beltwaygaze

Conference Highlights

2007-10-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I decided not to take any pictures at conference since privacy seems to be such an issue, but I have no excuse for not taking notes. I was lazy. I should have known better. What follows are only a few vignettes from this past weekend. Overall, I left with more confidence in myself, the desire to be a better person, and the resolve to reach out to others, beginning with my family. To me, this was the spirit of the conference.

-Dancing the Barn Dance with the cowboys!!! Need I say more? Yee-owe!

-Gene Robinson received a postcard adorned with a beautiful picture of an altar in England. On the back, an anonymous sender wrote that he had a bullet ready for Gene and his partner. In the face of serious death threats and escalating tensions within the church, Gene received the encouraging words in a letter, "Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes God lets the storm rage around us and calms our inner soul."

-"If there is nothing else that you remember of what I say it is this: YOU MATTER." -Lani Graves

-Like many, I was surprised and delighted to hear Jonathan Rauch give such personal remarks on marriage. He closed by quoting, "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part," and with, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Standing in the Thornton room on the 11th floor, the Capitol building was his backdrop.

-With several other conferences scheduled simultaneously with ours in the hotel, we constantly bumped elbows with other patrons. Tia was in an elevator when a couple of women entered. They were talking, and one said, "Have you noticed all of the gays in this building?" Without missing a beat, Tia reached in the depth of her voice and interjected, "Yeah, IT'S DISGUSTING, ISN'T IT???"

-After concluding her remarks at the Saturday workshop, Carol Lynn Pearson sat down. Nobody stood up to leave, and everyone was silent. Reverence permeated the room. Dana turned to me and said, "Time for the closing hymn and prayer." And that's just how it felt.

-I was impressed with the research and thought that Will Gartshore put into his cabaret. Garments may be an easy target, but to discover the beloved hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints," and to play it in the background while speaking of the saints' desire for respite in the west was brilliant. And I think he was genuinely serious when he compared P-Town to Salt Lake City! (Actually, he's not too far off when you think about it.)

-"A more perfect onion..." [the opening lines to Mike Kessler's moving talk at the Sunday devotional]

For all you conference goers, let me know your favorite moments. Send an email or make a comment!

Culture on the Cheap

2007-10-04T10:48:00.000-04:00

TICKETplace
407 Seventh Street, NW
(between D and E Streets)
Washington, DC
202.TIC.KETS (202.842.5387)

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Sunday (Tickets for Sunday performances are sold on Saturday)
Online sales are available Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm only.

Metro:
TICKETplace is located midway between the Archives (Yellow/Green Lines) and Gallery Place (Red/Yellow/Green Lines--7th & F Street exit) Metro stations.

Theatergoers attending the Conference who have extra time in Washington may want to check out TICKETplace, the half-price ticket seller sponsored by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. (Because there is an additional 12% service charge, the actual price of a discounted ticket is 62% of its face value.) TICKETplace offers discounted, day-of-performance tickets to several plays and musicals (and sometimes to concert, opera and dance performances).

The TICKETplace website posts daily the shows for which discounted tickets are available, and in some cases theaters allow you to purchase discounted tickets online without having to actually go to TICKETplace. For example, in checking what is available for tonight (Thursday), I note that at least three well-reviewed plays at theaters accessible by Metro are available: Well at Arena Stage, My Children! My Africa! at Studio Theatre, and A Lesson Before Dying at Round House Theatre. Availability varies each day.

Artistic Diversions

2007-10-03T16:46:00.000-04:00

Art lovers attending the Affirmation Conference will find that they have arrived in Washington shortly after the openings of two blockbuster art retrospectives at the National Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall at 4th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, not far from the Hyatt hotel. Admission to the National Gallery is always free, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Edward Hopper exhibition is the first comprehensive survey of Hopper's career to be seen in American museums outside New York in more than 25 years. Focusing on the period of the artist's great achievements—from about 1925 to midcentury—the exhibition will feature such iconic paintings as Automat (1927), Drug Store (1927), Early Sunday Morning (1930), New York Movie (1939), and Nighthawks (1942).

The J.M.W. Turner exhibition is the most comprehensive survey of Turner's work ever presented in the United States. More than 145 paintings and watercolors reveal the astonishing talent and imagination of this artist—whom Alfred, Lord Tennyson called "The Shakespeare of landscape."

For more information about these exhibitions, I have provided a link to the comments made by one of Washington's most insightful bloggers on the arts. For his comments on the Hopper show, please click here, and for his comments on the Turner show, please click here.

Music lovers may also be interested to know that on a few rare occasions each year, the National Symphony Orchestra plays a Friday matinee concert at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, and this coming Friday, October 5, at 1:30 PM, is one of those occasions. (The early starting time of the concert leaves you plenty of time to return to the hotel long before the Conference activities begin on Friday evening.)

This is the opening weekend of the NSO's subscription season, and they're starting things off with a bang - the program includes a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Conductor Leonard Slatkin leads the NSO, a quartet of accomplished soloists, and The Choral Arts Society of Washington. You can find more information here.

Guide to the Gay Ghetto

2007-10-03T00:18:00.000-04:00

METRO: Red line,
Dupont Circle Metro Stop

I've had requests for more info about DC nightlife. Most of the gay scene is nestled within the borders of Dupont Circle. Most, but not all, and there is much more to nightlife in DC than this small parcel of land. Dupont is a good starting point, and since it's only a few stops from Union Station on the Red Line, it's easily accessible.

The following pages list a few of the amenities this neighborhood offers. I'll continue to add more as time permits.

What Is Dupont Circle?

Axis
Candleman

Club Chaos

D.I.K. Bar (a.k.a. Windows)

Halo

Human Rights Campaign Store

JR's Bar & Grill

Kramer Books & Afterwards Cafe & Grill
Lambda Rising
Marvelous Market
People on the Street
Raku
Teaism
Trio Restaurant

Dupont Circle - A Brief History

2007-10-02T23:16:00.001-04:00

Dupont Circle is a traffic circle where Connecticut Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, New Hampshire Avenue, P Street, and 19th Street converge. One, two, three...yes, that's five streets all at one intersection. These streets meld into two circles; the inner circle is exclusively for travel on Massachusetts Avenue, the outer circle connects all the other streets.

These often congested traffic lanes encircle a park. In the center of the park is a large, white marble fountain, donated by the du Pont family in the early 1900's, that replaced a small bronze statue of Admiral Samuel du Pont. Locals refer to the neighborhood simply as "Dupont," and some of us even call it "the Ghetto."

