DCLance

Hip Hip.

// October 8th, 2008 // No Comments » // DC, Redskins, Sports

Games 4 & 5

My goodness this is fun. After five weeks, the Redskins are 4-1, have beaten the Cowboys and the Eagles on the road, and are ranked third on ESPN’s Power Poll. Not third in the NFC East, not third in the NFC – but THIRD. The Redskins to my knowledge have NEVER been third on ESPN’s Power Poll because quite frankly, I’m not sure ESPN.com even EXISTED the last time the Redskins were this good. I mean, we’re talking a good seventeen years here.

The Redskins are thirteenth in the league in giving up 303 yards per game on defense. Some may be concerned by that number, however the Redskins have played the first, third, fourth, fifth and ninth best offenses in the NFL through five weeks without a starting defensive end and arguably their No. 1 cornerback for the majority of that time. Meanwhile, the Redskins offense is the sixth highest rated in the league, with the second highest rusher.

The Redskins are wining with defense, they’re winning with a great run game, they’re winning with incredibly solid quarterback play, and they’re winning with “Hip Hip Hooray.” We could not have asked for a more ironically cool and quotable head coach. A great defense and a great running game combine to be the old school path to victory. Victories like these should have an equally old school cheer.

After the bungling of, the misinformation about, and public relations nonsense surrounding this January’s coaching search, I was pretty much over the Redskins. What started as pure anger and disgust in January had faded into apathy by July. I didn’t watch the draft, I didn’t read about training camp. I just didn’t care – and indifference about your favorite sports team is a great deal more tragic than hating it.

In January I made my “Rolling in His Grave Since 1999” and “Sell the Team” t-shirts and started composing my epic case against The Danny. After week one it looked like those t-shirts would sell lot hot cakes, and that piece when finished would be read by many. It’s funny how winning changes everything. Instead of hanging The Danny in effigy, we’re laughing with him as he makes an ass out of him in two consecutive weeks in the locker room after the game. Suddenly we’ve forgotten about the scoreboard, the parking lots, this purposeful misleading of fans and members of the media, the treatment of Gregg Williams and the subsequent coaching search, and all we’ve got is euphoria. And you know what, that’s fine by me.

Lola’s

// September 29th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Bars, Capitol Hill, DC, Food & Drink

Lola’s is quite possibly my new favorite sports bar. For being a brand new bar, it has a great deal of personality – it feels like it has been there for years. The walls are covered with nicely framed historic photographs of DC and there is a Washington Redskins 50th Anniversary mirror (which obviously is over 20 years old and is a solid piece of memorabilia I might add) but it doesn’t at all reek of the fabricated nostalgia of Applebee’s. The bar itself is a dark wood that is surprisingly unvarnished and topped with several small lamps that are actually built into its top. The barstools have leather seats, but more importantly, backs…which are key feature for lanky patrons such as yours truly.

The food is very good, and better than traditional bar fare found at other sports bars on the Hill or elsewhere. We had the wedge salad, the supreme grilled cheese, the burger and chocolate cake, all of which were above average and none of which felt like they were dipped in grease before being served. The sandwiches come with a small salad or fries, but the fries are highly recommended, and for good reason.

The staff was very friendly and seemed to be genuinely interested in the diners as well as the televised games. My only concern about Lola’s is size of the space (though its size also contributes to its charm). Beth and I tried to dine there last Sunday after I returned from the Redskins game, but upon arriving saw that the place was packed. When we arrived this Saturday evening around 7:30 p.m. there were only two seats available at the bar, and the place was continuously full throughout the evening. I wouldn’t go there with more than five or six friends, as the space is very narrow and there is very limited seating, but if you have a small group, it is a great location for an evening of good food, drink and sports. I am already looking forward to my next trip there.

Lola’s
711 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
202.547.5652

Games 2 & 3: Euphoria

// September 25th, 2008 // No Comments » // DC, Redskins, Sports

As has been discussed here previously, my plans tend to be a bit more grand than my ability or time allows.  I had intended to discuss my thoughts about the Redskins’ performance after every game, but after the Saints/Redskins game, instead of discussing the team’s performance, Jason Campbell’s remarkable progress, the Santana Moss touchdown or the emergence of the Predator, I wasted 1100 words on the organization, design and enforcement of the orange parking lot and Michael Wiggins.

In all fairness I thought the Redskins were going to lose that game.  I thought they were going to lose big.  I’m not sure that even the most ardent Warpath Insider sunshine blower would have bet much on the Redskins winning that game.  But the Redskins did win – and because of that win, Carol Maloney and Comcast Sportsnet were able to craft a puff piece on the fans’ reaction to that win.  A puff piece in which I unwittingly took part.

