Not Your Average Movie Date!

There is a laundry list of do’s and don’ts when you’re preparing for a first date. Some  dating experts -- like your friends who are still single, or maybe your parents? (Hi Jackie and Larry!) – Say you should never go to dinner on your first date because you spend more time stuffing your face than having a conversation. And, if you do decide to go to dinner, please don’t order ribs or fried chicken. What’s not sexy is licking your fingers and eating with your hands on your first date.

A do: have drinks at a small intimate place where you can gaze into his/her eyes and tell them the answers to all their burning questions.

A don’t: the movies. Never, under any circumstance, should you go to a movie on a first date because you both are silent for majority of your time together.

But, wait! There is one exception.

Every year, Filmfest DC showcases international films, short films, documentaries, and indie films from across the country. The films range from romance, comedy, musical documentaries, to films about poverty in Detroit.  The array of options and limited run of the film festival makes this movie date out of the ordinary and the one exception to the “no movies” rule.  Click the link to see the films that are showing this year at Filmfest DC (April 11-21) http://www.filmfestdc.org/filmlist.cfm.

When I first moved to DC in August of 2000, there weren’t a lot of “great” restaurant options. Now, 13 years later (damn, I’m getting old!), in every corner of DC you’ll find a great restaurant. 

Yelp should never determine a “great restaurant” because the people who review the restaurant may have a different palate than yours. What is considered “great” depends on your experience, preference of atmosphere, consistency from the chef, and overall service.

One day as I was headed to see a play, I stumbled across a restaurant called Cedar. Whenever I see a new restaurant I’d like to try or come across a topic I want to research a little more, I pull out my phone and email myself so I won’t forget about it later. That is exactly what I did when I saw Cedar, and I’m glad I did. Cedar offers amazing meals ranging from a delicious Duck confit, Canadian-farmed rabbit, almond Crusted flounder, and their smoked bison carpaccio appetizer is amazing as well.  Click here to visit Cedar’s website: http://cedardc.com/index.php

I particularly enjoyed Cedar because the atmosphere was great.  Classic jazz playing in the background, candles at every table, and the noise level was just right so you can hear your date speak. The service was amazing and the food is consistent every time I go. Cedar chef Aaron McCloud uses local farms for their ingredients, which means a lot to those of you who like to eat locally.

Just like the food, the wine list is amazing. Seriously, Cedar hit the “nail on the head” with their wine options. When I had dinner there recently, I ordered the Bordeaux Mission St. Vincent  (French Sauv Blanc).  The wine was well-balanced with different fruitful flavors.

This post has been brought

A Date That Begins On The Mall

It was late August of 2000, my mother and I arrived in DC for my freshmen orientation week at Howard University. Like every parent, my mother went over a check- list of things I needed for my dorm as well as planned activities for the next day.

Like any teenager, I ignored 99% of what she said until I heard,  “We’re going to the mall tomorrow.” I instantly begin plotting on the things I wanted from the mall that I couldn’t afford to buy.

The next day my mom, our cousin and I arrived at the “mall.” I said to myself, “This isn’t the mall I was thinking of.” With little disappointment (actually a lot) we walked on this long patch of grass and rocks (which I still hoped an actual shopping mall was in sight) until we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial. I looked at my mom and asked,  “ Where can you buy me some shoes?”

So now that we've realized that the “National Mall” isn’t a retail mall at all, your date begins NOW!

DC is a town of drinks, political banter, dinner, baseball games and more drinks.  But, how about a cultural/historical date?

You and your date should meet at the Willard Hotel Café with fancy scones, fresh brewed coffee, gourmet sandwiches and outdoor seating. Why there? That’s where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his renowned “I Have a Dream" speech. Not the café, but in the hotel room of the Willard.  Perhaps your date doesn’t know yet, but you are about to embark on a historical and cultural journey. Link to Café here: http://cafeduparc.com/

Next, head over to Dr. King's Memorial that sits on the tidal basin. Once you've read the many moving and inspirational quotes written on the walls, take a walk around the tidal basin and look at the stunning line of cherry blossoms.

Make your next stop the Lincoln Memorial and experience where Dr. King addressed thousands of people and delivered his most famous "I Have a Dream" speech, signifying a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.  You can even impress him/her with quoting a couple lines.

