•            2/7/12

#1: Kubrick staircases

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•           2/6/12

#2: Good book. YA lit from Oz (that's Australia to you) "Raw Blue" by Kirsty Eager

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•             2/5/12

#3 Enough about the food truck renaissance...what about the *old school* food trucks. Love this one, in front of the Hirschhorn, seen through the car's window in the rain.

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•            2/4/12

#4: (fake) Snow leopard coat. For street-walking cheetahs with hearts full of napalm.

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•       2/3/12

#5: funny light fixtures

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•      2/2/12

#6: Urban sustainables at night. Sort of magic. Looks like fairy land at night on 18th st. (tho' I wonder how green it is of them to keep those lights on)

#7: safety orange

#8: another good book. "In the Garden of Iden" by Kage Baker ~ wild speculative fiction / alternate history

#9: The way light falls through venetian blinds

#10: Yellow and red painted rooms

I have this project, which I’ve started. It’s really rather fun. I have to take at least one photo every day.  The end result is an often charming, sometimes weird & wacky photo-journal. All the images are from my cellphone & un-retouched.  I really rather love it.

So, in lieu of the typical “Top 10″, I presenting this week’s top 10 — in photojournal form.

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•            2/1/12

1. Fun Bright Bedding...it's cold, so snuggle up.

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•           1/31/12

#2 Chicken & rice...Peruvian style

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•            1/30/12

#3 Vinho verde and pretty labels

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•            1/29/12

#4 Enter the Dragon ... lunar new year

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•            1/28/12

#5 Loving reflections & light through glass

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•            1/27/12

#6 Food truck renaissance... Red Hook Lobster Pound

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•            1/26/12

#7 Spartacus: blood and sand. (on Netflix)

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•            1/25/12

#8 Old school Pepsi sign in Baltimore

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•           1/24/12

#9 Beautiful cookies & cakes from Berger's in B'more

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•           1/23/12

#10 The night sky... in the form of an ya dystopia ("A Million Suns")

#10 Strawberry ice cream

Super Tacos

Don’t let this discreet “Mom and Pop” small Mexican restaurant fool you. It’s delicious. It may seem ordinary  from the outside, but Super Tacos is home to traditional Mexican food that will melt in your mouth without melting your wallet. The food is cheap and the owner is friendly and, as an added bonus, totally cute. The restaurant also has a full bakery offering up traditional cakes and pastries all week long.

*Tip: Super Tacos sells Orange Crush. In the original bottle. Can’t get more old school than that.

http://www.supertacosdc.com/

Founding Farmers

I can’t remember if I’ve ever included Founding Farmers in a Weekend Walk-In’s edition. Regardless, it MUST be mentioned. The restaurant is far from a best-kept secret in D.C. Pretty much everyone knows and loves this restaurant, but for the unique few that are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to enlighten you. Founding Farmers is the Mecca of restaurants in D.C. It’s chic, sophisticated, has a fully stocked bar, and is packed every night of the week. The food is amongst the most delicious I have ever eaten. Mind you, I’ve eaten food from over fifteen different countries- Founding Farmers is just that good. It’s a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Make a reservation and take the person you like the most out to eat. Or just bring your mom. Just kidding. Love you, Mom.

*Tip: My personal favorite is the Skirt Steak Enchilada. It’s so incredibly epic.

http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Beyond Therapy

Do you think your love life has a gone a tad bit awry? Well, join in the company of some eccentric characters as they navigate the complexities of their attractions in this weekend’s performance of Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy produced by Generic Theater Company in Foggy Bottom. Pick a night and be sure to catch one of the four performances this remarkable cast will be putting on tonight and tomorrow night in the Lisner Downstage.

*Tip: Special shout outs to my wonderfully talented friend and fellow actor, Matt Rist! Break a leg, Barfee!

http://www.facebook.com/events/234592563283258/

Pinterest.com

I always like to include an alternative to going out on these blog posts, just in case you’ve had a particularly tiring week and want to lay on the couch for an eternity…or just for a couple of hours or so. If that’s the case for you this week, I have brought you a special new treat: Pinterest.com. I discovered Pinterest back in October and have wasted countless hours on it ever since. The website acts as a virtual pin board where you can collect, organize, comment, and label images for yourself or on other people’s accounts. It’s like Google images meets Facebook meets . Whether you’re planning your wedding, redecorating your home, painting your nails, organizing your office, looking for date outfit ideas, cutting your hair, need a new dessert recipe etc. you can find it on Pinterest. Check it out. You will have a blast.

