Just a DC lounge lizard sharing the facts about living well, staying fresh and finding some good vibes.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Beers Worth Hunting For...
Beer is really a very personal thing, a matter of your taste, not just "taste." Of course, there are beers that are purely for people who don't care about taste but want a beer that drinks well or easy. I for one want nothing to do with a beer that is drank just for ease. On occasion I will get one of "those" beers because what I am eating requires no compliment, like enchilada's at the Bottom Line. In that case, pass me a Corona or a Dos XX, or even blander, pass me a Land Shark (uggh!).
For those moments when I am eating well and want a beer for just that, I have my go to girls. So here is my list of best beers in DC for eating well and beering well...
Pick number one: Gulden Draak (Dark Triple) - This is what I consider a Belgian without peers. I had it on tap at Mussel Bar in Bethesda and again in a bottle at Beck's in DC. I have heard it said that Lucifer uses it to tempt the damned. This ale is so eminently drinkable that, were it not for its coma-inducing 10.5% ABV, entire countries would favor it over water.
I think it smells a little bourbonesqe with some chocolate scents--what you wished the nape of the neck of your girlfriend smelled like. The alcohol smell is very subtle but resides in the tail of the drink, but not nearly as much as one would expect due to the alcohol content.
Once in your mouth, the flavor moves from brown sugar and dark fruit to that chocolate resident in the aroma. There are hints of vanilla, oak, apricot, plum and a little port. There is a little bite from the hops to round out the whole mess.
Pick number two: Aventinus Weizen Eisbock (Forget the impossible name) - I am told that an Eisbock stands for "lager that will kick your ass" but don't quote me. This is a very nice dark hazy brown beer with a pretty hefty punch, at over 10.5% alcohol. Pouring this is a joy, like chocolate milk for big boys, in fact as I was pouring it my first impulse was to dip a cookie in the glass.
It pours rich and thick with a creamy head. It has as sweet and spicy nose, and with that German banana-nut-bread and cloves pinch. There is a chocolaty under tone somewhere under the spices. Good beer reminds of good girls - and this one has a distinct intoxicating feel in your hand that makes you not want to put her down.
This beer drinks incredibly well and goes with any bar fare. The taste has a short tail, where you can really feel the alcohol dryness at the end.
Pick number three: Westmalle Trappist (Dubbel) - I stubbled on to this one some time ago and it remains one of the best bar hook-ups I have had. I am generally not a fan of the Dubbel style beer, but this one is a real keeper. As soon as you pop the cap, the smell is right there - apricots, brown sugar and a hint of tobaccos. I like the color purple on ladies and this one wears it well, it is the shade of dark purple eye shadow of a girl I know.
Although not as sweet as I remember Dubbels, this one still maintains that syrup under and over tones. There is a base note of yeast and barley combined with well brewed espresso. I like beers poured in the glasses for which they were intended. The glass designed for this one is a strong goblet. It is a sexy and sipable beer that will likely cause you to crave a smoke when you are done with your encounter.
Pick number four: Oud Beersel Gueuze (Sour) - Okay, over the years my beer palate has grown and my affinity for a gueuze is a fine example. If you haven't had a gueuze you may need to sample a few before you agree or disagree with my choice. I gueuze is to beer what a cougar is to females, until you try it, you won't understand what the crazy is all about.
The Oud Beersel is like a Champagne of beers, it pours blond and bubbly and has a gentle bite. The bottle comes corked like a bottle of wine and as soon as you pop it, the smell of funk and green apples explodes. This beer actually opens up, I think because the smell needs to atenuate and the bubbles need to settle. After a minute, the fruitiness and crispness is apparent from the nose to the stomach.
Tart and sour, the golden brew gives way to some of the crispest and best palate cleansing available in a beer. It has a little more acidity and a lot less hop then the typical beer. I find one bottle to be enough and it isn't the most drinkable beer, but it's ability leverage taste and refresh is really unsurpassed.
Pick number five: Kasteel Rouge - If they made anything called a desert beer, this one is the winner. I like the bit and hoppiness of a beer, I mean I think that is what beer means. However, the diverse range of today's beers makes exploring a treat and this beer is worth going off the standard brew list.