My friend Matt has an eagle eye and the unique ability to recognize and place celebrities.  As Maloney was walking through the parking lot, celebrity spotter and heckler extraordinaire Matt began to give her the business, which surprisingly enough drew her to our tailgate.  After a few moments of banter concerning our Jack Kent Cooke and “Tailgating Our Guts Out” t-shirts, I was interviewed on camera about our tailgate and the state of Redskins nation.  During our discussion, I blathered for roughly two minutes on topics ranging from how disappointed and frustrated I was with the Redskins organization, the dickish ways of Michael Wiggins, the generosity of my parents and the fact that the Redskins would be very upset if they saw my t-shirt on Comcast Sportsnet.  Maloney then asked me how I felt about the Santana Moss touchdown, and after explaining how frustrated I was initially, I gave her the clip she was looking for:

I suppose this is a lesson learned.  When you are being interviewed, and you have one point you are trying to convey (for me, that was my disappointment with ownership and management), do not go off message for ONE SECOND, as invariably your message will hit the cutting room floor, and you’ll be left feeling LESS than euphoric.  Equally as annoying is the fact that the shot was framed so as not to show the Jack Kent Cooke design on my t-shirt for the entire sequence.  Thanks, Carol.

A few notes concerning the last two games:

• The tailgates have been great, with the Arizona game’s tailgate surpassing the New Orleans game’s for me (probably because it got off to a less douchey start).  Kris’ jambalaya and Kevin’s hurricanes for the Saints and Kurt’s fajitas and Kevin’s scorpions for the Cardinals were solid visiting dishes.  Ken’s post-win pork tenderloin is another nice addition.  The interview with Maloney and Matt’s post game discussion with Marcus Washington on 202 were also highlights of the Arizona game.
• FedEx Field is still not full, I’m still not sure how they’re counting these games as sell-outs.
• While the Durant Brooks pick looks super shaky with the botched hold and the brutal punting, the Chris Horton pick looks terrific.
• The Moss catch was in our corner of the end zone and it was the most exciting play I’ve seen in that corner since the Sean Taylor blocked kick return against Dallas.  Generally sitting close the field makes the game more exciting, but nothing beats an elevated corner view on long passes down the sideline.

I Can’t Say I Was Surprised

// September 5th, 2008 // No Comments » // DC, Redskins, Sports

Washington Redskins a Lucky 7, New York Giants 16

The Redskins’ preseason offensive woes continued into opening night of the regular season, though I guess calling them ‘woes’ might be a bit generous.  They were AWFUL last night.  As I was standing in an overcrowded and overrated Crystal City Sports Pub, I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation these Redskins and Redskins fans now find themselves.  There have been many stretches where the Redskins offense has looked amateurish during the last nine years, but the first half of last night’s game probably takes the cake.  When you’re cheering for personal fouls against your team (which happen to be your biggest plays and the only way your team can sustain drives), you’ve reached a low point as a fan.

Almost every aspect of the game was disconcerting.  The pass protection was poor, the run blocking was weak, receivers and defensive backs seemingly dropped more balls than then caught, and the punting…well, the punting kinda made you miss Frosty.  The one bright spot for me was No. 26.  Though he played sparingly (and begrudgingly) in the preseason, Portis ran hard, was hit hard and laid people out.  Clinton Portis is not, and has not been the problem here.  He gives maximum effort on every play and does not take his blocking responsibilities lightly. 

A few take aways:

• Washington held the ball for 24:17 and entered Giants territory only three times (the last of which was in the final seconds).
• The Redskins were penalized seven times.
• Jason Campbell did not complete a pass until 1:19 remaining in the first half.  
• I like Durant Brooks, and it is only one game, but averaging 37.9 yards a punt (especially when you have seven opportunities) is not getting it done.  Frost averaged 41 yards a punt last year, and has a 41.1 career average.

In a related note, I must send a hearty kudos to the web team at WashingtonPost.com for the redesign of the Redskins section of the site, as it is much cleaner, more organized, and MUCH LESS FLASH-Y.  While you’re there, check out Sally Jenkins’ Zorn Inherits a Mess. Her continued verbal assault on The Danny warms the cockles of this fan’s heart.

He’s Accountable, but Nobody’s Perfect.

// September 4th, 2008 // No Comments » // DC, Redskins, Sports

If there weren’t enough about which to angry these days, Jason La Canfora and Jason Reid collaborated on a story about Vinny Cerrato for the Washington Post that pretty much made me want to pull out my few remaining hairs.  Meet the Boss is a maddening piece that highlights just how out of touch Vinny and The Danny are.

We have a good feel for what fits the Redskins, what does well for the Redskins, and what helps us win games.

