Apartment Showcase Blog

Walk MS Gives Renters From Reston to Rockville a Good Reason to Get Moving

Filed under: Bowie, Md.,Manassas, Va.,Reston, Va.,Rockville, Md.,Southwest, D.C.,Waldorf, Md. — Scott D @ 3:23 pm on April 12, 2012
Walk MS

Best foot forward: Get out there and help conquer MS. Raising $125 nets you a free t-shirt! (sumeetjain via Flickr)

Every month we give apartment renters in the Washington, D.C., area fun stuff to do, and most of them get to do these things without too much trouble.

But some people aren’t so fortunate; they deal with debilitating health issues that make life hard, really hard. Now we’re giving those renters a chance to give something back to those who need it, a chance to Walk MS.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website, approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, with the number afflicted worldwide thought to be greater than 2.1 million. And it’s good to know we can help them.

The site gives a thorough primer on the disease. Further, here is an interview with National Multiple Sclerosis Society President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo.

Walk MS is actually divided into six walks in the Washington, D.C., area, so many renters have a nearby walk they can easily reach. Saturday, April 14, features the Bowie, Rockville, Waldorf and Manassas walks. Reston’s walk is on Sunday, April 15, and the capital’s event is on April 21.

Walk MS gives you plenty of ways to raise funds while walking. This is important, as there is no entrance fee for Walk MS. For bicyclists, there’s Bike MS as well.

Here is the site FAQ.

The walk routes range between three to six miles, and every walker who raises $125 will get a free Walk MS T-shirt. And yes, you can bring your dog as long as they are on a leash. Good luck getting your cat to do anything, let alone leading them around on a leash. Gotta respect those felines.

Take Yourself Out to the Ballgame This Week at Nationals Park

Filed under: Capitol Riverfront, S.E.,Southeast, D.C. — Scott D @ 2:03 pm on April 11, 2012
Washington Nationals

Staycation: Thursday's D.C. opener is the start of an 11-game home stretch for the Nats. (Keith Allison via Flickr)

The spring brings with it many traditional rites. One of these traditional rites in America is associated with the crack of a bat, the smell of fresh-cut grass, the eating of popcorn, peanuts, hotdogs, and the drinking of soda and beers.

I’m talking about opening day for Major League Baseball. Or more specifically, the Washington Nationals home opener on Thursday, April 12, when they play host to the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in Southeast.

Now, whether or not there will be any tickets left for tomorrow’s game by the time you’re reading this is a good question. As posited on this blog before, diehard fans of any event can always hit Craigslist and be happily fleeced by whatever scu … ticket seller is hawking ducats he gobbled up for just such an occasion.

Sorry, that’s the way it works.

[ Related: Spring is Here! Time to Get Out to Nationals Park in Southeast ]

But I know one thing, there’ll be 81 chances to see the Nationals this year, so whether you score tickets for the opener or not, you can still see the team a whole bunch.


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Nationals Park
1500 South Capitol St., S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Single-game tickets can go anywhere from $10 to $325 (for Lexus Presidents Seats), depending on how close you are to the action and amenities featured. And really, if you can afford those Lexus Presidents Seats, I somehow doubt you’re a loyal reader of this blog.

Regardless of what you can afford, because of the 4,500-square-foot, high-definition scoreboard, there really isn’t a bad seat in this 41,546-seat house.

[ Related: Downtown's Cherry Blossoms Celebrate 100 Colorful Years ]

It’s true the Nationals aren’t world beaters, but last year they went 80-81. Yeah, those familiar with Major League Baseball, that’s not a typo. For whatever reason, a late-season rainout against the Los Angeles Dodgers was never made up, the baseball Gods not even having the decency to let the team have a chance to even its record. Tsk-tsk. (Maybe I spoke too soon about the 81 chances you’ll have to see them this year. I hope not.)

Well, let’s do our part to make the MLB suits hear our District-area roar of outrage by filling the stadium for each home game in 2012.

