Posts Tagged ‘happy hour’
When You Want to Work Out and Drink: Sips & Sneakers
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Pre-race. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Have you ever walked through a shopping mall and thought, “Why not be drinking adult beverages while doing this?” Meet Washington Wine Academy (WWA), the brains behind making that notion a reality.
This past weekend, hundreds of racers geared up for their second annual 1K Wine race … er, Walk. The shops at Crystal City transformed into a multipurpose bar/lounge as gaggles of middle age couples and clusters of young Arlingtonians wearing their race number pinned to their jackets wove their way through the dimly lit wine tasting course.
The basic idea? Trade in paper tickets for wine samples as you make your way to the finish line, aka dance party (but more on that later).
Ten stations, 46 wines means there were so many sips and so much time to mix and mingle with other participants, chat up the WWA pourers about their favorite vino and experience Crystal City as a makeshift nightlife watering hole.
Now, which bottle to choose? / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
After warm greetings at the registration table, racers are handed a map with the layout of all ten tasting stations, plus directions to pick up their race shirt and tasting glass. (Does it sound like I’m recounting a description of an actual 5k running event? So eerily similar and yet … I didn’t ever break out into a sweat. Okay, maybe once – when I realized that all of my jacket layers, plus gloves, thick scarf and boots, were slowly toasting my body into a crisp, campfire marshmallow).
Although the folks provided a fine, color-coded map, finding the actual wine glass station did prove a bit tricky – and this was before reaching the alcohol. I followed a cheery volunteer’s prompting around a corner (that I wouldn’t have ever turned down) and voilà, there lay the desired beverage holders. With glass in hand, I set on my way.
Follow the yellow brick signs / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
“I love wine and I’m usually on the other end,” admits Laura Raynor, a friendly WWA volunteer pouring reds at Station Four. After I dropped my ticket in the bucket, she quickly poured the allotted ticket’s worth, describing the origin of the grape and what to note in the flavor. I swirled and sniffed Man Vintners Pinotage 2010 from the Coastal Region in South Africa. “It’s a blend within a blend. The main grape is a hybrid.” Around me people were milling about – chatting about work, which wine they just had to try again, how their new friend from a previous station was cute.
Over 1,200 registered for the event, plus media and volunteers, bringing the 1K tally to a whopping 1,400 Novinians.
Further along the way a group of young women huddle by a piano in the Synetic Theater, as one friend plunks away on the keys. The room is buzzing with activity with all the drink pouring and glass clinking going on. There’s no rush on this course. Plenty of people lingered around a particular wine they really enjoyed, or stopped to sit on benches along the mall’s underground corridors.
“I feel synetic!” one racer shouts to this friends as they enter the theatre.
“You have no idea what means,” his drinking buddy said in response.
Laura Raynor and several racers strike a pose. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
The really, really smart people at WAA strategically placed bread (and hummus!) stations along the way so racers could carb load and not have to stumble to the finish. Throw the promise of thumping finish line party, complete with sporadic dancing and more wine sampling, and you’re going to have to try to hold me back from reaching the end.
So how did this reporter finish? By giving away a fistful of remaining drink tickets, leaving with a souvenir glass, t-shirt, munching on complimentary pita bread as the taste of sweet, smokey grapes faded from my tongue.
The race may be over but the fun was just getting started. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
The fun’s not over though – this weekend, Jan. 21 and 22, will be another drinking, there’s-no-hurry race course. “It’s the same thing but with beer,” explains one of organizers for the 1K Beer Walk. In case of a potential Snowpocalypse sitch, the makeup date will be the following weekend (Jan. 28 and 29).
View all the event details and register for the upcoming shananigans over here.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
Happy hour is coming early this week. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Fer Gregory
Well hello there! You’ve made it to Tuesday – after a long weekend/holiday, that’s always a tough feat to accomplish. We’d like to applaud you for braving the wintery weather, early morning monsooning and general work-related absurdity.
Feel like having some fun yet?
Make your calendar – Capital City Brewing will be tapping two casks tomorrow night in Shirlington. The featured seasonal beers are the Lil’ Black IPA, a very hoppy, toned down malt brew, and the Waffle Brown, a mapley syrup, rich-tasting “breakfast in a glass” beer.
The Cap City in-house brewers will be milling about, answering questions and talking about the brews all night, plus $5 appetizers and additional drink specials going throughout the event.
