Weekend Happenings in the DMV 2/22-24

This weekend is full of fun! There are Oscar parties, kid’s shows and Baltimore Winter Wine Week Begins today!

 

Washington, DC Events

Nordic Cool Festival
Kennedy Center
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566
202-467-4600
Time: Events Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Price: Prices vary depending on event

A month-long international festival of theater, dance, music, visual arts, literature, design, cuisine, and film to highlight the diverse cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden as well as the territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Áland Islands.

The Washington Ballet- Tour De Force
Sidney Harman Hall
610 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-547-1122
Time: Friday 7:30p, Saturday 2:30p & 7:30p, Sunday 1p & 6p
Price: $32-$111.25

With its first Tour-de-Force showcase evening of classical and contemporary works, The Washington Ballet pays tribute to the Presidential inaugural season. Set to the marches of Philip Sousa, the evening’s centerpiece, Balanchine’s exuberantly patriotic Stars and Stripes contains as much pure dance as many full-length ballets.

Virginia Events

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival
Patriot Center
4500 Patriot Circle
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-3000
Time: Sunday at 1 pm and 4 pm
Price: $28-$57

Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with visits by the stars of The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, and Aladdin.

Old Town Alexandria Tasting and Historical Tour
Market Square
310 King Street
King Street and North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-800-979-3370
Time: Saturday 1-4:30 pm
Price: $60

DC Metro Food Tours offers unique food tasting and cultural walking tours that bring you to some of the area’s most historic and significant neighborhoods. Learn from highly trained guides about the architecture and history while tasting cuisine.

Maryland Events

Maple Sugar Festival
Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallen Ave
Wheaton, MD
301-962-1480
Time:  Sunday 11 am- 4 pm
Price: $5

If you have ever wondered how that delicious tasting syrup came to end up on your pancakes this is for you! Watch the whole maple sugaring process from start to finish. Sample some of the sticky sweet goodness while partaking in maple-themed crafts, food, games, music, and activities sure to please every member of the family!

American Craft Council Baltimore Winter Show
Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD
410-649-7000
Time: Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: $16

Hundreds of the country’s best contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home decor artists gather in one spot to present a spectacular season of fine quality craft.

Sports at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

 

ESPN Friday Night Fights: Lamont Peterson vs Kendall Holt, Friday at 5 pm, DC Armory

Washington Wizards vs Denver, Friday at 7 pm, Verizon Center

Washington Capitals vs New Jersey, Saturday at 12 pm, Verizon Center

George Mason Men’s vs William and Mary, Saturday at 4 pm, Patriot Center

Washington Wizards vs Houston, Saturday at 7 pm, Verizon Center

                                                  Movies Opening this Weekend

Snitch
112 minutes
Action|Drama|Thriller
A father goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned after being set up in drug deal.
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Susan Sarandon, Jon Bernthal, and Rafi Gavron

Dark Skies
95 minutes
Horror|Sci-Fi|Thriller
As the Barret family’s peaceful suburban life is rocked by an escalating series of disturbing events, they come to learn that a terrifying and deadly force is after them.
Starring Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo, and J.K. Simmons

 Rolling out the Red Carpet

Its Oscar Party time in Washington! Here are just some of the places around the area that give guests the red carpet treatment on Sunday February 24^th. For more ideas visit our complete Oscar post.

Snuggle With the Stars
US Navy Memorial Burke Theater
701 Pennsylvania Ave
NW Washington DC.
Time: 6 pm
Price: $50-$100
Watching the Oscar’s has never been so comfortable! Watch the Oscar’s at this adult pajama party officially associated with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Watch the broadcast on a giant two-story HD screen while sipping soda and munching on gourmet snacks. Wearing pajamas is encouraged, but not required.

Art Soiree’s Live Viewing Night of Oscars
Georgetown Ritz-Carlton
3100 South Street NW
Washington, DC
Time: 7 pm
Price: $40-$90
Enjoy a true Hollywood Glamour experience with an adult black tie affair as the Ritz Carlton pulls out all the stops just for you! Enjoy a Red Carpet complete with all the trimmings including camera’s and interviews.  That’s just the beginning as you watch a live telecast of the 85th Academy Awards on multiple screens. The evening will feature special live performances by St. Charles String Quartet playing songs from the Oscar nominated movies.

