This Weekend Under $60: Chopsticks

To say that sushi is sushi is a gross generalization. Anyone who has experienced both prefab faux-crab grocery store pseudo maki and the fresh nuanced creations of a true master, knows that a world of difference exists between the two. In no way do I mean to denigrate these mass-market offerings, but truly fresh sushi is a sublime experience, and one that shouldn’t be missed.

That being said, I am always on the look out for establishments in the DC area that consistently serve quality sushi, and one restaurant that has impressed me to this end is Chopsticks of Georgetown. Located south of M on Wisconsin this cozy little Japanese restaurant offers terrific food at reasonable prices, and while everything on the menu is enjoyable, it’s the sushi that really sets this place apart in my eyes. I’ve had nothing but good experiences there, so I was astounded so see all of the negative reviews that Chopsticks has received on yelp, but to each his own I guess. The seating is limited so if you are planning on going shoot to arrive a little earlier than you normally would to ensure that you can get a seat.


After dinner there is no reason to let the evening’s Japanese vibe die, if some adult beverages are what you seek, why not fix yourselves up a jar of Sparkling Sake Lemonaide (recipe at the bottom of the page), a refreshing take on the traditional Japanese rice wine that’s the perfect drink for spring. Now, drink in hand, what better way to cap of your evening than by kicking back and enjoying Sofia Coppola’s expat classic Lost In Translation

Weekend Under $60: What About Bob

When it comes to music, there are a handful of artists who either by virtue of their talent or medium-changing creativity have an appeal that really transcends all genres. The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan. Sure some people might not be their biggest fans, but nobody denies their genius. Bob Marley is another one who falls in this category, and to that end, this weekend if you're looking for an interesting night out on the tow you really ought to head over to the Govinda Gallery in Georgetown. Located north of M Street on 34th, for the past two months the Govinda Gallery has been presenting Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley, a collection of David Burnett photographs that present a unique, intimate look at the life of the prolific artist. The gallery is open until 6:00 Tuesday through Saturday so I reccomend you check it out prior to dinner. It's really a special opportunity, and will only be open for a few more weeks, so I suggest that you check it out while you still have the chance. Plus admission is free so you can't complain about that.


From the gallery, make your way back down M until you reach 28th and Zed's Ethiopian Cuisine. Asside from his music, Bob Marley was well known for his affiliation with the Rastafari movement, a movement itsself which is inexhorably linked with the nation of Ethiopa. If you've never eaten Etheopian before you are in for an interesting experiance; the food is served family style on a central plate from which all of the diners can pick and choose as they see fit. As you would expect the flavors are exotic and the food tastes great. Its best when shared with a group of friends too, so perhaps this weekend put your date on hold and enjoy an evening out on the town with your buddies. At Zed's you can eat well for about $20-$25 a head, so if you don't already have a copy, put the money you saved towards buying Legend - The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers off of iTunes, no music collection should be without it.

Admission to the Govinda Gallery: Free
Zed's: $20 - $25 (per person)
Total: $40 - $50

This Weekend Under $60: ShamRock Fest

Happy St. Patrick's Day! An interesting holiday where people of all ethnicities become Irish for twenty-four hours, devour salted meat, and drink heavily all in reverence for a Welsh missionary. That is not to knock the holiday in any way of course. I can hardly think of a better way to spend a weekend. With that Eat the District gives you ShamRock Fest, A popular venue that takes place in the parking lot of RFK stadium, hosting 33 bands, eight dance groups, 11 DJs and a heck of a lot of green beer. Many smaller Irish and Rebel bands will be performing, but the headliner is Flogging Molly: the band that evolved on the success of the Pogues and brought Celtic Rock to a mass audience. Along with the bands and other performances enjoy a number of amusement-park type areas complete with a climbing wall and 'pub games.' Tickets are available here for the all-day show on Saturday.


