Things I'm Talking About

• The longtime owner of Chief Ike's Mambo Room, Al Jirikowic, passed away recently and there will be a celebration of life at Madam's Organ on 2/22 at 3 PM.
• The yearly orchids exhibit, a collab between the US Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens, is happening now. Normally they alternate exhibit locations between the Kogod Courtyard & USBG, but this year it's being held at the National Museum of African American History--which means you need free timed tickets.
• DPR & the US Botanic Garden have announced a tour of the USBG production facilities for Ward 7 & 8 residents.
• DC residents can apply to receive a free e-bike via a random lottery.
• Check out the Michelin-starred restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.
• I was having an issue with sending emails, and I realized that replies that I sent to readers who had emailed me over the past month bounced back. I'm sorry!!!! Trying to get my email sorted out.

Valerie

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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: Call Your Mother

"And my favorite breakfast sandwich in THE WORLD is from “Call Your Mother.” Call me basic, but their breakfast sandwiches are perfection!!! ❤️❤️❤️" Leilerz

Locations: 3301 Georgia Ave NW in Park View; 701 8th St SE in Barracks Row; 3428 O St NW in Georgetown; 1143 New Hampshire Ave NW in West End; 1471 P Street NW in Logan Circle; and 5035 Connecticut Ave NW
​Website​

😋 What is your favorite tried and true restaurant?

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• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Here's a fun twist on dating: bring a single friend for someone else to meet at this Plus-One Party where everyone gets 6-minute mini-dates followed by a cocktail party. You'll meet 30 people who've all been friend-vetted, so you know they're good humans. Thursday 2/5. $45.
• 🖼️ Celebrate love (including self-love!) at the Phillips Collection's Valentine's party with cocktails, music, and interactive art experiences. You can check out two exhibitions while you're there, plus there's food and drinks for sale. Thursday 2/5. $20; free for members.
• 📖 Watch a documentary about Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first African American poet to gain international fame, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Frederick Lewis. You'll learn about his complex life, his marriage to writer Alice Ruth Moore, and how his work still inspires artists today. Thursday 2/5. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ever wondered what it's like to have honest conversations about death over tea and cake? Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery creates a safe space for these meaningful discussions in one of DC's most historic burial grounds. Thursday 2/5. $5 suggested donation.
• 🤓 Challenge your brain with monthly puzzles and games at Anacostia Library including crosswords, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles. You can even compete on their leaderboard to see how you stack up against other puzzle lovers. Thursday 2/5. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Mix art appreciation with meeting new people at this 30s & 40s singles happy hour at The Phillips Collection featuring drinks in private art parlours followed by live music throughout the museum. Thursday 2/5. $45.

• 🍾 Pick your team (Hudson, Connor, or Francois) and throw on your hockey gear for this Heated Rivalry-themed dance party featuring queer pop anthems and tracks from the hit show. Think Gaga to RuPaul, plus all the steamy romance and hockey energy you can handle. Friday 2/6. $34.
• 🕺 Every(body) Wants to Be a Showgirl brings together top Black burlesque artists from across the US for an exhibition and live performance celebrating Black artistry in the historic Dupont Underground tunnels. You can catch the opening night show or check out the exhibition any weekend through March 1. Friday 2/6. $6.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make fresh mozzarella from scratch in this hands-on class where you'll heat, stretch, and shape cheese like a pro. You can customize your creation with herbs, citrus zest, or chili flakes. Friday 2/6. $75.*
• 🖼️ Kick off Lunar New Year at this art exhibit opening reception celebrating the Year of the Horse with works that capture the energy and mythology of this powerful zodiac symbol. You'll get to meet the artists and curators while exploring pieces that honor Lunar New Year traditions with respect and authenticity. Friday 2/6. Donation.
• 🕺 Get ready for some serious country music magic when Heaven Forbid teams up with Ramona & The Holy Smokes and Rebecca Porter & The Rhinestone Roses at Pie Shop. You'll hear everything from anti-fascist cowboy crooning to "Mexi-tonk" sounds and Appalachian honky tonk that'll keep you dancing all night. Friday 2/6. $21.
• 🖌️ Turn a vendor's mistake into your winter win at this creative patching workshop where you'll use a Cricut Maker to redesign and fix up items that need some TLC. Perfect if you need a cool winter hat or just want to try your hand at upcycling! Friday 2/6. Free.
• 🕺 A string quintet is covering all your favorite Destiny's Child hits by candlelight, and yes, that includes "Say My Name" and "Bootylicious." Plus Mathew Knowles (Beyoncé's dad) will be there as a special guest. Friday 2/6. $53+.*
• 🧠 Learn to make perfect French macarons from scratch with Chef Dobbie guiding you through every step, from meringue to piping. No experience needed, and you'll actually know how to make these fancy treats at home afterward. Friday 2/6, 2/12, 2/26, 2/27. $69.*
• 🤓 The Reader's Playground is exactly what it sounds like: board games, silent reading, and puzzles with fellow book lovers. It's the perfect low-key Friday night hangout where you can actually relax and meet people who get your love of a good story. Friday 2/6. Price not stated, RSVP required.

