DC Style Is Real

Where Am I?

Haley Fults — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:39 +0000

In a salute to the less photographed (but no less beautiful and surprising) parts of DC, this intrepid on-foot photographer brings you a classic: the Where Am I? post. Inspired by Prince of Petworth in particular, I found myself pausing from time to time as I walk around our fair city, thinking, “Wow, I just like the way this looks.”

Use the comments section to let me know your guess. Or maybe you already know!

Posted by Haley Fults. Follow her on Twitter.

Ms. Vedral Goes to Washington: Have You Met Ted?

Haley Fults — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:12:48 +0000

I’ve been waiting to do a review of Ted’s Bulletin, almost since I first moved down here. But there was no way that one meal could do it justice, so after four visits (with definitely more to come), here is my take on Ted’s.

For those living in North or Southeast, Ted’s should become a staple, if it hasn’t become one already. For my Northwestern friends, it’s absolutely worth a trek across town.

My first visit to Ted’s was also my fourth day in the District. The week of moving had been emotional and I still hadn’t finished unpacking. A friend from New York had come down with me to help me set up and attend a conference that weekend. She showed up at my house at 8am on a Saturday and told me to get dressed so that we could get breakfast before her bus. Someone had recommended Ted’s and she insisted that we go.

Since we went so early on a Saturday, we only waited a few minutes. However, if you go during normal brunch hours 10am-2pm, you should probably make reservations or be prepared for a long wait.

Anyway, on that cold, rainy February morning, emotionally exhausted from my move, I ordered the appropriately named “Mark On An Off Day” breakfast (with egg whites). Bear in mind, I am not a big fan of eggs, especially since I can’t eat “egg yellows.” If you’re looking for comfort food, this is a great choice. The coffee is pretty good and the service was attentive, especially on a busy Saturday morning. Most importantly, the experience was comforting during an especially stressful week in a new city.

My second visit to Ted’s came a week later. A few friends from New York were in town and Ted’s was one of only like, four restaurants I knew of at the time. We went again on a Saturday morning and this time, I went healthy and ordered Jon’s Omelet (which was also delicious). One friend ordered The Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito, which she really enjoyed. Another ordered Nana’s Beer Biscuits and Sausage Gravy and apparently it was comparable to an actual grandmother’s biscuits and gravy…situation.

However, despite these delightful experiences I knew that I couldn’t write a review until I tried their famous homemade pop-tarts or an adult milkshake. Or tried a meal other than breakfast.

I had my first non-breakfast meal there about six weeks into my life here. A friend and I decided to spend the day “caféing” and went to Ted’s for lunch after having being extremely indecisive about where to eat (seriously, we went to about four other places and even tried samples. So sorry, other places! We were the worst). The lunch crowd was fairly sparse and it was easy to get a table. Our server was also attentive, almost more so than was conducive to peaceful eating. But that’s probably better than emotionally unavailable and passive-aggressive, right?

All of the lunch sandwiches can be made “healthier” with a wrap option, rather than a bun or bread. I was unsuccessful at convincing my friend to order The Famous Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup as a wrap (come on! That server was way too attentive!), she order the Tzatziki Greek burger. I ordered the Cali Club. She loved her burger, but my sandwich wasn’t amazing. It’s fine–I can try again. If this was the only smirch on a so far stellar record, I’m ok with that. As Ayn Rand would say in 1,000 pages (if she were a restaurant critic): not every sandwich can be special (There. I just summed up her whole canon of work for you. You’re welcome, DC).

We were so full from lunch we couldn’t order pop tarts or adult milkshakes. Like Jack Shephard, I knew that I had to go back.

And I did. On a fateful, Friday night–a Good Friday night, if you will–after indulging in another DC treasure, I went back to Ted’s. And despite all the other temptations on the menu, I ordered a pop tart (peanut butter and bacon) and an adult milkshake (Dirty Girl Scout). And though I know that the caloric intake of both probably equaled one’s daily allowance, they were amazing. The pop tart was an amazing mixture of salty and sweet. If they have that flavor when you go, definitely order it (unless you’re allergic to peanuts or you don’t eat bacon). When I mentioned that I was reviewing Ted’s for this blog, the bartender gave me another pop tart on the house. It was brown sugar and cinnamon (so basically, a tasty peanut/bacon-free alternative).

