Paint Raleigh/Durham Leopard!!

A little over a year ago, my father was laid off of his job as Chief Compliance Officer at a pharmaceutical sales company outside of Boston. At first, it was scary and totally scorned our family (How would we pay for college? Would we have to sell our home? Will we have a panic attack having Mathew in the house for long periods during the day?). But after being hired again for a similar company in Raleigh, North Carolina, adding North Carolina to my list of homes away from homes has been a huge adventure in and of itself. Sure, I still don't understand the appeal in pick up trucks and get funny looks when people hear my voice, but have really developed an appreciation for the whole ideal of Southern hospitality. Not to mention, Raleigh has a fun down town area with great housing, killer restaurants, and a night life, that in lieu of fist-pumps, has some of the best looking group of people I've ever seen in my life. You may not get Van Buren house beats that you'd get at Lima but Raleigh is definitely worth exploring if you get a chance to venture down South. And, with the easy, four hour drive from the Capital, there's no excuse not to. Here are some of my favorite spots in downtown Raleigh:

• The Foundation: A Gibson-like underground bar with a speakeasy environment that whips up some of the most creative concoctions in the entire downtown. Plus, they even make their own specialty sodas! (Very SEI of them)
• The Pit: You might as well be anorexic for the entire week before you hit this Southern eatery, which is also a favorite of Man vs. Food and Bobby Flay. As one of the most famous BBQ restaurants in the downtown area, you'll need a reservation (and a juice cleanse on order for the week after).
• Sono: A delicious sushi restaurant with a great lounge scene. Plus, I've never been able to get great sushi for as cheap in the District as I've been able to at this place. Be weary of the Sake bombs. 
• The Mint: Want fine dining smack in the middle of downtown? Treat yourself or make someone else treat you to these Southern fare infused with modern day American grille. 
• The Hive: Raleigh's version of a club/lounge. It's that bar where all of the young college girls go to make older guys buy drinks for them, dance, and all around see and be seen. Just be weary of the head bartender who has a type writer tattooed on his chest; I kept calling him "Type A" and he refused to serve me.  

Craziest Tattoos Ever

I love tattoos; but for me, mostly just the subtle, tacky, tramp-stampy ones that no one can see unless you’re going to the beach. I got my first (waves on my left hip) on my eighteenth birthday, and my second (stars on my pelvis) when one of my closest friends, Talia, decided that she wanted to get a heart on her stomach but didn’t want to do it all alone. I also have an anchor in white on my wrist (which no one notices, and is a symbol for not only Rhode Island, but Delta Gamma, my sorority), and a beautiful sun on my hip which my mother made me promise to get done with her the day that she became cancer free. With every tattoo, there’s a special meaning or connection, and while you’ll never see me with the word ‘Cadillac’ down my side like some other Rhode Island guidos, I haven’t written off the idea of adding to my collection. And although I love when a guy has a sleeve (under the one condition that he has biceps) or some kind of symbol on his shoulder, like all good things, definitely think that this ancient form of art has the potential to go to far. After searching the internet for the latest piece to add to my canvas (AKA some fat part of my body so it doesn’t hurt), I stumbled upon some craziness that totally made me rethink the definition of tattoos altogether.

Can you believe a Scandinavian woman really
did this to her tounge?

These crazies in jail thought it'd be a good idea to tattoo
their eyeballs. Because I'm sure those needles are clean...

Can you believe this guy got a tattoo on the roof of his
mouth?

His parents must be so proud.

I'm completely obsessed with Gaga too, but this takes it
to a whole new level.

When you want it to be Halloween every day.

OMG it's DC Beer Week 2010!!!

I never thought the day would come that I would be promoting something like this, but you’re living in a box if you haven’t heard about DC Beer Week. Showcasing some of the best breweries in the DC area, the annual celebration has happy hours and tastings that will make your wallet lighter and your fupa bigger, but are entirely worth it. Many people don’t know that beer is just as complicated and intricate on the wallet as wine, and that it too compliments food and cheeses; this week is your perfect week as a Washingtonian to check out something new, and take your boyfriend to a cultural event in the city that he actually won’t complain about attending. Some of the highlights worth attending?




