http://blog.citychicrealestate.com Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:24:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Walk With Caution http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/23/walk-with-caution/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/23/walk-with-caution/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:22:54 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=445 This morning on my walk to work I saw a man get hit by a car.  I have seen this happen before and every time I feel like it gets more and more dramatic.  People rush to offer assistance, the driver starts crying, the sirens start coming closer.  After witnessing it you cannot help but walk with caution.  The scary thing is though that after a few days the fear burns off and you go back to your old ways of crowding the street and jetting across when the hand is blinking red.  People, including me, truly have no patience!

The fact of the matter is though that this is really becoming a problem in DC, a city where most people walk.  According to a recent report, 768 people were hit last year by a vehicle, leaving 14 pedestrians dead.  These numbers make DC more dangerous for pedestrians than Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Intersections to look out for are Martin Luther King and Howard Road, those are said to be the most dangerous.  With high traffic of both people and vehicles, it creates a recipe  for disastic.  A person hit by a car traveling at 40 mph only has a 10 percent chance of surviving.  This makes me nervous.

The city is working to make changes to the intersections and is retiming signals so that the walk sign flashes before the cars get the green.  Pedestrians share the blame though, like they share the road.  While drivers have to watch the intersections and follow the speed limit, walkers need to not cross against the light or cut in front of a car that has the right of way.

I get so distracted on my morning walks.  Between the homeless man yelling profanities and the power walker coming up on my tale, I have got more to concentrate on than the road.  After this morning though, I am sure to focus in and saunter with caution.

http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-on-foot/2011/03/red-light-camera-nabs-drivers-for-blocking-crosswalk-rolling-right-on-red-9530.html

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/23/walk-with-caution/feed/ 0 What’s for Lunch? – Fojol Bros. of Merlindia http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/whats-for-lunch-fojol-bros-of-merlindia/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/whats-for-lunch-fojol-bros-of-merlindia/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:58:50 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=437

 

Known as being a “traveling culinary carnival”, Fojol Bros. delivers a unique menu and experience to the streets of DC.  I met a friend today at Farragut Square for a quick lunch.  Our attention could not be pulled away from the colorful truck pumping loud alternative music into the crowded street corner.  Something has to be said about the ambience that the truck works to create.  Waiting under a canopy you feel like you have gone back in time to a simpler place.  Everything is colorful and just happy!  You watch and wait as fellow truck goers crowd the blankets spread out on the grass by one of the aladdin clad cooks.

They were not the speediest of trucks but what they lack in speed they makeup for in distinct ethnic flavors.  A mix of Ethiopian and Indian dishes grace their simple menu.  All items are served on a bed of rice in a recyclable container.  I always appreciate and respect peoples efforts at “going green.”  As bad as it sounds, I just sometimes can’t be bothered.

The experience that you have waiting for your food and then eating is what gave this truck its 2 KEYS.  The food itself was just so-so.  While the flavors were there and definelty different than most other trucks, I felt that they relied too much on a fusion between Indian and Ethiopian.  I was overwhelmed and unable to finish my dish of chickpeas, cauliflower, and lentils.  The spices with the curries with the butter, it was just too much!

I just got back from traveling around Africa and I have been to India before.  The truck did make me miss those unique cultures and spices but they did fully deliver on quenching my thurst.  I suggest going when you feel like you need to escape but don’t necessarily wait in the line for food.  May I suggest becoming a picnic crasher!

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/whats-for-lunch-fojol-bros-of-merlindia/feed/ 0 Free Yoga – Dupont Circle http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/free-yoga-dupont-circle/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/free-yoga-dupont-circle/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:25:18 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=426 Reminded by my father everyday, I am on a budget while here in DC.  Money just does not go as far here as it does in other cities.  A drink the other night at dinner put me back $22…that is just ridiculous!  Believe me when I tell you that I savored every last drop.

A friend of mine invited me to a free yoga class tonight in Dupont Circle hosted by Lululemon.  How could I refuse?!  This outside class is sure to be like something that resembles Bikram (hot) Yoga in this heat.  With all this eating and drinking, I could use a good sweat.

Free yoga classes are held throughtout the months on June, July, and August at Dupont Circle around the fountain.  Classes start at 6:30 and the only requirment is that you BYOM: Bring Your Own Mat.

It is hard to justify spending $30 to $40 on a yoga class when you can go to one in nature (or as close as your going to get to nature in the city) for free!  I am excited for a good workout and even more excited to tell my father how budget savy I am becoming.

