Great Holiday Side Dish Ideas

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Do you have your holiday meals planned? Whether you are bringing a dish or making everything, planning your holiday dinner can be stressful. However, the most important part of a holiday meal is being together with your friends and family. We have a few easy creative dishes that will be a hit this holiday season. Take an hour or two and make these delicious dishes, we are positive they will be a hit with your holiday party. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

A great classic holiday side dish is the sweet potato casserole. This holiday classic is one that everyone looks forward to this time of year. You only need a few ingredients and 45 minutes to make your tastebuds happy. Do you want to make this, but you do not have a dish? Head to Home Rule to grab a 9 by 13 glass baking dish. Check out All Recipes to find the whole recipe to this delicious dish 

A Holiday Salad

Salads always seem like the easiest thing to make for a pot luck. However, take some time this year and get creative with a unique and handmade winter salad. We are so excited to try this Winter Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds. This easy recipe is done in 30 minutes and feeds eight people. You can even find the fresh produce locally at Whole Foods. You can even pair this salad with a Citrusy Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal. See the easy steps to your delicious salad at Food and Wine. 

A Festive Chocolate Lollipop 

Cookies are what everyone craves at Christmas, but you can always mix it up with a delicious chocolate treat. Stick with the theme and make these Nutter Butter Reindeer Pops. These adorable lollipops involve taking a nutter butter dipping it in chocolate then adding decorations. These delicious treats end up looking adorable and tasting delicious. You can find candy to decorate with at It's Sugar. We think loved ones of all ages will like these adorable treats. You can find the recipe at Country Living. 

We hope everyone at The Louis has a great holiday!

Give Back This Holiday Season

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Tis the season! December and the holidays is a time to celebrate the spirit of giving. But who says you have to limit your gift giving to friends, families and coworkers? The holidays are also a great time to support local and national causes alike! Even better, with so many organizations to choose from, it’s easier than ever to support a cause that speaks to you personally.

At the same time, there are are so many organizations asking for help that it can be hard to decide who deserves your time and attention. To help you with this decision, we’ve listed a small handful of our own favorite local groups:

Capital Area Food Bank. The Capital Area Food Bank is on a mission to end hunger in the area. And to help do that, they distribute million of pounds of food a year! They'll be sponsoring multiple food drives with both schools and businesses during the month - and if you can’t make a planned event or if you’re too busy learn how to donate here.

Washington DC SPCA. Who doesn’t love helping adorable puppies and kittens? Our local SPCA is a wonderful group, and the perfect group to support to help ensure that local animals are given food, warmth, shelter and care during the holidays. If you’ve thought about supporting this group with your time - or even with your spare pennies! - now is the perfect time to do it! (Of course, we’d advise planning on helping these guys for more than a few weeks if you plan on volunteering with them - as any shelter staff member or volunteer will tell you, cute animals need help year-round!)

Children's National Health System Foundation. The holidays can be particularly rough for families in hospitals - and are especially heartbreaking when the patient is a child. The Children's National Health System Foundation exists to help find cures, treatment and help for families and children locally and across the globe. Any donation that you can give helps families and children fight illnesses and get them back home. Check out their website to learn how to donate.

These groups are just three examples of local organizations that are working to give back to the community this season - not to mention year-round! If these three don’t speak to your personally, though, have no fear. Thanks to websites such as greatnonprofits.org, it’s easy to look up organizations that are working out of Washington DC this season. With just a few clicks, you can find a group that you’ll feel good making a difference with!

What do you think - will you donate to one of these groups? Or did we not mention an organization that you personally love to support?

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Everyone in Your Life

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It happens to the best of us. You’ve made a list and checked it twice, but you left off your second cousin...and now you need a gift with very little time to get just the right thing! Whether you’ve been invited to a last-minute party or you have unexpected guests, sometimes you need a last-minute gift. And if you don’t have time to go shopping or order something online, it can be a big challenge!

Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can go for a nice last-minute gift. Why not try…

Fun, Colorful Kitchenware

You’d be hard pressed to find somebody who doesn’t find animal-shaped kitchenware to be a charming gift. If you’re stuck for a last-minute gift idea, why not head to Home Rule to snatch up something fun for your recipient? Even if the person you’re shopping for isn’t a big cook, you can grab fun clocks, goofy apparel, and bath products.

