All Black Everything

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve read numerous facebook statuses and widely circulated emails that honor African-Americans who were the first to accomplish outstanding goals and make significant contributions, all while facing extreme adversity and hardships. It certianly is great to know that these influences, while often overlooked, are so imbedded into the make-up and history of the establishment of this country. Although important, black history is not just about pattons and noble peace prizes; nor is it just one month long. There were too many modern day martyrs and unsung heros among our inventors, judges, writers and political figures, that allow for our history to be stuffed into one month.

 

 

 

Two weeks ago, my agency was in charge of putting together a black history tribute for our agency. Although I kindly helped with the set-up of the event, I was not avaialble to be an influential part of the planning aspect, which in my opinion was very “safe” and a tad bit “watered down.” They showed the Howard University segment of “Eyes on the Prize” and had a couple of speakers give presentations on how their organization or public cultural display gives homage to black history. I guess it was “nice.” But my black history isn’t necessarily “nice” and it definitely isn’t “safe” or “watered down.” My black history is agressive, prideful, out-spoken and self-loving. And my black history is filled with fearless leaders who embody all of these characteristics.I remembered remarking to a couple of my co-workers that if I were in charge of the black history event, there would be “pictures of BPP members, portraits of raised black fists and red black and green streamers decorating the community room.” Was I joking? Somewhat, but not really. I appreciate the educational messages about our inventors, award winners, and nobel peace prize recipients, but let’s not forget that people died for this movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bobby Hutton

Let’s not forget people were unfairly prosecuted, ambushed, sabatoged, spied on, bombed, and forced into exile for promoting self-love among our people and for fighting for equality. Let’s not forget the unsung leaders who were bold enough to speak out, unafraid in refusing to straddle the fence, literally fight for civil rights, and unaffected by anticipated backlash.

 

Chicago Police Laughing While Carrying Fred’s Body

What about Fred Hampton, a Chicago community organizer turned Black Panter Party Leader who was responsible for the great accomplishment of brokering a nonagression pact between Chicago’s street gangs. This deal was anticipated to double the membership of the Black Panther Party. Under the investigation of J Edgar Hoover’s COINTELPRO, Hampton was set up by an FBI informant, given a sleeping aid and ambushed with gunfire by the Chicago Police Department as he layed commatose in his bed. Hampton was shot twice in the head and dragged out to the front door of his apartment building to die. CPD beat, and opened fire on the rest of the BPP members in the apartment. In an ironic and fortelling prediction of his death, Hampton was often times remembered for his phrase “you can kill the revolutionary, but you can’t kill the revolution.”

 

We can’t forget the quiet, young, unassuming leaders, such as Addie May Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Denise McNair; Three14 year old girls and one 11 year old bombed while walking into the 16th Street Baptist Church’s assembly room on a Sunday morning to prepare for a sermon entitled “The Love That Forgives.” The Birmingham, Alabama church was a meeting ground for civil rights leaders and housed voter registration drives. It was here that a plan for institutional integration was devised. In spite of these murders, surrounding schools still proceeded with integration efforts, and less than one year later the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed. Many say this incident was the main contributor to passing this act.

What about leaders like Muhammad Ali, who frequently and freely spoke in front of white media about war and racisim and launched quotes such as these:

“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousands from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?”

“No, I am not going 10,000 miles to help murder kill and burn other people to simply help continue the domination of white slavemasters over dark people the world over. This is the day and age when such evil injustice must come to an end.”

Who do we have today, that speaks to out to the media in such fashion? Fearless of loosing ticket sales, television show cancellations or, as in Ali’s case, fearless of loosing his heavyweight title.

 

 

 

 

 

Malcom and Muhammad

 

Where are our leaders like Stokley Carmichael, who coined the phrase “Black Power” to help urge black pride and socio-economic independence? Carmichael eventually believed this independence could best be acheived through seperatism. He believed that blacks should fight against white supremacy instead of fighting for integration into facilities and institutions. His constant message of seperatism, during a time when the popular “non-violence” method was all the rage, led him to a self-imposed exile to Guinea, where he continued to travel, write, and speak out in support of international leftist movements until his death.