But with all these shenanigans taking place on Saturday, you will definitely need to stock up on some grub on Friday. Head to Mackey's Public House, one of DC's finest Irish spots. Along with traditional Irish brews, and a fantastic happy hour deal, Mackey's serves up hearty Irish pub food that's ideal for this weekend. As it's St. Patty's day I wouldn't choose anything but the Corned Beef and Cabbage but the burgers, steak pies, and Reuben's are all delicious. Sure it's not anything classy but it's hearty, filling, and ideal for St. Patty's Day. Have a great weekend, celebrate accordingly, and for the love of God please wear green.


Directions to RFK: Red line to Stadium/Armory and follow the hoard.

Directions to Mackey's: Quick walk to L between 18th and 19th.

ShamRock Fest Ticket: $24.99
Mackey's Meal: $12.99
Sixer of Guinness: $10
Total: $47.98 plus tax and tip

This Weekend Under $60: The Watchmen & Taj

One of the most anticipated movies of the year hits theaters this weekend, with the release of Watchmen. Here at ETD, we're not comic book nerds or anything, but we can certainly appreciate a good movie when we see one. And with a RottenTomatoes fresh rating hovering around 70% this movie seems set to please. An adaptation of Alan Moore's revolutionary comic series, Watchmen takes place in an alternate 1985, where tensions between the United States and the USSR are pushing the world closer towards nuclear war. In the midst of this, a mysterious figure is killing off ex-crime fighters one by one. Two of these ex-crime fighters investigate this plot, leading to a stunning conclusion. This movie may not fulfill the high expectations of die-hard fans of the comic, it may leave those of us who haven't read the comic with our heads spinning, but at the end of the evening this film will likely be a special effects roller coaster ride that should please just about everyone. Head over to AMC Loews 14 in Georgetown. You will definitely need to buy tickets for the show ahead of time due to its popularity.

Before or after the show, depending on when you can get tickets, walk back down M Street to Taj of India. Taj is possibly my favorite Indian restaurant in the city. They boast some of the best, most authentic Indian food I've had anywhere. It's not revolutionary, the flavors are nothing new, but it's Indian cuisine at it's very best. Start off with an order of Naan and an appetizer. I would recommend the Peshwari Naan, it's a bit sweet for some, but the mix of cranberry, almond, coconut, and raisins is delicious. The samosas and pakora are all solid appetizer choices as well. For the main course they offer an expansive menu of beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp, and vegetable dishes. My favorites are the Lamb Roganjosh or the Chicken Palak. Enjoy the excellent service, delicious food, and a great weekend.

Directions to AMC Georgetown: Walk along the river and enjoy the evening sights or down Pennsylvania and M Street, take a left on 31st St.

Directions to Taj of India: Take a left and head up 31st, take a right on M, Taj is on M St on the left side.

Movie Tickets: $10.50 each
Naan: $3-4
Appetizer: $4-6
Main course: $12-15 each

Total: $53.50 plus tax and tip

This Weekend Under $60: Zaytinya and Arabesque

Most of what we see and hear about the Middle East nowadays is pretty bad. Ultra-nationalists in power in Israel. Political discord in Palestine. Enriched uranium in Iran. None of that sounds very nice. But the Middle East possesses a wealth of fantastic food and culture to offer to us. The food is rich in delicious spices and the music and art is flavored by years of cultural diffusion between Europe and Asia. This Weekend Under $60 highlights some of this food and culture, taking us to José Andrés' Zaytinya and to the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Arabesque series.

