced Morning Moonshine. This was actually highlighted by Belle Isle. They came here specifically and interviewed our bartender, Lily King, who is the creator of that drink. Our bartenders are very creative and very talented.

OT: Do you ever experiment with new brunch cocktail recipes?

SV: [We] experiment all the time – constantly. We have a total of six bartenders, my husband as well. I like to drink them. I call myself the official taste tester. I like to consider everybody here perfectionists, and they’re trying to perfect their craft. These cocktails are all original creations by our bartenders.

OT: What makes Green Pig Bistro a sustainable dining option?

Tim Vogeley: We buy a lot of food products from local farms – some are organic, but not all of them. We have a 60-acre farm in Purcellville, and we’re thinking of growing hops. We might even open a small brewery there. We make our own pickles, cheese and hamburger buns.

Green Pig Bistro: 1025 N Fillmore St. Arlington, VA www.greenpigbistro.com Tim & Starlynne’s Pick

GREEN PIG BACON BLOODY MARY

Produced, Distilled and Bottled in Ireland by West Cork Distillers, LLC. Imported by M.S. Walker, Inc. Boston, MA. 40% Alc/Vol. www.westcorkdistillers.com PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

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Spicy bloody mix Vodka Old Bay Citrus Bacon

Celebrate the National Harbor Wine & Food Festival With a VIP Getaway Package!

Enjoy VIP tickets to the region’s best Wine & Food Festival Join in the excitement of the Wine & Food Festival with Gaylord National’s VIP Package, where you can experience world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and culinary pioneers with thousands of Metro DC’s foodies. VIP tickets include unlimited beverage samples, food tastings and more!

VIP Package Includes: • 1 night room accommodations on April 27 or 28 • (2) VIP admission tickets to Wine & Food festival for either Saturday, April 28 or Sunday, April 29

GaylordNational.com or call (301) 965-4000 (refer to code ZJ9) *Valid for stays April 27 or April 28, 2018. Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations.

Beyond Mimosa

Photo: Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel

THE

U N I Q U E TA K E S O N B R U N C H B U B B L E S

I

By Tess Ankeny

BUBBLES AND A FLICK

’d never recommend turning up your nose at a good mimosa or bellini, and there’s certainly no shortage of them throughout the DMV. But there’s also something to be said for mixing things up and getting out of your brunch beverage comfort zone every so often. If your brunch routine is starting to feel a bit stale, check out these spots for innovative weekend sips.

AT I PI C PI K E & RO S E

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It’s like drinking at home, if home has reclining leather seats, a huge movie theater projection screen and in-seat dining service. Reserve seats for the latest movie with a friend and order a bottle of Chandon Brut to share during the film – it’s a traditional method sparkler from Napa Valley that’s fruity, crisp and delicious. You can order food during the movie (with more gourmet options than your regular theater fare) or get to the theater early to grab brunch at the attached restaurant, CityPerch. Added bonus? You can also take drinks from CityPerch into your movie. 11830 Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda, MD; www.ipictheaters.com

CHAMPAGNE ON ICE AT S U C C O TA S H Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Inspired by trips to the south of France, where sweltering summers routinely encourage people to enjoy their bubbles over ice, Moët & Chandon’s winemaker created Moët Ice, a champagne that’s slightly sweeter, richer and able to stand up to the dilution of ice. Succotash, a relative newcomer to Penn Quarter, will be adding Moët Ice bottle service to their brunch offerings this spring. Each bottle will come to the table with self-serve ice cubes and garnishes like fresh berries and mint. 915 F St. NW, DC; www.succotashrestaurant.com

S

CLASSIC WITH A TWIST AT S TA B L E This new Swiss-American restaurant on H Street is worth a trip for the “Raclette Experience” alone. However, I’d argue that the only way to improve melty, cheesy goodness is to pair it with something bubbly and refreshing – cue sparkling wine! There are plenty of options on the brunch drink menu to satisfy your sparkling desires, including creative cocktails and mimosas spiked with elderflower for a burst of floral complexity. If you’re going the Raclette or fondue route (and I suggest you do), the lively effervescence and hints of citrus bitters in the Aperol spritz are the perfect complement. 1324 H St. NE, DC; www.stabledc.com

G O BIG OR GO HOME AT B A R L E Y M AC This Rosslyn spot may be better known for its selection of bourbons and whiskies, but they’re certainly not cutting any corners in the mimosa category. There’s a sparkling selection for every thirst size, so if you’re sipping slowly this weekend, try one of the amped up mimosas flavors – including black raspberry, passion fruit, strawberry basil and blueberry. If it’s a party weekend, order the king-sized “make your own mimosa,” which comes with a magnum bottle (the size of two regular bottles) and two flavors of your choosing. You’ll definitely want to order a side of their addictive crispy dough appetizer, coccoli, alongside your bottle. 1600 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; www.barleymacva.com