Capital City Brewery
The Village at Shirlington
4001 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, VA
703-578-3888
www.capcitybrew.com
When: Wednesday, Jan. 18th
HH: 6 to 10 pm
Price: $5 apps
– Lorin Drinkard
Happy Hour: The Great Gadsby (Tavern, That Is)
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 12th, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Although the classic and beloved novel is not the topic of today’s blog post, let’s just stop for a second and reflect on what an outstanding piece of American literature it really is.
Did I mention the novel will be turned into a movie starring Leo, Carrey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire out later this year? Yes, another round of “was-the-book-better-than-the-movie” will ensue.
And back to the 1920s we go. / Photo courtesy: Fanpop
Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty: if any of your New Year’s resolutions involve picking up a new hobby/skill, or perhaps you’re just looking for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary way to spend your evening, this is for you.
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
… and give me a half-priced glass of wine.
Liberty's happening happy hour. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Yes, in the bustling corridor of Clarendon nightlife there sits a restaurant/bar that stands out among the rest. With their high-ranking menu of deliciousness (named to NoVA Mag’s 50 Best Restaurants) and classy bar-like appeal, The Liberty Tavern calls to us as a neon beacon of rest for weary 9 to 5ers, saying, “Do step out of the cold. Why don’t you grab a drink, order some food and stay awhile.”
“The food tastes like home cooking,” one female patron told us, as she sipped on Magic Hat #9. “I’ve been coming here since it first opened. We always come here before going out anywhere else.”
Even Mr. POTUS himself has dined at Liberty, enjoying an evening of conversation and swordfish.
Although happy hour specials at Liberty are only drink-related (fingers crossed they have a sudden change of heart and decide their menu should be deeply discounted, too!), they’re not too shabby. Wine is half-off (try the Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec) and beers are $5 a pop. Quite a few good draft picks, including Bell’s Oberon, Dale’s Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager and Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen.
They also serve up some mean specialty cocktails. A group of 20somethings ordered a round of Industrials (Liberty’s agave nectar margarita), then another. Happy hours prices brings them to $5 each. Another good choice: the LT G&T ($10), which is Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, lime and bottled Fever Tree Tonic.
Foodwise, the smells drifting from your neighbor’s plate will have you ordering in no time. Any of the wood-fired pizzas are a big hit and run from $12 to $15. The house smoked salmon “lasagne” ($11) is a small plate but packs great flavor. For other small bites, try the crispy shrimp/Ipswich claims ($9), Tavern salad with radish ($6) or hand-cut fries ($5) topped with herbs.
For full menu options, check out Liberty’s website here.
The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-9360
www.thelibertytavern.com
HH: 4 to 7 pm
Price: $3.50 and up for wines, $5 for beer and Industrials
–Lorin Drinkard
Christmas Countdown: Grown-Up Christmas List
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Well, folks, it’s just a mere 12 days until Christmas. But, no worries! That still leaves us with plenty of time to enjoy a cup of good cheer or two before December 25th rolls around. Just like we’ve been doing all month, we continue with our Christmas-themed posts. [Missed a post? Check here for more events, where to spot Santa and even gift giving suggestions.]
Make the seasons bright. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Anna Lisovskaya
Today’s theme? Our Grown-Up Christmas List.
Think cocktails and couples events. Like we say around here, sipping spiked eggnog + dancing under the mistletoe = a holly jolly Christmas.
Our Grown-Up Christmas List
Who spiked the eggnog? We're not telling. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/ CGissemann
1. Spend more time a-wassailing.
With the craziness that is the holiday season, kick back and enjoy some yuletide drinks at Paradise Springs Winery. From sparkling pineapple wine to tours and discounts on winery merchandise, the 2nd Annual Holiday Party in Paradise is the perfect way to boost the Christmas spirit. Washington Wine Academy is hosting a perfectly-paired event this Thursday: wine tasting + National Tree visit. Need a wintery happy hour suggestion? Check out our round-up of where to grab some unique holiday sippers.
2. Put on your party clothes and really rock around the Christmas tree.
For some adult festivities, check out Old Town Alexandria’s Christmas in July this weekend, where celebrations will be merry. More information here. Plus, a Hairspray happy hour, Dance Factory Christmas ball and Martini’s & Mistletoe at Teatro Goldini.
3. Snuggle up together on a comfy, cozy sleigh ride for two.
No need to wait for the snowy goodness to arrive. Create your own winter wonderland by spending a romantic night in a carriage at one of NoVA’s many holiday hot spots: Reston Town Center, Old Towne Fredericksburg and Staunton.