And the Winner Is…
The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Draft house
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA.
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: $20

Hooray for Hollywood! It’s time to experience the wonder, anticipation, and excitement that is Oscar Night! Don’t sit home alone, get off the couch, and join fellow film fans at the Washington, DC Film Society’s “And The Winner Is…” annual viewing party to watch the 84th Academy Awards broadcast LIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN. There will be a silent auction, contests, food and drinks!

Baltimore Winter Wine Festival

Drink some fantastic wines at some of the Baltimore area’s best restaurants! Restaurants participating in this 10-day dining promotion beginning on February 22nd are offering special menus featuring wine pairings as well as wine dinners, cellar raids, classes, special happy hours and more! This weekend’s featured restaurants can be found below.  

Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano
Little Italy
306 South High Street, 410.727.0700
Featuring
Winter Wine Celebration – visit Aldo’s website for details.

Bistro 300
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
300 Light Street, 410.605.2839
Featuring Three-course wine pairing menu showcasing local delights and distinctive dishes

Charleston
1000 Lancaster Street 410.332.7373
With the tasting menu available in the dining room you can enjoy between three and six courses of Chef Wolf’s French and Low Country cooking of South Carolina inspired cuisine paired with wines.

Chazz: A Bronx Original
1415 Aliceanna Street, 410.522.5511
Featuring Winter Wine Celebration – visit Chazz: A Bronx Original’s website for details.

Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, 410.547.8282
Their wine pairing menu features classic Italian recipes with a modern perspective.

Creme Restaurant & Lounge
518 N. Charles Street, 443.869.3382
The three-course wine pairing menu features American cuisine with a Southern influence.

Fleet Street Kitchen
1012 Fleet Street, 410.244.5830
The three-course wine pairing menu features contemporary American seasonally inspired cooking.

La Scala
1012 Eastern Avenue, 410.783.9209
Enjoy a Tuscan flight of Antinori Wines.

Lebanese Taverna Baltimore
719 South President Street, 410.244.5533
Featuring a Tour of Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, these Lebanese wines are paired with light Lebanese appetizers in the lounge and bar.

Pazo
1425 Aliceanna Street, 410.534.7296
Their three-course Winter Wine Pairing Menu features cuisine with the hedonistic soul of the rustic Spanish coast & Italian isles.

Regi’s
1002 Light Street, 410.539.7344
Half-price bottles of wine from Regi’s 100 bottle wine list can be paired with Regi’s “Farm-to-Fork” cuisine.

Talara
615 President Street, 410.528.9883
Featuring Nuevo Latino food and wine pairing specials!

TEN TEN
1010 Fleet Street, 410.244.6867
Featuring a Winter Wine Celebration Prix-Fixe Three-Course Pairing Menu with sustainable seasonal American dishes paired with European and Californian wine.

the point in fells
1738 Thames Street, 410.327.7264
On Saturday, February 23^rd enjoy their feature Bubbles and Babes, where you can sample sparkling wines and fantastic champagne pairings.

Vino Rosina
507 South Exeter Street, 410.528.8600
On Saturday, February 23^rd their Italian flight night features Cortese- Icardi “L’aurora” 2010 Piemonte, It, Valpolicella blend–Brigaldara 2010 Verona, It. Chianti Classico Lucignano Colli Fiorentini 2009 Tuscany.

Waterfront Kitchen
1417 Thames Street, 443.681.5310
Featuring Winter Wine Celebration – visit Waterfront Kitchen’s website for details.

Wit & Wisdom
Harbor East in Four Seasons Baltimore
200 International Drive, 410.576.5800
On Saturday February 23^rd enjoy Wine 101 at Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina “How to Taste Like a Pro” Join Wit & Wisdom Sommeliers Julie & John as they introduce the concept of tasting wine. Enjoy six tastings paired with Chef Clay Miller’s hors d’oeuvres.