*Tip: When you’re starting out on the website, you have to be put on a “waiting list” before you can get a Pinterest account. Don’t be discouraged. It only takes a couple of days and then you’ll gain access. Patience is a virtue.

http://pinterest.com/

Manouch

Manouch is a legend and it’s likely that if you are not an 18 to 21 year old GW student or graduate of the university, you probably don’t know of him or his hot dog stand. Allow me to shed some light on this infamous late night vendor. Manouch’s Hot Dog Stand is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from about 11 to the wee hours of the morning. He serves the most delicious hot dogs I have ever tasted (even in comparison to infamous NYC dirty water dogs). The food is dirt cheap, you are sure to make friends waiting on the usual line, and if you are dealing with a problem, talk to Manouch about it while he prepares your dog. He’ll definitely have some words of wisdom for you.

*Tip: As far as toppings go, just ask him for “the works.” That usually includes ketchup, mustard, onions, cheese, chilli, and his famous “GW sauce.” Just eat it. It’s heavenly.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/manouch-hot-dog-stand-washington-2

Theater Look-In at the Kennedy Center

If you’re like me and don’t have the $50+ to go see a musical performance at the Kennedy Center, the Kennedy Center is now hosting a series of “Theater Look-In’s” where you can sit in on discussions with the casts of the musicals going up at the Kennedy Center. You have the chance to ask the actors questions and get an “inside look” at the entire process of putting on the show. The best part is that it’s only $12!

*Tip: This season, there are Theater Look-Ins for The Addam’s Family and La Cage aux Folles. Tickets can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=EMETB

Etete

I’ll be honest. I don’t know much about Ethiopian food and I have never been to Etete, but every time I research new restaurants in DC, Etete always manages to show up in my searches. It’s gotten rave reviews from pretty much everyone except the Queen of England. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like pretty good odds to me.

*Tip: Parking seems to be an issue at Etete on Friday and Saturday nights since U Street is a bumping locale on the weekends. Take the metro or hop in a cab.

http://www.eteterestaurant.com/index.html

Bobby’s Burger Palace

Oh, Bobby Flay. Why do you tease me so? Anyone looking for their newest burger addiction look no further than K Street in Foggy Bottom. There you will find Foggy’s newest establishment, Bobby’s Burger Palace, whipped up by none other than celebrity Chef extraordinaire, Bobby Flay. The burgers are super tasty and come in all kinds of combinations, including but not limited to potato chips, blue cheese crumbles, and goat cheese. The shakes come flat or spiked and the fries come sweet or crisped. Plus, the inside looks like you stepped right into Toy Story’s Pizza Planet. I’d say it’s an excellent choice when you need a new spin on your usual after-work drinks with friends routine, or if you just want delicious food.

*Tip: The French fry dipping sauce is the best. Don’t neglect it.

http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.com/index.php

PS: Rest in Peace, Etta James. You were a diamond. 

]]> http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/archives/3927/feed 0 http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/archives/3888 http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/archives/3888#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:53:39 +0000 The OJBG Team http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/?p=3888 By: Samantha

      Bodega

My roommate and I would constantly notice the ornate exterior of this Georgetown restaurant every time we went for a walk around town. Finally, we decided it was time to make a reservation and find out what the interior looked like. We got all dolled up for a girl’s night out and to little surprise, we discovered that Bodega was precisely the right location for a classy night in D.C. The restaurant is richly decorated in dark tones and decadent wallpapers and the tapas compliment the décor with their bold flavors and interesting combinations. The New Year deserves some adventurous new cuisine, and I suggest you start off with Bodega.

            *Tip: The Arroz Meloso al Azafrán con Gambas, or the creamy saffron rice with grilled shrimp tapas plate was our favorite. Perhaps it will be yours too.

http://www.bodegadc.com/home.asp

Award Season

            It is my personal favorite time of the year because it is AWARD SEASON. With the Golden Globes this Sunday, and the Oscars soon to follow, it’s time to catch up on this year’s best films, television shows, and performances before they announce the winners of those coveted golden statues. My personal favorites for this year include The Help and Midnight in Paris. What were yours?

            *Tip: For those teens reading this that will be going to prom in the spring, the best inspiration comes from award shows. Pay attention to the star’s dresses, jewelry, shoes, bags, makeup, and hairstyles. It is way easier to develop your own look with a little inspiration and the award shows can give you HOURS of it.

The New Year

            We are already a full two weeks into the New Year. Perhaps it’s the optimist in me, but I think the New Year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your life’s course and change some things that may not be beneficial to you and your well being. Whether it’s a change in jobs, a new hobby, revamped eating habits, more exercise, a new haircut, or any other form of change, the time is now for a terrific new year.