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM…FOR CHAMPAGNE SORBET AT B LU E D U C K TAV E R N This gem tucked inside the Park Hyatt in Georgetown is known for their rotating menu of seasonal, farm-to-table dishes. The food is always stellar, but you’ll be equally smitten with their often-changing sorbet mimosa, available during weekend brunch. Chef’s seasonal sorbet is topped with a French crémant (“CRAY-mont”–that’s a traditionalmethod bubbly from a region in France other than Champagne). If you want to continue your sparkling theme, try the smoked citrus-cured salmon, accompanied by a champagne gelée. 1201 24th St. NW, DC; www.blueducktavern.com

WEEKEND AFTERNO ON TEA AT T H E WAT E RG AT E H O T E L If you’re in the mood for something a bit more high class (or if you’ve just been binge watching Downton Abbey), make a reservation for afternoon tea at Kingbird Restaurant inside The Watergate Hotel. Held every Saturday and Sunday between 2-3:30 p.m., the event is billed as “a traditional tea with a retro twist.” Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles as an aperitif to a selection of teas, savory finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and sweet treats. $50 per person, reservations required. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com Soon enough, the weather will improve, patios will open and official springtime brunch will be upon us. No matter where your brunch experiences take you this year, remember to drink well. You know what they say: a brunch without bubbles is just a sad, late breakfast.

Photo: Courtesy of Barley Mac www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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Photo: Soleil Konkel

One-Half DC, One-Half NC, Full-On Hair Metal

By Trent Johnson

You never know who you’ll run into when you travel. You might think it strange to schedule an interview with a band that’s at least partly from the District during the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. But during our visit down south last month, we were able to secure an interview with fast-rising duo Bat Fangs.

Betsy Wright, one-third of DC-based rock band Ex Hex, and North Carolinian drummer Laura King released their self-titled album – a nod to the raucous hair metal of the 1980s – in February. Wright, who plays bass in Ex Hex, has put down the four-stringed instrument for its sixstringed cousin to produce speedy riffs, and King has found a serious niche rocking her drum set to the legendary genre of yesteryear.

Before their Luce Unplugged show on April 26 – part of a monthly concert series hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)’s Luce Foundation Center for American Arts – we wanted to give locals a chance to learn a little bit more about these retro-inspired rockers.

LK: I said “Yes” because I love Ex Hex and my previous band had just broken up, so I was in a bit of a rut as far as not knowing what I was going to do. I didn’t know she played guitar at first, but as soon as I heard her demos, I was like, “Wow, she shreds.”

On Tap: How long have you two known each other, and did you share a musical connection before forming Bat Fangs?

Laura King: We met because our bands were playing together.

Betsy Wright: Our bands played shows together in 2015, and we met a few times. I was trying to start playing music with a drummer, and I just thought of her because she’s really good. We hit it off as friends and when I contacted her, she was super enthusiastic, so I just went down to North Carolina and we jammed. We just kept going back and forth.

OT: How different are your roles in Bat Fangs in comparison to previous projects?

BW: I never played bass before I was in Ex Hex, so that was actually the big learning curve. I always played guitar, so I was like, “I guess I can play bass.” But then I was like, “Oh sh-t,” because bass is a lot different. It took me awhile to figure out the feel. I ended up playing really evenly and very simply to be in line with the kick drum.

However, when I’m at home and when I write songs, I play guitar.

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OT: How long had you been “cranking acid-soaked, 80s hard rock for the living and the dead,” and when did you decide that you wanted to make a record in that genre?

BW: I wrote a bunch of the songs before we started playing, and that was what was coming out of my brain.

LK: Then we got together and both realized our love for 80s hair metal and glam. We rode that wave for awhile, and that’s how it ended up.

BW: That’s the music that I grew up on, and that’s the place I was at.

Plus, I never stopped liking that music. Going back and listening, I started learning all kinds of guitar solos with that 80s metal sound. I just went through a phase.

LK: I think that this band has brought out the drumming I’m supposed to do. I played drums in lots of other bands, and some of them have been more hardcore or more punk. Some were really quiet, but I think this kind of sound has brought out the best of my ability. It worked out really well, and that’s what makes it so seamless.

OT: There’s a not-so-subtle use of zombie imagery in your album art that’s reminiscent of iconography used by bands like Black Sabbath and Metallica. Why did you decide to use that influence?

BW: We were talking about album covers, and we were trying to get people to do it, and no one would. So, I decided to draw it myself, and my favorite record cover from all the ones I kept looking at was Masters of Reality by Black Sabbath, which is just black with purple letters – it looks awesome. I just decided I was going to do something like that, so I drew it out and enlarged it. Laura put in Photoshop and added the colors; we made it together.

OT: What slasher flicks and other media in the genre did you draw from to create that atmosphere in your music?

LK: We watched some slasher movies.

BW: I read Dracula last year again, and I love Frankenstein – it’s like my favorite book ever. I always listen to the audio books of it around October. It’s weird because a few of our songs are like that, but there are some that are not like that at all.

