The Watergate Barbershop

Located just 2 blocks from the Schenkman residence halls and dining area in the foggy bottom district lies the watergate barbershop. This barbershop is one of the few traditional barbers left in the foggy bottom area. There is nothing fancy about this location; the gentleman who cuts hair there has cut hair for over 3 decades. In addition, this barbershop has been in business within the Watergate for over 2 decades. Some of the long-term employees have quite a few stories to tell. If its a full cut or just a shape up, they do great work here.

 

Although it is not a primary location where I receive hair cuts due to my hair’s curl I can recommend this place for any gentleman with straight hair looking for a shape up or full cut and not looking to take a hit to the pocket book.

 

They serve premium espresso in this location as well as exceptional coffee and teas. The best time to go in for a cut is early morning. I would not recommend women’s hair cuts here as this is not a salon. Just general cuts that don’t hit the pocket book.

 

For GW Students you will be surprised to find that this place does in fact take GWorld which is quite nice especially for freshman that have to spend money utilizing their GWorld Cards.

 

The Last Tangle

Located just blocks from the university in the southern DuPont corridor lies a small hidden gem. The last tangle. Upon entering the business one is greeted with luxurious amenities such as stone floors and a falling water fountain. As you walk down the stairs to the basement level you find that the area is well lit and clean.

 

What seems to be quite a simple layout has attributed to the businesses success over the years being a quiet, discrete location for women and men to receive hair care and spa treatments such as nail care, styling, and waxing. In addition to the salons low profile, it can also handle large groups for corporate outings or spa day get togethers with friends.

 

I have been going to Jeff for over a year now, and he seems to be one of the only people whom is able to cut curly hair properly. He is usually quite busy and it is difficult book an appointment with him.

 

Most of the general clientele are middle-aged women that enjoy the quiet privacy and locations proximity to the office. However, I see students in fairly often. The students who do frequent this location are usually ones that are looking for more specific unique treatment especially for individuals with curly hair.

 

They always offer coffee or tea, and give excellent scalp massages during the shampoo process.

 

The downside to the salon is the pricing. As it is a premium location that has well established itself throughout the years here in DC. Haircuts go up to around 450.00 for implants and more advanced techniques. My haircut is typically 70 dollars. However, Jeff does an excellent job.

 

At the last tangle it is all about quality and privacy. If these are primary interests of yours, you will enjoy your time here. I encourage you to come and visit the location and get a feel for how they do business. You will not be disappointed.

It’s Taco Time

Weather your looking for a quick dinner or to celebrate taco Tuesday you have to try District Taco and MXDC.

District Taco has multiple locations but the closest one to campus is near Dupont Circle at 1919 M Street. District Taco is a casual restaurant that has everything from burritos, nachos, quesadillas and tacos (obviously!). My personal favorites are the breakfast tacos which are served all day. Tacos are 3 for $8 with premium toppings such as carne asada, barbacoa and guacamole for an extra charge. They also have free toppings which include cheese, grilled vegetables, beans, rice and jalapeños. And if you are looking to add even more heat to your meal check out the salsa bar featuring five different salsa’s ranging from mild tomatillo to by request only habanero. District Taco is a great place to grab a quick dinner with friends and is sure to never disappoint!

If you are looking for a more upscale Mexican dining experience, then MXDC is the place to go. Located at 600 14^th Street. MXDC Cocina Mexicana was created by Chef Todd English, “a prolific restauranteur, chef, cookbook author and television personality”, after being inspired by his travels to Mexico. MXDC offers everything from traditional Mexican food such as tacos and enchiladas to the classic Spanish favorite paella. If you are of age be sure to check out their great drink menu featuring margaritas and sangria! MXDC offers a great atmosphere with a trendy vibe. It is wonderful place to try if you are looking for a great twist on a classic favorite.

According to Mr. West, This is Where all the Bad B*tches Go…

On the opposite end of the spectrum from free exercise, there is Equinox! Equinox is a new kind of fitness center, which they refer to as a club (definitely an upgrade from the traditional gym!). And, yes, Kanye has even referenced it in his most recent album.

