Restaurant Opening: Cuba Libre DC - October 1

When I first heard about Cuba Libre coming to DC, for some reason I was sooo excited. While, I've never been to their other locations in Philadelphia, Atlantic City or Orlando, I've heard countless rave reviews about their food and drinks.   Since, I'm a lover of all things Latin of course I had to book a reservation to be one of the first to try it out, review to come next week.

The DC location was initially scheduled to open during the middle of summer but due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening date kept getting pushed back.  I hoped they would be open in time for my 30th Birthday celebration, but it didn't happen. 

When I was initially trying to plan my birthday festivities, I contacted Emily Jarmuth, the Director of Sales & Local Marketing, who has provided me with follow-up over the last few months and I truly appreciate her keeping me in the loop.

I'm so happy to share that they will finally be opening up for "limited business" on Friday, October 1st.  As of today, reservations are completely booked Oct 1-3, but the other days are still open.  They are offering discounted prices off of the dinner menu for the first 2 weeks, 50% the first week and 25% the second.  See below for part of the press release.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar Announces October 1st Opening with Introductory Prices at Dinner Nuevo Cubano newcomer offers a welcoming discount for guests during opening. Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2010)― Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is excited to announce the preview opening of its new DC location in Penn Quarter will begin October 1st. It will open with a new menu specifically developed for Washington by Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot. Guests of the inspired "Nuevo Cubano" restaurant can also look forward to a 50% discount on their dinner from October 1st until October 7th. Then from October 8th-13th, guests can enjoy a 25% discount before the full price menu begins on October 14th. This special savings only applies to the cuisine (beverages will be offered at full price) during this preview period and is available at dinner service only, which is served daily from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Cuba Libre
801 A 9th Street (corner of H Street), NW 
Washington, D.C.
202.408.1600 http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

H Street's Own Restaurant Week August 16-22

Just received word that the H Street Corridor is offering their own version of Restaurant Week to coincide with DC's official week.  From August 16-22, many of the restaurants will be offering three course meals for $20.10, not $35.10, for both lunch and dinner, and in some cases breakfast.

The H Street Corridor is trying their hardest to compete with the likes of Georgetown, Gallery Place, and Penn Quarter where restaurants are concerned.  Hopefully, this promotion encourages more people to support the businesses in this up-and-coming part of NE.

Here's a listing of the participating restaurants.

Argonaut – 1433 H Street
Biergarten Haus – 1355 H Street
Capital City Diner – 1050 Bladensburg Road
Dangerously Delicious Pies – 1339 H Street
Ethiopic – 401 H Street
Granville Moore’s – 1238 H Street
H Street Country Club – 1335 H Street
Liberty Tree – 1016 H Street
Star and Shamrock – 1341 H Street
Sticky Rice – 1224 H Street
Taylor Gourmet – 1116 H Street
 
For a complete listing of the menu items they have available for this promotion, click here.

Review: Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections (aka ACKC)

Recently, I went to Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections, or better known as ACKC, a cocoa bar & cafe for the first time.  Walking up to the spot I had no idea what to expect. 

In front of the cafe there was a small area for patio seating but because of the oppressive heat that day no one was willing to take a chance at getting heat stroke.

When we walked in there were all types of chocolate gift baskets and a large selection of chocolate from bars to individuals pieces.  I even spotted the "ChocObama" bar (pictured above) The cozy cafe was eclectically decorated with tchotchkes throughout the shop and sitting area.  I also noticed signs that they have free Wi-Fi, always a plus.

My friend and I walked over to the wine bar.  I had a glass of sparkling wine, prosecco to be exact, and he a glass of red, Shiraz.  We asked the server to suggest some chocolates he thought would pair well with our wine selections and he complied.  As we sat there, the manager came over and warmly greeted us, which is rare these days.  We sat and chatted with her for a while as we enjoyed all of our selections.

All in all, our experience at ACKC was great!  I look forward to going back to sample more of their delicious wines and rich chocolates.  I hope to try some of their desserts next time.  Must try: The Wine & Chocolate Flight, it's only $12 and includes three 1.5 oz. pours each paired with a unique chocolate bite.

Savvy Deal: 
From now through August 13, spend $10 and get $20 worth of chocolates & drinks at ACKC. Click here for this special offer. (It's Free PLUS you will get $5 just for signing up meaning you'll only pay $5 for $20 worth of spending.  What could be better?)


ACKC
1529 14th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005-3785
(202) 387-2626
http://www.thecocoagallery.com/

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: 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.

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.

Being Savvy Ain't Easy

I'm the Queen when it comes to finding deals and learning about free things going on in DC.  I'm definitely savvy when it comes to knowing about anything and everything going on around me.  I'll let you in on a little secret, I don't find out about all of these events and promotions on my own.  I receive several emails on a daily basis that keep me up-to-date on the best deals this city has to offer. So, I'm going to share some of my favorites with you.

***Living Social
Living Social offers daily deals on everything from restaurants and spas to outdoor sporting events and entertainment.  Their deals are not limited to DC. They have deals in cities across the US including Boston, St. Louis, Charlotte, NYC, Austin, and New Orleans just to name a few.  As of now, I still have a few deals that I need to use: Tea & Treasure Hunt at a mansion, gift certificate to a new wine shop and dinner at an upscale Italian restaurant. 

The best part of joining Living Social is it's FREE, plus you'll received $5 off your first purchase. To sign up for Living Social, click here

***Groupon
Groupon and Living Social are a lot alike in that they offer similar deals.  What sets Groupon apart is they offer global deals in addition to those they offer in many US Metropolitan cities.  Their global reach spans to Germany, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands and 13 other countries.  Since they are a large company they offer more promotions, including surrounding deals, for instance if you live in DC they also provide you with deals in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

In addition to the usual, what I like most about Groupon is they often have daily deals that are ideal outings to do with friends or on a date including golf packages, laser tag, kayaking, white water rafting, and even yoga and pole dancing classes. 

Sign up for your own FREE Groupon account today, click here.

***DC Girls in the Know
I'm not exactly sure who told me about DC Girls in the Know but instead of sending daily deals like Living Social and Groupon, they send monthly offers.  Another great feature about this one is they have a listing of the newest restaurants in the city.  Their deals range from miscellaneous gift certificates, to cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, botox) to discounted Polo tickets.  They definitely earn the name DC Girls in the Know because they give you exclusive access to the hottest events at a discounted rate.

When you click on the link below to join, you'll receive a $10 credit on your account to be used towards your first order.  If you don't click on the link to sign up you won't get the $10, sorry.  This month they are offering a $20 gift certificate to Artfully Chocolate (a chocolate and wine bar) for only $10 through June 30.  When you sign up using my link, you can get a $20 gift certificate for FREE, no strings attached.  I got mine for free!  This month they are also offering a $40 gift certificate to Cake Love for $20, which will be $10 for $40 worth of cupcakes. You can't beat that!

Join the savviest women in DC and become a part of DC Girls in the Know, click here 

Whether you're new to the area or a native, these sites provide excellent sources for things to do.  They don't cost you anything and you won't feel like you're being bombarded by multiple emails.  Why pay full price, when you can go practically anywhere and pay 40-90% less than everyone else at places around the city and around the world?  I'd suggest you'd take my advice and sign up for these great sites and take advantage of all that your city has to offer, I know I do!

Note: Please email shessavvy@gmail.com to let me know if any of the links don't work and I'll send you a new one.