Zaytinya is a modern reworking of traditional Middle Eastern foods and flavors. Perched right by the Verizon Center, this restaurant is a Middle Eastern oasis from the hustle and bustle of the Metro Center area. The walls are clad in the purest white, and lit by candles arranged around the restaurant. It is a romantic but certainly lively spot, with a bar that always seems busy. Be sure to make reservations as this is quite a popular spot, especially if there is an event going on at the Verizon Center. Zaytinya is still offering restaurant week specials until the first of March. However, for our purposes we will sample some of the fantastic tapas offered here. The restaurant is primarily a tapas spot, offering small plates of re-imagined Middle Eastern food. Select 5 or 6 of them to share between two people. I would suggest starting with one of their spreads served with pita (try the Taramosalata). Next select a sampling of the other small plates. For vegetable plates I would suggest the Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini and cheese fritters) or Piyaz (giganes bean salad with kale). For meat plates I would suggest the Adana (lamb) Kebab or Kalamata Sirloin. After sampling some of the best, albeit not traditional, Middle Eastern food in the district head to the Kennedy Center for their free Arabesque Series

The Kennedy Center uses their Millennium Stage series to bring unusual and international artists to the nation's capital. It focuses more on the contemporary, the ethnic, and even better it's completely free. This month they are hosting Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World. Representative artists from all 22 nations of the Arab League will perform at the Kennedy Center running through March 15. Friday will host a Somalian hip-hop artist K’NAAN. Growing up during the Somalian civil war his experiences have vividly shaped his music. He has been described as a mix between the reggae of Bob Marley with the consciousness of American hip hop. Saturday will feature Nawal an acoustic based lyricist and vocalist. She hails from the Comoros Islands off of the East Coast of Africa. She plays five different acoustic instruments and sings in four different languages. Both of these artists promise fantastic if strikingly different performances.

Directions to Zaytinya: Orange/Blue line to Metro Center. Red line to Gallery Place. Exit at 9th and G and cross the street.

Directions to Kennedy Center: I mean, really? It's that huge, gigantic, famous building right on the river.

Spreads: $7 each
5 Tapas: $8 each
Arabesque Performance: Free

Total: $47 plus tax and tip

This Weekend Under $60: The Front Page Restaurant and Grille

As young professionals in Washington DC, there is a good chance that many amongst you are news junkies, the fearless kind of folks who can dissect a Wall Street Journal in minutes like some hungry hunter prepping a rabbit for the pot. While the benefits of keeping a finger securely on the pulse of global going-ons are quite clear, there is certainly also a case that can be made for taking a step back, lest your voracity reward you with a mental stomach-ache. To this end its occasionally nice to peruse the front page (lest you miss something big) and then head right for the comics, because after all isn’t that what the newspaper is really all about?


For this Weekend Under $60, I’d like to prescribe just such a remedy for the mental fatigue of your weekly grind. Starting just south of Dupont Circle at The Front Page Restaurant and Grille, I recommend you kick the evening off right with what has been voted the premier happy hour in Washington DC. After a drink or two migrate on into the dining room for main event.

While the Front Page specializes in the full gamut of American fare, many consider their terrific selection of top-shelf sandwiches and burgers to be the real draw. Priced fairly across the board, the reubenesque Heidenberger and the grilled chicken sandwich stand out from rest of the crowd, but if you are not particularly feeling the sandwich thing, a bowl of the chorizo chili, the herb parmesan encrusted flounder or the baby back ribs are all worth a look.

The business end of the evening behind you, head down to the George Washington campus and the Lisner Downstage for a Forbidden Planet Productions’ presentation of the Bert Royal play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. Dog Sees God is a re-imagining of the classic Charles Shultz comic strip Peanuts that sees its central characters now in their teens facing the complex social realities of contemporary teenage life. Tickets are just $5 a head, and there are going to be two showings on Friday at 8 and 11 respectively, as well as an additional one at 8 on Saturday, so you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the show.

It was only a four-day work week, but your still tired so this weekend don’t over think it. Check out the front page, check out the comics, its all you really need.