This beer pours hazy and cloudy reddish brown color with a small foamy off white head with fair retention that rescues to a thin lacing cap. It blows strong aroma that includes cherries and spices. Absent from this beer is the typical bitterness in its slightly syrupy feel. It drinks very smooth for the alcohol level, but is still sips well due to big flavor and sweetness. No alcohol noticed other than a warming after the finish.
For those moments when I am eating well and want a beer for just that, I have my go to girls. So here is my list of best beers in DC for eating well and beering well...
Pick number one: Gulden Draak (Dark Triple) - This is what I consider a Belgian without peers. I had it on tap at Mussel Bar in Bethesda and again in a bottle at Beck's in DC. I have heard it said that Lucifer uses it to tempt the damned. This ale is so eminently drinkable that, were it not for its coma-inducing 10.5% ABV, entire countries would favor it over water.
I think it smells a little bourbonesqe with some chocolate scents--what you wished the nape of the neck of your girlfriend smelled like. The alcohol smell is very subtle but resides in the tail of the drink, but not nearly as much as one would expect due to the alcohol content.
Once in your mouth, the flavor moves from brown sugar and dark fruit to that chocolate resident in the aroma. There are hints of vanilla, oak, apricot, plum and a little port. There is a little bite from the hops to round out the whole mess.
Pick number two: Aventinus Weizen Eisbock (Forget the impossible name) - I am told that an Eisbock stands for "lager that will kick your ass" but don't quote me. This is a very nice dark hazy brown beer with a pretty hefty punch, at over 10.5% alcohol. Pouring this is a joy, like chocolate milk for big boys, in fact as I was pouring it my first impulse was to dip a cookie in the glass.
It pours rich and thick with a creamy head. It has as sweet and spicy nose, and with that German banana-nut-bread and cloves pinch. There is a chocolaty under tone somewhere under the spices. Good beer reminds of good girls - and this one has a distinct intoxicating feel in your hand that makes you not want to put her down.
This beer drinks incredibly well and goes with any bar fare. The taste has a short tail, where you can really feel the alcohol dryness at the end.
Pick number three: Westmalle Trappist (Dubbel) - I stubbled on to this one some time ago and it remains one of the best bar hook-ups I have had. I am generally not a fan of the Dubbel style beer, but this one is a real keeper. As soon as you pop the cap, the smell is right there - apricots, brown sugar and a hint of tobaccos. I like the color purple on ladies and this one wears it well, it is the shade of dark purple eye shadow of a girl I know.
Although not as sweet as I remember Dubbels, this one still maintains that syrup under and over tones. There is a base note of yeast and barley combined with well brewed espresso. I like beers poured in the glasses for which they were intended. The glass designed for this one is a strong goblet. It is a sexy and sipable beer that will likely cause you to crave a smoke when you are done with your encounter.
Pick number four: Oud Beersel Gueuze (Sour) - Okay, over the years my beer palate has grown and my affinity for a gueuze is a fine example. If you haven't had a gueuze you may need to sample a few before you agree or disagree with my choice. I gueuze is to beer what a cougar is to females, until you try it, you won't understand what the crazy is all about.
The Oud Beersel is like a Champagne of beers, it pours blond and bubbly and has a gentle bite. The bottle comes corked like a bottle of wine and as soon as you pop it, the smell of funk and green apples explodes. This beer actually opens up, I think because the smell needs to atenuate and the bubbles need to settle. After a minute, the fruitiness and crispness is apparent from the nose to the stomach.
Tart and sour, the golden brew gives way to some of the crispest and best palate cleansing available in a beer. It has a little more acidity and a lot less hop then the typical beer. I find one bottle to be enough and it isn't the most drinkable beer, but it's ability leverage taste and refresh is really unsurpassed.
Pick number five: Kasteel Rouge - If they made anything called a desert beer, this one is the winner. I like the bit and hoppiness of a beer, I mean I think that is what beer means. However, the diverse range of today's beers makes exploring a treat and this beer is worth going off the standard brew list.
