The Big Friday Update

Ray’s the Steaks at East River is opening up  next week. Wednesday was the ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Mayor Fenty. I am extremely upset that Wednesday was Ray’s the Steaks Day  (by proclaimation of Mayor Fenty) and I missed it.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that some of the new menu (Fried Chicken, prime rib, “meat and three”) items will be offered at the Arlington & Silver Spring locations. To read more about Ray’s East River, check out here, here, and here.  Michael Landrum is bringing much needed jobs to the district and should be commended for his commitment to DC.

We reported on this earlier, Rustico is coming to Ballston this summer, hopefully opening in July. Ballston needs better restaurant and we are super excited to add Rustico to the mix. I thought they were going to take the Aladdin space, it turns out they are going to be in the ground floor of Liberty Center and feature a ton of outdoor seating.  I wonder who is going to take over the empty Aladdin space…Michael Landrum are you listening?

Slice reviews Red Rocks and Pete’s Apizza. I am looking forward to the opening of Red Rock’s Alexandria location.

If you love to cook and you have never tried the a cooking class, I suggest you check out the Going Out Guru’s guide to cooking classes around the district. A while back, I took a knife skills class at Sur La Table and had a fantastic time. Now, I can’t stand to see anyone holding a chef’s knife improperly.

On Saturday, Rocklands is hosting their 2nd Annual “Shed Your Coat” event. Bring your dog and an old coat to donate to their Arlington location to support Doorways for Women & Families. I suggest you try the Rockland’s Pearl- Pulled Pork, Mac N Cheese & Baked Beans. The event goes from 3-6pm.

Sunday is Cheese for Charity at Melting Pot. $10 from each cheese fondue purchased at their Arlington location will support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Did you know that we got our 100th Twitter follower this week?  You should follow her @at2356, we love her. You know what else we love? More twitter followers, tell your friends.

Politico is loving themselves some food coverage for politics site. I gues everyone needs to eat. For coverage of Top Chef DC’s first challenge click here, and for Sweetgreen is promoting a concert with Rock the Vote for the Sweetlife Festival. I haven’t heard of any of the bands that are playing the festival, maybe I am just not hip to the music the kids are listening to these days.  Kal Penn was spotted at Hank’s Oyster Bar, given the choice I would rather have the Lobster Roll at Hanks than a White Castle burger.

Have a hankering for some crawfish? You don’t need to drive down to Annapolis for some crawfish. Acadiana and Cowboy Cafe are both hosting crawfish menus. Check it out.

Food Matters VA is hosting not one but TWO wine events this weekend. Warm Weather Wines with James Kellaris of Roanoke Valley Wines on Saturday and Beginner’s Wine Tasting: Rosés on Sunday.

The White House is replanting the garden with the help of DC School Kids. I am officially offering my services to the White House if they need any help gardening. I don’t know anything about gardening but I am pretty sure I can handle a shovel.

Ben’s Chilli Bowl gets a shout out for being one of the best ballpark dogs in the country.

That’s What She Fed did a hilarious and not so favorable review of Mie N Yu.

Sunday is the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler. My beautiful wife, Ilyssa,  will be running, and I can’t be there to cheer her on, so if you see her cheer her on. If you don’t see her at the race, then maybe you find her at one of the many post race brunches.