Misadventures in D.C.

It's that time of the month again. No, I'm not talking about redoing the chore wheel at your group house or washing the car (every month? holy CRAP you keep a clean vehicle) or even calling up Aunt Marge to tell her you love her (and hope she keeps sending those "birthday" checks every 30 days).

Nope. While of course we're thankful for chores done and clean cars and most def Aunt Marge, I'm talking about GIVING THANKS FOR ROLLER DERBY!

That's right, once again it's time to put on your party shoes and haul butt down to the DC Armory THIS SATURDAY for some rockin' sockin' four wheeled action!


Amazingly athletic skaters!
Serious scintillating scoring!
Wild and wonderful halftime entertainment!
Beer for which I have no alliteration!


So come on down to the DC Armory in TWO SHORT DAYS which means THIS SATURDAY and give thanks for all these fantastic women skating around and knocking the everliving crap out of each other, ok? ( fancy dancy graphic right here )


DC ROLLER DERBY
November 28th - THIS SATURDAY
DC Armory
Stadium Armory Metro
Doors at 3pm, bout at 4
Adults $12, Kids 6-11 $5, and 5 and under are free!


http://www.dcrollergirls.com (updated site coming shortly!)
http://www.myspace.com/dcrollergirls
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6721338766

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=b61b99471c1a1794cb402e6ba3db77d5

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/mamma_mia_blt_goes_italian.html

The New York-based BLT Restaurants empire is expanding yet again in Washington, this time without its distinctive initials attached to the concept: Casa Nonna will join BLT Steak downtown and the forthcoming BLT Burger (at 1317 Connecticut Ave. NW), which is also opening this spring. Planned for a block south, at 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, Casa Nonna will feature a menu of antipasti, pizza and pasta. What used to be a California Pizza Kitchen is a perfect fit for the project, says Keith Treyball, president and partner of BLT Restaurants. "We have two great ovens that don't need to move," and even a wood room to store the fuel, he says. Casa Nonna is modeled on the festive Carmine's eateries in New York. A preview of the menu reveals that pastas will be served in portions for one, two or four or "family-style," and main courses will span shrimp scampi

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=dbc9f07b1c850f6d01711946984d2c0a

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/will_eastmans_feelin_it.html

We've been tracking local DJ Will Eastman for a long time, ever since he was spinning Pulp and the Smiths at the now shuttered Metro Cafe. The soundtrack of his long-running DJ night Bliss has transformed from Britpop favorites to a reliably sweaty mix of hard-hitting electro-house, with some old punk classics thrown in for fun. One track you will surely hear at Bliss this Saturday is "Feelin'," which marks Eastman's debut as a producer. It should fit right in with the choice selections he usually spins: it has huge dollops of synths, a pulsing disco beat and a handful of breakdowns that lead to increasingly bigger payoffs. Take a listen to the track below; the first 50 people at Bliss Saturday get a free copy of the single. The full version, available Dec. 11, contains remixes from a handful of local favorites -- Nadastrom, Tittsworth and Dmerit, whose Micah

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=d3a510988ad6a7925a548aaa36b88578

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/hot_tickets_5.html

Get tickets to see RJD2. (XL Recordings) Tickets are on sale now at Ticketfly (877-435-9849) for these shows at the 9:30 club: • City and Colour, Jan. 7 ($20) • Honor By August, Jan. 8 ($15) • RJD2, Jan. 9 ($20) Tickets for shows at the 9:30 club through the end of 2009 will still be available through Tickets.com and 800-955-5566. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for Josh Gracin, Dec. 11 at Towson University ($20). 202-397-7328.

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=6fd5ca86ebd0095a5d3a2fe994648689

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/nightlife_agenda_85.html

Premier party band Chopteeth brings the Afrofunk -- and a dozen members -- to the Black Cat on Saturday night. (C.L. Kunst -- Clicks Photography) Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Tuesday How busy is this week? We've got a dozen options for you on Wednesday night alone, which include open-bar parties with hip-hop and electro DJs, a special edition of the Glow dance night with superstar DJ Paul van Dyk, live go-go from Chuck Brown, a party hosted (and allegedly featuring a live performance by) R. Kelly, cover bands in Clarendon, and a lounge serving sushi rolls along with the beats. Then you move on to a weekend with Afrobeat, conscious reggae, classic hip-hop, a record release party at Bliss and a Black Friday bar crawl.

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=465a70b4f2c233106880cf6c12a2182b

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/give_thanks_for_bars_open_on_t.html

Want to catch up with old friends in town or simply escape the family on Thanksgiving night? While a lot of bars are closed for the holiday, there are plenty of places happy to serve you a drink -- and some even throw in drink specials and a "Grindhouse" double feature while they're at it. Here's my survey of what's open and what's closed that night, so you'll know where to go. I'm still waiting to hear back from some bars, including a couple that haven't finalized plans yet, so I'll update this list over the next few days.

