Samy K's Nightlife Saga

The Scene: Samy K vs. the Ninja Assassin

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:07:43 GMT

Whether you know him as an international pop star or as the new star of "Ninja Assassin," I had the amazing opportunity to meet and interview him for this week's Scene. Rain, as he's known worldwide, is a dancer/singer/actor/clothing designer/stud from Korea who has taken over Asia and is making his debut on American screens next week.

We got a chance to preview the movie last week and I can honestly say it's one of the most kick ass, blood spurting movies I've ever laid eyes upon. Being a chubby unathletic white man I now have a slight man crush on Rain after seeing him do a hand stand push up on a bed of nails (no CGI added!!!!!) Now enough of my ranting... I'll let you watch the interview already and gush all you want.

"Ninja Assassin" opens nationwide on Wednesday, November 25...just in time for a nice post-Thanksgiving family night at the movies.

The Scene: Samy goes Public

Jason Adams — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:46:57 GMT

DC sports fans got something to cheer about this spring when Public Bar opened their doors. And six months later they're still going strong with a ton of TVs broadcasting every NFL game this season, great food/beer, and even better prices. It was even one of the "Real World DC" cast's favorite spots to hang out while in town filming.

Don't believe me? Check out this week's The Scene video below and see what the public had to say about Public.

The Scene: Samy checks in to the Rock and Roll Hotel

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:51:37 GMT

If I told you I was going to the Rock and Roll Hotel on H St in Northeast DC, you would assume I was going to a raucous bar with no cares for their cosmetic appearance with speakers blaring guitars and drums. Luckily for you today, that guess was spot on and I wouldn't want it any other way. In a city filled with chandeliers, $15 dollar shooters and strict dress codes, RNR is a nice change of pace, not to mention a kick butt spot to see some damn good bands. (I saw Cobra Starship and King Khan there.) And what's cool about it is that there is not a single thing in there that isn't rock and roll, from the lounge-ish area with some roughed up couches to the bathroom wallpaper (which isn't even wallpaper but flattened cans of beer).

The upstairs is for drinking and chilling and the main floor is for drinking and concert watching. The crowd was a cool mix of everything you could hope for (which included no one in searsucker pants. Woo hoo!!) Would I reccomend it?? If a night of Pabst Blue Ribbon, rocking guitars and girls with tattoos sounds good ot you... than I would say hell yes!! But why trust me when you can see for yourself below...

The Scene: Late Night Eats The Philly Way

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:44:51 GMT

Finally! For years, Philadelphians have been complaining about how there's nothing decent in D.C. to calm their liquid-filled stomachs after a long night out. Well, now you guys can stop focusing your hate on that and start focusing it again on the Yankees, because on the corner of 14th and U St. N.W. in the U Street Corridor is your answer. JJ's Cheesesteaks opened up a week ago and has already garnered enough attention to A) have The Scene go out there, B) have people send me e-mails about how good it is and finally C) have me eat there 3 times since I found out about it!!!

Now for you true Philadelphians they have your typical beef, cheez whiz and onions, but for the more eclectic palette they have everything from the Mayor Of Istanbul (turkey everything!! even the bacon!!) to a veggie cheesesteak! Whether it's a quick lunch, a post happy hour refuel or 3:30 a.m. munchie run, JJ's has you covered and they're here to stay.

The Scene: Boomerang Bus!

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:55:56 GMT

There are always issues for us responsible partiers that we have to deal with to make sure our nights come out spectacular every time, one of which is making sure you have a good posse. But the problem is trying to get your posse all in one spot and than wrangling them all from bar to bar. To be honest I go out to party not to be a glorified sheep herder and now I have a solution. You can meet all your friends in Arlington for a few drinks and than hop on the Boomerang Bus (pretty hysterical looking to be honest) and than bar hop throughout the District (getting special drink deals at every stop) and all the while never paying for a cab, walking blocks upon blocks or losing your friends (unless they get lost on their own, haha).

This week on The Scene we got a chance to chill with the Boomerang Bus for a night of debauchery and we have the video below to prove it!

Make sure to check out Metromix's 1st Anniversary Bar Tour on the Boomerang Bus Nov. 13. You can win a chance for you and your friends to rock the party bus for yourselves for one night! Plus, the Boomerang Bus is also coming to Baltimore this weekend.

