Things I'm Talking About

• National Harbor is getting a mini-Sphere, like the one in Las Vegas. Our will only hold about 6,000 people, which is the capacity of The Anthem. I'm curious what kind of shows we would get.
• Forecasts are calling for snow this weekend, anywhere from a few inches to over a foot. But how much we actually get is TBD.
  • Look out on social media for big snowball fights if you're interested. Typically they happen around the Washington Monument and Dupont Circle when we get a good amount of snow.
  • Snow just isn't as fun when with remote work. Feeling very nostalgic about Snowpocalypse of 2010 when the government was shut for about a week.
  • I'm not a fan of snow so I would rather not have my plans ruined personally!
  • There was a screen cap from probably 2012-2014 from a news segment that had a guy shoveling water after it just rained instead of snow, with a chyron about the huge snow storm. If anyone has image, I would love a copy.
• Mr. Henry's on the Hill is about to turn 60.
• Check out the Michelin-starred restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.

Valerie

Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.

Last week, I asked: Have you seen Heated Rivalry yet? You responded:

• Yes I loved it! (43.8%)
• What's Heated Rivalry? (41.7%)
• Yes, and it was okay (12.5%)
• Yes and I was not into it (2.1%)

Tried & True features your favorite go-to restaurants that have been around for a while and serve you consistently good food.

This Week's Feature: Iron Gate Restaurant

"The beautiful Iron Gate restaurant on N St is one of DCs oldest. My great aunt Helen used to tell stories about going there during World War 2." Hoosier

Locations: 1734 N St NW
​Website​

😋 What is your favorite tried and true restaurant?

Where do you find yourself going back time and time again? Reply and let me know to be featured and share the love for a local DC restaurant.

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• 🖌️ Learn to finger-knit at Gulf Branch Nature Center where all you need are your hands and a little patience to pick up this relaxing craft. Perfect for anyone 9 and up looking to try something new and cozy. Wednesday 1/21. $7.
• 🧠 Whether you're dreaming up your first romance novel or just love a good love story, this beginner romance writer workshop at Friends to Lovers Bookstore will give you actual tools to get your ideas on paper. Wednesday 1/21. $5.
• 🖌️ Create a collective "river" artwork with watercolors, acrylics, and pastels alongside artist Jay F. Coleman at this community painting workshop. Everyone contributes painted figures, water textures, or symbols to build one large piece together. Wednesday 1/21. Free.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make two craft cocktails while munching on tasty tapas at this hands-on cocktail class at Barca Wine Bar with the entertaining Ardi Staka. Perfect for date night or hanging with friends, plus you can stick around for dinner after. Wednesday 1/21. $79.
• 🧠 Get your creative juices flowing at this vision board making workshop at The Yards where you can map out your goals with scissors, glue, and good company. It's part of their month-long Fresh Start series that makes New Year resolutions actually fun. Wednesday 1/21. Free.
• 🍲 Learn to make a sophisticated zero-proof Espresso Martini at this mindful mixology event featuring hands-on cocktail demos and a chat about the growing non-alcoholic spirits movement. Wednesday 1/21. $25-$30.

• 🍲 Ready to find out what 100% dark chocolate actually tastes like? This tasting session explores ultra-dark chocolates from 80% all the way to pure cacao, and you might be surprised by how good they are. Thursday 1/22. $36.
• 📖 Ever wonder why Japan is moving away from its legendary seafood culture? Dr. C. Anne Claus breaks down how Japanese chefs are fighting to save their ocean-centered cuisine in this fascinating talk about cultural and environmental changes reshaping Japanese kitchens. Thursday 1/22. Free.
• 🕺 Get your dancing shoes ready for Afrobeat Vibes at the Smithsonian with DJ Tao spinning beats at the National Museum of African Art. It's cocktail attire and good music in one of DC's coolest museum spaces. Thursday 1/22. $150.
• 🖌️ Learn traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques and create two beautiful handmade books in this four-week Artist Book Club series with Adele Ross. You'll work with papers, fabrics, and found objects to master stab binding methods that have been used for centuries. Thursday 1/22. $240 + $35 materials.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make authentic Argentine empanadas from scratch with Chef Katriel, who'll teach you his grandma's recipe plus the perfect folding technique. You'll master the dough, create traditional fillings, and eat your delicious handiwork. Thursday 1/22. $50.
• 📖 Experience a creative community coming together to explore and reimagine Shakespeare and other early modern playwrights with The Reading Room Festival offering staged readings, panels, workshops, and celebrations. Thursday 1/22-1/25. $20+.