LK: It was right around Halloween when we got together, and we put out a song around then, but [that was] way before our album.

OT: How does living in different states impact how you both hear and write music? Is it seamless to combine those views when writing songs?

BW: It’s been really natural. Things came together really fast because we don’t have to explain stuff to each other, and we just kind of play.

We mess around with different beats and arrangements, but it’s kind of easy. I’ll have riffs or lyrics to a song, and then we get together and work on it.

LK: We work together for days straight when we’re together, and jam for like six hours with lots of breaks. It’s fun.

BW: Sometimes, we’ll do freestyle jams and some cool riffs will come out of that, too.

OT: How many songs did you two throw out while putting together your album?

BW: We didn’t play together for that long, so we kind of recorded and boom, boom, boom. Plus, we don’t have that many songs on the record, so there aren’t too many, but we did throw out a few. They just didn’t fit.

LK: They didn’t feel right. We might revisit them.

BW: Plus, we’re always working on new stuff.

Catch Bat Fangs’ Luce Unplugged show on April 26 at 5:30 p.m.; show is free to attend. If you can’t make their SAAM show, catch them at 9:30 Club on June 5. Learn more about the band at www.batfangs.bandcamp.com.

SAAM’s Luce Foundation Center for American Art: 8th and F Streets in NW, DC; 202-633-5435; www.americanart.si.edu/visit/saam/luce

Photos: Mark Raker

OT: When starting something new after a long stint in other acts, is there an inevitable sense of relearning a process of working with another person? Is that a refreshing experience?

BW: Yes, we’re still in the honeymoon phase. We get along really well, and it’s been fun because it’s new.

LK: Bands can be tough to be in; in my last band, my guitar player wouldn’t look at me for three months and I was like, “I can’t do this.”

We’re really tight now, and we’re in another band together. But yeah, Bat Fangs is fun.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s DC Brewer’s Ball was held this year at the National Building Museum, with handcrafted beers and tastes of the best local cuisine.

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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kate nash LOOKS INWARD, MOVES FORWARD

By M.K. Koszycki

C

onventional wisdom will tell you that looking back is generally not something you do when attempting to enter a new chapter in life. But for British singersongwriter Kate Nash, the opposite proves to be true. The indie pop artist took to her teenage diaries for inspiration while working on her new album Yesterday Was Forever, released on March 30.

“I had a point where I didn’t really know if I was going to be able to continue with music as a career,” Nash says. “I was back and forth from LA to London and going through a lot of archival stuff, and I just pored through all my diaries and had been reflecting on them so much because it was the 10-year anniversary of Made of Bricks.”

Made of Bricks is Nash’s breakout album, hitting the pop scene with a force both sweet and powerful back in 2007, and ultimately catapulting to No. 1 on the UK charts. Last year, she embarked on an anniversary tour in the UK to commemorate this well-loved album dealing with themes of girlhood, crushes and finding a distinct sense of self – all ideas Nash seems to be revisiting with a new perspective on Yesterday Was Forever. Aside from finding inspiration in her own diaries, Nash has also been reexamining what it means to be a teenage girl in 2018, and how that definition has changed for the better over the years.

“I think the teenage girl has totally reclaimed being a teenage girl, and it’s something that you can’t just take advantage of and diss as much as you used to be able to,” she says.

“It used to be like, ‘Oh silly little teenage girl writing in her diary,’ and I would be really insulted by that. But now, I think we’ve moved past that and teenage girls have fought for themselves to be heard and taken seriously, and I think that’s f--king amazing.

[This album] is a celebration of that. I’m going back to my pop roots a little bit and just

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“

Photo: Kate Bellm

IT’S SO HARD TO JUST SIT AND BE COMFORTABLE WITH WHO YOU ARE, AND THAT’S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WORK TOWARD BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO DO THAT FOR YOU.

trying to be as raw and honest as I can – as I always feel like I try to be.”

The rest of this year sees Nash on an expansive U.S. tour for her new album, including a stop at 9:30 Club on April 30. With new music and a beloved catalog in tow, she says she’s working not only to craft a setlist that her fans will love, but also to cultivate a joyful and inspirational experience for everyone in the audience.

“There are four records to squeeze in now, so that’s kind of challenging. You want to give people new stuff, but then I feel like people come to shows because they also want to hear stuff they know already. It’s finding the right balance […] and finding something that makes sense, and creating this kind of journey onstage. But I think that my aim every time is to just have the funnest time ever. I want people to leave my shows feeling really pumped up and like they can do anything, almost as if they’ve been to one of those conventions where they’re like, ‘You can do this!’”

“

I’M GOING BACK TO MY POP ROOTS A LITTLE BIT AND JUST TRYING TO BE AS RAW AND HONEST AS I CAN – AS I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I TRY TO BE.

Nash says she’s excited to reconnect with her growing fanbase while on tour this spring, and quips that she’d like to “see if there’s any wrestling fans coming down.”

