Conventional Wisdom: A Brief History

“The conduct of the Republican party in this nomination is a remarkable indication of small intellect, growing smaller. They pass over … statesman and able men, and they take up a fourth rate lecturer, who cannot speak good grammar.” -The New York Herald on the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for president at the 1860 Republican National Convention.

A far cry from today’s glamorous 72 hour long infomercial, the Republicans’ first official nominating convention at Chicago’s historic, “Wigwam” in 1860 celebrated its party’s inaugural nomination of Abraham Lincoln, without its nominee. 200 miles away, back home in Springfield Illinois, the future President of the United States idled away his time waiting for news from the convention playing, “fives–a variety of handball,” in an empty lot next to the Illinois State Journal, according to David Herbert Donald’s, “Lincoln.”

Meanwhile, stretched across billiard tables covered with mattresses, their bellies filled with ham sandwiches and ale, America’s new political breed, a composite of former Whig and Know-Nothing party affiliates calling themselves Republicans, choked down-town Chicago, 40,000 strong. The country’s fastest growing city at the time, Chicago served as host for the party of Lincoln in 13 subsequent national conventions.

Reduced to a pit of charred cinders by the Great Fire of 1871, the Windy City re-emerged into the national political spotlight a decade later, with Ohio’s James Garfield reluctantly accepting his party’s nomination from the floor of Chicago’s, “Glass Palace.” Foreshadowing today’s modern party split between establishment Republicans and Tea Partiers, warring factions of Gilded era politicians were similarly divided, pitting the “Stalwarts” against the “Half-Breeds.”

Originally slated to endorse Hayes Administration Treasury Secretary John Sherman, Garfield’s rousing floor speech transcended party divisions, and in adding Stalwart party favorite Chester Arthur as Garfield’s second, party bosses and delegates alike, rocketed the Ohio congressman straight to the top of ticket. Winning the presidency, Garfield was inexplicably assassinated by lone gunman Charles Guiteau, after serving only six moths in office.

At the turn of the century, it was back to Chicago as political giant Theodore Roosevelt challenged his hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft for the 1912 Republican nomination. With its participants locked in an epic gladiatorial grudge match, the famed Chicago Coliseum was a fitting venue for the event. The bane of machine bosses, Roosevelt bolted the GOP after losing his bid, mounting an unsuccessful third party run in the general election. The standard bearer for the newly formed, “Bull Moose Party,” Roosevelt, who ended up garnering more votes than any other third party candidate in history, caused a schism among Republicans, giving Democrat Woodrow Wilson a clear path to the White House.

In an age of Republican domination, of the 40 years from 1952 through 1992, Democrats called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. home for only 12 of them. Included in that era, and with talks of a co-presidency bandied about, the 1976 battle with Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan at Mississippi’s Kemper Arena is considered the last politically relevant nominating convention for Republicans. His victory locked up, Ford pivoted to Reagan’s sky box in an effort to quell low grumblings of, “We want Ron,” beginning to emanate from the floor, and invited the California governor to address the convention one final time. “Behind him Ford stood in gathering gloom, aware that his own speech had been but a warm up for this one,” writes Edmund Morris in “Dutch a Memoir of Ronald Reagan.” Launching into “what was patently the acceptance speech he would have given,” had he won, writes Morris, Reagan hushed the audience, “doing what he did better than any candidate in memory: tell a story.”

The primaries in the rearview, the presumptive nominee anything but presumptive, today’s modern political conventions are largely pro-forma booster rallies officially signaling the beginning of the general election. Favoring optics over oratory, this year’s Republican convention in Tampa features Frank Lloyd Wright inspired set designs; an homage to its Chicago roots, proving that tableau vivant, and not votes will decide whether the convention, and not the candidate, will be a winner.

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RNC Events for 8/27

Via National Journal

TODAY’S EVENTS:

Many event organizers aren’t deterred by the weather, but events are subject to change depending on conditions. For the most up-to-date information, please visitNational Journal’s events page,log in to NJ’s mobile apps, or contact event organizers.

ALL DAY — Political Sand Castles

Brave folks can venture to the beach to check out this sand-sculpture display. Sand-castle versions of the White House and Abraham Lincoln—so detailed you can see the creases of the famous Republican’s pants—are expected to survive Isaac’s wrath, organizers tell us. The Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Contact: 727-360-5531. Free.

ALL DAY — Woman Up! Pavilion

The YG Network is hosting a Woman Up! Pavilion all week at the RNC. The space will play host to panel discussions, mini-salons, and a women’s suffrage museum with “authentic artifacts.” 615 Channelside Drive, Suite 108. Free.

7 A.M.-12 P.M. — Huffington Post Oasis

Find your center at the Huffington Post’s Oasis, a spa-like retreat offered every day at the convention. Warning: this may not be the best place to escape journalists. AJA Channelside, 290 South Meridian Avenue. Contact: rhoades.alderson@huffingtonpost.com.

8 A.M.-6 P.M. — Elephant in the Room

Painting, sculpture, photography, graphic art and film will be among the media featured at “The Elephant in the Room,” a collaboration between CL Space and Tempus Projects. The exhibition will highlight political-themed artwork daily throughout the RNC. CL Space, 1911 N. 13th Street, Suite W200, Ybor City. Free.

8-10 A.M. — Energy and the Election

The GOP and Democrats have very different ideas about energy policy, but will the 2012 election really change its future? Washington Post Live will convene industry, advocacy, government and academic leaders for a discussion at this breakfast forum. University of Tampa, Vaughn Center, Crescent Club, 401 W Kennedy Blvd. Please RSVP. Free.

8-10 A.M. — Rove Breakfast Discussion

Fox News contributor Karl Rove kicks off this daily series of breakfast discussions hosted by POLITICO, each of which will take place at the POLITICO Hub: Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive. Free, RSVP required. Contact:awilliams@politico.com.

8:45 A.M.-3 P.M. — Birdies for the Brave

Fore! This golf event – “Birdies for the Brave” – will benefit multiple military charities, and will require some weather-related bravery. Among the participants: Speaker John Boehner of Ohio and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. TPC Tampa Bay, 5300 West Lutz Lake Fern Road. Sold out. Contact: 904-280-4796.

9:30-11 A.M. — Social Media in Politics

Seems to be all about Twitter these days, doesn’t it? Start your convention week off right with a discussion of social media in politics hosted byNational Journal and The Atlantic, along with CBS News. It’s the first in a series of daily morning briefings, all of which will be held at the same time, same place: Carne Chophouse, 1536 East 7th Avenue. Please RSVP. Contact:abolding@theatlantic.com.