Oh – and the great Assata Shakur, a former leader for the Black Panter Party’s Harlem branch, who has been listed by the FBI as a “domestic terrorist” for unjust crimes since 2005. She was very influential in the establishment of the school breakfast program for black children in urban areas. Shakur was aressted, charged and aquited of several crimes and then finally arrested for first degree murder without substantial evidence. Shakur escaped from her imprisonment in 1979 and has remained in political asylum in Cuba since 1984. To this day there is a $1 million dollar reward listed for her apprehension and capture.

Where are our Garvey’s and Newton’s of today? Do we as a people feel like things are so much better and equal today that we no longer need strong leaders of this caliber?

It seems like these days we look back on our culture and say “she’s a young Tina Turner,” or “he’s a young Michael Jacskon” or she’s “the next Lil’ Kim,” but why aren’t we saying “She’s a young Tubman, Angela Davis, or Dred Scott?”

Our culture is crying out for leaders like these. Instead, or leadership has come to be middle of the road, watered down and nice – just like that black history presentation at my agency………

 

 

 

Blurring the Line

 

I am a true believer in the fact that the blind can’t lead the blind.

These days it seems that Pastors, Bishops and Preachers are making a mockery out of the Body of Christ by putting their fleshly desires ahead of being a solid leader, and shining example for their flock. 

Being a Pastor is the new hustle. If you can’t be a rapper, actor or drug dealer, you can certainly find celebrity status, fame, or maybe even infamy, in being the leader of a church.

 

*Sidebar* – Do you know how many people I’ve recently come across that say they have been called by God to be “Minister’s” yet I have witnessed them in compromising and questionable situations?  It’s disappointing to say the least. Doesn’t it seem like everyone wants to be a Deacon, Deaconess, Minister, Pastor in Training, etc. these days?*

 

I know that becoming a minister, pastor, or bishop is a serious and timely process; due to the spiritual and mental cleansing, along with intense discipline, required to take on such a critical and somewhat overwhelming responsibility. It’s more than completing a series of bible study classes at your church.  The role is so influential, it inspires people to rebuild their families, quit a drug habit, and sustain faith during life altering hardships.  Folks, not that many dang-on people are called to be Pastors/Ministers/Bishops, etc.  It is a selective calling. A lot of these “Ministers/Pastors” etc. are not disciplined enough to successfully complete this process and, as a result, we (the flock) are subjected to pure foolishness in the pulpit.

 

In my opinion, I believe that anyone holding such a prestigious title has to walk a very straight path. Sure, we are all humans and mistakes will be made, but it puzzles me when the mistakes are so severe (i.e. Bishop Eddie Long).  And it puzzles me when pastors capitalize off of there mistakes (i.e. Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant.), or continue to walk a crooked line.  (#calledyouout)

 

There is no doubt that Pastor Bryant is a powerful and dynamic speaker with the ability to draw in a diverse audience through vivid visualization and exceptional storytelling techniques. Simply put – the man can preach and I thoroughly enjoy his messages.  But he’s had his share of troubles, including a recently finalized divorce due to confirmed infidelity, allegations of conceiving a child out of wedlock, and domestic abuse. It seems like someone coming out of that storm would be on the straight and narrow path, right?  Well, I was shocked to see him in his “spiritual advisor” role on The Ultimate Merger, a reality series documenting Omorosa’s pursuit of love as she dates several men to find “the one.” She takes dating advice from Pastor Bryant and he assists her with making the “cuts.”  I was unsure, however, where the spiritual part came into play, especially when several scenes showed Omorosa in a hot tub, receiving massages and engaging in make-out sessions with different men on her show.  There wasn’t even one church date on that show!!

 

Pastor Bryant further demonstrates that he has caught the reality entertainment bug by making regular appearances on the TV series KC and Jo-Jo, a show that covers the story of addiction recovery with two 90’s R&B singers.  Again, he serves as a “spiritual advisor” and mentor on this show.  One of his first displays of “mentorship” was teaming up KC and Jo-Jo’s children and their baby mama’s for a surprise kum-ba-ya and forgiveness session at a bowling alley.  Of course this was unbenounced to KC and Jo-Jo, and ended up being quite implausible since both singers have not been involved in any of their children’s lives, who are now teenagers.  In my opinion, this was such an odd display of leadership from Pastor Bryant.  I would think that counseling the families, teaching the men about the power of genuinely asking for forgiveness, and a game plan for changing their views on fatherhood would be a better example of what a spiritual mentor may accomplish.  Rejecting fatherhood is a serious issue for both the parent and the child.  It can’t be handled overnight, or in one episode, and should be resolved behind the scenes. But I guess Bryant gave us the quick and dirty version for addressing dead beat dads because there are only 10 episodes.

