November 28th – December 4th 2022
In this week’s Doing, Reading, Eating, Watching – Let’s talk events around town, what books to check out, food to eat and what interesting TV has been on!!
I took a break for a minute because I was in Cali for a conference (sadly not Afrotech) and then it was my birthday and then Thanksgiving. So I figured yall had plans and were enjoying Scorpio Season and this wild & warm fall weather we’ve been having. Apparently everything is on the rise so wrap it all up!! Here are some of the fun things I plan to do this week. If there are any events you think I should check out, feel free to shoot me a message!! I will be heading down to Miami for Art Basel but will be sharing events mostly DC this week.
Doing – Nov/Dec 2022
NPR Music Turns 15!
Who: NPR Music
What: NPR Music hosts two nights of tunes at 9:30 Club for their birthday. Monday features Cimafunk, Cory Henry, and Lekeli47 will be playing along with a surprise guest; it was Bon Iver at the ten-year celebration.
Where: 9:30 Club
When: November 28, 2022 at 7pm
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005D2FA13C214F
Not Another Drag Show
Who: Logan Stone
What: Join Logan Stone every Monday at Dupont Italian Kitchen for ‘Not Another Drag Show’, a high energy good time show to kick off your week!
Where: DuPont Italian Kitchen 1637 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
When: Mondays at 8pm
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-another-drag-show-tickets-210258828817?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
HOLIDAY POTTERY SALE!
Who: District Clay Center
What: We’re excited to announce that our annual Holiday Pottery Sale will be held on December 3 & 4 this year! Stop by to browse work by over 30 District Clay Potters, try some tasty snacks and drinks, and enjoy the company of the District Clay community. The sale will be held in front of the studio.
Where: District Clay Center
When: December 3 & 4
Community Tree Planting: DC Water
Who: Casey Trees
What: Join us in planting trees at DC Water
Where: DC Water – Brentwood Parkway NE (at the Corner of NY Ave NE and 9th St NE) Brentwood Parkway NE Washington, DC 20002
When: Sat, December 3, 2022, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-tree-planting-dc-water-tickets-465275761327?_eboga=398259705.1665526017&_ga=2.209143441.222238048.1668464571-398259705.1665526017&utm_source=pocket_saves
Yes Queen!
Who: Women in Commedy
What: Celebrate the queens and royalty of DC comedy! The debut show features the DMV’s funniest female-identifying and non binary comics. Polish your crown and snag your ticket for a night of bad bitch laughs.
ASL Interpreter provided!
A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to Asiyah Shelter to support survivors of domestic violence.
P.S. Male comics get in for free.
Where: The Comedy Loft Of DC, 1523 22nd St NW Washington DC 20037
When: 12/01/2022 8:00 PM, Door Time: 7:00 PM
Great Winter Gala
Who: BeGreatDC
What: Every holiday season, BeGreatDC partners with the National Center for Children and Families to collect toys and luggage for DMV-based foster care youth transitioning in between homes. Last year, we collected $12,000 worth of donations for 200 youth, including over 300 toys and 21 pieces of luggage. This year, we’re celebrating our 5th Annual Holiday Drive by hosting the inaugural Great Winter Gala!
Wear your best black tie fit, bring a toy or luggage item, and get ready to have a good time giving back and getting LIT!
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided for all attendees.
Hosted By: Krystal Carter and Britt Wright
Sounds By: DJ Jus Jamz
Don’t forget to bring your toy or luggage donation item!