Denizens living near a Metro stop are in luck, as Nationals Stadium is located only a block or so from the Navy Yard station on the Green Line. Check out the neighborhood while you’re at it; Capital Riverfront could be your new home.

D.C. Film Festival Screens Big Laughs From Around the World

Filed under: Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 12:06 pm on April 9, 2012
King Curling

Brush with fame: Cast members of Norwegian comedy "King Curling," which plays April 15 and 20 at Regal Cinemas Gallery Place. (Filmfestdc.org)

Is it really that time of year again? Naw … it can’t be.

Well, I just checked the calendar, and it is: April 2012, time once again for the Washington, DC International Film Festival. The 26th annual event will take place April 12-22, with multiple venues participating throughout the D.C. area.

This year, the festival will highlight “a slate of international comedies.” Ah yes, comedy. We could all use a laugh these days. There will be more than 75 films at this year’s Filmfest DC, a cocktail of features, documentaries and shorts in “the District’s oldest and largest film festival.”

Just like last year, there almost has to be something on tap here to kindle your inner auteur. “Films presented in the festival are Washington, DC premieres and provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy award-winning cinema otherwise not available.”

[ Related: Downtown's Cherry Blossoms Celebrate 100 Colorful Years ]

Sounds good, eh?

There is a diverse lineup this year, featuring films from Italy, Norway, Canada, Iran, Russia, Japan, Argentina, Cuba and Jamaica. Filmfest DC is an accessible festival, as “free programs for children and senior citizens will be offered.”

One highlight this year is “Monsieur Lazhar,” an Oscar-nominated tale of an Algerian immigrant who’s hired to replace a well-liked Montreal elementary teacher who committed suicide. Looks interesting.

Here is the full list of films, venues and information on how to obtain tickets.

[ Related: Good Food, Drinks Await at the Smoke and Barrel in Adams Morgan ]

Speaking of which, like last year, most tickets will cost $11. Opening night, which will feature a screening of Canadian comedy “Starbuck” at Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 in Chinatown, will set you back $25. The closing night reception, held at the Embassy of France, will feature a screening of French film “The Intouchables,” and for that you’ll have to shell out 20 smackers.

As with any festival, especially one with as much going on as Filmfest DC, always check the site for regular updates and the most detailed information. Most venues will be Metrorail accessible.

Sponsors this year include WJLA and WAMU, American University Radio.

Ah, the apartment renter in Washington, D.C., sure does have them some entertainment options, no?

The Mayans Predict You’ll Have a Blast at Green Spring Gardens

Filed under: Alexandria, Va. — Scott D @ 10:00 am on April 1, 2012

Sign of the times: I'm fine with the world ending as long as I get to spend all of my Mega Millions winnings first. (Furryscaly via Flickr)

This just in … the world is going to end!

Those Mayan prophecies are correct! The nutcases were right all along! Oh, no!

What to do, what to wear, where to rent in my last year on Earth?! In the last year of Earth! (Don’t worry. ApartmentShowcase.com is currently gathering listings of apartments on Mars, Uranus and even Neptune, so we’ll all have a place to go when things hit the fan on December 21.)

Egads! Why?! Why?! Why?! All those things I shoulda said, shoulda did.

Earth, you water- and grass-covered facilitator of life and dreams! Oh, charming sphere of light and wonder and –

April fools!

Now pull yourself together. We have some springtime business to attend to, telling you why you should rent an apartment in the area.

And on April Fools’ Day, we’ve decided to celebrate the early spring with a post about Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.

[ Related: Dumbarton Oaks a Center of Learning, Landscaping in Georgetown ]

And if you rent in the area, you’d be a fool (April or otherwise) not to take advantage of this “year-round gold mine of information and inspiration for the home gardener.” Green Spring Gardens is “an outdoor classroom for children and their families” where they can “learn about plants and wildlife. It’s also a museum” and “a national historic site that offers glimpses into a long, rich history with colonial origins.”

