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Friday, May 31, 2013
UnCorked – Donnafugata Anthilia
At present in DC the humidity is about 3000% and the season that was allegedly spring is definitely over. Sure it feels nice in the morning right now, but after five minutes of any movement, walking the dog, breathing or standing, the humidity begins to suck away your will to live. So I recommend you do what I do when your soul is being stolen and the weather begins to laugh at you as your perspiration rate soars- find a nice bottle of summertime white wine to renew your will to live!!
When you think summer wine sipping, typically Cali chard doesn’t pop into your mind, nor does a big weighty Cabernet. You want (and need) something light, crisp and refreshing that you can enjoy and that won’t ruin your palette and fill your stomach. There are a wealth of good options, and really it comes down to a little common sense and geography to find good ones; where in the wine world is it hot most of the time? My answer, the Mediterranean. Many of the whites from around the med have been perfected by centuries of wine making to become near perfect examples of a hot weather wine. Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, the Balkans and even turkey, Lebanon and Israel have numerous examples of easy drinking summer whites. These countries share (in certain areas) similar sun baked soils, hot winds and high average temperatures. And honestly it’s hard to go wrong with most whites from the above, but I have come upon a new discovery from Sicily that I think exemplifies what a summer time, warm weather white should be – the Anthilia by Donnafugata.
Sicily is known more for its pizza and crime families than it is for its wine but when you’re the little stepchild of Italian wine making which uses over 1000 varietals to produce hundreds of thousands of gallons of wine per year, you can see why. But as thousands of US service personnel first learned during the liberation of Italy in World War Two, Sicily produces some world class wines, many of them whites. The Anthilia is classically styled as a dry white table wine that most people will find incredibly agreeable. Made principally from the Catarratto grape, it’s fruit concentration certainly makes you think of hot growing conditions that help make the fruit flavors more expressive and evident.
It is not super light in body, but still light enough that it doesn’t fill you up such that it becomes a perfect accompaniment to a BBQ or pool party where you’ll be eating periodically. It’s acidity and crisp dryness are the predominant characteristics, but neither are oppressive and actually both help to add to the feel of refreshment. Partly thanks to its aging in stainless steel; an oaked wine would never be this crisp and refreshing. It’s palish hay color and stone fruit aromas essentially scream “summer”. The aromas and flavors of white peach, apricot, a little tart apple and fantastic minerality make you think you’re at a cookout even if you’re having a glass at the whole foods in old town, which is where I happened upon this excellent find. I could almost picture a pool or a tubing trip while drinking this wine, as it was very similar in style to Greek made whites from Santorini, another hot weather favorite of mine. This wine is incredibly easy to drink, and doesn’t kill you with any aspect of its depth. The peachy / white peachy flavors are a joy to drink and lead to a nice, short, crisp finish that only makes you want another sip. Pair it with peel and eat shrimp or crab meat or just about anything at a BBQ. The acidity of the wine will cut through thicker barbecue sauces and extinguish flames from spicy rubs on chicken or pork. In short, this wine absolutely rocks and is everything you want in hot weather.
So like many stepchildren, Sicily has surpassed the more well thought of sibling in may ways as it has honed in on what it does best and knocks it out of the park. The Anthilia is not only awesome, it’s an awesome buy – $13.99 a bottle. Drink this early and often this summer as it might not be as easy to find once people discover what a well made, crisp refresher this is. Like a summertime blockbuster movie, this is exactly what you expect from a hot weather wine. Unlike so many supposed blockbuster movies, this wine does not disappoint. It will however, leave you wanting more from the sequel… Or next bottle!
Website: Donnafugata Anthilia
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Why not get a sneak peek into Washington Redskins RG3's new $2.5 million house. At 9,000 square feet, this home has 4 bathrooms, two half baths, a wet bar, elevator and a mudroom. Woah! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/05/a-look-into-the-house-of-rg3/
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A look into the House of RG3
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III paid $2.5 million dollars (source) for a four bedroom house in Loudon County. Estimated at 9,000 square feet, this home has 4 bathrooms, two half baths, a wet bar, elevator and a mudroom. Because everyone needs a mudroom.
Here are some photos from his newly purchased home. These photos were found on real estate website, Zillow.com.
A peek into the house of RG3!
A warm welcome as you step into the entry way.
