The DC Concierge

Moving to DC and Need the Basics?

James asks:  "I need to get a few ideas for an extended work trip that I will be taking to DC a week from Monday.  I am looking for a few good places to:

Men's Shoes - casual, trendy for everyday use
Messenger/Urban Bag (wider selection the better)
Funky stuff to put on my desk at work (anything to liven the mood, de-stress)
Treny tavel gear (toiletry bag, urban overnight bag, etc.)

A tan from a place that does not push services on you
A new haircut from a place that will take the time to do a "consultation"

DC Concierge:  On it!

-Mens shoes -  Universal Gear and Barneys Coop in Georgetown (Don't be fooled by the insane amount of Comfort One Shoes around here.)
-Messenger/Urban Bag - The District Line in has awesome urban mod Georgetown and again Barney's Coop for some other great finds
-Desk accessories - Tabletop in Dupont and Rckndy on U Street (or go really crazy at online store See Jane Work)
-Travel gear - Barney's Coop (no they're not paying me)

-A tan - Body Rays at 17/R or Relaxed Tan at 21/F.
-A new haircut  - Bang is the Honda, but Erwin Gomez is the cadillac (ask for Selena)

-DC Concierge

Enviro Meeting Indoors in DC

Envirowonk blogger Samantha asks:  The TreeHugger Happy Hour needs some place where 50+ people can drink and network. Can you suggest someplace where we don't need to pay a cover to reserve a space?"

DC Concierge:  DC is all about getting together and networking.  And Treehugger is an AMAZING blog to do so around!  Need some spots bigger than what I recommended for Paul's Meet-up (about 20)?  For a group of 50 in downtown DC try Science Club (19/M), Cafe Asia (18/Eye), or 4th Estate (17/L).  Definitely call ahead so they can save you some real estate and have adequate staff ready.  Clydes and Bar Louie, both at Gallery Place, offer great private rooms for this type of networking event, but they may require a deposit. Yuck... that's money you could be spending on carbon offsets!   

-DC Concierge

A Night to Remember For a DC Couple of 50 Years!

Jamie asks:  My parents live in Alexandria and are celebrating a 50th anniversary on 5/20. My sisters and I want to get them a gift cert for something special, be it restaurant, performance event, experience, whatever. The parents have lived there for 20+ years, so nothing touristy. More like a luxury experience/outing for two. Anything come to mind?

DC Concierge:  Well, I love that you are helping them to celebrate their life in DC (well, just outside of) in DC. Who needs another weekend in Williamsburg, right?  Okay, so I'm not sure what your price range is, but hey, you've got sisters kicking in.  A few outside the box ideas for you... If they are foodies, I would recommend dinner for two at the Cafe Atlantico minibar.  Washingtonian calls it "a thrilling 30-plus course carnival of culinary surprises."  It's supposed to be a tremendous experience, but heads up that you sit bar style in high rise stools with two other patrons (seats 4 total).  Next idea is about seeing a legend live in concert.  Yes, Neil Diamond is coming this summer.  Not something folks will usually splurge on for themselves, but I can tell you personally, everyone has a great time.  Final rec would be to give them a night in one of the insanely gorgeous suites with city views of your choice at the Hay Adams Hotel.  Call ahead the staff will make sure the night is extra special!

-DC Concierge   

Finer Than Fine Dining - Birthday Dinner in DC

Marc asks:  "Where should a guy throw himself a 30th birthday party for a few close friends and family, maybe 10 people total? even though i used to live there, i've decamped for california, and will only be in town for a few days--one being the day i turn old. right now i'm thinking dinner at cityzen or citronelle, but what do you recommend?"

DC Concierge:  Whoa, Marc!  You know how to treat your friends and family.  So if you're thinking the realm of CityZen or Citronelle, then I want to be on your guest list!  Okay, so CityZen is supposed to FAB. I have yet to try it (head hung in shame) but foodies swear by it.  Citronelle is amazing and known for their wine cellar and sommelier, Mark Slater, so if you're a wine guy, that's your best bet.  Two more restaurants to throw in the mix... Marcels is french dining at its finest and the service is outstanding.  Count on having your table surrounded by almost one staff member per guest and definitely don't skip dessert here.  Finally, 10 people maybe hard to accommodate due it's small setting, but Komi is my favorite for both food and service, and slightly more trendy when it comes to menu and setting.  Again, my you can send my personal invitation to thedcconcierge@gmail.com.

