This year has been a bonanza for D.C. foodies. 2013 saw many restaurant openings, a few sad goodbyes and more than a little drama.

Without a doubt, most of the attention in 2013 was focused on 14th Street NW. You just can’t argue with a list stacked from top to bottom with trophy winners like Le Diplomate, Kapnos/G, Ghibellina, Pearl Dive, BakeHouse, Doi Moi and Garden District. Plus, Ted’s Bulletin has tip top doughnuts and there’s Peregrine for killer coffee.

The restaurants of 14th Street NW. (Photo: Luis Gomez)

There is no other neighborhood with the number of restaurant openings that has created a huge impact on D.C.’s restaurant scene, even drawing national attention. From out-of-towners such as Stephen Starr and local chefs Ari Gejdenson, Mike Isabella, Peter Pastan and Amy Morgan all opening up shop.

With the empty buildings dwindling, we can’t imagine we’re going to see too many more new establishments opening in there in 2014, although we reluctantly anticipate a few closures — competition and all — but it’s not easy to get a table without a hefty wait, even on a weekday.

It’s too early to say the 14th Street corridor is the “best” neighborhood for dining. There are too many newcomers who will have to prove they can flourish with the increased competition. But 14th Street is the most exciting dining neighborhood of the year. But Penn Quarter with Jaleo, Rasika, The Source, Minibar, Fiola and Zaytinya are in for the long haul and will give the new 14th Street establishment a run for their money. And the Shaw neighborhood with its new food offerings like Baby Wale, Tally, Southern Efficiency, Mandalay, Mockingbird Hill and Right Proper Brewing Co. will challenge the 14th Street eateries as well.

Fat Shorty’s sausage grill in Clarendon was one of 2013’s restaurants that didn’t last a year. (Photo: Rock Harper via Instagram)

Come and gone

Two notable restaurants opened and closed in 2013. The first was Fat Shorty’s, the sausage grill with mussels and Belgian beer from Hell’s Kitchen winner Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper and restaurateur Aaron Gordon, which opened in Clarendon in April and had closed by October. Gordon is also the owner of Drafting Table, which opened on 14th Street NW in October 2012, and Bar di Bari, both of which opened in the same neighborhood in June of this year. Gordon said he had a buyer for the building and had decided to concentrate on his other ventures.

The other closing was Azur, the three-story seafood restaurant in Penn Quarter from chef Frederik De Pue. It opened in June, but by October it had also closed. De Pue said the number of diners just wasn’t enough to keep the large restaurant open. The chef, who owns the building, will next try a multi-concept plan to get customers in the door. Set to open in January, Menu will be a market on the ground floor, serving up produce, sandwiches and soups. A bar will open on the third floor with a lounge component during later hours. There will also be a 40-seat restaurant on the top floor serving pastas and American fare, with a bigger beer program than Azur had. The second floor is all kitchen.

Coming in 2014

This week is a time to reflect on 2013. But it’s also an opportunity to look ahead to next year, which should still provide plenty of restaurant excitement.

Some restaurants set to open this winter in addition to Menu include:

1. Lupo Verde from Med Lahlou and Antonio Matarazzo at 1401 T St. NW, is expected to open any day now. The intimate 100-seat restaurant, from the owner of Ulah Bistro and Tunicliff’s Tavern, will serve authentic, rustic, Italian fare.
2. Flight Wine Bar from Swati Bose, Kabir Amir, Bradley Curtis will open in early January at will open at 777 6th St. NW. The casual, neighborhood wine bar will focus on wines by the glass from all over the world, as well as light fare such as flatbreads.
3. Roofers Union from Marjorie Meek-Bradley, Roger Marmet and Daniel Lobsenz at 2446 18th St. NW is scheduled to open in January. The restaurant, in the former Reef space, is the second project from the Ripple team. Expect dishes like sausages, corn dogs with homemade Whiz and more.
4. Bidwell, from John Mooney and Edens at 1309 5th St. NE is scheduled to open in January. It will be Union Market’s first sit down, full-service restaurant. New York chef Mooney is leading the operation, which will have a local, American bent.
5. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab from Mike Rotolo at 740 15th St. NW is set to open in January. This is the first D.C. outpost of the Florida-based chain, particularly known for its seafood and key lime pie.
6. Pinstripes, a chain, is expected to open at 3222 M St. NW in January. The combination restaurant, nightclub, bowling alley and bocce court is opening in the Shops at Georgetown Park. The restaurant leans Italian, with dishes like pizzas and chicken marsala.
7. GCDC, a grilled cheese restaurant at 1730 Pennsylvania Ave. NW from Bruce and Steven Klores and Sophie Slesinger, is set to open in early February. In addition to various spins on grilled cheese, there will be options like tater tots and egg creams.
8. Nicoletta from Michael White and the Altamarea Group at 301 Water St SE is projected to open in March. White has already made a splash in D.C. with his Osteria Morini restaurant. Nicoletta will sell pizza out of two kiosks in Navy Yard.
9. Toro Toro from Richard Sandoval and Ivan Iricanin at 1300 I St. NW is expected to open in March. Sandoval’s new project is a Brazilian-inspired steakhouse. The restaurant will also feature a selection of small plates.
10. Maketto from Erik Bruner-Yang, James Wozniuk, Ansuron Plyraharn, Chris Vigilante and Angel Franco at 1351 H St. NE is expected to open sometime this winter. Bruner-Yang and company are opening a combination restaurant and Asian market in the building. Vigilante Coffee will also make its home there. Diners can sample dishes from the Cambodian- and Taiwanese-influenced restaurant at the pop-up, now running at Hanoi House.

Also expected in January are Ivy and Coney, TKO Burger, Carolina Kitchen and Ri-Ra. February’s expected openings include Compass Rose and Heavy Seas Alehouse. Other expected winter openings include STK, Lunchbox and Fiola Mare. Tentatively set to open in the spring are American Eats, China Chilcano, District Doughnut, Gypsy Soul and Mad Fox Tap Room.

Which are you anticipating? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

This was an interesting year in fashion and celebrity style. There were cringe-worthy moments (ahem, talking about you, Miley Cyrus) and stunning ensembles (a great year for Oscar gowns), surprising haircuts and a Royal Baby to dress up for. In no particular order, we give you the most memorable style moments of 2013.

Kate Middleton with baby (Photo: Reuters)

Kate Middleton’s first post-baby appearance

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a pale blue polka dot Jenny Packham dress for her first post-baby appearance on the steps of St. Mary’s Hospital in London. All the world cooed at the adorable couple and scrambled to find knockoffs of the sweet dress.

Miley Cyrus wore almost nothing and dominated the year’s trends

This is the year that made Miley Cyrus a household name, due in large part to her onstage antics and daring ensembles. Mock her if you will, but you can’t deny that Miley was a trendsetter this year. Leather, crop tops, bejeweled sweatshirts, ’90s fashion; all were seen on the former Disney star gone rogue.

Oscar winners Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence (Photo: Alt Film Guide)

Anne Hathaway bombed at the Oscars

Anne Hathaway got a lot of flack for the pale pink Prada gown she chose for this year’s Oscars. Even winning the award for Best Supporting Actress didn’t help with the reception of her outfit. The gown received the most negative reviews and Tweets of any Oscar ensemble. Anne later admitted the gown was a poor choice, and she should have gone with Valentino.

Jennifer Lawrence stunned at the Oscars

Jennifer Lawrence, on the other hand, could do no wrong in the eyes of the public this year. She accepted the award for Best Actress in a beautiful mermaid-style Dior Haute Couture gown.

Michelle Obama at inaugural ball (Photo: AP)

Michelle Obama got bangs

Michelle Obama got her bangs just in time for the inaugural balls. Bangs wouldn’t normally be a big deal, but on The First Lady, even the smallest change is a major style statement.

Jennifer Lawrence got a pixie cut

Since she was really the breakout star of the year, it’s appropriate that we list Jennifer Lawrence twice. And this haircut really did blow up the Internet. It paired well with her chic ensembles as the face of Dior. And JLaw wasn’t the only celeb to sport a pixie cut in 2013. Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams and others jumped on board.