This once sleepy part of town saw a building boom at the turn of the century. The nation's plutocracy built over 100 mansions along Massachusetts and Connecticut Avenues and Dupont Circle itself. After the Great Depression and World War II, the neighborhood fell into decline and many buildings were demolished to make way for larger office buildings. In the 1970's the gay population began to move into the neighborhood, establishing it as the gay ghetto. This now vibrant part of town teems with boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Kramer Books & Afterwords Cafe & Grill

2007-10-02T22:51:00.001-04:00

1517 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Daily 7:30am - 1:00am
24 hours Friday & Saturday
Live Music Wed - Sat Night

Free - check your e-mail at the bar

Raku

2007-10-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

An Asian Diner
1900 Q St. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202.265.7258

Cuisines:
Fusion/Eclectic, Japanese, Sushi, Thai

Sushi $3 to $10, appetizers $4.50 to $10, entrées $8.25 to $23.

West Virginia Artist

2007-10-02T22:34:00.000-04:00

This artist hails from West Virginia. He lives in an art colony and works not only as an artist but carpenter, farmer, plumber, electrician, house maker, janitor...in short, an all purpose handyman. That's what living in part of such a community means, I suppose.

I've seen others from this colony before in China Town. They're harmless, really, but something about their presentation seems off-putting to middle America. What would Tim Gunn say?

Marvelous Market

2007-10-02T22:06:00.000-04:00

1511 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

Mon-Sat: 8:00 am - 9:00pm
Sun: 8:30 am-7:00pm

Mark Furstenburg established the first Marvelous Market in 1990. With a reputation of quality and a market thirsty for premium baked goods, the bakery has grown to an 8-store local franchise. Come here for a wide selection of cheeses, cookies, croissants, pasta, sauces, oils, vinegars, sandwiches and more.

Trio Restaurant

2007-10-02T21:53:00.001-04:00

1537 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20036

Sun-Thurs: 8:00 am-midnight
Fri & Sat: 8:00am-1 am

If you need a milkshake, hamburger or fries after dancing a frenzy at Chaos, you can cross Q Street to Trio. I think of Trio more like a diner than a restaurant. The food scores high on comfort and lower on quality. Since it stays open until one in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays, it's a good option for refueling before heading to the next dance floor.

Teaism

2007-10-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

2009 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Brunch Sat. & Sun. 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

For affordable, simple, good quality tea and food, Teaism is a local favorite. Sandwiches are unfortunately only served Mondays thru Fridays, but with a menu that includes Bento boxes, you won't be hurting for choices. This is a great place for a small bite on the go or for a "big dish" under $10. Check out their menu here.

D.I.K. Bar (a.k.a. Windows)

2007-10-02T21:10:00.001-04:00

1637 17th Street NW
(between Corcoran St & R St)
Washington, DC 20009

Now known as D.I.K. Bar (for Dupont Italian Kitchen), people refer to it by its previous moniker "Windows." Usually an older crowd, patrons at Windows mingle to the lovely tunes of crooner wannabes belting it out on the karaoke machine.

Club Chaos

2007-10-02T21:05:00.001-04:00

1603 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

I still haven't been to Chaos. I've been told the joint is a favorite among Latinos. The guy holding the stick to the left was frisking people as they entered. I'm not sure when that started, but some might find it a perk.

Candleman

2007-10-02T20:57:00.001-04:00

1745 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009-1108

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Meet the friendly owners of Candleman, Lindsay Cobbs & Don Kirk. They opened shop just a few years ago, and now their business is taking off. They carry specialty lotions, candles, and other home accessories.

JR's Bar & Grill

2007-10-02T20:43:00.001-04:00

1519 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Open Daily

JR's is casual and relaxed, nothing fancier than a T-shirt required. If the ground floor is too crowded, you might find room upstairs around the pool table.

Halo

2007-10-02T20:12:00.000-04:00

1435 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20002
opens daily at 5 pm

I'm categorizing Halo in the Dupont neighborhood, although it's technically part of Logan Circle. Still, it's a straight shot from the Dupont Metro and within walking distance at only about 5 blocks away.

Before the DC smoking ban, Halo was one of the few voluntarily smoke free bars (where there any others?). The cool white walls and ceiling reflect the ever changing colors of the LED's and provide the perfect backdrop for the preppy, trendy crowd that gathers here. Drinks are apparently a little pricey here, but the music is typically low enough to hold conversations.

Washington Mormon Chapel

2007-10-02T13:19:00.000-04:00

16th Street & Harvard Square, NW
dedicated 1933

[This building is currently owned by Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church]

by Buckley Jeppson

The old Washington Mormon Chapel is described in the American Institute of Architecture’s Guide to the Architecture of Washington D.C. as “one of the most elegant small churches in the city.”

The building, dedicated in 1933, was distinguished in three areas: exterior design, interior design, and works of art. The building is an unusual design for a Mormon chapel in that it was designed to serve as a symbol of the Church in the nation’s capital as well as to provide physical facilities for Church activities.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Patterned after one spire of the Salt Lake Temple, the building was designed by Don Carlos Young and Ramm Hansen, who also designed the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City and the Church’s Arizona Temple dedicated five years earlier. The Washington Post wrote that “the church is designed to become a monument to Mormonism in the National Capital, and it will be one of the finest buildings for chapel use that the followers of Joseph Smith have ever erected.”

Utah Senator Reed Smoot appealed directly to Mrs. Mary Henderson, Widow of Senator John Henderson of Missouri to purchase the land. She sold the lot to the Church in 1924. The building was constructed of Utah birds eye marble, a material which has caused maintenance problems in Washington’s damper climate.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The small lot available made it difficult to include all the usual elements of a Mormon chapel. This caused the interior design to be as unique as the exterior. A chapel is the focus of the first floor, with an amusement hall and stage behind. Doors between the two halls allow for a doubling of the chapel’s seating capacity. The plan was innovative, in 1933, but later became the standard Mormon chapel plan.

The building, however, contained two other floors below ground level. Below the amusement hall is a two story gymnasium (to provide enough room to play basketball.) A mezzanine surrounds the gymnasium at the one story level, providing both a balcony for viewing sporting events one story below, and serving as a hall to adjacent classrooms. Directly under the chapel is a Junior Sunday School room and additional classrooms. One floor below, on the lowest level, a scout room, mechanical rooms, and dressing rooms surround the playing floor of the gymnasium.

Contemporary reports claimed that the building was the first fully air conditioned church in Washington, and one claimed it was “probably the first chapel in America to be air-cooled.” The design also provided living accommodations for the Church custodian. All in all, the design provides a remarkable use of a small building lot.

ART
The building also contained many works of art. Thorlief Knapsus’s sculpture of the Angel Moroni (since removed) capped the spire, making it the only chapel in the Church with a statue of the Angel Moroni on top. The building contains a mosaic panel “The Sermon on the Mount,” by Mahonri Young, and stained glass windows depict Utah wild flowers and the Hill Cumorah. The building contains a fine 5,000 pipe organ and for years had an original portrait of Church President Heber J. Grant.