Best of all, it’s likely to be here on December 22.

There are more than 20 thematic demonstration gardens here, as well as a Horticulture Center with a goodly horticultural reference library and an accompanying glasshouse filled with tropicals. You can shop for plants, tools and gardening items at the Horticulture Center, and you can also shop at the Garden Gate Plant Shop, which for you, conveniently opens in April (and closes in early fall).

[ Related: Balconies in Bloom: Gardening for Apartment Renters ]

When you’re finished loading up on plants, you can shop some more at the Historic House shop. Built in 1784, the house itself is considered a museum, and touring it would be as much a boon for some as the gardens surrounding it. Once inside, you can gaze at changing art exhibits.

There are plenty of educational programs for adults and kids as well. Here’s a list of upcoming events/programs for renters out there with a green thumb. Program fees vary, so check the site for details.

Green Spring Gardens is open all year, and it’s free. Normal garden hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Be sure to check their holiday hours. The Historic House is open from noon to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday.

Get those garden tools ready. Apologies to the Mayans.

Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse Hits the Spot in the Mornings … and Later

Filed under: Cleveland Park, N.W.,Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 12:00 pm on March 22, 2012
Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse

Local flavor: The Firehook in Dupont Circle, one of the trendy bakery's seven locations in the city. (ElvertBarnes via Flickr)

Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse in Cleveland Park is a busy joint in the a.m. (or at least it was when I was there), and it was filled with a diverse clientele when I patronized the place recently.

Firehook is known for their breads, which they bake themselves. It takes them two days to bake a loaf, and there is plenty of TLC involved in the process.

You can choose from 10 to 20 different types of bread, depending on the day you walk in. You can even order bread and other treats online, as well as have them cater your event. But renters aren’t likely going to need to cater anything in the near future: You’re renting for heaven’s sake!

As mentioned, the place in Cleveland Park was packed at about 9:00-9:30 a.m., a typical morning rush that didn’t seem too rushed. There was the nearly bald guy with the glasses and laptop in front of me, two cute coeds chatting away up ahead on my right (including one girl who probably thought she was in a Parisian café in the 1920s – if in spirit), friends of differing ages doing the same, businessmen in suits, a construction worker and what looked to be a courier of some type with (if I remember correctly) dreadlocks.

[ Related: SOVA on H Street Hits the Spot With Coffee and Wine ]

There were even some people with precocious kids (who weren’t too loud, thankfully), one of whom even hinted he might park his coterie at my small table. That got a laugh from his accompanying grownups.


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Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse
3411 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20015

Suffice it to say, all seemed welcome.

Inside, the narrow-shaped Cleveland Park Firehook seats about 35-45, and when it warms up they have an outdoor garden that seats 80.

The single shot caramel macchiato I had was very sweet and set me back $2.35. They have a full line of hot beverages: coffee, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, teas. They also serve juices, soda and milk.

You’ll find a full line of breakfast and light-fare items like tarts, quiche, soup, cakes, breakfast sandwiches, normal sandwiches, panini, salads and omelets. I didn’t get a chance to taste any of those wares, but they looked good and fancy.

[ Related: Coffee Lovers, Couch Potatoes Will Feel Right at Home at Tryst in Adams Morgan ]

Firehook has had its share of positive ink. None other than W magazine “included Firehook in its short list of top five bakers in the world, alongside the quintessential Parisian bread baker Poilane, as well as bakeries in Milan and London, New York and Los Angeles.”

Zagat, the Washingtonian and Modern Baking magazine have also shown Firehook some love, so I can’t be too far off the mark in touting it. Nix that. I was there, I can tout it all I want.

So yes, at Firehook you pay for quality. But from the look of things while I was there, people didn’t seem to mind.

Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse has 11 locations in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia (included in that number is the retail facility in Chantilly, where they bake all their bread). If you live in either area, there is a decent chance one is near you.