There is a side room for RG3 to work on his painting skills. Maybe he can take lessons from George Bush?
People have granite counter tops. He has that… and granite walls!
Who doesn’t need double candle holders? It’s not like they’ll be used for dark rooms or anything.
The study room? I can already smell the rich mahogany.
Tore your ACL? No problem! This house has an elevator!
Let’s check out the master bathroom!
A hot tub with a mirror.
Multiple shower heads to ensure every part of your body is fresh and clean!
Time to head downstairs….
Every downstairs should have a bar in front of a dungeon…. A dungeon?!
We safely assume this is the “Man Cave”. Well played RG3!
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Thursday, May 30, 2013
Metro cease and desist letter to MetroHotCars.com
WMATA issued a cease and desist letter today to BlueHost.com and MetroHotCars.com owner, Kyle Conrad. Conrad was given a 2 week window for a “letter of compliance” or they will take the “necessary steps to force compliance”. This joke/parody website was a humorous website but sadly it won;t see the light of day.
MetroHotCars.com Cease & Desist Letter
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Dating parody website MetroHotCars.com gets cease and desist letter from WMATA. It's a shame this website wont see the day of light. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/05/metro-cease-and-desist-letter-to-metrohotcars-com/
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2013 Screen on the Green Schedule
After a few financial problems, Screen on the Green returns and has announced their four film line-up for this summer!
Working with HBO and Comcast, “Friends of Screen on the Green” is devoted to promoting and preserving Screen on the Green and other outdoor movie festivals in the Washington, DC Metro area.
Screen on the Green Schedule
- Monday, July 22: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Monday, July 29: Norma Rae
- Monday, Aug. 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”
- Monday, Aug. 12: “Tootsie”
[ Featured image was taken by Skgstyle. ]
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A Visit to Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria
I recently met up with Bill Butcher for a private tour of Port City’s state-of-the-art brewery in Alexandria. Bill, the brewery’s founder, opened Port City’s doors in February of 2011. Having worked in the wine business for many years, Bill noticed that there weren’t a whole lot of options for the beer drinker in our area. Deciding it was time for a change, he teamed up with brewer Jonathan Reeves and the two embarked on a mission to bring beers to the area that “are complex with layers of flavor, but are also approachable for new beer drinkers.” They’ve succeeded wildly, and are expanding at an impressive rate.
Currently, the 30 barrel system at Port City cranks out about 6000 barrels of beer annually, and that number is set to double in 2014 when new equipment arrives to handle the increased production. The demand for Port City’s beer continues to grow, and they now distribute to multiple locations in the mid-Atlantic.
The Custom 30 Barrel Brewing System.
Port City currently brews four “essential” beers, which include an IPA, a Pale Ale, a Porter, and my personal favorite; Optimal Wit. Alongside their four flagship brews, there are usually one or two seasonal ales available, and they are currently working on perfecting a Pilsner which they are hoping to make their next year-round beer. You can read more about Port City’s selection here: http://www.portcitybrewing.com/beer/ or stop by during tasting hours to sample them in person and get a tour of the brewery first hand.
There are a lot of craft breweries out there that have a vast portfolio of different beers that they offer to the public, so I had to ask Bill, why only a handful of beers on the Port City menu? His response was that they’re more interested in doing a few things exceptionally well, while covering a broad range of styles. If you’ve had the pleasure of drinking any of Port City’s beers, you’ll appreciate their dedication to perfection.
During our walk around the brewery I noticed a piece of equipment, well a contraption really, that I’d never seen before. You may have heard of the term dry-hopping. If you haven’t, it’s the process of adding hops to a beer after fermentation. The process results in an additional burst of hop aroma without adding any bitterness to the beer. Typically, hops are allowed to soak in the finished beer for several days to several weeks. So back to this contraption…one of the issues with dry hopping is the potential for beer to come into contact with too much oxygen, as brewers will typically open the top of the fermenter and pour the hops directly into the beer. Not Port City! They have a patent pending on a device which uses CO2 to force hops into the fermenter without exposing the beer inside to oxygen at all. It’s called the Hopzooka, and it’s a super cool innovation in brewing technology.
The Hopzooka
Port City Brewing is truly an impressive operation, and Bill was a great host during my visit. If you get a chance, their tasting room and brewery tour is a lot of fun. They also fill growlers and sell kegs on the premises. Their hours vary so here’s a link to help you plan your visit. http://www.portcitybrewing.com/brewery/visit/.
