FYIDC

Hey, Relax

Whether it's between a hearing on Capitol Hill or after lunch at The Willard Room, or just a quick escape from office doldrums, the I Spa at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel has several new ways for you to relax fast. The spa now offers 30-minute express massages, facials and skin treatments - talk about a relaxing way to spend your lunch break (or afternoon). If you can spare a full hour, I Spa will throw in a spa lunch - to be eaten on its private terrace, or in the VIP spa suite. For more information visit www.washington.interconti.com or call (202) 942-2700.

New at Indebleu

The Tantra Lounge has transformed the former bar and lounge of Indebleu into a spacious environment with billowing Indian curtains, sensual décor and lounge menu featuring contemporary French and Indian dishes. This new hot spot, located at 707 G Street N.W., also offers world-class bottle service and a 50-drink cocktail menu inspired by the Washington Metro map. Open seven days a week at 5 p.m.; for more information call (202) 333-BLEU.

Melting Pot

The Adams Morgan Festival celebrates the neighborhood's uniqueness with an eclectic celebration of the senses featuring music- from reggae to jazz to salsa - and international cuisine including Greek gyros, Ethiopian collard greens and Tex-Mex quesadillas. Be sure to check out the vendor booths that will line the center of 18th Street N.W, and showcase hand-made arts, crafts, clothes, and jewelry. Sunday September 10th, noon-6 p.m.; for more information call (202) 232-1960 or visit www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com.

Burn Rubber

Have you always dreamed of sliding behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Viper but found the super prices of these super cars prohibitive? If so, look up Pure Exotics, where, in the case of a Lamborghini Gallardo, you can rent one for a day for about 1/100th of MSRP. The company offers door-to-door service in the metro area will pick you up at the airport and always deliver your chosen chariot with a full tank of gas (which you don't have to refill). For more information visit www.pure-exotics.com or call (703) 309-9292 or (888) 2XOTICS.

Giddy Up!

Equine lovers shouldn't miss the 48th Annual Washington International Horse Show. Held at the Verizon Center in downtown D.C., organizers will hand out $400,000 in prize money and championship titles to riders of all ages from around the world. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or (202) 397-SEAT and vary from $15 to $60 according to day and session. For more information visit www.wihs.org.

Familiar Faces (and artists)

You'll probably recognize many of the mugs on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and many of the artists whose work is featured at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, both of which reopened in July after an extensive renovation of the Patent Office Building, where they are housed. For more information visit www.npg.si.edu or www.americanart.si.edu.

You're Blushing

Lauren Mason and Paige Speyer of Georgetown boutique Wink have bought and reopened Blush at 1089 Seven Locks Road in Potomac Md. With renovations complete, the childhood friends have announced that Blush will carry lines such as Tory by TRB, Diane von Furstenberg, Vince, YA-YA and Rebecca Taylor, as well as shoes from Sigerson Morrison, Bettye Muller and Delman, among other makers. For more information visit www.blushboutique.com or call (301) 340-3940.

Move over, Citronelle

Big news bite for frugal foodies: Michel Richard of Citronelle will expand into more casual (and affordable) fare with the opening of Centrale on Pennsylvania Avenue, between the White House and the Capitol, in late fall. Imagine it like this: Centrale is to Citronelle what Bouchon is to French Laundry in California. He plans to serve up juicy steaks, chops and fresh fish prepared "meat and potatoes steakhouse style" alongside not so traditional bistro fare like sushi and charcuterie.

Fashion Forward

Aimed at the young, savvy customer who knows what she likes, Neiman Marcus' new retail concept Cusp opened at Tyson's Corner in late July (a Georgetown location is scheduled for February '07). The store stocks the latest trends and includes lines like J Brand Jeans, Rag and Bone, and Theory; shoes from makers such as Manolo Blahnik and Repetto; and handbags from the likes of Chloé and Kooba. For more information visit www.blogonthecusp.com or call (703) 288-1940.

Slingbox

Scenario: You're in London on business and 60 Minutes and Lost are on back home at 9 p.m. Unless you've pre-programmed the TiVo or VCR you're out of luck - you'll have to wait catch up the following week - unless you have Sling Media's new Slingbox, which allows you to watch and control your TV anywhere by turning your Internet-connected laptop (or desktop, PDA, etc.) into a personal television. The Slingbox sits on top of your TV and placeshifts your television signal to your computer - wherever you may be. It is compatible with thousands of home theater devices from TiVo to DISH to DirecTV, meaning no new technology is required. The best part? You'll never be lost when the next Lost comes on. $199.99; available at www.slingmedia.com, Circuit City, Best Buy and other retailers.