10-11:30 A.M. — Energy Security Discussion

Policy experts, opinion leaders and members of Congress will be featured in this RNC roundtable discussion series hosted by AJC-Global Jewish Advocacy. Kicking of the series is today’s event on achieving energy security. St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg. Please RSVP. Contact: blumem@acj.org.

10 A.M.-12 P.M. — ‘How to Survive a Plague’

The first event of the IMPACT Film Festival, which will run throughout the RNC and DNC, is a screening of “How to Survive a Plague,” a documentary that tells the story of two coalitions that “turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.” Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive. Click here to reserve tickets. Free.

10 A.M.-12 P.M. — ‘Newt U’

It’s back-to-school season. “Newt U,” a series of public policy workshops for delegates hosted by former House Speaker Gingrich, kicks off today with a “We Can Do Better” class on jobs, growth and protecting Medicare. Hyatt Regency Downtown, 211 North Tampa Street. Open to credentialed convention media and activists and party officials attending the convention.

10 A.M. — Occupy March

You’ll probably hear chants of “Money for human needs, not for corporate greed!” when this Occupy-organized march on the RNC goes by. Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1200 N. Orange Ave. Free. Contact: 813-549-9847.

11:15-11:23 A.M. — Florida Tourism

This eight-minute business panel, presented by the Tampa Bay Partnership as part of a live show, will highlight the importance of tourism to Florida and the region. Stageworks Theater, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tickets are required for the live audience; the event will also be webcast. Contact: 813-878-2208.

12:17-12:45 P.M. — Jeb Bush to Speak

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will speak at this entrepreneurial roundtable, part of a live show presented by the Tampa Bay Partnership, to discuss the growth of technology-based companies and the role of venture capital. Stageworks Theater, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tickets are required for the live audience; the event will also be webcast. Contact: 813-878-2208.

1-2 P.M. — Health Care Forum

The Supreme Court may have upheld the 2010 health care reform law, but that doesn’t mean the debate over how to reduce costs and improve quality in health care is over. Join the American Action Forum for a policy panel, moderated by National Review Online Editor at Large Kathryn Lopez. InterContinental Hotel, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd. RSVP online.

2-3 P.M. — Job Creation Panel

Stick around after the American Action Forum’s first panel to catch National Journal’s own Jim Tankersley, who’ll be moderating a panel on job creation. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California will also be delivering remarks. InterContinental Hotel, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd. RSVP online.

2-3:30 P.M. — Building Healthier Cities

How can we build healthier cities? National Journal and The Atlantic bring together community health experts and industry leaders to discuss partnerships and innovations that improve the health of city dwellers. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. 7th Avenue. Please RSVP. Contact: abolding@theatlantic.com.

2-4 P.M. — ‘The House I Live In’

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. Stay indoors, stay dry and stay entertained with another IMPACT Film Festival event. This time, it’s “The House I Live In,” a documentary filmed in more than twenty states about America’s War on Drugs.Click here to reserve tickets. Free.

3-4 P.M. — Crisis and Opportunity in Journalism

The rise in opinion writing, the disruptive power of the Internet … The Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity hosts this panel on the crisis and opportunity in journalism. Sheraton Tampa East Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Avenue.RSVP online.

3-5 P.M. — ‘Republicans Out to Win’

Join the Log Cabin Republicans and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund for a “Republicans Out to Win” celebration. Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive.RSVP is required. Free.

3-5 P.M. — APIA Vote Event

Mingle and celebrate Asian-American & Pacific Islander leadership with a reception preceding a briefing on the group’s growing electoral clout. Sheraton Tampa East Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Avenue.RSVP online. Contact: 646-502-5337.

4-5:15 P.M. — Energy and Metropolitan Areas

More people are moving to cities than ever before, putting pressure on metropolitan areas at a time of tight municipal budgets.National Journal and The Atlantic bring energy leaders together to discuss how to equip American cities for the 21st century. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. 7th Avenue. Please RSVP. Contact:abolding@theatlantic.com.

4:30-6:30 P.M. — ‘Butter’ Screening

Hardy moviegoing folks can do a triple-feature today with this IMPACT Film Festival screening of “Butter,” which stars Jennifer Garner and tells the story of an Iowa town’s annual butter-carving contest. Don’t forget to buy popcorn (extra butter, of course).Click here to reserve tickets. Free.

5-6 P.M. — Politico Cocktail Hour

Politico is kicking off its nightly lounge with a “special cocktail hour conversation with a senior newsmaker.” Learn about the 2012 campaign trail, the week ahead and the road to the White House. Politico Hub: Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive. Free, RSVP required. Contact: awilliams@politico.com.

5-6:30 P.M. — Harvard Institute of Politics Cocktail Reception

Join Cantabs young and old for this cocktail reception celebrating the convention and hosted by the Harvard University Institute of Politics. IOP director and former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson will be in attendance. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 1700 N. Westshore Blvd. RSVP online.

5-6:30 P.M. — APIA Electoral Briefing

Will Asian-Americans & Pacific Islanders vote Republican this year? Find out at this electoral briefing. Sheraton Tampa East Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Avenue.RSVP online. Contact: 646-502-5337.

7-9 P.M. — Cillizza at ‘Politics and Pints’

Wait out the storm with a pint and some trivia questions in this special convention edition of “Politics & Pints” hosted byThe Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza. Stumps Supper Club, 615 Channelside Drive. Doors at 6. Registration not required but space is limited. Open to teams up to six players.

7:30-10:30 P.M. — Watch the ‘Action’

National Journal and The Atlantic will be hosting a party every night of the convention, featuring festive libations and a broadcast of the action on the convention floor. There may be no floor action to watch today, but there’ll still be a party. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. 7th Avenue. Invitation only. Contact: abolding@theatlantic.com.

8 P.M.-Midnight — Rubio at American Conservative Union

From Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida to New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, expect an all-star lineup of speakers at the American Conservative Union and Future Majority Project’s exclusive party, “Nuestra Noche Midnight in Ybor.” Entertainment by Willy Chirino and D.J. Nino. The Cuban Club, 2010 Republica de Cuba (14th Street), Ybor City. Invitation only.

8:30 P.M.-1 A.M. — Distilled Spirits Council

Exclusive guest list, specialty cocktails, fish—what’s not to like? The Distilled Spirits Council hosts a late-night party at the Florida Aquarium featuring a 500,000-gallon Coral Reef tank, live music, and a cigar lounge overlooking the channel. 701 Channelside Drive. Invitation only.