As for the Dirty Girl Scout. As Ayn Rand would NOT say, I recommend sharing. There’s no way you can finish that whole thing by yourself. Well, there was no way I could finish the whole thing by myself. Not only do you get brainfreeze, it’s just really filling. Still, as far as taste goes, it was delicious and is a staff pick (although, next time I want to try the Grasshopper).

Finally, besides the delicious menu, what is it really about Ted’s? The restaurant has a great retro decor. Even the menus are designed to look “old timey.” The ambience is definitely unique.

I hope one day you can join me at Ted’s–for a Grasshopper maybe? Or a cocktail (they make one with a fig jam–I mean that’s just begging to be tried)? Now that I’ve met Ted, I’m
looking forward to getting to know him better.

At 505 8th Street, SE in Eastern Market.

Written by Juliet Vedral. Follow her on Twitter.

Russia House: Are We Still in DC?

Haley Fults — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:48:22 +0000

Russia House, situated in a grand structure at the corner of Connecticut and Florida in upper Dupont, is a spectacular departure from the Aleros and Subways nearby. Hello, red velvet curtains and chandeliers. Goodbye sunshine and humidity. You’re in Russia now, babe.

The first thing to strike is the darkness. Much more intense than the comparative darkness of just being inside on a sunny day, Russia House imbues the customer with a luxurious darkness, the kind that makes you want to read Arthur Conan Doyle and enjoy a nice warm stew. The first floor is set with small tables on a thick carpet.

The staff of attractive blondes in short black dresses attends to drink and food orders. If you don’t know your Russian vodkas (Russia House’s list goes on for two pages), hew closely to this advice: just order a Moscow Mule. Presented in a very tall and large chilled martini glass, the drink is made with vodka, ginger beer and lime. The refreshing taste and sheer volume make this the obvious drink of choice. But if you prefer, there are many other martini options, as well as imported Russian beers.

The food is also impressive. Since Russian cuisine is not one of my fortés, I sampled from the starters and was not disappointed. Pelmini, little pillows of veal and pork served in marsala cream with forest mushrooms, made me feel decadent and cultured. And I don’t know why I was surprised, but the Chicken Croquettes with Two Russian Salads were not spring greens but mayonnaise-based cold salads. Delicious and creamy, with crunchy croquettes finishing out the dish…equals yum.

While not a bargain by any means, Russia House delivers decadence without breaking the bank. But seriously, use a Groupon if you possibly can.

I don’t go in for being inside on a sunny day, but at Russia House, I could get behind the idea with the help of a martini and a small plate of labor intensive snackage.

At 1800 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Dear Rob: Couch Experiment

Haley Fults — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:09:45 +0000

Dear Rob,

I wanted to let you know about this idea my friend told me about. It’s called the “couch experiment” and thought it would be useful in your posts.

To see if the guy or girl you like likes you too, find them sitting on a couch at a party…sit down next to them a little closer than normal. If she moves away immediately, no dice. If not, hooray!

What do you think?

Very interesting that you used the term “couch experiment.” It has certainly placed me in a very scientific mood. That’s a good thing, because when it comes to attraction, you will need lots of accuracy. Therefore it doesn’t hurt to add scientific rigor to your analysis.

Whether you know it or not, your couch experiment is in the realm of statistical hypothesis testing. You have a specific test (does she like me), and based on your results (she does or doesn’t freak out when I get close), you derive a conclusion (yes or no). However, in any test like the one you propose, you have to check for the probability of false positives and false negatives. Unfortunately, I believe your test is full of these statistical errors.

For example, maybe she moves away from you because she’s uncomfortable with you being so close, even though she likes you. That’s a false negative. On the other hand, maybe she’s distracted and hasn’t paid any attention to your moves. Therefore, you think she likes you, but she has no opinion of you at all. That’s a false positive.

