Dining Archives
Senate Privatises Cafeteria
In a story rich with irony the Senate, led by Democrat Diane Feinstein, has voted to privatize its restaurants and food services. The House privatized twenty years ago. The result? Sort of like East and West Berlin.
"Food Fight," by Alex Tabarrok, Marginal Revolution, June 10, 2008
In a masterful bit of understatement, Feinstein blamed "noticeably subpar" food and service. Foot traffic bears that out. Come lunchtime, many Senate staffers trudge across the Capitol and down into the basement cafeteria on the House side. On Wednesdays, the lines can be 30 or 40 people long.
House staffers almost never cross the Capitol to eat in the Senate cafeterias.
"Senate Votes To Privatize Its Failing Restaurants," by Paul Kane, The Washington Post, June 9, 2008
More
- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006," GAO Report GAO-08-463, March 7, 2008 (23-page pdf
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- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005," GAO Report GAO-07-462, March 13, 2007 (20-page pdf )
- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2003," GAO Report GAO-05-297, March 10, 2005 (also available as a 19-page pdf )
- "Senate Dining Room: Where the elite meet," by The Hill Staff, July 16, 2003
- Senate Bean Soup
- The Members' Dining Room
- Capitol Dining Areas Open to the Public: House | Senate
- Restaurant Associates
- Capitol Hill: Map, Buildings, Hotels, Restaurants - from TheCapitol.Net
- Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
- Some of the places our faculty and authors like in "Faculty Favorites" on Hobnob Blog
- Washington Post restaurant reviews
- Washington City Paper restaurant finder
- Washingtonian magazine restaurant reviews
June 11, 2008 07:37 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Al Swift
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Al Swift (bio), a former Member of Congress, shares his favorites.
Five most interesting places to visit
- Washington's Tomb or what was supposed to be that. It is now the place they store the Lincoln catafalque which has been used for every person who has laid in state in the rotunda since it was used for Abraham Lincoln. It is kind of hard to find but it is directly beneath the center of the Capitol Dome. Just keep going down. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
- The Brumidi Corridor in the U.S. Capitol, Senate side. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
- The Capitol Rotunda. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
- The Lincoln Memorial. web site, Independence Avenue SW & 23rd Street SW, Washington, DC.
- The Smithsonian. Some of these are pretty standard, but they are not ordinary. web site, map of museums on or near the National Mall, 202-633-1000.
Five most favorite “fun” things to do
- Have a martini, a cigar, and a conversation at Shelly's Back Room, a tavern in DC. One of only two places in DC where you can enjoy a good cigar while wetting one's whistle. web site, 1331 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3003.
- Go to the National Zoo. web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800.
- Go to the Arboretum. web site, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726.
- Ride the paddle boats in the Tidal Basin. This is one that I have not done, but it always seemed like fun. web site, 1501 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 202-479-2426.
Five favorite restaurants
Well, I'm a truck driver's son and while I've learned to like the finer things in life, I haven't forgotten the joys of a good peanut butter and jam sandwich...- The Prime Rib for steak and lobster bisque. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-8811. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- The Monocle for history and politics with your meal. web site, 107 D Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-546-4488 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Hard Times Cafe, any of them for chili. I like Texas, halfway wet with onions on the side. web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- Five Guys any of them for hamburgers, what else? web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- BJs Sandwich Shop in the National Press Building. For good sandwiches when you are on the run. (But I've never tried their PB&Js.) web site,
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
May 22, 2008 07:27 AM Link Comments (0)
The World's Best Restaurants?
First published by Restaurant magazine in 2002 and now in its seventh year, The S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants is recognised around the world as the most credible indicator of the best places to eat on Earth.The S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants. In the US:
- 5. The French Laundry, Yountville, CA [Yelp]
- 6. Per Se, New York [Yelp]
- 17. Jean Georges, New York [Yelp]
- 20. Le Bernardin, New York [Yelp]
- 21. Alinea, Chicago [Yelp]
- 37. Chez Panisse, Berkeley [Yelp]
- 38. Charlie Trotter's, Chicago [Yelp]
- 41. Daniel, New York [Yelp]
Rounding out the top 100:
52. Nobu, New York [Yelp]
54. Masa, New York [Yelp]
63. WD-50, New York [Yelp]
85. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York [Yelp]
87. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Las Vegas [Yelp]
April 24, 2008 05:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Chinese Restaurants in America
Chef's Ma Paul Tofu (Wu Liang Ye Restaurant, NYC)
What most Americans know as Chinese food would be more properly termed American Chinese food, a category that includes chop suey and lemon chicken, dishes born in the U.S. Given, as Lee points out, that there are about 40,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., "more than the number of McDonald's, Burger Kings, and KFCs combined," Chinese food might be our national cuisine. "Our benchmark for Americanness is apple pie," she writes. "But ask yourself. How often do you eat apple pie? How often do you eat Chinese food?"
