Samy K's Nightlife Saga

DC Meat Week. Enough Said.

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:15:14 GMT

So a long time ago in a land far far away (Florida) some guys got together and decided that it would be cool to get all their favorite BBQ joints to have specials and host parties in honor of the glorious thing that is meat. Well, fast forward to 2010 and local foodie/blogger Mike Bober has managed to bring the fun and excitement of Meat Week to the DC Metro. Make sure to check out our in depth coverage of DC Meat Week here

For tonight's Scene we went to Mango Mike's in Alexandria where for their Meat Week festivities decided to premiere their brand new BBQ restaurant opening with the help of the guys from Pork Barrel BBQ (you know them from the grocery stores). This will actually be the first ever Pork Barrel restaurant concept so not only did tonights segment focus on Meat Week but also on DC's first taste of Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant (soon to be in Alexandria).

The Scene: Half-Off D.C.'s Newest Tapas Spot

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:47:04 GMT

This week we teamed up with What's The Deal to not only introduce you to one of D.C.'s newest hotspot tapas lounges, but to get you 50% off your next visit. In a spot where the infamous burger joint Ollie's Trolley once stood now stands the massive wooden doors of The Reserve. (Hint: They don't have a sign, so just look for the huge doors!) Once inside, the open kitchen hits you with the smell of Mediterranean delicacies and small bites, whiile the chill lounge-like atmosphere makes you want to order martinis all night long.

Reccomendations: Belgian fries with black lava salt, kobe beef sliders (awesome!!!) and lamb chops with tzatziki (mom's recipe, haha)

Whether you come out for a post-work bite or a late night cocktail, fun times are ample at The Reserve (as is parking)! See video evidence below:

Would a great deal make you want to try this place even more? Check out What's The Deal D.C. to score a $30 coupon (good for food and alcohol) ...for only $15! Click below to get your coupon:

Sugar and Champagne with your four-legged friends

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:06:12 GMT

If you noticed an odd amount of well-dressed individuals walking their dogs around the D.C. area last night, I guarantee they were just en route to this years Sugar & Champagne event. The evening benefited the Washington Humane Society and the Ritz-Carlton D.C. rolled out the red carpet in honor of our four legged companions.

Of course Slash, my 5 lb. dog, and I got all decked out to enjoy sweets from D.C.'s finest chefs such as Todd Gray from Equinox, and Brian Voltaggio from Volt, and restaurants like Coco Sala, Vidalia, Marcel's, etc... But of course they wouldn't have called it Sugar and Champagne without cocktails, wine, champagne and beer galore, sponsored by everyone from PS7's to Perrier Jouet.

In case you missed it, you can still relive the entire night thanks to our fantastic photographer Samantha Strauss. Click below for the full Sugar and Champagne gallery!

And if you're interested in more fun doggie events, don't miss out on the Fashion for Paws Kickoff Party on February 3 and the 4th Annual Fashion for Paws Show on April 10!

The Scene: Something new in the District

Jason Adams — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:43:51 GMT

This week we hit up District in Adams Morgan, the new club that just opened in the spot where Chloe used to be. But those of you looking for the same old club scene might be surprised. District may look and sound like a typical DC nightspot, with really cool LED lighting all around and a great state of the art sound system, but its got the atmosphere of a loft with a laid back, fun feel. The dance floor was still hopping though (I even snuck in a few moves myself). But the best part has to be the food, which again you wouldn't expect at your average club. Hawain chef Alika Keone makes some great entrees and small plates, including garlic shrimp and her signature District wings with a lemon sauce.

They've had a soft opening the past couple weekends, but this Friday (Jan. 22) District will have their a big blowout grand opening party with Metromix. Click here to find out how you can get in for free!

To read Metromix's full review and check out more pictures, click here. Otherwise, check out this week's Scene segment below:

Get free Wendy's Frosty's for a year!

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:05:26 GMT

So the word on the street is that you can get free Frosty's throughout the entire 2010 year if you buy one of these special Wendy's keychains for $1. The proceeds from the keychains will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington, and for the rest of the year, whenever you make a purchase from Wendy's, you'll receive a free Frosty as long as you flash your sweet key chain. These keychains can be purchased at any participating Wendy's (and there's over 100 in the Metro area, so you've got options). Or if you just want to donate without the tasty beverage, you can do so at any Goodwill.

NOW GO OFF AND GET FROSTY!!

