Things to Do: Taste of Gaylord

Throughout the month of August, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is pleased to offer a Taste of Gaylord.  Stop by Fridays this August from 5:30 - 7:30PM, for your opportunity to sample food and drinks from all of four of their acclaimed restaurants for a great price

If you're not familiar with the Gaylord, it is located at the National Harbor just south of Washington, DC and across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from Alexandria, VA.  The Gaylord is a 300-acre waterfront destination, mainly frequented by convention goers and tourists.  As an effort to attract more locals, it doesn't say that anywhere but I'm sure that's the reason behind this promotion, they are hosting the Taste of Gaylord on July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27.

Here's more information I found about the event...
Savor the flavor of Old Hickory Steakhouse's Ossau-Iraty Artisanal Cheese with a glass of Honig Sauvignon Blanc, then get your crunch on with some Crispy Fried Calamari with Citrus Emulsion and a Moon Bay Breeze cocktail at Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine, followed by Lobster Fritters and Red Sangria a la Pienza Italian Market. Finally, wrap your lips around a juicy Steak Sandwich with Onion Sauce and polish it down with a Loose Cannon IPA Maryland craft brewsky at National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill. After you taste the offerings from all four restaurants (for a mere $15), take your pick and dine in any one of them -- and get 10% off your bill! Now that sounds like a Gay[lord] old time!


To purchase your discounted tickets for the low price of $15, click here.  Note: you will need to create an account on What's the Deal DC to purchase the tickets at the discounted rate.

Things to Do: LightUp Washington DC & Heineken

Light Up Washington DC

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Donovan House
1155 14th Street, N.W.
Washington D.C.


Featuring Heineken Light®

Step up your social game, literally, as Thrillist and Heineken Light celebrate summer with Light Up DC - a private bash overlooking The District at the rooftop ADC pool bar at Donovan House, featuring ice-cold brews from Heineken Light, devastatingly choice tunes, and access to the pool -- so be sure to bring your dressy aqua socks.

To register for FREE, http://www.thrillist.com/LightUpDC

Things to Do: To DC with Love Festival

Capital Cause Presents: TO DC, with LOVE FESTIVAL

An Interactive + Fun + Creative Outdoor Party for a Cause For Young Professionals, By Young Professionals (21+)

::::::EVENT INFORMATION::::::

Date: July 31, 2010

Time: 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Howard University

Cost: $20.00 in advance, $25 at the door (All Inclusive)

For Ticket Info: http://todcwithlove.eventbrite.com/

::::::FOOD & BEVERAGE::::::

Food: Hot Dogs, Burgers, Beans, Desserts, and More

Drink: Beer, Wine Coolers, Soda, Water, Juice and More

For Ticket Info: http://todcwithlove.eventbrite.com/

::::::ENTERTAINMENT::::::

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT + DJ

::::::INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES for YOUNG PROFESSIONALS::::::

Henna Tattoos, Yoga Demo, Surf Demo, Interactive Art

::::::FOR FUN, BUT FOR A CAUSE::::::

Each ticket sale will benefit a cause of YOUR CHOICE, and YOU CHOOSE which cause you want to support.

100% of Proceeds will benefit nonprofits and community organizations!

SAVE-THE-DATE: March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Restaurant Week Summer 2010

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a foodie.  As a foodie, one of our favorite times of the year is Restaurant Week.  Restaurant Week in Washington, DC is quickly approaching and will be held August 16-22.  If you're not familiar with RW, it's a week when local restaurants offer 3 course meals at their establishments for a lowered price, $20.10 for lunch and $35.10 for dinner.  To view the participating restaurants, click here.

The best part of Restaurant Week is it allows you to try out some of the top and typically some of the more expensive restaurants for an unbeatable price.  When you add it all up, usually I spend about $55 for a 3 course dinner, with an alcoholic beverage, and tax and tip, that really isn't bad.  Many of the places have entrees that tend to range from $20-$35 so it's like getting an appetizer and dessert for free.  What could be better?

Every Restaurant Week, I try to choose three new places that differ in variety.  The restaurants I've chosen this time are no different, Bibiana (Italian), Cafe Atlantico (Latin), and Mie N Yu (Asian Fusion). 

SAVVY DEAL
I've been to Mie N Yu several times but they're offering an incredible deal that I couldn't pass up. Instead of the usual 3 course dinner, they are providing 4 courses plus a glass of wine, beer or a nonalcoholic beverage for same price of $35.10.  If you've never been to Mie N Yu, it's a great spot and the atmosphere is amazing.  Hint: It's also perfect for dates.  Go on a Thursday for the live music or on the weekends for the belly dancer.  I always have a great time!

Things to Do: Chris4Life Blue Crush Event

When I first learned of the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation and the Blue Crush event they are hosting on Tuesday, July 27, I knew it was something that I would have to support.  Honestly, I don't know all that much about colon cancer but it's the form of cancer that has most affected my immediate family.

