A Shout Out to The NeoTraditionalist....Word

OK, so I read that you are leaving for DC later this week and were looking for what to see and do while there, so here are a few recommendations, hope you find something you like!  These are in no particular order and are sorted by the section of town;)

DOWNTOWN

The Donovan House by the Thompson Group...they do an amazing job with their properties!

U STREET CORRIDOR

 

The Bookstore at Busboys and Poets

Muleh, great concept, you can find everything from Cobonpue to Westwood!

Marvin,  Belgian influenced soul food, inspired by Marvin Gaye's exile.  Owned by none other than Thievery Corporation...sigh.

The Black Cat, see who's playing in the Washington Post' Going out Gurus, and grab a show at this venue which is part owned by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Nirvana, aka...good taste in music;)

 After or Pre show drink at Cafe Saint Ex

Late night Half Smoke from the legendary Ben's Chili Bowl 

WEST END

 The Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt, designed by Tony Chi, he creates beautiful public spaces, I'd stop for a drink if in the area

PENN QUARTER

The National Portrait Gallery

The International Spy Museum

Central, owned by noted Chef Michel Richard of Citronell, awarded by James Beard and at half the expense;)

The Mini Bar at Cafe Atlanitco...a MUST DO for any foodie Chef Jose Andres, who trained under the great Ferran Adria at El Bulli, no need to say another word.

Oyamel, Chef Jose Andres' take on Mexican fare...again, a MUST do

Proof Wine Bar, huge selection of wines at every budget, a fun place to try very expensive wines by the glass;)

 Rasika, A fresh take on Indian, I'd sit in the booth, the surroundings are sexier

Newseum...which you will fully appreciate as a blogger

Grab a bite at Source, Wolfgang Puck's new space in the Newseum

DUPONT CIRCLE

The Phillips Collection, the country's oldest modern art collection housed in a wonderful old mansion

Stop for a drink at The 18th Street Lounge, again owned by the fabulous Thievery Corporation,  have your concierge sort it out ahead as it can be tricky to locate and sometimes to get in as there is no signage.

SOUTHWEST

Cityzen at The Mandarin Oriental, James Beard title holder, Chef Eric Ziebold trained 8 years under Thomas Keller of French Laundry and opened New York's Per Se and was himself proclaimed one of Americas Best Chefs in 2008 by Food and Wine magazine and Cityzen as One of the World's Hottest Restaurants!

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

Commonwealth, I have a feeling the vintage vibe will appeal to you Kate;)  Grab a proper Sunday Supper at this Gastropub which focuses on local ingredients.

GEORGETOWN

Grab a Lox and Bagel for breakfast at  local jaunt Booeymonger

For a complete splurge, treat yourself to dinner at Citronell, Georgetown is lovely at night

And of course, while on the subject of Georgetown, I must make note of DOXA Home's Georgetown collection, classic and clean.  Thanks for indulging in a small bit of self promotion;)

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

Take the Tram to Old Town Alexandria one night

Have a classic cocktail with a twist, made from some very interesting ingredients at PX

Thai Old Town, cheap and good, classic Thai fare.  You will need an inexpensive meal to recover from Citronell, lol.

FOGGY BOTTOM

Take the Metro to Foggy Bottom and see a performance at...

JFK Center for the Performing Arts, see a performance while in town!

And finally...

WHITE HOUSE/NATIONAL MALL

The White House at night Christmas 2009

Halocaust Museum

The National Gallery of Art, the East Wing was designed by I. M. Pei

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Stop and see the Declaration Of Independence

The National Monuments look amazing when lit up at night and the crowds are definitely smaller

Have, yet ANOTHER, drink at Hay Adams.

Seems to be a lot of drinking going on in my suggestions?!

If anyone else out there has some suggestions, feel free to add in your comments, I am sure she would appreciate it;)

Have an amazing time Kate, Happy holidays!

And of course, I was unable to depart without leaving you a little bit of Thievery Corporation...