 

http://www.examiner.com/health-news-in-washington-dc/dc-yoga-week-2010-photo

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/free-yoga-dupont-circle/feed/ 0 DC is Bouncing Back http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/dc-is-bouncing-back/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/dc-is-bouncing-back/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:00:50 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=422 Much as come out recently about DC’s position within the nation’s economic recovery.  In a recent article in The Examiner, Washington is noted as being at the forefront of the country’s revival.  The area’s job market is expected to bounce back fully by the end of the year.  This makes DC the first major mid-Atlantic region to recover from the recession brought on in 2008.

Experts credit DC’s recovery with its large increase in public spending over the past decade.  Economists are even saying that DC is a full year ahead of even the second comer which is the Allentown, Pa. area.  The city should be proud of its resiliency and its ability to overcome economic hardship.

The DC job market lost more than 76,000 jobs following the nation’s slump in mid-2008.  It is expected though, that DC will have restored the lost jobs by this winter.  The city will be turning over a new leaf and setting the tone for other cities to follow.

Voted as one of the countries most liveable cities, DC is sure living up to its expectations.  It is a city that is ahead of its time and one that is thriving with prospect.  There is nothing that can keep DC down or hold it back.  “Nobody puts “DC” in a corner!”  It is sure to come back stronger than ever and in a position that makes it ready to handle whatever the next head political party throws its way.

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/22/dc-is-bouncing-back/feed/ 0 What’s for Lunch? – Porc http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/whats-for-lunch-porc/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/whats-for-lunch-porc/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:02:15 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=399

There is nothing worse than being disappointed in a meal.  It leaves you feeling hungry, unsatisfied, and I have to say just cheated.

I saw a BBQ truck with vegetarian options today and I was initially excited about the trucks potential.  Porc did not however live up to my expectations.  My first sign should have been that there was no line.  I ordered the BBQ vegetables on couscous which ended up really just being a glorified bean chili.  The flavors were just lacking and the beans tasted like they were from cans.  Porc’s sandwiches did, however, appear rather large and were served on big, fresh buns.  Maybe I just order the wrong thing…

Each meal was served with a side of coleslaw, which was just a bad attempt at a BBQ staple.  I could not tell you what was on the cabbage for the life of me, no idea.  Whatever it was though, it was just not working.

It is always good to try new things but it does open up your chances of coming across a bad truck on the road.  Porc gave a solid effort at creating spicy BBQ, it was just not a full success.  At least now I know.

 

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/whats-for-lunch-porc/feed/ 0 Craigslist…Apparently Chic http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/chraigslist-apparently-chic/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/chraigslist-apparently-chic/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:37:58 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=395 When I first got my internship in DC I was lost at where I was going to live.  I did not know how I was going to find a place that would rent to me for only three months.  Luckily I was able to sublease from a friend of a friend who goes to George Washington, hence why I live in Foggy Bottom.  Coming from Arizona and then having rented an apartment in Richmond, I feel like I am paying a ridiculously high price for not that much.  That being said I am sure it is a shock to most newcomers how expensive DC is.  It’s absolutely crazy!

I have taken an interest in how people, who are most likely just here for short periods of time, both find and afford these places.  Young people flock to DC from all over for internships, campaign work, and other short time positions.  DC attracts quite the transient crowd.  This makes long term leases completely unrealistic and also the use of leasing real estate agents to just be silly.  With internet these days it is possible to search, find, and view something in the area you want to be at hopefully an “ok” price.  City Chic focuses on sales and purchases for this very reason. City Chic realizes that people are not going to pay an agent a commission for a job that they can do on Craigslist.

Everyone is on it!  Craigslist is taking over as people search for the best deals, free furniture, and anything else you could possibly imagine.  It is helpful for future home renters because it allows you to do specific searches on what you are looking for.  It is helpful for people who are renting out their property because the site is able to offer quick turnaround.

If looking to lease the only thing that you have to remember is to check out Craigslist.  It is good to have all of your options in one place, and thanks to its user friendly ways – all of your options will be posted.

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/21/chraigslist-apparently-chic/feed/ 0 What’s for Lunch? – TaKorean http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/whats-for-lunch-takeorean/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/whats-for-lunch-takeorean/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:31:57 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=381

The rain today made me crave something hot.  While some people were deterred today from going outside to get their food, I was not about to let that hold me back.

I walked down K St. to Franklin Park to get my newest Food Truck Fiesta find, TaKorean.  Specializing in Korean BBQ Tacos, their tacos are made with traditional Korean flavors with a Mexican twist.  I had the carmelized tofu tacos with the works.  They were spicy but also sweet and I loved the mix.  Each taco is served on two of the best corn totillas I have had.  I would even say that these totillas were better than the Sabora Street tortillas.  That says a lot!  With fresh cilantro and seseme seeds, the tacos have fresh flavor and are juicy with Sriracha Chili sauce.  You save money to buy three versus just buying one and I strongly recommend you

go for the budget special.

