THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015 | A PUBLICATION OF
Best holiday event in D.C. B22
Best racing president B12
Best non-panda zoo animal B22
D.C. experience made better by marijuana B22
Best place to eat when you’re drunk B3
best of 2015
We asked you to vote for what you love most about D.C., and by George, you did it! See inside for all the winners. ALEX FINE (FOR EXPRESS)
FEARLESS IS BEING REWARDED WITH EVERY STEP. Take charge of your health. Details inside >
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015 | A PUBLICATION OF
Best holiday event in D.C. B22
Best racing president B12
Best non-panda zoo animal B22
D.C. experience made better by marijuana B22
Best place to eat when you’re drunk B3
best of 2015
We asked you to vote for what you love most about D.C., and by George, you did it! See inside for all the winners. ALEX FINE (FOR EXPRESS)
FEARLESS IS BEING REWARDED WITH EVERY STEP. Take charge of your health. Details inside >
B2 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
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THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B3
dining
bagels professionally for more than 30 years. Both locations offer 20 bagel flavors daily plus a weekly special, such as raspberry and cranberry or lemon and poppy seed. H.S. 4819 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-8990 and 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-299-9399, bethesdabagels .com. 2ND: Bullfrog Bagels, 1341 H St. NE; 202-494-2609, bullfrogbagels.com. 3RD: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703243-4442, brooklynbagelva.com.
&PIZZA
BEST FRIED FOOD
BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOU WANT TO BRING HOME LEFTOVERS
BEST VEGETARIAN
BEST PLACE TO EAT WHEN YOU’RE DRUNK
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK LUNCH
&pizza Why is D.C. so obsessed with &pizza, winner of four categories this year? It could be all the options, ideal for those with dietary restrictions: You can choose from three kinds of dough, eight sauces and three cheeses, including a vegan one. Then you’re faced with a bar of 36 toppings, 28 of which are meat-free. If you’re totally overwhelmed, try one of the seven signature pizzas. Four are vegetarian, like the Moonstruck, with marinated mushrooms, salty goat cheese and sweet fig marsala sauce. “We’ve always been vegetarian- and vegan-friendly,” says founder Michael Lastoria, who himself is vegetarian. But maybe D.C. loves &pizza because it’s fast: At the E Street location, the speediest of all, you can expect to wait in line for about 3.5 minutes, Lastoria says. Like magic, you’re presented with a piping hot, oval-shaped pie just for you — but good luck finishing it in one go. “When our guests can’t finish their pizza, we don’t look at that as an opportunity to make a smaller pizza,” Lastoria says. Those giant pies might explain why the late-night crowd is so smitten. “Unlimited toppings for one price,” Lastoria says. “Who doesn’t want that when you have a few beers in the tank?” S.M.D. Multiple locations; andpizza.com. LEFTOVERS
2ND: Amsterdam Falafelshop,
maggianos.com.
multiple locations; falafelshop .com.
VEGETARIAN
2ND: Busboys and Poets, multiple locations; busboysandpoets.com. 3RD: Rasika, 633 D St. NW; 202-6371222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com.
Taylor Gourmet In his seven years of business, Casey Patten has learned not to fiddle with people’s sandwiches. “When we originally started changing the menu, people would go crazy, like you stole their child,” says the co-founder of this local chain, now with 10 locations serving up monstrous Phillystyle hoagies. This consistency, combined with ingredients like roasted pork and sauces made in-house, keep people coming back to Taylor — including President Barack Obama, who’s been twice since taking office. H.S. Multiple locations; taylorgourmet.com. 2ND: SUNdeVICH, 1314 Ninth St.
NW; 202-319-1086, sundevich.com. 3RD: Bub and Pop’s, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111, bubandpops.com.
DRUNK
2ND: Maggiano’s, multiple locations; 3RD Ted’s Bulletin, multiple locations; tedsbulletin.com.
BEST SANDWICH
3RD: Ben’s Chili Bowl, multiple locations; benschilibowl.com.
QUICK LUNCH
2ND: Cava Grill, multiple locations;
cavagrill.com. 3RD: Bub and Pop’s, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111, bubandpops.com.
BEST BAGEL
Bethesda Bagels If you close your eyes and bite into a chewy New York-style bagel from this shop, you can almost hear taxi horns and hollers of “I’m walkin’ here!” “We trained in New York,” explains owner Danny Fleishman, whose family has been making
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken Bread? How boring. Astro makes its sandwiches on freshly made doughnuts. The fry shack (and its food truck) serves fried chicken in an Old Bay-dusted doughnut and, earlier this year, it introduced another hit: a breakfast doughnut sandwich with fried chicken, honey butter and hot sauce. Astro also sells doughnuts in gourmet flavors like creme brulee (their most popular) and PB&J. H.S. 1308 G St. NW; 202-809-5565 and 7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-356-0800, astrodoughnuts .com. 2ND: Bonchon, multiple locations; bonchon.com. 3RD: Amsterdam Falafelshop, multiple locations; falafelshop.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE B4
BEST TACOS
District Taco Multiple locations; districttaco.com.
What started as a modest food truck has since grown into a chain of six brick-and-mortar operations across D.C. and Virginia. The secret to District Taco’s success? Offering a concise menu that allows these taco experts to give every ingredient the time and attention it needs. Case in point: The tilapia for the restaurant’s famed fish tacos (available Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends) are marinated for more than 12 hours before they’re grilled and served with homemade chipotle mayo. H.S. 2ND: TaKorean, multiple locations; takorean.com. 3RD: El Camino, 108 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-8470419, elcaminodc .com.
B4 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
bestof
spot from D.C. dining czar Jose Andres, that means you can enjoy a few bites of Middle Eastern classics like stuffed eggplant and expertly spiced lamb kebab, along with modern interpretations like crispy ouzo-battered catfish and veal tartare, all in the same meal. L.M.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3
BEST PHO (NO MATTER HOW YOU PRONOUNCE IT)
Pho 75 The hardest part about eating Vietnamese pho is deciding how you’ll take it: with fatty tendon, raw flank steak, salty brisket or a little bit of everything. But it starts with the salty, complex broth at this humble pho spot, which they’ve crafted by simmering beef or chicken bones and marrow, ginger and a secret collection of spices for hours, for a rich broth served with hearty noodles. Top with your personal blend of sriracha, hoisin and basil and dig in. L.M. Multiple locations;
701 Ninth St. NW; 202-638-0800, zaytinya.com. 2ND: Jaleo, multiple locations; jaleo.com. 3RD: Cava Mezze, multiple locations; cavamezze.com.
