From Food Trucks to Wolfgang Pucks

If there is one thing DC lacks in terms of food it's good barbecue. Most recently, New York magazine listed DC as one of the new foodie cities; which I agree with because from food trucks to Wolfgang Puck's we've got 'em covered. But, sometimes when a studio-apartment bound girl (no grill) wants to get BBQ sauce all over her face, she is left with not a lot of options. However, there are a couple...

My go to for good barbecue is Old Glory's in Georgetown.
There are few things better in this world than cornbread with butter, fried green tomatoes, and some good ol bbq. Old Glory has something on the menu for everyone. So whether you're willing to get down and dirty with a rack of ribs or stay a little safer with chicken and waffles; Old Glory's will not disappoint.

Also- whatever you do, get the Graceland Nachos they will change your life. Crispy Tortillas with Rib & Brisket Chili, Onions, Jalapenos, Guacamole, Sour Cream & Pico de Gallo. Substitute Pulled Pork or Chicken for the Chili! Enough said.


Ok, I should also mention at this point that I do not consider chicken wings BBQ food which is why I am ignoring them in this post. Just because it's got barbecue sauce on it, doesn't make it BBQ. Granted, DC has tons of good chicken wing joints Duffy's and Stoney's included, it's not true barbecue food.

That being said, let's talk about what's on tonight's menu. Tonight the bf and I are going out with some of my high school friends who have moved to the DC area. We are going to Rockland's Barbecue and Grilling Company for dinner. I have never been but when it comes to hearty, messy, and filling foods, I will always trust the bf.

Rockland's is unique because they use only red oak and hickory to cook their food. No electricity or gas in the process. This allows the meat to really absorb the smokey and woody flavors that only cooking it in a pit can offer. Tonight I plan on having the Chicken and Ribs platter which is a quarter chicken and two pork ribs with two sides. Now I will be honest, after reading the reviews online things aren't lookin' so great for Rockland's sides; so I'm going to stick to a side I consider foolproof: mac and cheese. Oh, I know it says two sides...double the mac.


So, DC let's work on the good ol' barbecue dinner because sometimes you just want to eat with your hands.

The Day After the Week of Fun

It's the vacation hangover post. I'm back at work- which is fine, but I'm still in the "how long can I stretch this relaxation feeling?" mode. So to add to that lovely vibe-here are some of my favorite pictures from my family vacation in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

This is my younger sister, Sara, and our friend, Anna, tubing on Lake Winnepasaukee.

On the back of the boat with Mom (who is looking fabulously nautical), Anna, and my sister (who managed to keep her eyes open in this sun filled picture!

My dad works too hard during the year. This is his once a year true vacation. Here he is enjoying the dock.

This is Sam dog. She is attempting to be a lake dog but more often than not she can be found in the house, asleep on the overstuffed couch.

My very TAN family celebrating Sara's belated 21st birthday with the family at Garwood's.
And finally, me with my girl, Sam relaxing on the dock.

Ah, that was nice wasn't it? A little sun, some fun in the water, and of course family time. Tomorrow it's back to the grindstone...well maybe.

Nationals Weekend

A note to all of my loyal readers (or just the bf...let's be real) I'll be on vacation next week with my family in New Hampshire, so no posts. Try to make it through the week without me.

But, before I jet off to Lake Winnepasaukee. Let's talk about America's favorite past time. Baseball.

The bf and I will be entertaining some of his relatives who are coming in from out of town for the Phillies v Nats games this weekend. I wanted to take a moment to tell you how freakin' awesome the games are. But since this is a girly blog, let's start with the outfit.

My favorite part of a Nationals game is the President's Race; mostly because I am dedicated member of the "Let Teddy Win" campaign. It's a small grass-roots effort, but I think with the right advertising it could take off. Enter, my Teddy tee:

Roosevelt #26 Jersey, Let Teddy Win, $25

For the hat I like the old-school look:

Lids, Nationals Forty-Seven Brand Hat, $25

OK, moving on to the food. Three words: Ben's Chili Bowl. That's all you need to know. Don't question it, don't even look around. Just head to Ben's. Period. I recommend the half smoke (no mustard) and chili cheese fries served with a fork. Trust me.







For a drink, there really is no way around it- it's going to be expensive. For the boys, a standard Bud or Miller Lite will run you around eight bucks but if you're feeling wild and want to get more bang for your buck, head to the margarita stand and spend $12 for a giant yard glass.





Finally, a few words of wisdom: stay for the fireworks, make fun of Clint the announcer guy, stand for the troops when they salute them, and dance to the at-bat music.
Play Ball and Go Nats!

It's Raining Fashion!

This past Sunday there was a freak, but insane rainstorm that plowed through DC. I dedicate today's post to those who were entirely unprepared for that little treat. And for the future, let's talk about some stylish and appropriate rain gear.

First and most importantly, a good umbrella. This one is by far my favorite brand even though they could use an update on their patterns: Bright Nite Lighted Umbrellas. I love them because they're lightweight, and as their name suggests they have a tiny light bulb in the top that makes me feel a little bit safer walking around DC on the dark and stormy nights. The umbrella also is windproof so you won't have any of those embarrassing inside-out incidents that destroy your hair for the day and make you look like an idiot.

Bright Night, Ripple Effect, $38

Next the raincoat. Two options: colorful and bold (old school) or a classic trench. Let's start with the fun one!

Gap, Hooded Rain-coat, $34

If you're going to do a trench, fit is very important. You've gotta get the right length or else you'll look like you're playing dress up with your mom's rain gear. I like the classic khaki trench, it's versatile from work to play and you can dress it up with a silk scarf while still rocking the Carmen San Diego look. And if you're going with the classic look please just bite the bullet and INVEST! It will be worth it because this style isn't going anywhere!

Banana Republic, Classic Trench, $198

Finally the footwear. I think this is the place to have the most fun considering what a comeback rain boots have made lately. In my opinion, go wild! Please, take them off once you get to work but otherwise, the sky is the limit. Here are some of my favorites:

Tamara Henriques, Women's Rubber Shoe, $80

Zappos, Sperry Top Sider, $50

Target, Zulima Bias Plaid, $24

And don't forget when it gets colder, Target also sells rain boot fleece liners for $10.

Stay dry!