In This Issue

🤑 DC's top-grossing restaurants, visualized
🎨 Mosaic classes roundup + Art & Wellness workshop + postcard making pop-up
🍷 Sushi snack swap, holiday cocktail class & champagne history tasting
🧑‍🍳 Thai-Italian pasta fusion, donut decorating & gingerbread movie night
🐶 Paws & Pints dog party, Santa Paws at Hook Hall & ZooLights with friends

Things I'm Talking About

• 🚌 The interior of the 1940s Greyhound bus terminal at 11th & NY Ave NW was added as a historic landmark.
• 💠 I've been searching where to learn to make mosaics in the DC area, and put together a list of all the places I found.
• 🤑 Old Ebbitt Grill is the 4th highest grossing independent restaurant in America, with others like Le Diplomate also making the list. I made some visualizations to see the change over time.
• 🏰 Lily Allen is coming to the Warner Theatre,* and tickets go on sale to the public Friday. Artist presale sold out quickly today, competition is going to be fierce (I kinda regret letting you know about it but I'm hoping I get some karma for spreading the love).
• 📜 DC History Center is looking for judges and volunteers for National History Day.
• 🚣‍♂️ The first fully accessible kayak launch in the DC area was completed this week in Alexandria.

Valerie

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

Last week, I asked: Who disappointed you the most in 2025? You responded:

• My coworkers (25.8%)
• My neighbors (25.8%)
• Myself (19.4%)
• My family (19.4%)
• My friends (9.7%)

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: Habesha Market & Carryout

"I discovered this place by asking Ethiopian & Eritrean cab drivers what their favorite restaurant is. Their standard platter is so good! I don't normally like cabbage, but the one in the platter with the meat is so good that I go here just for that." Valerie

Locations: 1919 9th 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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• 📖 Journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan shares the story behind "Lab Dog", her investigation into animal research that started when she adopted a former lab beagle named Hammy. She'll chat with animal law expert Mary Hollingsworth about what she discovered behind laboratory doors. Wednesday 12/10. Free.
• 🍲 Swap snacks from around the globe while enjoying small plates like Tokyo fried chicken and tempura at Sushi & International Snack Swap at Wren in Tysons! Wednesday 12/10. $2.
• 🍲 Taste six festive holiday cocktails and learn how to make them with expert mixologists by raising a glass to the Holidays on Wednesday 12/10. $70 general admission.
• 🖌️ Make a postcard to color and send during the Postcard Making event at the Metro Holiday Pop-Up Shop while checking out fun Metro-themed gifts at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Wednesday 12/10. Free.
• 🤓 Mindfulness Chess Night combines strategy with zen as you slow down and focus on each move at Grounded. Perfect if you want to exercise your brain while practicing patience and presence. Wednesday 12/10. Free.
• 🖌️ Spend a chill afternoon creating your own masterpiece at Paint Night at The Asberry where everyone from beginners to pros can enjoy some art and good company. Wednesday 12/10. Free.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Cozy up for a Hallmark Movie Marathon and Gingerbread House Making Party where you can sip hot cocktails and build your own gingerbread house while watching holiday favorites. Thursday 12/11. Free.
• 📖 Arthur Sze is giving his inaugural reading as the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate at the Library of Congress, marking the historic start of his laureateship. The National Book Award winner will share his poetry in the beautiful Coolidge Auditorium. Thursday 12/11. Free.
• 🖼️ Check out original art made by people who ditched their phones for a month at this phone-free gallery party where you can actually focus on the work without distractions. Plus there's food and drinks while you mingle with your neighbors who took on the challenge. Thursday 12/11. Free.
• 🎈 Celebrate the season with 12 Days of Joy in Anacostia featuring pop-up performances, interactive art, family fun, and surprise joy drops all over the neighborhood. Thursday 12/11 through Sunday 12/22. Price varies.
• 🍲 Sip champagne while learning wild stories about how this bubbly survived wars, invasions, and centuries of chaos in France. You'll taste six champagnes with cheese while hearing tales that'll make you appreciate every sip even more. Thursday 12/11. $50.
• 🕺 Spanish pianist Laura Ballestrino brings her award-winning talent to the Kreeger Museum for an intimate concert in the gorgeous Great Hall. You can sip wine and check out the galleries before the 7pm show starts. Thursday 12/11. $30.