This beer pours hazy and cloudy reddish brown color with a small foamy off white head with fair retention that rescues to a thin lacing cap. It blows strong aroma that includes cherries and spices. Absent from this beer is the typical bitterness in its slightly syrupy feel. It drinks very smooth for the alcohol level, but is still sips well due to big flavor and sweetness. No alcohol noticed other than a warming after the finish.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Georgetown Muncheez...Late Night Lovin' It!
We all know that this is a bedroom town, any interested after midnight is either likely to get you arrested or on a replay of C-SPAN. Alias, we often find ourselves looking for a snack after 1:00 a.m. before we head back to our C-SPAN reruns. Some of the need is just to put a little more carbons on the liquid carbs we over drank, sometimes it is just you are g#d*m@ hungry after dancing your ass off.
I have searched high and low in this town and found very few really enjoyable late night options. While U Street still has some great spots - Ben's, Toki, etc. - I prefer not to travel, or stumble, far from where I got my drink on.
On the nights I find myself in Georgetown...pause on moment here...for the record, I am not surfing for Co-Eds in Georgetown, there are great spots even for an aging sport like me - such as L2, Neyla's, Cafe Milano, and many others, so save your judgement...there is only one spot of late-night fare...Muncheez!
I know the name doesn't inspire really good food, it is a cross between Jeff Spicoli and Chuckie Cheese, but the food is really outstanding. With a little middle-eastern flare, there are mainly pita style wraps with such things as labne cheese, four cheese, grilled chicken and even hot dogs. My personal favorites are the grilled chicken and the four cheese.
The pitas are served in two sizes, Saj - which is thin, and Pita which is a little thicker (that's what she said). There are also salads and pizzas, which are both really outstanding.
The place doesn't have much seating and it does have a walk-up window, which I don't think exists anywhere in Georgetown. The interior is really cool, with murals by a local artist and some great club-style music in the back ground.
I went there for the tenth time with a couple of friends before heading out to the bars a week ago. We sat in the back on some low cushioned chairs and ended up staying more than an hour, enjoying the music and the people watching.
Muncheez is still off the radar, which means it is a great place to hit up for a quick bite and enjoy yourself. No more standing in line for an hour for a cupcake when I can get one of the greatest crepes prepared fresh to order!
Muncheez Mania - 1071 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC
I have searched high and low in this town and found very few really enjoyable late night options. While U Street still has some great spots - Ben's, Toki, etc. - I prefer not to travel, or stumble, far from where I got my drink on.
On the nights I find myself in Georgetown...pause on moment here...for the record, I am not surfing for Co-Eds in Georgetown, there are great spots even for an aging sport like me - such as L2, Neyla's, Cafe Milano, and many others, so save your judgement...there is only one spot of late-night fare...Muncheez!
I know the name doesn't inspire really good food, it is a cross between Jeff Spicoli and Chuckie Cheese, but the food is really outstanding. With a little middle-eastern flare, there are mainly pita style wraps with such things as labne cheese, four cheese, grilled chicken and even hot dogs. My personal favorites are the grilled chicken and the four cheese.
The pitas are served in two sizes, Saj - which is thin, and Pita which is a little thicker (that's what she said). There are also salads and pizzas, which are both really outstanding.
The place doesn't have much seating and it does have a walk-up window, which I don't think exists anywhere in Georgetown. The interior is really cool, with murals by a local artist and some great club-style music in the back ground.
I went there for the tenth time with a couple of friends before heading out to the bars a week ago. We sat in the back on some low cushioned chairs and ended up staying more than an hour, enjoying the music and the people watching.
Muncheez is still off the radar, which means it is a great place to hit up for a quick bite and enjoy yourself. No more standing in line for an hour for a cupcake when I can get one of the greatest crepes prepared fresh to order!
Muncheez Mania - 1071 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Stanley Cup Playoffs and DC...
I am torn today. I will not miss seeing the Playoff Game today...either in person or at the best bar to watch the game. The problem is I have a tie on where is the best place TODAY to watch the Capitals advance. So I am recommending either/or, with an explanation.