For those of you who have never entered an Equinox, let me paint you a picture…. Imagine you step into a high end luxury hotel. As you step inside the stylishly decorated lobby the crisp smell of  fresh fruit hits you along with the whirring sound of a blender. Obviously that is just the smoothie bar, which can be found in most clubs. In additions to smoothies, you can find Kiel’s luxury products in the bathrooms, an array of services on the spa list, and top notch fitness gear in their boutique shop. Let’s be clear, this is no ordinary gym!

Of course they also have workout equipment, many many different class choices, and personal trainers (which are referred to as coaches). But unlike the usual gym, every aspect of Equinox is specifically designed to give you the ultimate luxury experience. They have found a way to make working out a stylish community experience, that could even be described as an exclusive club.

 

Saint Germain DC

I have arrived to Saint Germain DC upon entering off of a busy street downtown you find yourself inside a very understated modal dwelling.

Located in the Penn Quarter district of our nations capital, this Molecule salon implements primarily Loriel hair products. And in addition is frequented by a diverse group of individuals ranging in age and gender.

There is a yellow glass window that opens to a French style salon with pastel curtains, glass back chairs, white leather, marble, and porcelain finishes. With not much space the floor plan is well laid and just around the corner is another unique styling room, the “dry bar.”

Women’s styling begins at $100.00 depending on the hairs length and goal.

Men’s styling begins start at $70.00 dollars which is a bit steep given how much hair is actually cut.

The greatest takeaway from this particular is location is that the Barber is open on Monday’s; combined with the location you could stop off for a trim while at lunch.

Meet the luxury side of Washington DC: CITY CENTER

Shopping and luxury are a common combination. It is not, however, common to find a shopping mall that is entirely complete with a set of shopping practices that evoke fun and promote healthy routines. This combination is existent at CityCenter. CityCenter is a mega modern shopping oasis based in Washington DC. This shopping mall gives the shoppers a different kind of experience by providing all round goods and services. This is enabled by the vast office space, rental apartments, retail space and condo units that sit on the ten-acre land. CityCentre is accessible by different means including the various bus lines that ferry shoppers to the location. Those that would prefer to use bikes are provided with racks, and the parking garage is huge to accommodate numerous cars at a fee, depending on the time that each motorist wishes to leave their car.

The shopping experience at CityCentre is high end. This is characterized by the elegance of the goods that can be found in the retail stores, including customized outfits and other merchandises. Within this shopping Centre, there are various places that the shoppers can get a wide range of cuisines from restaurants, cafeterias, and grab-and-go shops. And when I talk about a wide range I mean eateries that serve foods from different nationalities including Chinese Italian Lebanese among others. So, while undertaking your shopping, ensure that one of those meals that you have not had in a long time or never had at all is on the list because, at CityCenter, you are guaranteed to get it. The vast open space of this shopping mall provides a serene shopping environment and encourages the shopper to stroll around with ease as they select their most preferred goods.

Closest Shopping Mall to George Washington University Campus!

Located along Potomac River, Crystal City Shopping Mall makes one of the premier centers for shopping with shopping stores that exceed two hundred in number. This is a center from which the shoppers are given a spectacular view of the Washington DC with an extraordinary shopping experience. Situated in the vicinity of the Ronald Reagan Airport, accessibility to this one stop shopping center is made easier by the wide range of transport systems with taxis being the primary mode of transportation. Other forms of transport include rail, bicycle that is enhanced by the riding trails and bus.All services ranging from health, hospitality, beauty, banking, theater fashion and photography among others are available at Crystal City Shopping Mall.

The open spaces to which access is granted to the shoppers are among the attractive elements that most customers enjoy at this shopping center. These areas enable jogging by the shoppers, riding, playing walking and also facilities for the kids’ games. Additionally, the center has developed an arts and culture exhibitions to which the shoppers are treated to colorful activities and galleries among other recreational and educative events. The free Wi-Fi enhances access to the internet that the customers can utilize from the comfort of the benches provided in the park. This further fosters the operation of the tech shops that are in this center. Farm products are freshly available from the farmers market at the Crystal City Shopping Mall, enhanced by supplies from the more than 20 local farmers. Visit Crystal City Shopping Mall to obtain the seasonal fruits and other products that you may have stayed so long without.

