By: Cori Sue

Back in 2007, when I was a fledgling student reporter in Chapel Hill, N.C., I interviewed Mike Benson, owner of the charming Southern Rail. The restaurant is built inside restored vintage railroad cars nestled next to an active railroad in Carrboro, Chapel Hill’s hippie neighbor. And with that interview, my brunching seeds were sewn early—I was a regular at Southern Rail’s brunch for their fantabulous pancakes that can cure any co-ed’s hangover.

Photo credit: Southern Rail

While interviewing Mr. Benson, he told me about his other transportation and vintage themed restaurants—an aviation-themed Café St. Ex and a Hemingway nautical-themed Bar Pilar—both located in Washington, D.C. A Hemingway aficionado, I had just read For Whom the Bell Tolls while abroad in Spain, and longed to visit Bar Pilar.

Two years later, in 2009, I’m new to the District and new to the dating scene. A charming young man (who you now know as “boyfriend”) took me on our first date for drinks and appetizers at Bar Pilar—where we were able to hit it off chatting about Hemingway over a few rounds of sangria.

Nowadays, said couple lives a few blocks away and frequents Bar Pilar and Café St. Ex, so it was only a matter of time before we headed to our first-date spot for brunch. This Saturday, we were able to check out Bar Pilar’s vintage décor in the sunlight—including the authentic helm of Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, the namesake of the restaurant and the female protagonist of For Whom the Bell Tolls.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

I settled on the berry pancakes ($9). Each pancake was filled with a different berry—raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. They were perfectly cooked—I hate it when filled pancakes are mushy on the inside—ack.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Meanwhile, boyfriend had the chicken salad sandwich ($9), served on thick, crispy, buttery bread with a side salad of mixed greens with the most phenomenal dressing.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Brunch was very quiet—we were the first ones in the door when it opened at 11 a.m., a very different ambiance from evenings at Bar Pilar. Brunch was also affordable—entrees were $8-12.

The bitches say: B+ delicious, affordable food in a charming spot—though we prefer Bar Pilar for dinner and drinks.

1833 14th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 265-1751

By: Cori Sue

Drink

25 for $25 Wine Tasting. Adorable French bistro Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda offers a wine tasting paired with passed hors d’oeuvres. Mon., June 28, 6:30–8:30 p.m., (301) 654-1234.

Metro Event Specialists’ Networking Mixer. With more than 1,000 members, this organization is the largest event planning organization in the area. Free to attend. Tues., June 29, 5:30–8 p.m. George, 3251 Prospect Street N.W., Washington D.C.

Drink to Save The Earth! A cause we are particularly passionate about,  Plastic Pollution Coalition (REFUSE single use and disposable plastics) hosts a cocktail event at Muleh on the 14^th St. Corridor. Free, donations taken at door. rsvp@plasticpollutioncoalition.org. Wed., June 30, 7–9 p.m. 1831 14^th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Save Argonaut Bar.  For those of you who haven’t heard, H Street locale Argonaut caught fire last Sunday. This fundraiser is to support the bar/restaurant’s restoration and help employees left without jobs after the fire. Wed., June 30, 5–11 p.m. The Rock and Roll Hotel, 1352 H St. N.E., Washington, D.C.

Social Media Day 2010 Happy Hour. Meet up with your Facebook friends and Tweeties, Tweethearts, or Twitter-whatever-you-call-ems at Science Club to celebrate Social Media Day. $3 beer specials, $4 liquor drinks, $5 wine. Music by DJ Lil’ Elle. Wed., June 30, 5:30–9 p.m. Tickets free, sign up online. 1136 19^th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 

Eat

Beer Floats! Head to AGAINN to cool off with Guiness beer floats. At $9 each—you  pick strawberry, vanilla or stout ice cream and save by combining drinks with dessert! 1099 New York Ave., Washington, D.C.

Go:

Free Admission to the Corcoran. Save yourself $10 and check out the Corcoran Gallery of Art for free on Saturdays all summer long (until Labor Day). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 500 17^th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Rock at the Row Summer Concert Series. For all you Arlington dwellers, head to Pentagon Row Thursday evenings for live music from the area’s best bands. Thurs., July 1, 7–9 p.m. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington, V.A.