Renters in Cleveland Park can just stroll on up Connecticut Avenue and drink it in. If you’re not already comfortably ensconced in this very nice neighborhood, the Cleveland Park Metro stop on the Red Line is the next block up.

Van Halen, Capitals Rock Verizon Center This Month

Filed under: Chinatown, N.W.,Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 12:36 pm on March 20, 2012
Van Halen's 1984

Little dreamer: “1984“ (above) was Van Halen's last studio album to feature lead singer David Lee Roth before 2012's “A Different Kind of Truth.“ (Epiclectic via Flickr)

Oh, boy. I originally intended to write this piece about the triumphant return of one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time, now with ridiculous showman par excellence David Lee Roth at the mic again.

I’m talking about Van Halen of course, who’re coming to the Verizon Center in Northwest on March 28 in support of new record “A Different Kind of Truth.”

But you know what? I doubt there’ll be any tickets left when the show rolls around, unless you hit craigslist for someone selling theirs for an obscene sum.

[ Related: Rock On: D.C.'s Venerable 9:30 Club Still Going Strong ]

If you’re a fanatic of the band (and I know some of you apartment renters out there are) and somehow missed the boat, you may well part with an unmentionable amount of money to see three-quarters of the original group perform a blistering set. (This time the odd man out is bassist Michael Anthony, replaced by Eddie’s son Wolfgang. Anthony’s sin: being a little too friendly with first replacement singer Sammy Hagar, who despite his lack of talent has probably merited more mentions on this blog than anybody else. A nice, rich chap, it’s his voice I don’t like.)

Anyway, this is Van Halen as it’s supposed to be … three-quarters at least.


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Verizon Center
601 F. St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

To all those who can’t make it, here’s a slice of hard-rock heaven. For the rest of us, let’s see what else is happening at Verizon Center in March.

The Capitols and Wizards are both playing. Even though the Capitals pack’em in and there’s always a chance of a sellout, you’ll be able to find tickets to at least some of these games. If not, you can hit me over the head with one of Sammy’s tequila bottles, or run me over in one of his Ferraris going 55 (maybe one of his only decent songs).

[ Related: Rock and Roll Hotel Promises a Gaudy Good Time on H Street ]

Enough of that guy.

The Verizon Center has another option for a night of revelry: the Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, the only Green Turtle in the District.

Of course, once you’re there, there’s the whole of Chinatown to tackle, and Van Halen or no Van Halen, you’ll have a ball. Ask any renter who lives there; they’ll tell ya.

The Gallery Pl-Chinatown Metro station on the Red and Green/Yellow Lines is there for those of you who need more convincing about Chinatown’s potential as your new home.

Downtown’s Cherry Blossoms Celebrate 100 Colorful Years

Filed under: Northeast, D.C.,Northwest, D.C.,Southeast, D.C.,Southwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 12:33 pm on March 16, 2012
2011 Cherry Blossom Parade

Reign makers: The Cherry Blossom Queens hold court during last year's parade. (SPakhrin via Flickr)

It’s that time of year again, time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Only this time it’s special. Here, let’s let them tell us why:

In 1912, an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees was bestowed on Washington, DC by Tokyo, Japan. Rooted strongly and surviving outside elements, the trees have withstood the test of time – and nearly a century later, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is preparing for an unprecedented and once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Once in a lifetime, alright. Only there’ll be no living in a shotgun shack or in another part of the world; you’ll be right in D.C. proper staring out at a very unique – and beautiful – cherry-colored phenomenon.

[ Related: Go Fish: Sushi-Ko Lands on List of D.C. Top Restaurants ]

This year, the festival will run from March 20 to April 27. (That’s darn near six weeks. Last year, it was two weeks. Are we in for Cherry Blossom season next time out?)