SCOTT SUCHMAN (FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)
BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPICE LOVERS
pho75.tumblr.com. 2ND: Pho 14, various locations;
dcpho14.com. 3RD: Pho Viet, 3513 14th St. NW; 202-629-2839, phovietwdc.com.
BEST BRUNCH
Le Diplomate This B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beret) French restaurant turns brunch into a European vacation on the weekends, when D.C. dwellers linger over pastries and play Parisian. “The restaurant was designed to transport you to a different part of the world,” executive chef Michael Abt says. In keeping with French tradition, dishes are on the heavy side. “There’s a big focus on eggs and pastries in French cuisine,” Abt says. “It translates well to brunch.” H.S. 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc.com. 2ND: Ted’s Bulletin, multiple
BEST PLACE TO EAT OUTSIDE
Barcelona Barcelona seemed to have popped up overnight when it opened on 14th Street in 2013 (there are now three locations in the area). Now, diners who prefer to eat by the light of the moon can’t imagine what they did before it existed. The spacious patio at this Spanish restaurant is the spot for catch-ups, people watching and sherry shots — served in a bone luge if you know to ask for it. With a fire pit and heat lamps, Barcelona keeps the al fresco party going year round. H.S. Multiple locations; barcelonawinebar.com. 2ND: Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen, 3126 12th St. NE; 202-636-0050,
brooklandsfinest.com.
Rasika If a Doritos delivery truck crashed into a soy sauce factory, the flavor explosion would still pale in comparison to a meal at Rasika. Traditional Indian dishes like its famed palak chaat (fried spinach), black cod and tandoori chicken tikka are loaded with fresh herbs, spices and sauces that draw out bold flavors deep within the main ingredients. Don’t expect blinding heat, though: James Beard award-winning chef Vikram Sunderam’s menu focuses on flavorful ingredients with minimal firepower, such as mango chutney, mustard oil and cinnamon. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com. 2ND: Little Serow, 1511 17th St. NW;
littleserow.com. 3RD: Thai X-ing, 515 Florida Ave. NW and 2020 Ninth St. NW; 202-332-4322, thaix-ing.com.
3RD: Roofers Union, 2446 18th St. NW; 202-232-7663, roofersuniondc.com.
CONTINUED ON PAGE B6
BEST PLACE TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS AS A CARNIVORE
Fogo de Chao
1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-3474668, fogodechao .com.
This Brazil-born, family-owned chain takes its meat mobile. Every diner at Fogo de Chao gets a card that’s used to signal the waiters, who wander the room eager to carve slices of beef, pork and chicken from the giant hunks of meat they carry. One side of the card is green (more meat, please!) and the other’s red (I can’t eat another bite … yet). H.S. 2ND: Ray’s the Steaks, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-841-7297, raysthesteaks.com. 3RD: Medium Rare, 3500 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-237-1432 and 515 Eighth St. SE; 202-601-7136, mediumrare restaurant.com.
locations; tedsbulletin.com. 3RD: Open City, 2331 Calvert St. NW; 202-332-2331 and 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-965-7670, opencitydc.com.
BEST PLACE TO GET FOOD TO SHARE
Zaytinya Small plates have long been the trendy answer when we wish we could order a little of everything. And at this upscale Mediterranean
Best place to discover sushi is an art form
Sushi Taro Has anyone checked that chefs Nobu Yamazaki and Masaya Kitayama are working with chopsticks in the kitchen, and not a set of paintbrushes? It’s hard to tell when every complex, richly textured sushi dish they send out is an edible masterpiece. Much like a work of art, quality doesn’t come cheap. But Sushi Taro offers a reasonably priced lunch menu and hosts happy hour specials on weeknights at the bar if you want to get your sushi fix at a discount. H.S. 1503 17th St. NW; 202-462-8999, sushitaro.com. 2ND: Sushiko, 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; 301-961-1644, sushikorestaurants.com. 3RD: KAZ Sushi Bistro, 1915 I St. NW; 202-530-5500, kazsushi.com.
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B5
B6 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
bestof
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4
BEST RESTAURANT BATHROOM
BEST PLACE TO EAT GROWN-UP FOOD AND KEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY
Busboys and Poets
Ted’s Bulletin
MATT McCLAIN (THE WASHINGTON POST)
This friendly, lunch counter-style restaurant knows that adults and kids really want the same things, just with a few twists. For kids, there’s PB&J, pasta with sauce or butter, and shakes in flavors like s’mores, peppermint and Oreo. And for grown-ups, Ted’s offers a peanut butter bacon burger, cheesy chicken parmesan and creamy shakes — with booze added — in flavors such as white Russian, Irish caramel coffee and grasshopper. L.M. Multiple locations; tedsbulletin.com. 2ND: &pizza, various locations; andpizza.com. 3RD: Matchbox, various locations; matchboxrestaurants.com.
If by “trendy desserts” you mean time-tested recipes and wholesome ingredients, then yes, Whisked! deserves its victory. Jenna Huntsberger’s confections may not come in unorthodox flavor combinations, but you’ll be more than satisfied with her creative-yet-classic pies (salted caramel apple, Mexican chocolate cream) and cookies (milk chocolate Nutella, brown butter snickerdoodle). H.S. 202-6564890, whiskeddc.com. 2ND: Baked and Wired, 1052
Thomas Jefferson St. NW; 202333-2500, bakedandwired.com. 3RD: Dangerously Delicious
Pies, 1339 H St. NE; 202-398-7437 and 675 I St. NW; 202-450-1292, dangerouspiesdc.com.
BEST PLACE TO GET A FROZEN TREAT
Dolcezza Many dessert spots are more flash than foundation, but Dolcezza’s gelato — made daily in their factory near Union Market
Toki Underground
3RD: The Coupe, 3415 11th St. NW; 202-290-3342, thecoupedc.com.
RESTAURANT THAT LIVES UP TO ITS HYPE
Since opening in 2011, Toki has drawn lines — long ones — for inventive ramen that takes a sharp turn from classic Japanese flavors. “We forewent Japanese balance for stronger, more intense soups,” says chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who will sometimes toss apples or peaches into his stocks. “Our technique is grounded in tradition, but we don’t adhere to traditional flavors.” H.S.
Rasika
1234 H St. NE; 202-388-3086, tokiunderground.com. 2ND: Daikaya, 705 Sixth St. NW; 202-589-1600, daikaya.com. 3RD: Sakuramen, 2441 18th St. NW; 202-656-5285, sakuramen.info.
and served in eight D.C.-area shops — starts with great basics: dairy, fruits and herbs from farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The simple ingredients don’t mean boring flavors, though. Their rotation of gelato options includes crookneck pumpkin, black sesame and peanut butter stracciatella, while dairy-free sorbettos come in flavors like white nectarine, Champagne mango and orange honey cardamom. S.M.D. Multiple locations, dolcezzagelato.com 2ND: Ice Cream Jubilee, 301
Water St. SE; 202-863-0727, icecreamjubilee.com 3RD: Pitango Gelato, multiple
locations; pitangogelato.com.