And if you want to keep up with me, join my Facebook fanpage today!

The Scene: Say Goodbye To The Black Rooster Pub

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:53:29 GMT

If you heard the sad news around the nightlife rumor mill about the Black Rooster Pub, I am here to confirm it and offer my condolences. For almost 40 years the pub has been a haven for working stiffs of all kinds in D.C. and this Friday they are closing their doors for the very last time. If you've ever walked around the K Street area of DC than you've easily seen the brick building stick out like a sore thumb mixed between the suits of financiers and politicians.

Being one of D.C.'s oldest (and last) family owned bars, the Black Rooster has developed quite a following that ranges from college students to suits to hospitality employees after a long night in the kitchen. And to be quite honest there is an easy argument saying that Jody (the owner) is easily one of DC's most successful business owners. He bought the bar for $1 and it will be sad to see it go away for a gift shop.

CHEERS TO THE BLACK ROOSTER PUB!! COME BY FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 FOR THE FINAL BEER!!

The Scene: Seriously Scared At Bennett's Curse

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:09:34 GMT

It took a lot of convincing from the powers that be before Ryder and I agreed to do this week's Scene at a haunted house... But than again this haunted house has been featured on the Travel Channel and it's next door to Midieval Times at Arundel Mills. Whether you're an amateur like me or a haunted house groupie that travels all around the region, you can't get any better than Bennett's Curse.

Now we couldn't shed too much light on the behind the scenes action, but let's just say the segment itself still gives me the heebie jeebies...

And make sure to check out Metromix's full Halloween Guide here!

Trying To Start A Party In Traffic

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:29:34 GMT

Traffic blows... But that doesn't mean we can't try to start a party with the car next to us

Like a speakeasy, only less sketchy (and with no leftovers)

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:29:59 GMT

So it was late night and I was desperately hungry and as I started meandering around the Capitol my nerd radar went off when I read a sign for a place called 18th Amendment. Nothing gets me more riled up than the thought of alcohol being banned in the Great Old United States Of America, so when I saw a place named after just that I pulled a U-turn.

Immediately when walking in I was confused by the mix of suited weeknight drinkers, sports fans and the random first date in the corner. But luckily there was a spot right at the bar with my name on it, so I took a seat, ordered a beer and asked the bartender for a sandwich or burger. The sun dried tomato pesto chicken sandwich was definitely not my first thought when I said that, but than again neither was a speak easy (owned by the same guys as Pour House), but filled with suits and sports fans.

Open late everyday, they have a special late night menu from Thursday-Saturday (which includes pancakes and fried chicken together!) The most amazing part was when I handed the guy a $20 thinking that should be enough, but than he handed me back a wad of cash and explained that I would need a few more beers before I reached that pricey of a tab. So needless to say I ordered a couple more $2 beers and added 18th Amendment to my list of chill late night spots (that I can afford)

The Scene: War of the Wings

Samy Kobrosly — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:55 GMT

If I told you this week's Scene had to do with chicken wings, The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, running up the Exorcist stairs until I got sick and my favorite 90's show "Hangin' With Mr Cooper" I highly doubt anyone would believe me... But this time I swear I'm telling the truth. (the picture proof is below boyyyyyy)

The 2nd Annual War of the Wings will be held this Sunday on the corner of M and Wisconsin and will feature a wing competition with Old Glory, J Pauls and the DC Firefighters. But not only is Old Glory coming back to regain their title, but they also have a chance for us regular joe's to enter in the competitive spirit. A CHICKEN WING EATING CONTEST!!!!

So being the "athlete" that I am I figured winning this thing would take lots of hard work and training... So that's exactly what I did and you can watch it below

Feeling feisty?? Enter the contest yourself (if you dare) Full information here

The Scene with Samy K: Co Co. Sala a.k.a. Chocolate Heaven

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:45:37 GMT

Everyone loves chocolate, that's a fact... But when you start thinking about savory cocoa, most people's response would be "EWW!" Those people have never been to Rammy Award-winning restaurant and lounge, Co Co. Sala! Easily one of my top choices in D.C., whether you're looking for a date night, foodie heaven, artisan cocktails or the most amazing looking sweets. (And they taste even better!!) Now open for lunch and brunch as well, no matter what you're looking for, I guarantee you can find it here.

