OutWrite Author Series @ ACKC: The latest edition of the DC Center's OutWrite GLBT author readings happens at the ACKC chocolate shop on 14th St. and features an appearance by Michael-Christopher. Christopher is best known for his "Living the Life" series of graphic novels, but has written novels as well. This is a good chance to reassure yourself that, in fact, some gay men do have an interest in reading. (ACKC, 1529 C 14th St., NW. 7:30 p.m. Free.)
Friday, July 25:
Queer and Trans Slow Dance Party @ St. Stephens Church: As part of its "Queer and Trans July," QT ATAC (Queer + Transfolk Acting Together Against Capitalism) is throwing something not often seen in D.C.: A slow dance party. Playing "Waltzes, jigs, soft rock and some smooth R&B," QT ATAC provides a great excuse to get very close to someone you have your eye on. (St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St., NW. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Free.)
Friday, July 25:
Spiritualized @ 9:30 Club: The 9:30 Club became smoke free on January 1st, 2007. We'll see if that policy is abided by on Friday when Spiritualized, the trippiest band this side of Animal Collective, pay a visit. People who have never even drank coffee will see visions. (9:30 Club, 815 V St., NW. 9 p.m. doors. $25.)
Saturday, July 26: Nouveau Riche @ DC9:
Any party offering no cover and free sparks (the caffeinated malt liquor, not the pyrotechnic phenomenon) before 10 o'clock will receive my endorsement. A defunct party retuning for a one-off night of "genre busting" dance music? Sounds pretty fun, no? (DC9, 1940 9th St., NW. Free from 9- 10, $8 afterwards.)
Monday, July 28: Film Screening Double Feature: Screaming Queens and Watermelon Woman @ The Aqueerium: Another Queer and Trans July event, this is a double feature of two important gay movies: The first a documentary on transgenders and transvestites fighting discrimination in 1960s San Francisco and the other a truly excellent fiction movie about a black, lesbian film store clerk becoming obsessed with a beautiful silent movie actress in an attempt to better understand facets of her own life. I know this isn't a weekend event, but it's worth leaving the house on a Monday. (The Aqueerium, 1361 Monroe St., NW. 6:30 p.m. Free.)
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Zagat Rankings Released Today
Zagat Survey, my go-to dining guide, released the results of their 2009 survey this morning, with Makoto, the Japanese restaurant located at 4822 MacArthur Blvd. NW, ousting The Inn at Little Washington from the top food spot into second.
The Inn, which is helmed by gay proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell, won in the category of best new American food. Coming in third in the food category is Komi, the pricey Mediterranean jewel on 17th Street.
The average cost of a meal in D.C. rose slightly to $35.13, which is lower than New York at $39.46 and higher than New Orleans at $26.18. In line with the times, the new guide includes a list of 40 cheaper options, including Amsterdam Falafel, Five Guys, Ben's Chili Bowl, Chop't Creative Salad and California Tortilla, which they peg as “Better Alternatives To Home."
Some of the winners by cuisine type include Rasika for Indian, Citronelle for New French, Vidalia for Southern and Thai Square for Thai.
- Merkado, 1443 P St. NW, closes its doors on August 24 and reopens as September 8 at Commissary, a café, coffeehouse and wine bar.
- You've probably already been visiting one of the local farmer's markets this summer, and if not, you should be, since the produce is amazing. After your trip, click over to one of my favorite web sites, Epicurious, where you can find seasonally-appropriate recipes to take advantage of all those juicy peaches or plump tomatoes sitting on your kitchen counter.
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'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' hearing TODAY
The House Armed Services Committee will be holding the first hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" since the inception of the policy in 1993. Blade reporter Chris Johnson is at the hearing and updates will follow throughout the day.
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Bye, Sophia
If you're hooked up to the Internet at all, you probably know that Estelle Getty, best known as Sophia from "The Golden Girls" has gone on to the big TV studio in the sky.
According to the Washington Post, she died at about 5:30 a.m. this morning at her Hollywood Boulevard home. She apparently had been suffering from advanced dementia.
I'm not exactly sure how "The Golden Girls" became such a big hit with gay viewers young and old, but the show's woman power themes struck home with various generations of homos (including this homo, who saw the show as a child and loved it).
Getty was a regular high point on the program as Bea Arthur's persnickety mother, who never tired of lobbing zingers on the rest of the characters. I have very strong memories of my parents and I laughing at the one-liners she would drop while sperched at the kitchen table or heading back into her bedroom.
Interestingly, Getty, at the time of her auditions for the series, was currently in Harvey Fierstein's "Torch Song Trilogy" as the protagonist's mother — an incredible, nuanced role in an equally incredible show. I would have liked to have seen her other work, although once she got into "Golden Girls," she was pretty much set for the rest of her career.
Rest in peace, Estelle, and thank you for the hours of laughter you've provided countless audiences.
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'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' hearing tomorrow
Tomorrow Congress will hold a hearing to revisit the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays in the armed services. Over 50 retired generals and admirals supporting the repeal of "DADT" will give testimonies.
The Blade will have a reporter at the hearing, so stay tuned for updates throughout the day.
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