By: Cori Sue

Eat:

2010 National Harbor Food and Wine Festival. This waterside festival features more than 100 exhibitors representing the Chesapeake’s unique restaurants, wineries, breweries, and retailers. Tickets: Saturday: $69 ($73 at the gate) for adults 21 years and older, $30 12-20 years old, $15 6-11 years old, Free under 5 years old. Sunday: $60 ($65 at the gate) for adults 21 years and older, $30 12-20 years old, $15 6-11 years old, Free under 5 years old. 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, M.D.

Paella Festival. Chef Jose Andres of Jaleo teams up with a guest chef from Spain to celebrate the nation’s signature dish. June 7-20. Jaleo, 470 7^th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 628-7949.

Image credit: Jaleo

Shop:

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010 Collection. Check out the designer’s fall collection at Neiman Marcus in Tyson’s Galleria. Tues., June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  2001 International Drive, McLean, V.A.

Troubadour Trunk Show. Wink in Georgetown hosts a trunk show of Troubadour, a lovely line by designer Lindsey Carter, who will be on-site for you to meet. Wed., June 9, 4-8:30 p.m. 3109 M St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Image credit: Wink

Pink Lips, Tan Hips. Saks Fifth Avenue at Tyson’s Corner hosts a beauty event—their experts offer the latest summer tips and tricks. Complimentary beverages and treats form Lebanese Taverna. Thurs., June 10, 2-4:30 p.m. 2001 International Drive, McLean, V.A.

Photo credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

Shoes and Cocktails. CityShopGirl hosts a party at SimplySoles in Georgetown. Complimentary polish change with sandal purchase. Wine and appetizers from Peacock Café, where the party continues until 9 p.m. RSVP to CityShopGirl. Tues., June 8, 5-7 p.m., Georgetown Park Mall, Washington D.C. 

Go:

Ladies Night Luau Party with the Nationals.  CityShopGirl hosts a Luau Party from 4:30-7 p.m. at Nationals Park followed by the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 p.m. Meet the baseball players (yum!) and enjoy themed food, drink specials, and silly activities like the limbo and hula. Tickets, $30. Thurs., June 10, 1500 South Capitol St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Seersucker Social. The Dandies and Quaintrelles host a spring tweed ride (a seersucker social!). Bike through the city in your finest 1940s attire and finish at the Hillwood Estate for a post-ride social. Saturday, June 12, 3:30 p.m.

Photo credit: Dandies and Quaintrelles

Soccer in the Circle Viewing Party. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association and some nice D.C. authorities, Soccer in the Circle is happening this Saturday! Organized by the same gang that brought you the Dupont Circle Snowball Fight, the party starts at 7 a.m. with two big screens broadcasting the World Cup all day long.

U Street Movie Series. U Street is hosting outdoor music-themed movies each month all summer long. This month, it’s Michael Jackson’s “This Is It.” Tues., June 8, gates open at 7 p.m., movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Harrison Rec Center, V and 13^th N.W., Washington D.C.

By: Cori Sue

Drink:

Free Beer! Logan Circle favorite ChurchKey launches Schlafly Beers, a St. Louis brewery, with pours of five complimentary drafts. Mon., May 3, 6 p.m., 1337 14^th St. N.W.

Five Margaritas for $5.  Masa14, our favorite place for drinks in the U-Street corridor, celebrates Cinco de Mayo right! With more than 130 types of tequila, they pour five different margaritas for $5 each.  Wed., May 5, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1825 14^th St. N.W.

Eat:

$10 Bag Lunch at Oya. One of our fave sushi places, Oya in Penn Quarter—now offers brown bag lunches—sushi, seaweed salad, edamame, and dessert. Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oya, 777 9^th St. N.W.

All You Can Eat Tacos.  Glover Park’s Surfiside’s Cinco De Mayo specials include $10 for all-you-can-eat tacos, chips and salsa, as well as $20 buckets of Sol, $5 margaritas and more. Wednesday, May 5, 5-12 p.m.,  2444 Wisconsin Ave.