Seriously Vinny? Seriously?  As my friend Degnan would say, “the proof is in the pudding,” and this pudding is a less than delicious 50-62.

I’ve always thought of Vinny as a somewhat affable clown.  He seems like he likes to bullshit and he seems like he’d be an engaging raconteur.  I’ve never hated him as much as I hate The Danny (though this article makes it close).  Heretofore it has been difficult to ascertain exactly how much blame Cerrato deserves.  The the lack of a long term plan, the carousel of coaches and their philosophies, the murky role and rank, and the obviously meddlesome owner would make a fool out of any general manager, and have also obfuscated the true level of Vinny’s ability.  You always knew Vinny was involved, but exactly to what degree?

Well, he’s clearly No. 2 now…He claims to have a long term plan, he chose Jim Zorn, and the murky role and rank have been cleared up.  Whether or not Cerrato thinks he “probably” should be criticized if the team does poorly…he’s going to be.  Unfortunately for the fans and Vinny, he still can’t do anything about that meddlesome owner.

Good Stuff Eatery

// August 17th, 2008 // No Comments » // Capitol Hill, DC, Food & Drink, Restaurants

Farm Fresh Trade Gothic

Wow.  A nicer, cleaner Five Guys with a more varied menu, salads, milkshakes and is within walking distance? I’m sold.  Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn opened Good Stuff Eatery in July, and every time I’ve walked or driven past there since, the line has been to or out the door.  Beth and I decided to eat there Friday night, and when we got there (around 7:00 p.m.), the line was manageable, and we only had to wait a few moments to order.  But by the time we left, the line was at least twenty people deep.

Between the low ceiling, the music and the voices trying to talk over the music, the downstairs is LOUD.  I felt like I was shopping at Ruehl, not trying to buy a hamburger.  The upstairs is more suitable for dining, and with the multiple HDTVs and the ability to buy beer, it could be considered more of a sports bar then a fast food joint.  Regardless of ambiance, the bottom line is that the food is pretty damn good (and probably worth waiting in line).  The Farmhouse Burger was really good, the french fries were fresh and cooked perfectly, and the fried onion on top of the wedge salad was a pretty solid addition to an otherwise pretty unhealthy (yet delicious) meal.  I’m usually a condiment stickler when it comes to my burgers, but I went with the Good Stuff Sauce, and was pretty pleased.

This isn’t Citronelle – but between the quality of the ingredients and preparation, the varied menu and the use of Trade Gothic throughout their menus and signage, it is a definite step up from Five Guys; and for those that live or work on the Hill, it is a very nice option to have for a quick and inexpensive lunch or dinner.

Good Stuff Eatery
309 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20003
202.543.8222

An August Evening

// August 11th, 2008 // No Comments » // DC, Life

Library of Congress

At its best, DC is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  While I don’t have the easiest of commutes, in driving the George Washington Parkway, crossing the Memorial Bridge and traversing the city on Independence Avenue, I do have one of the most scenic.  On spring and autumn evenings when the sky is a deep blue and the setting sun casts a golden glow on the city’s many marble and granite facades, it is extremely difficult not to be impressed with the city.

Locanda

// August 9th, 2008 // No Comments » // Capitol Hill, DC, Food & Drink, Restaurants

Outdoors at Locanda

Since we moved to the Hill, the number of quality local restaurants has increased significantly, but we always appreciate more walkable dining options.  When we saw that there was a new Italian restaurant coming to Pennsylvania Avenue last spring, we were pretty excited.  After a few delays, Locanda finally opened last fall, and Beth, Valerie, Travis and dined there shortly thereafter.

This Friday, Beth and I were looking for someplace to eat outdoors to take advantage of the incredible weather we were experiencing here in DC.  I made reservations at Locanda on my way home from work and was able to secure a table at the front of the restaurant, which opens onto Pennsylvania Avenue during the spring, summer and early fall.  The mosquitos were a bit a nuisance, but dealing with them was worth the people watching and the ability to enjoy the superlative weather.

To start, we ordered the calamari & zucchini fritti and the Caprese salad.  I enjoyed the calamari, but was less a fan of the salad.  The mozzarella was soft, the tomatoes were fresh (although yellow), and my lack of enthusiasm was not due to quality of the ingredients, but because I prefer a less traditional Caprese salad – one accompanied by a good bit balsamic vinegar.  For entrées we ordered the crab ravioli (which was fantastic), and I believe the Napoletana farfalle (which was fairly solid).

The ambiance is modern and warm though definitely not extravagant.  Despite a lot of the reviews I’ve seen online, the servers were very attentive, the staff friendly, and I found the bread to be surprisingly good.  While not the most glamorous restaurant on the Hill, it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and one worth visiting on occasion.

Locanda
633 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
202.547.0002