The workers on the TaKorean truck are also really cute and for sure add a flirtatious comment to every girls order.  I appreciated their effort and their sales skills!

Moral of this story is to not let the rain keep you inside.  Rain only means shorter lines and swiftier service for you – bonus.  Rain or shine – its taco time and coming from the Southwest, I am always game for a taco.

 

 

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/whats-for-lunch-takeorean/feed/ 0 Drag Queen Bingo…Yes Please! http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/drag-queen-bingo-yes-please/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/drag-queen-bingo-yes-please/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:32:36 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=376 The Team to End AIDS (T2 Washington Dc) is hosting Drag Queen Bingo as a fundraiser tomorrow night, June 21.  Starting at 6:30, Nellie’s Sports Bar will donate $1 of every house beer sold to the cause.  There will also be a charity raffle with exciting prizes!

The City Chic Crew and I have already planned for this event to be our team bonding.  What could be better??!  I am for sure going to get there early to save seats, I do not wanna miss a single entertaining moment.

The Team to End AIDS (T2) raises money to support AIDS United and the Washington AIDS Partnership while helping prepare people to go the distance with endurance training.  They have the trainers necessary to help people at all levels reach their goals.  Coaches and staff will help guide participants through everything, from training and nutrition to fundraising.

 

As a famous drag queen in the DC area and winner of the 2011 Drag Queen Diva Contest, Shi-Queeta Lee will host the event.  She is sure to spice things up with her sassy ways and dramatic style.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and bring their friends to support a great cause while having a fantastic time.  What could be more chic?!  I really think tomorrow night is going to be a prime friend meeting opportunity.  I love the idea of being philanthropic while playing bingo with men in drag….win win!

 

http://www.hot995.com/pages/drag-queen-diva-winner.html?article=8668310

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/20/drag-queen-bingo-yes-please/feed/ 0 Fresh and Chic – Dupont Circle Farmers Market http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/17/fresh-and-chic/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/17/fresh-and-chic/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:09:45 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=365 I was pleasanty surprised when I got home to Foggy Bottom on Wednesday and was greeted by a large array of fresh produce and baked goods.  I had no idea that Farmers Markets regularly popped up throughout the city each week, let alone that one would be a block from my apartment.

Freshfarm Markets represent a movement towards healthy living.  Regular markets are held each month at various locations as posted on their site.  Each market showcases some of the regions finest organic goods, that even (I have to say) outshine my favorite – the one and only Trader Joe’s.

Dupont Circle has a farmers market this Sunday from 8:30 to 1:00.  My roommates and I will be going on a mission to hopefully hone in on our domestic skills.  In an effort to improve our cooking proficiency and hopefully land ourselves some hubbies, we need to start sauteing and roasting.

One table at the market had what seems like hundreds of different dips.  You were allowed to sample and believe me, I got in there!  Homemade chips dipped in homemade salsas and pestos…delish!

It was so nice walking around the market and unwinding from a busy day.  It was hard to believe that I was buying organic cherry tomatoes right outside the metro and two blocks from the Watergate.  I’m still just a chic tourist!

 

]]> http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/17/fresh-and-chic/feed/ 0 What’s for Lunch? – Red Hook Lobster DC http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/16/whats-for-lunch-2/ http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/2011/06/16/whats-for-lunch-2/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:10:30 +0000 Liz Kaiser http://blog.citychicrealestate.com/?p=356

Still recovering from a mild, kickball induced hangover….I needed something good for lunch today.  Food Truck Fiesta allowed me to plan my meal ahead of time. Thank heaven for that convenience!  I went over all of my options before deciding on Red Hook Lobster DC.  A bit of a splurge I have to admit but well worth it.  The lobster roll was out of this world, it had some of the biggest and freshest pieces of lobster.  “The Lobster Truck” promises a taste of Maine and it delivers.  Amazing!

The truck is fantastically festive and resembles a beach shack.  You can’t miss it!  The sight of the truck had me thinking about what a fun job it would be to ride around town while serving up some of the city’s best food.  A job sure to deliver the best people watching.

The roll earned every one of its 4 KEYS, as it should have though for $15.  Not gunna lie I felt pretty chic shelling out that much for a little afternoon snack.  It was well worth it, nonetheless, and I am sure to return.

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