Flow in the Dark plays Whitlow's Friday

At Whitlows last May, photo via flowinthedark.com

Local rock cover band Flow in the Dark is returning to Whitlow's this Friday Dec 9. They are a hiphop/mash-up with over 50 hiphop, pop, and rock songs in their reputare, and with four members of the band alternating vocals. Their live show starts at 10pm Friday.

Beer for Books Front Page Happy Hour Friday

Reading Connection Program Manager Stephanie
Berman reads aloud to children

A special happy hour called "Beer for Books" is being held at Front Page to benefit The Reading Connection. From 4 to 9pm on Friday Dec 9, drop by the Ballston bar for $5 wristbands that get you drink and food specials along with a raffle for Front Page bar tab and Pacers gift cards. RSVP on Facebook here.

The Reading Connection has been providing literacy workshops and improving the lives of at-risk families in the area for over 20 years.

Market Tavern replaces Harry's Tap Room

Downstairs bar

 Recently Harry's Tap Room, one of my favorite places for an upscale beer or fancy brunch, was revamped as Market Tavern. Despite being a "new" restaurant and having some kinks to work out, they offer great beer, wine and food in a cozy atmosphere.

The first floor is the "tavern" which features a familiar bar and free for all tables. The upstairs "chophouse" has more dining tables that are available for reservations. Although their are different menus for each section, I was able to order from either one. Their appetizer breads came with a plate full of fun spreads and spicy veggies.

Sliced NY steak salad

 Their take on a crab cake sandwich was tasty and satisifying, but not quiet as much meat as Clarendon Grill's version. The steak fries are delicious and just the right amount of grease. The sliced New York steak salad was also great, and went well with a dark glass of Malbec.

Crab cake sandwich

They have a massive drink menu, with over 77 wines by the glass and many fun beers offered. Pictured here is the "Old Rasputin" beer, which was dark and foamy like a Guiness black and tan.

I'm really happy about Market Tavern's new look and menu, and look forward to frequenting them again soon.

South Block smoothie coupons

12 oz Mango Mania Smoothie

South Block on Garfield Street currently is offering 10% off smoothie purchases if you bring a reciept from Trader's Joes. Not only are the smoothies delicious, but it includes one free energy boost supplement.

Also, they are giving out a $2 off coupon for wraps after each purchase. I perfer the "Clarendon wrap", but am looking forward to trying their new "Arlington Rap" wrap soon.

Late night at Mario's

Plenty of steak and cheeses to go around late at night

Besides Goody's, Silver Diner and Hard Times, another late night dining option in Clarendon is Mario's. Located on Wilson Blvd, Mario's servers pizza by the slice, steak and cheese subs and burgers until 2 am weekdays and 4 am Friday and Satruday night.

 I stopped in late last night, and had to wait an unsually long time because there was an order a head of me for a dozen steak and cheeses. You know the food must be good here if local late night work crews frequent it.

I like their steak and cheese, althought my favorite is still the one from Ray's. I have yet to try their pizza, but it gets good reviews on Yelp.

9 Songwriter Series at IOTA Tuesday

Justin Trawick's 9 Songwriter Series continues this Tuesday night at IOTA, which has always been packed with great music in their previous events. It's a good bargin as you get to see live performaces of nine original musicians for only $10. I'm also excited about seeing Emily Henry again, as she was the guest performer at IOTA's weekly open mic a few months ago and everyone was very taken by her.

This Tuesday the show will also feature:

• Justin Trawick
• Derek Evry
• Emily Henry
• Jason Brown
• Alex Vans
• Sol
• Natalie York
• Bobbie Allen
• Ken Wenzel

Burnt Sienna at Clarendon Ballroom

Burnt Sienna at Clarendon Ballroom Friday night

Tonight was a beautiful Friday night in Clarendon, and many people took advantage of the local nightlife with the unusually warm weather. Clarendon Ballroom was pretty well packed, with Burnt Sienna performing covers ranging from modern pop to classics like The Twist.

Photos of Clarendon

Getting ready to hit the town on the busiest bar night of the year: the night before Thanksgiving! Here are some recent photos of updates in Clarendon before I head out:

Underconstruction Wilson Tavern replacing Kitty O'Shea's

New Bikeshare station across from Iota

Empty Wilson Deli after it closed recently

Delightfully decorated interior of Trader Joe's

Everyone is jumping on the Trader Joe's wagon

Live music greets Trader Joe's patrons

Acoustic music welcomes customers on Sunday

I finally got a chance on Sunday to check out the freshly opened Trader Joe's on Highland and Wilson Blvd. The trendy grocery store greeted by live acoustic music playing covers of the likes of INXS and Natalie Merchant, and also songs with lyrics about the surrounding store. I really enjoyed the free samples (peppermint jo-jos! pumkin cheesecake!) along with beach/Clarendon area themed decorations. Hats off to them for a great opening weekend!

Book Speed Dating Sunday

An interesting twist on speed dating is taking place at Shirlington Library tomorrow, Sunday Nov 20, at 6pm. In this second "Book Dating for Singles," participants bring several books they enjoy or are in-progress of reading and talk with other singles for three minutes. Extra Virgin Italian Cuisine in Shirlington Village will provide snacks, and there will be a drawing for a pair of Signature Theatre tickets at the end of the evening.