BUILDING DEDICATION
The 1933 dedication of the building was a memorable occasion befitting a temple rather than a chapel. Three thousand people attended. The entire first Presidency (Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and J. Reuben Clark) and five of the twelve Apostles were present. President Roosevelt was invited, but could not come.

BUILDING USE
Tabernacle organist Edward Kimball was called as organist for the Washington Chapel and during the next four years gave more than 1,000 organ recitals. Additionally, tabernacle organists Roy M. Darley and Alexander Schreiner later were called to play organ recitals on the building’s fine pipe organ.

For over 40 years the building served as the symbol of the Church in the nation’s capital. The Washington Stake was organized during a 1940 conference in the building. President Benson served as stake president in the building. Later, Apostle Matthew Cowley was ordained a high priest in the building while being set apart as Sunday School President by Reed Smoot while Cowley was a Washington student. The chapel was the scene of much of the history of Mormonism in Washington from 1933 until 1976.

HRC

2007-10-02T00:31:00.000-04:00

Human Rights Campaign
Action Center & Store

1633 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202/232-8621
Fax: 202/232-7699

Lambda Rising

2007-10-01T23:58:00.000-04:00

1625 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-6969
(Fax)(202) 462-7257
www.lambdarising.com

Sun-Thurs 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 am - midnight

Global Warming

2007-10-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

Earth over easy, as seen in Axis' storefront window. What this has to do with getting a haircut, I'm not sure. But I like it.

Having My Cake, and Eating It, too

2007-09-30T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Love Cafe

1501 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.265.9800

Monday—Thursday 9am-10pm
Friday 9am-11pm
Saturday 9am-Midnight
Sunday 10am-10pm

You know a bakery is good when the menu begins with "Nothing is fat free." Cake Love uses real butter to bake and isn't afraid to tell you. In fact, that's what makes it so good; the art of baking demands no substitutes. The bakery gave birth to the Love Cafe, and the cafe quickly became a hot spot for locals to gather casually while sipping Lavazza and eating cake. Warren, the owner, has expanded his business to Silver Spring, Maryland, and Shirlington, Virginia.

The Love Cafe recently introduced the Cupcake Bar. You choose a cupcake, choose your frosting, choose your toppings and voilà ! You have an instant custom cupcake. Personally, I can't resist the layered cakes, so I called up my friend Atul and asked if he wanted to meet me at the café.

Atul and I stood in line behind four customers. It was 8:30+ pm and more people were queuing up after us. Waiting in line gave us the opportunity to salivate over the desserts and decide what to order.

"I'm in the mood for something with citrus," said Atul while mentally selecting the lemon tart.

As refreshing the thought a berry tart might be, I was drawn to the chocolate. I was debating between chocolate cake with vanilla butter cream frosting or its counterpart, white cake with chocolate butter cream, but Atul convinced me to inquire about a mysterious looking cake covered in dark chocolate.

"What's in Cynthia's Sin?" I asked the lady taking our order.

"It's a chocolate cake with peanut filling and chocolate ganache." Enough! I was sold.

I expected a thick peanut butter filling, like the inside of a Reese’s peanut butter cup, since I've had other desserts with a similar description ( e.g. the Cheesecake Factory's peanut butter cup cheesecake). The first bite into the creamy interlayer was a surprising delight. It was light and fluffy with an understated flavor; rather than assault your taste buds, the taste of peanuts gradually grew in intensity. Smalls chunks of peanuts in the cream added crunch and texture to counterpose the soft cake.

I tried a bite of the lemon tart. It was reminiscent of a lemon meringue pie without the meringue. The flavor was intense, a bit too intense for me. Perhaps Atul’s tea helped to clear the palate in between bites.

Favorite Building

2007-09-24T22:26:00.000-04:00

Washington National Cathedral
(Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul)
Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues, NW

1906-1907 Goerge Frederick Bodley
1907-1917 Henry Vaughan; Arthur B. Heaton, superintending architect
1920-1942 E. Donald Robb
1920-1944 Harry B. Little
1971-1973 James E. Godwin, superintending architect
1973-1981 Howard B. Trevillian, Jr., superintending architect
1981-1990 Anthony L. Segreti, superintending architect
1981-1993 Robert Calhoun Smith, superintending architect
1989 EDAW Inc., landscape architects, west front

I'm often asked, "What is your favorite building in DC?" Honestly, I don't know. Do I have to have a favorite? Many think that as an architect I would, and perhaps I should have something handy to say when others inquire.

It's not the subject matter. I simply don't have a lot of favorites. Period. I appreciate many things based on their own merit, not as a comparison. The Library of Congress is beautiful and worthy of a tour. The columns and space of the National Building Museum leave no doubt why this is a favorite Washingtonian space, fit for inaugural balls. I love the history behind this former pension building: the stairs were designed to allow wounded war veterans to ascend them while riding a horse! I have yet to pass the threshold of the Finnish Embassy, but it's green architecture has an aesthetic appeal that even the most rednecked appreciate. These are all relatively grand, public spaces. There are many more humble buildings that could go on my list of laudable structures.

Though I struggle to answer the all too frequent question, I do have a few non-architect friends who immediately respond with, "The National Cathedral."

As the sixth largest cathedral in the world, it is certainly impressive. I love singing in its cavernous space. Your voice reverberates 6-7 seconds long after you've stopped, which makes for muddy but rather enveloping acoustics.

This building is also worthy of a tour. Besides amazing stone- and woodwork, here are some other fun facts:

-Helen Keller's ashes have been interred here
-A stained glass window incorporates a moon stone
-One if the grotesques is formed in the likeness of Darth Vader

I pass this edifice at least twice a day, to and from work. I'm grateful to live near it. I'm grateful to sing in it on a regular basis. You be the judge for yourself; you might discover it's your favorite.

Frolic & Detour

2007-09-17T23:28:00.000-04:00

I feel I have to make a formal apology. While I know any blog worth its salt is not only a product of content but also consistency, I've recently been out of town and overextended with peripheral responsibilities that have kept me from blogging. I'm hoping to recoup within the week and break the silence.

Until then...

I was recently in Toronto and have something of an oddity to share. It appears there is a fashion trend growing in the city, something more appropriately identified as an epidemic faux pas. Whoever thought that gathering a curtain and tying it at its center is an acceptable window treatment? A (poor) college student unleashing a burst of creativity while struggling to stay focused on his studies? If you're not sure what I'm talking about, here's a visual:

If you've ever used this budget stratagem to spruce up the old pad, pat yourself on the back for having abandoned it. If you are currently in the throws of this decorating gaffe, please mend your ways. Please. The logical reasoning is this: 1) When you draw your curtain to the center of the window, you block precious daylight; 2) With the curtain in the center of your window, you look at the curtain, not the view - the drapes dominate and become the focal point, and they certainly aren't worth it; and 3) It's hideous.