9 P.M.-1 A.M. — ‘The Power of Political Chicks’

The “White House” Party celebrates the “power of political chicks” at the convention. Hosted by RightNOW! and the Value In Electing Women Political Action Committee. Price varies. Historic Ybor City, 1507 E. 7th Avenue. Contact: 202-547-7854.

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Cloture Girl’s: The Weekend Review

Hello once again DC Weekenders! It’s time to face the facts in this weeks column, or at least one saddening reality: summer is nearly over. A week from Saturday marks September 1st, and as we all know cooler temperatures and sunny activities are soon to follow. So on our last true weekend of the summer season, here are some activities to really capitalize on that last bit of the good season.

Urban Space 2012

Head out to The Warehouse Loft on New York Ave NE this Friday from 9pm to 4am for everything that’s current in D.C.’s electronic dance music scene. Classic DJ and producer crews like Eastcoast Boogiemen and drum ‘n’ bass master Slant will rock the bass bins with baile funk mistress Zuzuka Poderosa and the tropical sounds of the Empresarios. This event promises to keep the summer party rocking all night.

Endless Summer Beach Party

The true embodiment of holding on to the last bit of summer. Celebrating the imminent end of summer this week is Luke’s Wings, a charity that pays for families of wounded soldiers to travel to be with their loved ones as they recuperate. The Endless Summer fundraiser at L2 has a beach theme – the dress code is “St. Tropez style,” so get ready for tropical drinks and a limbo contest – and every cent of the proceeds benefits Luke’s Wings. Good cause to end a great summer in style.

Get A Little Country

Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Easton Corbin. Few performers combine songwriting and showmanship like certified country superstar Brad Paisley. But this show isn’t just about him: Don’t miss opening act the Band Perry, a group that is quickly ascending to headliner status. The sibling trio has been on the road for most of the past two years honing its act and earning new fans by the fistful. The band’s irresistible ballad “If I Die Young” remains one of country’s best hits in recent memory. At 4:30 on Saturday, this makes the perfect afternoon.

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival

The Comcast Outdoor Film Festival, held for years at Strathmore in North Bethesda, is moving yet again: This year, the movie series will be held at Rockville’s Mid-Pike Plaza. Concession sales benefit NIH Children’s Charities. Local bands perform before the films begin.

Foodie Sunday

With lessons on meal planning, shopping, using knives, equipment and presentation, these cooking classes from 11am to 2pm Sunday should be a crowd-pleaser. Judy Harris Cooking School, 2402 Nordok Place, Alexandria.

VIP Summer Fun

The Usual Suspectz have been hosting parties and happy hours for urban professionals as long as we can remember, and just in case you haven’t found it yet this summer, here’s your chance to cash in before it runs out. Day Trip is held on Ozio’s well-appointed roof deck bar from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday afternoons, with DJ Heat providing fresh beats. Food and drink specials are offered from 2 to 5 p.m. and include $5 Ciroc and Bacardi drinks. Send an e-mail to daytrip@usualsuspectz.com to get on the list for free admission.

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Restaurants, Chosing Political Sides and Dumb Requests

Fancy seeing you here, compadres! Lady K is a lobbyist on K Street, and here to answer your questions.

What’s your favorite–but affordable–K Street restaurant? I’m eating too much Cosi and am looking to try a new lunch place. I’m interning near Farragut Square, if that helps.

Ah, the lunchtime options this side of the District make me yearn for the not-so-secret back delis on the Hill. You know, where’d you walk past the liquor and shelves of crackers until you found yourself at a little meat counter that looked only slightly sanitary?

Over here in the NW, I’m getting tired of chain French-sounding restaurants — Au Bon Pain, Pret, Pain Quotidien — that serve overpriced sandwiches that leave you hungry two hours later. Combine that with the fact that our client lunches mysteriously always appear from Firehook or Corner Bakery and you’d think the sliced artisan bread industry owned this town. This is America, dammit! I don’t want my BLT on a baguette.

If you can stand another sandwich, have you tried the Daily Market outside the K Street entrance to Farragut North? They also have fresh smoothies. Or, check out the International Square food court around 19 and K? I’m a sucker for the Cuban stand, and the gyros aren’t bad (almost as good as Greek Deli, which, incidentally, is another great location and will make you forget chain Mediterranean shops like Roti ever existed). Finally, eat a Chipotle burrito while making a greedy, smug face because the Hill doesn’t have one yet.

If you’re feeling more creative, there’s always a food truck or three lumbering around. Don’t underestimate the goodness that is Takorean — there’s a line for a reason.

Other thoughts on where to snag K Street munchies? Leave your recommendations in the comments.

Is it better to work for Democratic or Republican groups? Are Democrats nicer?

My personal preferences aside, there’s a lot more to each client than their political affiliation. Some issues attract the political equivalent of a box of Chex Mix. A couple years ago, we had one client supporting a technology issue that attracted both the far left and the far right — the left argued that passing new legislation would harm low-income communities, and the Tea Partiers wanted less government intervention. That was a fun bunch of folks to manage.

Most clients claim to be “nonpartisan,” but their PAC records and executives’ campaign contributions tell a different story. Generally, Republican clients have more money to throw at events, whereas left-leaning clients tend to have better on-the-ground operations for local support.

Beyond that, there’s not much difference between the two. Most of the groups we work with are titan-of-industry types, on both sides of the aisle. The political affiliation of each client depends more on who’s in office (and who’s cosponsoring what bill) than any deep-seated ideology.

What’s the dumbest client request you’ve received?

Dumbest? I wish I got more dumb requests; it would be more fun. Most client strategies have been vetted through an internal group first. In our line of work, truly crazy big-daddy strategies rarely make it past the brainstorm phase.

We did have this one client who wanted to make his niche organization’s views “go viral.” This was a few months ago, when you couldn’t spend more than five minutes on the Internet without hearing something about Kony. We had to kindly let them know that “viral” videos often gain their popularity because they are stupid to the point of inspiring mockery, or just inane. There’s a reason Baby Monkey (Going Backwards on a Pig) has more views than something that’s actually informative (Kony notwithstanding, if you can call it “informative”). Unfortunately, there wasn’t much room for compromise.

Another face-palming issue is the classic case when we give a client two strategy options and they respond something like “yes” or “sounds good.” This happens much more than you would think.