Where: The Gathering Spot, 1720 I Street Northwest Washington, DC 20006
When: Sat, Dec 3, 2022, 8:00 PM – Sun, Dec 4, 2022, 12:00 AM EST
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-winter-gala-tickets-441284121687
Clover Hill (Brooklyn, NY) Dinner
Who: Micheline’s 2022 Young Chef Award winner, Chef Charlie Mitchell x Wine Enthusiast’s 2021 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, Kelly Mitchell, join forces
What: On Thursday, December 1st, Michelin Guide’s 2022 Young Chef Award winner (first black Michelin-starred chef in NYC), Chef Charlie Mitchell of newly Michelin-starred Clover Hill (Brooklyn, NY) and Wine Enthusiast’s 2021 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, Kelly Mitchell, are joining forces for ONE night only! The two young, black rising stars will collaborate on a special seven-course dinner ($295/pp) featuring seasonal wine pairings. The event, inspired by Jay Z and Beyonce’s ‘Love Happy’ by The Carters, plays on the song’s lyrics “Just private affairs in a tighter circle, Large format wines in small settings” with magnums of wine being poured in Clover Hill’s intimate dining room. Enjoy dishes such as Prawn & Pomelo Tartlet & Osetra Caviar & main courses like Dry Aged Duck with Apricot & Truffles.
Where: NYC
When: THURS, 12/1
Tickets: Reservations can be made via RESY.
Gravitas Dessert For Dinner, 4.0
Who: Gravitas
What: As highlighted recently in Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC,” dynamic Pastry Chef Aisha Momaney’s popular Dessert for Dinner series continues on December 4th with a holiday classics focus; sweet lovers can enjoy plays on seasonal faves like Egg Nog (Milk punch, egg white, whisky), a Yule Log made of Birch, Hickory Syrup and Burnt Meringue, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee & Ginger.
Where: Gravitas, 1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
When: December 4th
Tickets: Guests can reserve via RESY.
JÔNT x Martiny’s: Collab
Who: Two star MICHELIN-awarded Jônt & Hotaling & Co/Nikka Whiskey What: A cocktail collaboration between Martiny’s, one of New York City’s most lauded new cocktail bars, and Press Club, a new luxury cocktail concept coming to DC in 2023 from the team behind Bresca/Jônt. Decorated Bar Director is thrilled to welcome Bar Director Takuma Watanabe- former veteran and bar star of Angel Share to make cocktail magic.
Where: Jônt – 1904 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
When: December 6th
Tickets: Guests can reserve via Tock.
Other Places to visit –
Museums – Rubell Museum
Theaters – https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/
DC Commedy Loft – https://www.dccomedyloft.com/events
Reading – Nov 2022
Currently Reading – Christine Platt’s The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less (scheduling a purge sale for December cause your girl’s got too much stuff!!) – Resumed listening to the High Five Habit and Mel Robbins is truly a treasure!
Added To The Reading List:
*Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop – Rest Is Resistance
*Glory Edim – On Girlhood: 15 Stories from the Well-Read Black Girl Library
*Chloe Louvouezo – Life, I Swear
*Helena Andrews – The Mamas: What I Learned About Kids, Class, and Race from Moms Not Like Me
*Yasmine Cheyenne – The Sugar Jar, Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life
*Bevy Smith – Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie
*Alex Elle – How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free
*Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem by April Ryan
*Jennette McCurdy – I’m Glad My Mom Died
Eating – Nov/Dec 2022
Added Eating because I love food (obvi!!) and wanted a space to share some exciting food/eating news.
“Underground”: Grand Opening!
Beneath Clarendon’s already beloved Clarendon Ballroom space comes “Underground,” the new club space opening specifically for lovers of house and dance music. Guests can expect a state of the art lighting and sound system, a video wall behind a Dual DJ station, black lights, mapped ceiling lights and wash lights around the room, wall Art by Rodrigo Pradel and Mike Pacheco, and a full bar. Underground kicked off its grand opening last weekend, and will also be open the night before Thanksgiving, aka “Drinksgiving.”
Quadrant (Seven Restaurant Group): Staycations for foodies!
Looking for a stay-cation in DC? Look no further than the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. where you can dine at their bar, Quadrant, for dishes and drinks from the Michelin starred team at Seven Restaurant Group (Seven Reasons, Joy, Imperfecto). The contemporary French-Latin American menu features dishes like the 18 Month Aged Comté Cream Bucatini, a Truffle Caesar Salad, and Rose Negroni made with prickly pears, rose, and clarified milk.