And for you skeptics... It's on the main page of Goodwill!

The Scene: Creme Cafe...so much more than brunch

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:45:59 GMT

First off, I want to say that Creme Cafe in the U St. corridor offers sooooo much more than just brunch and you can check out my other review here, but today's Scene is all about BRUNCH...and why you voted them as D.C.'s #1 brunch in this years Metromix Awards.

For some reason, restaurants in the area assume that people only want brunch on Sunday, but I'm the kinda guy who craves brunch whenever I wake up past 9 a.m., which is why Creme Cafe comes in clutch. They're open for brunch every weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but if you want a table without the wait I'd say come before noon (or try and squeeze a spot at the bar). Now the allure here (as I've always said) is that it's comfort food with a restaurant flare and their brunch is no different.

Items like the Chesapeake (eggs benedict with Old Bay and crab), Build Your Own Omelette, and Stack O' Pancakes cover the basics of brunch fare (with a twist), but for you true Southerners, you need the Chicken and Waffles! Yes it may sound odd to the amateur who has never indulged, but nothing is better then perfectly fried chicken and a Belgian waffle. (Sometimes I sub French toast when I'm feeling randy) If that doesn't convince you, maybe my special celebrity guest will...

The Scene: Rubbing Elbows at The Fourth Estate

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:55:12 GMT

Have you ever eaten somewhere and just said "WOW! I can't believe I'm here?" Well, I got that exact same feeling from the Fourth Estate on the 13th floor of the National Press Club.

First off, the history behind the National Press Club and knowing that everyone from Wolf Blitzer to George Clooney to Eleanor Roosevelt have come there is reason enough for a geek like me to freak out, but then you have Executive Chef's Susan Delbert, whose cuisine takes things to a whole new level. You could easily spend an hour perusing the photos lining the walls of media greats from the past 100 years, but than you might miss your reservation...haha. Now I know there's this awful rumor going around that you have to be famous or be a member to enjoy a meal at the National Press Club but I'm here to bust that myth. The very top floor is private for members only, but everyone can enjoy lunch and dinner at the 13th floor's Fourth Estate every day of the week. (And no matter where you eat, all the food is made by Chef Susan!).

Whether you're looking for a classy touch to your lunch, or for an amazing Prix Fixe experience while rubbing elbows with DC's most powerful (and all for an amazingly decent price, I might add), I have to reccomend the experience of NPC and the Fourth Estate.

BONUS: Executive Chef Susan Delbert taught me an easy way to make your typical dinner salad worthy of the National Press Club. Click below to check out the video!

The Scene: A Winning Policy

Samy Kobrosly — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:45:16 GMT

If you got a chance to watch Metromix's Best Of 2009, then you saw that Policy cleaned up pretty well, winning Best Bathroom and Best new Venue. But what you didn't see was all the other cool stuff Policy has to offer. Whether it's graffiti of Obama, amazing International small plates to nibble on, or a stiff artisan cocktail, Policy is worth a look in 2010.

Now I will admit I was a fan before I filmed this week's segment because Policy is a perfect balance of class, taste and vibe that in my opinion seperates the big dogs from this years flops. If it's your first time i reccomend the fries with truffle mayo, Korean style short ribs or the crab marscapone crepe. (Sounds weird but it's amazing!) Show up early-ish to get food or swing by after midnight for some good tunes and great people.

The Scene: A "Churchkey" to Beer Heaven

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:03:15 GMT

We all say "Hey man, let's go get a beer" on the regular, but how many times do you actually end up with a beer that's worth your dime??? If the answer is "rarely," then do I have a spot for you: Churchkey. Located in the middle of Dupont and U St. on the corner of Rhode Island and 14th St. N.W., the bottom floor is an upscale eatery (Birch and Barley), but if you check your ID with the bouncer and walk up the stairs, you're immediately transported into a world of glorious beer.

Whether it's drooling over their 500 bottled beers or tasting all 50 of their ever-changing beers on tap, Churchkey is a hip new spot for you and your friends to grab a cheap beer. Yes, I said "cheap," because you'd expect to pay $20 for some of those higher end brews, but Churchkeys keeps the prices reasonable at around $5-$9 for a glass and about $2-4 for a hefty taster. Now with all that left over cash you can buy that beautiful lady next to you a beer (or maybe check out their foie gras tator tots instead.)

The Scene: Sustainability, Pizza and Flamenco... Oh My!!