The Blue Crush event will be held at Stroga (1808 Adams Mill Rd NW, Washington DC) in the Adam's Morgan Section of DC.  Doors open at 7:00PM.  Guests will be treated to: artistic and live performances, art-themed auction, signature cocktails, savory bites, local DC celebrities and inspirational stories from notable colon cancer survivors.

The sponsors for the event in addition to Chris4Life are Stroga Yoga, Pamela's Punch, and the Pink Line Project.

To Purchase Tickets visit, http://chris4lifebluecrush.eventbrite.com/

Savvy Tip: Save $10 off of 1 ticket when you use code "pink". I purchased my ticket on 7/22 at 4:00PM and it worked.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Chris4Life patient, treatment and care program.


About the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation

Welcome to Chris4Life ! We are a colon cancer Foundation based in the greater Washington, DC, area. Our story began in the spring of 2009 when we tragically lost a loved one to this disease. Chris Sapienza - a loving wife, dedicated mother of four, musician, and small business owner - touched the lives of many and inspired even more.

When Chris passed away after a courageous battle with colon cancer, we knew we needed to do everything in our power to halt this disease so others might be saved. That was the spark for the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation. Our foundation is committed to eliminating the threat of colon cancer around the world. With your help we will find a cure.

Things to Do: Summer Skeeball League

Just received an email about H Street Country Club's summer skeeball league. If you've never been to H Street, you're definitely missing out. It's a cool spot located on H Street NE. Yes, the area is still a little sketchy been it's gotten much better with the addition of several other great places to hang out. H Street is known for it's happening happy hours and indoor miniature golf course.Summer Skeeson


See below for more information about the skeeball league.

The Skeeson will begin July 25th so be sure to register today!


Games will run for 8 weeks plus an end of skeeson tournament. H Street Country Club has hooked U.S.S. up with great drink specials and an awesome location to unwind after work! Cool games, cheap drinks, fun people… it doesn’t get much better than that! Thinking about pulling the trigger? Players have 3 awesome options for enjoying the fun…

• Start your own team (grab 8 to 12 of your coolest friends & pick a clever name)
• Join with a small group of friends (we will group you with another nifty crowd)
• Join as an independent player (we will place you with a sweet group that has an open spot)

This skeeson teams will receive player t-shirts along with prize give aways (last skesson United Skeeball gave away Caps tickets, Ipods, and AMC movie passes!) along with an end of Skeeson party and a host of other fun perks. Use the link below and surf on over to our new online registration tool to sign up today! Quick Skeeson and game overview…

8 week skeeson + end of Skeeson tournament and party


Thursday Night Games

• Games begin at 6:15 and run every 30 minutes until 9:15
• 8-12 players per team (8 required, 12-15 recommend)
• 12 frame matches (each frame is 1 full skeeball game, [9 balls])
• Costs of games are included in registration
• Players receive drink and food discounts
• Nightly drink giveaways for top rolls (yes MORE FREE BEER!)

Need more info? Crave the specifics? Check out the detailed rules here! Or, if your answer can’t be found there, call Robert Albrecht at 703-901-9669.

H Street Country Club
1335 H Street NE
Washington, DC
202.399.4722http://www.hstreetcountryclub.com/

Things to Do: Beach Bums & Bellinis

Last week when I was at my pole dancing class at Pole Pressure, I spotted a cute postcard advertising a series of exercise classes being held at the W Hotel in downtown Washington DC.  The name of the bi-weekly event is Beach Bums & Bellinis.

The W, Lululemon Athelica, Bliss Spa, along with partnering exercise studios are sponsoring hour-long classes in the room on the top floor of the hotel from10:45-11:45AM. After the class, guests are invited to partake in a buffet brunch on the W's rooftop where you'll have a chance to take in spectacular scenery.  Your brunch will be complete with bottomless Bellinis and Bloody Marys.

The class and brunch are just $39 (plus tax and tip), which is unbeatable considering many of the classes would be $20 alone. Plus, all of the attendees through the end of the series, will be entered to win fabulous prizes, including a Saturday night stay at the hotel and a spa treatment at Bliss.


To make reservations, call 202-661-2455 or visit your local Lululemon. Hurry because space is limited!
 
Upcoming Classes

July 25
Definition Pilates (Fuel Pilates)

August 8
Vinyasa Flow (Tranquil Space)

August 22
Coyote Ugly (Pole Pressure)

September 12
Boot Camp Basics (Project Fitness)


W Hotel
515 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20005

Things to Do: Rooftop Party for Charity

On Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 6:00PM - 8:00 PM, join the American Heart Association’s PULSE for an evening of fun and philanthropy on the exclusive Donovan House rooftop. If you're not familiar with PULSE, it's for young professionals who are interested in raising money for the AHA. 

For a nominal donation of $35 you are entitled to an open bar and delicious Asian cuisine from ZENTEN’s which is located at Donovan House.  The chef is famed Top Chef Masters finalist, Susur Lee. Space is limited! The donations will directly benefit the AHA of Greater Washington.  Tickets will not be available at the door and must be purchased online in advance. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Donovan House
1155 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20005
(202) 737-1200 www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/dc/donovan-house

Things to Do: Tennis, Dinner & Tasting (Mon 7/12)

Practically every day I receive emails about the goings on in DC.  I came across an interesting event which seems to be a little different from my usual so I figured I would share. 