PR at Partners Salon and Spa

            If your New Year’s resolution is to revamp your look, you should head over to the PR at Partners Salon in Foggy Bottom. I recently visited the salon to correct a botched hair-dye job and I could not have had a more pleasant experience. The hair stylists take the time to discuss with you your concerns, desired look, hair type, and management time before they touch anything. Aside from haircuts and coloring, the salon also does hair removal, facials, and other spa services. There are 14 other locations throughout D.C. and Virginia. This salon and spa also specializes in rejuvenating clients’ entire looks, from their hairstyle to their makeup and clothing through makeup and stylist consultations, perfect for New Year makeovers. For more information, check out their website.

            *Tip: Jonathan was my hairstylist at the K Street Salon. He was fabulous, extremely receptive, and most welcoming. He walked me through every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and was full of conversation. Plus, my hair looked excellent when he was finished. I highly recommend him.

http://www.pratpartners.com/

by Siara:

(via heyarnold.wikia.com, nickelodeon, & wiretotheear.com)

As a frequent Metro customer, I am always overhearing conversation. One reoccurring topic among the older generation tends to be about how things were different when they were growing up. Their stories tend to start with the phrase “Back in my day” and then they go on to recollect about life in the 40′s, 50′s, 60′s etc. But, I cannot venture that far into the past, so I will reminisce on what i remember growing up in the 90′s.

People rented VHS’s not DVD’s.
Rugrats, Hey Arnold and Doug were among the most popular cartoons.
Gas cost approximately $1.16 in 1995.
Kickball was the game of choice.
You used a walkman to listen to music.
$4.23 was the average price of a movie ticket.
It was cool to have shoes that lit up.
Road Rules was a big hit on MTV.
Bill Clinton was President.
You did not have a cellphone, but a pager.
Children had a digital Tamagotchi pet.

…These are just a few of the things I recall whilst thinking about my childhood.

1. The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

            Attention: another shameless publicity attempt by me to promote the show I am in this weekend. Opening night was a success and the shows will only get better from here. Really and truly, if you are around Georgetown or Foggy Bottom, jump on a Vern Express and head over to the West Hall Blackbox Theater to see the 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee until Saturday night.

*Tip: Sign up to be an audience volunteer. If you get chosen to volunteer, you will get to be on stage alongside the cast competing in the spelling bee. It is good fun, I promise.

http://www.facebook.com/events/254617587924971/

http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/archives/3719

2. American Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker” OR GWU Balance’s “The Nutcracker”

            The classic ballet tale of a little girl on Christmas Eve will be in Foggy Bottom at the Kennedy Center and at George Washington University this weekend. Relish in some of your childhood memories; enjoy one of the major traditions of the holiday season, and go on over to one of these venues for a simply festive night with family and friends.

*Tip: To purchase tickets, visit the Kennedy Center’s website. If you are a little low on cash, GWU’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is free. It doesn’t get better than that!

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=BMBSC

http://www.facebook.com/events/320010774675871/

3. Serendipity III

            I have always waned to visit one of New York City’s restaurant trademarks: Serendipity III. To my shock, I recently discovered that Serendipity III also popped up around the corner in Georgetown. Although I have yet to actually dine at the establishment, I can’t help believe that the food is excellent. The restaurant has been featured in three major films. It can’t be that bad.

*Tip: The Frooozen Hot Chocolate is the famed drink at Serendipity III. Doesn’t sound too bad to me.

http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm

4. The release of OJBG’s MUSIC VIDEO

            Okay, so I lied, this won’t be happening until the end of the month. But, hey, it’s pretty exciting news. Although I cannot unveil any of the details about what we have in store for the OJBG Music Video, I can assure you all that it will be excellent. Stay tuned!

Prepare yourself: here is one of my many shameless attempts to come to publicize the five upcoming performances of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the George Washington University. Your loyal and devoted blogger, yours truly, Samantha, will be performing in the show, so I ask any and all of you out there to PLEASE head on over to Foggy Bottom this weekend for a night filled with juvenile hilarity.

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee debuted on Broadway in 2005 and was nominated for six Tony Awards. The basic premise of the musical is six middle school children competing in a county spelling bee in the hopes of winning and going on to compete in the national spelling bee. Each of the six children have their own quirk, which continuously adds to the comedy of the one-act performance. The unique aspect of the show that many people may not know about is that four audience members are selected to compete in the spelling bee alongside the actors, giving the characters added competition in winning the bee and achieving their greatest childhood dream.

The show is full of vibrant, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching musical numbers including “ I Speak Six Languages,” “My Friend The Dictionary,” “”Pandemonium,” “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor,” “Woe is Me,” “I’m Not That Smart,” “Magic Feet,” and the well-known “The I Love You Song.” Each song adds a new layer to the children’s personas, offering a greater explanation of who they are as children and how they ended up at the spelling bee.