 

Finally, in a recent Sister 2 Sister article, Pastor Bryant divulges about his book tour with renowned sex fantasy author Zane to discuss Christianity and sexuality.  Ummmm….have you read Zane’s books?  Anyway, he states that Christians are still human beings with sexual desires and needs. From the S2S article, I interpreted, that they would discuss a realistic approach on how to set boundaries in this area of your life as a Christians. The tour starts out with sessions on “How to Love and Black Man” and “How to Love a Black Woman.”

 

Oh Really?

 

After the news of his previously mentioned indiscretions hit the national media, Bryant wrote a book entitled “World War Me” which addressed the consequences of his infidelity and how he “rebuilt” himself and his ministry.  The book garnered a lot of attention and has become a number one, non-fiction best seller, giving Bryant more exposure now than before his incident.  It has also catapulted him into quasi-celebrity status.

 

Can we say “Capitalize” with a capital “C?”

 

All this, AND he’s been able to rebuild his membership in his congregation. 

 

Well, MY “spiritual advisor” said that someone in a ministerial position should never capitalize off of their mistakes and transgressions.  It’s one thing to speak about it and share your downfalls, but to make a profit off of it is something that worldly people do, not what a “man of God” should do. At this point, the misdeeds become glorified and glamorized.

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and views on this issue, but do you feel that Pastors today have crossed the line between being worldly and being a Christian?  Have they mixed the two so closely together that the definitions are blurred and unclear?

 

There has to be a visible difference folks.  Yes – realistic approaches, tangible examples and personal guidance should be included in the Christian walk but there also has to be a distinction between what’s considered worldly and what’s not. .

 

Once you start walking on either side of your designated path, that straight line in the road that was once visible becomes harder to see – and ultimately harder to follow.

 

Yes – we love to be entertained in church with witty stories, energetic speaking and a talented choir, but we have to start looking at how our spiritual leaders are walking.  What path are they on?  Is it crooked or straight? Will their actions expose our weaknesses, lower our standards, widen our acceptances and compromise our walk by blurring that line?

 

We have to raise the bar and set the standard higher.  Our leaders should be leading by example. 

Can You Put a Timetable on Love’s Expectations?

 

 “Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get; it’s what you are expected to give”

 

I’m not gonna lie yall.  Some of the married people I know, scare the living daylights out of me.  They make me grateful that I’m taking my time with this thing.  I’ve definitely had to ask the following question: “Didn’t you know about this before you married them?’  In my opinion, if you knew something in particular about your partner before you married them, you have no right to complain about it once you are married.  Your loss. You knew what you were getting into. 

 

The point is to spend time with someone long enough so that you know what you’re getting into.  So, do you  (yes,  you) believe that if you date a person for a long enough period of time, there will be a lot less  “surprises” in your relationship?  Depending on the time you’ve dated someone, you pretty much know the character of your mate, and know what to expect from them, right?

 

Well according to a recent conversation with an acquaintance of mine who has experienced marriage more than once, you never know what to expect. 

 

“What??!!”  I yelled. 

 

They proceeded to tell me that their first marriage was the result of a long, on again-off again relationship and once in the marriage, they were still surprised about things that occurred during their journey.  They ended the marriage feeling somewhat astonished and disappointed. The second time around for them was the result of a very short relationship that resulted in marriage all within a very limited amount of time.   So, sure there are surprises, but the basic character of a person and things like their financial habits, how they make decisions, how they handle stressful situations, reliability – all of that should be known ahead of time, right?  I mean, you would  be 95% sure of what they will do in any given situation that would call the above listed characteristics into question, correct?

