Things I'm Talking About

• I got wrapped up in Christmas time with the family and am a bit late this week 🫣
• We're in the last stretch of the year! This is the time of year where I am thinking about my new year resolutions and goals. Here are some of mine:
  • Get good enough at mosaics that I can make a mosaic of my dog that I'd want to hang up in the house
  • Spend less time on my phone
  • Redo my bathrooms
  • Be more present & focused
• On that note, I'm excited to start my mosaics classes next month.
• Pluribus had its finale, and I'm sad I have to wait for the next season
• I prefer my escargot cooked with mushrooms in the sauce, but that's not what you'll commonly find on a menu. Last weekend I had the escargot at Chez Billy Sud (actually Bar a Vin but they share a menu), and was so happy to see they include mushrooms. If you want escargot with more umami, check it out.
• We raised $826.02 last weekend for Food For All DC, which has been matched, for a total of $1,652.04. Thank you everyone who donated!

Valerie

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

Last week, I asked: What hobby are you most interested in? You responded:

• Colder and longer than normal (48.3%)
• Colder for a bit, but warming up early (34.5%)
• The rest of the winter is going to be normal (17.2%)
• The rest of the winter is going to be warmer (0%)

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: La Chaumiere

"La Chaumiere has the best French food - I’ve been going...for nearly a decade now! …especially in winter they have an indoor fire and it feels like you’re in a countryside chateau in France! I highly recommend one of their menu staples: the salmon puff pastry with champagne dill sauce!" Parisa​

Locations: 2813 M Street 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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• 📖 Explore how DC became a powerhouse for Black arts education despite a segregated school system through this guided tour of the "A Bold and Beautiful Vision" exhibition. You'll check out artworks and hear stories of the artist-educators who transformed the city from 1900-2000. Friday 12/26. Free.
• 🕺 Felonious Munk brings his sharp social commentary and comedy chops to the DC Comedy Loft for three nights of laughs. You might recognize him from HBO Max's South Side or Comedy Central's various shows. Friday 12/26-12/28. $30+.
• 🍲 Veuve in the Snow transforms MGM National Harbor into a cozy après-ski lounge with Veuve Clicquot champagne, charcuterie, and all the snowy winter vibes without the cold. It's like hitting the slopes but with better drinks and no ski boots required. Friday 12/26. Free.
• 🍲 Bring the kids for a special family tea experience at the Folger Shakespeare Library complete with storytelling and activities in their gorgeous Reading Room. You'll get all the fancy finger sandwiches and tiered platters, plus entertainment that'll keep everyone happy. Thursday 12/26. $85.
• 🕺 Dance under the stars at this rooftop party featuring salsa, bachata, kizomba, and Brazilian zouk at the Moxy Hotel downtown. Four hours of social dancing with DJ C-LEW spinning the tunes. Friday 12/26. $10.

• 🧠 Ever wondered how to keep those cool Venus flytraps alive? This carnivorous plant workshop teaches you the basics and you'll build your own mini bog garden to take home. Saturday 12/27. $23.
• 🤸 The National Building Museum is turning its stunning Great Hall into an indoor ice skating rink with daytime sessions, evening skates, and special toddler time. You'll get 45 minutes to an hour of skating plus access to all the museum exhibits. This sold out quickly last year! Saturday 12/27-2/8. $20.
• 🌐 Share your personal stories and watch talented actors bring them to life through Playback Theatre at this Kwanzaa celebration focused on self-determination. It's interactive theater where your real-life moments become instant performances with live music. Saturday 12/27/2025. Free.
• 🤸 Take a breather from holiday chaos at this mindful New Year retreat at the National Cathedral where you'll reflect on 2025 and set intentions for 2026 through guided meditation and group rituals. Perfect way to reset before the year gets crazy again. Saturday 12/27. $30.
• 🖌️ Make your own gingerbread latte-scented candle complete with piped whipped wax topping and dessert decorations in a cute glass mug you get to keep. Saturday 12/27. $53.
• 🕺 Porter Robinson is bringing his DJ set energy for a late-night dance party with support from Arlo and axxa*. Saturday 12/27. $75+.*
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Keep the holiday hangout going with a group lunch at OM Indian Restaurant featuring a special pre-set menu with samosas, butter chicken, and rice pudding. They're setting up everything for the group, so you just need to show up hungry! Saturday 12/27. $25.
• 🖼️ The Wave is a massive 55-by-180-foot recycled aluminum sculpture suspended in the National Building Museum's Great Hall that shows how engineering and art can create something both strong and beautiful. You can walk underneath this incredible structure and see how sustainable materials might shape future buildings. Saturday 12/27.
• 🛍️ Sonia's Closet is setting up shop at the O Museum with curated thrift finds that help fund community wellness programs. It's thrifting with heart and purpose, plus every purchase supports local families. Saturday 12/27. $31.

• 🌲 Start your Sunday morning with a guided bird walk through Theodore Roosevelt Island where you'll spot resident and migrating species in this historic hotspot. The DC Bird Alliance will lead you through unpaved trails for two hours of nature watching. Sunday 12/28. Free.
• 🍲 Makoto's Sunday brunch buffet is basically sushi heaven where you can eat as much nigiri, apps, meats, and desserts as your heart desires for one price. Fair warning: you might need a nap afterward! Sunday 12/28. $65.
• 🌐 Culture Queen's Kwanzaa Extravaganza celebrates Ujima with hands-on crafts, storytelling, and the famous "Kwanzaa Slide" that'll get everyone moving. Perfect for families who want to connect with community and learn about this meaningful holiday tradition. Sunday 12/28. Free.
• 🤓 Step into a sci-fi survival challenge with Nemesis at The Board Room VA where you’ll cooperate, bluff, and outsmart your way through a damaged spaceship crew. Sunday 12/28. Free.
• 📖 Check out Korean Treasures Tour at the Asian Art Museum, where you'll see over 200 incredible artworks spanning 1,500 years, including actual Korean national treasures. It's the largest Korean art exhibition ever shown at the museum, so you'll get to see everything from ancient Buddhist sculptures to modern masterpieces. Sunday 12/28. Free.
• 🤓 Roll some dice and sip some brews at Dungeons N' Drafts where they provide everything you need for a D&D adventure including character sheets and dice. Perfect for newbies and seasoned adventurers alike, plus Andy's Pizza is right there when you work up an appetite. Sunday 12/28. Price not stated.
• 🕺 Local artists take the spotlight at this open mic showcase featuring rising DC talents like Alex Cook, J'TA, and Trey Cook alongside host Summer Dennis. Perfect chance to discover new music in a supportive community setting at this H Street hotspot. Sunday 12/28. Free.
• 🖌️ Create a vision board for 2026 while meeting like-minded people at this queer-centered event where you can leave your contact info for boards that speak to you. After crafting, there's a mixer with a full bar to keep the conversations flowing. Sunday 12/28. $15+.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See 90 events happening this weekend and next week like:

• New Years options
• Vision boarding for 2026
• Cooking classes
• Sunrise yoga

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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.