Chinese restaurants are ubiquitous, usually taking the form of urban carryout shops and suburban buffets. But how did these restaurants flourish across the American landscape? For the most part they are independently run, so how is it they seem to share similar characteristics, such as gigantic menus filled with egg rolls, garish red sweet and sour sauce, and General Tso's chicken?
Each chapter answers these questions and more, examining soy sauce, the distinctive shape of takeout boxes favored by Chinese restaurants, and fortune cookies, which Lee discovers are Japanese in origin.
"West eats East: A fact-filled look at Chinese food, which just might be America's national cuisine," by Bich Minh Nguyen, ChicagoTribune.com, March 1, 2008
More
- Author's blog: The Fortune Cookie Chronicles
- Chinese Restaurants on Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
- Chinese Restaurants on A Guy in New York
- "Review: 'The Fortune Cookie Chronicles'," by Heller McAlpin, Special to Newsday, March 2, 2008
- "Solving a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside a Cookie," by Jennifer 8. Lee, The New York Times, January 16, 2008
March 3, 2008 08:47 AM Link Comments (0)
What's wrong with this picture?
What's wrong with this picture?
Caution: this is a professional actor. Do NOT attempt this at a business meal!
There are at least eight things in this picture that demonstrate bad business etiquette.
For a link to the answers, see our training course, "How to Walk, Talk and Network in Washington: Presentations, Briefings, Business Etiquette, and Networking Skills for Washington: Cmmunication Skills for the Professional".
Also see our Capitol Learning Audio Course, "Business Etiquette: Keys to Professional Success," with Jill Kamp Melton.
January 31, 2008 04:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Eamonn's
Fish and chips - and chicken nuggets - at Eamonn’s in Old Town.
Eamonn’s--A Dublin Chipper, web site, 728 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-8384 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper]
December 13, 2007 05:47 PM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Steve Roberts
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Steve Roberts (bio), a journalist, political commentator, and the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, shares his favorites.
Favorite Places to Visit
- I still get a thrill every time I see the Capitol, particularly at night, even after all these years. web site, map
- The branch of the Air and Space Museum at Dulles airport is a real treat. My grandkids love the space shuttle and the Blackbird spy plane. The IMAX theater there also a special event (the IMAX theater in the Air and Space Museum downtown shows the same films but tends to be more crowded). Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, web site, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA, 202-633-1000, free admission, $ parking and IMAX have fees
- I'm a big fan of the National Zoo, lots to see in addition to the pandas. Try to catch elephant training (11 am) or seal feeding (11:30 am) shows daily (daily programs). web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800
- National Museum of Natural History is great for dinosaur loving kids. Lots of cool skeletons. web site, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-1729
- Get out of your car and walk around Georgetown or Old Town in Alexandria. Notice the small architectural details and get a feel for an 18th century cityscape. Georgetown - from Wikipedia, "Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria," from Rachel Cooper.