 

I still received a “not necessarily” to my rebuttal.  Basically my acquaintance told me, in so many words, that you never know how a person is going to react until “sh#! hits the fan.”  And s#!% doesn’t necessarily hit the fan, while you’re dating for two years, five years, or even 10 years.  According tho them, when you get married, it’s for a lifetime.  There are a variety of experiences – negative and positive – that can happen in a lifetime that will affect someone’s decision making and their reactions to situations – some of which would be quite unexpected. 

 

“Wow!” I stated.  I left the conversation thinking “Well I  might as well marry a dude after dating them for 4 months, because what I just heard is – ya never really know what you’re gonna get!”

 

But of course I would never do that – not knocking those that do, but that’s just not for me.  I truly believe that the more time you choose to court someone (notice the word “court” interchanged for date), the less surprises you will run into once the deal is sealed.  That time allows for more tests or expeirences to arise in your relationship which will put a person’s true character on display.  You will have time to notice any red flags that may arise and determine whether to acknowledge and deal with them – or not.  Then, in your heart of hearts, you really can’t say you didn’t know.  I believe sometimes many people stay in long relationships, hoping that things will change once they get married.  When they don’t, there is a level of disappointment that arises once they’re married.   But if you’ve spent enough time with a person, you can’t say you didn’t know.  

 

So do you belive that no matter how long you date, the unexpected will always creep it’s way into a marriage, and possibly shake the foundation of who you believe your partner really is? 

“Should I Save Her?”

C’mon. I know you remember the scathing lyrics to this 1993 E-40 song entitled “Captain Save a Hoe.” It was dedicated to women (although “woman” was hardly the term used) that refused to be independent enough to pay their own bills, keep their own jobs and do their own shopping. The song was an ode to those who relied on a man to put on their cape, swoop down from the sky, scoop them up and change their lives.

 

“But make that ni**a take care of your kids, Make that ni**a call your kids his Make that ni&&a get out there and work Make that ni44a by you a brin burk.  It’s all part of that ni%%a take care of me Pu%%y whipped ni**a come save me Batches out there be on the lookout for captain save a hoe- Cus he’s savin’ hoes.”

 

Ohhh E-40….. Ridiculous right? – But fitting for what I still see going on today, even though this song was in heavy rotation in ’93 and it’s 2010.

 

Sure we can name the top five culprits for the paramount/excessive number of single, independent women in high density urban areas, but these are my thoughts on the sixth culprit that is often ignored or forgotten.

 

Most men have an integral prerequisite to feel needed; like they are taking care of business – and they fulfill that “needed” syndrome in their own ways I guess. For a particular group of men, equality in compensation and career is viewed as competition. They want no uncertainty about being “the man” of their household, so they are comfortable being with someone who depends on them completely. Independence to them means their significant other is capable of picking up and leaving at any time. A chick relying on her man for her lifestyle will think twice, maybe three times, before picking up and leaving – and men know that.

 

So, have you ever been in shock meeting someone and their significant other? The first thought in your head was “they can do so much better.” Well I’ve recently encountered a few professional, hard working, decent men that are with women that are below their relationship potential. I’m talking about falling into E40’s category above. Even though others see/feel they are settling for less, I’ve come to realize that who they have chosen to be with is exactly “their potential.” Maybe that’s IT for them. They are exactly where their strength will allow them to be. Either they will realize one day that they can do better, or work it out and be completely content living at the same standard they currently dwell in; content in the profession of saving…..

 

So can I voice my opinion here for a second? I mean that is what a blog is for, right? Let it be known that there is a whole other sector of women out there that can hold their own, and are not too independent to deny that they want to “be saved” too. They aren’t too jaded to say that there is a need for a companion in their life, regardless of how much money they make, how successful they are, and how much they are able to do on their own. They have no problem stepping back and letting it be known that “he” is the man of the household. All they want to do is contribute; bring something to the table and combine it with what “he” already has to build together. They want him” to work hard, not just b/c he’s taking care of her two kids and their one child together, but because he knows his woman works hard too – and because they are both trying to reach their unified goal of success.

 

Of course, trips to Neiman’s and the Caribbean should be included – lol.  But wouldn’t the woman described above deserve that?

 

Men should not exclude this type of woman from being “saved” just because she has mastered taking care of herself and knows how to survive on her own.

 

Your thoughts on the independent woman being “saved”? 