Drinks and Dinner for Two: $50
Two Tickets to Dog Sees God: $10
Total: $60

This Weekend Under $60: Firefly

So you've been dating this girl (or guy) for awhile. You certainly want to make sure he/she has a fantastic valentine's day, but you are also fairly certain he/she won't dump you if you spend under $60 dollars on the evening. For this Valentine's Day Weekend Under $60, Eat the District brings you to Firefly. This small Kimpton restaurant connected to the Hotel Madera offers an "urban picnic". The idea is American comfort food, of the type you might normally eat on a red-checkered table cloth at an outdoor concert or other venue. Walking in you will see a huge tree growing literally through the restaurant. The rest of the decor reflects this outdoor picnic theme with earthy wood tones and candles throughout. The restaurant, as I mentioned early, is a bit small with limited seating, so reservations are a must. However, the small space creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly suitable for this "urban picnic."


The food is excellent. They offer an array of small plate appetizers along with picnic dishes to share as a starter. I would recommend the little bacon meatballs from the small plate menu or the cheddar and beer fondue with half-smokes from the picnic menu. It was the main course that truly made the evening for me however. The mini-pot roast is absurdly delicious. Served with roasted shallots and on a bed of creamy golden Yukon mashed potatoes the dish is tender, juicy, and delectable. I would say it's just like Mom made it, but if my mother cooked this well I most certainly would never have left home.

Having sufficiently tickled your Valentine's palette, and having sufficiently exercised your wallets capacity take a stroll down to the Kennedy Center. Take the elevator to the viewing gallery and spend some time there. Like the smooth pro that you are, have a box of chocolates on hand to offer your date. Look at the stars, compliment him/her, do whatever it is you do. Escape the gaudy Valentine's Day spending and simply enjoy some time in each others' company. If the weather is anything like it has been, it should be a fantastic evening.



Directions: Orange/Blue Line to Foggy Bottom. Cross Washington Circle and walk up New Hampshire Ave, on your left.

Appetizer: $5-14
Main course: $17-28
Chocolates: $8
Young Love: Priceless

Total: $56 plus tax and tip (Yes, I know it's close but for the love of God it's Valentine's day, splurge a bit man)

This Weekend Under $60: Ghana Cafe

At times life around Foggy Bottom can seem a bit sanitized. Aside from the usual shenanigans associated with such a close proximity to an undergraduate university, at times the night life here can feel tame, with parts of the neighborhood seeming just plain dead. This week's Weekend Under $60 gives you a taste of a slightly wilder night at Adams Morgan's Ghana Cafe.

Tucked away in this infamously wild neighborhood, Ghana cafe offers authentic (at least to this writer's tastes) West African food accompanied by regional beers. The few tables in the restaurant are picnic-style seating, and there's no real waiting staff so to speak. However, the waiter/bartender/host/perhaps even cook will happily accommodate any of your numerous questions concerning the menu. A variety of stews make up the menu, most served with some type of rice. You will find all of them hearty and delicious. It is one of a handful of restaurants in the area that proudly serves goat (which as it turns out isn't half bad). Order a side of kelewele, a traditional dish of spiced and diced plantains. If able, order one of their many African beers to compliment the meal (Tusker would be a personal favorite).

However, the true allure of Ghana Cafe has is not just the food. While tasty enough, and certainly an interesting enough experience, the live reggae band makes the evening memorable. Anytime between 9 and 10:30 on Friday and Saturday nights Qleen Cut, the house band, arrives and performs. The relatively small restaurant fills up quickly with a mix of humanity as diverse as the food. I was lucky enough to encounter an entire bridal party there upon my last visit. Upstairs, with an auxiliary bar and dance floor, a DJ starts playing Afro-pop. Choose your poison or mingle with both crowds, enjoying a truly diverse evening.

Jollof Rice w/ stew: $10.95
Kelewele: $6
Tusker Lager: $6
Cab ride home: $8

Total: $33 plus tax and tip

Directions: Orange line to Metro Center, Red Line to Adam's Morgan. Exit and head towards Calvert street, turn left and walk until Adams Mill Rd. Turn right and walk until 18th St.