• 🖌️ Learn how to fix and tailor your own clothes with hands-on help from pros at this Alterations Sewing Class. Bring a piece you want to work on or just come ready to pick up new skills. Friday 12/12. $65.
• 🎈 Join friends from the DMV Millennial Couples to see Zoo Lights! as the zoo lights up with glowing displays and festive decorations. Friday 12/12. $9.
• 🕺 Get ready to dance with Real Housewives star DJ Meredith Marks. She'll be jumping around without the nastiness and the rumors at Hook Hall. Friday 12/12. $57+.
• 🍾 Celebrate the first anniversary of Chinatown Funk Express with a night full of Asian city pop, Korean funk, and more at Lucky Danger Chinatown. Friday 12/12. $15.*
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Enjoy fresh Sushi & Saké while connecting with young professionals at a lively Shabbat gathering with music and good company. Friday 12/12. $10.
• 🖼️ Local artists are showing off everything from Kenyan street scenes to colorful abstracts at this opening reception featuring 14 Takoma ARTery artists working in painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Meet the creators and see what your neighbors have been making. Friday 12/12. Free.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and hop between 15+ Del Ray bars for the 10th Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl with festive cocktails, costume contests, and trolley rides between spots. The first 250 people get swag bags, and it's all for a good cause supporting ALIVE! Saturday 12/13. $15.
• 🖌️ Learn how to make your own royal icing decorations like holly and snowflakes in this hands-on mini masterclass of making royal icing transfer decorations with expert decorator Stephanie H. Saturday 12/13. $45.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Turn your closet cleanout into holiday gifts at this clothing swap at Right Proper Brewing where you can trade up to 20 quality items for new-to-you finds. There's even a mending booth and gift-wrapping station to get everything ready for the holidays. Saturday 12/13. $7.
• 🖌️ Learn to paint gorgeous see-through flowers in this watercolor transparency workshop at Botanologica in Falls Church. Perfect for anyone who wants to master that dreamy, light-catching effect in their art. Saturday 12/13. $71.
• 🖌️ Make your holiday gifts extra special by designing and carving your own stamp to print on gift wrap at Moonshot Studio. Saturday 12/13. $30.
• 🧑‍🍳 Chef Ben's mixing Thai and Italian flavors in this hands-on pasta class where you'll make Pad Krapow Gnocchi and Mushroom Panang Curry Lasagna with lime leaf béchamel. You'll go home with both dishes plus the skills to recreate this creative fusion cooking. Saturday 12/13. $250.
• 🕺 Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Helicon's lively concert featuring toe-tapping rhythms and live Irish step dancers that'll keep you warm all night. Saturday 12/13. $48.
• 🖌️ Make your own mini donuts festive and fun at Christmas Mini Donut Decorating where you can choose from lots of toppings and frostings to create sweet holiday treats. Saturday 12/13. $18.
• 🖌️ Learn to crochet and help make a community blanket at this drop-in workshop where everyone's squares get combined into one big group project. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to hang out and craft with friendly people. Saturday 12/13/2025. Free.
• 🕺 Get ready for some serious holiday jazz magic when the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performs three different swing versions of The Nutcracker Suite, including arrangements by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. You'll hear Tchaikovsky like you've never heard him before, with bold jazz orchestrations that'll have you tapping your feet. Saturday 12/13. Free.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring your pup and your holiday sweater to the 2025 Paws and Pints Holiday Party at Lost Generation Brewing for photos with Santa, pup cup decorating, and tasty snacks. Sunday 12/14. Donation.
• 🍲 Local bakers are showing off their skills at Cake Fest DMV where you can taste tons of different cakes while sipping cocktails at the full bar. Think of it as a sweet community party with live art, coffee vendors, and all the cake your heart desires. Sunday 12/14. $15.
• 🖌️ Make your own decorations with with Michiko Okuma and make origami ornaments for the holidays. Sunday 12/14. $38.
• 🕺 Andrea Bocelli is bringing his legendary voice to Capital One Arena for one of those once-in-a-lifetime concert experiences. Sunday 12/14. $107+*
• 🤓 DC Puzzle Fest is happening at Northeast Library where you can swap puzzles and work on some together. It's a n afternoon of community puzzling where you can bring what you have and take what you want. Sunday 12/14. Free.
• 🍾 Impulse DC is throwing a fabulous 10-year anniversary party with open bar, live performances, and a dress code that demands your absolute best look. Sunday 12/14. Free.
• 🖌️ Feeling like creating something while also checking in with how you’re doing? The Art & Wellness Workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is all about using art to connect with your body and emotions through drawing, painting, and collage. Sunday 12/14. $82.
• 🕺 Step into a 1920s New Orleans jazz club at The Howard Theatre where talented musicians play classics like "When The Saints Go Marching In" with plenty of spontaneous improvisation. You can sip cocktails while soaking up that authentic hot jazz atmosphere in an intimate setting. Saturday 12/14/2025. $29+*
• 🐾 Bring your pup to meet Santa and get the perfect holiday photo at Santa Paws at Hook Hall with never-ending pancakes and treats for both you and your furry friend. Two chances to get that Instagram-worthy shot with your dog in their holiday best! Sunday 12/14 or Saturday 12/20. $25.
• 🏞️ Take a stroll through DC’s holiday lights with the Christmas in the City walk to see the National Christmas Tree, US Capitol Christmas Tree, and festive displays at the Botanic Garden. Sunday 12/14. Free.

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

• Market with Persian & other diaspora treats
• Satin bonnet-making class
• Clothing & household item swap
• Fried & Festive Chanukah party
• Holiday centerpiece workshop

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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.