 

**Pondering on Jill Scott‘s “The Fact Is” on Beautifully Human**

 

“I could buy my own groceries baby
Get my hair tight, my nails right
I can floss my own bling bling
Write the words to the songs I sing
I can even raise the child we’ll make
Make sure he’s loved and knows what God gave us

I can teach him how to walk and stand
But he needs you to help him be a man
We need you
So hard to say
We need you
Some things don’t change
I could be congresswoman
Or a garbage woman or
Police officer, or a carpenter
I could be a doctor and a lawyer and a mother and a good girl
God what you’ve done to me
Kind of lover I could be
I could be a computer analyst, the Queen with the nappy hair raising her fist
Or I could be much more and a myriad of this
Hot as the summer, sweet as the first kiss
And even though I can do all these things
I need you
And even though I can do all these things by my damn self
We need you
We need you
We need you”

I Just Had the Best Breakfast of My Life

So moving to a new neighborhood has many perks, one of which is finding new eats!!  I moved to Northeast DC, from Northwest DC – something I said I would never do, but I did it.  Even though I’m only a couple of long city blocks away from my previous NW location, I must admit there are several differences – BUT you must always manage to find  the silver linings in your neightborhood and this spot is one of them.  

I live close to the Brookland community in NE, DC.  There are still single family homes with yards in this community and small family business mixed with your occasional, popular chain stores.  For the most part this community remains “homey”, untouched by greedy developers – except for the occasional small condo buildings being built.  So when I found the Brookland Grill, and discovered they served breakfast I was truly excited.  Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day!! 

The Brookland Grill

Yeah, so the place is a little dingy and service is not top knotch – but the food?  The food is delishious.  I ordered the chicken and spinach itialian omelete which came with home fries (my fave!) and grits (my second fave!) .  The omelete was the size of a buritto from chipotle. It had fresh marinated and grilled spinach, chicken, provolone cheese, and tomatoes.  It was absolutely the utlimate omelete but it was impossible to eat it all in one sitting.

 

Brookland Grill has everything on the breakfeast menu from chicken and waffles, to french toast and blueberry pancakes, and the prices are reasonable. Lunch and dinner deals are plentyful as well.   The unusual catch to this eatery is that it doubles as an ice cream parlor as well.  They have a whole separate counter devoted to ice cream, milkshakes and smoothies.  Under the greasy spoon category, this place definitely gets a five.

Hookah Heaven

 

So, I finally indulged in the hookah experience after all!  There are several lounges in the DC area, but I never considered it until recently.  Before I began my endeavor, I had to find out what all the fuss about hookah was.

A hookah is a single or multi-stemmed (often glass-bottomed) large pipe that utilizes water and indirect heat for smoking. The most basic concept of hookah originated in what is now the present day border between India and Pakistan, and then spread throughout the Middle East, and Egypt.  It traditionally has been strictly for tobacco use; however people have historically also used opium and cannabis.

Shisha is the name of the tobacco mixture that is smoked in the water pipe. Shisha comes in several flavors, with fruit flavors being the most popular, and has a similar scent to incense.

So here’s how the hookah works…….

• A base, or smoke chamber, which is partially filled with water

• A bowl, which contains tobacco and the heating source

• A pipe that connects the bowl to the base and dips into the water in the base

• A hose, a second tube in the pipe that does not dip into the water but opens into air in the base and allows users to inhale the hookah smoke

Smoking the hookah is a social activity that continues to gain popularity all over the world, especially among young people in urban areas. A typical hookah session lasts about 45 minutes and a hookah can be shared by one or several people.  Other than being a great way to enjoy a conversation, hookah smoking provides a soothing, calming effect that intensifies with alcohol (of courseJ) most hookah lounges serve alcohol and basic appetizers. 

For habitual smokers out there, the trick to hookah smoking is not to inhale the shisha as intensely as you would cigarettes.  The object is to take a deep breathe in, and blow out most of the smoke. 

The great debate is whether or not Hookah smoking is as detrimental to your health as cigarettes.  Many believe that the Shisha is filtered through a lot of water before entering the lungs; therefore the same carcinogens aren’t present in the Shisha as they are in cigarettes.  The truth is that there haven’t been any studies conducted to compare the effects of the two.  Many believe that the long, 45 minute session causes more damage that one cigarette lasting five minutes.