Fun Things to Do
- Walking/jogging/biking along the C&O Canal is a lovely outing particularly in spring. Take the Park Service trip on an old barge, along the canal, starting in Georgetown, complete with guides and period musicians (web site). Also the Capital Crescent Trail (web site), part of the rails-to-trails system, goes through MD and down to Georgetown. web site
- Cherry blossoms in MD neighborhood of Kenwood (in Bethesda) are actually more spectacular than at the Tidal Basin and much less crowded. map, "Walking Kenwood, Maryland During Cherry Blossom Time," by Kevin Shaw
- National Arboretum (east of Capitol) is best in azalea season, early May. web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
- Glen Echo Park (also in MD) is a real old-fashioned amusement park. Don't miss the carousel (web site). Puppet (web site) and live stage shows for kids on weekends are well-done. NPS web site, events web site, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, event line: 301-634-2222
- Congressional Cemetery (in southeast DC) has some fascinating monuments (John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, list of famous internments), very guest/dog friendly. web site, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-0539
Favorite Restaurants
- Downtown I like Primi Piatti (on Eye St) especially in nice weather when you can eat outside. Feels like Rome. I like the ravioli, farfalle with crab and peas, and roasted peppers with goat cheese. web site, 2013 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-3600
- A door or two away, Cafe Lombardy (in Lombardy Hotel) is nice for breakfast (ask for a window table, usually sunny even in winter). web site, 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-828-2600 [openlist | MenuPages]
- Iron Gate on N St. has the loveliest garden in town, food with a Lebanese accent. web site, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-1370 [DC Pages | Gayot | WaPo | Yelp]
- Legal Seafood on K St. has a delicious tuna burger. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-496-1111 [Yelp]
- In the suburbs, my favorite is Pines of Rome in downtown Bethesda (on Hamden Lane, walking distance from Metro stop), very reasonable and kid friendly, white pizza a house specialty. 4709 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-8775 [MenuPages | Yelp | City Paper]
- Mon Ami Gabi on Woodmont is a great French bistro, I like the crepes and omelets. web site, 7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-654-1234 [Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
December 1, 2007 08:07 AM Link Comments (0)
Excellent BBQ near Williamsburg, VA - Hog Wild Smokehouse
Gracious service, excellent food.
Must try's: the collard greens, pulled pork, pear cobbler (in season), sweet potato pie.
Five kinds of sauces in a recycled 6-pack carrier
Mr. Bill's Oyster Feast, with barbeque beans
Combo: ribs, pulled pork, Stewed green beans, cheesy cornbread, collard greens
Hog Wild Smokehouse, web site, 8864 Richmond Road, Toano, VA 23168 757-741-2515 [Yelp | dailypress.com]
November 22, 2007 11:27 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Bill Noxon
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Bill Noxon (bio), a public relations practitioner, shares his favorites.
Favorite Places to Visit
My work led me to a couple of these choices after having more than a normal visitor's access, so my picks may have some innate prejudices.- The White House -- Whether or not you agree with the politics of whomever is the sitting president, there is nothing more exciting than getting an up-close and personal look at this fascinating place. It's not as large as it may appear in pictures, and when you go into the press room where they hold daily briefings, it feels like you're inside a small box because of the tight theater-style seating and all the equipment buzzing around you. Yet, that's the room you see every day on TV and where White House spokesmen reach millions with their communications on presidential activity and policy. The other rooms up in the main White House complex are a little smaller than one may expect, but their beauty, furnishings and art leave you almost speechless. Many rooms give you a wonderful view of the Rose Garden. When you consider you're walking on the same floors as every president since the White House was built, you realize that you are probably one of the very few Americans who have the opportunity to be inside this seat of global power. It is an awesome place. I've personally been fortunate enough to be able to walk many of the rooms without tour guides and just contemplate the experience. I've been involved in ceremonies in the East Room with Presidents Clinton and Bush, which were all exciting events. And I can verify from having the opportunity to attend a few presidential receptions that the White House food is -- in a word -- fantastic. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC [White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC | White House Tours]
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- I was not in Vietnam, but was in the Army during the final couple of years of this conflict. If you are of an age that you have had friends or family involved in Vietnam, the 58,000 or so names that stream across this marvelous monument leave you literally without words. Even though I know of no personal friends who were casualties, I go back and continually scan the names. It's not that I want to find someone I know, but it's one of those eerie things that draws you back. The names represent real people, young people, whose lives were lost trying to do their duties in support of our nation. web site, search for names at The Wall, map (approximately 22nd Avenue NW and Constitution Avenue NW). Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is probably a good corollary if you're paying tribute to our fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, but nothing leaves you quite as struck as this Vietnam memorial. web site, map (located just beyond the western end of the Memorial Bridge; the Lincoln Memorial is located at the eastern end of Arlington Memorial Bridge)