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K Street, Political sides and More, check out more of Lady K Street!

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Morning Round Up – August 20

Man unconscious after assault near Eastern Market

Via WTOP

The 29-year-old man who was severely beaten in Eastern Market has had brain surgery, according to the principal of the school his wife works at.

“Top Gun” Director Tony Scott Dies After Jumping off Bridge

Via CNN

Spraying continues to defeat West Nile Virus

NY Times

An outbreak of West Nile virus has engulfed Dallas County, with nearly 200 cases of human infection and 10 deaths, leading the mayor of Dallas to declare a state of emergency and to authorize the first aerial spraying of a pesticide in the city since 1966.

John Lennon’s Killer is up for Parole

HuffingtonPost

Mark David Chapman, the man who shot and killed John Lennon 32 years ago could have his seventh parole hearing as early as Tuesday. He has requested parole every two years since 2000.

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Our Interview with a Shark Attack Survivor

For this week’s Shark Week I interviewed shark attack survivor Al Brenekka. A man who got his arm bitten off by a shark in the 1970′s. Like most of us probably would, he turned his interests towards killing sharks out of revenge, but then after a struggle with a hammerhead, he changed his mind and became a conservationist.

Al Brenekka is a fascinating man and all around bad ass. He was kind enough to let me take him out for a beer to hear his story.

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Cloture Girl’s: The Weekend Review

Hello DC Weekenders! As we all know Washington DC Restaurant Week 2012 is in full swing through the 19th and Washingtonian’s everywhere are running out to scarf up those great deals through the end of the week. For those of you full to the brim with good eats and great drinks, here are some events to break through the eating binge.

Brews, Bikes and Golf

Head on out to the H Street Country Club on Friday the 17th from 4-8 as new Belgium takes over all over the Country Club’s taps at a special happy hour. AND make sure you practice your putting: A limited-edition Fat Tire cruiser bike is up for grabs during a special hole-in-one challenge.

Chocolate City Anniversary Party

Come on out to Penn Social on E St. NW where the Brookland-based brewery marks its first year in business at Penn Social, a cavernous new bar that’s home to 40 taps and numerous games. Entertainment includes Skee-ball, shuffleboard and giant Jenga and the anniversary party features four Chocolate City beers for $5 each, including the El Segundo Saison. DJ Benny C provides dance tunes all night to keep you moving even when you’re not indulging in games or the pursuit of happiness through beer.

Chuck Brown Day Concert

Head on out to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this Saturday starting at 4pm and you’re sure not to be disappointed. The late Chuck Brown’s annual birthday concerts at the 9:30 Club were epic. The hours-long shows featured Brown, of course, but also a cavalcade of go-go stars performing to pay homage to the Godfather. This concert should be epic for DC in a similar fashion. In addition to Brown’s longtime backing band, the Original Soul Searchers, the bill includes a who’s who of go-go groups: Trouble Funk, Hot Cold Sweat, E.U., Backyard Band, Junkyard Bard and Suttle Thoughts. Brown’s daughter KK is among the hosts.

A Lovely Victorian Tea

The Weems-Botts Museum puts on a lovely event from 1:30-3:00 this Saturday for the Victorian lover in us all. Children and their favorite stuffed animal or doll are invited to a tea complete with a story called “Language of the Fans.” It promises to be fun through the ages.

Get Your Soccer Fix

DC United meets Philadelphia Union at RFK Stadium at 5pm Sunday the 19th. Don’t forget to buy your tickets early and catch one of the remaining games!

Redskins Rides

Make the trip to Redskins Park from 12-5pm this Sunday for a car show sponsored by the Redskins, with autograph signing and other entertainment. Admission goes for $15 a piece, $10 for children, or $50 for family of four. Get your Sunday football mix as early as they come!

This Weekend’s Must-Try Dining Experience: The Hamilton

600 14th St., NW Washington, DC 20005

Not only a wonderful dining experience, the Hamilton is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late-night dining, it also offers a great concert experience. The Hamilton offers local, national and international musicians the unique opportunity to entertain a city that is never short on opinions, accompanied by the two level, five bar, four dining room layout of this glorious building in the heart of downtown DC.

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Our Review of Founding Farmers

We arrived at Founding Farmers around 7pm on a random Wednesday night. As soon as we walked in it felt more like a busy Friday night. The bar was vibrant and packed with people sipping cocktails. Every table appeared to be occupied with guests enjoying dinner and drinks. I could tell by the energy in the room we were about to have a great meal.

They first took us on a tour of their bar. Founding Farmers has one of the most unique bar programs in DC and their liquor selection is immense. For you bourbon enthusiasts, it is one of the few places you can get a swig of Pappy in the city. That’s right. Founding Farmers offers a full vertical of Old Rip Van Winkle’s bourbon from the 10 year old to the Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 year old. This is no easy feat and Founding Farmers is the only place I have dined that has all five bottles in their collection. Pappy is regarded by many as the best bourbon in the world and is incredibly hard to find, even on the shelf of a liquor store.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve

Along with an amazing selection of spirits, Founding Farmers’ bartenders make excellent cocktails and there is no limit to their talent. You can put yourself completely in their hands and order a “Dealers’ Choice.” This is where you describe a flavor profile and the bartender makes a special concoction just for you. For example, would you like a sweet or savory drink? What is your spirit of choice? You can also request flavor accents such as smokiness or spiciness.

After our tour of the bar we arrived at our table and I decided to try their signature cocktail called The Bone. It was a delicious mix of Knob Creek Bourbon and fresh lime juice. A dash of tabasco was added for heat. It was garnished with a Bacon Lolli (also available as an appetizer) to add a sweetness and a smokiness to the tart and savory drink.

After our drinks arrived, it was time to get down to business. To begin our meal we ordered their appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. The tomatoes were battered in cornmeal and served with a green goddess dip and an herb goat cheese. The texture of the tomatoes was reminiscent of al dente pasta. The flavor was delicious, and I am not the only person who thinks so. Even Martha Stewart tried them and enjoyed!

Founding Farmers – Fried Green Tomatoes

Next we had the flat bread. It was nothing like the thin pizza type dishes that most restaurants serve. Rather it was thick slices of grilled bread that you are able to dress to your own taste. I recommend the Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Pickled Red Onion Flat bread. The tomatoes were cooked with basil and other herbs. The brightness of the fresh, seasonal tomatoes shone throughout the dish. The pickled onions added an excellent balance of acid to cut the rich creaminess of the goat cheese. This dish was like a turbo-charged bruschetta.