She’s referring to her role as Rhonda “Britannica” Richardson on Netflix’s critically acclaimed original series Glow, centered on the bold and colorful world of the syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit in 1980s LA. Nash and her castmates wrapped filming for season two in January, and she says that her role in the series has felt like a dream job. It’s easy to feel her passion for both the project and her fellow actors when speaking with her.

“This season, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this is my life now.’ [It’s] just 15 insane, funny, smart, inspiring, supportive women, and we’re learning how to f--king wrestle. We’re doing crazy things with our bodies, and the whole thing is set in the 80s, which is insane. I f--king love the show and all the women on the show, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

To have a career spanning over a decade in any creative industry is a feat, let alone to branch out to others with continued success and candor like Nash. When asked where her confidence and success come from, she again looks inward.

“I think the main thing is to always believe in yourself. It’s so hard to just sit and be comfortable with who you are, and that’s something you should always work toward because no one else is going to do that for you. Let yourself be you – that’s really unique.

I think that people are always trying to prove that they’re not themselves. We have to just be ourselves, and that’s f--king cool.”

So be yourself, trust who you’ve always been, and if you want to catch a show where the inspiration is as great as the music, head to the 9:30 Club on Monday, April 30. Tickets to Kate Nash’s show are $25. Learn more about her at www.katenash.com.

thh

NEW MUSIC VENUE

NOW OPEN

OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY IN OUR VINYL LOUNGE

THE WHARF, SW DC

DINER & BAR OPEN LATE!

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

YES DARLING FRIDAY, APRIL 6

FUNKY DAWGZ BRASS BAND SATURDAY, APRIL 7

SKYDOG (ALLMAN BROTHERS TRIBUTE BAND)

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

MOUNTAIN HEART WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

AMORAMORA THURSDAY, APRIL 12

EVERYONE ORCHESTRA FT. JACKIE GREENE, JEREMY SALKEN (BIG GIGANTIC), CHRIS HOUSER (THE WERKS), TAYLOR SHELL (TURKUAZ), JOSH SCHWARTZ (TURKUAZ), ELI WINDERMAN (DOPAPOD)

MARCH CONCERTS F 30 SA 31

BLAIR CRIMMINS AND THE HOOKERS w/ THE ROCK-A-SONICS REVELATOR HILL w/ KAREN JONAS

APRIL CONCERTS SU 1 TU 3 W4

TH 5 F6

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

PIMPS OF JOYTIME

CASEY NEILL AND THE NORWAY RATS w/ GRAHAM STONE MUSIC JEN HARTSWICK & NICK CASSARINO w/ RACHEL LEVITIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

SUPER DOPPLER

SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS PRESENTS DOM FLEMONS DUO CD RELEASE w/ GREG ADAMS

FORLORN STRANGERS w/ CONOR AND THE WILD HUNT THE BEANSTALK LIBRARY w/ THROWING PLATES

SUNDAY, APRIL 15

THE MAGIC BEANS TUESDAY, APRIL 17

GHOST LIGHT FT. HOLLY BOWLING + TOM HAMILTON

SA 7

JACK INGRAM w/ TRAVIS MEADOWS

SU 8

DWIGHT “BLACK CAT” CARRIER AND THE ZYDECO RO DOGGS

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

SWEETWATER 420 CELEBRATION FT. BETTER OFF DEAD

3PM ZYDECO DANCE PARTY ZYDECO DANCE LESSON INCLUDED!

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

W 11

DELLA MAE w/ ONLY LONESOME

TH 12

DAN LAYUS w/ CHRISTIAN LOPEZ

F 13

LOVE CANON

SA 14

TOMMY CASTRO AND THE PAINKILLERS

SU 15 TH 19

SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS PRESENTS ANNA AND ELIZABETH w/ MARK FOSSON THE BIG LEBOWSKI EXPERIENCE

F 20 SA 21 W 25 TH 26

THE LAST REVEL w/ THE NOVEL IDEAS MOTEL RADIO & QUIET HOLLERS THE HEAVY PETS w/ MAGNOLIA BLUE SARAH SHOOK AND THE DISARMERS

SWEETWATER 430 CELEBRATION FT. 420 FUNK MOB

w/ RISA BINDER

COME FOR THE WHITE RUSSIANS, STAY FOR THE INTERPRETIVE DANCE

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

KNOWER THURSDAY, APRIL 26 ALL GOOD PRESENTS

BOY NAMED BANJO, GHOST OF PAUL REVERE FRIDAY, APRIL 27

NO BS! BRASS BAND SATURDAY, APRIL 28

STOP LIGHT OBSERVATIONS

TICKETS ON SALE! pearlstreetwarehouse.com

9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930.com www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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By Courtney Sexton

T

he Decemberists are often both revered and pigeonholed as the founders of the modern folk movement – they’ve been playing accordions and wearing suspenders onstage since before it was cool (and commonplace to see) – and plenty a remark has been made about frontman Colin Meloy’s propensity to weave actual folklore into his narrative songwriting.

