The Reading Connection 7th Annual Of Wine & Words

The Reading Connection is a local nonprofit that focuses on connecting books with local at-risk families in Arlington. Volunteers read aloud to children at shelters and community centers and provide donations that give children free, new books to keep. Last October I attended their successful fundraiser happy hour at Mister Days where they gave away a free iPod (not to me though, sadly).

This Friday March 25 they are having a Wine & Words fundraiser in Rosslyn. Ten local restaurants are donating food for the event, including Restaurant 3, Willow, Liberty Tavern, the Java Shack, and Eventide. Also provided are "robust meats, elegant side dishes and to-die-for desserts are on the menu at Of Wine & Words, along with a tasting of fine Virginia Wines provided by Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint."

Tickets are $75 and available now, proceeds going to the charity of course.

Sweetgreen's Sweetlife Festival May 1

Just found out about a promising festival coming to Merriweather on May 1st: Sweetlife Festival 2011! I'm excited about seeing bands like The Strokes, Ra Ra Riot and Crystal Castles live! The concert is presented by Sweetgreen, a salad speciality eatery that has a new location in Ballston.

Thanks to Paul at DCSocialite.com for the heads up on this!

National Puppy Day

Happy National Puppy Day from Clarendon's dog park on Hartford & 13th road!

If you are thinking about adopting a new pet, please check out reputible local adoption agencies like Lost Dog and Four Paws.

Margot MacDonald at Iota March 28

Don't miss the talented Margot MacDonald opening at the redesigned Iota next Monday March 28. She is a Clarendon native who took home the "Artist of the Year" crown during the 25th annual Washington Area Music Awards, held in February at the State Theatre in Falls Church.  The win marks the 19-yr-old's seventh Wammie, underscoring her hot streak that began with the 2007 "New Artist of the Year" award.

Last September she performed in Clarendon and did a one woman rendition of Massive Attack's Teardrop that "strips it down and rebuilds it with live loops of her own award-winning voice and subtle heart."

Harry's Tap Room Brunch

Harry’s Fruitarian $16

Florentine Benedict with Spinach $13

I was lucky enough to be joined by friends for a Sunday brunch today at Harry's Tap Room. The upstairs dinning area is large and very high up, as the winding staircase doesn't seem to end. But they do have an elevator available for special needs guests. The added height does afford customers a nice view of the local streets below.

Their brunch menu does look delicious, although it is pricey. Don't miss out on the extras:

• Bacon - Get extra orders of their extremely tasty and cinnamon like flavored bacon strips
• Breakfast Potatoes - addictive and delicious if you like home style fries
  

Bayou Bakery on Fat Tuesday

Last Tuesday, many locals thought Bayou Bakery in Courthouse was the ideal place to start their Mardi Gras celebration. The New Orleans themed restaurant was packed around 7pm, with the line wrapping around and almost going out the door.

I really enjoyed the "Bayou Gras" menu, as the gumbo and jambalaya I tried was tasty. But the portions were small for the $7 each price, so it wasn't a very filling meal. Although Bayou started winning me back with the delicious King Cake (no babies inside these slices) and orange rum drinks. They stayed open until 10:30 pm to feed those who exhausted themselves shouting for beads at the Clarendon Parade that night.

Also it was nice running into fellow blogger Legs from Steak and Legs! Check out her blog for more local food reviews.

Free Cupcakes in Clarendon Saturday

The Sprinkles bakery located in DC has a delivery van that will be stopping by different locations every day and handing out free cupcakes. Follow sprinklesmobile on Twitter the for the exact time and location of Clarendon free cupcake giveaway this Saturday, March 12.

Thanks to Lis from the DCist for the heads up!

KleptoRadio at Clarendon Grill Friday

Local band KleptoRadio is coming to Clarendon Grill this Friday, March 11. They should put on an interesting show, because they promise to live up to their name with a style that mixes together a variety of music genres. They describe their sound as ranging from "AC/DC to Stevie Wonder, hip hop to hard rock, saxaphones to samples."

Mardi Gras Parade in Clarendon

Pictures from the fun and popular Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade this year. The pleasant weather made for a great turnout:

Whitlows On Wilson's float

Looks like Galaxy Hut, but I'm not sure

Iota's float with live guitarist

Hard Times showed up with a "leprechaun" on a unicorn

St. Patrick's Day + Mardi Gras Parade March 8

The annual Clarendon parade combining Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day is happening Tuesday, March 8. Starting at 8pm, the parade will march down Wilson Blvd from N. Barton St to N. Irving St.