So, I Guess Burritos Are the New Nail Salons?

Cleveland Park isn't that large. Why does all of the good open real estate keep going to the same types of businesses?

Unless you've been living under a rock (or offline), you know that Chipotle is eyeing the old Cereal Bowl space. Chipotle. They sell burritos. Just like California Tortilla. And Alero. We already have FIVE Chipotle locations in a two mile radius of my condo. 

And, I still can't get a decent cup of coffee. Sigh.

Go to All Life is Local and vote on whether or not you think Chipotle should get the space and leave me a note in the comments (below) and let me know what you'd *like* to see in the hood instead.

TODAY: Rose Wine Tasting at Weygandt Wines til 4pm

I swear, I just left the house to take Ike for a walk and pick up a goat cheese salad and macaron at Cacao... but somehow I ended up swishing roses at Weygandt Wines. You can too, until 4pm today!

They are offering five different roses to taste (decent pours, to boot) and you get a special discount on any of the tasting bottles you buy.

So, what came home with me? A 2010 Markowitsch from Austria ( 50% Blaufrankisch, 30% Cabernet Savignon and 20% Zweigelt) and a 2010 Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone are now chilling in my refrigerator.

Oh, and yes, I remembered Ike too.

My Favorite Delivery in Cleveland Park: Paragon Thai

We've got lots of amazing food in our neighborhood, but not a ton of delivery options. On my rotating roster are Spices, Siam House, Fresh Med, Dominos and my clutch player: Paragon Thai.

While I love green curry and drunken noodles, one day I tried their "Tofu Lovers" on the Chef's Specials menu and fell in lust. Now, I live in fear that the special will one day go away.  Way too much thought goes into meeting and lobbying the Paragon Thai owners into making it a regular menu staple.

Paragon Thai's Tofu Lovers Special with a side of Crispy Spring Rolls

It's not that I'm a vegetarian... it's just that good. Spicy. Sweet. and topped with crunchy fried Thai basil leaves.

What's your favorite delivery order in Cleveland Park? (Or who do you *wish* would deliver *cough cough* Vace)

Paragon Thai is located at 3507 Connecticut Avenue NW in the Sam's Park & Shop. They validate parking, but are so close to Metro, why bother driving?

DEALS: Instant Deals in Cleveland Park by Living Social

I'm pretty sure everyone's heard of Living Social - the website/app where you can get daily deep discounts. Well, now they've launched something called Instant Deals where you have a limited amount of time to get a deal. This morning's, for instance is, spend $3 get $6 at Cacao, but you have to use at lunch during a specific time window. If you're flexible though, it's a great way to save some money.

Here's the link for Cleveland Park Instant Deals. LINK HERE

Gorgeous Spring Blooms in Cleveland Park

Springtime Sunday Brunch at Palena in Cleveland Park

I'm a brunch girl, so I'm happy to see so many Cleveland Park restaurants getting in the game. I've tried Dino (love the breakfast bread pudding), Medium Rare (egg frites and a bloody mary), and as of today, Palena.

I started off with a cute patio table on the most gorgeous spring day. From there, things only went up. I ordered a cup of coffee and a lemon glazed donut. I love that you can by by-the-donut for $2.00 because it was huge. I can definitely see myself sitting at the bar with coffee, a donut and my iPad for a lazy Sunday ahead.

While I dilly-dallied with the next menu choice, my dog Ike napped in the sun. It was a tough choice. I mean, Chef Frank Ruta's version of Bacon and Eggs involved pork belly, coddled egg and ramps. But, I die for their cheeseburgers and the brunch version comes topped with a fried duck egg.

I decided to dance with the one that brought me there... but I'll be back to check out the Bacon and Eggs, as well as the pizzas and other options soon. Pretty sure once my friends see this photo, I won't have trouble finding a dining companion to meet me.

Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right at the Cleveland Park Metro stop. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter or read the full brunch menu here (pdf). Brunch hours are from 11:30am - 2:30pm.

Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Neighborhood Round Up

Lots of stuff happening in Cleveland Park as we barrel towards spring, here's a quick round up:

Today's Groupon is $25 for five "drop in" classes at Hot Yoga. I don't know about you, but the closer I get to the beach, the more I'm thinking about how to get in better shape. Yoga's one option that actually makes me feel so much stronger - physically and emotionally. Get yours here.

Tax day cometh and if you're like me (and haven't started), you'll need a cocktail. Ardeo + Bardeo's concocted a special drink called The Refund and is offering it for $8 on April 18th only. It's made with Bacardi Silver Rum, fresh lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, and cranberry... that ought to take the edge off. 

The Refund Cocktail at Ardeo + Bardeo

Brunch Wars are on. Last Sunday, Palena started serving brunch on Sundays from 11:30am-2:30pm. Last week had a small hiccup that resulted in the fire department showing up (no worries, just forgot to open a kitchen vent), but rebounded nicely as reports of fresh, homemade donuts surfaced.

Scream 4 is taking over the screen at the Uptown. I'm not a big scary movie fan, but the Scream franchise always had a great cast and an element of fun, so MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll check it out. Showtimes and ticket info here. Reviews here.

Ripple announced on Twitter that strawberries are in the house, and more importantly hitting their cocktails.

Job hunters and seafood fans alike will be happy to know that Tacklebox is nearing completion. They are hiring servers and cooks, so stop by the new location on Connecticut in between Ordway & Macomb. I, for one, am pulling for a rooftop Crackle Bar!

Dino's got wild, sustainable Alaskan Halibut on the menu - grilled with Tuscan pesto! - while it lasts.

Finally, today is perfect for patios. Here's what I know is serving al fresco this evening: District 2 Bar, Cactus Cantina, Dino, Alero, Cleveland Park Bar & Grill roof and more. Enjoy the evening - I hear tomorrow's gonna be wet and gray (again)....

Springtime Daffodils

These daffs know it's spring, time for the temps to catch up! I'm in the mood for patios and sundresses.

NEWS: Palena to Start Serving Brunch

Yep, we are experiencing a wealth of fabulous brunches neighbors. From Dino's amazing breakfast bread pudding, to the Steak & Egg Frites at Medium Rare, to a simple almond croissant at Cacao... and now Frank Ruta has to go and up the ante.

Palena just announced on their Facebook page that they'll be serving their inaugural brunch this Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Will you be there to check it out?

If you do, tell me what you think!

Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right outside of the Cleveland Park metro stop. Follow Palena on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest announcements (including their upcoming market!)

DEAL: 50% Off at Cacao in Cleveland Park

Today's Living Social deal in Washington is for our own Cacao Chocolates & Pastries. (Though, I think the best thing they've got are the macarons and fresh squeezed orange juice.)

Get your 50% voucher here and feed your sweet tooth.

All of my photos are of their pastries, but they also have wonderful sandwiches and salads... and *spring swoon* a patio.

Cacao is located at 3508 Connecticut Avenue between Ordway and Porter. It's right outside of the Cleveland Park metro. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter for announcements and deals.