- The Capitol -- This used to be my favorite place to visit because of its beauty and its history, but the recent security measures have really detracted from the Capitol's true personality. There was a time you could walk into most entrances, get into the House and Senate galleries with little problem, and in fact, during my early days of broadcast news, I was able to cover many hearings in both chambers, and pretty much come and go without question. And not too long ago, it was common to see Senators and Congressmen walk by, and if you recognized them, you might get a few words with them. The atmosphere isn't as welcoming as it once was, but the building still has a lot of charm, and it is another of those "can't miss experiences" if you are in DC. web site, map
- Smithsonian Air and Space Museum -- Even for those who aren't especially interested in aviation, this is still one of the nation's most attractive "free" experiences. The kids love it. Some of the old aircraft and space vehicles are suspended high above the main floor, while others are available to on the floor for close-up viewing. The museum is beautifully laid out so that you can take escalators up and down to many other displays, theater presentations and interactive exhibits. I haven't looked at statistics recently on visitation, but this seems to be one the one place tourists all migrate to because of its central location and interesting presentation. web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
- The Lincoln Memorial -- Of all the individual memorials in Washington, this one still makes my heart pound when I go there. It's not just that it's Abe Lincoln and his legacy that are presented there. But it's the beauty of the statue, the words that grace the interior, and the remarkable view as you turn back toward the Mall and see the Washington Monument and Capitol Rotunda squarely ahead. Then there are visions of the many historic events that occurred there, such as the Vietnam war protests, Martin Luther King, Junior's great speeches, the stirring performances given there during Independence Day and other special occasions. web site, map, next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, article from Wikipedia
- Others -- You can make a full day of Smithsonian's various museums of art, science and technology and never walk more than a mile [web site | also see "Museums, Memorials and Monuments in DC" from TheCapitol.Net]. The John F. Kennedy Memorial on the edge of Arlington National Cemetery [web site] should be a stop on your tour. People are starting to "lose the significance" of this tragic event in our nation's history, so I tend to steer people there.
There are those who believe Washington has recently become too crowded with new memorials [e.g., FDR, WWII], diluting the significance of each. But I still believe many of the earlier monuments hold the most beauty, and places like the White House and Capitol retain their importance because they are still very active as part of our national character and historical relevance.
Fun Things to Do
- Fourth of July celebrations -- These are always great. They bring people together in harmony, and it's a great traditional party in Washington. None was better than the bicentennial celebration. But they are all good. web site
- Return of baseball -- My own favorite things include the return of baseball to DC, and I will "most definitely" escalate this to the top of my list when the new Nationals' stadium opens next year. Driving down South Capitol Street once a month gives you a great "progress" snapshot of the new ballpark. And it's going to be a beauty. Washington Nationals, web site, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC. [Also see "Sports in DC" from TheCapitol.Net]
- Scottish Walk in Old Town Alexandria -- This used to be an annual winter event for me before moving somewhat far out of town. A great bagpipe parade, followed by some exploring in Old Town makes for a fun full day. web site, Alexandria, VA: map, "The Fun Side of the Potomac"
- Biking along the Potomac from Old Town Alexandria to Mount Vernon (home of George Washington) on the Mount Vernon Trail. Another of my favorite former activities, but hundreds still do this on a weekly basis, and it's a beautiful ride down the river that is almost flat for most of the ride. Mount Vernon Trail, web site from National Park Service, web site from Bike Washington. Also see "The Visitor's Biking Guide to Washington DC"
- Sampling microbrews at various bars and restaurants around town. Like exploring new restaurants, it can be a fun tasting experience. [See Microbreweries and Brew Pubs by students in MGT 558: Marketing & Community at The Catholic University of America: DC, MD, Northern VA]
Favorite Restaurants
This is harder. Most of my eating is now done outside of DC.- L' Auberge in Great Falls. After many decades, it's probably still near the top in fine French eating in the area. Maybe there are better, but never are you disappointed at this great restaurant. web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA [Economist | TCEDG]
- Luigi's on 19th Street. Another old DC institution. Lots of Italian places come and go, but Luigi's is an institution, with some great pizza and exquisite Italian dishes for its pricing. The pizza is not quite what it was in the 1970s, but its other dishes are still wonderful. web site - Warning: slow to load flash 1132 19th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-331-7574 [WaPo | insiderpages | WETA | Yelp]
- Chart House in Old Town Alexandria. Great atmosphere and seafood selections. web site, One Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-684-5080 [openlist | Yelp]
- Cafe Tirolo, Arlington. This little place on Fairfax Drive tucked behind Tara Thai is operated by one of D.C.'s former top chefs (from Austria) who opened up his own place in Alexandria before moving to Arlington. A walk-up and order kind of place, the food is varied, and absolutely delicious. 4001 Fairfax Drive, # 16, Arlington, VA, 703-528-7809 [TCEDG | WaPo | MenuPages | openlist | Yelp]
- About 25 Chinese restaurants could share this position [see TCEDG - Chinese]. Hard to choose a favorite. You can go almost anywhere in the city and find some truly top-notch Chinese eating. Unfortunately, my personal favorite is Yangming in Philadelphia near Villanova University and Bryn Mawr College. Nothing compares! If it were a DC restaurant, it would jump to # 1 on my list. Yangming, web site, 1051 Conestoga Road, Bryn Mawr, PA, 610-527-3200 [Citysearch | MenuPages | Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
November 15, 2007 06:17 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Chuck Cushman
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Chuck Cushman (bio), an associate professor and director of the Master of Arts in Legislative Affairs program at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, shares his favorites.