BEST BREAD BASKET
Le Diplomate 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc.com.
In the D.C. restaurant wars, the pre-meal bread basket is the latest battleground on which chefs can stand out. Le Diplomate’s basket sets the stage for a classic French meal with selections straight out of a boulangerie: slices of crusty French baguette, rye wheat boule and sweet cranberry walnut loaf. “It gives a different spectrum of flavors and textures,” executive chef Michael Abt says. B.M.
JASON VARNEY
Whisked!
locations; busboysandpoets .com. 2ND: 2 Birds 1 Stone, 1800 14th St. NW; 2birds1stonedc.com.
BEST RAMEN
BEST TRENDY DESSERTS
Lots of restaurants and bars are getting fancy with their bathrooms these days by adding themed wallpaper, ironically kitschy knick-knacks and toetapping music. But clean and easily accessible are still the gold standard where potties are concerned. Busboys and Poets’ six restaurants have that part down. Plus, three of their locations (14th and V, Takoma and Brookland) have a Politics and Prose bookstore embedded within. Please, though: Do everyone a favor and buy the book before taking it into the loo with you. B.M. Multiple
More than 2,400 smitten Yelpers can’t be wrong, right? Just to be safe, we looked at this year’s fall dining guide from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema: Rasika took the No. 2 spot (its two locations — in Penn Quarter and West End — shared the honor). Following a nearly half-million dollar interior design refresh at the original Penn Quarter location (new furniture and better soundproofing, plus other improvements), Ashok Bajaj’s lauded upscale Indian restaurants are likely to keep pulling in the praise. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-4662500, rasikarestaurant.com.
2ND: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, 1612 14th St. NW; 202-319-1612, pearldivedc.com.
2ND: Rose’s Luxury, 717 Eighth St. SE; 202-580-8889, rosesluxury.com.
3RD: Birch & Barley, 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, birchandbarley.com.
3RD: Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc .com.
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B7
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B8 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
drinking BEST PITCHER COCKTAILS
Eat the Rich
AMANDA VOISARD (FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)
1839 Seventh St. NW; 202-3169396, etrbar.com.
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
DC Brau Brewing Company The past year was another one of growth for DC Brau. Now open all week, its tasting room has become a popular spot for patrons to relax with pints of hoppy ales or draft-only rarities. “Before, people would get their samples, get their beer and then they were out the door,” co-founder Brandon Skall says. DC Brau also started canning some new brews this year, including the crisp, refreshing Brau Pils. R.G. 3178-B Bladensburg Road NE; 202-6218890, dcbrau.com. 2ND: Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria; 703-797-2739, portcitybrewing.com. 3RD: 3 Stars Brewing Company, 6400 Chillum Place NW; 202-670-0333, 3starsbrewing.com.
BEST PLACE TO BE A WHISKEY SNOB
Boundary Stone Tucked inside this humble Bloomingdale pub is a carefully curated collection of roughly 155 different bottles of whiskey — old standbys, limited releases and things the staff just wanted to try. If you’re new to brown liquor, feel free to treat the staff like your personal Yelp reviewer. “It can be intimidating for people to know what to ask for, even to know what kind of style they like,” says Boundary Stone’s assistant general
Best bar snacks
manager, Katie Fergusen. L.M. 116 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-621-6635, boundarystonedc.com. 2ND: Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW; 202-588-7388, jackrosediningsaloon.com. 3RD: Southern Efficiency, 1841 Seventh St. NW; 202-316-9396, whiskeyhome.com.
BEST PLACE TO BE A BEER SNOB
ChurchKey With 55 rotating taps and 500 types of bottled beer (some
of which are on the wall), it’s easy to be picky at ChurchKey. The 6-year-old craft beer bar routinely stocks hard-to-find brews. “We are able to access the rare stuff based on lots of tasting and hunting,” says beer director Greg Engert, “but maybe, more importantly, because brewers love to have us pour their most special beers.” R.G. 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, churchkeydc.com. 2ND: Meridian Pint, 3400
11th St. NW; 202-588-1075, meridianpint.com. 3RD: Bluejacket, 300 Tingey St. SE; 202-524-4862, bluejacketdc.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE B8
Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen To Brookland’s Finest chef and co-owner Shannan Troncoso, bar snacks aren’t just peanuts — there’s a whole philosophy involved. “The best bar snack is sweet and salty, a little bit sour, to make your mouth water,” she says. Her bar’s rotating cocktail selection is specifically crafted to pair with the spiced nut sampler and the plate of local charcuterie. For beer, she suggests the pretzel bites with a hint of truffle oil or the Brussels sprouts fried up like potato chips. L.M. 3126 12th St. NE; 202-636-0050, brooklandsfinest.com. 2ND: ChurchKey, 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, churchkeydc.com. 3RD: Roofers Union, 2446 18th St. NW; 202-232-7663, roofersuniondc.com.
You’ve heard of tennis elbow, but what about citrus fingers? It’s what bartenders experience at Eat the Rich when preparing a cocktail pitcher. “It’s pretty brutal squeezing all that citrus,” owner Derek Brown says. The bar’s batch servings are equal to four drinks and don’t compromise quality. “Most people are smart enough to know that if a bar serves pitcher cocktails, you’re in trouble,” Brown says. “We wanted to take something looked down upon and make it good.” H.S. 2ND: Lauriol Plaza, 1835 18th St. NW; 202-387-0035, lauriolplaza.com. 3RD: La Tasca, multiple locations; latascausa.com.
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B9
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WOOLLYMAMMOTH.NET // 202-393-3939
B10 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE B6
PLACE WITH THE BEST COCKTAIL NAMES
The Gibson A cocktail’s name should have as much depth and mystery as the drink itself. Bartenders at the Gibson are masters of both. Take the Man Up: “That’s our Manhattan — a little play on words there,” bartender Ted Freeseman says. It’s made with the classic bourbon, vermouth and bitters plus the addition of spicy, rhubarb-based Zucca Amaro. Sometimes, the name comes first: The “Clueless” is an ode to the heroine of its namesake movie, so, Freeseman says, “it makes sense to have a strong base” — rye whiskey — “with a little bit of zest” — lime — plus some almond-y
orgeat syrup and absinthe. B.M. BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY
2009 14th St. NW; 202-232-2156, thegibsondc.com. 2ND: Hank’s Oyster Bar, multiple locations; hanksoysterbar.com. 3RD: The Partisan, 709 D St. NW; 202-524-5322, thepartisandc.com.
