In This Issue

🍽️ Streateries are about to get rarer
🛸 Beware ads for drone shows in DC
🍽️ Tartare tasting in Shaw & Levantine meat pies
🧠 Astrology readings, sound healin, plant swap & morning dance party
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community potluck, tree walk, cemetery history hunt & tenant rights

Things I'm Talking About

🛸 I came across an ad for what seems like a fake a drone show in DC. I've heard that there's no FAA approval for a drone show on the National Mall. Here's why drone shows aren't in DC.

🚐 A people mover at Dulles crashed, injuring 18 with non-life threatening injuries. Wishing them a speedy recovery. Yet another reason to dislike the people movers (they will never be mobile lounges).

❄️RHOSLC star Meredith Marks is DJing at Hook Hall. What a venue for her.

🍹 The Sandlot (which runs larger event spaces) continues its expansion across the city, with a new location at the old Crunch Fitness at 11th & F NW.

🛍️ Nearby, Saks Off 5th at 11th & E NW will close its store in January. I used to always buy my sunglasses here, but with the anti-theft measures locking them all up, it stopped being easy to shop there.

🍽️ Streateries are going to be more expensive to run, and you should expect to see less.

🎥 An Akira Kurosawa film festival is happening, with High and Low (one of my favorite movies) being shown next weekend.

🏠 There's a looming foreclosure crisis in Baltimore neighborhoods.

📜 Maryland State Archives released some tips on researching house history​

🤖 NVIDIA is opening a new data center in Manassas.

⚠️ Check all events to make sure they're still happening with the shutdown! I compile these ahead of time, and some may no longer be happening.

Valerie

Tartare, but make it art.

On Sunday, November 16, Not Bored in DC and Ugly Duckling invite you to a culinary experience made for food lovers who crave something bold, unexpected, and beautifully prepared.

Welcome to A Rare Taste where you’ll explore four unique tartare tastings, each one expertly paired with a drink that brings the whole flavor story to life.

Expect ultra-fresh meat and seafood, from silky and delicate to rich and savory. Each tartare comes with a thoughtful pairing (wine, cocktail, or mocktail) that enhances and surprises in every sip.

You’ll be welcomed with sparkling wine and invited to explore inventive takes on raw classics, plus a few reimagined bar bites that prove why Ugly Duckling is one of Shaw’s most buzzworthy spots.

Join us. Come hungry. Leave inspired.

​👉 Save your spot now​

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

Last week, I asked: What dish are you looking forward to most this Thanksgiving? You responded:

• Stuffing (43.8%)
• Pumpkin pie (28.1%
• Mashed potatoes (18.8%)
• Cassaroles (6.3%)
• Turkey (3.1%)

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: La Shukran

"La Shukran - falafel jibne and the soujek dumplings are a MUST. But trust the staff recommendations for food. It’s always good and always changing." Matt

Locations: 417 Morse St NE
​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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Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Art lover's Itinerary​
• ​Hidden gem theaters​
• ​Where to see fall foliage​
• ​Holiday volunteer opportunities​
• ​Best Christmas markets​

• 🧠 Learn how to save seeds like a pro and build your own food security while preserving plant diversity. You'll get hands-on with cleaning, drying, and storage techniques that actually work. Wednesday 11/12. Free.
• 🖌️ Make your own holiday floral arrangement that stands out without spending a dime at this Adult Holiday Crafting on a Budget workshop. Wednesday 11/12. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring your favorite gratitude-themed book to this special book club meeting at the Museum of Illusions and stick around to explore the whole museum afterward. Wednesday 11/12. Free.
• 🖌️ Spend your evening crafting your own celestial-inspired necklace, bracelet, or earrings at this Beading Social with all materials and light snacks included. Wednesday 11/12. $50.
• 📖 Michelle Obama is talking about her new style book "The Look" with New York Times critic Wesley Morris at Sixth & I, and it's being recorded as a special podcast episode. You'll get the behind-the-scenes story of her most iconic looks and how she worked with her styling team throughout her time as First Lady. Wednesday 11/12. $66+.

• 📜 Ever wonder what it takes to be a humanist in DC? Three local storytellers - a documentary creator, podcast host, and cultural organizer - are sharing how they preserve and celebrate our city's stories at the MLK Library. Thursday 11/13. Free (suggested $10 donation).
• 🍲 Experience a rare film screening and tasting of Japan’s traditional spirit at the 4th Annual Shochu on the Rocks featuring a documentary on a family distillery and premium shochu samples. Thursday 11/13. $45.
• 🍲 Learn to make Levantine meat hand pies and enjoy a spread of Mediterranean mezza at this hands-on cooking class with Sahtain Nunu. Thursday 11/13. $75.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Celebrate a new small-town romance with Amy Daws at the Honeymoon Phase Release Party featuring a Q&A, book signing, and a chance to meet the author. Thursday 11/13. $30+.
• 🛍️ Find unique gifts that support a good cause at the Strathmore Holiday Market held at The Mansion at Strathmore. Thursday through Saturday 11/13–11/15. $10 suggested donation.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Skip the dating apps and meet someone who actually gets your sense of humor at this laid-back singles night at Shipgarten with craft beer, karaoke, and natural conversation. Thursday 11/13. Free.
• 🤓 R&B BINGO combines your favorite childhood game with soulful music at Barry Farm Recreation Center. Thursday 11/13. Free.