Most interesting places to visit
- Capitol Building, map
- Building Museum, web site, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-272-2448
- U Sreet Corridor, Wikipedia, Cultural Tourism, map
Favorite “fun” things to do
- Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden on Fridays during the summer. web site, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-1277
- See the monuments at night, TheCapitol.Net's Museums and Memorials, National Park Service map of the mall
- Running though Rock Creek Park -- best green space in town, web site
- Buying Italian groceries at Litteri's wholesale in NE Washington, web site, 517 Morse St NE, Washington DC, 202-544-0184
- Films at AFI Theater, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD, 301-495-6720
Favorite restaurants (all in NW)
- Al Crostino, web site, 1324 U St NW, Washington, DC, 202-797-0523 [Yelp | WaPo]
- El Chalan, web site, 1924 I St NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-2765 [TCEDG | Yelp]
- Rumba Café, web site, 2443 18th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-588-5501 [WaPo | Yelp]
- El Patio, web site, 12303 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville, MD, 301-231-9225 [WaPo]
- Busboys and Poets, web site, 2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-7638 [Yelp | WaPo]
For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.
November 7, 2007 07:47 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Deanna Gelak
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Deanna Gelak (bio), faculty for "How to Work the Hill Like a Pro Audio Course on CD," shares her favorites.
Five Most Interesting Places to Visit
- Get a Different (Aerial) Perspective
- Go to the top of the Washington Monument to get a spectacular view of the city at least once in your life. web site, Constitution Ave & 15th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-426-6841, September through March daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- You can also get a nice view from the Old Post Office Bell Tower home to the Bells of Congress, which were a present from England on our Nation’s Bicentennial. web site, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-606-8694
- A trip to the National Cathedral's Observation Tower also offers a nice view from the top of the city. The National Cathedral is often overlooked on public tours because it is off the beaten path, but the Cathedral is as long as the Washington Monument is high and contains beautiful architecture and much history. Many President's funerals have been held there, Woodrow Wilson is buried there and Helen Keller's ashes are in the lower level. web site, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC, 202-537-6200
- Make it Official by taking "official" tours of the US Capitol and Washington, DC. Information on US Capitol outside walking tours, visiting inside the Capitol and sitting in on a Congressional session are available at the US Capitol Historical Society.
- Congressional Floor Tours: When the House is out of session, a staff member can escort family and friends onto the House floor. One interesting view is the bullet holes in the desk from the 1954 attack by Puerto Rican nationalists.
- A tourmobile such as the Old Town Trolley (202-832-9800) is an efficient way to hit most DC highlights. The Tourmobile stops by the various attractions periodically so that you can depart from various locations when you are ready, according to their schedule. Kids especially like the DC Ducks Tour which takes you on a land and sea tour from the same vehicle (202-966-DUCK).