As the sun begins to set and happy hour is approaching, journey over to Station 4 located 1101 4^th Street SW, Washington, DC.  Station 4 is an American bistro restaurant that offers Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm with special pre-fixe menus and yummy specialty cocktails for pre-Arena Stage attendees.  The menu's selection of popular American dishes combined with the atmosphere creates a wonderful transition to the next cultural venture.  Link to Station 4 http://www.station4dc.com/

Arena Stage located 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC; two blocks from Station 4; Arena Stage is one of the premier Theater centers in DC.  Arena Stage is currently showing former Broadway play “Mountain Top.” The play takes place in 1968 in Memphis, TN in the motel room where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated a day later on the balcony of the motel.  Link to Arena Stage  http://www.arenastage.org/

"The play was thought-provoking, funny, and addressed some of the same issues we are faced with in America today. "  –Josh Gray

The date is ending and h/she looks into your eyes and says “Thank you. That was the most amazing date I’ve ever had.”

Your response should be, “Josh Gray taught me.”  - Kanye voice

Coupon Date

DATE

8 months ago, I received an email chain from my friend, Malik, listing things overheard in an elevator at Goldman Sachs.  As we can’t all have the luxury of listening to old money lament over the whims of the lowly proletariat -  I actually read it and one thing stuck out to me: “Number #5: Groupons are the new middle class food stamp”.

And then it hit me: What about a coupon date! Why should I have to max out my non-Black American Express card to someone I may never see again – because (ahem) I suddenly moved to Antarctica for research. Now before you give me the side eye, did you know that some Open Table reservations allow you to get your discount (upwards 15% off) applied to your tab before you even get to the restaurant? Talk about a discrete discount for the dames!

Despite the usual disappointment associated when a girl sees a guy fumble to remove his 20% off coupon out of his wallet, these types of websites offer a classier, more socially-acceptable alternative. In the past, using coupons was considered cheap but with the advent of these online services - now even the most financially-impaired suitor can ball so hard at Bistro D'Oc - at a 60% discount at that - with the touch of a button.

It’s usually a good idea to register for multiple cities such as Annapolis, Baltimore, Richmond, even Philadelphia - who knows, you might want to keep her around for an adventure! Being able to impress her with an all-inclusive ocean view hotel stay in Rehoboth will go a lot farther than a TV dinner on your mom’s couch.

EAT

Since you’re probably still wearing Axe, your manly scent ain’t gonna make it happen, so you're gonna get a bit of help from your seaside amigos. Aphrodisiacs are in tall order over at Hanks Oyster Bar. Behold, the OYSTER – the ultimate foreplay of all foods. They have oysters from Maryland, Washington State, and the British Columbia. During their happy hour, 5-7pm, you can get dollar oysters, discount wine and small plates.

Though the Oysters is what keeps me coming back to Hanks. It’s the Mac & Cheese that keeps me up all night. There is only one word to describe the Mac & Cheese: AMAZING… Make you wanna slap yo momma ☺!

Drink

Might have said this in one of my older blogs, but I am not a huge fan of California Cabernet Sauvignon. However, I was at Yes Organic last week and they had a Robert Mondavi  Private Selection  California Cabernet Sauvignon on sale for $7.99. I said to myself “why not?” One sip and I was very impressed. Not as robust as other California reds. I strongly suggest you pick a bottle up.

PS shout out to YO for her suggestions.

Hiking & Picnic 

DATE

I can’t believe it’s been over three months since the last time I’ve posted a blog.  Before I created date eat drink my friends told me I had to be consistent and couldn’t post every 8,000 months. Well friends, it only took me 3,000 months—well, OK,  90 days— to write another blog.

Let’s reflect on the fuckery that has happened since I’ve been away.  I’m still keeping it gangsta, the two most attention whoring ass people are together; shout out to Kanye & Kim.  My parents are still White, Wall Street is still up to their same ole tricks. JP Morgan is losing 3 billions dollars and don’t know what the fuck they were trading, George Zimmerman is free on bail, Lil B has another rap video, Obama came out the closet supporting Gay Marriage. Edvard Munch’s Scream went for $120 million dollars. Rihana slept with another celebrity, and John Travolta LOVE MASSAGES with happy endings………

OK, let’s get down to the real point of this month’s blog. You like to run, she likes to walk. You say “tomaaato”, she says “tomoto”. The one thing you two can agree on is great weather. The first thing that comes to my mind is hiking/picnic.  Of course every blog comes with a personal story.  Well, not a story. Since my life is real (sideeye.com).