Have I missed anything big? What will you remember in fashion from 2013? Let me know in the comments!

We’re all full of cookies, chips and egg nog, swearing we’ll get on the ball in January. Fear not, I’m not here to take away your peanut butter balls and sugar cookies. I’m not a monster.

From last year’s Fairfax Four Miler. (Source: RunPacers.com)

What I am suggesting is momentum. Don’t lose yours this holiday season! Eat, drink and be merry. Feel free to put the scale away, but don’t stop training and keeping fit.

I know at least half of you have considered running a 5K race in 2014. Why not start your training now with these local runs featuring fun incentives and holiday cheer!

PVTC Christmas Caper

When: Dec. 21
Where: East Potomac Park, Washington, D.C.

This Potomac Valley Track Club event is perfect for all ages. Runners can choose from a 5K or 10K, and walk the 5K if they choose. The entirely flat course is safe for wheelchairs and walkers, and everyone gets warm refreshments after the race. It’s open to members and non-members alike, and offers great Christmas ornaments for age-group winners. Register here.

Ugly Sweater Run

When: Dec. 21
Where: National Harbor, Oxen Hill, Md.

Your Christmas wish has been answered! A party and 5K all in one, the Ugly Sweater Run is touching down in the metro area this year. Runners are encouraged to wear their worst sweaters and best mustaches, and the course is lit by lights brighter than the Griswold’s front yard. Kids and adults celebrate after the run with hot chocolate and free beer — isn’t that Christmas music to your ears? Sign up at their site and have a laugh while you’re at it.

Fairfax Four Miler

When: Dec. 31
Where: he corner of Main Street and University Drive, Fairfax, Va.

If you plan to party on New Year’s Eve, the least you could do is be nice to your body first. This four mile course through Old Town Fairfax is a bright blast with a fast downhill finish. Last year’s records are listed on the events page, so ring in 2014 with a victory! With the race over at 8 p.m., there’s still time to get cleaned up before the ball drops and stay in bed on New Year’s Day. Register here!

We know the government is under shutdown and so are the monuments, Smithsonians, Appalachian trail, the Capitol — even the National Zoo’s panda cam. If you have guests in town this weekend, or even if you don’t, here are a few things that are going on in the area.

Shop for Love: fall shop & swap

Dewdrop and Heels and the City are hosting the third annual Shop for Love: Fall Fashion Shop & Swap Saturday in Alexandria.

Calling all fashion lovers out for an evening of social shopping and swapping in support of breast cancer and domestic violence awareness. This Saturday Dewdrop and Heels and the City are holding the Third Annual Shop for Love: Fall Fashion Shop & Swap, a charity swap party and vendor showcase in support of Tigerlily Foundation and Doorways. Along with the swap, guests will enjoy complimentary massages during the massage bar hour while mingling with like-minded women over complimentary treats and refreshments, shopping a multitude of pop-up shops of emerging designers and retailers, viewing a blogger style challenge highlighting the hottest fall trends and much more. All unswapped items will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at Durant Arts Center in Old Town Alexandria. Tickets are $20 to shop, swap and sip and $15 with a donation.

Paws for a Cause

Fashion to support your favorite four-legged friends.

This one’s for the animal loving fashionista. The Paws for a Cause Fashion Show will be held this Saturday. Join Bethesda Magazine and Exclusiva Eventi to support Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-being (MCPAW). MCPAW is raising funds to assist in the building of the new state-of-the-art Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood, Md. A VIP Reception begins at 6 p.m., with the event from 7-10 p.m. Dress is business attire or fashionably chic. At the door you have the option to buy a $50 VIP ticket, which includes a swag bag, front row seating, one-hour open bar during the VIP reception and exclusive gallery tour. Or you can purchase a $30 general admission ticket with a glass of champagne. There will be hors d’oeuvres at the event for everyone.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at Huckleberry Fine Art Gallery, in Rockville. VIP reception at 6 p.m. Fashion show from 7-10 p.m. 