They claim this year’s festival “will unify and electrify the city, the nation, and the world.” The copywriter either had too much caffeine or his full name is Hyp Per Bole. I mean, really. Plus, these people better start learning proper punctuation concerning the term “Washington, D.C.”

Here is where the cherry blossom trees are located. Most of the blossoms will be on the Tidal Basin.

This thing is really chock-full of events, many occurring well before March 20. On the right hand navigation, you’ll see they’re separated into categories.

There are so many events – 150 of them, in fact – that they felt the need to highlight the important Signature events. These include the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which occurs Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, and Jazz at the Jefferson, which runs from noon to 5 p.m. from April 19 to 22.

[ Related: Good Food, Drinks Await at the Smoke and Barrel in Adams Morgan ]

Most events are free to the public; there’s so many, I’m sure the curious renter in D.C. will find something to do.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is headquartered at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center (on the Red, Blue/Orange Lines), and it’s open daily during the festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As you’d expect, there are sponsors galore (Safeway, Canon, Events DC) for this event.

You got your kabuki, your classical music, dance, martial arts exhibitions and a bunch of other Japanese stuff. Come out during this mammoth, area-wide festival and have some fun.

Kennedy Center Spotlights the Musical Masters of Central Europe

Filed under: Foggy Bottom, N.W.,Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 11:11 am on March 14, 2012
Performance of The Barber of Seville

Men in tights: Following Mozart's “Così fan Tutte,“ the 2011-12 opera season continues with Rossini's “The Barber of Seville,“ which runs through April 15 at Kennedy's Terrace Theater. (Fidelio Artist via Flickr)

Apartment renters seeking a cultural outing that’s a little more highfalutin than the average ballgame, rock show or trip to the local dance club du jour are in luck to be living in Washington, D.C. (yeah, yeah, that line’s getting kinda hackneyed, but let’s see you come up with something better … I’m waiting).

And you can’t get much more high-brow than the programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Foggy Bottom in Northwest.

[ Related: Northwest's Kreeger Museum Takes Art Outdoors ]

Until March 29, the Kennedy Center celebrates the Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. They explain it well here: “Through concerts, theater, and lectures, the Kennedy Center, under the guidance of Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, explores the themes and currents that emerged from these three great cities.”

The itinerary includes Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” performed by the Washington National Opera, a tale of two men, two fiancés and temptation; the works of Bartók, performed by the National Symphony Orchestra; and “Eros and Freedom: The Viennese Waltz,” a lecture on the history of the dance that become popular in 19th-century Europe.

Ticket prices range from $15 up to $300 or so (ouch) depending on events and seating. Yes, the cheaper ones tend to go quickly, so all astute aesthetes should get those mouse fingers ready for action, pronto.

[ Related: All the World's a Stage at Studio Theatre in Logan Circle ]

Here’s some Mozart to get you in the mood.

The Kennedy Center is located near the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop on the Blue/Orange Lines. This colossal monument to the performing arts is just another reason to make Washington, D.C., your home.

St. Patty’s Parade Marches Into Town This Weekend

Filed under: Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 11:15 am on March 9, 2012
2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade

Dublin or nothing: You never know what you'll see at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. (tedeytan via Flickr)

It’s that time again: time to celebrate when St. Patrick drove those snakes out of Ireland (or at least in legend he did).

The Washington D.C. 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is being held on Sunday, March 11 at noon. So it’s about a week early; you can live with it. Be Irish for a week.

The parade “will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, N.W.”  Here is the exact parade route.

This year’s Grand Marshall is Cathal Armstrong, and its Gael is Michael F. Curtin, Jr. The parade was first held in 1971, when it “traveled along Massachusetts Avenue from Dupont Circle to the statue of Robert Emmet.”

[ Related: It's Always Open Season at Dupont Circle's Big Hunt ]

Many people don’t realize that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the States, not in Ireland. According to its site, the parade’s mission “is to foster the understanding of and celebrate the Irish culture in America.” And believe it or not, it has nothing to do with leprechauns or Lucky Charms, though we here at ApartmentShowcase.com have nothing against either.

