If only the rest of the world were this cute...

...we'd end world hunger. And stop nuclear proliferation. And everyone would join hands in joy and understanding.

Keep warm with some hot brews at Tryst

Although I've become enamored with independent bookstore and coffee shop Politics & Prose, don't think I've forgotten about all the goodies Tryst has to offer.

P&P may be a great place to get some work done, but it doesn't even come close to matching Tryst in the arena of seasonal drinks. Why, you ask? Two words. Liquor license.

That, and Tryst has a much larger, more interesting menu than P&P, a more vibrant late night scene, and comfy couches that are great for relaxing. If you're looking for someplace warm and cozy to get your drink on during these winter months, make Tryst your destination.

Last month, I tried their Stormy Apple cocktail, a blend of hot cider, Meyers Dark Rum, Canton Giner Liqueur and fresh lime juice and topped with a star of anise and a single cinnamon stick. Can we say delicious? It was a bit dangerous, considering I wasn't halfway through enjoying the sweet beverage before I realized I was pleasantly buzzed. This drink really packs a punch.

My companion enjoyed the Tryst Toddy, which is comprised of hot bourbon served with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, honey and a pot of Earl Grey tea. She enjoyed it, but noted that it probably wasn't for the bourbon purists out there.

That being said, the list of drinks is impressive. A whole slew of 'Tryst Warmers' will be available throughout the winter months. Also, Tryst recently unveiled a special holiday drink menu which looks pretty tantalizing. I'll certainly be stopping in soon.TRYST Coffeehouse * Bar * Lounge
2459 18th Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 232-5500

Books and blogging at Politics & Prose

Due to the nature of my many blogging obligations (here, here, here, here and here), I often take refuge in my favorite office, Politics & Prose on Connecticut Avenue in NW.

It's a usually quiet place where I can do work for everyone while still maintaining my sanity. Oh, and enjoy a steaming mug of tea.

This, of course, is said with the exception of some truly dastardly construction here last Thursday, which I can only imagine was orchestrated by some unseen, evil forces which attempt to thwart every well-meaning attempt at professionalism I make.

This aside, Politics & Prose is a DC institution which has been providing Washingtonians with literary musings and mocha for over 25 years, a tough feat in a city known for its transience. It's a truly wonderful independent bookstore which hosts authors nightly and boasts remarkably loyal clientele.

It's no surprise then that I find myself sharing a table in its basement cafe, Modern Times Coffeehouse, with a woman whom I do not know, but have seen three times in the last 7 days alone. I believe we also shared a table last week. A familiar stranger, if you will.

Based on what I assume is a mutual love of politics and prose (and alliteration?), I even felt comfortable enough to ask if she would kindly watch my computer as I patronized the ladies's room. She obliged.

Here are just a few of the meals I've slurped down while furiously typing away:

Carrot ginger soup with fresh French bread.

Savory butternut squash soup. (Hipster sunglasses not included)

I'm a fan of this place. And of hot soup on a cold day, if you hadn't already guessed from the above pictures.

Thankfully, P&P provides free Wi-Fi to all cafe patrons. Without internet, I lose all sense of time and space. (Is it 1993? Where am I? What's a blog? Are pet rocks still cool?)

They offer a password to their wireless network on every receipt issued at the register, which I imagine weeds out the freeloaders and the phonies. As a result, the place is relatively uncrowded and quiet, a pleasant change from my last coffee shop of choice, Tryst. I love Tryst, but couches with broken coil springs and iffy internet do not a comfortable or productive day make.

The only downside to P&P is that it's not so accessible by Metro. One must either get over his or her fear of the bus (it took me a long time, and the system doesn't inspire much confidence) or get some good walking shoes and hike over from either Van Ness or Tenleytown on the Red Line.

At any rate, it's a wonderful destination for those that aren't bound to the office. Which I am not, mercifully.

Readers, memorize the following equation:

Books + coffee + soup > any cubicle anywhere.

You can't argue with math.

Politics & Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 364-1919

Holiday Cheer in Columbia Heights

What says Christmas better than a blow-up Disney snow globe? If you answered nothing, you'd be correct.

At least according to me, your favorite Jewess. Ok, ok. I know nothing from Christmas decorations. I may not be an expert on the subject, but something tells me that the below expressions of holiday cheer on one Columbia Heights yard are some fine examples of what commercialism has to offer.

But don't think Hanukkah has been left out of the mix. I couldn't find any latke-themed decorations, but I did find the below phrase written in chalk on the side of a building on Park Road.

Slightly less festive than the Christmas decorations, but none the less silly. It's just that time of year, I guess.

Breaking News: The National Zoo's Tai Shan a Communist Sympathizer

And he's being shipped back to China as a result.

Well, sort of. Tai Shan has been on loan to the National Zoo from China these past ten years with a return date of sometime in early 2010, the DCist reports.

What was that noise? Ah yes, that was the DC community releasing a collective sigh. What will we do without our beloved panda? For one thing, we're going to have to change the design of our Metro cards.
Such sad times.

The National Zoo needs a new animal pal to cheer us all up. My suggestion: a baby harp seal. We need a cute baby harp seal like nobody's business.

What say you, Washington?