It was July 2011 and I was hiking with my mother, my cousin, and his girlfriend. I should tell you before being recruited or forced to hike, I told my mother “black people don’t hike mom.” Bad enough my friends give me a hard time doing “all things white.” With much regret and the thought of losing my black card (already gone) I trucked, slipped, and complained hiking with my family. I’m loving this! Naturally

We were half way through our hike overlooking Lake Tahoe. I was conflicted because I wasn’t supposed to like hiking. Though the view was so captivating I thought I was following Bear Grylls . However, reality sat in when my mom said “J-man! Guess what?” I said “what?”  “You know you’re an Oreo because you like hiking.” (My mom said she didn’t say that)

Well, now that my cover is blown, you can take my hiking advice. On a nice day in the summer you and your boo, babe, booski and baby, should headed over to the Falls Church, VA and check out some of their hiking trails.   http://alltrails.com/us/virginia/falls-church

Oh, there is one more thing you must bring on your hike. Food!

EAT

Before you pick your date up or maybe you guys are shacking up together (my grandmother calls it that) you should stop by Target or http://www.chefsresource.com/chillit-wine-bags.html and pick up a wine bag that will keep your white wine cool.

Once you’ve purchased your wine bag head over to Yes Organic or Trader Joe’s and pick up a few items. You should first pick up a couple of cheeses.  Smoked Cheddar chesses, blue cheese, and aged Gorgonzola cheese.  I suggest you should pair the cheese with prosciutto (Italian pork) and crackers.

In the candy section of the grocery store you should pick up dark chocolate with sea salt. That will go really well with the wine and cheese.

DRINK

Now that you've hiked two miles and you need something to cool you off. You should pick up a bottle of  Torrontes  white wine produced by Alamos. It’s an Argentina wine that is very bright and fruitful, very refreshing on the pilot.

Is It Really Winter?

DATE

Is it really winter?  Since the beginning of the winter Democrats and environmentalists  have insisted that our mild winter is just one more instance of  US global warming, and proof it’s not a myth. Republicans beg the differ and say, “it’s bullshit— the weather always changes.”  I say, “Shit, its 65 degrees in late January, let’s plan an outdoor date.”

I decided to go bike riding. If nothing else, I could tell my grandchildren I rode a bike in February. The problem is, the last time I actually rode a bike was when I was 10 years old. That’s when I dreamed of having a BMX (Bentley of all bikes when growing up poor). Instead we could only afford the flea market bike with a rusty chain and two tires that may have actually belonged on a BMX bike (I guess that counts).

For two hours I explored DC with Bike and Roll.  Bike and Roll is a bike rental company that offers different bikes as well attachments for the little one. Click on the link for different locations through out the city http://bikethesites.com/Contact/.

Bike and Roll provides you with maps of the city which may come in handy when looking to get to the Jefferson Memorial so you can lie on a blanket and have lunch you’ve prepared for her (remember, even though it’s biking weather it’s still chilly out there. Bring soup).

Once you’re done head to the MLK Memorial because you can’t be the last person in DC who hasn’t seen it. Then head over to the Georgetown waterfront to grab a drink and discuss how this was the most amazing idea ever.

EAT

I guess I spoke too soon under the Date section when I mentioned great weather in the winter. Well shit has changed!! It’s now winter and it came with a vengeance! Over the weekend the temperature was in its low 20’s but felt like minus 14 degrees because of the wind.

There is only one maybe two (shrug shoulders) ways to fight the cold weather besides liquor and cuddling with your partner. SOUP!!!! I like to thank the two most important people in my life: 1a. my dad because he taught me how to cook (mom he did teach me, so that’s why he’s number one under this category) 1. B my mom because she always emails me different family recipesJ

This beef stew (well, stew and soup are pretty much the same thing, right? It’s just that one you can eat with a fork) will feed you and your date and have enough for leftover dinner or lunch the next day.  Brown rice  goes  well (optional).

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Six thick slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes

¼-1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 onions

4  carrots

8 small potatoes

2 tablespoons sugar

3  cups canned beef  broth

2 tablespoons butter

dried oregano or thyme (optional)

four -- six cloves garlic (optional)

one can (28 ounces) whole or diced tomatoes

Heat the oil in a large, deep pan (nonstick would be good). Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for four to five minutes. Take out bacon and put on paper towels to drain.