Friday August 20th

DC Beer Week Kick-Off Event at the Rock and Roll Hotel Presented by Washington City Paper & Nerd Nite DC

http://dc.nerdnite.com/

Including craft beers and music pairings and featuring:

Beer Director Greg Engert of ChurchKey, Founder & Brewer Brian Strumke of Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Tracy Jill Doty from the NIH, Cobra Collective, New Rock Church of Fire and many more.

Monday – Wednesday

Elliot in the Morning presents “DC Beer Week” in studio. Learn about some of your favorite beers on your awful commute to work in the morning. Thinking about that Belgian ale just may do the trick to get you through the day.

Tuesday August 24th

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe “Brooklyn Brawl” Beer and Cheese Tasting. (6-9 pm) Though I find this place overpriced most of the time, they’re hosting Brooklyn’s very own Craft Brewery, pairing everything appropriately with cheeses. Go to power yoga at Vida first, like I am, to justify everything.

H Street Country Club Harpoon Pints for Putts – I don’t know how much golfing and beer works out, but seeing as I’m iffy about both, it really isn’t the activity for me.

Star and Shamrock with He’brew Ales “Brisket & Brews” – Because what Irish bar doesn’t like beer?

Wednesday August 25th

Brasserie Beck introduces Devin Arloski from Latis imports from 7pm-9pm. I think that this place has the best beer menu in the District, and though expensive, is uniquely paired with fine dining cuisine.

Troegs takeover at The Red and The Black. Glassware giveaway, Mad Elf in the Summer, Troegs Band, guaranteed fun.

SpeakeasyDC, Washington City Paper and The Devils Kitchen are teaming up to present Fermented: A Night of True Tales About Beer. Doors 6:30pm, Show 8-10pm. $15/Person http://www.speakeasydc.com/2010/08/fermented-a-night-of-true-tales-about-beer/

Lagunitas night at Palace of Wonders: glassware give-a-ways, Lil Sumpin Sumpin, Dogtown Pale & Lucky 13 Imperial red

Churchkey’s Heavy Seas Oak Cask & Firkin Bonanza. Probably one of the other best breweries in DC. So many selections; Go for the tart and funky section of the menu to try a vinegar inspired beer.

DC Bread and Brew presents Lagunitas Beer Dinner. Six beers and Six Plates featuring Hop Stupid, Little Sumpin, Censored Ale, IPA, Czech Pilsner and Dog Town Pale Ale. $50/person. Call 202-466-2676 for reservations

District Chop House – Meet Brewer, Barrett Lauer, and enjoy tours of the brewery along with half price beers at one of the Nation’s Capital’s finest Brew Pubs. Plus, Medi, the GM, is a good friend of mine!



Thursday August 26th

District Pour House and Coney Island Lagers take you from NY to Boston. Jeremy from Shmaltz Brewing Company will be there talking and throwing beer around while the kitchen is batting up some lobster rolls.

Biergarten Haus presents Reissdorf Kolsch Firkins Night With Bill Catron. 7:00pm

Meridian Pint and Schlafly brewing company present Dan Kopman Co-Founder and Brew Master of St. Louis Brewing. Special rare tastings of Schlafly beers paired with unique offerings from the Merid2ian Pints wonderful kitchen.

The Reef presents “Rogue Ales Oyster Fest”

3,000 Oysters, 3 Shuckers, 3 Levels, 7 great beers from Rogue Ales! What could be better? Plus, if the weather’s nice, you can enjoy yourself on the roof and feel like you’re not in Adams Mo.

Friday August 27th

The Black Squirrel – Get yourself to Adam’s Morgan and meet the brewer of Flying Dog and drink some local beer made by local folks.

Vera Bradley=WOOF!

