May 2009

Picnics and Prizes for Sounds in the Square

Artistic Bike Rack Coming to Dupont Circle

Elephant & Castle Now Open

Chocolate Mother's Day Treats at Schakolad

Shape Up Specials at Results Gym

Sam & Harry's Open for Lunch

May Solo Show at Foundry Gallery

Mother's Day Brunch Special at M Street Bar and Grill

May Events at Mezza Luna

Get Ready for Summer with Deals from Andre Chreky
  Dinner Sushi Deals and More at Wasabi

Freebies with Frequent Chop't Visits

Mother's Day Specials at The Quincy

Celebrate Special Occasions at Taberna del Alabardero

Rose Celebration Event at Molecule Salon

Golden Triangle May Literary Calendar

Meet Your Neighbor: Becky Kitsoulis — Godiva Chocolatier

Ambassador of the Month: Michael Bunn






Picnics and Prizes for Sounds in the Square

Sounds in the Square is just a month away! The concerts kick off in Farragut Square Park on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30pm with Rebelicious, a take-no-prisoners, high-energy modern country band with classic rock sensibilities. Rebelicious has opened for Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and other national acts, and is sure to bring fun country flair to the Golden Triangle. Thursday, June 11 switches gears with Jah Works, the DC-area's best reggae band. On June 18 Orquesta La Romana will get people to their feet with fun Latin salsa music, and on June 25 the Dave Matthews cover band Crowded Streets returns to the park this summer. Check out the full Sounds in the Square lineup here.

You'll want to come to the concerts each week, not only to enjoy the free entertainment and great summer weather but to win prizes from Golden Triangle merchants. Two gift certificates will be given away at each concert at 7:30pm to audience members. Check out the prizes for each week here.

Also, sign up online to win a VIP concert picnic package for you and nine of your closest friends or colleagues. We're giving out a weekly Sounds in the Square VIP concert picnic package that includes drinks, cookies, picnic blankets, VIP tickets to the DC Improv Comedy Club and a cooler for up to ten people to enjoy at the concerts. Winners will be selected on Tuesdays each week prior to the Thursday concerts.

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Artistic Bike Rack Coming to Dupont Circle

The Golden Triangle BID has selected a winning bike rack design from its artistic bike rack contest held this winter. The winning design by local architect Olivier Delacour will be installed mid-May outside the Dupont Circle Metro station's south entrance.

Cast in vibrant green and blue steel piping, the design spans 13 feet, spells out the words "bike here" and can accommodate more than ten locked bikes. For his winning entry, Delacour received a $1,500 honorarium plus a complimentary Saturday night stay for two at the Mayflower Hotel in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

The new artistic bike rack will serve as a complement to other streetscape projects in development in the Golden Triangle such as the installation of public art at the Farragut North Metro station and the creation of a raised, tree-lined median along Connecticut Avenue.

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Elephant & Castle Now Open

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant, a new favorite neighborhood pub for dining, drinking, and gathering, has just opened at 900 19th Street NW. Famous for their fish 'n chips, great beer, timeless pub comfort and warmth, Elephant & Castle in the Golden Triangle is serving up great brunch, happy hour, and special events for those who work or play in the neighborhood. Check them out at www.elephantcastle.com, give them a call at 202.296.2575, or just stop by for a beer and welcome them to the neighborhood.

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Chocolate Mother's Day Treats at Schakolad

Don't forget to treat Mom for Mother's Day with some handmade chocolates from Schakolad Chocolate Factory at 1107 19th Street NW. She would love a chocolate heart box filled with assorted truffles or maybe a long-stemmed chocolate rose. Also in honor of Mother's Day, Schakolad is offering a special on fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries for the entire month of May — buy four and get two free. Find out more at www.schakolad.com or by calling 202.457.8888.

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Shape Up Specials at Results Gym

Results Gym at 1101 Connecticut Avenue NW helps you remember Mother's and Father's Day this year with a great gift bag special! For just $99 (a $325 value) you'll get a one-month gym pass, one personal training session, one 60-minute massage, and a Results Gym t-shirt — all in a limited-edition Results Gym bag. Call Sarah at 202.234.5678 x207 for details or visit their website at www.resultsthegym.com.

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Sam & Harry's Open for Lunch

One of the Golden Triangle's favorite dinner spots, Sam & Harry's at 1120 19th Street NW, is now open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. After you're done at the office, stop back by Sam & Harry's for happy hour from 5:00 to 6:30pm when you'll receive 25% off the bar menu, beer and select wines, and specialty cocktails. Check out www.samandharrys.com for the full menu.

If you're interested in a more private dining experience, Sam & Harry's has eight private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 350 people and are available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktail parties, and meetings. As an added incentive to host an event at this elegant venue, they now offer a rewards program for event and meeting planners — Private Dining Perks. For each private dining event a planner books at Sam & Harry's, they will receive 10% of the value of that event (excluding taxes and gratuities) in gift certificates, up to $200. Call 202.296.4333 for reservations or more information.

