This July 4th, "Independence Day" seems like an apt metaphor for all we have been through. There are people to see, massive picnic spreads to layout, Frose to toast with, and of course, fireworks to watch IRL. This year July 4th lands on a Monday, which means Monday is off and a three-day weekend  is on the horizon. You are going to need plans and no surprise, the team at TheListAreYouOnIt.com has you all three-day-weekend long: Destination D.C. and The American Experience Foundation Fourth of July Celebration Destination D.C. and their affiliated charity, the American Experience Foundation, will be hosting an exclusive celebration this July 4th at the Potomac View Terrace from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. With a perfect view of the fireworks, this event is a great place to celebrate the holiday and give back to D.C. students. The private rooftop will have food, drinks, music, and more. Tickets are $250 per person and each ticket purchase supports AEF. 2215 Constitution Avenue NW. To purchase tickets, click here. dLena’s Bottomless Brunch dLeña will extend its bottomless brunch service for Fourth of July on Monday, July 4th. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., dLeña brunch guests will choose between ordering bottomless food and drinks ($60 per person) or bottomless food ($37 per person) and drinks a la carte. An array of tantalizing dishes offered include corn and shrimp enchiladas and zarandeado salmon. A la carte pricing is also available for food. 202.560.5999; 476 K Street NW Suite D. Please click here for more information. Rooftop Fourth of July at Hi-Lawn  Join Hi-Lawn this Fourth of July with a free-to-attend, four-day long Independence Day rooftop picnic party from July 1st to 4th, featuring fantastic city views of fireworks, live music/DJs, grilled eats, summer cocktails, and extended hours. Hi-Lawn will also have lawn games for you to play including cornhole and giant Connect Four. You are more than welcome to set up your own picnic blankets on the lawn to bring the picnic vibes to life. 202.664.2454; 1509 5th Street NE. Please click here for more information. Fourth of July Dinner and Rooftop Watch Party at L’Ardente Join L’Ardente for a three-course Italian ode to Americana with world-class wine pairings, followed by a wine and bubbles reception and dessert bar in Capitol Crossing’s rooftop conservatory, which offers perfect views of the National Mall. Chef David Deshaies and his team have created a three-course menu featuring options such as chilled lobster salad, crab-stuffed soft-shell crab with summer corn, and poached Maine halibut with ravioli. Each course features a thoughtfully chosen wine pairing. Dinner, drinks, and the viewing party are priced at $200 per person. Just the viewing party is priced at $90 per person. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and the viewing party begins at 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.; 202.448.0450; 200 Massachusetts Avenue NW. To book a reservation, please click here. Fourth of July at The Line Book with The Line this Fourth of July to get a front-row view of fireworks. Stay for the holiday and celebrate at a rooftop party featuring a special performance by DJ Salt Cathedral. 202.588.0525; 1770 Euclid Street NW. Please click here to book.  Fourth of July Offerings from Officina Join Officina on July 4th for a Dining and Firework Experience, with three different options to choose from. The cafè will be open and you can enjoy options from their a la carte menu, plus an Italian BBQ buffet will be hosted in the Trattoria ($65 per person), and firepits and couches will be available to watch the firework show on the Terrazza. 202.747.5222; 1120 Maine Avenue SW. To make a reservation, please click here. Trummer’s Fourth Festivities This July 4th, the culinary team at Trummer’s will offer a special Weekend Grill Kit to-go featuring barbeque classics with an Austrian twist (priced at $125 per kit). The Weekend Grill Kit feeds four to six people and includes cooking and reheating instructions. Pick up is available Friday, July 1st through Saturday the 2nd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 703.266.1623; 7134 Main Street, Clifton, VA. For more information, click here. Fourth of July at The Watergate Hotel The Watergate Hotel has plenty of Independence Day festivities planned for guests of all ages. Enjoy a rooftop fireworks party while enjoying a 360 degree view with a live marching band, open bar, and more. Spend your holiday in one of the luxurious rooms or suites (special offer includes admission to rooftop party). Stop by Kingbird for a July 4th cookout and celebrate America’s birthday while enjoying summer favorites off the grill. The rooftop event will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. $425 per person, and a V.I.P. Tickets are priced at $595 per person. 844.617.1972; 2650 Virginia Avenue NW. 

Photo: Deb Lindsey   Check out some recs for baked treats from local foodie personalities (Nycci included!) in David Hagedorn's latest for Bethesda Magazine, here. 

Give your Baba the best this Father's Day -- Nycci has some great gift ideas and experiences for the discerning dad.

In March 2011, a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and then a massive tsunami struck Japan’s Tohoku region along the northeast coast. Near-total devastation and more than 20,000 deaths, Wiping out most of its food production it had forced the Japanese to reimagine the framework of the local economy, and it’s responding with surprising economic vigor thanks to new approaches to farming and fishing. Here in the US, the Japanese Embassy works to connect & educate US chefs and consumers on Tohoku’s farmers and fishermen. On the next Industry Night, Ryo Tsuzukihashi, Agriculture attaché at the Embassy of Japan, and Misaki Tanida, of Horaiya Honten Join Nycci to discuss how the region literally is rising from ashes. Tuesdays at 7pm on Real Fun DC. Listen to the full episode here.