Heading into Labor Day, I hope you have some fun things planned!

But if not, you'll find something in this issue--including the change to win tickets to a magic show!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

...or really, Houston, TX.

I was just in Houston for work, and I got a bunch of recommendations from people on what to do. Most of that was places to eat (not mad at that!), and while I only had time to try one of the spots, it was amazing.

​Musaafer is a beautiful restaurant with an incredible tasting menu. Focusing on modern Indian food, the chef aims to highlight dishes and cooking styles from throughout the diverse subcontinent.

Michelin announces they're coming to Texas this year, and I think it will get one Michelin Star. I had 13 dishes on the tasting menu, and there was only one I could find ANY fault with--but even then, I still appreciated what they were going for. Service was excellent, highly recommend.

If you want the full list of recommendations I got for Houston, check out this Google Map.

Things to Eat in DC

Viral TikTok food critic Keith Lee has been in the DC area, and he hasn't like what he found, starting from real debate about the DC food scene. I thought it was interesting how quickly the sentiment seemed to go from excited to angry or disappointed. Seemed like it only took a day before people were blasting him on his choices and what some thought was a lack of research.

Well, Keith released a video letting the world know what not only did his team do their research, but they went to a total of 12 restaurants and didn't chare the majority of them because the experiences were bad and he didn't think it would be constructive.

People figured out some of the restaurants he didn't like, and they are in crisis mode.

Personally, I enjoy Keith's reviews, but I knew a long time ago that he and I do not have the same taste in food. You can enjoy someone's reviews without agreeing with them.

I think it's important to find a food influencer with your same palette. As someone who makes restaurant content, here are some things to look out for in food influencers.

• How do they describe what they like and dislike?
• What are they saying about the flavors? Are the things they're highlighting the same things that you care about when evaluating that type of dish?
• What types of places do they go? Would these be the types of places you would want to try? Is it only new or viral spots?
• What do they have to say about places you've been? Do you agree with their assessment? If you didn't like something, what did they say about it?
• What are they not mentioning? Some creators will have certain things they never talk about (I never give ratings to places, for instance), but if they talk about the taste of one dish but not another, take note. If they usually talk about service but they done in one video, pay attention.
• Do they mention int he video or caption if they were hosted, they were invited, it was a collab, it was gifted, or it was a partnership? Food tends to taste better when it's free.

Food is so personal, and everyone has their own preferences. Figuring out if you have the same taste as an influencer really helps you find better recommendations that you'll enjoy.

ICYMI

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Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• Ladies, make new female friends at a Sip & Social, featuring pop up permanent jewelry and candle making. Thursday 8/29. $20. sponsored
• Put your game face on for the Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention. They have a whole slew of everything gamers would enjoy from some of the world's largest miniatures tournaments to casual learn-to-play events, to charity painting classes, and much more. Wednesday 8/28-9/1. $67.
• ​DC Jazz Fest is coming up on Labor Day Weekend. Wednesday 8/28-Sunday 9/1
• Support your favorite wrestler or just come for the summer action at New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Wednesday 8/28 - 9/1. $25+.
• Library of Congress is celebrating 100 years of their concerts! Check out Windborne, a group of traditional folk singers who are known for their authentic and cultural music. Thursday 8/29 - Saturday 8/31. Free.
• The best magicians from all over the country are joining us for a magical Labor Day weekend at the Capital Hilton for the DC Festival of Magic. Event runs for three nights Friday 8/30-Sunday 9/1. $15+.
• ​Maryland’s oldest jousting tournament is not about knocking off an opponent, it’s about collecting little rings with a jousting stick thing. Check out what they’ve been doing for 157 years. Saturday 8/31. Free.
• Celebrate the holiday weekend with the ultimate party experience - The R&B Bar Crawl Labor Day Weekend. Saturday 8/31. $10+.
• If you love a good exercise with a twist, Eastern Market Main Streets is hosting a walking tour featuring historic sites, charming shops, delicious eateries, and the rich culture of this area in Washington, DC. Saturday 8/31. Free.
• Look out for a free orchestra performance on Labor Day Weekend at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and get the chance to see your favorite classical artists with the Grammy-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin. Sunday 9/1. Free.
• Attention plant parents - old and new! Swap plants and share knowledge on all things plants, pots, cuttings, and accessories at the DC Plant Swap. And if you're entirely new to the community, new plant parents can grab some free plant goodies at the designated table. Sunday 9/1.