Look at any condominium or apartment high rise in Toronto and you'll see this phenomenon if not once, then multiple times. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, I spotted this:

The same meticulously crafted hour-glass shape but with vertical blinds and a binder clip! Classy. Surprisingly, the clip seems to be the most stylish, if not innovative, part of this ensemble.

Regarding Larry Craig

2007-08-30T20:33:00.000-04:00

If we lived in a world were homosexuality was regarded as a natural part of life, would Larry be in the position he is today?

If gay relationships, including marriage, were integrated into societal constructs, supported by law and culture, would anyone have the need to hide in the closet?

Would the closet disappear altogether?

If religion embraced its queer disciples, would internal homophobia cease?

Would suicide decrease?

Would hate crimes decline?

I'm not naïve enough to think all maladies associated with LGTB repression would simply be eradicated by a society that never made a distinction between straight and gay in the first place.

But I can't help wonder what problems might be alleviated if we did.

just in the nick of time

2007-08-29T19:55:00.000-04:00

Well, technically I still had two more days to procrastinate.

Fallacious Measure of a Man

2007-08-28T23:54:00.000-04:00

"...the legal size is 5 inches. There is a woman in the process of divorce because her husband is only 3 inches."

My car radio is almost permanently tuned to NPR, and with the twist of the car keys, the news started piping through the speakers as soon as the engine started. I was driving home, mouth agape, as the talk of size and its legal implications began to register. Did I really hear what I thought I just heard?

The voice of a man with an accent continued to chatter from my speakers about the physiology of this man's 3 inch phallus. I'm not sure what country has a legal phallus size, but apparently it's reason for divorce. To assure their man is appropriately sized, future wives-to-be are demanding a cast of their fiancé’s "specimen." Perhaps they also skip over "for better, for worse" in their marriage vows.

What about the poor suitor who doesn't quite measure up? Chances for marriage could be slim. It's clear who wears the pants in this country, wherever it is.

The interviewee turned out to be Segador Shartinson, head of the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Here you can see specimens from over 100 land and sea mammals, including the amazing phallus of a sperm whale. According to Shartinson, "You couldn't just put this under your arm and run away." It's that big. Obviously, the sperm whale would have no problem with the legal minimum.

In his heyday, Shartinson also had no problem with the legal minimum and is planning to donate his member to his museum when he dies.

As for the Three Inch Willie:

Smokefree DC

2007-08-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

On a recent trip to Monticello, two friends and I sat in a college restaurant “full of charm” right behind UVA’s rotunda. Almost as soon as our food arrived, a lady not more than 8 yards away lit up.

“Who’s smoking???” I asked incredulously, inflecting my voice to just the right pitch to sound slightly exasperated. Who smokes in a restaurant anymore? Is that even allowed? Is it too much to ask for a decent meal sans pernicious fumes creeping into my lungs and adulterating any sense of taste?

“We’re in Virginia. You’re allowed to smoke,” said Crystal in a voice as matter-of-fact as if she were NPR’s Melissa Block recounting today’s death toll in Iraq. Great. One more reason to add to my “Why Virginia is Indeed Part of The South” list.

Lucky for Washingtonians, the DC smoking ban took effect last year for restaurants and this year for bars. That means no more itchy, red eyes; no more smoke induced headaches; no more dousing clothes with Febreze; no more showers at the end of a night out. What it does mean, however, is that you often have walk through a gateway of sidewalk smokers to enter establishments. I can handle that.

For those of you with a hankering to puff on a fag (sorry, I couldn't resist), you can thank Virginia for being behind on the times and head down to Freddy's Beach Bar. This smoke-filled joint will be sure to satiate your nicotine cravings, as well as any unfulfilled yearnings for neon, cardboard cut-out palm trees, and kitsch. Oh, not to forget, Freddie's Follies Drag Show starts at 9:00 pm on Sundays.

A Different Kind of Mission Home

2007-08-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

Sunday was the annual barbecue at Robert and Lani Graves house. I had heard of this infamous couple through conversations with other Affirmation members and through Carol Lynn Pearson’s book, No More Goodbyes. Now was my chance to finally meet them and see what everybody was talking about.

David and I arrived late. Robert was busy at the grill, and Lani was running around alerting everyone with news of fresh-off-the-grill burgers. She and I bumped into each other as I entered the house and she was heading to the deck.

“Hi!” Lani welcomed me with an embrace. Each having a distinct destination, we both veered our separate ways without saying much more. I assembled a burger, scooped up some broccoli salad, eyed the desserts for later, and found a seat in the dining room with a group of others who were almost finished.

Before folks cleared out, Robert invited everyone downstairs to watch a new documentary in which both he and his wife took part. “Come watch Lani, the star of the show.” Lani humbly rolled her eyes.

The film was created by Susan Polis Schutz, founder of Blue Mountain. She has an openly gay son and wanted to film stories of other families that show homosexuality not as something distant that affects “those people” but rather as something that touches anyone in every walk of life. Entitled Anyone and Everyone, the film has been aired on PBS in San Diego and will air around the country in select locations, dates and times pending.

The Graves represented a Mormon perspective and were perhaps the most seasoned of all interviewed. Robert was right; Lani was the star of the show. And it’s no wonder. She’s articulate, full of warmth and love. Fifteen years ago her son came out to her, giving her enough time to process her experience and develop a keen understanding for what families go through when a family member comes out. During one excerpt from an interview with her, I was struck by her lucid declaration, “I decided to love my son fiercely…” Robert and Lani were able to see beyond religiosity, dogma, and prejudice to simply love their child for who he is.

In doctrinal debates, it's easy to get caught up in philosophical banter and forget what each of us are blessed with from the beginning: common sense. After all, is not the worth of each individual what matters most? If in conforming to what we feel is doctrinally correct we turn our backs to our loved ones, are we not missing the mark altogether? There's so much more to life than getting hung up on sexual orientation.

On our way home, David and I both concurred. Visiting the Graves is something akin to being on a mission and visiting the Mission President's home. When's the next fireside?

Post Secret

2007-08-19T09:44:00.000-04:00

National Postal Museum

2007-08-15T19:33:00.000-04:00

(City Post Office)
Massachusetts Avenue and North Capitol Street, NW

1914 Graham and Burnham
1992 renovation: Shalom Baranes Associates; museum interior: Florance Eichbaum Esocoff King

entrance fee: free (part of the Smithsonian Institute)

I had to do a double take. The metro billboard looked like a cross between an ad for the Spy Museum and an episode of CSI. “Did that say the National Postal Museum?!”

I had heard of it, but really, could a museum about stamps be all that interesting? The sign said something about postal detectors and pictured a green-monochromatic photo of a guy in a lab coat. This was high-tech. Wasn’t the Museum located in just a closet of a space in some building near Union Station? I had to do some sleuth work of my own and go investigate.