I am shouting out (is that how the kids say it?) to the two best spots for a beer and watching the Caps bring one home for the hometown fans: Churchkey or Public Bar. I will explain:
1) Churchkey: The pluses, the best beer in Washington with a solid "foodie" friendly menu. Churchkey gets some of the finest beers that Washington has seen. If you are confused from drinking too much Shocktop or Stella, you can get a flight of beers and find one a new favorite. If you, try the DC Brau...DC's first beer in 55 years. What better way to celebrate the hometown favorite with a hometown brew.
The minuses, too few t.v.s, too few seating in front of a t.v. and the bar men are, well, men. So boys, I like a flirty bar maid to keep me entertained during the commercial breaks. Having said that, there are some cute, fun and engaging bar maids there...they just are running the length of the busy bar and conversation is limited. Understand, these people are professionals and know there beer, so my props anyway.
A note on this, the charm and lure of a great bar, even a busy one, is staff that can and are encouraged to engage with the lounge lizards. We sit there for the combination of beverage, food and conversation.
One more thing to Churchkey...get off your ass and get your website up and running. If you need some help try D*MN Good or Bravery Corporation.
2) Public: The pluses, Tony and his gang - including you Edwin, have created DC's most sophisticated sports bar...God bless them all. There are views of the game even sitting on the Jon. The place opened without food and no one seemed to care, although some people brought pizzas with them. The beers are tall, like three feet, and there is a reasonable selection of the staple beers. The bar maids are a plus, eye candy and some of them give great chat. Commercial breaks are better with chatty young "friends" that you don't have to buy for, although I have - as should you - buy the bartenders a round once and awhile.
The minuses, the food is so-so. The burgers are good and the fries are great, with some inconsistency. The wings are really good, but there are some pitfalls in the food and it lacks imagination. What they lack in Foodie appeal they make up for in specials, buckets of beers and wings. Another minor draw back is that sometimes the multiple floor layout and seating is difficult to navigate. Many times as our group grew from five to twenty-five people we had to move floors and jockey for positions.
All and all, I am really looking forward to this game! GO CAPS!
I am shouting out (is that how the kids say it?) to the two best spots for a beer and watching the Caps bring one home for the hometown fans: Churchkey or Public Bar. I will explain:
1) Churchkey: The pluses, the best beer in Washington with a solid "foodie" friendly menu. Churchkey gets some of the finest beers that Washington has seen. If you are confused from drinking too much Shocktop or Stella, you can get a flight of beers and find one a new favorite. If you, try the DC Brau...DC's first beer in 55 years. What better way to celebrate the hometown favorite with a hometown brew.
The minuses, too few t.v.s, too few seating in front of a t.v. and the bar men are, well, men. So boys, I like a flirty bar maid to keep me entertained during the commercial breaks. Having said that, there are some cute, fun and engaging bar maids there...they just are running the length of the busy bar and conversation is limited. Understand, these people are professionals and know there beer, so my props anyway.
A note on this, the charm and lure of a great bar, even a busy one, is staff that can and are encouraged to engage with the lounge lizards. We sit there for the combination of beverage, food and conversation.
One more thing to Churchkey...get off your ass and get your website up and running. If you need some help try D*MN Good or Bravery Corporation.
2) Public: The pluses, Tony and his gang - including you Edwin, have created DC's most sophisticated sports bar...God bless them all. There are views of the game even sitting on the Jon. The place opened without food and no one seemed to care, although some people brought pizzas with them. The beers are tall, like three feet, and there is a reasonable selection of the staple beers. The bar maids are a plus, eye candy and some of them give great chat. Commercial breaks are better with chatty young "friends" that you don't have to buy for, although I have - as should you - buy the bartenders a round once and awhile.
The minuses, the food is so-so. The burgers are good and the fries are great, with some inconsistency. The wings are really good, but there are some pitfalls in the food and it lacks imagination. What they lack in Foodie appeal they make up for in specials, buckets of beers and wings. Another minor draw back is that sometimes the multiple floor layout and seating is difficult to navigate. Many times as our group grew from five to twenty-five people we had to move floors and jockey for positions.
All and all, I am really looking forward to this game! GO CAPS!
The Filipino Kiss...
Maybe it was the Bar Maid. Maybe is was the drink. I really don't know, but fate and a kind lady helped me discover a drink that has made desert a think of the past.