As bassist Nate Query astutely noted in a recent interview with On Tap, “I think early on, we were defined by the ways we were different from most bands – by having accordion and upright bass and folk instruments and songs with four-syllable words and stuff.”

But if you’ve ever seen the band live or spent a good chunk of time digging into their discography, you know that their skill, talent and creativity extends across any genre-lization. With eight full studio albums, several EPs, and a handful of collaborations and side projects under their belts, The Decemberists have proved that they are a musical force to be reckoned with – with some theatrics thrown in for fun.

The band released their latest album, I’ll Be Your Girl, this March and have embarked on the Your Girl/Your Ghost 2018 World Tour to support it. Many critics are hailing the album as a radical departure from the band’s traditional style and sound, aka the long ballads, operatics and epic poetry-type rock music we’ve become accustomed to receiving over the years.

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Photos: Holly Andres

Certainly, many of the tracks incorporate synths and techtronics, evoking a sort of 1980s video game-style, “analog” alternate reality, and producer John Congleton encouraged pushing toward the less expected choices. But it’s not as if The Decemberists of “The Upside Down” came through a wormhole to create I’ll Be Your Girl. Instead, the album simply crochets together multiple elements the band has used in the past and brings some of the less exaggerated ones to the forefront. After all, even in the most synth-heavy track, Meloy is still singing about a “cutting stone.”

“This record probably is full of some surprises for people, but really, even with this record where we branched out a little bit sonically, I don’t think we did anything we hadn’t already done,” Query says.

And yet, he adds, there is a definite art to staying both interesting and interested in making music together when you’ve been doing it as long as The Decemberists have been.

“When you’re mixing a new record, sometimes you end up building in certain challenges and parameters just to sort of make it interesting. Sometimes, you just pick up a different instrument because if it sounds different to you, [then] you’re going to get fresh ideas or sometimes, you just need to mix things up to keep it going.

And I think [on] this record in particular, we tried to do a lot of that and really not be afraid to follow a weird idea down the rabbit hole.”

The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.anthemdc.com

Photos: Michelle Goldchain

What is perhaps a more notable divergence from The Decemberists’ norm is the album’s obvious reflection of the zeitgeist. Rather than conjuring whimsical tales of old and allegorical references (though you’ll still find plenty of darlings and rivers and thistle in there), Colin Meloy and the band have been very vocal about how current events and the sociopolitical landscape in America influenced the making of this album.

In fact, Meloy recently described the sensation of moving from despair to humor in an interview with The Atlantic: “We’re having a very shared experience. It’s almost galvanizing, people coming out of the woodwork and saying, ‘Sh-t is f--ked up.’ There’s something therapeutic in looking at the apocalypse and laughing.”

“Everything is Awful,” for example, sounds ironically like the Legos movie song “Everything is Awesome,” but with an obvious dark twist.

In “Starwatcher,” an odd and ominous military-style percussion takes hold. And finally, “We All Die Young” has a trippy “Yellow Submarine” sensation with the added discomfort of having the voices of actual children on the track. And even Carson Ellis’s album artwork and accompanying short animations aren’t shy about being provocative – among other images, we see a cartoon version of Donald Trump with devil horns.

So while I’ll Be Your Girl may not be the radical sonic upheaval some have claimed, it does reiterate that The Decemberists are no amateurs.

They are a skilled and experienced band influenced by both an awareness of the world around them, the lives that they lead alongside their musical ones and how all of those things are intertwined.

Query, for instance, was phoning from his son’s school where he was volunteering for the day. And while excited for the Your Girl/ Your Ghost tour to bring “new stuff onstage, new things on [his] pedal board, new basses and ramping it back up after some down time this winter,” he says the band is equally excited for the opportunity to travel the country to visit spots like Red Rocks, Wrigley Field, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – a chance to see the people and places that really are America.

Don’t miss The Decemberists at The Anthem on April 21. Tennis will open. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets start at $45. Learn more about the band at www.decemberists.com.

The 2018 ShamrockFest at RFK featured tons of live music including Sum 41, Shaggy, Reel Big Fish and more. Attendees enjoyed beer, Irish shenanigans and delicious food.

www.ontaponline.com | APRIL 2018 | ON TAP

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By Trent Johnson and Amanda Weisbrod

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

Ana Moura With stunning vocals, Ana Moura has been a fixture in the Portuguese music scene since 2003, including collaborations with Prince and The Rolling Stones. It’s no wonder legends have picked up on her undeniable talent because whether the lyrics are delivered in English or Portuguese, the aptitude of Moura’s singing ability is truly stunning. In the backdrop are wondrous strings and a steady rhythm section all built to amplify this talented singer-songwriter’s music prowess. Show at 8 p.m. $50$60. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

Ought Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Ought is set to give

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DC some solid jamming music.