- Before Coming to Washington, take a VIRTUAL tour to familiarize yourself with the US Capitol and White House
- Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian Institute on the Mall): See the Wright Brothers' airplane and touch some moon rock. See the classic movie, To Fly (I remember it from when I was a kid and recently took my kids) and take a flight simulator ride (best to buy tickets online in advance to avoid very long lines). web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
- Senate Summer House: Walk by the Summer House (open-air brick building near the Senate entrance just north of the capitol). The original fountain provided a place for visitors and their horses to drink. web site
- Stay at the Carriage House on Capitol Hill: Beautiful Bed and Breakfast - amidst century old rowhomes on Capitol Hill. A perfect place to retreat after a full day of meetings or touring the city. The Carriage House is a quick walk away from the Capitol, House of Representative's buildings, Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. It is a blend of new and old construction and is apointed with treasures from around the world. Guests feel at ease and cared for and small private events can be arranged. web site, 3rd St SE & South Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC
Five Favorite Fun Things to Do
- Tour the Monuments by Moonlight: Arranging your own limo with a driver is a fantastic way to see Washington in a different light, but the "Monuments by Moonlight Tour" by Old Town Trolley is also good. Reservation information is available at (202) 832-9800.
- Go dancing over Washington in the revolving Skydome rooftop lounge, with excellent views of the Capital and the Potomac, as well as happy hour buffets and dancing. The Skydome Lounge is located at the top of the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City, near national airport. web site, 300 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA, 703-416-4100
- Have a bowl of Senate bean soup at one of the Congressional cafeterias. Visitors can have official Senate bean soup that has been on the menu in the Senate for more than 100 years.
- Hear a friend's voice echo in the House and stand in the spot in the Capitol that is regarded as the very center of the city (but is it really still?). web site, map
- Take some fun photos
- Touching the moon rock just inside entrance to the Air and Space Museum. web site, Independence Avenue SW at 6th Street SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-2563
- If you position yourself correctly, you can have someone take your photo while you are positioned behind the Hope Diamond, so that it appears that you are actually wearing the necklace. Best to attempt this in non-peak periods to avoid impatient glances from other tourists waiting to get their own photos of the diamond. Museum of Natural History web site, 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000
- If you can get clearance from a Congressional office or security guard, get a photo outside of the House floor with the Will Rogers statue. Place your forearm on his boot to follow the tradition by members of Congress of brushing their forearm on the famous orator statue's boot for good luck before entering the House floor to speak.
- The National Museum of Natural History has a vendor set up on the lower level to take your photo superimposed in various museum scenes such as the Hairy Mammoth, etc. Museum of Natural History web site, 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000
Favorite Restaurants
- 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, web site, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-0701 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Sky Terrace Restaurant, the roof top of Hotel Washington near the White House. Fantastic open view overlooking the Washington Monument and White House. This is the location where a scene from the movie No Way Out was filmed.. Closed from October until April. web site, 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900 [WaPo | Yelp]
- The Chart House. A great way to top off an evening walking the antique shops and Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. web site, One Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-684-5080 [openlist | Yelp]
- The Monocle on Capitol Hill (Senate side), web site, 107 D St NE, Washington, DC, 202-546-4488 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Les Halles De Paris, web site, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-6848 [WaPo | Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
October 24, 2007 06:47 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Peggy Garvin
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Peggy Garvin (bio), the author of Real World Research Skills: An Introduction to Factual, International, Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Research, shares her favorites. Peggy has lived in Washington DC for 24 years.
Five favorite “Oases”
- Go to the United States Botanic Garden to take a stroll through the orchids, cacti, and palms. The Botanic Garden is a great place for a little escape, particularly in the gloomy winter months. And it’s free. web site, 245 1st St SW, Washington, DC, 202-225-8333
- The Renwick Gallery’s collection is wonderful, of course, but for a mini-break I head straight upstairs to the plush Grand Salon. For a brief time, you can feel like a nineteenth-century millionaire. And it’s free. web site, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-7970
- National Building Museum, a grand old government office building that houses a museum, but also features a glorious interior space called the Great Hall. As described on the web site, “an ingenious system of windows, vents, and open archways allows the Great Hall to function as a reservoir of light and air” with “impressive Italian Renaissance design, a central fountain and eight colossal Corinthian columns.” Residents of the District of Columbia: this is the best place to take a break from the nearby courthouse when, inevitably, you have to report for jury duty. Grab a snack at the museum café, and take your place at a table in the Great Hall. Except for the money you may spend at the café, enjoying the Great Hall is free. 401 F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-272-2448
- I don’t have any special feelings about Firehook Bakery, but the Firehook Bakery in Cleveland Park has a back patio that is a neighborhood secret. Firehook inherited it from the legendary Roma restaurant of yore. It’s a low-key, low-cost retreat. web site, 3411 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC, 202-362-2253
- The Hotel Washington Terrace fits the definition of oasis as watering hole, and it is not free. But every summer in Washington should include at least one visit to the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Washington for a refreshing beverage of your choice and stunning views of the White House and the Washington Monument. web site, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900 [Yelp | WaPo]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
October 17, 2007 07:27 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Gebe Martinez
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Gebe Martinez (bio), a reporter covering Congress and politics for The Houston Chronicle, shares her favorites.