I had the privelege of getting a behind-the-scenes look at Co Co. Sala and let me just say this... I loved the place before, and now it's turned into an obsession!! From bacon mac and cheese (with a chocolate covered bacon slice) to portabello flatbread (sooooo goooood) to sliders from all ends of the world (mmmmm Tandoori) to cocojitos (chocolate mojitos are to die for)...and of course chocolate desserts to no end. (Let me reccomend their cupcakes and their artisan chocolate ranging from Curry Coconut to PB&J to Banana Ginger and everything in between). There is no reason to leave Coco Sala disappointed!! Don't believe me?? The video speaks for itself...

This week's exclusive Metromix deal: Click below, print out the coupon and visit Co Co. Sala for their amazing Sunday brunch (menu here) and enjoy a complimentary mimosa! (An $11 value!)

The Scene: Flying Dog Brewery Debauchery

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:15:34 GMT

If you didn't already know, you have one of the world's top micro-breweries in the world a mere 30 minutes outside the beltway. And may I mention that I'm not just saying that because they gave me beer... I'm saying that because the walls of Flying Dog Brewery are covered in awards and accolades from all over the world. Normally they offer free weekend tours (beer included), but this Saturday only (September 12) is their 2nd Annual GonzoFest.

For $30 you get all the beer, music, chili (the MD State Chili Cook Off is held there) and fun you can handle. But as always, because we're Metromix you can click here for $20 advanced tickets (or pay $30 at the door).

Free burgers for all

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:09:40 GMT

I guess some local dude from Reston named Woody is a huge TGI Friday's fan... And the big wigs there have said that if he can get 500,000 people to fan him on Facebook by the end of September that WE all get free burgers! I mean come on it takes 2 seconds and you can get a free burger out of it (and he's a local y'all)

Here's the Facebook page with all the details

The Scene: Tator tots, sushi and karaoke!

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:27:48 GMT

When you combine a bucket of tator tots, fresh sushi and drunken sing alongs on a Tuesday night it can only mean one thing...We've stumbled upon the hipster haven of Sticky Rice in the H Street corridor. Whether you come for the tots, the tattooed personnel or fried inari (like a deep fried sushi roll), Sticky Rice is your best bet for karaoke in the District.

What you don't believe me? Well, I think this week's segment speaks for itself...

My $9 Hot Dog And That Wasn't Even The Best Part!!

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:53:20 GMT

I rave and talk a lot about great food in the DMV but I have just found my new fall back spot!! Fall back isn't a bad thing just so you know... You know that restaurant that anyday of teh week you know you can go and find something fantastic, the restaurant that everyone agrees on when no one can decide?? Creme Cafe in the U St corridor is my fall back!

I went their initially to try it out and now am obsessed going at least once a week since I first the the place. The first time I had their no filler crab cake (the only crab cake I've ever seen with a spring roll wrapper!!), Oprah's Tomatoe Salad and ended it with Shrimp and grits. I honestly thought that those must be their highlights but little did I know that they hid their amazing items under the guise of plain names. Their "Meat and Potatoes" is a nothing short of being the most amazing tasting braised beef shortrib I have ever had the pleasure of picking off a bone. No joke the best food item in DC (in my opinion) is something as plain sounding as "Meat and Potatoes!!"

Of course no dinner is complete without dessert and if you hate coconut than you have to have their coconut cake because it'll turn you on to a new world that you've never even tasted before (and trust me it's not like the potluck cake you're used too). I've also had their mousse and banana bread pudding and both are equally amzing (if not better!!)

Now what does that have to do with a $9 hot dog?? As you can imagine they also have that on their menu (only it costs $10 now) and if you're thinking to yourself "How could anyone pay $10 for a hotdog" than I beg you to go check out Creme Cafe and trust me whether it's their brunch with chicken and waffles, a $9 hotdog for $10, or plain old beef and potatoes... You will now become addicted like myself!