 

 

Weekend Happenings in the DMV 2/15-2/17

We hope you enjoy the long weekend! Here are some activities throughout the DMV to keep you entertained!

Washington, DC Events

Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street NW
Washington DC 2004
202.783.4000
Time: Saturday 3 pm and 6 pm
Price: $25-$75

Jeepers! Scooby Doo and the gang have been called in to help solve an epic mystery in Washington and they want to take you along for the ride. Filled with wacky new characters, fantastic songs, and outrageous antics, this show is sure to delight the young and young at heart.

Ice Skating in the Sculpture Gardens
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
9th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-3360
Time: Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday 11 am to 9 pm
Price: Adults $7; Children 12 and under $6; Skate rental $3

With the temperatures taking a dip this weekend, what better way to enjoy what’s left of winter than with a little fun on the ice? View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music.

Mike Epps
DAR Constitution Hall
1779 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 289-3360
Time: Friday at 7 pm and 10:30 pm
Price: $55-$100

Every year Mike Epps, an actor and standup comedian, brings his natural born talent to the DC area. Join him for a night side splitting laughter and great company.

Virginia Events

Presidents Day at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy
Alexandria, VA 22121
(703) 780-0011
Time: Saturday 8 pm and Sunday 3 pm
Price: Adults $17 Youth (6-11) $8; Free on Monday February 18th

Wish George Washington, and all the other presidents a happy birthday at Mount Vernon. Celebrate with three days of special events, sure to make your president’s day weekend a little brighter!

Birthnight Banquet and Ball
Gadsby’s Tavern
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, Va 22314
(703) 746.4242
Time: Saturday 5:30 pm
Price: $50-$300

Set in the year 1799, you are invited to the recreation of this famous celebration of Washington’s Birthday. The evening includes an 18th century banquet, English country dancing, and character reenactors.

Sleeping Beauty–The Broken Spell
Workhouse Arts Center
9601 Ox Road
Lorton, Va
703-584-2900
Time: Saturday 1 pm
Price: $12

See this new take on the age old classic, Sleeping Beauty! When Sleeping Beauty keeps falling asleep, her parents leave to find Magical, the famous magician. They have to find a way to break the spell or she might never wake up!

Date Night: Chef’s Table
Workhouse Arts Center
9601 Ox Road
Lorton, Va
703-584-2900
Time: Saturday 8 pm
Price: $80 per couple

Learn to cook the relaxing way with Chef’s Table. Immerse yourself in basic cooking techniques while enjoying your family and friends.

Maryland Events

Seth Myers
Stevenson University
1525 Greenspring Valley Rd
Stevenson MD 21153
443-352-4300
Time: Sunday 8 pm
Price: $33.50

Seth Myers, one of the stars from the popular show Saturday Night Live, is coming to town! Join him for a night of hilarious standup comedy.

Flashdance the Musical!
The Hippodrome Theatre
12 North Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Time: Friday 8:00PM; Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM; Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30PM
Price: $40-$145

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the pop culture phenomenon of Flashdance is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. *This show contains some mature content that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Sports at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

George Mason Men’s vs Georgia State, Saturday at 4 pm, Patriot Center

Maryland Men’s vs Duke, Saturday 6 pm, University of Maryland Comcast Center

Movies Opening this Weekend

A Good Day to Die Hard
97 minutes
Action|Crime|Thriller
John McClane travels to Russia to help out his seemingly wayward son, Jack, only to discover that Jack is a CIA operative working to prevent a nuclear-weapons heist, causing the father and son to team up against underworld forces.

Starring Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Beautiful Creatures
124 minutes
Drama|Fantasy|Romance
Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.

Starring Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, and Alden Ehrenreich

Safe Haven
115 minutes
Drama|Mystery|Romance|Thriller
A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

Starring Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders, and David Lyons

Escape from Planet Earth
Animation|Adventure|Comedy|Family|Sci-Fi
Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a notoriously dangerous alien planet.

Starring Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, and Rob Courdry

Weekend Happenings in the DMV 2/1-2/3

This weekend is full of fun events! Plenty of Super Bowl parties for the football fans out there, especially the local Ravens fans! There are also events for everyone else to fill their weekend!