Capital City Cheesecake Opening. This dessert locale opened May 1 in Takoma Park—and they deliver! Chocolate Red Velvet Cheesecake? We’re in.  9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, M.D. (202) 821-8251.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Ceiba.  Ceiba is offering $5 Mexican bar snacks (think tacos, tostadas, and ceviche) and margaritas for $5 in honor of the Mexican holiday.  Sat.-Wed, May 1-5, 701 14^th St. N.W.

Mondays at the St. Regis. The St. Regis Bar offers up a special menu Mondays—glass of wine, cheese, and meat for $19, plus a dessert and wine pairing “Sweet Bites” menu the rest of the week. Order from either special menu and receive a complimentary Acai of Spring cocktail. Through June 21, Mon. 5 p.m.- midnight, Tues.-Thurs. 5 p.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m., 923 16^th St. N.W.

Shop:

Jewelry Sale! Five Days of Fashion takes place at Mystique Jewelers in Old Towne—sapphires, handmade chains, cameos, and other gorgeous baubles. Tues.-Sat., May 3-8, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., 211 The Strand Waterfront, Alexandria.

Go:

2010 National Geographic Live: In the Empire of Ice.  Join author Gretel Ehrlich as she discusses her circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle as written in her new book: Empire of Ice: Encounters in a Changing Landscape. Tuesday, May 4, 7:30, tickets $80, $18. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. N.W.

2010 National Geographic Live: A Come to Cheeses Moment: Wine vs. Beer. Join beer, cheese and wine experts for a tasting of artisanal cheeses paired with special wines and beer. Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m., National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. N.W.

Party at Policy.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training hosts a CINDO DE TRI-O party (They’re triathletes, it’s Cinco de Mayo). Food, drinks, prizes. Wed., May 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Policy Lounge, 1904 14^th St. N.W.

By: Josh, Guest Bitch

Saturday morning we set out under a cloudy sky that we hoped would somehow avoid the inevitable rain until our winery adventure ended. We were set to visit 4 wineries that day and shepherd fourteen people in one extremely large van.  Spring was in full bloom, which made the drive through the Virginia countryside absolutely lovely.  A short hour drive away from Washington found us nestled off a country road at Naked Mountain Winery.  

The view at Naked Mountain Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

 Naked Mountain Winery 

• The tasting fee was $10 a person, which included 7 or 8 wines and a commemorative glass.
• Pro: the view (an outdoor deck overlooking the vines with birds in the background would be heaven on a summer day).
• Con: they did not give us clean glasses to take home opting instead to package our already used wine glasses for us.
• Favorites: My personal fave was the Scarlet Oak Red, a lovely Bordeaux style blend. Several others enjoyed the Chardonnay/Riesling blend the winery offered as a dessert-style wine. 
• The bitches say: B. This winery makes for a great addition to a winery tour, but is not one I would argue is worth its own trip.

Naked Mountain Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Naked Mountain Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Unicorn Winery

• The tasting fee was $7 for 12 wines- 5 white, 6 red, and 1 dessert, plus a glass.
• Pro: the staff, the tasting notes, and the gorgeous landscape with a lake.
• Con: inconsistency- Great wines were followed by wines that were sub-par.
• Favorites: the Pinot Gris in particular and all of their whites even if they were not my favorites (they tend towards the sweeter end). 
• The bitches say:  B-, another winery worth a stop but maybe not a whole trip. 

 

Wine at Unicorn Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The view at Unicorn Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Narmada Winery 

• The tasting fee was $10 a person for 8 wines and a glass with their adorable peacock logo.
• Pro: Everything. Fantastic winery with an impressive first bottling and great staff . Brand new snazzy tasting room with fun live music. Owned by a lovely Indian couple, they also offer Indian food!
• Con: the only thing I can think of is that we didn’t have enough time.
• Favorites: This winery had more wine purchased by our group than the first two wineries combined, but my personal favorite was a tie between the Melange, Midnight, and Primita.
• The bitches say: solid A. Worth taking a day trip and then some. Plus, it’s right off Highway 211 so it’s extremely convenient! All I can say is go and go soon.