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:58:14 GMT

Now I'm a pizza snob and when offered a slice of gooey pizza or a filet mignon, I will always take the pizza!! So when I first stumbled upon Coppi's Organic I was scared, but by the time the scent of the wood burning oven hit my nose I was already drooling...and the final product was just amazing as hoped. In my opinion, this is the best pizza in the entire area by far! Everything is local, fresh, and prepared skillfully by people who are passionate about what they do, whether it's the drinks or the food.

Now I know there's that weird tension surrounding most "organic" eateries but Coppi's wood flooring and walls covered in pictures of the glory days of biking make you feel like part of the family. Whether it's their in-house made pastas (the tortellini with chestnuts, lamb sausage and pomegranate was awesome!!), pizzas (my favorite is the Saraceno with merguez lamb sausage, harissa and mint) or their amazing desserts (in house made gelato and the nutella calzone are classics), it's all fresh from local farmers and homemade from scratch with the basics and passion of Northern Italian cuisine running through every bite. With items on the menu changing at least once a month based on availability and sustainability, you always have something to look forward to at Coppi's. I guarantee, once you have their pizza, you'll never go anywhere else, and the rest of the menus simplicity will blow your mind away as you taste the most amazing, yet authentic, seasonal Northern Italian meal. Best of all, it's all from your backyard and served up on the corridor of U Street. See for yourself below:

Now luckily for you, I also managed to convince the crew at Coppi's to give me tips on how to make my own pizza! Click below to check it out:

The Scene: Ping Pong... not the game, but dim sum

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:06:50 GMT

If you have ever had dim sum than you are probably already freaking out over the grand opening of Ping Pong Dim Sum in Chinatown. For any of you world travelers (primarily Brits) they know Ping Pong as the first franchised dim sum house. Now why does dim sum garner so much attention? Let me explain...

It's kind of like a tapas style restaurant but focusing on Chinese cuisine. Expect to go in a group and order 4-5 items per person knowing that you're gonna want to share with everyone else there! I had a chance to eat everything from steamed delicacies like Bao (steamed buns filled with meat), to shrimp dumplings, peking duck rolls with hoisin, fried shrimp balls (my favorite of the night), to chicken puffs (puff pastry with spicy chicken was my other favorite).

Now if beverages are a necessity, do not worry, because they have an array of specialty cocktails, imported beers and a wine list to boot. I had some concoction that was a pretty much a glorified rum and coke with a szechuan bud floating ontop. After sucking on the bud for 15 seconds your mouth gets a tingly sensation which is immediately eased by the cool of the drink (one of the cooler things I've drank in a while).

Dine there for lunch, dinner or a post game snack:

The Scene: A Little Slice of North Africa in Arlington

Samy Kobrosly — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:01:45 GMT

I would never expect anybody to know this, but my parents, grandparents, cousins (pretty much everyone in my family) lives in the little North African country of Tunisia. Well, finally after years of eating Ethiopian, Sudanese, Somalian, Morrocan, Egyptian and every other African countries cuisine throughout the District I'm ecstatic to know that America's first Tunisian restaurant, Chez Manelle, is here and it's located in the Court House neighborhood of Arlington.

Now I understand your first question is... "What is Tunisian food???"

Well, since it's right on the Mediterranean and has been ruled by everyone from the Romans to the Ottomans to the French, you can expect a pretty eclectic fusion. I'd say my best explanation would be the best of Greek, Italian, Arabic and French food all in one amazingly tasty bowl. Whether it's their most popular item, "Leblebi" which a mixture of bread, egg, tuna, and chickpeas in a stew (I've had this many a time at 4 a.m. in Tunisia) or Cous Cous (and not that dry health food junk you're used too... I'm talking about meat, veggies and tasty tasty sauce).

Everything at Chez Manelle is fresh and accurate enough to make my grandma happy! The owners and staff are Tunisian so even if you want to practice your Arabic or French, they're always down for a chat. Make sure to check it out and of course if you missed the TV segment, it's posted below.

Sneak peak at The 2009 Metromix Awards

Samy Kobrosly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:11:52 GMT

If you haven't already noticed the fantastic team at Metromix has racked their brains, scowering the area for the best in everything nightlife from sushi, to nightclubs, to fancy toilets. The only problem is now we need your help by voting for your favorites!

You can't sit there and watch the award show in December and complain about the winners unless you voted! Thanks again to the D.C. Lottery for helping us put on such a cool event.

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).