Give the Gift of Tunes

If the recipient of your last-minute gift loves music, there’s no better place to go than Som Records. This purveyor of used, new, and import vinyl records stocks a wide variety of genres, from rock to funk and beyond! They’re sure to have a great, unique gift for the music lover in your life.

Everyone Loves a Tasty Treat

There’s one foolproof gift that works for anybody, no matter who they are. Simply head to Smuckers Farms or Yes! Organic and find their favorite foods. You can create a themed gift basket by putting a variety of cheeses and crackers into a basket and tying it all up with a bow. Add some “holiday spirits” to the basket with a trip to Barrel House Liquor, if your gift recipient is an adult.

And If All Else Fails?

The best part about living in D.C. is the wide variety of delightful restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world. Take your lucky last-minute giftee for lunch or dinner at Le Diplomat or Doi Moi. After all - what better gift is there around the holidays than the gift of time? Spending an hour or two together over a lovely meal is a great way to cement your relationship this holiday season.

Holiday Decor In Your Apartment

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday events are over, this means that it is time to decorate for the holidays. Living in an apartment can provide you with many options to decorate. You can create a perfect winter wonderland in any space with a little creativity and work. We have gathered a few apartment holiday decorating ideas that we love. Make sure to share your holiday photos with your The Louis neighbors on our Facebook Page.

Windows

The windows in your apartment may be a favorite for you. Do you have a great view of the city or community? Use this space to start your holiday decorating. First, you need to gather some materials. Go to Target on 14th street and purchase some icicle lights and window snow paint. Hanging the lights while giving the illusion of snow on your windows is the perfect way to jump start your holiday spirit. Apartment Therapy can give you a few more ideas on how to make this look perfect.

Tree, Mistletoe, or Wreath?

The classic holiday items are perfect for any space, but deciding what is appropriate for your space is important. Mistletoe will fit in any apartment, all you need is a doorway or archway. Grab some mistletoe from Target and hang it in a high ceiling area in your house. Also, to add some holiday scents to your home, you can purchase a wreath. Even if you are not able to hang a wreath in your apartment or doorway, you can lean it against the wall on top of a cabinet or dresser. We recommend purchasing or making a wreath with scented pine cones in the arrangement. This gives you a nice holiday smell in your home all December long.

Be Creative

Getting in the holiday spirit is about your personal preferences. Do you have any decorations that are sentimental? Make sure to prioritize and put these up before anything else. These items will end up becoming your favorite pieces, and they will be displayed in every home that you live in.

Centerpiece DIY

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Thanksgiving is almost here. If you are hosting Thanksgiving or helping out, there are plenty of things to do to be ready for Thursday. Food preparation, cleaning, dessert baking and of course setting the table. The table may seem like the least important task, but with a few creative touches you could have a gorgeous holiday table that all of your friends and family will remember. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect centerpiece for your new Thanksgiving tradition.


Flowers

The staple of any centerpiece are the gorgeous flowers. For a Thanksgiving centerpiece, we recommend sticking with browns, golds, oranges and reds. Apartment Therapy recommends using mums, goldenrods, hypericum and mystery greens. Instead of getting these flowers at the big superstore, head to your Flowers on Fourteenth for fresh gorgeous flowers. Flowers on Fourteenth is located at 1712 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, just 4 minutes from your home at The Louis.

Accessories

Whether you live in the city or in the country, you can always find creative ways to use what is available outside. Head to Meridian Hill Park and pick up some branches, pine cones or leaves from the trees. This is the perfect accent to your completed centerpiece. You may not use everything you find, but it is better to have extra than not enough.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need glue, rubber bands, scissors and more for your centerpiece. Head to Michaels to gather your supplies. You can even get creative with what you want to include in the centerpiece. If you want to add some glitter or a coat of paint to stick with a theme, you can pick that up at Michaels also. The final look of the centerpiece is all up to you.

Put It Together

Start by putting one stem and laying another across it. Make sure to continually attach your stems together. You keep doing this process in a clockwise motion. Once you have a few basic stems and flowers attached, start inserting leaves, branches or anything else you have gathered. Keep building this way until you have a bouquet that you are happy with. You can then insert the bouquet into a vase, or build a base out of the leftover supplies that you have.

We hope your new centerpiece comes out beautifully. If you want detailed instructions and images, please go to Apartment Therapy to learn more.

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities

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Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy time with friends and family. Every year we say what we are thankful for, as we have a day or two off work to relax and enjoy our time together. However, not everyone has a place to go on Thanksgiving. Washington DC has many organizations that raise money or collect donations for this specific time of year. Here are a few organizations that will let you give back this Thanksgiving.