• 🍲 Perfect for Valentine's season, this Georgetown Chocolate Tour takes you to local businesses for sweet treats around the neighborhood. It's like a progressive dinner but with chocolate at every stop! Saturday 2/7. $66.
• 🧠 Swap seeds, pick up new gardening tips, and meet fellow plant lovers at the WG Seed Exchange happening at Green Spring Gardens. Saturday 2/7. $18+.
• 🖌️ Learn how to turn your worn-out clothes into works of art at this drop-in clothing repair workshop where you'll try techniques like sashiko stitching and needle felting with expert "Mend-tors." Perfect for anyone who wants to give their favorite pieces a second life! Saturday 2/7. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Pop balloons to meet your potential match at this playful singles event that's way more fun than swiping through apps. Bring your friends for moral support and enjoy four hours of surprises, laughter, and maybe some sparks. Saturday 2/7. $18.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring 10 pieces from your closet you don't wear anymore and swap them for fresh finds at this sustainable clothing exchange with a DJ, matcha bar, and local art at HOMME Gallery. It's like a fun treasure hunt where everyone wins and nothing goes to waste. Saturday 2/7. $13.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Three local businesses are teaming up for a Valentine's Day block party on Upshur Street with photo booths, wine and chocolate tastings, and custom bookmark making. Explore the neighborhood with your favorite people or make new friends! Saturday 2/7. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ring in the Lunar New Year at this singles mixer with complimentary dumplings and shooters at Bar Chinois. Think table games, icebreaker challenges, and a relaxed way to meet new people before Valentine's Day hits. Saturday 2/7. $15+.
• 🌐 Celebrate French Crêpe Day at Hillwood Museum with sweet crêpes, French storytelling, and hands-on art projects inspired by their gorgeous porcelain collection. Perfect family day exploring the mansion and gardens while snacking on treats that taste like springtime. Saturday 2/7-2/8. $5-$20.
• 📖 Discover the hidden stories behind that famous Washington Family painting at the National Gallery with curator Rob DeHart. You'll learn about the enslaved people in the painting and how it connects to Martha Washington's granddaughter's home at Tudor Place. Saturday 2/7. Free.
• 🕺 Get ready for some seriously silly entertainment at Cupboard's Cabaret, an alt-comedy night featuring clown acts, burlesque, and a literal troll under a bridge. It's the kind of absurd fun that'll have you laughing at things you didn't know were funny. Saturday 2/7. $12.

• 🕺 Learn the history of blues music with live performances from the Washington Jazz Arts Institute at MLK Library. Perfect way to celebrate Black History Month with some toe-tapping, hand-clapping good times. Sunday 2/8. Free.
• 📖 Three talented artists are cooking up a heritage meal and conversation at Eaton House where you'll taste flavors from their family traditions while chatting about their collaborative art exhibit. It's like dinner party meets art talk, and you're invited to bring dessert if you want. Sunday 2/8. Donation.
• 🐾 Bring your pup to watch the Puppy Bowl at metrobar's Yappy Hour where well-behaved dogs can hang out while you grab drinks and soak up all the adorable puppy energy. Perfect way to ease into Super Bowl Sunday with maximum cuteness and zero pressure. Sunday 2/8. Free.
• 🐾 Your dachshund (or any pup, really) can find their Valentine at this adorable wiener dog meetup complete with free doggy snack packs and hot chocolate for humans. Sunday 2/8. Free.
• 🖌️ Create your own hand-knit heart-shaped pillow at this cozy crafting session perfect for couples, friends, or families. All supplies included, and no knitting experience needed! Sunday 2/8. $34.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring up to 5 pieces you'd gift to a friend and swap them for new treasures at this Sunday brunch clothing swap at Baruch Café. You'll get to enjoy good food and community while giving your clothes a second chance at love. Sunday 2/8. Free.
• 🧠 This Galentine's yoga workshop at The Morrow Hotel combines a heart-opening vinyasa flow with a social hour featuring a DIY flower bar, premium matcha, and love note station. You'll love this if you're a solo adventurer or if you have friend groups looking to slow down and connect. Sunday 2/8. $35.
• 🖌️ Sew a heart patch at MLK Library and turn it into a magnet, keychain, or something to jazz up your jacket for Valentine's Day. Sunday 2/8. Free.
• 🧑‍🍳 Perfect your chocolate game with this hands-on cake decorating class where you'll make an elegant chocolate wrap cake topped with modeling chocolate roses. You'll learn from a pro decorator and take home your delicious creation in time for Valentine's Day. Sunday 2/8. $145.
• 🛍️ Club Fleur's vintage Valentine's pop-up in Georgetown is perfect for finding unique pieces for yourself or your favorite person. Browse vintage finds while sipping drinks in this Georgetown spot. Sunday 2/8. Free.

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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.