Excellent Jazz Club in Georgetown

There is something great about live jazz that recordings just never capture!

Blues Alley is one of the nation’s oldest continuing jazz supper clubs, having showcased internationally renowned concert hall artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr., Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Byrd, Maynard Ferguson and Eva Cassidy in a small intimate setting.

Blue Alley is located in the heart of historic Georgetown in an 18th century red brick carriage house, Blues Alley offers its patrons a unique ambiance, reminiscent of the jazz clubs of the 1920’s and 30’s.

Blue Alley opens seven days a week, it also specializes in authentic Creole cuisine, steak and seafood dishes (Dinner served from 6:00 pm). Blues Alley has designed several discounted packages available to groups of twelve or more, and can accommodate up to one hundred and twenty-five for dinner and show. The atmosphere is exactly what you want a jazz/blues club to be like. Enjoy your night with sensibly priced drinks and excellent service!

*Tips: The average waiting time is 30mins – 1 hour, so book your seats in advance.

Celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day!

Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day? Then check out these bakeries located in Georgetown on October 18th!

Sprinkles Cupcakes, located at 3015 M Street, prides itself as being the world’s first cupcake bakery. Sprinkles has over 25 flavors which they rotate weekly and monthly. These flavors include classics such as Chocolate, Vanilla and Red Velvet, as well as seasonal flavors such as Key Lime and Chocolate Peppermint. They also offer gluten free, sugar free and vegan versions of some of their most popular flavors. Sprinkles bakeries were designed to make you feel as though you are in a European bakery. With a “pure material palette [that] speaks to the quality of our ingredients [and with] signature design elements reflect the playfulness and joy of the Sprinkles experience”. Customers’ favorites include Chai Latte, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate. Sprinkles has 17 locations across the US which makes it accessible to a large customer base.

Georgetown Cupcake is located further down Georgetown’s main road at 3301 M Street. Although they usually have a line to due to their popular TV show, the cupcakes are well worth the wait! During the summer, the line can be over an hour long but luckily for GW students there is almost never a line after the holiday season. Going in the beginning of the day also improves your chances of beating the line. Georgetown Cupcake offers many different types of chocolate cupcakes including Chocolate Squared, Chocolate Ganache and Double Chocolate Birthday Cake. Georgetown Cupcake also offers a free cupcake for the first 100 customers who come in and ask for the secret flavor of the day. This flavor is tweeted out every morning on their Twitter page. While it is only one per person it is a great way to try new cupcake flavors!

Baked and Wired located off of M street at 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street, seems to be the favorite for DC locals. Baked and Wired has a more relaxing vibe and usually has a shorter line. They also sell more than just cupcakes. These products include breads, cookies, quiches, muffins and more. Some of the local favorites include German Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Karen’s Birthday. Baked and Wired is a great place to hang out and relax with friends while enjoying a delicious treat!

Now who is ready to get a cupcake!?!

Your Retail Therapy around DC Shopping Centers

You know how you always have to cross oceans and climb mountains just to get that one item you thought you could not live without? (in the 14th century). Well, not in DC. All the hurdles and obstacles are just in your imagination. Is your shoe game getting a little bit sloppy? Take them out in style and have them walk you to your road to grab a new pair around the malls. The Nordstrom Rack, 7-Eleven convenience stores are among the shopping centers lined up for you to provide a decent shopping experience.

There is no better place to spend your cold hard cash than in DC when it comes to shopping. Variety is sure not a problem for DC. Find your favorite brands at Tysons Galleria and CityCenterDC. With these, however, you will need to dig deeper into your pockets. At these malls, shopping is an all-day event. There are over 300 specialty shops on each and a same day delivery service at $5.

If you are looking for an ideal shopping destination, look no further than Eastern Market. Here you will not only find over 100 vendors selling various items. You will not only find farm fresh produce in this are but will also get to listen to live music. Although you might get a neighborhood vibe from this market, it plays host to tourists from around the world.