To watch the parade in style, you can purchase grandstand tickets. The grandstands are located next to the judges’ reviewing stand between 15th and 16th streets.

If St. Patrick’s Day (proper) also means going over to The Dubliner Restaurant & Irish Pub in Capitol Hill or Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant in Chinatown to celebrate in a more adult beverage-type way, have at it. You could even go to Ireland’s Four Courts in Arlington.

[ Related: Pining for a New Pub? Try Your Luck at Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington ]

Wherever you go on March 17, just remember to wear green, for as the night floats on and the alcohol goes down, the cagey renter will have better luck that way.

Though supported by the city and the National Park Service, the parade relies on private donations from people like me and you.

The closest Metro station to the parade is the Federal Triangle stop on the Blue/Orange Line, though there are a couple of other stations nearby as well.

Erin go bragh!

Tortilla Factory in Herndon Still Tasty After All These Years

Filed under: Herndon, Va. — Scott D @ 11:40 am on March 6, 2012
Margaritas

Wastin' away again: Complete your Southwest dining experience at The Tortilla Factory with a margarita (or several). (scottfeldstein via Flickr)

I’ve been strolling down memory lane a lot lately because of this blog. And here’s another one.

Me trying to woo some crazy chick at the Tortilla Factory Restaurant in Herndon so long ago that I’m embarrassed to tell you when. Suffice it to say, there was still electricity and even the Internet, but Facebook was still a twinkle in the Winklevosses’ eyes.

And no, the wooing wasn’t particularly successful. Plus, she still has my screwdriver. Long story.

Anyway, not to get all misty-eyed, the Tortilla Factory was quite popular then, and according to Yelp.com and Google Places, it’s still pretty happening. Each ratings service gives the restaurant a respectable three-star average.

[ Related: No Bull: Jaleo Serves Up Tapas All Over Metroland ]

As you can guess, a restaurant named “tortilla” anything would probably offer Mexican food. You’d be right.

If you wanted to say that their website is a bit of a joke, you’d be right there, too. It looks like this thing was last updated before my wooing adventure, which is far too long for a quality dining establishment. But as clunky as their site is, ultimately, it’s about the food, not technology.


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The Tortilla Factory Restaurant
648 Elden St.
Herndon, Va. 20170

Located in the Pine Shopping Center on Elden Street (everything seems to be located on Elden Street in Herndon), Tortilla boasts an extensive menu. I mean, they have 15 appetizers listed on their site alone, and if anyone is familiar with Mexican food, some of these can be counted as a meal in their own right.

Think I’m kidding? Try gobbling down their deluxe nachos or deluxe quesadilla and then order an entrée. Well, if you’ve downed one too many Coronas, you can probably eat several appetizers and entrees (does alcohol do that to you, too?).

[ Related: Hungry for Italian? Fairfax's Popular Bellissimo Makes a Beautiful Choice ]

There are no less than 11 salads/salad burritos, 7 varieties of soups and chili, and 17 of what they call house specialties, which of course are the entrees. Now, I know that Mexican food is by definition spicy, but chicken breast Sonora? That’s taking things a little too far!

They also offer a half-pound fajita fiesta in beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian and in fancy permutations thereof, as well as combination plates. Luckily for vegetarians, many of these dishes can be ordered sans meat.

The highest-priced item on their menu, Plato Grande (carne asada, chicken fajita and grilled shrimp, served with Mexican rice, black beans and flour tortillas), is $16.95, but no less than 10 of their house specialties can be had for $9.50. They even have online coupons, take out and food to go.

Kids’ meals, luncheon specials, high-protein/low-carb meals, a la carte and desserts. They’ve got it all at the Tortilla Factory. If you rent an apartment in Herndon, go down a margarita or two and check out their tasty menu.

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