 

The tasting set-up at Narmada Winery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The lively musician at Narmada. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Gray Ghost Vineyards

• The tasting fee is $5 a person for 8 wines but no glass.
• Pro: Gray Ghost is the expert, they’ve been doing this for decades, Al and Cheryl (the owners), make you feel like you’re in their home enjoying some wine except their home is a spacious affair with comfy couches upstairs, a deck, lovely grounds, and a private tasting room.
• Con: nothing at all, I could and have spent entire days here.
• Favorites: Toss up as everything is delicious, but the Adieu dessert wine was the Most Awarded Wine in the country in 2009.
• The bitches say: A+, they give you more than wine, they give you an experience.

 

Grey Ghost owner Al with the tasting spread. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The grounds at Grey Ghost Vineyard. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

 In conclusion, my picks for the day are Narmada and Gray Ghost. They’re close to each other (a mile away) and in two totally different ways they showcase the tradition and uniqueness of Virginia wines and culture. Many a wine-soaked sunshine-filled afternoon could (and should) be spent at both. 

Cheers! Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

By: Cori Sue

Eat

Bordeaux Wine Dinner. Cafe Bonaparte is hosting a wine pairing dinner– $45 for three courses, paired with unique wines.  Call (202) 333-8830 for reservations.  Tues. April 27, 1522 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.

Taco Tuesdays at 1905 Restaurant. Beer and taco specials, Tues. April 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 1905 Restaurant, 1905 19^th St. N.W.

Cork Recycling at Firefly. Firefly Restaurant takes $1 off your bill for every wine cork you bring in (22 cork maximum). The Corks will be taken to Wente Vineyards for recycling (via Daily Candy DC).  Through Friday, April 30, 1310 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.

Shop

20% off Sale at Luna Bethesda. Brands include: Ella Moss, Hudson, Trina Turk, Michael Stars, and more (via Capitol Hill Style). Mon.-Wed. April 26-28, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7232 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD

Photo credit: Luna

Scotch and Style at JCrew.  Frank Muytjens, the VP of men’s design at J.Crew is hosting a  men’s fashion event with scotch on the side (via Project Beltway). Wed. April 28, 6-8 p.m., JCrew Georgetown, 3222 M. St. N.W.

Photo credit: J.Crew

Go

Deals for Deeds Launch Party. Deals for Deeds, a daily deal site that donates a percentage of each purchase to local charities, celebrates its launch with complimentary cocktails, and surprises at ACKC Chocolatier (via U Street Girl). Tues. April 27, 6-8 p.m., 1529 14^th St. N.W.

Photo credit: Deals for Deeds

Portraits of D.C. The contest, sponsored by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, FotoWeek DC and the D.C. Counts Campaign hosts its opening reception (via DCist). Tues. April 27, 7 p.m., Social, 1400 Meridian Place N.W.

Sex and the City Contest. City Shop Girl is hosting a Sex and the City look-a-like contest. Send in a photo of yourself doing your best Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, or Samantha impression and 100-word explanation by 5 p.m. April 30.  Winners will receive a makeover by Hela Spa and Ted Gibson Salon along with lots of giveaways!

Photo credit: Sex and the City

By: Cori Sue

On our way down to Kiawah Island, S.C., this weekend, the boyfriend and I stopped for the night in Raleigh, N.C., to visit one of my best college friends.  It felt great to be back in the great state of North Carolina and we were just in time for the opening of the tiki bar at Humble Pie, a charming restaurant in downtown Raleigh.  

Photo credit: Humble Pie

The weather was perfect for dining on the porch (low ’70s and breezy) with lots of summer brews and a varied arrangement of tapas.  Humble Pie‘s ecclectic menu consists of small plates of varrying cuisines– Asian, Italian, seafood, and more.  We shared a goat cheese mushroom Napoleon, coconut shrimp with pineapple chutney, sesame seared ahi tuna, finished with chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache and complemented by lots of Carolina Pale Ales.