My hookah journey led me to two very different Hookah lounges. Initially I arrived at one of the first real hot-spots in the U Street area called the Chi Cha Lounge.

Chi  Cha Lounge is named after the traditional Latin American drink from the Andes known as “chicha”, a concoction of corn soaked in pineapple juice, cinnamon, cloves, cane sugar and the house secret ingredient.  Over the past decade, it has built up a loyal following and a reputation as one of the best lounges in the DC area. These days, it continues to be a favorite for a variety of races and cultures in DC. 

The doormen are friendly and welcoming.  No silly door politics and a “come as you are” policy on the nights I attended.  The lounge is candle lit only, with dark red couches, chairs, red drapes, and dark wooden tables.  The service leaves a lot to be desired, but is substantial enough to have your drink refilled. Outstanding service is not necessarily needed to have a good time here.   They offer a full dinner menu, but hookah and full dining don’t mix to me, so I preferred to stick to drinks only.  I ordered a drink and a mixed fruit hookah, in that exact order. Out came the cranberry and vodka, along with this……..

…….and plastic, individual covers to place over the hookah pipe to smoke. 

The hookah is about $20-$24 dollars at Chi-Cha, and then add on the drinks.  Good thing the session lasts almost an hour!

On the contrary, I also visited an Ethiopian based hookah lounge in Adams Morgan that I still don’t know the name of to this day – just know how to get there (Florida Ave., between 18 an 19th Street).  This lounge was less “glamorous” than the Chi-Cha lounge, but offered hookah, non-alcoholic drinks and the NBA finals on a flat screen for $12 bucks.  The service was excellent, friendly and had a “homey” feel to it.  Ethiopian’s frequent this lounge to play cards and watch the finals, while Mediterranean music purrs away in the background; surprisingly calming I might add.  Although this hookah lounge was not about ambiance, it definitely got the job done.

Hooked on Hook?

In my recent quest for good seafood last weekend, I decided to visit Hook Restaurant in Georgetown. Their mission is to offer a seasonal menu featuring the best sustainable seafood, meat and local organic produce in a unique dining environment.  Sounds……interesting, right?

 Hook is located on M Street, NW, right in the heart of all the action in Georgetown.  Its narrow, external framework is easy to miss in the midst of all the shops, boutiques, hustle and bustle that surrounds it.  Once you enter the restaurant, you are surprised at how spacious and open it is.  Hardwood floors and modern, neutral toned furnishings give you a fresh, open, airy feeling – which is what seafood should be all about.  I immediately noticed the interesting artwork that adorned each available space on the wall, and realized they were pictures of the sea, crustaceans and ocean life. 

The restaurant has two levels, and we were seated on the upper level.  I was glad I dressed appropriately because the crowd oozed old money and young, fashionably dressed couples.

After being seated for a few minutes, they brought out the regular bread basket and spread.  I wasn’t eager to try it, and completely wrote it off.  That is until my company tried it and raved about it. So of course, I was reeled in.  The spread was delicious and the bread was warm and in portions that were easy to eat.  There’s nothing like large, dry bread to prepare you for a disappointing meal.  I was glad this was not the case at Hook.

I felt uncomfortable at first because there were several waiters/hostesses circling our area.  I soon realized they were trained to anticipate our needs.  They weren’t just roaming around our table, but other tables as well.  No flagging down or making eye contact with your waiter for service at this establishment.

Although the menu has six courses, all are not required and you can choose to indulge in whatever you like.  In reviewing the menu, I realized this was a great visit for anyone who wants to eat adventurously, but lightly.  The menu included items such as grilled calamari (as opposed to fried), shellfish combination (lobster, prawns, taylor bay scallops, oysters, mussels), and beet salad (goat cheese, yellow and red beets, pistachios, blueberry sauce).  I started out with the steamed mussels in white wine garlic sauce.  The sauce seemed to permeate through the shells to make the mussels that much more favorable. They were delicious. 

Our entrée choice was the king salmon with grilled broccoli, and the artic char with sweet potato purée and broccoli.  The only meat selection on the entire menu was the grass fed rib eye.  The staff is fully knowledgeable of the cuisine in case you’re surprised of the abundance of fish on the entrée menu. 