 

Washington, DC Events

Crepe Day Festival

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

4155 Linnean Ave. NW

Washington, DC

202-686-5807

Time: Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m

Price: General Admission: Adult $15, Children (2-18) $8

Ever wanted to celebrate Crepe Day, but didn’t know how to go about it? Then this is for you! Celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion by eating crepes, enjoying classic tales told in French and English, and experiencing the exciting culture of Brittany, where crepes originated from.

Carioca!

Tropicalia

2001 14^th St. NW

Washington, DC

Time:  Sunday, 6 pm

Price: Free
The sounds of Brazil are a wonderful escape from the cold Washington winters. Every Sunday night, Tropicalia offers a free show with a live band and DJ beginning at 8 p.m. Arrive at 7 for free samba dance lessons and then stick around for $5 caipirinhas all night.

 The First Ladies

National Museum of American History

14^th Street and Constitution Avenue

Washington, DC

202-633-1000

Museum hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm

Price: Free

With more than two dozen gowns from the Smithsonian’s almost 100-year old First Ladies Collection, this exhibition is a must-see, with dresses worn by Frances Cleveland, Jacqueline Kennedy and Laura Bush, as well as an examination of the role of presidential wives. If you’ve seen it, here’s a reason to return: Michelle Obama’s stunning one-shouldered Jason Wu gown from the 2009 inaugural is one of the most recent additions!

The Washington Auto Show

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

801 Mount Vernon Place N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

Time: Friday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Price: Adults (13 and over): $12 Seniors: $10 Children(6-12): $5

The Washington Auto Show showcases more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers. The latest innovations in safety and sustainability will take center stage at the 2013 Washington Auto Show. This is a great way to learn about more developments in hydrogen, clean diesel, electric, biofuel and natural gas technologies as well as in safety. Visitors will also find free car giveaways, special guests, promotional contests, children’s activities and live entertainment.

Shen Yun

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F St. NW

Washington, DC

Time:  Friday 7:30, Saturday 1:30 and 7:30, Sunday 1:30

Price: $50-250
The world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music companies, returns with a lavishly colorful and exhilarating show. Shen Yun uses performing arts to present stories that bring to life the inner essence of China. This includes ancient legends, characters, and tales from history, and representative events from the modern world

Virginia Events

Super Bowl Party

The State Theatre

220 North Washington Street

Falls Church, Va

Time: Sunday, 4 pm

Price: Free

There’s really only one way to watch the big game – on a seriously BIG screen. Don’t miss San Francisco and Baltimore compete in the biggest game in football!  And of course enjoy some great food and cold brews. Are you ready for some football????

Super Bowl Party

Arlington Draft House

2903 Columbia Pike

Arlington, VA

Time: Sunday 4:30 pm

Price: Free

Need a place to watch the game? Come watch the big game on a really big screen!

Superbowl of Wine

Paradise Springs Winery

12639 Chapel Rd

Clifton, Va 20124

Time: Saturday 3 pm

Price: $25

Join us for our 3rd annual Superbowl of Wine event. We will take 5 Paradise Springs wines and blind taste test them against 5 global counterparts. This fun interactive tasting will include audience participation, discussion on wines from various regions, as well a sampling of 10 different wines. Light fare included. Reservations required. Please call 703-830-9463 or your concierge to reserve a spot.

Maryland Events

 Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950

The Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd Street

Baltimore, MD21202

Time:  Sunday 10 am- 5 pm

Price: Adults: $8 Seniors: $6 Students:$4

With the American economy in deep Depression, a group of young artists began to create illustrated stories of superheroes and provided the nation with an optimistic antidote to a growing sense of despair and helplessness. Featuring superhero memorabilia, original comic book art, and video interviews with the creators of superheroes, Zap! Pow! Bam! offers visitors an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the Golden Age of comic books.

Behind the Scenes Chocolate Tour

SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier
360 Main Street

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Time: Saturday and Sunday tours available

Price: Free

Come visit Maryland’s first premium chocolate factory! You will have a chance to meet the owners, learn about the origin of chocolate, and see how it is grown and processed. Experience how chocolate is made from the actual cacao seed to the final product during this “sweet” educational tour, from chocolate bars to truffles to bonbons. Each tour also includes a FREE chocolate tasting! Click the link below or call your concierge to make your reservation today!