BEST PLACE TO DRINK WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET
D.C. Reynolds D.C. Reynolds’ happy hour is just like the end of all infomercials: Buy one drink, get the second one free! So from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, you can have a beer from this Petworth neighborhood bar’s extensive selection AND one of their signature cocktails. Our tip: Go
New Columbia Distillers New Columbia has plenty of drinking buddies in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood, including One Eight Distilling and Atlas Brew Works. New Columbia owner John Uselton says the more the merrier: “As our neighborhood has been changing, people have been making a day of it.” At New Columbia’s cozy distillery, try samples of its seasonal Green Hat gins, with high citrus in spring/summer and warming earthy notes for fall/winter. L.M. 1832 Fenwick St. NE; 202-733-1710, greenhatgin.com. 2ND: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, 120 W. Main St., Purcellville, Va.; 540-751-8404, catoctincreekdistilling.com. 3RD: One Eight Distilling, 1135 Okie St. NE; 202-636-6638, oneeightdistilling.com.
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THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B11
bestof on Tuesday, when a plate of tacos ($15) comes with a flight of tequila. L.M. 3628 Georgia Ave. NW; 202506-7178, dcreynoldsbar.com.
2ND: The Pug, 1234 H St. NE; thepugdc.com. 3RD: Red Derby, 3718 14th St. NW; 202-291-5000, redderby.com.
BEST PLACE TO GET CLASSY DRUNK
POV at the W Hotel Maybe it’s because guests can sometimes spy snipers across the street, atop the White House. Or because they just coughed up $14 for a gin and tonic. Whatever the reason, people tend to be on their best behavior while boozing at POV. “We’re just proud that we’ve been able to provide D.C. with a place to come play and be classy,” says Meade Atkeson, general manager of the W Washington. H.S. 515 15th St. NW; 202-661-2400, povrooftop.com. 2ND: Quill, 1200 16th St. NW; 202448-2300, jeffersondc.com. 3RD: McClellan’s Retreat, 2031 Florida Ave. NW; 202-265-6270, mcclellansretreat.com.
Best place to day drink Dacha Beer Garden Daytime drinking is best done under the sun. And the closest thing to a roof at this Bavarian-style beer garden is a canopy covering the bar, which means you can sample craft beers or a beer cocktail in broad daylight. On weekdays, co-owner Ilya Alter has spied teleworkers availing themselves of the bar’s Wi-Fi and picnic tables. Do they work with a beer in hand? “Some do,” he says. “Some of them wait until they finish the conference call.” B.M. 1600 Seventh St. NW; 202-524-8790, dachadc.com.
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WILLIE NILE 10/29 MOUNTAIN HEART 11/8 CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO 11/11 FRI, OCT 30
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2ND: Cantina Marina, 600
Water St. SW; 202-5548396, cantinamarina.com. 3RD: Garden District, 1801 14th St. NW; gardendistrictdc.com.
U Street Music Hall
THU, NOV 5
SISTER SPARROW & THE DIRTY BIRDS
It makes sense that the best bar for dancing in D.C. is owned by longtime DJs. Will Eastman and Jesse Tittsworth know what gets people onto their 1,200-squarefoot, cork-cushioned dance floor: two bars, an earthshaking sound system and great music. The venue hosts acts as varied as Caribbean hip-hop artists R. City and folk rockers Kingsley Flood. B.M. 1115 U St. NW; 202-588-1889, ustreetmusichall.com. 2ND: Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE; 202-388-7625, rockandrollhoteldc.com. 3RD: Madam’s Organ, 2461 18th St. NW; 202-667-5370, madamsorgan.com.
HIPSTEREST BAR
American Ice Co. Hipster Bingo is the obvious drinking game to play at this U Street-area hangout. Cover your first space when you down a PBR tallboy, then graduate to a Mason jar of craft beer (or a mini Mason jar shot!). Snag a spot at one of the wood and industrial metal booths to dig into a plate of “swachos” (swine nachos), or beat out the other plaid-shirted patrons for coveted seats at the communal picnic tables outside. L.M. 917 V St. NW; 202-758-3562, amicodc.com. 2ND: Showtime Bar, 113 Rhode Island Ave. NW; facebook.com/ showtimebardc. 3RD: Red Derby, 3718 14th St. NW; 202-291-5000.
SUZANNE VEGA DUNCAN SHEIK 11/18 + 19 RICKIE LEE JONES 11/20 SONNY LANDRETH 11/21
WILD ADRIATIC
BEST PLACE TO GO OUT TO DANCE
JONATHAN BISS, PIANO 10/23
JOHN EATON 11/27 NEWMYER FLYER PRESENTS DREAM DISCS: THE WILD, THE INNOCENT & THE E STREET SHUFFLE / MOONDANCE 11/28 OVER THE RHINE 12/4
THU, NOV 12
DEBBY BOONE
CALMUS 12/6
CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS
AND MANY MORE! FRI, NOV 13 KUOK-WAI LIO, PIANO ZOLTÁN FEJÉRVÁRI, PIANO CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS
1635 TRAP RD, VIENNA, VA 22182
sports PATRICK McDERMOTT (GETTY IMAGES)
B12 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
BEST D.C. PRO TEAM TO GO SEE PLAY
Washington Nationals For a second straight season, the Nationals had the highest home attendance among NL East teams, averaging 32,343 people per game (up 499 per game from last season). People don’t just come to watch baseball. There’s the food, the Racing Presidents and the innovative promotional giveaways. The best this year was the Jayson Werth Chia Pet, which recreated the outfielder’s famous beard in green sprouts. J.T. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE; 202-675-6287, washington .nationals.mlb.com.
2ND: Washington Capitals, Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW; 202-266-2277 or 202-397-7328, capitals.nhl.com. 3RD: D.C. United, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. SE; 202-587-5000, dcunited.com.
George Best racing president
For years, Teddy was the crowd favorite in the Nationals’ fourthinning Presidents Race — mostly because he’d never won. But his lovable-loser mystique wore off when he started winning races in 2012. During the Nationals’ roller coaster 2015 season, it was George who showed fortitude. According to letteddywin.com, he won the fewest races (10) in 2014 but bounced back to finish the 2015 season with 17 victories — second only to Abe. Who doesn’t like a comeback story? First in the presidency, first in our hearts. J.T. 2ND: Teddy. 3RD: Abe.