Most interesting places
- The Capitol. Even though I work there, it's a gorgeous building filled with so much to see. I love taking out of town guests there and encouraging them to keep their eyes open for political celebrities. web site, 202-225-6827
- King Street in Old Town Alexandria, is filled with shops and restaurants. It leads you straight to the water, where you can walk along the Potomac River. Old Town Alexandria web site, King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
- Jefferson Memorial after dusk or after snow has fallen. web site, map
- C&O Canal and Towpath especially north of Great Falls. web site
- Holocaust Museum web site, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC, 20024, 202-488–0400
Favorite Restaurants (This is a little harder to answer because there are so many good restaurants in this area. So, not in any particular order and off the top of my head...)
- TenPenh, web site, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4500 [Yelp | TCEDG]
- Rosa Mexicano, web site, 575 7th Street at F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-5522 [Yelp]
- Restaurant Eve, web site, 110 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA, 703-706-0450 [Yelp | TCEDG]
- Majestic Cafe, web site, 911 King St, Alexandria, VA, 703-837-9117 [TCEDG | Yelp]
- Cashion's Eat Place, web site, 1819 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC, 202-419-6755 [WaPo]]
For more, see our Visiting Washington DC pages and other Faculty Favorites.
October 10, 2007 04:07 PM Link Comments (0)
Pampanguena Cafe
Pampanguena Cafe serves good Fillipino food at reasonable prices in Gaithersburg, MD. You will see many families here.
Pampanguena Cafe, 16041 Frederick Road (Route 355), Gaithersburg (technically Derwood), MD, 240-631-2210 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Don Rockwell]
October 8, 2007 09:17 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Brad Fitch
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Brad Fitch (bio), author of Media Relations Handbook, shares his favorites.
Five most interesting places to visit
- FDR Memorial. This is more than a monument to a man. This is a monument to America at a unique time in our history. As you walk through this remarkable monument spread out over about 1/2 an acre, the three decades that spanned Roosevelt's speak to you. My 11-year old nephew visited me for a week and saw everything in DC, and when I asked him what made the greatest impressions, he said it was the FDR Memorial. web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
- The Capitol. If you're coming to Washington a visit to the Capitol is required. However, until the Capitol Visitors Center is completed in 2009, there is no good tour system set up. Your best bet is to call your congressman or senator's office at least four weeks in advance and ask them if they'll give you a tour. All Members of Congress offer this service, and you might be lucky and get some bright intern who actually knows a thing or two about the most amazing building in America. web site, map
- Teddy Roosevelt Island. This is one of those gems in DC that only a few locals know about, so I'm violated a code by revealing it here. On the other side of the Potomac River across from the Mall is this small island. It includes a few walking trails, but most importantly it includes a monument to one of the most interesting and dynamic presidents in history. In typical Teddy fashion, you have to walk through the woods -- one of TR's favorite pastimes -- to reach a glade. Before you is a statue of the commanding Roosevelt, 40-foot tall, surrounded by fountains and large slabs with wonderful Roosevelt quotes. web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
- Union Station. It's amazing to think they almost tore down this building in the 1980's and that we have former Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole to thank for it's renovation. Inside is a fun food court, nice shops (although a bit overpriced), good bookstores, and many restaurants. If you're in town around Christmas you have to stop by the display put on by the country of Norway: a magnificent toy train set around a miniature town. web site, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, Metro
- Dumbarton Oaks. This garden next to a magnificent house is a great place to bring a book, a spouse, or girlfriend (but not all three at once). web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401
Five most favorite fun things to do
- Rent a Canoe on the Potomac. Rent a canoe at Thompson's boat marina. You can gentle paddle next to the monuments, Washington Harbor and the JFK Center for Performing Arts. web site, 2900 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-9543
- Drinks at Hotel Washington. The food's not worth staying for dinner, but get to the rooftop restaurant early on a spring or fall day and you get a breath-taking view of all of Washington. If you're lucky, the President's helicopter will take off or land next door, at the White House. web site, 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-5900
- Visit Eastern Market. This 1860's old brick building is currently being rebuilt after a 2007 fire. But when restored, you can shop at local vendors and get some of the best blueberry pancakes in the world. Come on the weekends to browse the flea market and the farmers markets. web site, 7th St & North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC, Metro