• 🛍️ Find unique gifts and tasty treats from over 35 local artists and small businesses at the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, running from November 14 to December 23, 2025. Friday 11/14. Free.
• 🖌️ Curious about pottery but not ready to commit? Try your hand at the wheel with this Try It! Mini-Wheel Workshop where you’ll get to shape clay on a tabletop mini wheel in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting. Friday 11/14. $85 includes all materials.
• 📖 Linguist Amelia Tseng explores how DC's Latinx community created a unique cultural identity through language in her new book about the city's evolution since the 1980s. Perfect if you're curious about how communities shape each other when they come together. Friday 11/14. Free.
• 🕺 Experience Broadway magic up close with The Listening Room presents Broadway Unplugged featuring Christine Dwyer and Matt DeAngelis at Evermay. Friday 11/14. $100.
• 🕺 This masked dance party creates a safe space for everyone to get down to dance pop, house, hyperpop, and K-pop with DJ Acelut. Masks are required and provided, so you can focus on dancing without worry. Friday. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Chill out with some matcha lattes, tasty bites, and your favorite board games at the BINGE BAR x dimatchai Matcha Pop-Up where you can BYOBG (Bring Your Own Board Game) and just relax with friends or meet new ones. Friday 11/14. Free but RSVP required.

• 🕺 Universal Madness is celebrating 40 years with Go-Go legends Soul Searchers and Push Play performing live, plus you can bring your old Go-Go photos to add to the city's archive. There's also a pop-up shop and panel with the streetwear brand's founders who've styled everyone from Chuck Brown to Wale. Saturday 11/15. Free.
• 🖌️ Get your hands dirty making a gorgeous Christmas wreath using real pine branches, pinecones, and berries while sipping mulled wine at this cozy workshop. You'll leave with something beautiful for your door and maybe some pine sap under your nails. Saturday 11/15. $25.
• 🛍️ Find some great reads without breaking the bank at the Donated Books Sale at Georgetown Library where hardcovers, paperbacks, and kids’ books are all priced to move, plus fill your own bag for $10 on Sunday. Saturday 11/15 and Sunday 11/16. $2–$10.
• 🕺 Wonderlust Storytelling Competition brings together powerful personal stories from people who've lived away from their home countries, plus live cultural performances and an artisanal food market. It's a beautiful celebration of global voices and the experiences that connect us all. Saturday 11/15. $40.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring your favorite plant-based dessert to this community potluck at the Torpedo Factory where you'll taste amazing homemade treats and connect with fellow dessert lovers. Think of it as a sweet swap meet with door prizes. Saturday 11/15. Free.
• 🤸 Find a moment of calm with Sound Healing Meditation guided by Tara Aura, where soothing sounds and gentle meditation help clear your mind and spark creativity. Saturday 11/15. $20-$25.
• 🖌️ Create a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece with your kid in this hands-on workshop where Cathedral Flower Guild members teach you to arrange autumnal flowers in a cornucopia. You'll bond over blooms in the gorgeous Bethlehem Chapel and take home your masterpiece. Saturday 11/15. $65.
• 🤝 Learn how to advocate for better housing conditions at this tenant power workshop where you'll practice telling your story to elected officials and connect with other renters facing similar challenges. Saturday 11/15. Free.
• 🤸 Try something different with Kemetic Yoga at Francis A. Gregory Library, where you'll flow through poses inspired by ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Instructor Nzinga creates a welcoming space for all levels to connect with both your body and some cool history. Saturday 11/15. Free.
• 🤓 Check out Nerd Nite DC’s last show of 2025 for three fun talks, cheeky slides, and a chance to win free drinks with a playful trivia game. Saturday 11/15. $13.

• 🍲 Four different tartare tastings with perfectly matched drinks at this cozy Shaw wine bar sounds like the perfect way to try something new and delicious. You'll wander station to station sampling ultra-fresh raw preparations paired with wine, cocktails, or mocktails. Sunday 11/16. $65.
• 🖼️ Check out this traveling tree exhibition opening where you can meet local artists, make tree bookmarks, and take a guided walk through the Langdon Forest Patch restoration project. It's a perfect way to learn about the trees in your neighborhood while getting some fresh air. Sunday 11/16. Free.
• 🎈 The DMV Food Fest offers you different food & fun activities across cultures on Sunday, 11/16. Free.
• 🧠 Curious about what your astrology chart says about you? Check out this Astrology Chart Reading with Laura Quintero at Friends to Lovers Bookstore for a personal and insightful experience. Sunday 11/16. $55.
• 🤸 Start your Sunday with a morning dance party that includes breathwork, yoga, and DJ sets plus free coffee and matcha shots instead of overpriced drinks. It's three hours of good music, real dancing, and zero hangover risk. Sunday 11/16. $34+.
• 🎭 Off Script with Tre Solo brings together five to six comics for sharp jokes and spontaneous conversations that go beyond typical stand-up. You'll get to see comedians riff off each other and show their quick wit in unexpected ways. Sunday 11/16. $16.
• 📜 Explore George Washington Cemetery while helping solve memorial mysteries using the Find a Grave app to photograph requested memorials. You'll enjoy the peaceful autumn setting while contributing to genealogy research and discovering unusual headstones along the way. Sunday 11/16. Free.
• 🕺 Get ready to laugh and commiserate at Samantha Bee's "How to Survive Menopause" early show - a hilarious and brutally honest take on the menopausal experience. Tuesday 11/16. $50.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Help bring a new green space to life at Community Planting Day at Emblem Park by planting flowers and greenery with neighbors in the Capitol Riverfront. Sunday 11/16. Free.

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

• Learn to be a balloon artist
• Punk rock Lizzie Borden musical
• Hear Darude play Sandstorm live
• Taste 100 whiskeys
• Bring your own supper club
• Learn to repair your broken items

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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.