I should note that Founding Farmers prides themselves on using only fresh foods in their dishes, and strive to bring in seasonal and regionally grown produce whenever possible. Much of it is also locally sourced. You can definitely taste the difference this makes in their food.

To our delight, the crab cakes were next. They were plump with jumbo lump crab meat. Only the bare minimum of breading was used to hold the cakes together. One tap of the fork and big chucks of crab broke free. The dish is perfectly seasoned to accentuate the flavor of fresh crab meat.

One of Founding Farmers’ signature dishes is the Low Country Shrimp and Grits. I have actually eaten shrimp and grits in South Carolina and elsewhere in the South at great restaurants. But they don’t hold a candle to Shrimp and Grits at Founding Farmers. The grits themselves shine with the flavor of fresh shucked corn. They were the creamiest grits I have ever had and the tomatoes, celery, and other vegetables in the dish were equally fresh. The shrimp were delicately cooked and had a wonderful texture. The sausage added a nice smoky kick to the dish, and the popcorn garnish was a fun addition. There is no question I will get this dish every time I go back.

We also had the Cedar Plank Salmon. The fish was tender and flaked off easily with a fork. It was glazed in a homemade maple syrup and apricot glaze. The sweetness of the maple syrup went perfectly with the strong flavor of the salmon. I think it was one of the best salmon dishes I have had in my life. If you love salmon you have to try this dish.

Founding Farmers – Plank Salmon

We finished the meal with Uncle Buck’s Beignets. True to their New Orleans heritage, they were served in a paper bag. They came with three dipping sauces: Raspberry Coulis, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Sauce and Caramel Sauce. Think little fluffy fried balls of dough that are crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. It was a perfect way to finish the meal.

A must order dessert – Uncle Buck’s Beignets

Founding Farmers serves great food in a very responsible way. They are a 3-star Certified Green Restaurant™ and were one of the first to earn this distinction in DC, as well as being the first LEED Gold Certified restaurant in the city. They have an intensive composting and recycling program and take conservation very seriously. It is impressive to see a very busy, urban restaurant with such a strong ethic of corporate social responsibility and a dedication to providing great food and great service to their guests.

- Shawn Keeley

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Enjoy our review of Founding Farmers, check out our food section!

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Beer 101 – Beer Styles

You’ve been shamed at one too many gatherings, embarrassing family and friends with your weak beer knowledge, palate, and appreciation for man’s best friend – if you think dog is man’s best friend, the prosecution rests. Enter the new, improved, and devastatingly handsome you, armed with enough knowledge of the sudsy savior to drown all naysayers in a bath of bubblies. Half-assed openings aside, all you need to one-up your know-it-all beer snob buddy who keeps professing to you the differences between light and dark beer like he’s an extra in Van Wilder, is here.

The BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) lists eighty-some beer styles for competition. Fret not, you needn’t memorize sixteen feet worth of little piggies to impress that hot co-worker whom, we promise, really would like you if you could rattle off hops profiles for the new, trendy IPA all the kids have been talking about. All beer styles can be counted on just three middle fingers.

1. Ale

2. Lager

3. Lambic

All beers fall into one of these styles, defined primarily by the type of yeast used during fermentation. By sheer consumption, lager is the most wide-spread, with well more than one half of all beers consumed being a type of lager, however, sub-styles of lager only range in the number of 15-20. Ales are consumed far less often with the number of sub-styles weighing in above 60.

Ale

Generally, the most diverse of the three primary styles, ales are often characterized by a malty, slightly fruity body and may or may not exhibit strong hops characteristics. Ales use top-fermenting yeast and are fermented at warmer temperatures than lager – usually between 65-75 degrees F. Warm(er) fermentation produces more fruity and floral notes regardless of what type of yeast is used, a characteristic brewers use to create distinct, bold, and full-flavor recipes. Ales are most popular amongst self-professed beer geeks, home brewers, and professional drinkers. Ales include IPA, pale ale, porter, hefeweizen, and most ‘ambers’.

Lager

The most widely consumed of the primary styles, lagers tend to impart cleaner and less fruity notes than ale. Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast and are fermented at cool(er) temperatures – generally between 45-60 degrees F. Lagers have received a bad rap amongst many beer geeks, unfortunately, due to the omnipresence of Budweiser, Miller, and Coors. Although all fall into the same category – light lager or pilsner – neither of which represent the full family of lagers, the stigma has stuck. Some of my favorite styles are lagers – double bock, dunkel, and schwarzbier (black lager). Lagers are a great starting point for wine drinkers, beer noobs, and curious girlfriends interested in developing their palate.

Lambic

The least understood of the three primary styles, lambics are a ‘spontaneously-fermented’ beer. Lambics were originally fermented in the open, allowing wild yeast (which is all around us – AGH!) to work their magic…or not. Nowadays very, very few brewers allow spontaneous fermentation because it’s a bitch and hard to control the results. Wild yeast is now propagated and intentionally added, but taste a lambic and you’ll know you’re drinking something different. Lambics tend to display sour, tart, and sometimes funky, musty notes. As a semi-informed-beer-geek-in-the-making I’m quite sure you’re not disparaging lambics as you read this, questioning why anyone would drink a beer that may or may not taste like your roommate dipped his crusty gym socks in your glass. Lambic is the original beer, existing many moons before beer’s best friend knew what yeast is. Most lambics are now brewed with fruit or juice as it complements the lambic funk well. Try one.

Yeast, it’s what defines the three primary styles, not hops or grain profiles, or alcohol content. Those would help define the sub-styles but our fantastic, fungal friend is our primary concern. I didn’t mention this until now, so as not to offend your palatal sensibilities, but yeast is indeed a type of fungus. Yeast’s role in making beer is to consume simple sugar chains extracted from grain and convert it to CO2, and most importantly, alcohol. And since I’m juvenile I’ll mention that it is possible for beer to get a yeast infection and less pleasant than you might think. Yummy.

So there you have it, you’re now equipped to school even the most ardent beer drinker without the need of a calculator – although it does help to use middle fingers to count. Hopefully, you’ll cease dishonoring your family now that you know. Cheers!

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Aaron Emery has written for numerous websites and has been brewing for several years. He and a partner plan on opening a microbrewery in northern Virginia in the next year. You can reach the author at aaroncemery@gmail.com.