PS:I haven't even touched their cocktails yet because it would be too overwhelming to realize how perfect this place is! But let me say that the Pink P***** and Mango Heat are reason enough for me to re-blog about just their cocktaisl in a couple weeks... Stay tuned

Interview: Cobra Starship

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:34:19 GMT

Whether you know them from "Snakes On A Plane" or "Good Girls Go Bad" you have to admit the pop rockers are taking the world of music by storm and they took a break from their thralls of screaming teens to chat with me about making out with my dog and being trendy in the industry.

The Scene: D.C. Chillin' With Wale

Samy Kobrosly — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:47:33 GMT

For this week's Scene with Samy K, we're joined by Interscope recording artist Wale. Now I understand that normally it's me taking you to D.C.'s hottest spots, but how often do you have one of biggest rappers in the nation offering you advice on where to go?? So I had to take it and let's just say, I wasn't disappointed. We ended up going to 10th and U St. and hitting up Oohs And Ahhs, a southern food specialty. (So good there isn't even a website!) See what Wale had to say about it:

And for our full exclusive interview with the hip-hop star, click below:

And make sure you catch Wale live this weekend when he performs at Virgin Free Fest!

FREE CUPCAKES!!!

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:10:09 GMT

Nothing more to say than that my favorite cupcake dispensary located just south of Dupont Circle (the actual circle not the neighborhood)on Connecticut. Today, August 25 Hello Cupcake is celebrating their one year anniversary and if you happen to be in the area you might as well endulge in a sweet (free) treat! You can watch me as I'll be donning disguises to see how many free cupcakes I can get...

Mmmm... Restaurant Week

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:31:02 GMT

It's here! And with so many choices and such little time you have to choose wisely because no one wants to wait 30 minutes for a table and end up with crappy food. So I have a couple of reccomendations for you on spots where A) you can still get a reservation and B) if you do have to wait it'll be worth it!!

1. Coco Sala as you know is by far one of my favorite spots to go in DC to begin with and for restaurant week they busted out all the stops. For $35.09 I had a 5 course menu starting with balsamic fig amuse bouche (one bite appetizer) and an arugula salad with manchego, orange and pecans. As if that wasn't enough, it's a tapas style restaurant so we made sure to order different main items and between the crab cake with cayenne coco, flatbread, and mac and cheese tart we abrely had room to split a slider, let alone imagine dessert. But than again what would Coco Sala be without dessert?? The peanut butter fluff looked as good as it tasted and I found myself stealing tastes when it wasn't my turn haha. If you can get a reservation I'd reccomend it, but if you don't mind waiting a bit or sitting outside they will more than happily take care of you

2. Bobby Van's Steakhouse (not grill) is my one stop for a decent piece of meat around town. They are a simple American steakhouse, but without the over crowded douchey crowd that most classic steakhouses bring in. You can easily get a reservation almost any night this week and if you go in before 6:30 you can have a little peace and quiet since most of the crowd won't even be in yet. I'd reccomend the filet and of course you better get it with extra char!

3. My last choices are equally good but one is more critically acclaimed than the other but both offer kick butt Indian cuisine!
Indique Heights and Rasika are attainable during restaurant week but you might end up having to try getting a reservation at both until one works for your schedule. (I'm having a 10pm dinner at Rasika haha just to prove my point) Regardless it's a prime opportunity to taste an array of the best Indian cuisine I've ever had in my life and everyone looks fancy with tamarind in their food.

PS: I'll probably get in trouble for this, but an easy place to make reservawtions and to see what spots have availabilty is Opentable.com but remember to come back here to find out if it's worth your time/money

The Scene with Samy K: Battle of the Burgers

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:38:49 GMT

For this week's segment we did something a little different... As opposed to me going into a bar/club and harassing the patrons for interviews and details on D.C.'s hottest spots, I harassed people on the streets and asked them to "try my meat" as I went on a mission to find DC's Best Burger!!

Now there wasn't too much science behind it, but you guys at home told me that you thought Good Stuff Eatery, The Burger Joint, Ray's Hell Burger, and Elevation Burger were the best that the DMV had to offer. (I personally would've also chosen Crossfire). Who won in the end in our blind taste test challenge? Check out the video below to find out!