Featuring songs that care little for your shrinking attention span, the band often features subtle rock tracks lasting anywhere from four to seven minutes on average. They’ll toss some quick hitters in every now and then, but the often slow developing songs are intoxicating as they draw you in and string you out, providing an emotional slowburn. Doors at 7:30 p.m. $15-$17. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Damaged City Fest Celebrate hardcore punk from all over the world in DC’s sixth annual Damaged City Fest. This year’s featured bands are Limp Wrist, Turnstile, Radioactivity, The Flex & Arms Race from the UK, RIXE from France, Blazing Eye from California and a rare appearance by New York’s Brown Sugar. Check out the rest of the lineup on Damaged City Fest’s website to plan out your weekend full of thrashing and

ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

rocking out. Friday doors open at 6 p.m. Friday aftershow at 11:30 p.m. Saturday doors open at 3 p.m. Saturday aftershow at 11:30 p.m. Sunday doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

Cub Sport Sonically, Cub Sport isn’t too much different than fellow Australians Tame Impala.

Though the vocal notes aren’t as high, and the music is a little more on the subtle side, Cub Sport also operates firmly with the intention to make easy-listening pop music. With soothing lyrics and a strong use of diverse synths, Cub Sport provides a sensual sound to listeners worldwide. Though pop music can sometimes make you feel empty inside, this group definitely strives for meaningful sentiment, so give them a listen. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $13-$15.

Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

The Weather Station As leader of The Weather Station, Toronto songwriter Tamara Lindeman brings artistic generosity and joy to her latest self-titled and self-produced album, The Weather Station.

Even though she says she wanted to make a rock ‘n’ roll record, the result was closer to a sonic experimentation that touches on feminist politics through detailed prose-poem narratives. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Mountain Heart Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music can be presented and

played. The band’s name has been synonymous with cutting-edge excellence in acoustic music circles since the group’s creation. Widely known throughout the music industry for continually redefining the boundaries of acoustic music, the band has gained legions of loyal fans both as a result of their superlative musicianship and just as notably, their incendiary live performances.

Show at 7:30 p.m. $18-$20.

Write-up provided by venue.

Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

inception in 2005, and now they’re touring their best album yet to bring a nice variety of moods and tempos to their fans everywhere. Current Swell is making a stop at Jammin Java, so make sure to buy your tickets now before they sell out. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

MONDAY, APRIL 9 SUNDAY, APRIL 15

Run River North From whimsical silliness to acoustic melodrama, Run River North is what you’d call a pretty dynamic band. That doesn’t mean they have a character-defining sound, it just means that their range is noticeable. A lot of indie acts have a tendency to hammer away at your eardrums with similar sounds, whereas Run River North has more of a flow to their work, kind of like a river, which I realize is corny, but hey, I’m going to roll with it. Union Stage continues getting diverse bands, huh? Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $15-$25.

Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

SHIFT 2018 SHIFT, a festival of American Orchestras, returns to The Kennedy Center this spring.

With performances by Fort Worth Symphony, Albany Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra and more, this weeklong event celebrates the extraordinary artistry of orchestral musicians.

SHIFT also confronts common misconceptions about orchestras and proves why orchestras are so important to artistic expression and development. Various dates and times. Tickets are $25 for each show. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

MONDAY, APRIL 9

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Current Swell With their 2017 release, When to Talk and When to Listen, Current Swell is making waves in the indie rock scene. This Canadian band has gained steady popularity since its

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Amoramora With more than 100 shows in 70 different cities in 2017, up-and-coming Amoramora is more than ready to play an awesome show at Gypsy Sally’s.

Their jazz fusion, psychedelic

ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

bluegrass sound is so groovy, you’ll want to jump out of your seat and dance along. 21+ only.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

Pale Waves Formed in Manchester in 2014, Pale Waves is quintessential to the indie-pop scene in the UK. Just take it from a person who tried to see them at SXSW, but was instead relegated to stand in a blocked off street in order to peak into the club they were performing at. No, I wouldn’t say that is the best way to see them, because standing on the street in the cold is somehow worse than actually sweating in a crowded venue. Anyways, when you hear the words “indie pop” I’m sure some kind of music you’ve heard from the genre plays in your head, so imagine that, only better. Also, I have a ton of respect for any band that opts for a literally blank black canvas as single art. Minimalism is the way to go in today’s society, no? Show at 7 p.m. $15.

U St. Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

performance. After a two-year hiatus, Perpetual Groove is back and ready to rock. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

Pimps of Joytime Anyone familiar with the Pimps of Joytime live experience knows the feeling: it’s that moment when a deep bluesy groove morphs into a fullon EDM dance beat, or the sensation when the wide-eyed audience collectively elevates in sync with the band’s tangible energy. Just as Brooklyn has changed since the Pimps started, so has the band’s sound. But as Williamsburg gentrifies, the Pimps of Joytime’s diverse evolution keeps the neighborhood’s spirit alive. That spirit goes into the Pimps’ pot, over a soulful roux of rhythm and groove. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $15-$20. Writeup provided by venue. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

Perpetual Groove Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Perpetual Groove has cultivated a long list of touring experience and a dedicated fan base since forming in 1997. Perpetual Groove pairs fan-described anthemic arena rock with an intense, retina-burning light show to bring down the house with an all-encompassing

Titus Andronicus With their March 2 release of A Productive Cough, Titus Andronicus sets aside heavy punk anthems of the past to focus more on soul-bearing songwriting by creating a conversational space between artist and listener. Singersongwriter Patrick Stickles says he’s looking forward to communicating more effectively with his audience now that he’s not so busy yelling at them.

Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

SUNDAY, APRIL 15

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

Dead Horses At the young age of 15, Dead Horses frontwoman Sarah Vos and her family lost everything when they were expelled from the rural Wisconsin church where her father served as a pastor. From that experience, Vos created Dead Horses’ 2016 album, My Mother the Moon, which blends traditional and indie folk while examining the journey of self-discovery.

Named as one of 10 new country artists you need to know by Rolling Stone, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12-$14. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

U.S. Girls This year marks the 10th anniversary of U.S. Girls and founder Meg Remy’s first four-track recordings of selfproduced and spontaneous expressions of instant emotion.

After a decade of honing her craft, Remy still hasn’t lost that raw emotion that permeates her first few recordings. U.S. Girls is a display of unmistakable feminine energy from the experience of an American woman. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $13-$15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

Eric B. & Rakim Relive the late 80s and early 90s at The Fillmore with Eric B & Rakim, a legendary hip-hop duo hailing from Long Island. Of Erik B & Rakim, AllMusic wrote “during rap’s so-called golden age in the late ‘80s, Eric B. & Rakim were almost universally recognized as the premier DJ/MC team in all of hip-hop.” In 2016 they announced their reunion for a 2017 tour after a 23-year hiatus, and they’re touring again this spring with 17 dates in the states. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45. The Fillmore: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Black Star You should know who Black Star is. In fact if you don’t, maybe this show isn’t for you, because this duo’s contributions to political hip-hop are literally second to none. Made up of rap stalwarts Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def ), the NYC legends are two guys that have historically aged like fine wine. Though their status in the popular culture may be slightly forgotten by the genre’s neophytes, people who are willing to dig into any sort of rap history will discover a colorful discography chalk full of profound lyrics built to change society for the better. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $45$75. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com

Maya Jane Coles DJ Maya Jane Coles has collected millions of hits on YouTube, Spotify and Soundcloud for her house dub music that she mixes, produces and creates herself, which isn’t as common as you’d think.

Her talent has taken her to performances in more than 40 countries, and has brought her multiple awards and features in major publications like Rolling Stone. Make it out to U Street tonight for some great beats and an incredibly fun show.

18+ only. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door. No photo/video allowed. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

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MONDAY, APRIL 16

Nap Eyes With a twang reminiscent of Bob Dylan, the laid back rock of Nap Eyes is enough to mellow you out, but not enough to put you asleep. Featuring simple licks and classic rock and roll sound, the lyrics take you on a star-crazed journey through the universe before bringing you back down to earth with universal topics such as depression, insomnia and bad-for-you habits. Sound too heavy? Well, it is, but on the other hand the songs are highly digestible and rather enjoyable. Don’t believe us, well, wake up from your nap and see for yourself. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $12. DC9 Nightclub: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; www.dc9.club

ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

RZA If you know anything about RZA, you know about his affinity for retro Chinese martial arts films. From his samples as lead producer and founder of the WuTang Clan and his directing of The Man With the Iron Fists, the rapper, producer, director, etc. always keeps popping out homages to this classic genre. Now, you’ll get to see him tinker with his adoration live, as he rescores the classic The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. The special screening will be filled with instrumentals, beats and effects staight from RZA’s vast collection of sounds. It’s rare we get access to an artist actively toying with his muse, so don’t miss this chance to see one of the most creative music pioneers.

Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $36-$45. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; www.warnertheatredc.com

Wild Ones The neatest aspect of Wild Ones might be the simple fact that their entire sound is DIY. The Portland, Oregon product has been together for seven years and combines a uniquely soothing voice, provided

by Danielle Sullivan, with a pace that mimics soothing R&B music, but sonically uses synths to provide a little more energy. Don’t be swayed by the group’s carefree appearance, as the subtext of their lyrics often touches on the perils of romance or the difficulty of being involved in the constantly evolving music business. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $12$14. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

SUMMER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ROGER DALTREY PERFORMS THE WHO’S TOMMY JUN 10 + 12

DR. DOG MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA CRITICAL EQUATION TOUR