-DC Concierge 

Hey, That's My Bike!!! (And My Bikeshare!)

Yet another way that DC has Euro flair?  In just a few weeks, DC will be launching the first ever in the U.S. bikeshare program called SmartBike DC.  So pretty soon you will be able to pay $40/year and get access to hundreds of bikes parked at key points around the city.  Think ZipCar with only 2 wheels!  Hey, is that the DC Concierge cruising by on that hot red 3 speed??  Why, yes it is!!!

On the flip side, bike theft is rampant in DC and has been as long as I can remember.  So while SmartBike will hopefully help alleviate that, so will online organizing guru Jess Kutch's new flickrmentary - ThatsMyBike. Help document stolen bikes by contributing with photos!

 

10-4, I Need A Dive Bar in DC, Roger Over

Pete asks:  "I'm interested to hear what recommendations you have for good dive bars, which to some may sound counter-intuitive, but for me personally, are the next-best after home boozing/house parties. Relevant criteria: cheap, strong drinks. Extra points for its level of seediness and live music."

DC Concierge:  Excellent question, Pete!  And particularly timely with the large influx of truck drivers in the DC area for the gas price protest today.  So where should they go after their morning of activism?? Somewhere dark, dingy, cheap, and with furniture you are just a bit weary of sitting on.

The best dive bars in DC are found just minutes from high power hot spots.  First stop - Fox and Hounds (aka "The Fox") at 17/Q.  Great outdoor seating, great jukebox, requisite dark atmosphere, and cocktails that will leave you... um, drunk.  To take that even further, head over to Dan's Cafe in Adams Morgan.  Your drink comes in the form of a pint and a can of your mixer.  And let me tell you, that mixer doesn't get you very far.  While in AdMo, stumble a few doors down to Toledo Lounge where if it's raining out they offer $2 pints (including the good stuff)!  Finally, work your way up to The Raven in Mount Pleasant for the DC dive bar grand finale.

-DC Concierge   

Meetup, But Where?

Paul asks:  "I hope you can help me find locations for meetup event(s) I am having in the future.  I'd appreciate any ideas on a venue that would be free (or very low cost), with or without a required order, that would allow a group discussion.  The group is limited to 20 but that's only because I limited it to avoid not being able to find any venue."

DC Concierge:  As a frequent meetup attendee, I know exactly the vibe that you are going for.  Try new Irish pub James Hoban's off of dupont circle.  It has some sectioned off seating areas, good food/drink options (without minimums), and is quiet enough for group discussions.  My new happy hour hang out Skye Lounge can also accommodate about 20 comfortably and reasonably.  Finally, the upstairs at 17th Street Cafe (formerly Cyberstop) at 17/P is ideal, but taken over by a dem politics group on Wednesdays.

-DC Concierge

Lookin' Good: Women's Suits in DC

Diana asks: "In response to Rob's question about finding good suit shops for men in DC, what would you suggest for women? I've had a hard time finding places that carry nice women's suits (or otherwise business appropriate attire that don't look like Hillary Clinton's suits). Thoughts?"

DC Concierge:  Having myself been a victim of once coming into work and having my colleague say "Wow, you're wearing a Hillary pantsuit!" I can appreciate the question on an even deeper level.  Although, I do think Hillary rocks a mean pantsuit! 

But down to business (no pun intended)...  We women have it quite a bit cheaper than our men counterparts (although if you work high heels into the equation in price and comfort, we're equal). Women all around DC swear by Ann Taylor to accommodate DC style conservatism and all shapes and sizes.  The problem?  Everyone is wearing the same thing.  If thats okay with you, it's a total score.  For a trendier look, try Zara in Georgetown.  Even if you can't swing the European sizes in their pants/skirts, they are still great for the fitted buttondowns.  My advice there is to buy and return rather than think it over.  They don't restock like other stores so once a size is gone, it's gone. 

Other standbys are Benetton, Express and Banana Republic, both of which have outlets if you can make it out to Potomac Mills.  Finally, always check out the discount shops -- Filenes and Lohmanns have the designer stuff for a steal.

-DC Concierge