Metro Ridership - Board members don't ride

Please read this article from the Post. We think it's appalling that our public officials on the Metro board don't ride Metro. As an Alexandria resident, Mayor Euille should get more in tune with the mass transit system. As a representative to a system that moves so many of your residents you'd think he could relate to his constituents a little better.

We wonder if he knows what the DASH is?

Of course, we wonder if the anyone on the City Council in Alexandria is a frequent rider on the mass transit system.

Photo op rides, riding to get voters or to show that "you've changed" is even more ridiculous.

Jump to the link here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/21/AR2009022101667.html

Posting

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties called "bathroom renovations", so until the place is finished, blogging will be difficult as this takes up most of our free time at the moment. Please liken it to the Digital Transition on TV...once it's done, a signal will be working just fine.

Things should start going back into place next week sometime.

Best Thai Food

I have found Thai Food in the DC area to be more or less consistent everywhere I go. Here are some of my favorite places:

1. Duangrat's - This is the best Thai in the Region...it has the awards to prove it. One Valentine's day I tried to just casually dine here, I couldn't believe the wait. Their smaller, more regional place, Rabieng, is also very good.

2. Thaiphoon - They have DC and VA locations, both have very attentive service.

3. Thai Shirlington - They serve their food with more flair than the others. The service is also very good. Shirlington Village's best meal deal.

4. Thai Square - This place on Colombia Pike is the best deal, basically the same menu as the others, but has the most reasonable prices.

Pentagon City as Bus Terminal

I go through Pentagon City Mall almost every day to get to work. Has anyone ever noticed how sometimes it's used as a schoolkid and tourist bus depository?

I'd like to point out a few things

Fashion: I think the "hey, I'm a tourist" ID lanyards are always great "come mug me" signs. But I'm especially appalled by the teens/tweens on class trips and the way they dress with their pants around their ankles or unflatteringly tight (both male and female). I make this comment because I saw a teen dressed like this wearing a pro-life sticker and really supporting the cause with his REALLY tight pants. I had to laugh, and that's no way to earn respect for a cause. What about showing respect for where you come from and who you represent? Has this virtue gone by the wayside?

Brookstone: I've never seen people get so excited about a $3,000 massage chair. There's always a line and inappropriate comments.

Escalator etiquette: I don't expect people to stand to the left (that's reserved for METRO), but you'd think they know how to get on and off an escalator. WALK ON or WALK AWAY from it when getting on and off, standing there only creates problems for the people behind you.

With all that said, I do think, as a mall, it's not too bad. Their Macy's is good and Nordstrom is bonus. They also seem to be going upscale. I once read that it was one of the highest revenue per square foot in the country.

Best Tailors

Having spent a good part of the year in Rhode Island last year on business, I couldn't believe the lack of alterationists and tailors in the whole state. DC has so many. Here are my top three:

Harvard Custom Tailor at the Village at Shirlington. This place is reasonable and no nonsense.

Kim's Tailoring at Pentagon City Mall. She's expensive, but Kim does a good job.

Shoe Shoppe/Tailorcraft in Tyson's Corner Center. This is my favorite place. They are fast and you can shop and wait at the same time.

Weekend Getaways

After last weekend's Obamania, getting away might be high on your list. I think weekend getaways are fun to do, and can be inexpensive if you look around on Priceline, Orbitz, or Hotels.com.

By Car (or Train) - Philadelphia, PA. America Starts here! Philadelphia has a lot to offer, history, good eating, and first rate culture. Drive or take Amtrak to 30th Station, it's 2.5 hours. I recommend Independence Mall, the Kimmel Center, and brunch at More than Just Ice Cream on Locust St and dinner at Jones. Get a cheesesteak from Mama Angelina's because you don't want to look too much like a tourist. As a 22 year resident of the Philly region prior to moving to DC, trust me, Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's steaks are nothing but cheesesteak lore (though the roast pork at Tony Luke's is the best in the city) and not worth the lines. Unless you want to say you've eaten there.

By Train - New York City, NY. Personally I think this is a no brainer. I don't need to wax eloquent about NYC's offerings. My favorite hotel is the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station, but I also like any Kimpton Hotel. If you want an adventure in a VERY small room, but interesting hotel try the Hudson on Columbus Circle. Try Alice's Tea Cup for lunch or afternoon tea.

By Air - Nashville, TN. Music City, USA! Take Southwest from BWI and explore a great town. Suspend your disbelief about country music and see the Country Music Hall of Fame and catch a show at the Opry. Grab some barbeque too. In the spring, it's especially nice. If you want something more picturesque or solitude, try the Sewanee, TN (90 Mins from the Airport) . If you have time, visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, TN (2hrs).

I liked cupcakes before they were trendy - Favorite Dessert Places

Dessert is a meal unto itself, and I enjoy this meal the most. Despite the dearth of Italian restaurants (see a few posts back), in consolation, our area does have some very good places to get something sweet. Here are my favorites, in no particular order:

Buzz on Slaters (Alexandria)- I was impressed with their cupcakes, service, and drink selection

Georgetown Cupcake (DC) - The cream cheese icing is incredible and their cake is fluffy. I think their cupcakes are the best deal in DC. Their line can be long, so call ahead.

Harris Teeter - Their store baked chocolate chip cookies are great, better than any bakery that I've been to. Try their gourmet sized ones.

Wegman's (Fairfax/Woodbridge) - They have a huge selection, just drive out there and try something. Their fruit tart is particularly good. Yes it's a long way to go for some of us, but Wegman's worth a pilgrimage.

Waaaaah? No Cakelove? Funny you should ask. I think Cakelove is overrated but adequate. CL's cake is blah, though I like their chocolate ganache.