Taste of Bethesda

Taste of Bethesda is a food lover’s delight! (Photo via bethesdanow.com)

Bethesda’s famous food and music festival brings 60 restaurants and five stages of entertainment to Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. Each year, more than 40,000 people sample the delicious restaurants, enjoy the live entertainment and visit the kid’s corner for face painting and arts and crafts. Restaurants will be serving delectable dishes from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at Norfolk, Fairmont, St. Elmo, Cordell and Del Ray Avenues in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. Free admission. Taste tickets are $5 each. Food servings cost one to four tickets. Ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrate community at Columbia Heights Day this Saturday.

Columbia Heights Day

Come out and support one of D.C.’s transforming communities at the 7th annual Columbia Heights Day! It will be an outdoor festival with live music, contests, petting zoos, food trucks, arts and crafts, a bike repair pop-up shop, kids zone, a “Momo Eating Contest,” Kali Yoga Studio workshop and more.

Saturday, Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tubman Elementary School Field, 11th Street and Kenyon Street NW. Free.

Be Smart, Be You vintage pop-up shop

Body conscious girl talk and vintage shopping. Are you sold yet?

Head over to a limited-edition fashion issue release party and pop-up shop this Sunday. Amazing ladies will chat about fashion, body image and smart lady things, all dressed up in vintage duds in Luri & Wilma’s 3rd print edition. They’re inviting the city to celebrate the magazine release and shop vintage and locally produced goods from I Found That Vintage, Mimilah and recycled paper prints from Studio Moody. Get there early because they’ll be serving $2 mimosas from noon-1 p.m.!

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at The Dunes, 1402 Meridian Place NW. Noon-5 p.m. Free.
 
 
 
 
 
 

So D.C. is feeling the shutdown more than anywhere else in the country. Many of you who are federal workers may be reading this from your couch, where you may not have felt entirely motivated to change out of your jammies today because of the government shutdown.

[Source: Policy Mic]

As most of us in D.C. know, the shutdown has been brought about due to the folks in Congress disagreeing about the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare” as it’s usually known. Agree with it or don’t, (as long as you’re not a member of Congress and shutting the whole show down because you disagree) Obamacare is on its way to going into effect.

So what does this mean for you? Here is it, the attempted non-partisan DC on Heels facts about what Obamacare means for you as a person living in the USA.

I already have health insurance through my work or a government program!

Great! Not much changes for you. You’re not going to lose your health insurance or suddenly have to pay out the nose. And starting Jan. 1, your insurer can’t deny or cancel your policy for any reason.

But the government shut down, so what about the things that were supposed to go into effect Oct. 1?

They still go into effect.

I think some things already changed.

They did! In March 2010, when the Affordable Care Act was passed, many insurance providers made changes to comply. If you have children, you can now keep them on your insurance plan until they’re 26 years old, at which point they have to find their own coverage (via employment, government program or self-coverage)/ Your insurance provider can’t deny coverage to minors for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or cancer, and your insurer can’t decide they’re done paying for you if you have a major life-threatening condition that requires expensive surgery or medication.

But I like not having insurance and now I have to spend money on it.

This is the biggest complaint against many of those who are anti-Obamacare. Starting Jan. 1, uninsured Americans will have to pay a fee — either $95 or 8 percent of their income, whichever is larger. But that’s only if you make enough money to have to pay annual income taxes. So if you’re really on the low end of things ($9,750 for a single person in 2012), you’re exempt and won’t be charged. If you’re above that, however, there are subsidies you can sign up for that will help you pay for health insurance costs.

What’s the big idea?

The theory is that the Affordable Care Act, in providing affordable healthcare to all Americans, will benefit the insurance companies with regulated signups while preventing them from price-jacking those who are experiencing a crisis. In addition, insured Americans are more likely to receive preventative care, which will cut down on the number of emergency room visits, expensive surgeries and medications needed. Part of the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover certain expenses such as prescriptions and preventative care — like cancer screenings.

Feel free to argue in the comments! With Congress on vacation, someone’s got to keep the arguing lively in D.C.!

(Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/politics-government/ci_24209157/ten-essential-things-know-about-obamacare-and-insurance)