BEST FOOD AT A STADIUM/ARENA
Shake Shack at Nationals Park You won’t go hungry at Nationals Park — all three Best Stadium Food finalists are found within the ballpark — but it’s Shake Shack that came out victorious. The outpost of the New York-born burger chain offers a slimmed-down menu of standards, including three signature burgers, two flat-top dogs and the classic crinkle-cut fries. Located on the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk, Shake Shack also has a dedicated “C-Line” exclusively for ordering frozen custard. R.G. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE; shakeshack.com. 2ND: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Nationals Park; benschilibowl.com. 3RD: G Sandwich Shop, Nationals Park; gbymikeisabella.com.
BEST BAR TO WATCH A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME WITH YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern With 35 televisions and three viewing areas, this Chinatown bar can easily accommodate multiple alumni groups on college football Saturdays. This year, the biggest crowd supports the University of CONTINUED ON PAGE B14
BEST D.C.-AREA COLLEGE MASCOT
Jack the Bulldog Georgetown University
Our Best Of voters must be suckers for a bulldog on a skateboard: They chose a real-life animal as their favorite mascot over some of his costume-clad rivals. The Hoyas selected a real English bulldog as their mascot in 1962. They dabbled with the guy-ina-suit version in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but by 1999 a new bulldog pup was back on campus. Georgetown’s current Jack the Bulldog is 2 years old, his zodiac sign is Cancer and he enjoys long strolls on the sidelines. J.T. 2ND: Testudo the Terrapin, University of Maryland. 3RD: Clawed the Eagle, American University.
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B13
Garrett Hall
The Batten Difference ■ ■ ■
Real leadership curriculum Our graduates get results We’re small by design
BA | MPP ■
Bachelor’s degree
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MPP/JD MPP/MBA MPP/MPH
MPP/MUEP MPP/PHD
batten.virginia.edu/express | battenschool@virginia.edu
B14 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
bestof
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B12
PATRICK SMITH (GETTY IMAGES)
Mississippi Rebels, who can draw 200 fans on a busy day, according to owner Michael Brand. “We do our best to re-create the college experience,” he says. For Ole Miss fans, that means making Chicken on a Stick, a late-night snack served at an off-campus gas station. R.G. 639 Indiana Ave. NW; 202-347-6666, pennquartersportstavern.com. 2ND: Crystal City Sports Pub, 529 23rd St. S, Arlington; 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com. 3RD: Solly’s U Street Tavern, 1942 11th St. NW; 202-232-6590, sollystavern.com.
BEST PLACE TO SEE A D.C.-AREA COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAME
Charles E. Smith Center GEORGE WASHINGTON COLONIALS One thing that separates George
BEST D.C.-AREA COLLEGE SPORTS FANS
University of Maryland fans For University of Maryland senior Alexander Jonesi, what separates Maryland from other schools is its history of sporting success, the dedication of its fans and that state flag, which is emblazoned on team uniforms and on fans’ hearts. For games, the Reston, Va., native says he covers himself from “head to toe” (or rather shoes to sunglasses) in flag-themed attire. To get the full Terps fan experience, go to a big-time men’s basketball game at Xfinity Center and take in the flash mob: Students get to games more than two hours before tipoff and choreograph an arena-wide dance. J.T. 2ND: University of Virginia fans. 3RD: Georgetown University fans.
Washington University’s Charles E. Smith Center from other local college hoops venues is size: It’s tiny. While nearly 18,000 fans pack the arenas for Georgetown and Maryland games, the Smith Center’s 5,000-seat capacity allows for a more intimate fan experience. It doesn’t hurt that the Colonials men’s basketball team has gone 46-22 over the past two seasons, including a 12-2 home record last year. J.T. 600 22nd St. NW; 202-994-6650, gwsports.com. 2ND: Verizon Center (Georgetown Hoyas), 601 F St. NW; 202-687-4692, guhoyas.com. 3RD: Xfinity Center (Maryland Terrapins), Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Md.; 301-405-1000, umterps.com.
BEST D.C.-AREA COLLEGE ATHLETICS
George Washington Colonials The Colonials’ 2015 Best Of win was buoyed by the women’s basketball team, which had one of the best seasons in school history last year. Their 19-game winning streak tied for the second-longest ever for the program. They finished the season 29-4, winning the Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles. And they made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008. The men’s side didn’t do too badly either, finishing 22-13 and getting to the second round of the NIT. J.T. 2ND: Maryland Terrapins. 3RD: Georgetown Hoyas.
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fitness
right at home in exercise classes that can be adjusted for any fitness level, like Balance Core, which focuses on low-impact, functional movements. The “Right Start Package,” geared toward newcomers, includes a body fat screening, an overall fitness assessment and three personal training sessions. Patrons are also drawn to the gym’s community, largely built through events like the upcoming Halloween scavenger hunt. “You’re tricked into exercising,” Maier says. Z.M. JUANA ARIAS (FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)
B16 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
Great Falls Park
Great Falls is home to 15 miles of hiking trails, popular climbing areas and viewing platforms for gazing onto the scenic falls and Potomac River. The park also offers a glimpse into the area’s history: Hike along the remains of the Patowmack Canal, which opened in 1802, on the Patowmack Canal Trail, a flat, 1.25-mile walk (double that if you plan to come back). The 1.5-mile River Trail is tougher, with hill climbs and rock scrambling that reward hikers with stunning vistas. Z.M. 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Va.; 703-285-2965, nps.gov/grfa. 2ND: Shenandoah National Park; 540-999-3500, nps.gov/shen. 3RD: Rock Creek Park; 202-895-6000, nps.gov/rocr.
BEST PLACE TO GET RIPPED
Balance Gym “It is a balancing act,” says Devin Maier, managing director of Balance Gym, which this year won the approval of both hardcore fitness enthusiasts and shy workout novices. For those looking to get ripped, the locally owned chain seeks out top-notch coaches and trainers for all five of its D.C.-area gyms, and offers CrossFit at four of them. More-casual gym-goers and workout virgins will feel
GET RIPPED
2ND: SoulCycle, multiple
locations; soul-cycle.com. 3RD: solidcore, multiple locations; solidcore.co.
NON-INTIMIDATING
2ND: Washington Sports
Club, multiple locations; mysportsclubs.com.
BEST PLACE TO TAKE A HIKE
BEST GYM THAT DOESN’T INTIMIDATE YOU
Multiple locations; balance gym.com.