Both the king salmon and artic char, were seasoned precisely.  Not too salty, not too dull.  The broccoli was definitely a surprise stand out.  It literally tasted like it was grilled outside during a cookout and was accompanied with bacon and onions.

The main courses were judiciously portioned, so I wasn’t worried about having room for dessert.  Although I wasn’t tempted by what the desert menu had to offer, a follow up visit to Georgetown’s Ben and Jerry’s was the perfect finish to a great meal that evening.  

Overall, Hook is a great restaurant for special occasions, and a change of pace to the regular dinning experience.  I wouldn’t say I am “hooked” necessarily, but it definitely comes highly recommended in my book.

Tat It Up

www.jinxproof.com 

Established in 1996, Jinx Proof Tattoos in Georgetown is known throughout the U.S. for high quality artwork and professional tattooing.  Some of the most talented tattoo artists migrate from out of town to work at Jinx – hence my tattoo artist, Matthew, who hailed from Houston, TX. 

If you’re looking for superior artwork and cleanliness (which is all I was looking for) Jinx Proof is the place to go.  If you’re looking for the “tattoo experience” with loud friends, laughter, and hand holding, this is not the place for you. Jinx Proof is not the place for a spontaneous decision after a drunken night with friends.  This establishment is only for the strong, and those serious about getting tattooed. 

There are no guests in the tattoo room, so the only conversation you’ll have is with your artist and the only support you’ll receive is from yourself.  For me, however, it was an enjoyable, painless experience!  I learned a lot about my tattoo artist, who was quick (40 minutes) and efficient in what he was doing.  Most of all, my mind was at ease knowing that hygiene and quality was not an issue.  I’ll definitely rely on Jinx Proof for tattoo # 2!

IndeBleu

Indebleu allows visitors to enjoy a 3 in 1 special; strong drinks, bar/lounge, and a restaurant all in one. This cozy, swank lounge is located in the heart of Chinatown -DC, and allows for a full night of entertainment all in one place.

Ladies, Indeblue gives you a reason to get cute for drinks after work, enjoy great ambiance, and mingle with a mixed professional/sexy crowd, w/out waiting until 9:00 at night to do so. 

Although the portions are small and a bit pricy, the chef does an amazing job executing nicely flavored dishes/appetizers, creating a fusion of Indian/European dishes that actually work. The lounge/bar menu is just as tasty. My only complaint is that I wanted more of it, for what it cost.

The ambiance is beautiful. The décor in the lounge, precisely called the Tantric Lounge, is modern with Asian influenced accents. The walls are scarlet and the couches are deep and comfortable.  Along with the dim lighting, this place feels  quite cozy. The music also adds to the ambiance.  Eclectic house music, and other original sounds, made me bob my head a couple of times- after a few peach martini’s of course.                     

In my opinion, the best feature of Indebleu is the Tantric Lounge, which is quite beneficial as a venue for after work, rather than a weekend hot spot.

Pinot Noir (pea-no NWARH):

Pinot Noir (pea-no NWARH):

A fragile red grape that is difficult to grow. Most of all the burgandy wines from France are made from the Pinot Noir grape.

Great Pinot Noir creates a lasting impression on the palate and in the memory. Its aroma is often accented by a pronounced spiciness that suggests cinnamon, sassafras, or mint. It is full-bodied and rich but not heavy, high in alcohol, yet neither acidic nor tannic, with substantial flavor despite its delicacy. The most appealing quality of Pinot Noir may be its soft, velvety texture. When right, it is like liquid silk.

Well, this is an introduction, describing myself , for the souls that hopefully bless this blog with their presence, thoughts and comments.

Yes folks, I’m as original as they get. Fragile and delicate, yet strong and stubborn, or “difficult to grow.”

I can make quite a lasting impression by being sweet with a little touch of “spiciness.”

I can be qute “heavy” and demanding of others, yet “delicate” and as the last line of the definition states, “when treated right it is like liquid silk.”

I hope you can visit this blog for the latest in fine dining, culture, wine, music and my ever present random rants and raves.  I also hope we can be enlightening, encouraging and respectful to eachother in the process.

I hope this blog will be an escape for you as much as it will be for me, and that you may find it as pleasing as “liquid silk.”