4. Start a new tradition.
And to all a good night! / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Dmitriy Shironosov
In a holiday funk? Not for long. Drive over to Rebounderz of Sterling, a trampoline funland, for an exciting Jump into the Holidays Festival. Don’t let the kiddos have all the joy. Receive an instant mood boost, plus work on some of the office sweets you’ve been munching on, by bouncing on their many trampolines. Friday, Dec. 16th from 2 to 11 p.m. 22400 Davis Dr., Sterling; 703-433-5867; www.rebounderzsterling.com; $13.75/person for 90 min. of jumping.
5. Get a little theatrical while enjoying a Christmas classic.
For a must-see holiday show, quite a few NoVA venues are putting on pretty spectacular productions. The Fauquier Community Theatre is doing A Christmas Carol, Leesburg’s Pickwick Players are putting on Scrooge: The Musical, Pinky Swear Productions is hosting the premiere of Carol’s Christmas and 1st Stage of Tysons Corner is doing Parfumerie.
Check back tomorrow for NoVA’s best bets for spectacular Christmas trees around the region.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
After countless hours at work, wouldn’t it be great to leave the worries of paper jams, unanswered emails and to-be-done project aside and actually have some fun in your day?
Trivia tonight? Yes way! /Photo credit: Shutterstock/Deklofenak
That’s where Bunker Sports Cafe enters the spotlight. Cast all coffee-stain, payroll cares aside and head to a happy hour you can wrap your mind around: trivia night-style. With host Max at the mike, he’ll lead you and your team through multiple categories and questions that have you thinking while drinking.
And actually, happy hour isn’t reserved for after 5 pm at Bunker. They offer discounts all day long (11 am to 9 pm, to be exact).
The questions starts at 7 pm and runs til 9 pm but staff we talked with at Bunker recommends getting there between 6 and 6:15 to get a good table. And you’ll need lots of room – Bunker offers a plethora of food and drink specials. Five appetizers for $5 a piece? Done. $2 drink specials? Done and done.
If you are chalk full of random facts and seemingly useless info, put it to good use at tonight’s trivia challenge at Bunker, where happy hour is educational and entertaining. Don’t forget to come up with a stellar team name. It’s almost as crucial as answering the questions themselves.
Bunker Sports Cafe
510-I East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 443-0777
www.bunkersportscafe.com
HH: 11 am – 9 pm
Cost: $5 per appetizer, $2 a drink.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Don’t you just love it when a hotel offers a fresh, unique spin on happy hours in the city?
In case you didn't already get the office-wide memo. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/Arcady
So do we. For the rest of the year, Renaissance Arlington Capital View is running a series of f-r-e-e musical shingdigs at their lovely location, each featuring a different, up-and-coming talented guest artist.
This week’s guest performer is Kristina Furey, a DC singer with a “voice like Joss Stone.” Starting at 6 pm, the hotel’s lounge will be host to the evening’s entertainment festivities. With Blue Ribbon menu items, specialty cocktails and live music, it’s our top pick for free entertainment + yummy drinks happy hour.
RLife LIVE Series
2800 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202
(571) 814-4034
www.therenaissancelife.com
HH: 6 to 8 pm
Cost: prices vary
–Lorin Drinkard
Happy Hour: Bacon Lovers Unite
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Does the smell of sizzling pork make your mouth water? Are you prone to hoarding extra slices on your plate at brunch?
Clarendon’s Restaurant 3 is in the middle of its third year of promoting Week O’ Bacon, ten days packed with pig-inspired dishes and drinks (yes, I realize that’s more than a week. But hey, it’s catchier than, “A Week-and-A-Half O’ Bacon, right?). From now through October 22, guests can enjoy 3′s famous in-house, fresh-cured meat from their all-bacon menu.
Hungry yet? / Photo credit: Shutterstock/strada
If you’re among the camp that believes the more crunchy, salty goodness, the better, than you won’t want to miss out on this week’s festivities. Tonight, from 4 to 7 p.m., happy hour gets rolling with $3 craft beers and $5 for a glass of red or white wine*.
And for the bacon drinks and eats being featured tonight – drum roll, please -
- A Bacon Bloody Mary with bacon-infused vodka, 3′s house bloody mary mix and garnished with bacon $5
- Four thick, house cured slices of Bacon-on-a-stick, accompanied by “Magic Sauce,” $5
- A Bacon Martini with bacon-infused vodka, Dry Vermouth, served with an olive and bacon bit, $5
- Cheesy Bacon Cheddar Dip, along with a side of bacon-dusted potato chips, $5
Restaurant’s 3 love and obsession for bacon has received goes beyond the realms of Northern Virginia. Even the guys at Travel Channel’s Food Paradise have taken notice. This week, they’re already smoked and dished out more than 1,500 pounds. And they’re having a fabulous, melt-in-your-mouth brunch with Bacon Benedict and Graceland Waffles this Sunday.