• 🍾 The Taylor Party brings all the Taylor Swift eras to the dance floor for a night of singing along and dancing to every iconic hit. Pick your favorite era outfit, bring your squad, and get ready to shake it off! Friday 1/23. $33.*
• 🖌️ Start the new year with some peaceful paper folding at this Japanese New Year origami class where you'll create cherry blossom flowers and traditional paper cranes. All materials are included, so just bring your hands and maybe a friend who needs some zen time. Friday 1/23. $35.
• 🌲 Ever wonder about those mysterious flying squirrels gliding through Arlington's trees at night? Head out into the cold with a naturalist to spot these adorable nocturnal neighbors in the wild. Friday 1/23. $7.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Kick off Veganuary with Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass at plant-based restaurant Rooted3 for good food and community connection. Perfect chance to meet fellow plant-based folks and celebrate compassionate living! Friday 1/23. Free.
• 🎈 The Washington, DC Auto Show is back with hundreds of new cars, outdoor test drives, racing simulators, and a kid zone with bounce houses. You can actually drive electric vehicles around DC streets and watch artists paint cars in real-time. Friday 1/23-2/1. $16+.
• 🍽️ Sample amazing desserts from local bakers while supporting a great cause at this Winter Wonderland Bake Festival featuring a silent auction where you can bid on custom cakes and pastry orders. There's live music and testimonials too, making it a sweet way to help Christ House provide care for men experiencing homelessness. Friday 1/23. Suggested $10 donation.
• 🤓 Kick off 2026 with a nerdy bar crawl through Gallery Place starting at Crimson Bar's basement and hitting multiple spots to meet fellow DMV geeks. This is how you want to make new nerdy friends outside of game nights! Friday 1/23. Free.
• 🤓 Try new indie games and compete in silly tournaments at this gaming happy hour where teams are formed on-site and prizes include drink vouchers. Perfect mix of casual gaming and friendly competition at District E. Friday 1/23. Check website.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Kick off 2026 with rooftop drinks and city views at Hip Flask's penthouse bar in downtown Bethesda. Drop in anytime for craft cocktails and easy conversation with the 20s and 30s crowd. Friday 1/23. Free.
• 🖌️ Bring your knitting needles and current project to this relaxed stitching circle at the Old Stone House where you can chat about colonial fiber arts while working on whatever you're making. It's perfect for knitters of any skill level who want some good conversation and creative time. Friday 1/23. Free.

• 🍲 Learn about Korea's oldest alcoholic beverage at this makgeolli tasting and history session led by local craft brewers who'll walk you through everything from ancient recipes to modern wellness trends. You'll taste authentic unpasteurized versions and discover why this "liquid artifact" is having a major comeback. Saturday 1/24. Free.*
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Monster Jam is bringing massive trucks to Capital One Arena for two days of racing, freestyle stunts, and a Pit Party where you can meet the drivers and get up close to these incredible monster trucks. Saturday 1/24-Sunday 1/25. $32+.*
• 🖌️ Turn your fabric scraps into something actually useful at this drop-in coaster-making workshop where you'll learn easy braiding techniques that even beginners can master. Pop by anytime between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. and all materials are provided. Saturday 1/24. Free.
• 📜 DC Transit Day brings together historic streetcar parades, maintenance barn tours, and exhibits celebrating everything from horse cars to modern Metro. You'll get to see local transit agencies show off their stuff plus hear from guest speakers who know all the good transit stories. Saturday 1/24-1/25. $11+.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to roll Korean gimbap while jamming to K-pop Demon Hunters music in this hands-on cooking class with Lisa Nho. You'll make Korean sushi rolls filled with veggies and beef, plus get instant ramen to fuel up for the weekend. Saturday 1/24. $54.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Share plant wisdom and family stories at this intimate storytelling gathering exploring how herbs, gardens, and healing practices connect us to our ancestors. If you love plants, family history, or just good conversation, this is for you. Saturday 1/24. Free.
• 🎭 Catch an exclusive screening of "Talks With Myself" at Howard University followed by a talkback with the creators of this raw webseries about Black queer life. It's a rare chance to see this nuanced show on the big screen and hear directly from the people who made it. Saturday 1/24. $10.
• 🖌️ Get your hands dirty creating Ukrainian naïve art inspired by Mariia Prymachenko with canvas and paints at this hands-on workshop. They've got separate sessions for kids (5-11) and adults/teens (12+), so bring the whole family! Saturday 1/24. $30.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Skip the swiping chaos and try this curated singles night for ages 35-49 where a compatibility quiz matches you with up to 3 people based on values and goals. No awkward games, just thoughtful structure and real conversation at Eighteenth Street Lounge. Saturday 1/24. Free.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make fancy lobster brunch dishes while sipping wine in this hands-on Italian cooking class. You'll master pasta-making techniques and enjoy Prosecco tastings along the way. Friday 1/24. $129.

• 🧠 Learn how to create a flawless everyday makeup look that actually stays put from a pro makeup artist who'll teach you techniques for your unique skin tone and features. Think hands-on tutorial meets party with desserts and good company. Sunday 1/25. $49+.
• 🤓 DC Modular Society is gathering at Rhizome DC for demos, gear swaps, and electronic music nerding out. Whether you have a full modular setup or just love creative sound-making, come hang with fellow music makers and maybe score some new gear. Sunday 1/25. $5-$10.
• 🖌️ Create your own custom tote bag using the library's Cricut machine to cut vinyl quotes and heat press them onto canvas bags. You'll design your quote in Canva first, then watch the magic happen as it gets transferred to your new favorite tote. Sunday 1/25. Free.
• 🕺 Harpist Maeve Gilchrist and violinist Layale Chaker blend Celtic and Levantine musical traditions in their new suite "Smoke Veins" at Dumbarton Oaks' intimate Music Room. It's a beautiful exploration of how different musical stories can weave together across cultures and time. Sunday 1/25. $55.
• 🕺 Coffee Republic is turning into a dance floor with DJs, lights, and all the energy drinks you need for an afternoon rave. It's the perfect combo of caffeine and beats to get your weekend started right. Sunday 1/25. Free.
• 🛍️ Evolve Vintage is closing and selling everything for under $20 at Garlic Girl Vintage before the owner leaves DC. Perfect time to snag some unique pieces and say goodbye to a local favorite! Sunday 1/25. Under $20.
• 🎭 Your little ones can meet 12 different princesses at this magical show and character experience at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. After watching the princesses sing and dance, everyone gets to meet each character and take photos. Sunday 1/25. $35.
• 🤓 Learn American Mahjong at Sixty Vines where beginners can take a lesson while experienced players jump into open play. You'll get wine and bites while you figure out the tiles, and it's totally fine to come solo. Sunday 1/25. $45+.

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* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.