Review: SiTea: The Spice Boutique

Last week, a friend of mine told me about an event at SiTea - Spice Boutique. In case you're wondering, SiTea is pronounced as 'city'. I'd never heard of it so I quickly Googled them and went to their website.

I admit their website (http://www.siteaspice.com/) almost discouraged me from going there because when I tried to RSVP on their events page I was unsuccessful. (Since then their website seems to have improved)

They are located in the Takoma section of DC, an area that I'm not at all familiar with. Needless to say, I ended up trusting my friend's judgment and ventured out on the Friday before Valentine's Day for their special Taste Something Sexy event. We were greeted at the door and handed name tags. The ladies introduced us to SiTea and its concept along with telling us a little bit about the evening's event.

As soon as we walked in were given some hand-made appetizers (including yoni-cookies and samosas) and told about the tea tastings they had available. Everyone was incredibly friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all of the teas and spices. The place itself had what appeared to be nearly a hundred blends of tea and spices, each one was in a canister and you were free to take a sniff. They also had several tea kettles and diffusers available for sale. Side note: I especially loved the ladies (and the one guy) who worked there and their cute red and black Burlesque outfits.

The Mandingo tea was soooo good!!! I had no less than 5 tastings of it. It was a Chai tea served steaming hot with a touch of Almond milk, it was deeee-lish. My friend purchased the Mandingo tea and I ended up purchasing "My Jamaican Boyfriend" a black tea along with a cayenne spice blend.

I absolutely loved the look and feel of SiTea. It's comfy and cozy and I could definitely see myself going back to grab a cup of tea and lounging on one of their couches for hours. I'm definitely a fan.

SiTea - The Spice Boutique
6902 4th St NW
Washington, DC 20012
202.525.5386
http://www.siteaspice.com/
@SiTeaSpice

Things to Do: Mingle at the Museum

In search of finding new and interesting thing in DC, I just came across this after hours event at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History. These events seem to sell out quickly and they have extremely limited tickets available at the door. Information I pulled from the museum's website is posted below.

Art and Soul of South Africa

Featuring Carolyn Malachi

Thursday, March 24 - 6:30PM to 9:00PM

Be entertained and inspired in an evening that combines traditional art with a modern spin. Enjoy Grammy-nominated artist Carolyn Malachi’s unique blend of jazz, pop, r&b, and spoken word as she performs works by some of South Africa’s soul music artists. Browse the museum galleries to view the second exhibition in the Artists in Dialogue series, in which exciting artists—including South Africa’s Sandile Zulu and Brazil’s Henrique Oliveira—are invited to an encounter in which each artist responds to the work of the other. The result is an original, site-specific work based on their encounter in the museum.

Let spontaneity of the exhibit and the music move you to create your own work of art. Then, reward your creative effort with tempting South African-style hors d’oeuvres.This evening is in collaboration with the Smithsonian African Art Museum and made possible in part by South African Tourism.

Schedule
6:30PM - 9:00PM
• Carolyn Malachi performs
• Art activity inspired by Artist Dialogue exhibit
• Stroll through the exhibition gallery
• Food service provided by Purple Onion Catering
• Cash bar featuring Heineken products

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Featured Exhibition: Artists in Dialogue II: Sandile Zulu and Henrique Oliveira
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) is organizing the exhibition, "Artists in Dialogue: Sandile Zulu and Henrique Oliveira," as the second in a series of exhibitions in which exciting artists (at least one of whom is African) are invited to a new encounter -- one in which each artist responds to the work of the other, and resulting in original, site-specific works at the museum. The exhibition will also include a selection of works by each artist to reflect who they are coming into the encounter.
Read More About this Exhibition

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• One drink ticket included with admission.
• Additional drink tickets may be purchased with either cash or credit card.
• Must be at least 21 with a valid photo ID to attend.
• All ticket sales are final.
• All bags will be searched by security.
• Personal items can be checked in designated coat rooms or lockers at your own discretion. The museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Food Truck Review: Red Hook Lobster Truck

Let me first begin by saying, I was always a snob when it came to food trucks. Typically, when I'd see them in the past, I'd turn my nose up and say I'm not eating from somewhere where there's no sink for the people preparing my food to wash their hands or use the bathroom. Well times have changed.

A few months ago, I heard there was a new food truck coming to DC that's speciality was Maine lobster. Being that I L-O-V-E all things with shrimp and lobster, the thought of it made me drool with excitement.

After reading their daily tweets (@LobsterTruckDC) and seeing their launch pushed further and further back, the anticipation had died down and I'd forgotten all about them. A little while ago, I just happened to see a tweet from an associate of mine who works down the street saying the truck was going to be in our area. I figured this was finally my chance.