Somewhere in the midst of working in my little cubicle yesterday with Venti chai in hand, someone asked me if there were ever things that I found to be "totally un-leopard". After being flattered and figuring out how I was going to patent the phrase, they went on to explain how my blog showcases all different things-clothes, restaurants, beauty techniques, etc- that I find to be categorically savvy and amazing, but, aside from two rants about my disdain for Intermix, have absolutely nothing that demonstrates what I find to be completely out. I thought about this all day, until a single pattern continuously snuck up on my everywhere I went.
Nearly hurting my eyes each time I saw it gracing the presence on someone's gym bag or key chain, I realized that, close to "Goach" bags (AKA the disgustingly awful Coach knock-offs that replace the 'c' with a 'g'... hello, you really thought that you took people by surprise?), there is easily nothing in the word that nauciates me more than Vera Bradley ANYTHING.
No offense to her, because I'm sure she's a very nice, church-going lady, but her designs are an absolute nightmare. Started in 1982 by Patricia Polito Miller, her and a friend decided, while waiting for a flight in Atlanta (figures) that there was "no feminine options for luggage" (had I been born, she would have seen my leopard print luggage and this nightmare of a fashion line would have ceased to exist) and took on designing totes, wallets, cosmetic cases, cell phone covers, and just about anything else that has the capacity to make everything in your personal space look like your grandmother's table cloth just threw up on you.
Well, props for you for trying. But, honestly, everything made here just looks like total poo-poo. It is totally uncreative, sewn in cheap cotton, has no sparkles on it, shows more paisley then I ever knew existed, and are designed in the most blase color schemes I have ever seen in my life. Ladies, stay away from this designer if you have any dignity. Until she comes out with leather and embellishments on her designs, Vera Bradley is totally OUT in my book. Unless you're pretending to be a Nana for Halloween.

DC Restaurant Week 2010

Forget the diet this week! Like every year in the District, restaurants are putting out three course menus for lunch and dinner, all showcasing prime selections from their overall fare. Whether you decide to use it as an excuse to make your boo take you on a date, or decide to do it Sex & The City-style and dine with girlfriends, you can enjoy a fabulous lunch at most DC hotspots for $20.10, and have a four course dinner for $35.10 (the ten cents representative of the current year...yes, it took me a second, too). Save your pennies, kids; It only comes once a year, and for the week, you can dine like a fancy pants on a plebe budget. But don't get too excited- Some restaurants are offering significantly better choices than others (or so I've heard through the grape vine). Below are the DC eateries that are supposedly outstanding for this year's Restaurant Week celebration:

• Rasika: Excellent Indian cuisine with large entres that accommodate an array of palates. However, this is NOT the type of place you'll want to go to if you're looking to have a romantic night in afterwards... we all know what happens when you eat too much curry. 
• Tosca: Go for the sea bass tartar or the saffron ravioli. Plus, it's super expensive here, so you can take advantage of an affordable price for the week.
• Cafe Atlantico: I know I always recommend this place, so if you have yet to go, now's the time! Try the roasted beets, portobello mushrooms, or fresh guacamole. Plus, the atmosphere is beautiful  and the waiters are all Latin (=hot).
• Blue Duck: AKA Obama's favorite restaurant. Though all of the reservations are already taken, you just may be able to finagle sneaking yourself in there. This classic fare is amazing, but beware;  filled with all old business men, you might be at risk of meeting your future sugar daddy. 
• Zaytinya: Because what's better than Greek food? Try small tapas and filling larger plates in the midst of an interior decorated like a Mykonos on steroids. The beef tartar is my favorite, along with the 'avgolemeno', or lemon chicken soup. 
• SEI: Not only will you get to try excellent sushi rolls and phenomenal entres, but will receive a liquid amuse to compliment the dish that you select at this Japanese-fusion eatery. 

What to stay away from?

• Teatro Goldoni: And this doesn't apply only during Restaurant Week. I've created a post about good DC Italian cuisine, and Teatro? No way. 
• Mie N Yu: Though I love it here, the restaurant week menu is ridiculous and entirely limited. Plus, aren't you supposed to showcase the best items that your restaurants have to offer? I feel like they gave me their scraps here. 
• Rosa Mexicano: Another place I love usually, but decided to have a boring, limited Restaurant Week menu. 
• Butterfield 9: Countless complaints about poor service. And let me tell you; I was a waitress for over two years. I know how it goes. It's restaurant week, servers! Drink a five hour energy, take an adderol, and suck it up!

Regardless, take advantage of exposing yourself to a spot that you wouldn't normally have an opportunity to. While I'll be enjoying RIS with girlfriends for lunch this week, I'll also be having deja vu and serving at my old stomping grounds that needs extra support for the wild weekend. And I'm sure gorging myself on sushi in the process. Hey, it's Restaurant Week, and no diets are allowed!

White Water Tubing, Anyone?