Near Union Station? Yeah, um, the building was designed by the same architect as Union Station and is directly west of it. This beautiful building was recently (and successfully) renovated. From a narrow hallway, I descended the escalator into a large atrium drenched in sunlight. I was shocked. This is no closet. Just see for yourself:

For stamp afficionados and the curious alike, this museum is worth a trip if mail’s your thing. Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of our postal service is in this building. Wanting to see the “spy” exhibit, I breezed through everything else until I stumbled upon this incredibly fascinating placard:

Registered mail!!! I still can't believe it. Can you imagine being the one to handle that package?

This bit of trivia greeted me as I entered the area dedicated to crime. Ever since the Anthrax scare and unabombers, I've come to realize the importance of mail and safety can never be underestimated. But I don’t really think much about USPS's involvement in our national security on a daily basis. This hands-on exhibit gives you a taste for what they do to protect us and their involvement in catching criminals. Go ahead, take a gander. This museum's first class.

"If I were bread, would you be my butter?"

2007-08-14T20:26:00.000-04:00

“Can I ask you a question?” I’ve been reading Jonathan Rauch’s book Gay Marriage and was curious.

“Sure,” said Kalani, though he seemed drawn more to the TV than me. Tonight Kalani was introducing me to the cult classic To Wong Foo, that, having seen it, would grant me some credibility as a gay person at most dinner parties and other casual gatherings.

“And if I ask you a question, can I get a thoughtful response?”

That caught his attention. He smiled, “What is it?”

“What is marriage for?”

“It depends. Do you want my Mormon or gay perspective?”

“Both.”

“Well, as a Mormon, marriage is for perpetuating the earth, you know, to have a family. It’s about sharing your life with somebody. Marriage defines that commitment - when you really share. Marriage makes that relationship binding and fulfilled.”

Pausing only slightly, Kalani glanced away and then back again so quickly there seemed to be no break in thought. “That’s why I support gay marriage. I think it would end a lot of promiscuity, if they legalize gay marriage...”

I resisted the urge to remind him I wasn’t asking about same-sex marriage, not that it mattered. The idea was to explore a more fundamental query about the purpose of the institution of marriage itself. Why do people marry? It simply cannot be only because people “fall in love” and want to be with someone the rest of their lives. It cannot only be to gain the rights granted to wedded couples by the government. There's much more to it than that.

Kalani continued extemporaneously for a while about gay marriage and then stopped. “What was the question again?”

“What is marriage for?” I repeated, this time emphasizing the deliberately absent qualifier “gay.”

“Oh that’s right. So now the gay perspective. Marriage defines gays as a couple, it gives them civil rights. If you don’t have marriage, you’re only half a person, at least as a citizen in this country. Once you accept civil unions, you dismiss yourself as a full-fledged human being. You’re just a shadow person. Marriage makes you accountable. You can stand up and be counted. It allows you to have children, adopt children, and bring them up within the bounds of society where children are given the same rights. It defines them within a family...”

The conversation gradually petered out, and the movie beckoned. Kalani's insights on marriage, whether gay or straight, are strikingly similar to Jonathan's, just wrapped in different wording. We settled in our seats, hit the "play" button, and enjoyed the rest of the evening laughing our heads off.

"You know, pumpkins? Sometimes it just takes a fairy."

Union Station

2007-08-11T18:46:00.000-04:00

I was looking at the itinerary and it seems pretty full. There doesn’t seem to be much down time (this is a good thing), but you don’t get much time to eat. So my advice would be to stay close to the hotel for meal breaks. And for one of those meal breaks I would most definitely advise you to head to Union Station to eat. It is within walking distance of the hotel, has plenty of options for food, and is a must see in terms of DC sites.

So what exactly does Union Station have to offer? Well… there is a food court downstairs (typical mall food court) and there are a few nice restaurants. So if you want something cheap you got it, if you want a nicer sit down fancy place, it's there too! As far as nice restaurants, there are a number to choose from and although I haven't tried them, I have heard good things about America as well as The Station Grill. There is also some shopping that can be done at Union Station, but don’t be too surprised when you see how small the shopping area is and how few stores there are. Basically Union Station allows you to find the food you want as well as provides some light shopping and beautiful scenery.

Mr. P's

2007-08-09T13:13:00.000-04:00

Q: "I've heard of a famous gay bar called 'Mr. P's' - do you know where it is and can you tell us about it?"
-Peter Brown from Albuquerque

A: Mr. P's/The Loft was located at 2147 P Street, NW near Dupont Circle. Yes, you read correctly..."was." It closed in December 2003. Perhaps it was made famous by the scandal that ensued when John Paulk, the posterboy of the ex-gay movement, walked in to "visit the restroom." His 40 minute stay almost cost him his job as North American director of Exodus International. That was September 2000.

I'm not sure why Mr.P's closed or what it was like, as it was before my time. Any DC locals out there who know more?

Ben's Chili Bowl

2007-08-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

So after a night of pathetic bar hopping, my friends and I were hungry, but wanted something a little different from the typical. So the question is where to go… Something spicy, something exciting but low-key and something cheap. So the verdict “Ben’s Chili Bowl.” Ben’s Chili Bowl is famous. It is a major hotspot for famous people with photo’s all over of celebrities including Bill Cosby and Miles Davis. It is historically famous being one of the oldest restaurants in the city…and also for having survived and stayed open during the riots.

I’d never been before so I got the famous Chili Dog and Chili Cheese Fries. They were good. Wasn’t great, just good. It was very spicy, so if you don’t like spice you DON’T want this. Food is pretty cheap and the atmosphere is great. I would recommend going if for nothing else than the historical aspect and the atmosphere. However, I would not necessarily recommend going at 2 in the morning. It isn’t the lightest of food so it can be a lot to sit in your stomach that late at night.

DC's Gay Bars

2007-08-01T14:52:00.001-04:00

You see him staring at you from across the room. What a stud! Your friend you came with is talking but you’ve tuned him out. All you can think about is this guy who is totally, obviously blatantly drooling as he stares directly at you… or umm… directly above you? You turn around. There’s a giant TV screen playing “Rough and Ready.” Great. You felt awkward before. Now you are totally uncomfortable in a place with porn playing on all the walls. Suddenly the bar tender speaks into a microphone. Its midnight and men in underwear drink free. Now there is nowhere to look but at the ceiling. You are so uncomfortable you are tempted to walk home rather than wait for you friend. It’s going to be a long night. (Disclaimer-this story is not about me...it is just a story).

When choosing your bar or club it is important to know about the atmosphere you are going to come across. Whether you want a typical bar, a country bar, leather or even something more “exciting”, DC has the right place for you. It’s just knowing where to find it.