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Introducing: Outside Looking In

Telling Time, Vacation, and the Nationals

So, what I really wanted to do today was go catch the matinee showing of Ted but for some reason the thought of watching Marky Mark pal around with a mythical talking bear eerily reminded me of Washington, DC. I don’t live in DC but I have many good friends that have moved there throughout the years. Some I still hear from often, while others seemed to have gotten sucked into some sort a Beltway vacuum. Regardless, of whether I hear from them or not, I do have a few questions regarding DC life that I hope can be explained.

Question 1. Why is time measured in distance to DC—specifically the distance between Metro stops? It has been my experience that if someone is running late for a meeting or conference call, the response I get is “I’m two stops away.” Or, if on the phone, I get the statement “about to get on the Metro will call you back in three stops.” Why not just say, “Hey, I’m fifteen minutes away?” I have no idea how long it takes to travel from Metro stop to Metro stop. The closest train stop for me is in Macon, Georgia, so I might as well say, “I will call you next week”.

Question 2. Once you move to DC, do you ever take a vacation, or do you just spend time out of the District? This one really perplexes me. For years I have witnessed countless folks from DC make their way out of the city only to inform everyone what they have to do once they get back to DC. Why do this? Example: We are at a ski resort drinking some vodka, with a name I can’t pronounce, from the ear of a bunny ice sculpture—does it really matter if they are done with construction at Dupont Circle? For what it is worth, Cleveland Park to Dupont on the red line takes about 15 minutes (see question 1).

Question 3. What makes everyone an automatic Nationals fan– or should I say Natinals? (Ask Ryan Zimmerman about the spelling—he’s your third baseman and actually really good.) How is it that all of a sudden Facebook is filled with pictures of Nationals Park, when I know that a year ago you were at Wrigley? They were the freaking Expos! The EXPOS!

I actually really love DC—great food, great people, and awesome sites to see. I look forward to getting some of these questions answered. In the meantime, you can find me on twitter @GunnerHall .

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A misplaced Yankee currently living in Savannah, GA, Gunner that has over a decade of professional campaign work ranging from U.S. Senate candidates to small city council races. He was a political commentator during the 2008 election cycle for WBMQ radio station. In 2009 he was named one of Savannah/Hilton Head’s “Top 40 under 40” by the Savannah Business Report and Journal. He has also been voted “Best Liberal of Savannah” by the readers of The Connect (Savannah’s alternative newspaper). Also, an avid outdoorsman, Gunner enjoys killing animals that cannot defend themselves and then eating them. He prefers charcoal over gas grills when completing this task. To date his most important accomplishment has been rescuing a beagle named Truman. Twitter: @GunnerHall

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Branding 101

Kraft, Apple, IBM and Nike are all name brands that bring a cerebral and emotional reactions recalling upon your experiences with these products. Each spends millions of dollars in advertising annually to promote their brands as they want you to perceive them. Their aim is that when you go to make a purchase, you recognize them and buy their products instead of the competition. They are easily recognizable, and you can likely describe these brands.

Branding 101

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Write down 5-10 words to describe the brands of these companies. Then, write down 5-10 words to describe your own brand. Put them aside for now – we’ll return later.

Our personal brand is how we and others perceive us, which is critical as perception is reality. What words would they use to describe you? Would they hesitate and struggle to find the words or would they easily and freely talk about you? Whether we like it or not, our personal brand affects our relationships, job opportunities, promotions, seating at a restaurant, and much more. There are some parts of our brand with which we have little control over, like our family, where we grew up, our height, and our “natural” gifts. How others perceive this part of our brand is often dictated by how we perceive ourselves, value who we are, and present that security or insecurity to the public.

Yet, there is a great deal of our brand that we can control and can change it. When I was in high school, I failed tenth grade because – well, let’s just say that my friends and I had a great deal of “fun” that year. When I told my mother I was going to fail, she said plainly, “I hope you will do better next year.” In other words, she put the responsibility on me to change. I needed to change my brand and wanted to take the steps necessary to accomplish it. I followed through with making changes to my peer group, where I hung out, my basic values and principles, my short and long term goals, and how I was going to make a difference in this world. For guidance, I looked for key mentors and positive influences. Wherever we are in our journey, we can wake up one morning and say, “Today I am going to develop a new and better brand.”

The first step is to discover where you want to be in a year or two and why. Look honestly at your strengths, uniqueness, and weaknesses. Will they help you achieve your goals? How can you build a strategy around your brand to make a difference? How can you use this “focused energy” to influence and help others? What weaknesses can you change now and which can you change in the near future to get to your goal? Focus on your work ethic, attitude, and punctuality. Make an effort towards being the solution instead of the barrier. Accept challenges and take calculated risks. Think first about how can you help others rather than how can others help you. Once you decide to make this change, stick to it and become a hero to yourself by not letting “you” down. There will be little need to scream to the world that you are changing or improving your brand because, if successful, others will see it as your change has a positive effect on them!

The second step is to evaluate the first impression you are projecting. When someone meets you for the first time, what does your appearance communicate about you? Think about the perception you want to project and ask yourself if there is room for changes in how you dress, look or communicate. It is a fact that first impressions matter, so take control of what you are projecting. Think about your goal for where you want to be in a year or two and start dressing and acting like that today. Take this opportunity to stand out in a positive way. There is a good article in the August 5, 2012, New York

Times Style section titled “Techies Break a Fashion Taboo” about successful women unafraid to dress well. When you walk into a room others should notice the change, and that is a good thing.

Now look back at the words you used to describe yourself and the companies listed and evaluate. Notice how they have successfully branded themselves. That is your goal, too. Look at your list and see where you intersect. What traits do you like? Which characteristics would you change? Which skills would you improve upon? Are you better than your competition and do you stand out from them? Is your personal brand good enough to get you to where you want to go? Our brand should be constantly evolving depending on feedback as we mature through our journeys. To make a positive difference in this world, we often need to be different in a positive way. Can you honestly say you are?

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Arnie Thomas is President & CEO of A Thomas Group LLC. He mentors, consults on client services, relationship management, leadership development, strategic consulting, and professional speaking. For more information or to set up a consultation, please email him at athomasgroup@gmail.com .

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America – The Latest Olympic MEMES

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Local DC Breweries

DC is the mixing bowl but did you know there were local DC Breweries? Yeah neither did we so we thought we’d take the opportunity to share!

Chocolate City Beer

Location: 2801 Eighth St., NE;

Website: chocolatecitybeer.com

Located on 8th Street, Chocolate City Beer sells growlers of their famous Cornerstone Cooper Ale and Dark Vienna Larger every Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30pm.