Food and Friends

Food and Friends is a great organization that helps provide for the people with illnesses in the DC area. They have many great opportunities for you to give back around the holiday season. During Thanksgiving week (Nov 23rd-Nov 25th), they need help with food preparation and turkey box delivery. Kitchen shifts for food preparation are available between 8am-6pm and can last 2-3 hours.  

You can also volunteer with their Turkey Box Delivery. Delivers occur on Monday the 24rd and Tuesday the 24th so clients have time to defrost their turkey and fixings before Thanksgiving Day. The hours to volunteer are flexible and can be worked with the volunteer’s schedule. At the beginning of each shift, a detailed orientation will be held to educate you on the process. 

SOME (So Others May Eat)

The organization hosts holiday events for program participants. The volunteers assist with preparing and serving meals, games and decorations. As a volunteer, you can also help assist with assembling Thanksgiving dinner baskets. SOME also holds its annual Trot for Hunger beginning at 8:30am in West Potomac Park. This 5k fun run and family walk benefits the programs that SOME offers for the homeless women, children and men of DC.

These are just a few of the many great programs that are available throughout the DC area. You can find more Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities here.  We are very thankful for our friends, family and residents of The Louis. If you know of any other volunteer opportunities, please share them on our Facebook Page. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving with loved ones this year. 

Fireplaces and Happy Hours

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The weather is getting colder, and that means the days of outdoor happy hours are limited. However, in DC there are many bars and restaurants that bring the outdoor experience to the winter months. Cuddle up by a fire at these patio bars and restaurants for your work happy hour. You can stay warm while enjoying the outdoors. 

Biergarten Haus

It might not be Oktoberfest weather, but you can still enjoy the liter beers at the Biergarten Haus. This bar has a large fireplace in the back patio beer garden that keeps the outdoor space warm and cozy during the cold winter temperatures. Monday through Thursday enjoy the outdoors during their 4pm-7pm Happy Hour. They also have a Friday happy hour from 4pm-6pm. Happy hours will get you a $6.00 1/2 liter or a $10 liter. 

Barcelona 14th Street

This bar and restaurant is at the heart of Logan circle. The wine bar is a great place to join with friends and neighbors of The Louis for a few after work drinks. There outdoor area includes heat lamps, blankets and a massive outdoor fireplace for the chilly winter months. Make some time to enjoy the fire with a glass of wine and a gourmet dish this winter. 

Irongate

Irongate is located on the 1700 block of N Street NW. The warm and cozy courtyard is perfect for the chilly weather. Their indoor area includes an actual brick fireplace to keep the inside room at a perfect temperature. You can step into their courtyard for fire pits, heat lamps and candles to keep the temperature warm while enjoying the outdoors. Make sure to also sample their seasonal tasting menu that starts at $65 a person. 

Art and Soul

Come early and grab a table around Art and Soul’s large cauldron. Now that the leaves are starting to fall you will have a perfect view of the Capitol Dome. Art and Soul features a patio happy hour each weekday from 4pm-7pm. You can even get a drink or food item to go for your canine pet back home. 

National Nacho Day

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National Nacho Day is here and we are so excited to celebrate after work. We love the unique food combinations you can get with a nacho dish. Dessert nachos to breakfast nachos are all on our list of favorite foods. Washington DC has so many delicious nachos it can be hard to choose. Whether you are making nachos at The Louis or going out to eat, we hope you have a great National Nacho Day and a great weekend. 

American Ice Company

American Ice Company might not be the first restaurant you think of when looking for nachos, but we have a great surprise for you. The restaurant’s swachos are amazing. The swine nachos are tortilla chips covered with melted white cheese, pulled pork and jalapeños. You can find American Ice Company at 917 V Street NW. 

Black Jack

Black jack is not just for food. You can also enjoy two bocce courts and a plethora of snack foods. However, these nachos are not the cheap vending machine kind. The Black Jack nachos are double-decker tortilla chips loaded with slow-roasted duck in chipotle BBQ sauce, melted pepper jack and tomatillo-avocado salsa. This is not your average bar food.  Make sure to check out Black Jack at 1612 14th Street NW.

 Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets provide you nachos whether you are a carnivore or a vegan. The regular nachos come with pico de gallo, guac, black beans and sweet roasted corn. However for our vegan friends, you can get dairy-free cheese, sour cream, black-eyed peas and red pepper salsa. There are also many different ingredients you can add in for an extra cost. Busboys and Poets has four locations in DC, Virginia and Maryland. 