Until next time…Stay thirsty DC!
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Our review of Azur
Azur seems to be learning from their challenges after a rough start. I have eaten there twice now, and I am glad I gave them a second chance because my second experience was a dramatic improvement.
On my first visit they had roughly 15 drinks on the menu with several of them in the $22 range, and one that contained edible gold leaf that was priced at an astonishing $40. On my first I tried the $22 Octavius, and though beautiful in appearance, the drink was nowhere near worth the price I paid. With ingredients such as wasabi vodka, black pepper infused vodka, lemon juice, tomato water and celery bitters it struck me that the cocktail was inspired by the Bloody Mary, but the flavors were a confusing mess. Azur has since hired a new GM since that first visit and he has streamlined the menu to 8 or so cocktails, all priced at $12. They also have some drinks available for $6 during happy hour. I tried a couple on my second visit and found them much more palatable in terms of flavor and price.
The $22 Octavius.
As all of you know I haven’t met many oysters I didn’t like! Well on my first visit I was disappointed they served the oysters on the flat, top portion of the shell sans liquor. On my second visit they rectified this mistake and served the oysters in the cup allowing me to slurp down the delicious, briny liquor along with the oyster. Azur has also started offering $1 oysters during happy hour.
The kitchen is still new and so far I have found the dishes to be hit or miss. On my first visit, the Golden Tile Fish Crudo was bland and could have used some acid and seasoning. But the Uni Cappuccino from my second visit was delicious and well balanced. It was rich, creamy and frothy like the name suggests with a plump sea urchin roe sack floated in the middle of the dish that gave it a light flavor of the ocean. I also tried the Cobia Ceviche which was clean and citrusy but lacked salt. The fresh radishes however gave it a nice texture.
Golden Tile Fish Crudo
Cobia Ceviche
I finished off my second meal at Azur with the pasta in the Handmade ‘Spaghetti Alla Chitarra’. It was delicate and flavorful, though I found the portion more in line with a first course than a second course but nonetheless I enjoyed the shrimp sausage sprinkled throughout the dish.
Spaghetti Alla Chitarra
All in all I would say there was dramatic improvement between my first and second visit to Azur, but I would still consider the restaurant as a work in progress. I do intend to go back for a third visit in a few weeks because I really love the concept and feel they are moving in the right direction. Will it be a case of third times a charm, or three strikes and you’re out? Time will tell…
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DC was ranked #2 for most healthy and fit. The Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul made #1. Apparently they didn't visit the national mall during lunch hour. http://www.wtop.com/267/3339699/DC-area-among-nations-most-healthy-fit
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Trying to decide what to wear to work today? Wear an all-white suit like Ohio Senator Atlee Pomerene did in 1913. It is the day after Memorial Day, after all.
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Monday, May 27, 2013
This Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation. We know there is no greater gift than what they've given us all. Freedom.
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Friday, May 24, 2013
5 Places Worth Checking Out on AirBNB DC
AirBNB.com is the latest “share” craze. Much like ZipCar, Hertz On Demand, and crowd-funding platforms like Kickstarter, people can now rent out their couch, extra room or even their full apartment for a low price.
With over 1337 places to stay in DC, AirBNB is an alternative place to send your friends or family to. Rather than having them bunk up at your small apartment at eastern market, or a expensive hotel downtown, this website is building a reputation better than Craigslist. Granted, not every AirBnB experience is going to be so top-notch, but here are a few places worth checking out.
Celeb House Hunter
$400 night – Entire home/apt
Website Link
Q Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20008, United States
Apparently this apartment is associated with BizMarkie. Live like a celebrity with 12 of your friends.
Entire guest “Cabin” on capitol hill
$95 night – Entire home/apt
It’s a cabin! It’s a cottage! It’s a shack! Whatever you end up calling it, it’s a totally private studio space in a backyard.
Private English Garden Apartment
$129 night / Entire home/apt
Modern 1 bedroom CAPITOL HILL apartment with a private entrance.
Airstream Glamping in Arlington
$69 night / Entire “camper”
Enjoy your vacations in the same kind of trailers used by astronauts and movie stars.
Luxury Condo In The Heart of DC
$90 night / Entire Apartment
The Condo sits in NW Washington, DC. The condo is only 3 years old. As a DC Native.