I will write about other bars/clubs in DC, in the future but these are the three that I frequent the most. Disclaimer: I am not a big fan of bars or clubs, so I don’t frequent them often.

Remingtons Country Bar: 639 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Cover: Yes
Cost of drinks: Average
Age bracket: All ages-but not too many 18-25 yr olds.
Atmosphere: Laid back, Chill
Crowded: Average
General Info: Karaoke upstairs. Pool tables upstairs.
Personal Comment: I like it because you can go and watch the dance floor. I’m not a drinker and I don’t really dance so feel out of place at most bars. This one gives me something to do without feeling like I’m standing at the wall alone and awkward.
Problems: The bar is not near Dupont Circle and therefore not near any other gay bars, so if you are looking to do more than one bar, it can make it a long trip to get somewhere else.

Halo: 1435 P St NW
Cover: Yes
Cost of drinks: Expensive
Age bracket: 22-40 yrs old
Atmosphere: Sleek and Stylish
Crowded: Yes
Personal Comment: Lots of eye candy. I like it, but sometime I feel like I’m in a plastic room surrounded by plastic Ken dolls. If you drink, bring lots of money. If you come alone, you might feel a little out of place-better to come with other people. This is a bar, there is no dance floor. I highly recommend this bar!!

Gre en Lantern: 1335 Green Ct NW
Cover: No
Cost of Drinks: Cheap
Age bracket: 30-50
Atmosphere: Laid back, Chill
Crowded: No
General Info: Pool table upstairs. Saturday’s Men in underwear drink free from 12-1 am.
Personal Comment: There are TV screens upstairs with video’s playing. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, then don’t go. People here are very friendly. Hard to locate if you don’t know where it is. This place is good or bad depending on the night. Shirtless Thursday nights are usually good, but weekends are a toss up. Unless you are willing to do some bar hopping I would not recommend this place without a big group.

Meridian Hill Park

2007-07-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

16th Street between Euclid and Florida Avenues
1912-1935 Horace W. Peaslee; Mrs. Johnson B. Henderson, sponsor

Meridian Hill Park is everything a neighborhood park should be, if not quirky and somewhat bizarre. By far the most colorful description of this gem comes from the AIA Guide to Architecture of Washington, D.C., though there are online sources with more empirical information here and here. I hope you enjoy the author's subtle humor as much as I:

Construction of the park spanned two decades, time enough to allow for a surprising variety of architectural moods, motifs, and styles. Peaslee (1884-1959) wrote that he based the park's lower level, with its axial plan, 13 graduated pools, and cascading falls, on "the Pincian Hill of Rome." But, since he at various other times said he relied on the Villa d'Este and on Rome's Villa Medici for ispirazione, it might be best to call section one simply "generic Italian." The upper terrace is French: dead flat for some 900 feet despite the hill, it is centered on a broad grass mall with promenades and hemlock hedges all terminating in a bronze statue of Joan of Arc.

Miraculously, this unique creation has survived more or less as Mrs. Henderson and Peaslee envisioned it: it has survived plots to build a replica of Old Faithful geyser in it, and it has survived - so far - the drug dealers and hooligans who have recently made it a favorite point of rendezvous. -Christopher Weeks

No wonder the park has become a haven for crime; it's big enough to get lost in and has an overabundance of architectural features incorporated into the landscape that offer the perfect hiding spot. I can't help but imagine this would make quite the outdoor arena for a good game of nocturnal hide-and-go-seek! (Dave, can we organize that for the conference?)

Above all, Meridian Hill Park is a public space for gathering and is safe by day. Since the 1950's people have come to dance to the beat of an acoustic ensemble on warm Sunday afternoons. Many come with a blanket to spread out on the grass, some with a book, others with a laptop. Some come for a leisurely walk throughout the park's winding paths and staircases. Some come for the view of the grand fountain or even a glimpse of the Washington Monument. While preservation repairs began in 2003, the park's disrepair lends to the informal atmosphere. Here, all are welcomed.

Food at 3 a.m.

2007-07-25T22:50:00.000-04:00

Finding a place to eat isn’t hard. Finding a Good place to eat is a little harder, but finding a Good place to eat in DC at 3 a.m. in the morning is definitely a challenge. Luckily there is Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse. Located at 1609 17th St. NW, Annie’s is a perfect fit if you are in the Dupont neighborhood. It is open 24 hours on weekends and actually stays pretty busy all night (and you can get a window seat with a great view of all the boys walking by!!). It has great service-everyone is very friendly. Annie’s steaks cost between $20-$25, but generally a meal there ranges from $10-$15. Plus, my favorite part of Annie’s is the fact that they serve breakfast all day!!

Dupont also hosts Afterwords (café and bookstore) which is 24 hours on weekends, but the menu is not quite as great (although if you are going only for desert, Afterwords is the way to go-more choices!).

"She could sing anything --

2007-07-23T19:08:00.000-04:00

folk, blues, pop, jazz, R&B, gospel -- and make it sound like it was the only music that mattered." Richard Harrington

Jazz to me was like mushrooms and seafood; I couldn't stomach them as a kid. I remember the first time I tasted a portobello as a twenty-something-year-old and couldn't believe a fungus could be so flavorful and meaty. It was a matter of maturity (my age) and preparation (thanks, Martha). A whole new gastronomic world opened up to me. I'm still waiting for my taste buds to warm up to seafood. And jazz, that often confusing mess of notes and rhythms, I could never wrap my soul around.

My coworker Melanie introduced me to Eva Cassidy four years ago when she popped in Songbird in the CD player at work. I have to admit, I wasn't totally smitten upon the first hearing, but the tamer songs sounded sort of folksy, which I could handle, and there was something about that voice that could instantaneously change timbre and slide from note to note so effortlessly that grabbed me. The more I listened, the more intrigued I became. Her voice drew me in.

A native to the DC metropolitan area, Eva never had ambition to sing center stage. She preferred backup vocal to lead singer and performed at local venues, including Blues Alley in Georgetown, but others recognized her talent and gave her the opportunity to record. Bone cancer took her life away when she was only 33, but she left us a small repository of brilliance.

I wish I would have been able to hear her sing in person. I have yet to visit Blues Alley and plunge myself into the jazz world, though it's on my list of things to do.

ABC's Nightline produce a brief segment on Eva's rise to posthumous fame. Eva's story is moving, and from the writings of those who knew and wrote about her, you can get a taste of the type of person she was. Listen to her signature song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", recorded at Blues Alley. Close your eyes. Listen to it until the very end. You'll get a sense what Richard Harrington meant. Whatever she sang, she made it sound like it was the only music that mattered.

Thanks, Eva. You've opened a whole new musical world to me.