Up early in the morning, we stopped by another Raleigh gem, Cafe Helios, for a speedy, healthy breakfast-to-go.  Cafe Helios serves delicious coffee from Counter Culture Coffee based in nearby Durham.  I consider an ordinary, healthy, breakfast– coffee, yogurt and granola, whole-wheat toast and fresh-squeezed OJ– an exceptional treat when found at 7 a.m., in a rush, on a roadtrip.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

For the Raleigh crowd, however, Cafe Helios is more than just a breakfast spot.  The cafe serves a great beer and wine selection (they rotate beer selections regularly), and features  artwork by a local artist each month.   And, it appears to be the place for some epic late-night dance parties.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Next time you find yourself cruising down I-95, you’d be well-served to check out these two spots in downtown Raliegh, and head over to Cameron Village for some great shopping.

By: Becca

Dining at Cork Wine Bar is like meeting a pretty boy at a party and then being pleasantly surprised that he actually has some depth to him. It’s trendy and inviting from the outside, but quite cavernous and romantic on the inside. And I’m not even talking about the phenomenal food and wine yet. We’ll get to that.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Any restaurant that deals in small plates is fine by me. I indulge, order tons off the menu, and end up with an amazing spread of tasty morsels to try (and share, of course). And if you’re a server that can pair my diverse selections with a bottle of wine or two that actually complements everything from calamari to cheese cake, I give you credit.

Indeed, the wine list is fab—more than 160 bottles to choose from on a menu loaded with pairing selections and great descriptions (we saw “hints of spicy banana” and jumped at it—who wouldn’t?). We went for a few bottles of white, one from Saint-Péray and the other from Burgundy. And, if you like them, our waitress chimed, you can just nip across the street and buy bottles at the Cork Market and Tasting Room. Lovely.

First up was a global selection of cheeses. Then an assortment of things to try, such as grilled asparagus and salads. I do have to say the calamari and shrimp stood out. Let me restate that. The lemon-and-black-pepper-dusted calamari and rock shrimp with caper remoulade (yum!) was to. die. for. I am so tired of greasy calamari. This plate was so not.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

I ordered the dinner special (and after all that wine, I honestly can’t remember what it was. Something fabulously wrapped with chicken; it’s the first photo), and my cohorts ordered more small plates. The winner? The Duck Confit—divine!

The best part about small plates is there’s always room for dessert. And the Cork dessert menu is not to be missed. Lizzy’s Goat Cheese Cake (above) melts in your mouth. And this amazing s’more concoction was just too pretty to eat!

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Cork
1720 14^th Street NW
202-265-CORK

By: Cori Sue

Last week, the work girls and I spent the first day of spring on the benches of the Navy Memorial munching on to-go from Teaism in Penn Quarter. I’ve been meaning to go to Teaism since moving to the District, and I finally made it. Their bento box lunches are delicious, filling and suprisingly affordable. ($8.75 for the Salmon Bento– chilled teriyaki salmon, cucumber-ginger salad, edamame, and rice).  An avid lunch-packer and aspiring cook, I decided I would try creating my own bento box on my next night-in with the boyfriend, and, hopefully, have some left over for lunch.

Photo Credit: Cori Sue Morris

Fresh garlic, ginger, cilantro, sesame seeds, hoisin sauce, and so on, what’s not to love about Asian cuisine?  (So what if it happens to replace St. Patrick’s Day festivities?)  I’m happy to report we were both impressed with my first soiree into Asian cooking: Asian-ginger baked salmon, Thai cucumber salad (recipe: here), Sezchuan green beans (recipe: here), and Thai Jasmine rice.  Ever the wine enthusiast, boyfriend picked up a 2007 Darting Durkheimer Hochbenn Riesling from Pfalz, Germany to pair with the meal.  It was great, sweet, but not too sweet, and I loved taking a sip after a bite of the super spicy green beans.

Photo Credit: Cori Sue Morris

Unfortunately, my leftovers were stuffed in a single tupperware left to mush together; but I plan on ordering a nifty bento-box lunchbox in the near future (In pink, of course). Regardless of what you put in them, they’re a great way to bring a healthy well-balanced meal to the office or wherever your travels take you. Cutie-cook Rachael Ray even credits them as one of her favorite things.

Photo credit: Laptop Lunches