Immigrant Food+: Old Fashioned Flights launched 11/15 – come in and see what the buzz is about
Following the huge success of the Immigrant Food+’s Negroni Patio, which featured 6 unique twists on the Italian cocktail, Immigrant Food+ continues the creative takes on classic cocktails. Now, IF+ is featuring 6 takes on the American favorite: the Old Fashioned. Versions include a Pumpkin Old Fashioned, A Japanese-inspired “Morning Rain” Old Fashioned, and the “Feisty Chihuahua” inspired by the namesake state in Mexico.
Ghostburger: Cocktail pitchers and new beers!
Ghostburger just added 25 oz pitchers of all the cocktails to the menu ranging from $24-34. This deal is unmatched given that a pitcher of old fashioneds, for example, ends up being 6 pours the way most people pour them for $31. Ghostburger also added 2 draft beers (currently Philly beers – Troegs Sunshine Pils & Victory Brotherly Love Hazy IPA) available as a 15oz glass or 44 oz pitcher.
RASA: Five Bowls for Five Dollars on their 5 Year Anniversary!
Five years ago on December 6th, 2017, fine fast casual and local DC Indian restaurant RASA opened their first store in Capitol Riverfront right next to Nationals Park. Celebrate their birthday on December 6th, 2022 with $5 bowls from their “We Got You” chef-inspired menu- available at the original location in-person or online, pickup or delivery available (code: 5YEARSOFRASA). As an extra added touch, commemorate the occasion with a 5th birthday limited edition bag designed by local South Asian and Muslim artist Senna Ahmed ($20, purchase at the store on December 6 or available via RASA’s Toast page)- 20% of proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen.
Bresca: RAMW’s DC Cocktail Week 11/30-/12/4
From Wednesday, November 30th to Sunday, December 4th, Bresca will be offering their seasonal Carrot Cappelletti Pasta with Apples and Braised Lamb plus the Boats of Marseilles paired with an old fashion variation made with Woodinville Bourbon, St. George Dry Rye Gin and North African spices for $40 (available from open and close each day, only at the bar). Reservation link here.
Michele’s: RAMW’s DC Cocktail Week 11/30-/12/4
On Monday, November 28th to Sunday, December 4th, Michele’s will be participating in DC Cocktail Week, offering their Contagious Happiness cocktail ($17, Catoctin Creek Michele’s Private Barrel Rye, Banhez Joven Mezcal, Acidified Picante Orange, Ginger Honey, Pink Salt) which will be paired with Crispy Pork, Adobo Glaze, Chipotle Nuts and Seeds, Orange Salsa. They’ll also be offering a Happy Hour event in celebration of the week on Wednesday November 30th; 4 pm – 10 pm.
Watching – Nov 2022
I watch an embarrassing amount of television sometimes, often while trying to find the bottom of my inbox. Here are some of my favorite series and movies I’ve watched lately.
On Netflix – WEDNESDAY WAS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! So much so that I have now watched it twice and I rarely rewatch shows, especially so quickly but it was truly too good to not revisit. I enjoyed everything about it and related so much to her quirkiness and her experience navigating boarding school. While Foxcroft didn’t have magic and nobody died while I was there, there is something about the boarding school experience that this series took me back too. Jenna Ortega really nailed the role and my favorite part of it was probably that dance scene I just learned she self choreographed and didn’t think was good (when it was actually more like EPIC). I think it’s already the doing major numbers so I fully anticipate a season 2. I won’t go into spoilers cause I’m sure some folks still haven’t watched it but go watch it now, you will not regret it!! I’m watching Manifest finally cause it turns out I haven’t seen Season 4 so I’m excited to have more to watch!! I’ve also been watching the Warrior Nun and Lucifer which have both been super interesting religiously for me. Everyone keeps saying From Scratch is bringing them to tears so I’m gonna wait to put that one on.
Peacock – Super excited for the upcoming drop of the Best Man The Final Chapter. It’s about to be so good and kinda bitter sweet! Still haven’t watched the Barney doc but it’s up next cause it sounds really facinating. Will also probably check out the new Pitch Perfect cause those always make me laugh.
Check back next week for more to do, read, eating and watch!!
