Taylor Berry I had the amazing opportunity to attend an exclusive media event celebrating the opening of The Ruxton early March. The restaurant is located in downtown Harbor East Baltimore and most definitely does not disappoint. Once guests step inside, The Ruxton instantly radiates refined elegance. Nestled in the heart of Baltimore's vibrant Harbor East neighborhood, the restaurant exuded a timeless charm that effortlessly merged with contemporary sophistication. The event passed out hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and included captivating entertainment at The Ruxton as we toasted to the beginning of an new, unforgettable culinary and cocktail experience. I particularly loved their fantastic seafood selection, including crab claws and flavorful shrimp. Just like the other restaurants owned by The Atlas Group, The overall vibe was one of sophistication and class. Whether savoring a sumptuous meal, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, guests couldn't help but feel welcomed to a world of luxury and refinement at The Ruxton. Experience the newfound delight of The Ruxton, now welcoming the public to indulge in its offerings. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot!

Anna-Alexandra Rojo Wildman We had the pleasure of exploring the Monet Immersive Experience, which has taken the place of the Van Gogh experience that was in the Rhose Island Center space this past year. For fans of the Van Gogh exhibit, this Monet iteration is just as fun, if not more so.  After an introduction to Monet, his life, and the Impressionist movement, enter a reproduction of his work space in Giverny. With paintings all over the walls and charming quotes from the artist, you feel as if you've stepped into his home.  From there, you pass though a curtain to the gardens, featuring the famous Japanese Bridge spanning a charming animated pond.  Next, enter a dynamic room where you can enjoy a variety of different works projected on the walls (and floors), from his early characatures to the train station, to his paintings of Venice, and much more.  Pull up a chair, or lay back on a cushion, and take it all in (or, in our case, tour the room on the heels of a newly walking small human).  Don't miss the fun VR experience that takes you *into* Monet's paintings before you hit the crayons to create your own masterpiece at the exit of the show.  Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience: 524 Rhode Island Avenue NE; Open to and thoroughly enjoyed by all ages, but full immersion and VR is best experienced by guests older than 16 months. Tickets can be found here.  

Taylor Berry I recently had the pleasure of visiting ARTECHOUSE DC for their Beyond the Light Exhibit, a collaboration between ARTECHOUSE and NASA. This unique partnership integrates artistic expression with scientific inquiry, resulting in an out of this world showcase that celebrates human imagination and the boundless mysteries of the universe.  The exhibition serves as a testament to the extraordinary intersection of art and science, offering visitors a journey through discovery and innovation. Through visually stunning installations and immersive experiences, ARTECHOUSE and NASA invite guests to embark on a voyage of exploration, illuminating the intricate relationship between light and our understanding of the cosmos. The exhibition centers on a 26-minute stunning cinematic journey displaying how we have observed and experienced light throughout history. The exhibit also includes six supporting installations that explore the moon, heliophysics, climate science, earthdata, etc. Additionally, ARTECHOUSE DC has a stylish bar offering themed drinks inspired by the exhibit, where you can explore a selection of handcrafted cocktails. You can Indulge in these meticulously crafted beverages as you immerse yourself in the exhibition's narrative, adding a unique dimension to your museum experience. ARTECHOUSE DC serves as the perfect destination for an enriching mid-week excursion with friends or a date night experience. Secure your tickets before the exhibit closes March 3rd, and embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of imagination!