Forbidden Planet Productions, one of George Washington University’s premier theater companies, will be putting the show up this weekend, December 8^th through December 10^th on their Mount Vernon Campus near Georgetown. Feel free to visit the Facebook event for more details about times, location, and tickets: http://www.facebook.com/events/254617587924971/

1.   Ice-Skating at the National Gallery of Art

HOLIDAY DATE IDEA: ice-skating at the National Gallery of Art. “Break the ice” by falling on ice with your significant other. There is no better excuse for hand-holding like grasping each other’s hands for support on the rink. Top off the date with hot chocolate at the Pavilion Café and you can easily guarantee yourself a goodnight kiss.

*Tip: The rink is located in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. It does not get more romantic than that- unless you want to fly on over to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm#admission

2.   A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater

For all of the theater junkies out there, Ford’s Theater is putting on the traditional performance, “A Christmas Carol,” throughout December and January. Personally, I think seeing any show in Ford’s Theater is an added bonus considering you’re in the same theater President Lincoln got assassinated in. Maybe I’m a nerd, but that fact just never stops being eerily cool.

*Tip: If you want to see one of these performances, move quickly. Shows at Ford’s Theater get sold out VERY quickly. Visit the theater’s website to purchase tickets.

http://fords.org/event/christmas-carol-0

3.   Zaytinya

Behold, my personal favorite restaurant in all of D.C. If you are in the mood for a delicious blend of Mediterranean small plates, head on over to Zaytinya. The restaurant is sleek and stylish, the waiters are delightful, and there is patio-style dining for those sunny afternoons. An added plus: on weekdays, Zaytinya roasts lamb on a spit in the front of the restaurant for those who have a short lunch break.

*Tip: The grilled lamb t-bones are to die for. But, actually. Heaven opens its pearly gates with at the sight of this entree.

http://www.zaytinya.com/

4.   Holiday Music and Decorating

It’s officially December- December 2^nd to be exact. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanza, the time of every year when you are allowed to relish in holiday music, décor, and food has finally come. Whether that means putting up the tree, hanging the stockings and lights, or breaking out the dreidels, get to work. Yes, the holidays are not until the end of the month, but hey, getting there is half the fun.

*Tip: Take this month as an opportunity to learn more about your own family’s traditions. My mom and I bake chocolate covered pecans every year. What is special to your family during the holidays? Find out!

Thanksgiving is a magical holiday in that, no matter who you are, if you live in the United States of America, you will be celebrating it. Instead of identifying certain events in Washington, D.C. to attend in the following days up to Thanksgiving, I decided to identify the major Thanksgiving traditions every OJBG fan can participate in, regardless of where they live.

*Editor’s Note: The writer apologizes for the tardiness of this blog post. She has been enjoying her own pre-Thanksgiving family time in New Jersey. Happy Thanksgiving to every single one of the OJBG fans!

1. The Thanksgiving Day Football Game

Gather up all of the football lovers in the house and turn on the Thanksgiving football game. Break out the stuffing and have yourselves a ball while enjoying some traditional football on the most traditional day in the United States.

2. Presidential Turkey Pardon

Every year, the President spares the life of one of the thousands of ill-fated turkeys across the country. It’s a comical reminder that all of us deserve a second chance every now and then.

3. Black Friday

Ah the blessed event for all credit card companies: Black Friday. The procedures are simple: wake up at the crack of dawn, head on over to your favorite department store/electronics megaplex and purchase a plasma screen TV or laptop for significantly lower the price. It’s a post-Thanksgiving food coma tradition and everyone can experience it, regardless of the state you live in.

4. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy’s has been putting on the Thanksgiving Day Parade for 85 years now and each year, it only gets more thrilling with new balloons, performances, and floats. I have been lucky enough to see it not only on the television, but also up close and personal on the streets of New York City. If you have the opportunity to get to New York City for the morning of the parade, I highly suggest you experience it once in your life. However, sometimes, it is better to cozy up on the couch with your knuckle-head brother while your mom is putting the turkey in the oven and watch the parade in complete warmth and comfort rather than getting pushed and shoved in 30 degree weather trying to see the floats.

5. Being Thankful

With the new year quickly approaching and the holiday festivities upon us, it is most important to remember what each of us are individually thankful for. Whether it has a been a particularly tough year or a year of opportunity and accomplishment,  Thanksgiving and the months that follow it are excellent times to truly reflect on the year and realize all that has happened and all that you have to be thankful for.

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