Rats with Bushy Tails

2007-07-22T19:26:00.001-04:00

Standing at the lectern, the summer intern extolled DC's lush parks. He was astonished that such a large city was so green, that nature wove itself seamlessly between brick, concrete and asphalt. Though I have no recollection what this had to do with his testimony, I can't forget his expression of delight when he said, "I was walking in a park near Union Station on my way to work, and there were even squirrels roaming around!"

Carolyn turned to me and said, "Those aren't squirrels. Those are rats with bushy tails!"

It was a standing joke. Sadly, it rings with truth, though my friend Ruth might disagree. She defends the bushy things as separate and distinct from the less-beloved rodents that scurry through the alleys in search of food at night.

DC's squirrels are everywhere, and they're accustomed to humans. Please don't feed. And above all, don't let their velutinous frock fool you: these cheeky creatures are not afraid to charge, so beware!

On a Friday Night

2007-07-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

It's three in the morning. I’ve completed my 40 hours work week in the past three days. I was out until 5 a.m. yesterday and got to bed at 7 a.m. today. I feel like I’ve slept a total of about 8 hours in the last week... and I just ran a red light. Not because I didn’t see it, but because I’m so tired, that by the time it registered in my brain to stop, I had already passed the stoplight. I’m about ready to run any other red lights I come to and not just because I’m tired, but because the last two times I have stopped at a light I have actually had total strangers knock on my window and offer to pay me to drive them home.

It's three in the morning. The metro has stopped running and there are two dozen people on every corner trying to hail what must be the only cab in DC.

My advice… If you go out and don’t have a car, make sure you get back to the metro before it closes (3 am Friday and Saturday, midnight all other nights) or you just might be taking that unattractive man’s offer to go home with him, whether you like it or not.

Top Ten Things to do in Washington DC

2007-07-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

In my opinion these are the most best things to do in the city (at least until it gets late)…

10. NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
This might be a little anti-climatic if you saw National Treasure, but it is still great to see and learn some more history. Check out the “Letters to the President” section. A collection of comically entertaining letters actually sent from citizens to different presidents.

9. GEORGETOWN SHOPPING:
It’s a beautiful area with some interesting shops and good food. Plus it’s always fun to walk the C & O Canal.

8. ARLINGTON CEMETARY:
The changing of the guards is incredible. If time head over to the Marine Memorial next door (check out Flags of Our Fathers).

7. WALK THE NATIONAL MALL/TIDAL BASIN:
There are so many monuments and beautiful sites to see. It never gets old.

6. EASTERN MARKET:
Fire damage partially shut this down, but it is still up and running outside the building and across the street.

5. WHITE HOUSE PROTESTOR:
The White House is a must in DC and while you are there, talk to the two people who LIVE in front of the White House. Even if you think they are crazy, its amazing to hear what their story, especially the fact that they have lived in a tent in front of the White House since 1981 (longest standing 24 hour protest against violence).

4. DUPONT CIRCLE:
A must. Whether reading in the circle, browsing the shops or strolling down 17th street, this is a great area to spend some time (You may want to check out Lambda Rising).

3. SPY MUSEUM:
This would be interesting anywhere, but especially with all the government stuff around (see Breach first).

2. COUNTRY DANCING AT REMINGTONS:
There is something hot about two guys dancing together!

1. RUNNING THE NATIONAL MALL AT NIGHT: Absolutely beautiful and unforgettable.

Metro! Metro! Metro!

2007-07-18T10:15:00.000-04:00

Today seemed particularly difficult driving up Wisconsin Avenue to get to work. It was like picking the slowest line at the grocery store; I was always in the wrong lane. Traffic was heavy, and not minding oncoming vehicles, cars and pedestrians alike jumped out of nowhere to turn or cross the street.

Notwithstanding, I made it to work in decent time and in one piece. I parked and walked the length of the lot when I heard a shrill woman’s voice shout from an open car window, “I’m stuck in traffic and not sure where I am, so STOP BUGGING ME!!!” Her voice ricocheted off the buildings. She saw me, looked embarrassed, and hung up her cell. I wanted to shout out with an empathetic, “I hear ya!”, perhaps even while thumping my chest twice and extending a peace sign.

DC is a very drivable city. While I find motorists generally polite, there are a few tendencies (e.g. running red lights, blocking intersections) that at times make a person want to join in the frustrated, lost lady’s clamor, only with the addition of a few expletives.

For those of you traveling here in the fall, I recommend riding the Metro. Use it. Cherish it. Be thankful for what it is, and complain, if you want, of what it is not. It’s easy to comprehend and relatively inexpensive. Fares one way during rush-hour cost the most, typically less than $3.00, or you can purchase day passes.

If you are thinking of renting a car, you may want to reconsider. Refuse to metro? Taxi fare from DCA will put you back $18 plus tip. Save yourself the headache of driving and paying for parking.

I’m done. I’ll stop bugging you now.

Bistro Brunch

2007-07-13T02:08:00.000-04:00

Bistro Bis
15 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.661.2700 Tel
http://vidaliadc.com/bistro/index.asp

Food: ☺☺ : Yummy
Service: the maître d' was extremely friendly and inviting, the waiter a bit stodgy but nice (if only he would have been more attentive to my empty glass of water)
Price: $30-$50, brunch $12-20
Hours of Operation:
Breakfast: Daily: 7:00am - 10:00am
Lunch: Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Daily: 5:30pm - 10:30pm

I have to admit, I'm not that familiar with the neighborhood around the Hyatt. Sure, I used to live on Capitol Hill, but the area between Union Station and Judiciary Square (pronounced "joo dish uh wary" by most metro train conductors) seems as nebulous as the moment in time between sleeping and waking to full consciousness. I believe the area exists, but this is based on pure cartographical faith. So to turn faith to knowledge, I set out with my friends Larry and David to scope out the hood. And what better way to get to know an area better than to have brunch on a Saturday morning?

David knew of a restaurant called Bistro Bis, located within eye distance of the hotel. "We might not be dressed well enough for it, but let's just see. We can at least look at the menu. You want to do that?"

I looked down at my wrinkled shorts and T-shirt and said, "Sure." What would it hurt?

The maître d' greeted us with a flashy smile and a cool green tie patterned with a subtle circular design. Attractively graphic, above most kitsch found on such accessories.

"Where'd you get that tie?" I inquired. I always seize the opportunity to ask someone where he or she found such a work of art, as I have all but given up on finding interesting, tasteful, and affordable ties.

"Nieman Marcus, at an outlet store." An honest answer, and he's thrifty. Good sign already.

We apologized for our appearance, and David explained our intention of at least looking at the menu. Without missing a beat, the maître d' said, "Well, I think you should eat here!" Perhaps if it were a busy evening he would have politely ushered us away, but he made us feel so at ease, we graciously acquiesced.

