Is DC Theater Suffering From Sequester?

We went to a terrific production of The Winter’s Tale at the Shakespeare Theater. It’s not one of my favorite plays – the passage of time and the ending is always a bit jarring – but I thought this production was excellent.  The contemporary costumes, in particular, highlighted the irrational jealousy, the rivalry among friends (or frenemies?) and the subsequent anger and stubbornness in a way that was more accessible. Not to be a mouthpiece for the temperance society, but who hasn’t seen someone lose their sh*t after too many cocktails? Only in this case, ego and pride as well as authoritarianism combine to barrel the characters forward on an unstoppable trajectory.

I also enjoyed the orchestra and especially liked having all the actors sit in chairs pushed up against the wall when they weren’t “on stage.” The effect was they were off-stage, away from the scene, but still observing the performance and thus, part of the play.

The only disappointment? The empty seats.

Perhaps it’s because beach season has started and people are starting to head out on weekends. Or maybe because The Winter’s Tale is not a traditional audience-grabber. Whatever the reason, I was surprised to see the smattering of empty seats in an usually packed theater. And sad for theatergoers for missing a good show.

Of course, now that I think about it, there were more empty seats than usual at Wallenstein, and that was truly amazing. A traditional Shakespearean story arc – the Wheel of Fortune has you up at the top and then … not so much. Wonderful acting, with a lead character who dominates the stage and his fate – no shrinking violet, Wallentstein is in full-control and fully aware. I was mesmerized. The story was probably new to most of us in the audience – it was apparently the Schiller debut of this play in the US. So if for no other reason, curiosity should have been a driver of attendance.

And in repertory with Coriolanus, Wallenstein offered so much rich fodder for discussion. Well, if you like wonky Washington-style discussion – ego (with a touch of megalomania?), heroism, patriotism, betrayal, loyalty, ambition … and the big question: just how much do you owe the “state” when it turns its back on you? A question being played out by the Snowden leaks on the front pages where these plays simply set the same theme in a different time.

Is DC turning its back on this type of political theater? Or is it simply choosing to spend time and resources elsewhere? I’m not sure which is the preferable answer.

Daikaya, Perfect For A Quick Bowl of Ramen, Or Lounging Over Small Plates & Drinks

I’ve long been a fan of chef Katsuya Fukashima – always loved his cuisine at Minibar and Cafe Atlantico – so I’ve been following the fortunes of Daikaya quite eagerly. A few weeks ago, our friends from South Carolina came to visit, and we tried the ramen downstairs. We were not disappointed.

It’s amazing that a seemingly small bowl of noodles and broth can be so filling, but it’s true nonetheless. There were six of us in our party so we sat in the small back room behind the ramen bar. There, we feasted on bowls of ramen, delicious gyoza and cold beer. What could be better?

Steaming bowl of miso ramen

Or so I thought until we tried the Izakaya recently. Completely different flavor and flair, but delicious as well. Just a more laid back vibe, with small plate after small plate and sips of delicious drinks in between.

We feasted on skewers of chicken liver (delicious and rich), chicken and zucchini to start.

Skewers of zucchini and chicken

And also tried cold appetizers which were refreshing, with varied textures.

Yamaimo with fish roe

crudo with apples

And then more grilled items, including succulent oysters, tasting of the ocean.

Grilled oysters in their shells

And avocado … this one I want to try at home … if only I had that wonderful seasoned salt on the side. Oh, and a 1000 degree grill, and …

Grilled avocado – absolutely heavenly

All topped off with sake … for those who enjoy that. I had a Japanese single malt myself.

Cloudy sake – not bad for this non-lover of sake

Then of course, stuffed cabbage, which who knew, was so universal across cultures?

Japanese style stuffed cabbage

And much more. What a great place to graze on flavorful small plates and drinks and enjoying the funky vibe … unless you’re in the mood for a quick bowl of ramen downstairs, of course.

Daikaya Izakaya dining room, Second floor

Eclectic Menu, Cool Bar = Lots of Reasons to Return to NoPa

What does NoPa stand for again? North of Pennsylvania. Yeah.

Whatever NoPa stands for, it’s Ashok Bajaj’s latest offering, taking over the space where Zola was, on the corner of 8th and F Streets in Penn Quarter.

Zola’s gone? I loved Zola. (so everyone says) Apparently not enough.

I’d been to the opening party for NoPa Kitchen + Bar, so had a chance to try some of the snacks and check out the decor. The restaurant is a nice refresh of the Zola space, looking brighter and more airy, even with the somewhat substantial furnishings, the leather seats and banquettes. There are several rooms, giving it a clubby feel. Perfect spaces for a private dinner or work entertainment (what an oxymoron!).

The menu was very interesting, with something for everyone. Delicious sounding cheeseburger and sandwiches for a workday lunch or family on vacation. Twice fried chicken and spiced nuts which I had sampled at the preview – perfect for a pre-Caps snack or post-game drink. Charcuterie and small plates for catching up with the girls. Nice sounding fish entrees and variations on steak frites for date night.

We were going for a pre-theater meal, and by the looks of the gray hairs in the dining room, I would say others were also headed to the Shakespeare Theater for The Winter’s Tale after dinner as well …

We shared the olive oil marinated octopus appetizer, along with half a dozen oysters on the half shell. The oysters, briny and lush; the octopus, tangy with vinegar and olive oil, matched with pickled (?) vegetables that still had some crunch and bite. Refreshing and perfect for an early summer evening.