Next Week

• Get ready for fall with a Wreath Making Workshop. FSC Workshop's in-house designers will help you learn to create and customize your own perfect autumn wreath and hang it on your front door. Tuesday 9/3. $62.
• Spend an insightful Sunday with Next Gen and learn about Inner Circle fundraising strategies, the giving circle model, and trust-based philanthropy projects. Wednesday 9/4. $7. A special meetup is coming up for Wii game players at the dance studio near the labs! On Cii Cii Wii Night, you can play Wii gaming activities, virtual tennis, or socialize in the usual meetup activity. Thursday 9/5. Free.
• Take out your phone cameras and download the free iNaturalist app to join the Anacostia River BioBlitz and help document the biodiversity of our watershed! If you like taking pictures and have a great interest in nature, you will enjoy documenting the species of plants, mushrooms, and animals you find in your backyard or anywhere around our watershed. Thursday 9/5 - Sunday 9/8. Free.
• The DC State Fair highlights the city’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. Watch competitions in categories like best chicken egg, best honey, best homebrew, and pie eating. Saturday 9/7. Free.
• A dedication ceremony will be held at Walter Pierce Park to honor 8,428 African American and Quaker Washingtonians laid to rest here in the 19th century. Reminisce their names and stories with music, messages, and refreshments! Saturday 9/7. Free.
• Up for a social joyride? DC's only car-free social bike ride will be happening with a 20-mile excursion including 14th Street Bridge & Memorial Bridge, live music, and events. Passes include fully stocked rest stops, car-free streets, access to Finish Festival, and mechanical support. Saturday 9/7. $79.
• ​Survivor Rock Creek’s next game is coming up on September 7, and we’re waiting for their casting decisions for Season 14!
• The fall concert series Jazz in the Heights kicks off on Sunday 9/8. Free.

Further Out

• Go on an exhilarating ride through political absurdity at Soft Power musical, a faceoff between Chinese and American exceptionalism. Daily until 9/11. $69 - $105.
• Sober morning dance party Daybreaker is back in DC at the National Building Museum, bringing collective joy to start your day off right. Thursday 9/12. $20+.
• Dress up as your favorite character at the Library of Congress’ Film Costume Ball. This super popular event requires you to enter a lottery for tickets, so register now! Thursday 9/12. Free.
• ​Clayfest celebrates everything clay! This festival in Brookland showcases DMV potters and ceramic artists. Sunday 9/15. Free.
• Rapper & actor Common and DJ Pete Rock are going to fill the 9:30 Club on their tour for their album The Auditorium Vol 1. Sunday 9/15. $75.
• Paint your own version of La India's "Liego La India" album cover using watercolor techniques at Paint & Sabor together with Guatemalan Watercolor Artist, Jemely. Materials will be provided. Monday 9/16. $45.
• Support the National Arboretum at their annual fundraiser! Socialize, eat, drink, and enjoy dinner under the stars and full moon in the National Herb Garden. Tuesday 9/17. $350+.
• Gather your friends and test your Housewives knowledge for the Bravo TV Trivia Night at Johnny Pistolas. Wednesday 9/18. Free.
• Experience a game show, learning experience, and comedy in one event with Wrong Answers Only, an interactive science-comedy show led by a science expert. Chris Duffy will be there along with 3 guests and 1 mystery comedian! Thursday 9/19. $17+
• For all the foodies and culinary fanatics! Discover hidden gems, menu specials, and food artistry at the 11-day Dine All Night event featuring artistic special menu items. Thursday 9/19 - Sunday 9/29.
• Are you having trouble growing on social media? Join me for an influencer workshop where you will refocus your efforts and come up with a plan to improve your content and reach. Sunday 9/22. $20.
• Experience bioluminescence and fluorescence live on a magical Mushroom Night Hike with naturalists Ana Ka’ahanui, Matt Felprin, and Mycologist Serenella Linares. Registration is free, but prepare $6 for the parking fee. Wednesday 9/25.
• Didn't get enough of Theatre Week in DC? Theatre Washington is bringing back their annual celebration of the local theatre community with low prices and more options to experience the theatre vibe! Festival events start as early as Saturday 9/21/24 but officially start Thursday 9/26/24 - Sunday 10/13/24. $20+
• Pop signer UPSAHL is performing at Howard Theatre. Wednesday 9/25. $22.
• If you like history and wine, buy your tickets not for the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon. This sells out early every year! Enjoy tastings from Virginia wineries on the lawn of Mount Vernon. Fri 10/4-Sun 10/6. $60+.