 Sports at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

 Capitals vs Philadelphia, Friday at 7 pm, Verizon Center

Georgetown vs St John’s, Saturday at 4 pm, Verizon Center

Maryland vs Wake Forrest, Saturday 2 pm,

Capitals vs Pittsburgh, Sunday at 12:30 pm, Verizon Center

The Super Bowl, Sunday 6:30 pm CBS

 

Winter Restaurant Weeks

Forget about losing those extra pounds gained over the holidays. Winter restaurant weeks (yes weeks) are coming up soon, with multi-course menu bargains.  Restaurant Week provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors along with local residents to dine at some of the most popular restaurants for special prices. See the links below for a full list of participating restaurants.  Make sure to make reservations or have your concierge do so on your behalf!

 

Bethesda Restaurant Week

January 24-February 3

http://www.bethesda.org/

 

DC Restaurant Week

February 4-10

http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=68&m=9

Movies Opening this Weekend

 

Warm Bodies

Length: 97 minutes

Category: Comedy|Horror|Romance

Starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, and Analeigh Tipton

After R (a highly unusual zombie) saves Julie from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion a sequence of events that might transform the entire lifeless world.

Bullet to the Head

Length: 91 minutes

Category: Action|Crime|Thriller

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater and Sung Kang

After watching their respective partners die, a New Orleans hitman and a Washington D.C. detective form an alliance in order to bring down their common enemy.

Four Fun & Different Events to Share with Your Valentine!

This year for Valentine’s Day, skip the ordinary and go straight for something different! Get out together as a couple for much more than a dinner for two. These events, all taking place this month, are great outings for you to enjoy as a couple or with a group of friends!!

Woo at the Zoo

National Zoo, 2/11/2012

Talks at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m.

Looking for the wildest way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s fourth annual Woo at the Zoo on Saturday, Feb. 11 for an opportunity to learn about animal mating, dating and reproductive habits in an honest and humorous forum.

Attendees and their “deer” ones will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to decorate sweets for your sweetheart. A cash bar will also be available featuring specialty drinks served in the exclusive Woo at the Zoo commemorative glass. All the fun takes place in the Zoo’s Visitor Center auditorium.

Woo at the Zoo features:

A commemorative Woo at the Zoo glass

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres

A cash bar featuring specialty drinks

The opportunity to decorate a brownie from Naughty Bits Brownies

You must be at least 21 years old to attend this event. FONZ members: $11 | Nonmembers: $22

Love Under the Sea

National Aquarium, 2/14/2012

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Ages: 21 and up

Looking for a unique Valentine’s day date? Avoid the crowded restaurants and experience the Aquarium in an ambient nighttime setting. Enjoy drinks and live music while you wander leisurely through the peaceful, crowd-free exhibits, and sample cuisine from a buffet of light fare.

$95 member couple; $130 non-member couple (all-inclusive)

Boordy Sip and Sliders

Boordy Vineyard,  February Weekends

1pm-5pm

$15 Adults, $10 Teens (13-20 yrs), $5 Children (2-12yrs)

Sip some wine and munch on sliders for a new way to enjoy February at Boordy.  Live music and marshmallows outside at the cauldron will give you good times with your sweetheart and your friends.  Assorted sliders, six wine samples and an engraved Boordy wineglass are included in your admission. No alcohol other than Boordy wine is allowed on the premises.

Virginia Wine & Food Showcase

Crystal Gateway Marriott, 2/18,19

Saturday 11-6, Sunday 11-5

Taste over 200 artisan wines from Virginia in one fabulous, convenient spot. This is not the biggest wine event in Virginia … it’s the most exclusive … a “juried” mix of the best old and hottest new Virginia farm wineries will be there!

Learn from the pros – this event features a full slate of culinary seminars led by the regions best chefs and sommeliers! Unlike other events, all seminars and unlimited wine tastings at the Virginia Wine Showcase are included in your ticket fee.