This Beautiful City

Last Tuesday night, John and I met up with our friend Wesley at National's Park to watch the Nats play against the Marlins (for a whopping $5, thanks to a deal advertised in the local paper). However, as we were walking up the rain started to pour and the game was canceled. I was totally bummed at first, but my mood changed as soon as I found out that the game would be rescheduled.

On Wednesday, John stood in line outside of the Kennedy Center for 2 and 1/2 hours to get us free tickets to the YouTube On Stage event featuring John Legend. As soon as I got off work I scurried there and waited in line with him until tickets were in hand. We snagged tickets and hour and a half before showtime and took advantage of that time by going to Burger Tap Shake to celebrate National Hamburger Day. The hamburgers were out of this world and their shaketails (gourmet milkshakes with a dash of alcohol) hit the spot. Let me just say that it gives Good Stuff a run for its money.

The show that night was incredible and featured numerous acts in addition to John Legend. Some of our favorites included: People for Change, which featured street musicians from around the world, Clouds, the story of Zach Zobiech- a must see (but warning- it's a tear jerker) and a dance segment from Les Twins. John Legend was so good and it was awesome to be near such talent in the magnificent Kennedy Opera House.

Thursday, my sorority sister Emily and her husband Hunter met up with me, Hannah Beth, and Aleks at Pearl Dive Oyster Bar on 14th St. Emily and Hunter chose to visit D.C. this year for their yearly vacation and we are so happy that they did! I had been wanting to try out Pearl Dive for a while and since John had never had oysters before and Em and Hunter were coming to town- I thought that it was the perfect opportunity to check it off the list. The food was creative and flavorful; plus, the atmosphere was just right for a night out on the town.

Friday, John and I exchanged our rainy day Nats tickets for the night game against the Texas Rangers. Funny enough, the Rangers are the only other MLB team that I have seen play. So, it was fun to see the two go head to head. John and I ate before the game, but as soon as we found out that there was a Shake Shack inside the park, we seized the opportunity to snag a National Pastime (vanilla custard with chocolate toffee, chocolate sprinkles and malt powder). I had been wanting to try Shake Shack for years, but had always brushed it off during my trips to NYC. So, I was happy to hear that there was one in D.C., and better yet- one in Nat's Park. It's a must try if you haven't been and are in the area! It ended up being such a fun date night and the Nat's brought home a win! Woo hoo!

Saturday morning, John and I went back to Southeast D.C. , but bypassed the baseball park in route of Yards Park for the Tour de Fat celebration. The event is sponsored by New Belgium Brewing Company and is a benefit for bicycling in the District. There was limited edition beer, fun carnival games, free music and lots more. John and I tried our hand at a ring toss game and we both ended up winning!

After we had our fun at the park, we hopped back on the Metro and came back to Dupont Circle for Taste of Dupont. I'm not going to lie, we were a little disappointed that one ticket only got you a sample size at 1 restaurant of choice, but it did allow us to try out the new Willie T's Lobster Shack. The lobster was fresh and sweet and the rolls were warm and buttery. Overall, we approved.

That evening, we took our usual weekend trip to Georgetown. However, for the first time, we walked alongside the waterfront at night and tried out the famous Thomas Sweet ice cream parlor. When the President eats there, you know that it has to be good. We chose to split a small cup of Amaretto ice cream with Heath bar. It was divine.

This morning after church, we took a little stroll down the block to enjoy brunch at Le Diplomate. The restaurant is soaring at #1 on Urbanspoon currently and we now know why. First of all, the setting is to die for and makes you feel like you've stepped outside of the U.S. and into a French bistro. The food is very French too and oh so tasty. We split the pastry basket (that changes each Sunday depending on what the pastry chef chooses) and the baguette provencal. We loved our charming meal and can't wait to go back!

Even though every night was full of activity, it was a laid back week for the most part which was greatly enjoyed. It also appears that all we did was eat  & for that matter, mostly ate ice cream and milk shakes (I assure you that we didn't, but sometimes you do need a break from Whole Life ;) ). This week, my best friend Elizabeth is coming to town and I can hardly contain my excitement! Plus, there's far less ice cream in my future since we just made a big trip to the local farmer's market. Hooray for clean eating and fresh fruits and veggies! I love this beautiful city and I love it even more when friends come to visit this District Darling.Until then, have a most lovely week!