The restaurant was mostly empty, with a few pockets of people scattered comfortably throughout the main floor dining space. This restaurant has three stories and a bar, but because of the way it's divided up, it felt cozy. Perhaps it was the warmth of the cherry walls that added to the ambiance.

The brunch menu had a dozen options ranging from $12.75 to $18.00 (Sea Scallops Provençale). I have this thing were I like to try eggs Benedict in different restaurants when I travel. Typically tasty, sometimes executed poorly, eggs Benedict is never as satisfying as receiving it done right.

But this morning I couldn’t resist French toast with a description as sumptuous as this: “sliced brioche in hazelnut batter with caramelized bananas and vanilla creme fraíche and bacon.” Yowzers! How could I resist such a combination? Brioche with hazelnut? Batter up!!! Besides, Larry promised me a bite of his eggs Benedict, and that would suffice for a critique. In fact, we placed our order under the pact that we would each share a bite with each other. While waiting for the food, I excused myself to the restroom.

________________

WARNING: the following is what happened chronologically and does not involve food nor have any bearing on my culinary experience at the restaurant. I only think it amusing, but be warned, this story involves a restroom, after all!

________________

“Through the hotel lobby, stairs to my right, down a flight, turn right, down the hall, turn another right,” I repeated the directions the waiter gave me, fearing I might forget a step but thankful every turn was in the same direction. Bistro Bis is connected to Hotel George, and unfortunately they share a restroom tucked away in the basement found at the end of circuitous maze. I made it to the hall where the hotel’s gym is and heard what I thought was a shower running.

“Oh, the restroom must be part of the locker room for the gym,” I thought. A man in a suit, obviously part of the hotel staff, stood in the hallway where I was supposed to turn to get to the men's room. I paused as he glanced at me but continued to the door labeled “Men.”

The door swung open with a firm push and almost hit a guy standing near the vanity. My glance was brief, but I saw a homeless man, trousers halfway down without a shirt, water running at the faucet, towels spread out everywhere. Thankful for quick reflexes and periphery vision, I backed away from the half opened door as quickly as I had opened it. I heard a mumbling of some sort, the man telling me it was alright for me to enter. I cautiously opened the door, slid past the man (now with pants up) to the urinal and did my business. The man continued to mumble incoherently, and I tried to be as cavalier as possible given the circumstances. Was it too much to ask for to use the restroom and wash my hands before I eat?

At the stall I heard a second voice. The suited man in the hallway had entered and was instructing the bathing man. “Just leave the towels on the floor. We’ll take care of them.”

Was this some act of charity on the part of Hotel George? Was I witness to thoughtful generosity in the hospitality industry? Still recovering from the initial shock, I was warmed by the thought. I washed my hands and left the two gentlemen in the restroom to join my party of two upstairs.

________________

The food arrived all at once, and we dug in. I’m cautious when ordering food with bananas as an ingredient, even in a smoothie. Typically their distinctive flavor overpowers everything else, but the waft of banana, bacon, sugary maple syrup, and hint of hazelnut blended together harmoniously to create a smooth aroma with an equally balanced taste. What elevated this French toast above others was the brioche. Thickly sliced, crispy exterior, soft in the middle with a taste hearty but not overly rustic, the brioche seemed too fresh to be used for the original pain perdu. Lucky me.

A bite of the Croque-Madame made with the same brioche testified of this bread’s ability to soak in flavor. Something about the combination of egg, Black forest ham, and gruyère cheese in this dish seemed more than the sum of the parts.

Maybe it was the bold taste of the previous dishes or the history of transcontinental sampling that influenced my palette, but I found the eggs Benedict to be pleasant, not outstanding. The poached eggs were boiled with a soft center, and that made me happy enough.

At easily $15-$20 per person for brunch, I hardly call this dining on a budget. Overall, if you're searching for value, I'd give it my mark of approval. Two smiley faces and a Yummy.

L'Enfant and the 5 Sided City Block

2007-07-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

“Can you tell us where 505 C Street is?” The question broke stereotypes, as it came from the male driver; the girl in the passenger seat holding directions and an unfurled map looked hopeful but remained silent. It is not uncommon for tourists and locals alike to get lost and ask for directions in DC.

I was walking with my friend Carolyn on 7th Street over 4 years ago, just south of the Air and Space Museum. This was my new city, and I was prepared to give as simple and clear directions as possible. To be honest, I get nervous when motorists ask for directions at a red light not because I might fail to know the address, but rather because the destination is so far removed and the path to get there so convoluted from where they are that I would need the time of at least 3-4 red lights to communicate the course. Yes, a minimum of 3-4 red lights!

But 505 C Street was just around the corner. I could handle this. I told them within a few turns how to get there. They looked relieved, the light turned green, and they sped off down the street.

“I wonder why they want to go there? Is anything even there besides L’Enfant Plaza?” I asked. After a slight pause Carolyn and I looked at each other with recognition. “Ahh, I forgot to ask which quadrant they were looking for!” I might have blushed from embarrassment.

Now I never forget. The first piece of information you need to know when determining where you are or where you want to be in DC is identifying the quadrant. If you drew a plus sign on a map with the node on the Capitol, you would divide DC into four quadrants (see fig. 1). Appropriately named by their cardinal direction, North Capitol, East Capitol, and South Capitol Streets do just that, with the Mall to the west making up the final arm. That’s Mall with a capital M, home of the Smithsonian (though not all museums are located here) and a smattering of memorials, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Addresses thus come with quadrant identification, even if the street fits snuggly within one quadrant without crossing over to another (e.g. Wisconsin Ave, NW). The Hyatt Hotel is west and north of the Capitol, so it gets the NW designation. As an aside, the NW is the largest and wealthiest quadrant.

Numbered streets run north-south and radiate from the Capitol (see fig. 2). Lettered streets run east-west and begin with A near the Capitol (see fig. 3). After the alphabet has been exhausted, street names take on two syllable words (Belmont, Clifton, Euclid...), and once the alphabet has run its course, three syllable words begin the alphabet again (Allison, Buchanan, Crittenden...).
Main avenues are typically on diagonal streets and are named after the 50 states (or other random names - see fig 4.) Diagonal streets get to exist wherever they very well please, are scattered throughout the city, and offer several options to drivers to get from A to B. But driving presents a whole other set of issues, one way streets and confusing circles being the least of every driver's concern. It's those roads that change traffic direction depending on the time of day that'll getcha! But I digress...
While these are general rules, they can and will be broken. Legend has it that the city's layout was designed to confuse any future enemy who would invade the streets of DC. If that wasn't L'Enfant's intent, it is working nonetheless. What seems to be a regular grid, often is not; simply going "around the block" loses meaning when four turns doesn't complete the revolution. If you get lost, just remember to know which quadrant you want before asking a stranger for directions – you’ll be three quarters of the way there!