(SANDY) ALEX G JUN 22

JOHN FOGERTY | ZZ TOP: BLUES AND BAYOUS TOUR MAY 29 + 30

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS X AMBASSADORS MIKKY EKKO

JUN 7

BARENAKED LADIES LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR

BETTER THAN EZRA KT TUNSTALL

JUL 2

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER JUL 24

BRYAN ADAMS AUG 5

THE REVIVALISTS ZZ WARD AUG 19 ON SALE APR 7 AT 10 AM

STEVEN TYLER AND THE LOVING MARY BAND THE SISTERHOOD BAND

JUN 21

ON SALE APR 7 AT 10 AM

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER 2018

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS STICK FIGURE AND PEPPER

JUL 12

THESE SHOWS ON SALE APR 7 AT 10 AM THE LIFE TOUR

BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB THE B-52S

THOMPSON TWINS’ TOM BAILEY JUL 18

TROMBONE SHORTY GALACTIC PRESERVATION HALL AND MORE! AUG 17

JEFF BECK ANN WILSON OF HEART AUG 20

ON SALE APR 7 AT 10 AM

ON SALE APR 7 AT 10 AM

HANSON STRING THEORY

DAWES

AUG 4

AUG 23

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SHOVELS & ROPE JOSEPH

ZIGGY MARLEY STEEL PULSE TRIBAL SEEDS SEP 1

ALANIS MORISSETTE SEP 6

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

Slushii L.A. DJ and dubstep artist Slushii is bringing his futuristic bass and trap sound to Echostage.

With an album release in 2017 and a trajectory of success that only seems to keep rising, Slushii is perfecting his craft of beat creation to bring out the bass god in us all. Collaborations in the past year with fellow dubstep artist Marshmello have really brought out Slushii’s musical prowess. 18+ only.

Doors open 9 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Echostage: 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, DC; www.echostage.com

Cecily The DMV’s own Cecily is live at the Anacostia Arts Center fresh off of her latest single release “Pisces,” which sees the talented musician deftly navigate her jazz, soul and R&B influences, creating a medley of sounds.

Whether she’s collaborating with a local emcee or standing center stage with the sass of a bonafide super star, Cecily is certainly a local talent you want to catch before she steadily rises through the music scene.

Nothing beats an intimate setting with her unique blend of passion and performance.

Doors at 7 p.m. Free to attend.

Anacostia Arts Center: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; www.anacostiaartscenter.com

The Heavy Pets This funky rock ‘n’ roll band from South Florida was dubbed “a living, breathing force of nature”

by Relix Magazine for their expert song crafting and their powerhouse live performances.

As regulars on the national touring circuit for over a decade, The Heavy Pets is a group of well-trained and seasoned musicians who weave elements of indie, funk and reggae into a tapestry of sound that’s all their own. 21+ only. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl St. SW, DC; www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Fatai This one is soulful. Fatai, an Australian vocalist, has some seriously powerful windpipes as she repeatedly delves deep to produce breathtaking music built on the foundation of her enchanting singing. Because of her location, seeing this artist in North America can prove difficult, and according to her website, she has routinely sold out her stateside appearances.

If you’re in the mood for sultry music with gravity and strength, consider seeing Fatai in Vienna.

Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $13-$15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

Twin Shadow When I first heard “Five Seconds To Your Heart,” I thought it was a song from a bygone era (*coughs the 80s) I just missed when jumping around those Spotify curated “TOP 80s SONGS” playlists. Instead, it came from Dominican Republic born, Brooklyn bred George Lewis Jr., otherwise known as Twin Shadow. With synths and other electric sounds, the music channels this yesteryear genre, however, Lewis Jr. is able to make the sound his own, and very contemporary, often collaborating with other artists who are interested in pop music from the same era, like HAIM. So even though the drum beats and melodies sound as if they burst from a time machine, know this shadow is firmly a product from an artist of today. Show at 7 p.m. $30. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Preoccupations These guys are moody. I don’t mean that in necessarily a bad way, but they certainly wear their hearts on their sleeves, if you get my drift. From song titles like “Disarray,” “Anxiety” and “Doubt,” there isn’t much subtlety to their message. This doesn’t stop the songs donning these serious monikers from carrying vignettes of joy, but it does make you listen more carefully for words of wisdom or even relatable scenarios. In a way, the band makes efforts to transfer these feelings into tangible audio, and they do a pretty good job mimicking “Anxiety.” Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $15-$18. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

ON TAP | APRIL 2018 | www.ontaponline.com

Hawthorne Heights Feel like reliving your emo days? Come out to the Rock & Roll Hotel to see a performance

by Hawthorne Heights, the premiere emo rock band of the 2000s. Bad Frequencies, their first full-length album release since 2013, is set to drop on April 27, so if you’re lucky, they might preview some of their new songs on stage tonight. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

Minus The Bear To celebrate 10 years of writing and performing their unique music, Minus The Bear is traveling coast to coast on their Planet of Ice Anniversary Tour. With a sound that could only be described as uniquely patched together, Minus The Bear has carved out their place in the music industry by collecting different components from New York proto-punk, progressive rock, hip-hop and IDM, thus avoiding any type of classification whatsoever. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 advance, $30 at the door. Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; www.blackcatdc.com

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