I always like trying new things, but this Saturday, I really went above and beyond. After being coaxed into a Saturday afternoon activity with all of my colleagues, I never knew that River Rapids, a tubing facility on the river on Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, would totally kill my body this bad and twist my shoulder worse than you'd ever imagine. But while I opted out on the camping experience that everyone else participated in afterwards (I'm sorry, camping's just not my thing), I got my full three hundred sixty degree experience of Mother Nature on the Shenandoah. And while most people forget that an hour outside of DC is pickup trucks and Confederate Flag tattoos, I got to witness all of this and even got to take home algae in my bathing suit bottoms as a souvenir being the one person in our group that fell off of their inner tube.
The logistics? For $50, you too can rent an inner tube and be school bussed off to the mouth of the Shenandoah. But don't expect a lazy river experience; Though you'll have a tube with you filled with booze and snacks, you'll also make your way through white water rapids and see some of the local wildlife (thank God I was three cocktails deep when I saw the garden snake), but be prepared, because I was well over it after only about one hour of the four. Some fun memories from my day in West Virginia?

• My general all-around anxiety upon crossing over onto the West Virginia state lines. I'm sorry if you're from there, and I've only been on one other occasion, but the state is just not for me. Period. But the mountains are really pretty to look at, FYI. 
• The fact that I was told we were required to wear footwear with our bathing suits last minute, and the only appropriate ones I had (after my idea of Grecian sandals was nixed) were my eleventh grade Hendricken Hawks white cheerleading sneakers. Man, did I look sexy!
• When I got lost from the group at one point, was tubing at a rapid speed over rocks, and a garden snake leaped out of the water and hissed at my in front of my face. Upon shrieking, a nice woman in Teva sandals told me "to relax, they're friendly animals". Whatevs. 
• The fact that I decided to breast stroke kick on my tube while laying on my stomach. All with white sneakers on, I might add. 
• The great picnic we all had on a dirt patch next to some rock. We figured that we were almost done so decided to have some treats to celebrate out survival. Little did we know that the halfway point was only up in front of us. 
• Everyone told me to bring alcohol. Instead, I brought one bottle of Malibu. So, out of desperation, much of the tubing down the river consisted of people passing off the handle to one another. Needless to say, the boys weren't very happy. 
• When I went home to shower, there was a maple leaf stuck to my bum. TMI, I know, but it goes to show you how truly one with nature you are when you decide to white water tube. 

Though I don't think I'll be partaking in this again anytime soon, it was definitely a fun experience. For an hour and a half, that is. 

Check out River Riders, the tubing company in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, at www.riverriders.com. Packages for tubing start at $50 a person. 

The Conference Room

This past Saturday night, after laying around and staring at the wall all afternoon after a long night the evening before, two of my favorite people in the world dragged me for an evening that brought me to one of DC’s latest hot spots that has yet to be unveiled in the social circuit throughout DC. After enjoying cocktails and sushi in the lounge at Oya (which I hope that my entire home looks like one day, just as an FYI), a group of us went to The Donovan House in Dupont Circle, one of the trendiest hotels in the city with a delicious restaurant in the lobby (ZenTen) and a great rooftop pool and bar area. But having just has a Kertain Brazilian treatment straightener in my hair only two days prior and a downpour of rain starting to ruin the party on the roof, a manager took us downstairs to an amazing venue that has yet to blow up in DC; Renovating a posh white-on-white banquet space into an intimate lounge with a house DJ and bar-and, of course, a very big bouncer keeping the overly inebriated people out at the door- I was in for a treat in this new space that kept my hair dry and my body hydrated with champagne.

Naturally named “The Conference Room”, this second floor lounge on the second floor of the Donovan House is small, edgy, and European in demeanor (which means I love it, because I love anywhere that makes me feel like I’m in Europe for even five seconds) is filled with chaise lounges that still allow you to fist-pump without the full-fledged dance floor of a nightclub. And if you’re not into DeadMau5 or Tiesto, get out quick; this place is definitely a house music haven. But with excellent bottle specials, an intimate setting, and a more low-key vibe for a Saturday night when you’d like to relax but still be social, throw on a Sky dress and enjoy The Conference Room, the Donovan House’s new upscale lounge on the second floor. And, you won’t have to worry about getting pushed into the rooftop pool after too many shots of Patron.