So what you need is a test that is more accurate, less error-prone, and more precise in gauging various levels of attraction. I have found one that is particularly useful. I call it the “GO UP TO HER AND TALK TO HER” test. Yes, it may be old-fashioned, but a conversation is still the best method for creating and evaluating attraction. If your results are inconclusive, you can keep repeating this test for more accurate data. Please be aware, however, that if you repeat this experiment too much, she may start to get annoyed — even if she liked you at the beginning. To avoid this dilemma, you will eventually have to escalate and perform the “GO UP TO HER AND ASK HER OUT” test. This is clearly the best hypothesis test of all.

Unfortunately, there are no experiments or tests that avoids the risk of rejection. The sooner you embrace the risk, the better your results.

Written by our fearless, yet mysterious, relationship advice columnist.

Where Am I?

Haley Fults — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:03:59 +0000

Use the comments section to let me know your guess. Or maybe you already know!

Posted by Haley Fults. Follow her on Twitter.

Ms. Vedral Goes to Washington: 31 Going On 13

Haley Fults — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:59:44 +0000

pic courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

One of the most defining moments of my life was a watching Stephane Matteau score the game (and series) winning goal in double overtime against the New Jersey Devils. This goal sent the New York Rangers to the finals where they broke their 54 year curse and won the 1994 Stanley Cup. This goal solidified my fascination with and love for the Rangers. Despite the busyness and chaos of life over the past 18 years, even when I didn’t have time to watch games, the Rangers were still the only team in which I’ve taken more than a passing interest.

That May night in 1994, I had just celebrated my 13th birthday. Like most kids at that stage of life, I was angsty and moody and trying to navigate the super fun and exciting waters of adolescence! That year was both one of the best and the worst years of my life, full of transitions and the requisite self-discovery that comes from emotional upheaval. In a typical, self-absorbed 13-year old way, I think I saw the Rangers’ victory as a symbol of hope for my personal future.

Readers please note: In my 13-year old mind, I never for once dreamed that 18 years later, I’d pick up my life and move to Washington DC and be at a similar turning point as I navigate the super fun and exciting waters of adulthood!

(I also never dreamed that Martin Brodeur would still play goalie for the New Jersey Devils. Respect.)

And yet, here I am.

And here are my Rangers, playing in my new city. And I’m conflicted, because even though I know that I will never stop being a Rangers fan, I also want my new city to flourish. I want it to stand up to all the naysayers (New York, I’m looking at you) and succeed.

But not against the Rangers. Not this week.

It’s been strange to watch the games here in DC. I feel homesick in a way that I haven’t felt yet–happy with my life here, but sad to be away from the community of Rangers fans. And yet, it’s been amazing to bond with my roommate (a Bruins fan) and watch hockey together. It’s been amazing to join the chorus of Rangers fans worldwide through Twitter and Facebook, while still enjoying my new home.

And I must confess, there is a part of me that notes the perfect symmetry of that experience 18 years ago and my current reality. I am about to turn 31 and coming off a year of some major transitions and the self-discovery that comes from emotional upheaval. It hasn’t escaped my notice that once again, I’m looking toward a Rangers victory as a symbol of hope for my new life here in DC.

So, DC please don’t hold it against me that I’m hoping for a Rangers win tonight! If the Caps were playing any other team (especially the Islanders, Devils or Flyers) I’d be thrilled to root for my new city.

I’m even willing to one day call myself a Washingtonian.

But not tonight. Tonight I’m still a New Yorker. Tonight my jam is “Let’s Go Rangers.” Because 1994 called and it wants its Stanley Cup back.

Written by Juliet Vedral. Check out her media empire at The Wheelhouse Review.

Where Am I?

Haley Fults — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:48:56 +0000

Use the comments section to let me know your guess. Or maybe you already know!

Posted by Haley Fults. Follow her on Twitter.