District Taco

District Taco is perfect for someone who wants to design their own nachos. At District Taco you have your choice of meat and toppings. This creative endeavor can leave you with an amazing nacho combination that you have never had before. The basic nachos involve tortilla chips, black beans, sour cream and queso. You can create your own nacho at 1309 F Street NW, 656 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 1919 M Street NW or 5723 Lee Highway in Arlington, Va.

Candy in DC

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Boo! It is almost Halloween, and we are ready to inhale as much candy as possible. Chocolate, pixie sticks and gummy worms are plentiful on this spooky holiday. We are glad we have these classic treats, but Washington DC has many unique candy shops that we are also excited to try on this “cheat day” every year. Head out with some friends from The Louis and try this unique candy on Halloween this year. 

The Sugar Cube

1218 King St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 548-2868

Marshmallows, licorice, chocolate and more are all found within the walls of The Sugar Cube. This gourmet candy store features old and new candies alike with many options to choose from. If you want something that is unique, try their truffles and sea salt caramels for Halloween this year. The Sugar Cube also has unique twists on your favorites like pink grapefruit gummy bears. Make sure to sign up the kids for their own candy making classes or campus. 

The Candy Store

7002 Reisterstown Rd.

Baltimore, MD 21215

(410) 653-9900

Colors, patterns, and candies are all typical elements of your classical candy store. The Candy Shop is not just for little kids. Adults can enjoy the variety of sweets that will make your sweet tooth happy for a very long time. This store has all of the classics like dummies, chocolate and gum. It either has specialty candies such as: kosher candy, sugar-free candy, dries fruits and nuts and other specialty items. 

Sweet Spot

2228 Old Brick Rd.

Glen Allen, VA 23060

(804) 360-7768

Transport yourself back a few decades to when candy stores and soda shops were the most popular places in your town. The Sweet Spot has over 70 glass bottles sodas for you try in your quest for something sweet. You can even find some candies from your childhood that you believed were gone for good. Do you remember Bazooka gum or Astro Pops? You can still purchase them and relive your childhood at the Sweet Spot. 

Do you have a sweet tooth? Here are a few stores that your sweet tooth should be very excited to try out on Halloween.

Halloween in DC

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Are you excited for Halloween? Whether you are dressing up as a devil, a witch or a celebrity, Washington DC has some amazing events for you to celebrate the night of the living dead. The Louis is in a great location to be able to get to all of these local events. Check them out and have a great Halloween in DC.

Haunting the District

Do you think you are incapable of being scared? Haunting the District is the perfect place to test this theory. Scream City is designed by the 2014 winners of A&E's "Haunted House Design/Build Competition". This event is sure to have you screaming for days after. This indoor fright event includes Exorcism Estate. The estate is a demon-themed haunted house adventure. You can also make your way to the Slaughter Factory. Explore the lair of a crazed slaughterhouse owner. These events are only appropriate for ages 13 and up. 

Halloween Fun Before the 31st

This DC tradition is in its 29th year. The 17th street high heel race turns Dupont Circle into a crazy Halloween themed spectacle. Participants decked out in costumes are cheered on by fans as they run a quarter-mile in heels. Cheer the competitors on as they try to reach victory in the most difficult shoes possible. 

Night at the Living Zoo

This is the 21-and-over component to Boo at the Zoo. Night of the Living Zoo transforms the animal haven into a devil's playground. You first receive after-hours access to the zoo attractions. You also get to enjoy live music from Black Masala and Dj Squirrel. There is a costume contest and live entertainment from Cheeky Monkey Sideshow.  Quench your thirst and hunger with local food trucks and craft brews. 

Nightmare on M Street

A costume party of epic proportions is always something to look forward to on Halloween. Get decked out in your costumes and travel to more than 30 participating bars and restaurants in the DC area. These locations are within the Gallery Place and Dupont Circle areas. There are food and drink specials at each stop for you to enjoy with your friends. This is the 17th year for this Halloween bar and restaurant crawl. 

Don't Miss These DC Restaurants

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Washington D.C. is filled with restaurants that come and go. This makes it hard to figure out when a place is worthwhile to spend your time and money. To cut through the confusion, here are five places in D.C. that won’t let you or your tastebuds down. Grab your friends from The Louis and try these places this weekend.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

1308 G Street NW

Washington DC 20005

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday/Sunday: 9 AM - 3 PM

The name says it all. If you haven’t already, you have to try Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. It can handle your meaty and sweet cravings all at once. The menu changes frequently because they use local and seasonal ingredients, which is great for variety and quality.