Brown the beef in the same skillet, in small batches over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the beef with pepper as it is cooking. Make sure all sides of the beef chunks are Brown, then set aside.

Put the onions and carrots in the same skillet. Sprinkle with sugar and sauté over medium heat for six to eight minutes. Take vegetables out and set aside.

Add broth to pan and add butter and dried spices if you like.. Turn down heat and add the meat back in. Add potatoes and garlic and Bring to boil. Turned down heat and let simmer for 45 min -an hour. And the reserve vegetables (onions and carrots) back in. Add tomatoes. Let cook for another 45-minutes to an hour.

Serve. It’s good over rice or even pasta.

Enjoy!

Drink

Ambereen told me I should mention more than one wine or drink (thanks to the peanut gallery), and she knows best so I will.  Pair with the Beef stew you’ve just prepared, a Pinot Noir, California or France. If you like a more robust flavor, try a Spanish Cabernet.

 If you’re feeling like a glass of white wine, go with Oyster Bay. Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. You wont’ be disappointed 

Skating and Balls (Not those type of balls silly)

DATE

So your date think he or she is Michelle Kwan or Kristi Yamaguchi. They tell you they can do an Arabian Cartwheel or a Axel Lift, but they left out one tab bit of information. Those moves happened while they were playing Nintendo Wii.

It’s only right to call your date’s bluff and take you to the Sculpture Garden outdoor ice-skating ring.   7^th and Constitution NW Mon- Thursday 10am-9pm. Friday –Saturday 10am-11pm. Sunday 11am-9pm. It’s $8 for adults, $3 for skating rental

Watch as she holds onto the rail of the skating ring as a 6 year-old boy name Kyle whizzes by them. I recommend going at night when the lights are turned on. Once she finally admits she sucks (and you do to,) Go to the café, which is adjacent to the sculpture garden for hot chocolate (with Baileys), as the truth comes out about her prior skating experiences.

EAT

Balls in your MOUTH!!! Yep. The restaurateur Michel Richard did it again!! This time Meatballs is his new restaurant located in Penn quarter 626 Est. NW, Washington DC you can choose from vegetarian meatballs, crab, lamb, beef, and chicken.  You can choose to have your meatballs as a sandwich or with pasta. You also have the choice of different sauce as well as sweet peppers and vegetables.

When you walk into Meatballs it’s the complete opposite of Richard’s pricey Central restaurant. But once you take a bite of those balls, gezzzzz you forget about the low- end chairs or the trash left behind by the past patron.

DRINK

Recently I’ve had some pretty good red wines. If you want a cheap but good bottle of Pinot Noir, try Smoking Loon. Yes, Organic currently has it on sale for $6.99, original price $9.99. Smoking Loon goes well with beef, duck, rabbit, or just for shits and giggles.

Cork this BOTTLE

Sorry for not posting a new entry since Oct 9th. I promise to keep this blog updated twice a week from now on. It's just that from working (my friends call me Tommy from the show Martin), training for a half marathon, and traveling to attend a Bar Mitzvah (Mazel tov), I’ve been a little busy.

However, I’m back (Michael Jordan voice) with a great date!!!

When I first began writing this blog, I made a promise to myself never to highlight a restaurant as a date but this place is an exception to the rule. There are places that serve wine and cheese and call themselves a wine bar. Then, there’s CORK -- the ultimate wine bar in the District.

Though Cork is a little tight on space, it’s still intimate enough to engage into your partner's eyes as he or she tells you how great the spot is. The character of the restaurant reminds me of place I once visited in France with my mother. Exposed brick, small tables, outdoor seating and candles on each table.  This restaurant is a breath of fresh air in a city with fixation on chi chi restaurants.

Cork provides more than your average cheese plates. They serve small plates (tapas) from Duck Confit, Rosemary Chicken, Liver Bruschetta, French Fries, Lemon and Black Pepper Dusted Calamari, and Rock Shrimp.  Those are a few excellent suggestions, but everything on the menu including their cheeses are great.

I think ordering a bottle of wine will be cheaper than ordering by the glass. Unless you are trying to introduce your date to great wines, then I recommend that you ask your server for the tasting option, which gives you a taste of different white wines and red wines.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to make it to CORK, this should be at the top of your date list. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

So I should disclose that I know the owner. However, in no way did the owner influence me to write about the Cork. Honestly this blog hasn’t blown up yet for friends to ask for favors…

ENJOY!!!