- Twilight Tattoo. This is another of those rarities that most people don't know about. During the summer, every Wednesday on the Mall, the United States Army puts on a show for anyone who wants to see it on the history of the Army. Complete with bands, singers, horses, and costumes. You need to check the Army web site to get exact times and locations. web site
- Take in a Play at Ford's Theater. There's something about watching a play in this 150-year old theater, the same one where President Lincoln was shot. You can't help but let your eyes wander occasionally from the players to see the empty box, draped in colors, where Lincoln watched the same stage. web site, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-4833
Four favorite restaurants
- Matchbox Pizza. This little brick building in near the MCI Center has quickly become a very popular destination. It has the best pizza in Washington (for New Yorkers, that means it's "pretty good"). But they have creative toppings as well. web site, 713 H St NW, Washington, DC, 202-289-4441 [Washingtonian | Yelp]
- Two Quail. This little building on the North East of Capitol Hill looks like it was subjected to a Laura Ashley overdose. But it has a quaint way about it and the lunch food it great. They always have a fresh farmers salad, wonderful bread, and very comfortable chairs. Not my favorite for dinner because it's a bit overpriced. web site, 320 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC, 202-543-8030 [WaPo | Yelp]
- M&S Grill. This is a very solid restaurant with great seafood and meat, reasonable prices, and good service. You'll go home happy. web site, 600 13th St NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-1500 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Station Grill. If you come to DC through Union Station and need to get a meal while waiting for a train, there's only one place to go in Union Station: Station Grill. There is nothing fancy about the surroundings but they have the best burgers in DC. They also have great salads with wonderful grilled veggies. Avoid the crab soup -- it's way too thick. But everything else is quite good with reasonable prices. web site, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC, 202-898-4745 [Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
October 3, 2007 11:57 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Frank Burk
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Frank Burk (bio), faculty for "Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments in a Nutshell," shares his favorites.
Favorite Places to Visit
- The Capitol, web site, map
- Great Falls Park, web site, map, 703-285-2965
- Teddy Roosevelt Island, web site, map (only accessible by car from the northbound lanes of George Washington Parkway, just north of I-66, and by bike and foot on the Mt. Vernon Trail from the Rosslyn side of Key Bridge)
- National Arboretum, web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
- Freer Gallery, web site, 1200 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000
- Middleburg, Virginia, web site, map
Favorite restaurants
- L'Auberge Chez Francois, web site, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 703-759-3800 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Yelp]
- Kinkead's, web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-296-7700 [WaPo | TCEDG]
- Bistrot du Coin, web site, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-234-6969 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Sweetwater, web site, 3066 Gatehouse Plaza, Falls Church, VA, 703-645-8100 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Tara Thai, 4001 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA, 703-908-4999 [WaPo | Yelp]
- The Dubliner, for more fun than food, web site, 520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3773 [WaPo | Yelp]
Fun Things to Do
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival (last week of June-first week of July), web site, map
- The Birchmere, web site, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, 703-549-7500
- Wolf Trap, especially the Barns, web site, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA, 703-255-1900
- The Torpedo Factory, and Old Town in general, web site, 105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA, 703-838-4565
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
September 26, 2007 08:17 AM Link Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Claudia Thurber
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Claudia Thurber (bio), a veteran of over twenty-two years of federal government service, shares her favorites.
Five most interesting places to visit
- Dumbarton Oaks, web site, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-339-6401
- Phillip's Museum, web site, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-2151
- National Building Museum, web site, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202 272-2448
- Rock Creek Park on foot or bicycle, web site, map
- The C&O Canal on foot, maps from NPS, C&O Canal Bicycling Guide
Five most favorite “fun” things to do
- Tennis at Arlington Y, 3400 N 13th Street, Arlington, VA, 703-525-5420, or at Georgetown Visitation,