Pepita Cantina

4000 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22203

Hours: M-Th 11:30am - 11pm, Fr 11:30am - 12am, Sa 11am - 12am, Su 11am - 11pm

If Mexican food is your style, Pepita Cantina is a must try. They also take pride in offering creative drinks that are sure to compliment your mexican dish. To top it all off, the atmosphere is fun and inviting.

Centrolina

974 Palmer Alley

Washington, D.C. 20001

Hours: Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm,

Dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10pm

Friday-Saturday 5pm-12am

Sunday, 5pm-10pm

Brunch Sunday, 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Hours:

Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8am-9pm

Centrolina doubles as a market and a restaurant. The most noteworthy choices are the fresh pastas and other authentic Italian cooking. Ingredients are also seasonal and local, which ensures quality and freshness.

Buredo

825 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 11am-8pm

Saturday: 11am-6pm

Buredo is owned by two D.C. natives. They offer a unique product for anyone looking to step out of the box for their lunch break. Their creation is a combination of sushi and a burrito. These are fresh and perfect for someone who is on the go. It is also perfect for anyone who is passionate about healthy eating.  

L'Hommage Bistro

450 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

Hours

M - TH: 11:00 AM TO 12:00 AM

Friday: 11:00 AM TO 1:00 AM

Sat: 10:00 AM TO 1:00 AM

Sun: 10:00 AM TO 12:00 AM

French cuisine is the name of the game at L'Hommage Bistro. They make their own homemade bread and of course have a fantastic wine selection. The atmosphere is also charmingly French, but still casual enough to be a relaxed environment.

Best Cookies in DC

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October is National Cookie Month. This means it is the perfect time of year to indulge in our favorite desserts. Washington D.C. has some amazing bakeries and restaurants with unique cookies that you must try. We are so excited to try these amazing cookies throughout October.











Ted's Bulletin

This restaurant has some delicious food for lunch or dinner. However, their food is not why we are planing to eat there this month. You can try their delicious giant chocolate chip cookie after your meal for a few dollars. This mouth watering cookie is one dessert that you will always remember to get after your lunch or dinner.

Blind Dog Cafe

Blind Dog Cafe is a cute little diner that is worthy of our cookie list. They are known for their chocolate chunk cookies that are so good we would eat them all day long. They have just the right amount of saltiness which makes this the perfect dessert at any point int he day.

Larry's Ice Cream and Cookies

Larry's might give you a sugar high, but it is worth it in the long run. Their giant rich fudge, coconut, pecan and caramel ice cream topped with a chocolate chip cookie layer is something your taste buds will never forget.

Firehook Bakery

This cookie might be a little bigger than you imagine. Would like to eat a cookie that is the size of your face? That is the challenge at Firehook Bakery. They have many giant cookies you can buy from peanut butter to chocolate chip. You will never be bored of the flavors they have.

Sticky Fingers Bakery

If you are looking for something different other than regular cookies, Sticky Fingers Bakery is the place to go. They have many different delicious treats for you to try, but we are excited to try their cookie sandwiches and whoopie pies. They also have various flavors of regular cookies that are ready for you throughout the day.

These are just a few of the delicious cookies we want to try in the D.C. Area. Do you have a favorite cookie? Share yours with your friends at The Louis and on The Louis Facebook Page. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all across the nation. There are hundreds of events designated to raise money for the research and treatment of breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent breast cancer and help people see a few more birthdays each year. The Making Strides Foundation is focused on raising money for that cause.

Sunday October 18th at the Washington Monument is a walk to raise money for breast cancer research in hopes to make breast cancer eradicated in this century.  These Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. You can sign up for a three to five mile walk and start to raise money for this cause. Your contributions will be helping those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, people who may face them in the future and research in hopes to find a cure.

Check in starts at 9am with the walk beginning at 10am. However, due to the number of participants please make sure your group is at the starting line by 10am. Opening ceremonies start at 9am and they are held to symbolize the commitment each of us makes to eradicate breast cancer.