My entree was a huge piece of sea bass on a pureed pea base, with a side of Japanese eggplant. Yep, eggplant – one of three foods I do not eat … Clearly, the waiter heard me say “rockfish” and repeated “rockfish” when he recapped the order, and yet managed to request and bring me a sea bass. The only flub of the night. That said, the sea bass was delicious, with rich, almost buttery flavors sealed in, and a good complement to the eggplant. If I didn’t know it was eggplant, I might have even liked it.

For dessert, although many items sounded good and the sorbet trios looked fresh and fruity, it was the fried strawberry pie that jumped out at us. Clearly not to be missed. Like a fresh out of the oven Hostess or Tastycake pie, but real. And fresh. And fried.

All good choices, and as I looked around the dining room at the beautiful green salads, steak frites and barbequed chicken salad sandwiches, I got the sense there really weren’t too many bad choices to be had.

And I look forward to seeing if my thesis holds.

Another Long, Painful Summer Courtesy of the Caps

So I’m 1-3 in Game 7 Caps games. And somehow, this loss was worse than the others. Of course, every game 7 loss is gut-wrneching. But this one’s worse. Perhaps because I wonder how many more game 7s there will be?

The first game 7 was probably the easiest to bear, partly because it came after a game 7 win. Who could forget Federov scoring against the Rangers to advance to round 2. Bruce Boudreau was the new coach leading the Young Guns –  Ovi, Nicky and Green were just kids. The team had basically won out to make the playoffs, it was the beginning of an era. So yes, the loss to the Flyers was harsh, but there was so much potential – it would be the first of many playoffs. There was next year.

The next season, I decided to skip game 7 agains the Pens. Instead, I watched that meltdown at home. (Shades of Monday night ..) Still, the Pens were the eventual Cup winners and the team was going to learn from this. We had the right pieces, it was part of the process. Oh the optimism.

Then came the big step back, but that was after a record-breaking offensive season. I mean, even Schultz was scoring seemingly at will. Yes, the meltdown against Montreal was bad. But I sat right next to the Caps bench and got my picture taken with Brendan Shanahan. I mean, it was the game to be at. We were still the it team. Now I was 1-2 in game 7s, of course. And the team was starting to flounder, we just didn’t know it yet.

The sweep by Tampa the next year – well, that was the beginning of the end of the Boudreau era. Where was the team going? Boudreau wasn’t the answer, but I was pretty sure Dale Hunter wasn’t it, either. That playoffs was a blur.

This year, the shortened season. The debacle at the beginning. The recovery and jet into the playoffs. I believed in the Oates-Ovi magic. We had momentum. Ovi was back. Did I think we would beat Pittsburgh or Chicago? Not really. But I certainly didn’t see us losing to the Rangers.

Yet here we are.

The game started with a bang, Ovi the human wrecking ball. But effort only counts for so much unless you can get results. And the first goal by Asham? I mean who is this guy? Who were these guys who scored?

The worst was the Metro ride home, like a ride of shame. Packed in with fellow Caps fans. The glumness suffocating us. Then we were left waiting there at the station as more heartbroken fans packed on. We just wanted the evening to be over – but there we were, stuck underneath Verizon Center.

So what now? I guess that’s why there’s such a long off-season, to give us time to get over the loss and back into the seats in the Fall. Still, I wonder how many more (post)seasons this team has left. Time is not our friend.

Tick. Tock.

Balkan-Inspired Or Just Inspired at Ambar?

Our recent brunch at El Centro reminded me how much I’ve always enjoyed Richard Sandoval restaurants … I had read about his new endeavor on Capitol Hill with mixed interest: 1) Capitol Hill is far, I mean Virginia is closer to those of us in Dupont Circle and 2) just what constitutes Balkan cuisine? That said, we decided to check it out.

If you haven’t been to Barracks Row in Capitol Hill in a while, you’ll continue to be impressed at how many new places have come up on that strip.

Yummy sourdough in mixed bread basket

Ambar was buzzing, though not absurdly crowded on a Saturday evening around 9:15. It had clean, modern lines and a hip, yet still welcoming feel. There was a large group – birthday celebration perhaps? – in the upstairs bar area, but otherwise tables of two and four.

Not sure where to start, we chose the mixed bread basket. While the cornbread was decent, it was the fried sourdough that really took our breaths away. Delicious. I could eat baskets of it, nevermind the various dips they brought – cheese, red pepper …

We chose several small plates. In the end, because we were too hungry, we probably chose one too many. I think the pork loin was good, but I was already so full, I’m not really sure. I would probably skip the shrimp and spinach risotto next time as well – good and rich, but not particularly unique or striking, particularly given the other choices.

Who knew I’d love stuffed cabbage? Reminds me of my babysitter’s cooking when I was a kid … then again, I’m sure if I tried this at home, it would be nowhere as tasty. A sour cabbage outer level stuffed with a grape leaf-like filling inside. Unmatched.

Stuffed sour cabbage, perfect for a coolish evening

Veal stew, also delicious …

Veal stew

Mushroom crepe, rich and comforting, with the mushrooms tasting as if they bathed in mushroom gravy …

Mushroom crepes

The menu had a good description of wine options, all from the Balkan region. We debated a while and decided on a red. A pinot noir-sounding wine, or something a bit heavier, more like a zinfandel? A Slovenian wine would be more similar to Venato or Austrian? In the end, we chose a Croatian plavac mali, which went nicely with the rich and flavorful food. We thought about trying their native brew, some type of fruit brandy, but decided we would save those cocktails for next time. Yeah, dessert, too.

A fun time, good meal, if only it were closer. But we’ll be back!