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=b7a2fd40c32e0840c7c1f8b72de7acab

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/five_ways_to_entertain_the_fam.html

The Botanic Garden unveils "Holidays on Display" with replicas of famous D.C. landmarks, including the Smithsonian Castle. (U.S. Botanic Garden) One way to reduce the possibility of familial in-fighting this holiday season? Keep the whole clan entertained. Whether the parents are in town for turkey or you have nieces and nephews in need of some excitement, here are some options for ways to spend the long weekend. It's easy to get into the holiday spirit at a seasonally themed exhibit, and the Museum of American History has the goods with "Holidays on Display." The show looks at the intersection of the holiday season and commercialism, particularly once-popular department store window displays and over-the-top spectacles like the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Note that the museum is extending its hours on Friday and Saturday and will close at 7:30 p.m. The Museum of Natural History -- also a crowd-pleaser -- will be

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=b2d458cbdb7475c8ff950dcfb7e2d15d

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/free_and_easy_events_79.html

Watch Motown documentaries, celebrate the foods of the Americas, hear soundtracks composed for silent films and celebrate a bar's 62nd anniversary with live country music. Friday Maize of the Americas at the National Museum of the American Indian To mark Native American Heritage Day, the National Museum of the American Indian kicks off a three-day festival highlighting native foods of North America - think chocolate and chilis. There'll be cooking demonstrations and hands-on activities, plus films, live music and traditional dances. Saturday Santmyer Family Band at JV's Restaurant "Ageless charm without yuppie bastardization" is the motto at JV's, a cozy honky-tonk bar and restaurant that's served Falls Church since 1947. JV's marks its 62nd year by doing what it does best: serving up cold beers and presenting some of the finest country music in town. Brothers Richard and Vernon Santmyer have been performing at the club for more than 30

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=4db5f80873e1daebb2d59561e2a022aa

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/got_plans_redux_thanksgiving_v.html

Another week, another contest. We wanted to give away a pair of "Lost in Yonkers" tickets, so we asked you where you bring out-of-town visitors. You turned in some great, offbeat suggestions. We learned about barbecues at Gravelly Point, walking tours and trips to the National Building Museum. Check out the full transcript for more suggestions -- and, of course, our usual serving of advice and commentary. We dished about hanging at the Black Cat, watching sports at bars and dining at restaurants run by "Top Chef" contestants. We're taking next week off -- Gurus need turkey, too! -- but we'll be back to chatting on Dec. 3. Ask away! -- Julia Beizer

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=a10e09d0b20ab43aa2b3bdbce01ef0e4

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/great_grilled_cheese.html

Who doesn't love a grilled cheese? Whether it's a classic rendition like the one at Stoney's . . . (Kathryn Norwood - For The Washington Post) My mission for this week's Dinner Deals column: to find the best grilled cheeses in the area. I settled on five classic faves and three upscale twists. My picks'll be in tomorrow's paper, but you can check 'em out a day early. When researching this story, I found people all over the city with really strong opinions about melted cheese on bread. The Hamilton's version of the sandwich kept popping up among Hill-dwelling sources, so I tried it. Twice. Not-quite-melted white cheddar with tomato and bacon didn't do it for me. The Saloon and the Vienna Inn have decent options, but thin bread turned me off in both cases. Probably more authentic that way -- just like your mama used to make! --

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=af636e8ad58cde85eac1375a0efb5b00

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/whos_behind_the_future_dc_diner.html

Chowhounds might already know there's a diner planned for the long-vacant McDonald's in Cleveland Park. Discerning types should be thrilled to hear that the owners of the popular Nooshi and Spices, chef Jessie Yan and Vanessa Lim, are behind the replacement. Unlike their pan-Asian eateries, the future venue, tentatively called DC Diner, will have a more American focus. Think omelets and sandwiches, some sort of steak and long hours: DC Diner may serve as early as 6 a.m. and on weekends, as late as 2 a.m., says Lim. She's hired Beltran Design Group in Washington to turn the space at 3407 Connecticut Ave. NW into a bucolic 140-seat dining room. Look for barn wood inside. A note from the architect, read by Lim, suggests the interior will "reflect the beauty and simplicity of the farm." The restaurateurs hope to open the diner in April, but "you know construction," says Lim.

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=98e168c825d43e23e940cd833c48a350

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/play_virtual_tour_guide_and_wi.html

It's Thursday, and we're ready to chat at 1 p.m. Looking at the dozens of questions that are already in the Got Plans? queue, people are anxious to talk about holiday parties, Thanksgiving eve destinations and places to take visitors. Of course, we're ready and willing to talk about more than that -- all you have to do is ask. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we also have a prize to give away this week: a pair of tickets to see "Lost in Yonkers" at Theatre J on Tuesday night. All you have to do is suggest your favorite off-the-beaten-path place to take holiday visitors. Everybody goes to the Air and Space Museum or the World War II Memorial -- we're looking for something different. So as you're hanging out with your family next week, just think: you could go watch a family that's even nuttier. Get ready to play tour guide,