If you are a survivor, make sure to check in at the tent to receive American Cancer Society information and a pink t-shirt. There is also entertainment throughout the day on the main stage starting at 8:30am.  Since the walk is not a race, the walk will be completed when the final person crosses the finish line. You do not need to finish the walk if you are unable. After the walk, come to the Washington Monument for refreshments, entertainment and snacks.

This event takes place rain or shine, so make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. There is parking available, but public transportation is highly recommended for all participants.

This is just one of the many events that are held to raise money for breast cancer. Get a team together with your friends at The Louis and go support this amazing cause.

Fall in DC

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Fall is here and we are so excited to participate in all of the great events happening this season around Washington D.C.. Fall is more than hoodies, sweaters and pumpkin spiced lattes. There are many great fall events and festivals that we wait for all year. The Louis is in such a great location that it is easy to get to all of these great events. So grab your latte and your favorite hoodie and make your way to one of these festivals, we hope to see you there. 

Wunder Garten Oktoberfest

Beer, food and German music sound like a great place to start celebrating fall. This pop up beer garden at NOMA is one of our favorite fall traditions. From September 28th to October 4th, you can enjoy food, music and activities for the entire week. Tickets are required for the weekend portion of this event from Friday October 2nd-Sunday October 4th. The other days, no ticket is required for entry. We hope to see you there to celebrate fall with Oktoberfest. 

Taste of DC

Start getting your stomachs ready for Thanksgiving with the Taste of D.C. event on October 10th and 11th. The event is held from 3rd-7th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is an all day festival from 12pm-7am. This multi-day culinary event features more than just your favorite foods. Explore new and old D.C. restaurants while enjoying drinks, live entertainment and sponsored events. Paid admission includes a festival ticket, one complimentary beer, wine, soda or water: and one free rice, noodle or salad bowl from ShopHouse from October 12th-November 30th. 

DC Brew Tour

Grab a few friends and plan a DC Brew Tour for the weekend. Brew tours are a new way to explore our city. Visit the many craft breweries around the DC area without having to worry about driving. You get a behind-the-scenes beer-focused tasting that any beer lover will be thrilled about. This is a great way to see the gorgeous fall scenery, while trying a few new drinks along the way. 

We hope to see our residents at one of these great fall events in D.C..

Who Wants Pumpkin?

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It is starting to feel like fall in Washington D.C.. This means it is time for the leaves to change, sweaters to be worn and for us to eat everything pumpkin. We always crave pumpkin flavored foods, drinks and desserts around this time of the year. Lucky for us, D.C. has some of the best pumpkin flavored foods around the United States. We have found a few of our favorites that we will be tasting this fall. What is your favorite pumpkin flavor food? Share your favorites with your friends at The Louis.

Thai X-ing

Thai X-ng is located on Florida Avenue N.W. in Washington D.C.. You might not immediately think of a Thai restaurant when contemplating what pumpkin flavor food to try tonight. However, the Thai X-ing Pumpkin curry is amazing. Huge chunks of pumpkin are drowned in a sweet and spicy red curry along with other vegetables. We think this new take on a pumpkin dish is the perfect way to start our fall tastings.

Nage

Nage on Rhode Island Avenue may end up having the most popular pumpkin dish among residents. Nage is offering a pumpkin flatbread that we are so excited to eat for lunch. The flatbread is topped with roasted pumpkin, smoked mozzarella, creamy creme fraiche, sweet cipollini onions, wild arugula and toasted pumpkin seeds. This sounds like the perfect lunch for your work day. If you are still craving pumpkin, try their warm pumpkin salad with wild mushrooms and a brown butter sherry.

Sette Osteria

Connecticut Avenue is home to Sette Osteria. This is one of Dupont Circle's most popular Italian restaurants. This is the perfect place for your weekend dinner with friends or loved ones. Made daily in house, the ravioli stuffed with pumpkin is to die for. The ravioli is tossed in a savory sage and butter sauce then sprinkled with amaretti, an almond-flavored macaroon. The sweet pumpkin combined with the amaretti are the perfect contrast to the other flavors in the dish.

These are just a few of the amazing pumpkin dishes we are so excited to try in Washington D.C.. Go explore the city this fall and find out where you want to indulge your pumpkin cravings.

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September 11th Memorials

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14 years ago today the United States sat glued to their computers and televisions watching what happened in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville. Every year there are many memorials and events to remember the victims of September 11th. This anniversary is no exception.

National Day of Service

September 11th is a National Day of Service. This is not only in Washington D.C., but this event happens all across the United States. Thousands of volunteers in over 50 organizations will do a variety of tasks for United We Serve. To give back you can: clean parks, serve the hungry, revitalize playgrounds and more as part of this annual day of giving.