Anna-Alexandra Rojo Wildman Brunching with the babes has taken on a whole new meaning these days, but it is still a fun time wherever we go!  We had the pleasure of trying out the new bottomless brunch at King Street Oyster Bar in City Ridge NW. Just a short walk from home, there were plenty of reasons for us to go back to this fun neighborhood spot.  While I simply dug in to the bottomless food options, hubby took part in the bottomless brunch cocktails, with sipping options including a variety of margaritas, mimosas, bloody mary, and a frozen espresso martini that looked super fun. (Did I mention it's walking distance from home?! And with locations in Leesburg, Middleburg, Potomac, and NoMa, it may just be walkng distance for you, too...)  Among the bountiful small plates offered, we particularly loved the crab eggs Benedict (and so did baby, for that matter). We also smapled the chicken & waffles, breakfast taco, hangover sliders, pitaya bowl, and avocado smash.          After eating our fill, I couldn't help but try an order of the buttermilk pancakes...because I need that sweet fix! I didn't snap a pic, but let me tell you, they were fluuuuufffyyy. Baby nibbled on a few bites while enjoying some reading time before we finished up our meal.        King Street Oyster Bar; 7 Ridge Square NW; Sunday brunch available 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bottomless is $35/person for food, $55 for food and drinks. A la carte brunch is also available.

Taylor Berry Washington, D.C. is known for its vibrant events, and I recently had the pleasure of attending a truly memorable one: The AJ Madison Showcase Event hosted by Modern Luxury DC, and Sponsored by Bloomingdales. This event not only showcased appliances by AJ Madison, but also provided an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, great drinks, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. The organizers demonstrated a remarkable level of attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the event was carefully thought out. From the elegant decorations, to the precisely curated culinary offerings, it was clear that they had a deep understanding of what would captivate and delight the attendees. Beyond the appliances and culinary delights, the creative flourishes added an extra layer of charm to the event. The station for creating a personalized flower bouquet added a creative touch and allowed guests to take home a unique keepsake. There were numerous photo opportunities strategically placed throughout the venue, allowing guests to capture their favorite moments. The amazing women-owned cocktail company named Cocktail Curations created amazing unique cocktail options. One cocktail I particularly liked was the espresso martini with egg white foam on top with a printed logo on top with ink made by beets! The AJ Madison Appliance Showcase in Washington, D.C., exceeded all expectations, providing me with a truly remarkable and enjoyable experience.The event proved to be an extraordinary event that combined the best of culinary excellence, state-of-the-art appliances, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was an evening filled with delicious food, friendly interactions, and a genuine sense of community. From exploring the latest appliances to indulging in the creative ambiance, every aspect of the event was thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable experience. I left the showcase feeling inspired and appreciative of the AJ Madison and Modern Luxury DC brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. I can't wait to see what they have in store for their future events. This showcase event was a shining example of what can be achieved when meticulous planning and creativity converge, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be part of it.

Rachel Zardus It has been a fast and furious end of summer and start to fall, but not too busy for me to step out and experience one of DC’s newest restaurants, Taffer’s Tavern. (Like Nycci says, The List Associates really do have all the fun 😉) Nestled between Penn Quarter and Mount Vernon Triangle and just a short walk from the Chinatown Metro Stop, Taffer’s Tavern is sure to become a frequented neighborhood spot. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious menu made for the perfect casual night out—a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the work week.      Of course, I had to start with one of their infamous cocktails. A sweet and spicy twist on a classic favorite – I went with the Mangorita, and it did not disappoint! Their Crafted Cocktail menu is a must-try, and perfect for a cozy night of drinks with friends.      The menu was expansive and everything sounded delicious. We started with the coconut-crusted shrimp served with their own Asian sweet chili dipping sauce and the strawberry almond salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and topped with ricotta cheese, toasted almonds, and quartered strawberries. Is your mouth watering yet?  Next up was the parmesan-crusted flatbread with roasted mushrooms, fresh ricotta, and parmesan cheeses, topped with fresh arugula, honey, and smoked sea salt. This one lit up all the right taste buds. Yes, it was as good as it sounds. Honorable mention goes to the hush puppies – not something I would typically order, but I am SO glad I did.   The sweet finish came not only in the form of dessert (I mean come on, look at that raspberry drizzle) but also in the gracious hospitality of everyone at Taffer’s Tavern. I felt so comfortable and welcomed by all staff, who really made this experience what it was! Needless to say, I will definitely be back, with friends and family in tow. . .  Check them out here.