DC Brau Brewing Company

Location: 178-B Bladensburg Rd., NE;

Phone: 202-261-8890

Website: www.DCBrau.com

DC Brau Beers have taken DC by storm. It’s not too often you see a local watering hole not offer the local favorite. Their brewery is conveniently located near a metro and offers tours most Saturdays from 1 to 4pm every half hour.

Port City Brewing Company

Location: 3950 Wheeler Ave. Alexandria

Phone: 703-797-2739

Website: portcitybrewing.com

Wednesday through Saturday, This Alexandria brewery offers samples of their finest selection. Special guided tours on Friday (6:30pm) and Saturday (from 1 to 4pm) and Sunday (at 2pm) for a small fee.

Lost Rhino

Location: 21730 Red Rum Dr #142, Ashburn, VA

Phone: (571) 291-2083

Website: LostRhino.com

Every first Wednesday of the month, you’re invited to make the trek to Lost Rhino Brewing Company and sample some great brews. Brewery personnel pour samples and give tours in a flexible and friendly format. $10 gets you a tasting glass and a chance to sample anything and everything the brewery has to offer. Live music and food trucks show up to provide both nourishment and harmony for your soul as well.

3 Stars Brewery

Location: 6400 Chillum Place NW, Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202.670.0333

Website: 3starsbrewing.com

No info on their website

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DC Timelapse

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DC Beer Week 2012

The 4th Annual DC Beer Week starts August 12 through 18, 2012. It all started in 2008 when local beer distributor Jeff Wells and chef Teddy Folkman thought it would be fun to create an event that celebrated the growing beer community in the Nation’s Capital. They gathered their friends – local distributors, restaurants, bars and brewers – and DC Beer Week was born.

Each year since its inception, DC Beer Week has grown larger with more than 180 separate events during the week long festival throughout the Federal City – from panel discussions to beer dinners and glassware giveaway happy hours to a craft beer dinner cruise on the Potomac River and more.

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A full list of the weeks events can be found @ http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/calendar/?list=dcbeerweek&date=month

Here are a events:

Sunday – August 12

DC Beer Week Craft Beer Cruise & Dinner on the Odyssey | Event Details

Monday – August 13

Union Pub: Devil’s Backbone Tap Take Over | 6-8 PM

Meet and greet with a brewer from Devil’s Backbone.

Complimentary passed appetizers (while supplies last).

Fado: DC Brau hosts Trivia Night

Cap Lounge: Mad Fox Tap Takeover!

The Queen Vic: Celebrating D.C. Beer Week with cider instead of beer on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and hard ginger ale on Friday.

Tuesday – August 14

Union Pub: Old Dominion Firkin Tapping | 6-8 PM

Union Pub: Victory Brewing Tap Takeover | 8-10 PM

Meridian Pint: DC Brau participates in “Big Love”

Wednesday – August 15

Union Pub: Starr Hill Tap Takeover, Meet the Brewer | 6-8 PM

Quarterdeck Crabhouse in Arlington, VA: DC Brau hosts a tap takeover and all you can eat crabs

Cap Lounge: $20 gets you one Anchor draft and all-you-can-eat crab, corn, and coleslaw. | 7-9pm

Thursday – August 16

Union Pub: Great Lakes Tap Takeover | 6-8 PM

District Chophouse: DC Brau participates in Cask Night

Friday – August 17

Union Pub: Goose Island Tap Takeover | 6-8 PM

ChruchKey / Birch and Barley: DC Brau releases its collaboration “Embers of the Deceased” Gratzerbier

Saturday – August 18

Union Pub: “Widmer Weekend” Tap Takeover | 6PM

Breadsoda: DC brau releases its collaboration “Fight Club Anti-Graivity Lager” Hellesbock with Devils Backbone at

Sunday – August 19

DC brau releases its collaboration “Middle Name Danger” Belgian Saison with Stillwater Artisan Ales at Pizza Paradiso in Dupont Circle.

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Paul Ryan Vice President

Past member of the week, Representative Paul Ryan (past ClotureClub Member of the Week), is looking at possibly being the next Vice President. Fox News is reporting Mitt Romney will announce his running mate at 9 a.m. ET Saturday August 11, 2012 in Norfolk, Va., Romney will launch his “The Romney Plan For A Stronger Middle Class” bus tour after announcing his choice for the Vice Presidential candidate, according to an official press release from the Romney campaign.

Brief Political Summary of Paul Ryan:

His last career before running for the U.S. House was that of legislative director for Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas. His political career in the House started with a landslide victory in 1998. In fact, in terms of facing adversity, Paul Ryan hasn’t faced any. In 1998, after Rep. Mark Neumann ran unsuccessfully for Sen. Russ Feingold’s seat, Ryan went after the open House seat. After easily winning the Republican primary, he faced Lydia Spottswood in the general election. Both candidates spent more than $1 million on their respective campaigns but Ryan won, 57 to 43 percent. Since then Ryan has won each re-election campaign by a wide-margin. His influence within the House – and the respect he commands from fellow Republicans – led to his upset defeat in 2007 of Representative Ander Crenshaw to become ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee. At the time of his victory Ryan was 13th in seniority on the committee.

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Already The Weekly Standard is claiming that it’s Paul Ryan:

THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned that the Romney campaign has begun to prepare a vigorous effort in support of Paul Ryan if he is selected as Mitt Romney’s vice presidential pick—something now likely to happen soon. For example, GOP officials tell THE WEEKLY STANDARD that Wisconsin governor Scott Walker is among a group of Republicans who has been asked to be ready, in terms of his schedule and other practical preparations, to make the case publicly for a Romney-Ryan ticket as early as Saturday.

This of course does not mean the Wisconsin congressman will necessarily end up as Romney’s running mate. The Romney campaign may be working to lay the groundwork for one or two other possible picks, though THE WEEKLY STANDARD has been unable to find evidence of any comparable preparation for other candidates. Or the Romney team could be engaging in some last minute misdirection, as other campaigns have done. In 2000, much of the attention in the days before the announcement of Dick Cheney as Bush’s running mate focused on John Danforth, thanks to nudging from inside the campaign. And in 2004, the New York Post splashed on its front page a story indicating that Richard Gephardt would be John Kerry’s running mate. It’s entirely possible that the Romney campaign is engaging in the same kind of shenanigans.