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May Solo Show at Foundry Gallery

Until May 31, Patricia Zannie's solo show, Mother Nature & Friends, is on display in Galleries I and II at Foundry Gallery at 1314 18th Street NW. Zannie's collage works focus on the exploration of humanity as part of nature. Visit www.foundrygallery.org to view more art or call 202.462.0203 for details.

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Mother's Day Brunch Special at M Street Bar and Grill

Join M Street Bar and Grill at 2033 M Street NW for a Mother's Day champagne brunch featuring the talented jazz singer Yvonne Johnson. From 10:00am to 4:30pm, a three-course brunch with a complimentary glass of either champagne, mimosa, or Bloody Mary is just $29.95. Reservations are suggested, as M Street Bar and Grill boasts one of DC's top ten brunches, according to OpenTable.com. Visit www.mstreetbarandgrill.com or call 202.530.3621 for reservations.

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May Events at Mezza Luna

May is full of fun at Mezza Luna Restaurant and Lounge at 1140 19th Street NW. Tonight is Old Skool Happy Hour, where you can groove to music from the 70s and 80s from 6:30 to 8:30pm; if you're one of the first thirty people in, you'll get a drink ticket for a free cocktail.

On Sunday, May 10, you can treat Mom to bottomless sangria, mimosas, and Bloody Marys — and a three-course brunch — for $60 from 10:00am to 3:30pm.

On Wednesday, May 13 from 9:00pm to close, Mezza Luna is throwing a Pretty in Pink party to show support for the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Get dressed up in your best pink sartorial splendor and you stand a chance of winning a cash prize for the best outfit. A $5 donation is suggested to support the cause. RSVP with Pretty in Pink in the subject line to mezzaevents@yahoo.com.

On Thursday, May 28 from 9:00pm to close, take part in Mezza Luna's High Heel party. Wear your highest heels and enjoy $3, $5, and $6 drink specials. Every lady in heels gets a raffle ticket for various door prizes and an additional ticket for every heel inch over 3". RSVP with High Heel in the subject line to mezzaevents@yahoo.com.

Find out more about these events, menus, and specials at www.mezzalunadc.com or by calling 202.429.8889.

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Get Ready for Summer with Deals from Andre Chreky

May is full of special savings at Andre Chreky at 1604 K Street NW. From now until May 10, drop off a business card at the front desk when you check in for an appointment and you'll be entered to win a Kenra beauty basket full of treats and treatments. Today is also Andre Chreky's retail roundup, where all baubles, bangles, bath products, and balms are 20% off. On May 12 you can indulge in a body sea salt treatment to say goodbye to dull, flaky skin for just $75, and on May 15, a bikini wax is just $20. Visit online at www.andrechreky.com or call 202.293.9393 to schedule an appointment today.

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Dinner Sushi Deals and More at Wasabi

Wasabi, at 908 17th Street NW, serves up modern Japanese cuisine in the Golden Triangle, with both carryout and dine-in options. With a fun conveyor belt running by your table, it's easy to see all the great sushi Wasabi offers. Stop in anytime or avoid the crowds and receive one free plate by coming before noon or after 2:00pm for lunch. At dinner, any six plates are only $18. If you are on the run, enjoy one of Wasabi's spring takeaway specials — sushi rolls and a small soup for $6 or any small sushi mix, a drink, and miso soup for $9. Visit www.wasabisushi.com or call 202.822.2005 for more details.

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Freebies with Frequent Chop't Visits

With warmer weather finally here, it's time to think about a Chop't Creative Salad Co. salad. With two locations in the Golden Triangle (1300 Connecticut Avenue NW and 1105 ½ 19th Street NW) you don't have to travel far for a great salad. Try one of their new seasonal specials and sign up as part of their new Frequent Chop'r program. Buy nine salads and the tenth one's on Chop't! But that's not all: with your third salad you get a free fountain beverage and with your sixth salad you get a free cookie, brownie, or bag of chips. Check out www.choptsalad.com for more information.

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Mother's Day Specials at The Quincy

Mother always knows best, so this Mother's Day, treat her to the best with a relaxing stay in the Golden Triangle at The Quincy hotel at 1823 L Street NW. A special Mother's Day package includes overnight accommodations in a spacious studio suite and complimentary Mother's Day specials — Jelly Belly jelly beans, Orangina, an eye mask and chocolates! All starting at just $99 per night. Visit www.thequincy.com to book a reservation or call 202.833.8639 x7050.

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Celebrate Special Occasions at Taberna del Alabardero

Taberna del Alabardero at 1776 I Street NW is legendary for its high quality, traditional Spanish cuisine, unbeatable sangria, creative tapas, extensive wine list and authentic atmosphere evocative of Old World Spain.