City Bikes Best place to get your fixie fixed
City Bikes’ Adams Morgan location was originally a gas station, which general manager Saul Leiken thinks is fitting for one of the first U.S. cycle shops to focus on bikes for city commuting. (Take that, fossil fuels!) Fans love the local chain’s community rides, customer service and practical workshops. In one class, riders learn to manage bikes on Metro, then test their new skills on the Green Line. Z.M. Multiple locations; citybikes.com. 2ND: The Bike Rack, 1412 Q St. NW; 202-3872453 and 716 Monroe St. NE; 202-832-2453, thebikerackdc.com. 3RD: BicycleSPACE, 2424 18th St. NW; 202232-4196 and 440 K St. NW; 202-962-0123, bicyclespacedc.com.
3RD: Mint, 1724 California St.NW; 202-328-6468 and 1001 16th St. NW; 202-638-6468, mintdc.com.
BEST PLACE TO SHOW OFF YOUR DOWNWARD DOG
CorePower Yoga CorePower Yoga, a first-time Best Of winner, proudly caters to yoga lovers of all levels at its seven D.C.-area locations. The national chain draws expert yogis to its teacher-training courses, while remaining accessible to those just starting out. Most of CorePower’s classes focus on toning muscles and torching calories, rather than spiritual awakening. Yoga Sculpt, for example, is a vigorous vinyasa class that uses dumbbells; Hot Power Fusion is the same idea, but with the temperature in the classroom pumped up. Z.M. Multiple locations; corepoweryoga.com.
2ND: Yoga District, multiple locations; yogadistrict.com. 3RD: Down Dog Yoga, multiple locations; downdogyoga.com.
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NUTRITION EDUCATION PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
The degree employers seek Of all the business and strategic communication jobs posted nationwide last year, the Washington, DC, area posted one third of them. This despite its having only 1.7 percent of the national population. Business and strategic communication is just one combined skills area whose value is growing. There’s increasingly high demand across the areas of health, communication, business, STEM, and analysis—and particularly where the fields intersect. American University has identified the skill sets most critical to today’s job market— and we’ve designed a master’s program to satisfy those needs. AU’s Modular Master’s degree pairs the experience you have with the skills you need to stand out in the 21st-century workplace.
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Make yourself essential
Designed with your career in mind, AU’s Modular Master’s program is targeted toward professionals who already have work experience and want to build on their existing knowledge to get to the next level. It’s for those looking to make themselves distinctive in the market by being able to draw connections with a related discipline. This multidisciplinary program focuses on modern skills and professional practice so graduates gain in-demand skills they can apply right away to their careers.
Build on what you know
Career coaches work with students to combine two fields that complement one another and, most importantly, align with their career goals. Program seminars help students bridge the two disciplines together and provide opportunities for peers to share diverse perspectives. And all along the way, AU’s alumni and peer networks are there for support. In turn, graduates are able to translate expertise across disciplines—a quality essential to today’s in-demand jobs.
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MODULAR MASTER’S AMERICAN.EDU/MODULAR
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PROJECT MONITORING & EVALUATION + NUTRITION EDUCATION Learn to analyze marketplace trends, make data-driven decisions, and create targeted compelling messages based on analyses.
*The Advisory Board Company, ©2015
arts+museums
B18 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
BEST PLACE TO TEST OUT YOUR STAND-UP ACT AT AN OPEN-MIC NIGHT
SAM KITTNER (FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)
DC Improv
BEST PLACE TO SEE AN INDIE MOVIE
Landmark E Street Cinema This perennial Best Of winner remains your favorite place to watch a future Oscar winner, that low-budget documentary your friend has been dying to see, or the bizarro cult phenom “The Room” for the 57th time. E Street will have more competition to win Best of 2016: Landmark opened a fourth D.C.-area branch, Landmark Atlantic Plumbing, in the U Street area this week. R.G.
“When you’re doing real work that speaks to every type of person, it pushes you to do even more,” he says. Take his next Arena play, “Akeelah and the Bee” (opening Nov. 13), for example: “When you see these young black, Latino, Asian kids competing in a spelling bee, it gives you hope.” L.M. 1101 Sixth St. SW; 202-554-9066, arenastage.org. 2ND: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703820-9771, sigtheatre.org. 3RD: Round House Theatre,
4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda; 240-644-1100, roundhousetheatre.org.
BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC
9:30 Club
There are a few simple reasons that this 1,200-person capacity club, which just turned 35, wins this category every year. There’s variety: The vaunted venue has hosted everyone from Adele to ZZ Top. Musicians love it: In September, psych-rock group Animal Collective released a live album, “Live at 9:30,” recorded at the 9:30 in 2013. And, how many music venues have a signature cupcake? R.G. 815 V St. NW; 202-265-0930, 930.com. 2ND: Wolf Trap, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1868, wolftrap.org. 3RD: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500, birchmere.com.
555 11th St. NW; 202-783-9494, landmarktheatres.com. 2ND: Landmark Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301652-7273, landmarktheatres.com. 3RD: Angelika Film Center and Cafe at Mosaic, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax; 571-512-3301, angelikafilmcenter.com/mosaic.
BEST PLACE TO SEE A LOCALLY PRODUCED PLAY
Arena Stage Arena Stage is well known as a testing ground for Broadway and off-Broadway plays, such as this summer’s hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” Charles RandolphWright, who has directed 10 Arena productions, is more inspired by Arena’s diverse audience.
BEST PLACE TO TRICK YOUR KIDS INTO LEARNING
National Air and Space Museum “I think humans are curious by nature — especially children,” says Maureen Kerr, chair of the National Air and Space Museum’s education department. That’s why the walls of the kid-friendly “How Things Fly” exhibit are peppered with questions. Kids can learn the answers by keeping a ball aloft on a stream of air, test-flying paper airplanes or climbing into the cockpit of a Cessna 150. “We don’t do a lecture on physics,” Kerr says. “We start with the questions.” B.M. Independence Avenue at Sixth Street SW; 202-633-2214, airandspace.si.edu. 2ND: National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; 202-633-1000, mnh.si.edu. 3RD: Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386, newseum.org.
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202296-7008, dcimprov.com.
The Improv’s 285-seat main showroom generally features stars like Todd Glass, but on one evening each month (it varies from month to month), local comics can get five minutes on the big stage. “The room has a lot of history and great energy, but the open mic isn’t totally open, it’s more for established local comics,” spokeswoman Allyson Jaffe says. If you do get on the bill, your friends will be super-impressed when you post photos of yourself standing in front of that famous brick wall. S.D. 2ND: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; Saturdays at 10:30 p.m., free; 703-486-2345, arlingtondrafthouse .com. 3RD: Washington DC Comedy Writers Group, Judy’s Bar and Restaurant, 2212 14th St. NW; Mondays at 8:30 p.m.; dccomedywriters .com.