But if the signs pointing toward Ryan, increasing in number, are meant as a feint, it’s an odd one. Ryan is popular among conservatives and Republicans, and the talk about him is generating lots of excitement in conservative and GOP circles. The campaign would presumably be acting to tamp down Ryan speculation if Ryan weren’t going to be the pick, in order to avoid a sense of letdown if he’s passed over. But the campaign is doing no such thing. Rather, it seems to be preparing observers for Ryan.

From our Guess Who VP choice post.

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Youtube – Videos Trending Now

This kid looks like Bieber

Mr. Wizard’s a Dick

Nexus 7: Camping

Gundam STar

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Lawless Movie Review

Director John Hillcoat and screenplay writer Nick Cave of The Road and other films brings us a gritty, Prohibition Era, America-before-it-was-America story called Lawless, based on Mount Vernon High School-alum and author Matt Bonderant’s fictionalized account of his ancestors’ adventures producing and selling moonshine in the hills of Franklin County, VA. Franklin County (no city is ever named) has one of just about everything (think the town in Winter’s Bone): one church, one market, one road, and one law of the land: whatever you can negotiate with the authorities, goes. The county becomes sort of an industry town for the production and distribution of moonshine, with police officers willing to turn a blind eye in return for a few cases of moonshine. The kingpins of the business are the three Bandarant brothers: Forrest (played by Tom Hardy), the strong-but-silent eldest brother whose toughness and stoic are legendary in the county; Howard (Jack Clarke), heavy-hitting and heavy-drinking, and Jack (Shia LaBeouf), the youngest, whose chief insecurity, not unlike other youngest siblings, is that he’ll never be like his brothers.

The movie make its first turn when corrupt Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce), on special assignment from Chicago, drives to the boys’ farm to inform them that the county wants a cut of their moonshine profits, and are willing to shut their stills down if they don’t get what is asked. Forrest, in true Bandarant form, curtly informs him right back that Bandarants have been making moonshine interference-free since time began, and they don’t intend on starting now. This first showdown sets the stage for the rest of the film, thoroughly enjoyable if you like blood-soaked, repetitive attack-seek revenge sequences, the inevitable drama in movies like this.

The movie is far from one-dimensional: underlying the throat slitting and graphic castrations is a truly beautiful, if a little cliched, young romance between Jack, the rough-and-tumble Bandarant, and the local priest’s daughter, Bertha (Mia Wasikowska), whose pure beauty is accentuated by a cloistered fondness for bad boys. Their romance reaches a head, however, when Jack brings Bertha to see the brothers’ moonshine distillery hidden deep in the woods. Little do they know that the authorities have followed them there. In the ensuing gun fight, the boys’ distillery is destroyed and their crippled assistant Cricket (Dane Dehaan) is killed, his neck broken by the scathingly-evil Rakes, whose villainy is exceptionally well done (and may very well garner him award nominations in the coming months).

Jack’s anger towards Rakes and the authorities who conducted the raid is the last rock to fall in the slow erosion of his youth. No longer the runt of the litter, tortured by the injustice committed by the police, he leaves his home in his car, armed with a handgun, to take revenge. His brothers, and other local townspeople who conveniently have been waiting by their cars, follow with their own vehicles and weapons to fight the last fight against Rakes and his troupe who are waiting on one side of the town’s covered bridge for anyone to dare and cross, setting up the inevitable denouement in this war of attrition. Jack and Forrest are wounded in the crossfire, but just before Rakes comes over to finish them off, he is shot by his own deputies, the final result of a growing feud between he, the fancy-boy Chicago enforcer, and the rest of the police force whose own loyalties have always laid with Franklin County and the moonshiners. Rakes limps off, swearing about “hicks” and “ignorant hillbillies.” Jack follows, and vindicates himself as a true Bandarant by shooting Rakes, killing him as he crosses the covered bridge.



If “Lawless” fails to make it on the mantle of the finest Prohibition-era movies to be made, it’s because critics will observe that the story line lacks distinction and body; a few distracting elements make the movie too long; and it wraps up just a little too easy. My take: Shia LaBeouf puts on a stellar performance, his best potentially ever. Tom Hardy is absolutely brilliant, reprising a bit the voice of Bane but with a greater delicacy and intent. The soundtrack is sort of the sixth man in the film, the haunting voices of Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson whispering to viewers that they too are trespassing on sacred earth, the Bonderant’s Appalachia. My sense is that this movie, like a good moonshine, will age well. Well worth your time to see it!

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Poste Moderne Brasserie – Bloody Mary Review

The Bloody Mary was invented in the late 1940s and its original ingredients are: Vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and lemon juice. That is a pretty simple concoction right? Well it is definitely a more advanced experience at Poste Moderne Brasserie. I love a “build your own” Bloody Mary bar on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Poste has the best Bloody Mary bar in the DC area, hands down. At $8 each, it is a pittance to pay when you consider the following:

1) You have a choice of three delicious house infused vodkas (bacon infused, habanero garlic infused, and chili horseradish infused vodkas)

2) They make their own Bloody Mary mix

3) They offer a dozen different pickles for garnish (almost all of them are homemade)

When I go to Poste for brunch I typically have the bacon infused vodka in my Bloody Mary, but this time I ordered the habanero garlic infused vodka instead. The bartender gave me a glass of ice with a generous pour of the liquor. The vodka is good on its own. You get the heat as well as the fruitiness of the habanero pepper combined with the rich flavor of the garlic.

Next I took my glass to the counter to build my perfect Bloody Mary. I used the house mix, which is very zesty without being too overbearing. I made sure to leave room for the plethora of garnishes I had to choose from.

Build your own Bloody Mary Bar

The pickles alone would rival any pickle plate at a DC restaurant. There must have been over a dozen different house-made pickles that day. Would you like a raw celery stalk or pickled celery stalk? I had both. Here are the other pickles I added: fennel, onion, jalapeno and olives. And of course, I added a couple of strips of bacon to top it off.

Here is something you won’t likely find elsewhere. The bar manager makes his own Worcestershire sauce. Do you have any idea how difficult that is? In my opinion it is also better than Lea & Perrins. I put a few dashes in my glass and it brought the drink to a whole new level. They also have some spices out in case you want to rim your glass. The homemade hot sauce, that is worth trying, reminded me of an Asian chili sauce like you might find at a Thai restaurant.

If you can find a better Bloody Mary, let me know. My money is on Poste. The Bloody Mary bar is available during brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm . They also serve the Grand Mimosa with unlimited refills during brunch for $16. We also highly suggest trying their quiche. They claim their portion is “Dinosaur”. I agree. See for yourself below.

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