So here is the story: this beautiful bar maid was tending to my dinning and drinking needs at Jaleo. She was polite, pretty and exotic, dark hair and eyes and latte complexion. I asked, "what is your nationality?" She replies, "I'm seven-eighths Filipino" - a response that begs for a response. I, of course, couldn't resist and replied, "What comprises the other one-eighth?" Her reply, "Guess and if you can't, you have to try a Filipino Kiss." I'm such a sucker because I didn't know a Filipino Kiss is a $12 cocktail.
As it turns out, a Filipino Kiss (by the way, it is NOT Philipino Kiss - trust me), is a sweet and slightly disarming cocktail - much like my bar maid. Mixed properly, it is an outstanding drink served up. You may be judged for the look - you sissy boy - but it is a great drink to order with a cocktail drinking date. Here is the recipe:
1 part Belvedere Vodka
1 part Baileys Irish Cream
1 part Midori Melon Liqueur
2 parts Lemonade
A dash of egg whites
This drink should be shaken well and served up in a short glass or Martini glass. Cheers!
So here is the story: this beautiful bar maid was tending to my dinning and drinking needs at Jaleo. She was polite, pretty and exotic, dark hair and eyes and latte complexion. I asked, "what is your nationality?" She replies, "I'm seven-eighths Filipino" - a response that begs for a response. I, of course, couldn't resist and replied, "What comprises the other one-eighth?" Her reply, "Guess and if you can't, you have to try a Filipino Kiss." I'm such a sucker because I didn't know a Filipino Kiss is a $12 cocktail.
As it turns out, a Filipino Kiss (by the way, it is NOT Philipino Kiss - trust me), is a sweet and slightly disarming cocktail - much like my bar maid. Mixed properly, it is an outstanding drink served up. You may be judged for the look - you sissy boy - but it is a great drink to order with a cocktail drinking date. Here is the recipe:
This drink should be shaken well and served up in a short glass or Martini glass. Cheers!
Please, Take Care of Yourself...
Living well sometimes means living hard, and I don't always me from a partying perspective. Spending time on the beach in the sun (God bless St. Lucia), being out in the elements and just the goddamn loss of collagen in your skin makes skin maintenance a non-negotiable.
Another fact, well I know my most attractive-while-clothed physical features are my charming personality and razor wit, It is important to looking good under those bar lights for the ladies. Some, direct from the pages of my volume of grooming notes, here are a few of my thoughts:
1) Don't fool yourself, no matter how young or well groomed, women make fun of you on Match.com if you include a picture with your shirt off. If you get past third base, she isn't going to care if you don't look like Usher. Go to the gym regularly for your heart, but have confidence simply because you take care of yourself and being fit will overall help your appearance.
2) Groom often, it's like that lawn you always wanted, it is a constant project. Commit to it for life. Washing, trimming, shaving and moisturizing are daily activities. Weekly activities include exfoliating, whitening and - optional - waxing.
3) Clean is important and soaps matter, face soaps and body soaps are incompatible for their objectives. Face scrubs will keep you from looking like an actual lizard, looking like a lounge lizard is still okay. Good body soaps are available at Keihls.com and Sephora.com (Anthony makes a good body soap). Good face soaps are available at Clinique counters or at Sephora.com.
4) If you shave, upstairs or down - it's really none of my business - but use a good product. I use The Art of Shaving Oil and Cream. The Art of Shaving has some great creams and oils in subtle scents that layer well with cologne. Use small amounts and lather with a drop or two of water. If you are afraid to ask for it, they sell it directly on their website or at Sephora.com. Also, change your blades regularly. I find rust on my teenagers blades and freak out.
5) Nose hair is God's joke and a natural repellent to even wild animals. You will figure out your own system, but it is gross if it hangs out of the orifice. By the way, as tempting as it is, don't hold a match up there to burn it out - no joke I had a friend do that once and the result was really funny but bad.
6) Moisturize appropriately for the appropriate areas. Eyes, forehead, feet and elbows are all different. Buy well, it is worth it: Good eye cream: Strivectin. Good face cream: Roth and Caudalie. All are available at Sephora.com.