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bestof
BEST MUSEUM WHERE YOU CAN GET HANDS-ON
BEST PLACE TO DISCOVER A LOCAL ARTIST
Torpedo Factory Art Center With 82 artist studios, seven galleries and an art school, the Torpedo Factory Art Center gives visitors an unparalleled chance to see painters, ceramicists and other artisans in their natural habitats. “You can come in, engage with the artists, ask what they’re doing and purchase their work,” CEO Eric Wallner says. S.D. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; 703838-4565, torpedofactory.org. 2ND: The Fridge DC, 516 ½ Eighth
St. SE; 202-664-4151, thefridgedc .com. 3RD: Blind Whino, 700 Delaware
Ave. SW; blindwhino.org.
Newseum Chief among the Newseum’s hands-on exhibits is the NBC News Interactive Newsroom, where visitors can take on the role of editor, photojournalist, reporter or anchor. At the Be a TV Reporter stations, select a backdrop and read a news report from a teleprompter; clips are posted to YouTube. S.D. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386, newseum.org. 2ND: National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; 202633-1000, mnh.si.edu. 3RD: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW; 202272-2448, nbm.org.
Best piece of D.C. architecture
Washington National Cathedral
!
The whole family will love it...must-see!"
U.S. National Arboretum
Washington is mostly a neoclassical city, but it’s the Gothic-style cathedral wrapped in flying buttresses and grotesques that we really love. Once construction started in 1907, it took 83 years to complete, which makes sense considering they had to get 112 gargoyles, 288 angels and 231 stained glass windows up there. Bring binoculars to spy the sculpted Darth Vader head on the northwest tower. B.M. 3101 Wisconsin
If you thought the Arboretum was your own private getaway, your secret’s out — for the fourth year in a row. Highlights of its 446 acres: the National Grove of State Trees, where you’ll discover that non-state D.C. has a state tree; the mini trees at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; and lots of free parking. H.J.M. 3501 New York Ave. NE; 202-245-2726, usna.usda.gov.
Ave. NW; 202-537-6200, cathedral.org. 2ND: Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE and 10 First St. SE; 202-707-5000, loc.gov. 3RD: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW; 202-272-2448, nbm.org.
When She Had Wings “
BEST UNDERRATED TOURIST ATTRACTION
2ND: Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE; 202-707-9779, loc.gov. 3RD: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, 400 West Basin Drive SW; nps.gov/frde.
MUST CLOSE NOV.1!
“Masterfully created... a sensational flight!” ~OurKids
~MD Theatre Guide
“Top pick! Visual and audio masterpiece!” ~DC Metro Theater Arts
“Stimulating and simply beautiful ...must-see!” ~BroadwayWorld.com
“ INSPIRED BY THE LIFE AND MYSTERY OF AMELIA EARHART!
!
Visually stunning and profoundly multi-layered story that can truly appeal to adults as easily as children!” ~DC Theatre Scene
www.imaginationstage.org | 301-280-1660
B20 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THUR SDAY
all of the hottest musicals are at signature
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Who will be left standing when the timer dings?
A hilarious new musical Now through November 22 | #SigCakeOff
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One of the greatest musicals of all time. December 8 ’ January 24 | #SigWestSide
girlstar
Plus two holiday cabarets — only $35 each
A musical pop fantasy
Now through November 15 | #SigGirlstar
signature
Tracy Lynn Olivera A Halloween Spooktakular October 27 ’ 31
Christmas with Nova Y. Payton and Friends December 8 ’ 24
703 820 9771 | SigTheatre.org
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B21
D.C. life DC
Metropolitan Washington, D.C., credits Georgetown’s strong alumni network for the university’s win. “It starts even before you arrive to campus,” Moran says, with local alumni hosting future students at their homes. After graduation, a fellow alum might help you find a job — that was the case for Moran. “I’ve met so many cool and interesting [Georgetown alums] I didn’t even go to school with,” he says. R.G. 2ND: University of Maryland, College Park. 3RD: George Washington University.
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR DOG TO MEET ITS SOULMATE
BEST OFFICE AWAY FROM THE OFFICE
Tryst With overstuffed couches, decent Wi-Fi and waitstaff who will let you loiter for hours over an increasingly tepid cup of tea, Tryst is the ideal place to “work from home.” The boho digs and trendy soundtrack make even updating spreadsheets feel hip. Just don’t make eye contact with anyone else typing away on a laptop, unless you want to help proofread a soon-to-be self-published autobiography. S.D. 2459 18th St. NW; 202-232-5500, trystdc.com. 2ND: Busboys and Poets, multiple locations; busboysandpoets.com. 3RD: Compass Coffee, 1535 Seventh St. NW; compasscoffee.com.
MOST LOYAL D.C.-AREA COLLEGE ALUMNI
Georgetown University Eamonn Moran, president of the Georgetown Alumni Club of
Fact: All dogs go to heaven. Conjecture: Heaven for dogs might be this 15,000-square-foot fenced-in dog park. There are two enclosures: a smaller one for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, older dogs or others who might have a little trouble getting around, and a large one for dogs of any size to chase balls and run to their hearts’ content. The park also hosts regular events including a Howl-o-ween party at the end of this month, which could be the perfect place to meet new friends, dog and human alike. B.M. 1673 11th St. NW; 330-737-1364, shawdogs.org. 2ND: Shirlington Dog Park, 2710 S. Oakland St., Arlington; parks.arlingtonva.us/
locations/shirlington-dog-park. 3RD: S Street Dog Park, 17th and S streets NW; dpr.dc.gov/page/dog-parks.
Best depiction of D.C. on TV
KATHERINE FREY (THE WASHINGTON POST)
Shaw Dog Park
BEST PLACE TO SEE WILDLIFE
Rock Creek Park Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and a whole lot of deer: These are just a few of the creatures you can spot in the 1,754 acres of urban wilderness known as Rock Creek Park. Look for the rare gray petaltail, a 3-inch-long dragonfly that can fly up to 60 miles per hour, hanging out on tall trees or zipping around sunny clearings. Or try to spot migrating songbirds around the Nature Center and Picnic Area 17. S.D. nps.gov/rocr. 2ND: Theodore Roosevelt Island, near the Key Bridge on northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway; nps.gov/this. 3RD: U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE; 202-2452726, usna.usda.gov. CONTINUED ON PAGE B22
‘House of Cards’ It must have been the moody shots of real D.C. streets in the opening credits that prompted readers to vote Netflix’s “House of Cards” the show that most accurately captures our city. (The rest of the drama is shot in Baltimore.) Because it couldn’t possibly be that what rang true to viewers were the lead characters, a power-hungry couple who seem to live in business formal and are ready to sacrifice anything to get to the top of the political food chain. No, that doesn’t sound like Washington at all. B.M. 2ND: “Veep” 3RD: “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!”