If you don't think these burgers are worth the hike, check out our complete round up of D.C.'s top burger joints and find something closer to home.

Interview: Rob Thomas on a bean bag

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:05:33 GMT

I don't know how I ended up on a massive bean bag interviewing the ex-singer of Matchbox 20, but I did... So my pain is your pleasure... Enjoy!

The Scene with Samy K: Have you ever heard of dueling pianos?

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:46:37 GMT

If you've never heard of dueling pianos before (don't be ashamed, that was me until this week), then let me give you a quick rundown. You have two gentlemen (or women) sitting at two separate pianos and they pretty much play whatever song you can think of for tips until the managers kick everyone out. Bobby McKey's is absolutely no different and I guarantee it to be a great night out for you and all your cohorts. Don't believe me? Just watch the video:

P.S. - I have a few extra pointers for you...

The more you tip the faster your request is played
Try the enchilada dip
Request "Holla Back Girl"

And for the next couple months, if you go to Bobby McKey's and mention you heard about them from "The Scene with Samy K on Metromix," then you get in sans cover charge. (That's French for "no cover charge.")

The new Green Turtle

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:21:14 GMT

For all you Ocean City lovers, the Green Turtle attached to the Verizon Center is a pre-concert staple and always has lines out the door. We all know that the numbered mugs hanging on the wall are "personal mugs" that patrons buy for use whenever they come to the bar. Now for those of you who were cool enough/early enough to "buy" a personal mug then you get to feel super special everytime you ask for "#54." But for the rest of us we're forced to wallow in our own pitiful non mug owning existence.

But I don't plan on being a loser forever, and I've heard that a new Green Turtle is coming into town... Ok, so maybe not DC town but Rockville is close enough and dammit if I can get my own mug I'd drive to Philly for a beer! Now this is totally unconfirmed but my sources say that a vacant lot of a churrascaria (Brazillian barbeque restaurant) has had tons of company architects come in over the past few months to check out the vacant space. But then those guys from Green Turtle came by not once but three seperate times and ever since then, the architects have ceased to exist. So you got it from here, at some point in the next few months you'll be driving through Rockville and see a Green Turtle and then you'll think to yourself "Damn! I wish I would've gotten a mug when the iron was hot, just like Samy K."

A late night eat with a little elegance

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:46:36 GMT

Now under normal circumstances this is considered an oxymoron, but I was just sooo moved by it I had to share. Nando's Peri Peri is an African style grilled chicken restaurant that is fairly new to this side of the pond. Originally they are known as the UK's #1 stop for chicken (and spicy chicken at that). Open fairly late every night of the week you can enjoy a beer, glass of wine while you slowly refuel your stomach for a night of debauchery.

Now I will warn you that the peri peri pepper is flipping hot so that being said unless you like it HOT!! I would recommend the medium for first timers, whether you take the 1/2 chicken, jumbo wings or various sandwich options. Also on the plus side you can tell all your friends about it and since they've probably never heard of it, you'll sound plugged in.

Plan on spending roughly $10 a pop but honestly with your other options being greasy burgers, pizza or mini empanadas that extra $5 investment is usually totally worth it (depending on your stomach strength). Also until Public (the sports bar next door) opens their kitchen up, you can literally order food from Nando's over the phone, order a drink at Public (consume it), order another drink at Public and by the time your drink is ready you've already managed to walk next door grab your food and attract an audience of freeloaders hoping for a bite of your chicken wing.

PS: Before I receive e-mails; they do have another location in Chinatown as well.

The Scene with Samy K: My Fat Kid Paradise... aka Food Tour In Eastern Market

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:32:34 GMT

Now, I know a "food tour" sounds about as interesting as most D.C. tours end up being, but I guarantee you'll like D.C. Metro Food Tours! First off, my motto is that young people know what young people like and that is why all their tour guides are in their 20's. Second off, it's an hour and a half(ish) tour of the food market portion of Eastern Market, which means there is no need to eat prior to! As you can tell from the segment below, it's a nice balance of history and food, but why take my word for it when you can go on your own.

And just for Metromix readers., we're offering 20% off on your next food tour, just because we know your significant other/best friend will think this was a better choice than the typical dinner and a movie. Click below to print out the full coupon!