Bisnow, the official media partner of the Washington Kastles (DC's Professional Tennis Team), will be presenting the networking event below on Monday, July 12, 2010 beginning at 5:00PM.

OUR FIRST SCHMOOZA - TENNIS
$100 value for $49!

• A close-to-the-action chairback seat (normally $50) to watch former #1 Martina Hingis and other fun matches of the Washington Kastles of World Team Tennis.
• A pre-tennis, tented Schmoozarama with dinner food from Againn, liquor from SVEDKA, and beer from Starr Hill.
• Fun business networking.
• A visit from coach Murphy Jensen and 2010 Kastles players who will pose for pics.

Monday, July 12, 2010
Schmooze and Booze 5:15PM - 7:00PM
Tennis 7:00PM

LocationCityCenter DC, 11th & H St. NW
(Across the street from the Grand Hyatt on H Street)

To purchase tickets, click here.

Socially Savvy: Please Help S.O.M.E.

So Others Might Eat, better known simply by the acronym S.O.M.E., is an amazing organization that provides food to those who are hungry in the Washington, DC community.  In addition to providing meals, they also offer employment training programs, drug treatment and mental health services as well as providing affordable housing to those in need.

Another major initiative of SOME is providing assistance to the elderly. I know all about this because I volunteer with their monthly meal delivery program to seniors.  The deliveries are done the third Saturday of eat month and the focus area is the SE quadrant of Washington, DC. They are always looking for volunteers to assist with the deliveries and other programs targeted to seniors.  It's such a rewarding experience and I look forward to doing it each month.  

Currently, they are in need of donations of wall units and air conditioners to be given to those seniors who are suffers in the heat due to the extreme summer temperatures.  To find out more about this project, please click here.

My final plug...
SOME is participating in the Sears Chef Challenge for a chance to win $5,000. Please visit: www.searschefchallenge.com to vote for Chef Pam Oldes of DC. 

To learn more about SOME, please visit their website www.some.org.

Savvy Deals: What's the Deal DC

Happy Friday! On my mission to find the best deals in DC, a friend sent me the link for yet another website that let's you know about great deals on restaurants and things to do in DC. It's called called What's the Deal and is somewhat similar to the others that I posted Groupon, Living Social, DC Girls in the Know but it's just for DC and they list several deals (instead of just one) that last longer than just for one day.

Some of the current deals they have listed are below:

$25 for $50 worth of food/drink at Ping Pong Dim Sum
$15 for $30 worth of food and drink at il Canale
$5 for Salsa Lessons at the Salsa Room

It only takes 30 seconds to sign up.  Have a great weekend!
Sign up for What's the Deal, click here.

Save The Date: emPower Happy Hour

I'm a HUGE fan of Happy Hour fundraisers!  Whoever came up with the idea of getting young professionals together during happy hour to raise money for worthy charities was a great person and they deserve to be commended. 

As young professionals, we may not have the $300-$500 that it costs to attend various charity balls in and around the city, but most people can spare a $10 donation or purchase a drink or two to support a local charity in need.I've posted the information for one such event below and will continue to post information about fundraising happy hours as I hear about them.


***************************************************************
Start your month off right by networking for a good cause!

On the first Thursday of every month, emPower magazine is hosting an emPower HAPPY HOUR at Tabaq Bistro to further our mission, which is to not only discuss social issues but also challenge our readers to take action.


August Non-Profit Recipient: Sasha Bruce Youthwork


Admission is Free


Date: THURSDAY, AUGUST 5
Time: 5-8 PM


Each month, you have the opportunity to support a different non-profit organization in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Attendees can give in two ways:
• By drinking (10 percent of the beverage proceeds will go the the non-profit)
• By bringing non-monetary donations (depending on the needs of the organization)

View the entire invitation

Things to Do: Golden Triangle Summer Concerts

A colleague recently turned me on to the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series.  The concerts are held every Thursday through July at Farragut Square Park located in downtown Washington, DC from 5:30-7:30.  And of course the best part of it is it's FREE.  It's a great place to go with friends, someone you're dating or a significant other.  Bring a picnic and a blanket, then sit back to enjoy the sights and sounds!


There are three more concerts remaining in the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series.  The music ranges from salsa to jazz.  As an incentive to get more people to come, each week you can register to win a VIP Picnic Package.  The package includes soft drinks, sandwiches, and cookies compliments of Firehook Bakery, along with picnic blankets, coolers, and VIP tickets to the DC Improv Comedy Club, to register to win click here.  

In addition to the Concert Series, from July 1 – August 14, over 25 restaurants in DC’s Golden Triangle neighborhood are offering deals on food and drink after 5:00PM.  Select parking garages are also offering $5 flat rate parking after 5PM until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. To view a listing of participating restaurants and parking garages, click here.
Below are the upcoming shows for July:
July 8 – Sin Miedo (salsa)
July 15 – Crowded Streets (Dave Matthews Band Tribute)
July 22– Kelly Bell Band