Still in need of more bacon? 3 sells their pig pride and joy at $12 a pound.
Restaurant 3
2950 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 524-4440
www.restaurantthree.com
HH: 4 to 8 p.m. (bacon eats til 7 p.m., beer specials til 8 p.m.) *Only available in the bar*
Cost: $3 to $5 per drink, $5 for food
- 
Lorin Drinkard
Happy Hour: Calling All Mad Men Fans
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Friday, October 14th, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Do you have a knack for wooing clients and a mysterious background like the smoldering Don Draper? Or perhaps you’re more like Joan Harris, a fiery redhead known for putting secretaries in their place while keeping the office in order. Be it Don, Joan, Peggy, Betty or Pete – you and your AMC alter ego are invited to a swinging good time this weekend.
Tune in, folks. Mad Men's on. / Photo Credit: Shutterstock/iofoto
It isn’t just about what you seen on the screen – appearance counts, too. Don’t leave home without changing into your swankiest Mad Men era getup (fyi: Banana Republic just launched a fall clothing line that screams Draper appeal) for a chance to win best dressed in the costume contest.
Think you know your 1960s products? Test your knowledge in the Name That Product Game. Your keen attention to details will also be useful in the Mad Men trivia challenge. To really bring you back to the era that started it all: how about a rousing game of Twister, a round of Demean Your Employee, plus The Twist dance-off competition.
If that sounds like your kind of party, don’t be late – doors open at 6:30 p.m. And folks, lets leave the hippies out of this (instead, think skinny ties, suits and cocktail dresses).
Who knows, you maybe the fella or lady that takes home a pack of Lucky Strikes (or tickets to the Drafthouse)!
Arlington Cinema ‘N Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington VA
(703) 486-2345
www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
When: Sunday, Oct. 16 @ 7 p.m. (Doors open @ 6:30 p.m.)
Cost: $12
- Lorin Drinkard
Everything’s Better With Bacon!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Restaurant 3 in Clarendon
Restaurant 3 in Clarendon is getting geared up to host their 3rd annual “Week Of Bacon” with Bacon Happy Hours, Bacon Tasting Menu, Bacon Curing Classes and Bacon Patio Parties.
Now that’s a lot of bacon.
The smoky, salty goodness that is bacon takes center stage in this week-long event at 3 from October 13-22, 2011. This week is sure to sizzle!
The Week of Bacon kicks off with a Patio Pig Roast this Thursday, October 13, featuring $5 pulled pork sandwiches and American craft beer specials.
Bacon enthusiasts everywhere can pick from a week’s worth of festivities spotlighting 3′s house-cured bacon. 3 will offer a Bacon Curing Class on Sunday, October 16 at 3pm, where Chef Brian Robinson will demonstrate his own special curing methods, share curing rub recipes and provide participants with tastes from his cellar. The class is free but space is limited.
Throughout the week, diners can also swing by Chef Robinson’s “Bacon Stand” where they can try a complimentary taste of 3′s house-cured Bacon-to-Go and pick up a pound (or six) to take home.
Bacon, bacon and yes- more bacon, cured in-house!
Throughout the Week of Bacon, Restaurant 3 will offer a Bacon Tasting Dinner on the patio and special Bacon Brunch featuring dishes such as the Graceland Waffle- a bacon studded waffle topped with caramelized bananas and a bacon-peanut sauce.
Oh my.
Each day for the duration of the festival the restaurant will offer a daily Bacon Happy Hour, where guests can feast on bacon bites such as the new bacon cheese dip over bacon dusted chips or the loved ”bacon-on-a-stick” and wash it all down with $3 craft beer draft specials.
Executive Chef Brian Robinson cures all his own bacon in-house and is a firm believer in the foodie philosophy that, “everything tastes better with bacon,” a philosophy that he looks forward to sharing with his guests through his specially created Bacon Tasting Menu being offered for the duration of the Week of Bacon. Priced at $30 per person, you can view the full menu here.
3 Bar and Grill - 2950 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
For more information or reservations please call (703)524.4440 or visit www.restaurantthree.com
– Jennie Whistler