This Mother's Day, Taberna will be opening its doors for all the extraordinary moms in the Washington, DC area from 12:30 to 5:30pm. Moms and their families can enjoy a leisurely lunch of classic Spanish cuisine, which will include a complimentary glass of Cava and a rose upon arrival for all the women of the hour.

Taberna del Alabardero will also be taking reservations for private celebrations during George Washington University's college graduation weekend. For more information, please call 202.429.2200 or visit www.alabardero.com.

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Rose Celebration Event at Molecule Salon

Join Molecule Salon at 1800 M Street NW for their first-annual Rose Celebration on May 16 from 8:00 to 11:00pm. Eternal symbols of beauty and elegance make for a sparkling backdrop as Molecule brings a centuries-old tradition to the Golden Triangle. Enjoy great food and music at the salon and enter to win fabulous prizes like a trip to Paris or salon products and services. RSVP to 202.822.1588 or fdesk.molecule@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Find out more about Molecule at www.moleculesalon.com.

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Golden Triangle May Literary Calendar

Reiter's | 1990 K Street NW | 202.223.3327
On Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30pm, meet George Mason University economist Peter Leeson as he shares from his book Invisible Hook: The Hidden Economics of Pirates. Piracy is not just a great topic for Walt Disney movies, but also an important economic phenomenon. Leeson's excellent book helps us to understand who pirates were and why they chose their infamous occupation.

On Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm, author Elfriede Dustin will discuss her book Implementing Automated Software Testing. Her book does an excellent job describing how test automation differs from other test activities, and clearly lays out what kind of skills and knowledge are needed to automate tests.

Borders | 18th & L Streets NW |202.466.4999
Today at 6:30pm, Laila Lalami will be reading and signing her book Secret Son. Having proven herself a captivating storyteller in a previous collection of short stories, Laila Lalami, brings us a fabulous and eye-opening look inside contemporary Morocco with her debut novel Secret Son.

On Wednesday, May 13 at 12:30pm, author Vincent Bzdek will discuss and sign The Kennedy Legacy. In his book, Bzdek looks at John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy's individual stories as essentially one, with each successive brother striving to fulfill the interrupted promise of the brother before.

On Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm, Steve Luxenberg will discuss and sign his book Annie's Ghosts. Annie's Ghosts is the engrossing, eye-opening story of Luxenberg's search for the personal motives and cultural forces that influenced his mother's decision to hide the existence of a sister, Annie. As Luxenberg seeks to reinterpret family history, he realizes that secrets beget other secrets. The deeper he digs, the more he finds himself in unfamiliar territory, struggling to balance his dual roles, the tenacious journalist and the empathetic son.

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Meet Your Neighbor: Becky Kitsoulis — Godiva Chocolatier

When people think of chocolate, the name Godiva always comes to mind. Luckily for those in the Golden Triangle, there is a Godiva Chocolatier shop located at 1143 Connecticut Avenue NW staffed by manager Becky Kitsoulis who is ready to find the right sweet to satisfy your chocolate craving.

"I want people to know that they don't have to come in here to buy, they are always welcome to just come and look and sample. We may be Godiva, but we're also a friendly neighborhood chocolate shop," Becky said.

With everything from caramels, truffles, fresh-dipped strawberries and strawberry-banana kebobs, seasonal delights like summer's mango truffles and hand-dipped marshmallows, brownies, and more, there is always something new and delicious to be found in Godiva.

"We have all sorts of regular customers who come in and pick up a few pieces of chocolate and it really makes their day," Becky said. "We also get a number of sports players — hockey, baseball, football — and comedians from the DC Improv across the street who stop in to grab a treat."

Godiva also specializes in corporate gifts, even printing a corporate logo on the ribbons used to wrap their delectable gift boxes. For Mother's Day, stop in and spend $25 on Mom and get a free cone with drizzled brownies for free. Peruse the in-store chocolate selection, call 202.638.7421 or visit www.godiva.com for more information.

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Ambassador of the Month: Michael Bunn

Michael Bunn may very well be the Golden Triangle Ambassador program's most decorated Ambassador, having been Ambassador of the Month five times since he started with the program in 2002.

Over the years, Mr. Bunn has honed his hospitality skills, and now trains new Ambassadors on the ins and outs of the job. "The first thing I teach them is how to read the streets North/East/West/South, then by street numbers, then I quiz them on finding things in the guide we hand out, and keep asking them until they get it right," he said.

Mr. Bunn enjoys the hubbub of working as a Hospitality Ambassador at Dupont Circle, where he can help people who are just entering the Golden Triangle find their way around. "If someone is looking around a lot, nine times out of ten they don't know where they are going. I'm just helping them get to where they want to go."

Congratulations to Michael Bunn yet again, as May's Ambassador of the Month.

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1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 260 Washington, D.C. 20036 ph: 202.463.3400 fx: 202.463.7062