Weekend [East City] Roundup: Portraits, Lights and Dreams Edition

Haley Fults — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:12:02 +0000

Friday May 4

Honfleur Gallery (7pm to 9pm)

Honfleur Gallery Presents Le Temps Devant (our time ahead) by Parisian photographer Frederic Nauczyciel. Nauczyciel masterfully captures the inhabitants of the Gers countryside in lifesize, Rembrant-like portraits. Each subject’s gaze and body language tells his/her story of life in rural southwestern France. For more information click here. Honfleur Gallery is located at 1241 Good Hope RD SE

The Gallery at Vivid Solutions (6pm to 8pm)

The East of the River photography gallery presents the work of local artist Benjamin K. Nguyen birdsdecay. The photographer captures beauty’s temporality and anguishes over its ephemeral nature. For more information click here. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions is located at 2208 Martin Luther King Ave SE

LUMEN8Anacostia Temporiums (6pm to 9pm)

The LUMEN8Anacostia Temporiums which are normally open from noon to 5pm on Saturdays will be open Friday night along with the two Anacostia galleries Honfleur and Vivid. Participating venues include site specific installations, artwork and crafts all made by area artists and artisans. For more info go to www.lumen8anacostia.com/temporiums-2 The LUMEN8 Anacostia Temporiums are located between 2208 MLK AVE SE and 2208 Good Hope RD.

The Fridge (7pm to 11pm)

The Fridge will present a group show featuring the DC Latino Art Collective whose artists draw their inspiration from Kahlo, Rivera, Dali and Picasso. The event will feature live music by Machetres. For more information click here. The Fridge is located at 516 1/2 8th Street rear alley, SE

Saturday May 5

The Brentwood Arts Exchange at the Gateway Art Center (3pm to 5pm)

Tosha Grantham, Philippa Hughes, Christina Marsh and John Yeh discuss what makes a portfolio great and not-so-great. Hear what makes them look twice or not at all, what they’ve seen that works, and where trends are going. Discussion to be moderated by Alonzo Davis.

This workshop is free but Advance Registration Required to http://smartlink.pgparks.com/smartlink to register and use code SMARTlink #883815 Brentwood Arts Exchange @ Gateway Arts Center is located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD 20722

Sunday May 6

The Corner Store (5pm to 8pm)

The Corner Store presents beloved CHAW art instructor and figurative artist Ellen Cornett. Cornett’s latest pastel series Fact from Fiction interpret dreams, fairytales and myth through archtypes as a means of explaining contemporary life. For more information click here. The Corner Store is located at 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art. You can get more information about East City Art on Facebook or follow them on Twitter

The Queen Vic: Your New Local

Haley Fults — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:53:20 +0000

pic courtesy The Hill Is Home

The Queen Vic, H Street’s best neighborhood hangout, has started to host a delightful trivia night upstairs every Tuesday at 7:30. Check out the newly roofed back patio on warm nights, sip on a pint, have a proper scran, and just straight chill, holmes. Teams are strictly limited to 4 people, and for Pete’s sake, resist the urge to reach for your smartphone — it’s a hollow victory if you cheat.

The quizmaster is warm and congenial, the questions aren’t too difficult (I’m staring in your general direction, Fadó’s trivia night), and the waitstaff is wonderfully attentive as always. And to top it all off, yours truly and his rag-tag band of mates won last night and got $50 off our bar tab! Amerigo Vespucci, we love thee. A fantastic way to spend a Tuesday.

Feel free to gush over this amazing feat and offer your humble congratulations in the comments below.

At 12th and H, NE.

Written by Joel Church.

The Wisdom Files: Pears of Wisdom

Haley Fults — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:38:26 +0000

pic courtesy of MetroMix

Wisdom takes first place as my you-have-to-go-to-this-bar bar. That is why I will run a post for each cocktail I think you may enjoy there. Each one is completely different and different people will have their own favorites (after all, you’re a beautiful, unique snowflake, aren’t you?). Hopefully, you’ll be intrigued enough to visit and try on a new identity.

As the second most popular cocktail found at Wisdom, Pears of Wisdom takes pear vodka, cognac and elderflower liquor, moves them around over ice and delivers a just plain sophisticated note to a rather light cocktail.

Try if…you usually refer back to the [tired] old “I’ll just have a vodka tonic” when faced with the raised eyebrow of the bartender. Pear is a very gentle flavor and, unlike cranberry or lime, puts the imbiber right at ease and won’t pucker the lips. So get out there, friend! But don’t worry, it’s not all that far. And it’s sure delicious.