Abbee Lapen The sights, sounds, and curiosities of the circus are in town, and in true Cirque du Soleil fashion they've brought along with them high-flying adventures and endless talent. Set in a world of steam-punk wonder, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities follows an ambitious inventor defying the laws of space, time, and dimension with his experiments and inventions.  We were amazed as the inventor bent time, was quite literally flipped upside-down, and even swam with the fishes. Acrobats, contortionists and superb acts of balance restored in us our child-like sense of wonder and bewilderment of what the human body is capable of. Without revealing all the tricks up their sleeve: keep your eyes peeled for trampoline heights of epic scale, underwater dreams that are sure to feel like they're reaching out to grab you and pull you beneath the waves, and of course, the charisma and charm of the ringmaster... no matter how invisible he may seem.  Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities will is under the big top at Tysons Corner Center July 29th through September 25th; get your tickets here today!   

Anna-Alexandra Rojo Wildman Summertime has arrived, and you know what that means -- we Washingtonians Want. To. Be. Outside. Yes, we may complain about the humidity or the heat, but the reality is, we want that summer air, and we want things to do outdoors!  Enter Mandarin Oriental's Summer x MO: they have put together a full lineup of outdoor activations for the duration of the summer in their lovely Empress Garden (and yes, it's by the water, so you can catch a breeze there, too). We got to sample some of the fun, and it certainly was delicious~ Think family-friendly movies on Mondays, ceviche and tequila tastings on Tuesdays, Thursday night pig roasts, Friday night fried chicken & bubbles, Fish Market tours, family staycation packages, plus plenty of activities with their Kids Stay & Play at the Panda Club.

Gemma Menges Downtown DC has a new spot for puzzle-lovers of all ages: The Escape Game. So, I grabbed a few friends and decided to check it out! With a 9/10 difficulty rating, we must have been feeling ambitious when we chose the Prison Break room.  We may have used an embarrassing number of hints, but the shrieks of excitement when a door opened, or a code got cracked never got old. The hands-on approach to storytelling really immersed us into the game, and the hour rushed by so quickly. The staff were also so helpful and friendly! The game itself was very fun, and full of “AHA!” moments that made it all the more satisfying to play. This was my first time playing an escape room, and there’s a definite learning curve involved with these types of puzzles. Now is the part where I have to admit that we ALMOST escaped (but didn’t). As my mom says though, “close only counts in horseshoes”. I’d love to give The Escape Game another try…maybe in an easier room this time 

Anna-Alexandra Rojo Wildman Growing up in DC, you could always count on one of your extra-fancy family meals being in a downtown steakhouse. The city has grown and evolved deliciously, but deep down, I think we're still a steakhouse-for-a-special-occasion kind of town.  We had a delicious sneak-peak of the revamped BLT Steak last week, and it certainly lived up to my special occasion meal memories - albeit with a much more modern ambiance (courtesy of a head-to-toe redesign by Studio Saint). Be ready to loosen your belt from the get-go: the meal began with BLT's signature big, warm, fluffy popovers - we wanted to just dive into them facefirst - along with pate and crostini to go with our cocktails off the new drinks menu.  Next from executive chef Michael Bonk's menu, we shared thick-cut smoked bacon and the wedge (we had to eat something green, right?). A small detail but always so appreciated - our server realized we would be splitting our starters, so she brought them out pre-split on separate dishes. No awkward passing the salad back and forth across the table on this night! Finally, the moment we were all waiting for: ribeyes, perfectly cooked (medium rare, natch), along with truffle mashed potatoes and crispy fries with cilantro mayo - which, as a no-cilantro-please-person, I must note was actually *fabulous*.  All washed down with some full-bodied California reds, we left this meal thoroughly satisfied - and ready for a nap!  Check it out yourself at 1625 I Street NW; bltrestaurants.com