7) Use natural products when available, especially antiperspirant. Natural antiperspirant will not yellow your shirts. Natural Fresh makes a nice "salt stick" that you wet before you apply, if you are afraid to ask, go to CVS.com.
8) Use sunblock and stay out of the sun. That sexy tan is only turning you into leather and a chemo patient. Use sunblock over your face cream, 15 SPF or better, I use 30 SPF because I am better then most of you.
Good grooming doesn't make you girly man or metro-sexual, it makes you smart. Go now, and look younger.
Another fact, well I know my most attractive-while-clothed physical features are my charming personality and razor wit, It is important to looking good under those bar lights for the ladies. Some, direct from the pages of my volume of grooming notes, here are a few of my thoughts:
1) Don't fool yourself, no matter how young or well groomed, women make fun of you on Match.com if you include a picture with your shirt off. If you get past third base, she isn't going to care if you don't look like Usher. Go to the gym regularly for your heart, but have confidence simply because you take care of yourself and being fit will overall help your appearance.
2) Groom often, it's like that lawn you always wanted, it is a constant project. Commit to it for life. Washing, trimming, shaving and moisturizing are daily activities. Weekly activities include exfoliating, whitening and - optional - waxing.
3) Clean is important and soaps matter, face soaps and body soaps are incompatible for their objectives. Face scrubs will keep you from looking like an actual lizard, looking like a lounge lizard is still okay. Good body soaps are available at Keihls.com and Sephora.com (Anthony makes a good body soap). Good face soaps are available at Clinique counters or at Sephora.com.
4) If you shave, upstairs or down - it's really none of my business - but use a good product. I use The Art of Shaving Oil and Cream. The Art of Shaving has some great creams and oils in subtle scents that layer well with cologne. Use small amounts and lather with a drop or two of water. If you are afraid to ask for it, they sell it directly on their website or at Sephora.com. Also, change your blades regularly. I find rust on my teenagers blades and freak out.
5) Nose hair is God's joke and a natural repellent to even wild animals. You will figure out your own system, but it is gross if it hangs out of the orifice. By the way, as tempting as it is, don't hold a match up there to burn it out - no joke I had a friend do that once and the result was really funny but bad.
6) Moisturize appropriately for the appropriate areas. Eyes, forehead, feet and elbows are all different. Buy well, it is worth it: Good eye cream: Strivectin. Good face cream: Roth and Caudalie. All are available at Sephora.com.
7) Use natural products when available, especially antiperspirant. Natural antiperspirant will not yellow your shirts. Natural Fresh makes a nice "salt stick" that you wet before you apply, if you are afraid to ask, go to CVS.com.
8) Use sunblock and stay out of the sun. That sexy tan is only turning you into leather and a chemo patient. Use sunblock over your face cream, 15 SPF or better, I use 30 SPF because I am better then most of you.
Good grooming doesn't make you girly man or metro-sexual, it makes you smart. Go now, and look younger.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday Dim Sum...
One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday afternoon is dine on dim sum. Washington doesn't have the greatest selection of dim sum, but I have found a few of my favorites. In the order of my favorites:
1) New Fortune, Rockville, MD: This is as close to the real deal in dim sum as I have seen in DC. The place is a football field of cheap round and square tables that on Saturday nights often hosts a really bad band playing covers of really bad music. The dim sum, however, is delightful. There are a dozen or so dim sum carts being pushed around with scores of varieties of authentic dim sum: dumplings; shrimp in a dozen forms; BBQ pork; duck and the list goes on. The service is very pushy and that gives the overall experience something worth doing.
2) Cafe Atlantico, Washington, DC: Okay, this isn't really dim sum but they call it Nuevo Latin Dim Sum and it is fantastic! Most of the dishes were created at the Mini Bar, a personal favorite, so there is everything from empanadas to creamed potatoes. One of the best parts of the Cafe experience is the service and the amazing drinks.
3) Ping Pong, Washington, DC: This is really a no brainer, Ping Pong has great dim sum all week long so going here on Sunday isn't anything special. Having said that, when I think of dim sum, Ping Pong is high on the list. The sake selection is great too.
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