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=102dc57983c5a470fa42dae3104d9b85

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/hot_tickets_4.html

Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.com (800-955-5566) for these shows at the 9:30 club: • Wale and Remy, Jan. 1 ($25) • Thievery Corporation, Jan. 21-23 ($40-$50). Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for Moody Blues, March 26 at DAR Constitution Hall ($48-$68). Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Live Nation for these shows at the Warner Theatre: • Steven Wright, Jan. 23 ($39.50-$119) &bull: Jimmy Fallon, Feb. 5 ($35) Tickets go on sale Friday at noon through Ticketmaster for the Magnetic Fields, Feb. 4 at Lisner Auditorium ($35). Tickets go on sale Friday at noon through Ticketmaster for these shows at the Birchmere: • Justin Townes Earle and Joe Pug, March 7 ($22.50) • Crooked Still and Chatham County Line, March 14 ($25). Tickets go on sale Friday at 4:20 p.m. through Live Nation for Cheech & Chong, April 10 at

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=5912e308ee6569006e5927028da8f2e2

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/three_more_reasons_to_go_out_t.html

If you're tired of the same-old nightlife destinations, take heart -- it's a big week for bar openings and reopenings in D.C. Probably the most welcome is the rebirth of the Black Rooster, the downtown pub that closed in October after losing its lease in a downtown office building. After a public outcry (and help from D.C. council member Jack Evans), owner Jody Taylor quietly reopened the bar Monday. Regulars will also be celebrating on L Street on Friday, when Evans presides at a 6 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony that Taylor called "the quote-unquote unofficial-official grand reopening." A DJ will spin from 6 p.m. on, and there will be food and wine specials in addition to the usual "$1.50 off all draft beers" deal that's offered at its weekday happy hours. It won't be hard to miss the party; Taylor says there will be searchlights outside. We mentioned the Peroni Blue

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=94f6bb73f94d01d70ba5d0442dc3c0cb

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/a_movies_remake.html

Cinemaphiles, let me direct your attention to the (computer) screen. We just launched a new look for movies in the Going Out Guide, and we'd love to get your feedback. Our new main movies page features what's opening this week and our holiday movie guide, along with quick lists of critics' picks, recent releases and other easy-to-scan suggestions about what's in theaters and what's coming soon. There and on our trailers page, you'll can find the newest trailers available so you can keep up with the buzzed-about flicks. And for all those who love to watch the numbers, we added a revamped version of the weekend box office stats. Take a tour of our new pages and let us know what you think, because we're planning even more movie-related improvements for you in the future. You can e-mail us at goingoutguide@washingtonpost.com, or leave comments below. -- Anne Kenderdine

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=abbf910818dbf23883f9d9fb5b2fee29

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/nightlife_agenda_84.html

It's worth staying up late for the Beaujolais nouveau party at Bistrot du Coin -- especially if you like free wine. (Courtesy of Bistrot du Coin) A hectic week starts with Beaujolais nouveau parties and a fundraiser hosted by hip-hop icons Public Enemy, but also includes a hip-hop history lesson from a cavalcade of local artists, Texas-style two-stepping with Gary P. Nunn at the Clarendon Ballroom, a tribute to the daiquiri, an appearance by highly rated DJ David Guetta, fonk from the Pimps of Joytime, a CD release party for the Jet Age and a new beer night.

As many of you know, in preparation for the wedding this weekend, I have been buying make-up. Using the collective wisdom of LJ and a test run courtesy of Nordstrom, I got myself some Bare Minerals foundation. I have also been digging around on Sephora's website, in an effort to restock some items. While doing this, I found something I had to try - Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer potion. I tested it out today, and I am in love. My eyeshadow went the entire day without a single crease. Even with base underneath, I've never gotten more than about 4 hours out of eyeshadow, one of the many reason I hardly ever bother with make-up.

This may well be the best $17 I've spent on this wedding. I had to share.

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=dc0a37566dfaa1064e3465743c5f7464

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/the_passenger_ready_to_board.html

If you've been looking forward to the Passenger, the new neighborhood bar in Shaw from cocktail experts Tom and Derek Brown (formerly of Cork and the Gibson, respectively), here's some good news. The Passenger is set to open at 5 p.m. on Thursday after a few of the usual friends-and-media previews. For more on the promising-sounding establishment, including details about the exclusive cocktail lounge coming early next year, check out my previous post. -- Fritz Hahn

http://feeds.voices.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=34492b56b0e0ba08beb1d785abc8a257

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/11/dine_with_tom_last_week_to_ent.html

The photos keep pouring in. We're up to a whopping 168 entries in the Dine With Tom contest! Just a reminder: Deadline day is looming. You have until 5 p.m. this Friday (Nov. 20) to enter. Check out the official rules and then upload your photo here. Beginning Nov. 30, we'll ask readers to vote for one of 10 finalists. The winner scores dinner for two with Post food critic Tom Sietsema. Not a bad prize, if I do say so myself. -- Julia Beizer