BEST PLACE TO BUY A GIFT
Salt & Sundry 1309 Fifth St. NE; 202-556-1866 and 1401 S St. NW; 202-6216647, shopsalt andsundry.com.
Almost every item in the cozy gift shop Salt & Sundry — whether it’s accessories for your home bar, adorable onesies, letterpress stationery or gourmet jam — is handpicked by owner Amanda McClements or her store manager. “I honestly just buy the things that I like,” McClements says. “We don’t have an age group, or men versus women.” Many of these luxury goodies are locally produced, like Sydney Hale Co. candles scented with clementine and clove or bourbon and brown sugar ($30), which are hand-poured in Virginia. Looking for quirky? Try a flask adorned with Abe Lincoln’s stern mug ($34). S.M.D. 2ND: National Building Museum gift shop, 401 F St. NW; 202-2727706, nbm.org. 3RD: Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-842-3055, propertopper.com.
B22 | EXPRESS | 10.15.2015 | THURSDAY
bestof
BEST NON-GIANT PANDA ZOO ANIMAL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B21
Elephant
BEST HOLIDAY EVENT IN D.C.
You’ve got to give it to the elephants: They’re the largest land animals on the planet, and among the smartest. Like chimpanzees, they work together to solve problems, comfort one another when upset and recognize themselves in mirrors. The National Zoo’s Kandula impressed the scientific community in 2011 with his ability to use tools to solve problems. Visit the resourceful pachyderm soon: He’s set to move to the Oklahoma Zoo to participate in a breeding program. “It’s time for him to go be a bull elephant,” National Zoo spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer says. S.D.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Every year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival — scheduled for March 20 to April 17 in 2016 — signifies that warmer weather is on the horizon. And when those trees hit peak bloom, they transform the Tidal Basin into a beautiful backdrop for Instagrams, Snapchats and marriage proposals. Throw in a parade, concerts and cherry blossom-themed specials at restaurants and bars, and you’ve got a recipe for D.C.’s best holiday event (even though it’s a made-up holiday). R.G. Various
2ND: Red panda. 3RD: Otter.
BEST D.C. EXPERIENCE MADE BETTER BY MARIJUANA
Everything
In this, the year that possession of a small amount of marijuana became legal in D.C., we asked readers to nominate the D.C. experience most improved by being high. A few put down their bongs long enough to nominate “everything,” and a bunch of you voted for it, so now it’s the winner. Good job. Very clever. B.M. 2ND: Visiting the monuments at night. 3RD: July Fourth fireworks.
locations; 877-442-5666, nationalcherryblossom festival.org. 2ND: July 4 fireworks, National Mall; nps.gov/subjects/ nationalmall4th. 3RD: ZooLights, National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-6334888, nationalzoo.si.edu.
BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE THAT’S NOT THE TIDAL BASIN
U.S. National Arboretum If a wedding proposal is rejected in the middle of a garden and no bystanders are there to hear it, does it make a sound? We’ll never know, because no one could
COMING UP NEXT AT ROUND HOUSE THEATRE ST U N N I N G
I R I S H
D RA M A !
F U N
NIGHT ALIVE CONOR MCPHERSON
BY D I R E C T E D
R O M A N T I C
CO M E DY !
STAGE KISS SARAH RUHL
BY D I R E C T E D
RYAN RILETTE OCTOBER 21 - NOVEMBER 13
AARON POSNER DECEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 27
BY
BY
Katie deBuys & Edward Gero
Dawn Ursula
DAYS!
E HOLI T FOR TH
PERFEC
Tickets from $30! RoundHouseTheatre.org | 240.644.1100 | Bethesda Metro: 1 block | Convenient Parking!
THURSDAY | 10.15.2015 | EXPRESS | B23
EVY MAGES (FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)
bestof
POV at the W Hotel
No matter how long you’ve lived here, it’s still hard to resist the hashtag possibilities the Washington Monument presents. And it’s even harder when you see it from the rooftop bar POV with a bourbon rickey in hand. Lest you be tempted to take a sloppy sunset snap, we asked Kate Warren, one of the professional photographers Express often calls on, for her Insta tips. Mind your light. “Professional photographers are great at making sure they’re in the right spot where the light is doing what they want it to do,” Warren says. So hit the bar at the “golden hour,” just before the sun sets. Don’t be boring. Warren suggests shooting through a cocktail glass or from above your head to set your snap apart from other #WashingtonMonument posts. Forget #nofilter. Warren skips Instagram’s built-in filters in favor of those from VSCO Cam (free, iOS and Android), a photo-editing app that mimics film cameras. Just pick a filter and toast to being the next Ansel Adams. L.M. 515 15th St. NW; 202-661-2400, povrooftop.com.
WORLD PREMIERE
ANIMAL BY CLARE LIZZIMORE DIRECTED BY G AY E TAY L O R U P CH U R CH I spent a weekend sampling the “ [Women’s Voices Theater Festival] offerings…
THE FINEST SHOW I SAW WAS THE STUDIO THEATRE’S ‘ANIMAL,’
…a moving contemporary drama with a startling twist that you’re not likely to see coming, or to forget.
3501 New York Ave. NE; 202245-2726, usna.usda.gov. 2ND: Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW; 202-426-6841, nps.gov/linc.
3RD: Meridian Hill Park, 2400
15th St. NW; 202-895-6000, nps.gov/mehi.
Written by Samantha M. Dean, Sadie Dingfelder, Rudi Greenberg, Beth Marlowe, Lori McCue, Holly J. Morris, Zainab Mudallal, Holley Simmons and Jeffrey Tomik (Express). Illustration by Alex Fine (For Express). Icons via FlatIcon.com.
LE ILY
possibly turn down a proposal at the Arboretum. Beauty abounds at this 446-acre park, where meandering paths and dreamy greenery paint an enchanting scene. Pro tip: Pop the question during a ranger-led full moon hike for an added layer of romance. H.S.
COMING SOON
”
AM
–The New York Times
2ND: Tidal Basin, circled by Independence Avenue, 15th Street SW and Ohio Drive. 3RD: Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW; nps.gov/linc.
KATE EASTWOOD NORRIS
PLACE TO GET THE BEST INSTAGRAM
N O W P L AYI N G
THE APPLE FAMILY CYCLE:
SORRY AND REGULAR SINGING BY RICHARD NELSON DIRECTED BY SERGE SEIDEN
SARAH MARSHALL
STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG | 202.332.3300