This week, congressional budget breathers.
By Rebecca Lathe
As Congress gears up for yet another return to the budget battle next week, Washingtonians will likely need a break. Look no further than our own editor’s picks, which this week has us looking forward to spring restaurant deals, transcendental art and exclusive shopping.
Virtual Shopping Spree
Gilt City DC’s Neighborhood Spotlight
Monday, April 8 through Sunday, April 14
Register here
If you aren’t already a member of Gilt City, then it’s time to jump on the flash-sale bandwagon. The website’s neighborhood spotlight collection is offering members the opportunity to experience Washington’s U Street area like never before.
The week-long spotlight offers insider sales from boutiques, bars and restaurants in one of the District’s trendiest neighborhoods. Highlights include a discounted package of cycling classes at Peloton Cycling Studio, a sangria brunch for two at the Drafting Table, and a deal on a tequila tasting and mixology event at the Gibson Lab at Marvin.
PJ Clarke’s patio (Courtesy photo)
Oysters for All
P.J. Clarke’s Patio Opening Party
Tuesday, April 9
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
1600 K St. NW
202-286-6610 for reservations
There’s no better way to celebrate the start of beautiful weather than at an outdoor happy hour. Just in time, P.J. Clarke’s is opening up its full-service patio and introducing a signature oyster, locally harvested and in a “cocktail” size, to mark the occasion.
Look for 50-cent oysters and $3.50 D.C. Braus to wash it all down. Can’t make the opening? Enter the restaurant’s oyster naming contest for a chance to win a private patio party for you and up to 50 friends.
Taste the national spirit of Belgium at Et Voila April 10-April 14. (Courtesy photo)
Taste of Belgium
Genever Celebration at Et Voila
Kick-off event on April 10; tastings last through April 14
6:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW
202-237-2300
Free
With the weather finally showing signs of spring, a chilled cocktail sounds mighty good. Check out the charming Palisades neighborhood and sip the national spirit of belgium – Genever. On April 10, Véronique Beittel, brand owner and importer of Belgian genever house Diep 9, will be at Et Voila Belgian Bistro to conduct Genever tastings, including five specialty cocktails ($10 each) and four flavors of Genever sorbet.
Private Art Goes Public
Transformer Collector’s View Series
First view opens Thursday, April 11; last view May 19
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Visit website for schedule and details
$50 per view; $225 discount package for all five views
Tickets here
Transformer’s annual Collector’s View brings art lovers into the homes of some of Washington’s best art collectors. See well-known paintings and sculptures and lesser-known pieces while learning about the art of collecting art. This year’s participants include an environmentalist and a corporation.
For more on the participants, visit Transformer’s website.
This year’s DC Design House (Courtesy photo)
Design Wonders
2013 DC Design House Preview Party
Saturday, April 13
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
2507 Foxhall Rd. NW
$50; Preview party tickets here; Design House tickets here
This year’s show house is a $14.9 million palatial estate designed by Bethesda, Md.’s GTM Architects. Boasting eight bedrooms, eight full baths, a marble foyer, infinity pool and balcony overlooking the city’s monuments in the distance, it offers plenty of “blank canvas” for some of Washington’s best interior designers to work their magic.
Proceeds benefit the Children’s National Medical Center.