The Pentagon

The Pentagon Memorial in Washington D.C. stands to help remember and honor the heroes of that day. There were 184 lives lost in the attack on the Pentagon. This memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. Special services will be held for the families of the victims of 9/11 at the Memorial today.

5th Annual Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Run

This event will be held September 12th at 6pm. This commemorative run honors all the victims of September 11th. Proceeds go to public safety and military support organizations. The Fisher House Foundation, Wounded Warriors Project and the Survivors' Fund are just a few of the organizations that benefit from this event. You can run in this 5k for a $25.00 donation.

Patriot's Day Wreath Ceremony

A ceremony will be hosted by the Air Force Association and the United States Air Force. This memorial will include a wreath-laying ceremony, a United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performance and an Air Force Birthday Concert featuring the United States Air Force Band. The event is at 7pm at the Air Force Memorial.

These are just a few of the many memorials happening in Washington D.C. and all over the nation. Do you have a memorial you are attending? Share the details with the residents of The Louis on our Facebook Page.

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Labor Day in D.C.

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Labor Day weekend is here, which means it is the last farewell for summer. There are so many great events that happen throughout the nation's capital on this long weekend, that it can be hard to choose just one. We have found a few great events that we think you will love. Grab your friends at The Louis and experience the gorgeous D.C. summer one last time.

Labor Day Capital Concert

Sunday evening on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital will be the annual Labor Day Capital Concert. Gates open at 3pm with a dress rehearsal at 3:30 pm. You can see the live show at 8pm. The National Symphony Orchestra will be performing your favorite songs as you sit back and enjoy a picnic on a gorgeous D.C. evening.

Free Shakespeare

There will be five Labor Day performances of Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All Sept 1-13th. Tickets will be handed out two hours before the show. There are also a few other ways to win or acquire tickets. Check out their website to learn more. 

Take On The Water

Get outdoors and explore the Potomac on kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board this weekend. The Thompson Boat Center and the Key Bridge Boathouse offer rentals all weekend long. You could even grab some friends and take a sailboat out thanks to the Washington Sailing Marina. 

Cheer On The Nationals

It is one, two, three strikes you’re out at the old ball game. Head to Nationals Park to watch our Washington Nationals during this Labor Day home stretch against the Atlanta Braves. This state-of-the-art ball park will give you a great evening of fun and hometown pride!

Everyone Loves Brunch

Spend this weekend catching up on all of your favorite brunch places in Washington D.C. There are special Labor Day brunches all weekend long that will let you indulge in your pancake and mimosa cravings.

We hope that you can enjoy this weekend before the fall season starts in D.C. We hope you have a safe and happy Labor Day. 

Other Sources:

washington.org

Food Trucks Everywhere!

Image From Pixabay

Food Trucks are everywhere in D.C and we love to find our favorites for our lunch break. However, with so many food trucks how do you choose which one to visit during the week. We have found a few favorites that are worth finding on social media to see where they will be next. If you want to play Where’s Waldo with food trucks, check our list below to decide which ones you want to follow next.

PEPE

Pepe Food Truck is perfect when you are craving something simple but delicious. This food truck is full of sandwiches with the most amazing combinations of ingredients. Serrano ham, Manchebo and olive oil on a thin ficelle sounds so good right now we want to go find the PEPE truck immediately. Make sure to follow @pepefoodtruck to find out when they will be near you.

Brandon’s Little Truck

This truck might seem a little off-the-wall, but we promise you will not regret trying their food. This truck has a controlled menu where you can expect your favorites every visit. The delicious lamb burger with fennel salad and feta is so delicious you think it came from a 5-star bistro. This is just one of the many unique combinations you can find at Brandon’s Little Truck. If this food sounds like a lunch time specialty, find out their next location by following them at @bltfoodtruck.

BBQ Bus

There are many barbecue trucks all throughout the D.C area, but there is a reason we think you should try the BBQ Bus. They smoke all of their meats for 10-12 hours before being served, and you can taste the difference. The sides and breads of the meals are made from scratch daily before they start serving. We recommend coming up with your own combination of meats, bread and sauces. You can find the BBQ Bus on their twitter @bbqbusdc.

These are just three of the many food trucks in D.C! Can you not make it for lunch? Make sure to see when they will be close to your home at The Louis for dinner.