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Too Fast, Too Cheesy – Our Review of Fast and Furious 6
The Fast and Furious franchise returns with Fast and Furious 6. The latest chapter attempts to continue the heist-thriller action movie format that has been very successful. However Fast and Furious 6 was less street racing and car porn, but more plot.
The full squad returns with Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and their band of merry thieves (Tyrese and Ludacris) are pulled together by Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock) to help bring down super criminal Shaw. The incentive to do this is full immunity. A clean slate. They also find out that Letty, Doms former girlfriend, is alive (Michelle Rodriguez). So they band together to do one more job, “Ride or Die” or something. Clearly the stage is set to bring things full circle after Fast and Furious 5. So you must review before.
This movie is not your typical car show. They put more effort to string together a plot. As in so many movies these days, the fights were complete ridiculousness that it left me in disbelief, or the scene he jumped off a moving car. Add that with cheesy one liners, provided by Tyrese, you have the movie. Furious 6 has enough action to get you ready for the summer. This movie has plenty of shoot outs, fights and the longest run way imaginable (you’ll see).
Should you see it? Sure. But turn off your brain before. The end credits promise that Jason Statham will be joining the team in the next episode.
Fast and Furious 6 Trailer
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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Front Row Seat Book Signing with Eric Draper
Last night, DC’s Edelman office hosted a book signing of “Front Row Seat: A Photographic Portrait of the Presidency of George W. Bush
Front Row Seat gives a behind-the-scenes view of the presidency of George W. Bush. Draper took an estimated 4 million photos during his role as White House photographer. The photos selected really portray the emotions, sincerity, and the humor of President 43. We’re taken back through history and included in Oval office discussions, flown through Air Force One, intimate engagements with family and relive the tragedy of 9/11. Equally great were the stories Draper shared with the crowd.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush sit on either ends of a couch prior to a social event at Buckingham Palace.
“This was George being playful with Laura in the Buckingham palace.” Draper shared with the crowd.
President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush pose for a father-son portrait
“What is funny about this photo was when I said Mr. President they both turned and responded.”
Putting politics aside, this book really does give you a glimpse into the history of a presidency. Front Row Seat is a must have for any Presidential history enthusiast and any fan of President George W. Bush. This book sold out last night, and we heard that it’s on back order online as well. If you want a great coffee table book or a book to add to your library this is it. A big thank you to Mary Diamond Stirewalt and David Almacy for the invitation.
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Here are 11 Memorial Day weekend events to get you yelling ‘merica! - Molly http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/05/memorial-day-weekend-events/
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I'll match your "throw back Thursday" with this car crash on capitol hill in 1921. Damn Maryland drivers!
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Memorial Day Weekend Events in DC
It’s a 3 day weekend! Here are some events to get you yelling ‘merica! Don’t forget to check out our DC pools post!
Jazz in the Garden Kickoff
Jazz in the Garden
Every Friday during the summer, Washingtonians are treated to some cool jazz at the National Sculpture Garden by the National Gallery of Art. Tonight is the kickoff to their summer season, so don’t miss out on the Ruthie and the Wranglers. Bonus: drinks are served inside.
Friday, May 24, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
700 Constitution Ave. NW
Closest Metro: Archives, Penn Quarter (Blue/Yellow Lines)
FREE (Plus cost of drinks inside)
Memorial Day Jazz Fest
Alexandria will host its 36th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival at Waterfront Park. Festival goers will be treated to The Commodores, Al Williams and Daniel Ori. The park features grass seating, so bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Food is available for purchase, but feel free to bring your own munchies to snack on. Bust: no alcohol is allowed at the park.
Monday, May 27, 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Waterfront Park, Between Prince and King streets
Alexandria, VA
Closest Metro: King Street (Blue/Yellow Lines)
FREE (Plus cost of food/drinks inside)
National Memorial Day Concert
Join the likes of Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna and Colin Powell at the U.S. Capitol for the quintessential Memorial Day event: the National Memorial Day Concert. Concert revelers will be treated to the sounds of the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Chorus, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the U.S. Navy Band, Ed Harris, Candice Glover, Chris Mann, Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe.
