01.22 - let's get loud
what’s going on in d.c.
Following the inauguration’s security measures, downtown streets are opening back up and full access to the National Mall is expected sometime this weekend. If you’re out and about, it’s a good opportunity to head downtown to support some of the businesses hardest hit by the work from home effects of COVID. Some recs:
Restaurants/take-out: Daikaya, Cranes (Spanish/Japanese fusion), Umaya Izakaya, Centrolina (snag one of their take-home inauguration meal packages that subtlety flexes VP Kamala’s favorite dishes)
Coffee/tea: Sharetea Chinatown, Urban Roast, Piccolina, Fruitive
let’s talk food and drinks
With a nod to everyone’s favorite (and already overused?) Bernie meme, South Block announced their 14th and P St location opens on Monday. Catch me in line at 8 am drooling over a PBJ bowl (sub strawberries for blueberries on top plz)
“New American” restaurant The Duck and The Peach is now open in Capitol Hill and looking v tempting. The spot offers breakfast/coffee during the day before switching to full dinner service at night (currently takeout only).
Adams Morgan has a cute new Mexican spot - Taqueria al Lado - that’s focused on fresh eats such as tacos and quesadillas.
what’s on our minds?
Anyone else close their eyes during the end of the inauguration festivities only to be startled awake by some extremely loud booms? Just me? Cool. Anyway, it’s not just you that thinks the show was impressive - the beautiful (and unexpected?) fireworks show was actually bigger than the 4th of July festivities. 20,000 pieces went off in four minutes and with no spectators on the mall, the show took advantage of nine separate firing points.
Have $18k a month to spare? The Kalorama mansion that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner rented for the past four years is looking for a new tenant (but tbh the listing could use a few more pictures). Not included? The $3k/month bathroom across the street that the Secret Service was forced to rent after being banished from using any bathroom in the home.
Some sad, but not all that unexpected, news for Olympic lovers (or those who chose “the Olympics” as every school report as a kid…guilty) - looks like the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are on their last legs. The Japanese government has reportedly decided to cancel the summer games - they’re publicly denying the reports, but, gotta say, it doesn’t look great for Simone Biles and the other would-be Olympians.
Quick links to other weekly #goodreads:
After The Coup Attempt And Ahead Of Inauguration, DC Residents Are Feeling On Edge - per Buzzfeed, “"I don’t even think people think about DC’s residents. It’s like we’re not even here."
Where surveillance cameras work but the justice system doesn’t - per Rest of World, “Mexico City has one of the most ambitious and sophisticated video surveillance systems in the world. But it hasn’t stopped crime.”
Your Body, Your Self, Your Surgeon, His Instagram - per Wired, “Social media gave the Real Dr. 6ix a stage on which to show off liposuctions and breast lifts. But when cosmetic surgery becomes entertainment, who owns the story?”
what are we watching/reading?
Promising Young Woman on VOD such as YouTube (and in theaters in Virginia). This COVID-delayed new release is on my list for this weekend. With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Promising Young Woman is described a dark comedy / revenge thriller about a woman who seeks justice for a friend that was a victim of rape. I’ve been trying to avoid spoilers, but the film is described as smart, provocative, fresh, and enjoyable.
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‘til next time -courtney