TGIF! Not sure I have meant that more than after this long work week, and luckily for all of us, there’s tons of fun going on this weekend so we can properly let our hair down. Get out there and be merry kids!
Friday
Boqueria – after a long work week, all I want is a nice glass of wine and yummy nibbles with a great group of friends. Boqueria, a NYC hotspot, has recently opened its doors in DC, and all I can say is wow. After my first visit, I was begging for more. Head there for dinner and tell Chef Marc Vidal, a Beard award-semifinalist, I sent you. His food is amazing!
Roger Sanchez – this well-known house music DJ will be at Josephine. 10pm. Dress to impress.
Elikeh – I rarely go to Bethesda, MD but for those of you living up that way, stop by Strathmore for the Friday Night Eclectic series and get funky with local Afro-pop collective Elikeh.
Saturday
Cherry Blossom Kite Festival– the Cherry Blossoms may already be gone (sad) but you can still participate with this annual kite festival on the National Mall. There will be kite-flying demonstrations and competitions, including a Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle.
The Taming of the Shrew – the Synetic Theater is putting on an adaptation of this Shakespeare play and from what my sources tell me, shrew Katherina (Irina Tsikurishvili) is riding on the back of a motorcycle driven by a biker jacket-wearing Petruchio (Ryan Sellers) during the play. Not sure this is what Shakespeare intended but it sounds intriguing to me.
Giada de Laurentis – the Food Network chef known for making the boys swoon will be at Sixth & I Synagogue at 8pm for a book signing. Free.
Depeche Mode Dance Party – if you are a DM fanatic like me, you will not miss this party at the Black Cat. Look for me – I’ll be the blonde dressed in all black with heavy eye liner. Then again, who won’t be dressed that way?
Mindi Abair – I was recently introduced to this saxophonist/singer/songwriter who combines pop, soul and jazz to engage audiences. She will have two shows at the Hamilton so there is no excuse to miss her.
Coolio – this old school legend hosts Eden’s Fantastic Voyage 90’s Party at 10pm.
DJ Sun – you all know I heart Eighteenth Street Lounge so be sure to check this DJ out for his repeat visit to DC. 10pm.
Sunday
El Centro – oh my, Sunday brunch, how I love thee! My pick for this week is El Centro. I was there last weekend and had a massively full tummy after the $35 bottomless tequila brunch that runs from 11am-2pm. Talk about F.U.N.
Cherry Blossom 10-miler – if you are not one of the lucky ones that got into the annual lottery for this race, cheer on your friends during the 10-miler or 5K races starting around 7:30am. Check out the maps for race details.
Cherry Blossom Sport Tournaments – check out the soccer and rugby tourneys Sunday (or you can go Saturday). Both start at 8am and are free.
Monday
Degrees – I love the Ritz so when I heard that the hotel’s bar was launching a new happy hour called “Rendezvous at the Ritz,” I was immediately stoked. Every afternoon from 4:30-6:30pm, all cocktails and appetizers are half-price and select glasses of wine and bottles of beer are $6 and $3, respectively.
Wizards – yes, the Wizards haven’t been having the best of luck, but grab a ticket and support our city’s pro team during their heat with Milwaukee. There will be plenty of beer and food, and Wizards dancers!
Taste of the Nation – Share Our Strength’s annual foodie event promises appearances by Scott Drewno of The Source, Graffiato’s Mike Isabella, Nicholas Stefanelli of Bibiana, Bryan Voltaggio of VOLT, mixologist Gina Chersevani and others on the area restaurant scene. One hundred percent of ticket sales for the event benefit more than 100 anti-hunger charities across the country, including the Capitol Area Food Bank, D.C. Hunger Solutions and Mary’s Center. General admission tickets are $95; VIP tickets are $150. Event runs from 7-10pm.
If you have events you would like to see in our weekend picks, please email me at [email protected].