Sunday, May 26, 8:00 – 9:30 pm
East Capitol and First Streets
Closest Metro: Capitol South (Blue/Orange Lines), Union Station (Red Line)
FREE (Get there early – doors open at 5pm – to grab your seat)
Sunset Celebration at GW’s Home
If you’ve been to George Washington’s homestead you will have likely been mobbed by tourists. This weekend is your chance to visit the historic Mount Vernon long after the crowds have left. Take the lantern-lit tour of the grounds, listen to 18th century music and take a wagon ride on the mansion grounds. Bonus: watching the sun set over the pristine grounds will conjure up images of GW himself enjoying the same view.
May 25 – 26, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
$18 – adults, $12 – children 6-11, FREE for 5 and under
Hometown Holiday in Rockville
I’ve never been to Rockville, MD, but this might be my weekend to go – and so should you. The town will host its Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration where revelers can check out a dozen concerts with local bands, delicious fare from some of the city’s best local restaurants, and games for the kiddos. Bonus: at 10:30 am Monday, stop by for the city’s parade.
May 25 – 27
North Washington St. and Middle Lane – Rockville Town Center
Rockville, MD
FREE
Wolf Trap Summer 2012 Kickoff
Wolf Trap has some exciting summer concerts this summer. And this weekend, they’ll kick off the season with “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band. Bonus: you’ll be treated to fireworks at the end of the set.
Sunday, May 26, 8:00 pm
Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Rd.
Vienna, VA
FREE, Capacity is limited – so get there by 6pm
National Memorial Day Parade
I personally can’t think of Memorial Day without thinking of a parade. And DC knows how to do a parade. The National Memorial Day Parade strolls down Constitution Ave., passing the Mall and the U.S. Capitol. So find a spot between Seventh and 17th Streets to camp out and show your support to the veterans who will be participating – you won’t regret it.
Monday, May 27, 2:00 pm
Constitution Ave. between Seventh and 17th Streets NW
Closest Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial (Blue, Yellow Lines)
FREE
National Memorial Day Parade at Arlington National Cemetery
If you’d like to spend your Memorial Day in serious remembrance of our fallen soldiers, then attend the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The U.S. Air Force Band will play a prelude before the ceremony, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct the wreath-laying, and the program will be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Defense in Arlington’s Memorial Amphitheater.
Monday, May 27, 10:30 am
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheather
Arlington, VA 22211
Closest Metro: Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)
Free – seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive by 9:30 am
ViVa! Vienna!
If you’re in the mood for a full-on carnival this weekend, visit historic Vienna, VA for three days of Memorial Weekend festivities, including rides, live music, crafts, food, and a Memorial Day tribute. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna, the event is a celebration of community spirit with a wide range of activities.
Saturday, May 25th – Sunday, May 26th, 10am-10pm
Monday, May 27th, 10am-6pm
245 Maple Ave W
Vienna, VA 22180
Closest Metro: Vienna (Orange Line)
Free
Crab Festival at PolicyDC
Photo courtesy of dcafterfive.com
Policy Restaurant & Lounge will be teaming up with Blue Moon Brewing Company for their third annual Crab Festival as part of Blue Moon’s summer campaign of “Blue Moon, Blue Crab and Old Bay Seasoning.” For $35, enjoy all you can eat crabs with all the fixings and traditional sides like hushpuppies, corn on the cob, cole slaw, hot dogs and Policy wings. Blue Moon will be debuting two special craft brews not available anywhere else in DC: Raspberry Cream Ale and Honey Grand Cru with Ginger.
Sunday, May 26th, 12-5 pm
1904 14th Street NW
Washington, DC, 20009
Closest Metro: U Street (Green & Yellow Lines)
$35 per person, Beer is $5 per glass and $15 per pitcher – recommended to buy tickets in advance
Hinge Memorial Day BBQ Extravaganza
For those of you looking for the true Memorial Day BBQ experience, look no further. Held on the roof terrace of Jack Rose, this BBQ extravaganza features an open bar with beer, wine, champagne and specialty punches, astroturf cornhole, drinking games, a photobooth, and serious BBQ: grilled BBQ oysters, shrimp rolls, Kobe beef sliders, BBQ beef brisket sliders, half-smokes in a blanket, twice-baked potato wedges, cheddar jalapeno biscuits, and more…
Sunday, May 26th, 6:00-10:00 pm
2007 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Closest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line) or U Street (Green & Yellow Lines)
$48 per person in advance, $60 at the door
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