She ended up not going but I didn't allow that to dissuade me. I walked over to McPherson Square to see what all the fuss was about. That day it was extremely cold so I figured the line couldn't be that long. Wrong!

The truck got there at 11:00 and by the time I got there around 1:00 there were still a good 20-25 people in line in front of me. I ended up chatting it up with a older Polish woman which made my 30 minute or so wait go by a little faster.

I finally got up to the window and ordered the Lobster Roll Connecticut-style, meaning it didn't have mayonnaise and was drizzled in butter instead of being creamy. I couldn't wait to get back to my office to see if it was really worth the wait. Let me tell you, it was sooo worth it. The bread was perfectly toasted and the roll had just the right amount of lobster. I'd say there were 5 or 6 large lobster claws in it. It was succulent and seasoned just right with a slight lemon and butter taste. It ate every last morsel.

In addition to the roll I ordered, they had a mayo-based one (Maine-style), Shrimp Rolls, clam chowder (I'm guessing that's just for the winter since it's not listed on their website), whoopie pies from Maine, Cape Cod chips (I love the Sea Salt & Vinegar) and Maine Root sodas.

If you have a chance to catch up to the Red Hook Lobster Truck, I say go for it. Make sure you follow them on Twitter so you'll know when they'll be in your area. Thanks to the Lobster Truck, I have to say I am no longer a food truck snob and I'm sure you will definitely not be disappointed.

Red Hook Lobster Truck
Moving Targets throughout DC
202.341.6263
http://www.redhooklobsterdc.com/

National Harbor Restaurant Week (2/15-27)

If you love Restaurant Week as much as I do, you'll jump at the opportunity to take advantage of Restaurant Week at Maryland's National Harbor.

This year's event begins today, February 15, and runs through Sunday, February 27, 2011. Like the RWs in DC, Bethesda, and Alexandria, it's $20.11 for a 3 course lunch and $35.11 for a 3 course dinner.

I believe this is their second year hosting the event and since they've added several new restaurants over the past 12 months this is the perfect time to take advantage. Some of the restaurants included are: Rosa Mexicano, National Pastime (in the Gaylord Hotel), Ketchup, and Grace's Mandarin. I'd also suggest Cadillac Ranch, not so much for the food, but for the chance to ride the bull. Yes, they have a mechanical bull and it's quite hilarious to watch people get thrown off of it. After a few drinks, you may even want to try your luck.

For more information about National Harbor Restaurant Week and to see the menus of those restaurants participating, click here.

Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

Things to Do: Valentine's Day in DC

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching I had to share with my readers a few events and deals that I've come across. Whether you're anti-V Day or you love it, with the warmer temps (it's supposed to be in the 50s this weekend) why not go out and have some fun.

Below are some pre-Valentine's Day events that are happening this Friday (one is also on Monday). I pulled most of the events from BisNow's The Scene and wanted to share. The events are perfect for singles or couples.

Speed Dating for a Cure at Tabaq Bistro
1336 U Street NW
Friday, February 11 from 5:30 – 11:30 PM, take part in . Benefiting a great cause — The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 12 for 12 — 12 DATES FOR ONLY $12. Cash bar, happy hour menu, and fantastic RAFFLE prizes throughout the event, for more info.

Woo at the Zoo

National Zoo, 300 Connecticut Ave NW
Friday, February 11 from 6:00 – 10:00 PM, back for another year, Woo at the Zoo open to both singles and sweethearts, a lighthearted exploration into the sexual behavior of animals at the National Zoo. $15/FONZ members or $25/nonmembers includes a complimentary red-stemmed champagne flute, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Valentine cookies, and free parking,

for more info.

S.O.M.E. Junior Gala (one of my favorite local charities)
Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St NW
Friday, February 11 from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM, join SOME (So Others Might Eat) for the Eighth Annual Junior Gala. Enjoy cocktails, live music and dancing for young professionals. Tickets: $85/person or $170/couple – benefits Marguerite's Place,

for more info.

Paradise Springs Winery Valentine's Chocolate & Wine Pairing

13219 Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, VA

Friday, February 11 & Monday February 14 from 11:00 – 9:00 PM, join Paradise Springs Winery in a special Valentine's Chocolate & Wine Pairing. Each Paradise Springs Wine will be paired with a unique chocolate. Tasting of Sparkling Viognier, Apres, included: $25. Reservations not required. For more info,

www.ParadiseSpringsWinery.com

Valentine's Day Deals

Check out the Capitol Dish's website for some incredible restaurant and hotel deals for Valentine's Day. Also, make sure to sign up for their weekly updates. For more information, click here

Living Social has a promotion called Flirt Fest from today (February 8) to February 14. They are offering various adventures, good for both singles and couples. Today's offer is for a tequila tasting, mojito making demo and salsa lessons for only $29. Visit their website for more information, click here.