Where to Buy MegaMillions Tix in Cleveland Park...

My Twitter and Facebook feeds are filled with folks talking about their tickets or that they need to buy tickets to the upcoming $500 million MegaMillions lottery. I'm not really big on playing the lottery, but for really high jackpots like this it's fun.

So, if you are looking for a spot to pick one (or ten) up, you'll be happy to know you can get them at Cleveland Park Wine & Liquors, Cleveland Park Exxon and a few other spots within walking distance. (Source: DCLottery.com)

The next drawing is March 30, 2012 at 11:00pm EST.

Sugar Magnolia: New Kid on the Block

Have you tried out the new Sugar Magnolia bakery and takeaway at Ripple?

They are known for their seasonal, homemade ice cream sandwiches, but today I stopped in to pick up a late lunch. They were sold out of the sandwiches with meat or fish, so I tried the veggie which was on fresh bread with cheese, veggies and a black eyed pea hummus. I paired it with the local potato salad.

Veggie Sandwich and Local Potato Salad from Sugar Magnolia (photo: Tammy Gordon)

I'm excited to go back for sweets, especially the bacon sugar pecans! Try it and let me know what you think.

Sugar Magnolia is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW (in between Macomb and Ordway), a half block south of Cleveland Park Metro stop. The bakery is located in the front of local source restaurant, Ripple.

Hot Fudge Cherry Blossom Ice Cream Sundaes at Medium Rare

I started obsessing about Medium Rare's cherry blossom ice cream as soon as they tweeted about it. But it's better than just ice cream- it's hot fudge, whipped cream and even nuts if ya like em!

And it's this week only, so stop by and celebrate. It's a heckuva lot more fun than fighting tourists at the Tidal Basin.

The Early Bird Gets the Donut Holes at Palena

When you think Palena, you typically don't think about "deals." Famous chef and pastry chef, sure. But, if you can crawl out of bed by 10am and make it to the Palena Market on Saturdays and Sundays, you'll be rewarded with five donut holes for just one dollar.

Just. One. Dollar. That's cheaper than Dunkin, kids. And, home made in our hood.

Donut Holes (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Now get your St. Paddy's hangover there stat (yeah, we all saw you out there.) And while you're there, beg them to serve some decent espresso. I can't be the only one dying for decent coffee in this stretch of Cleveland Park.

Miss the donut holes? Fret not - they have freshly baked scones, croissants, monkey bread, lemon donuts and all kinds of tasty baked goods. My donut holes came home with a slice of this Chocolate Meringue Cake:

Chocolate Meringue Cake (photo: Tammy Gordon)

If you aren't lucky enough to live within walking distance of Palena, you can find it at 3529 Connecticut Avenue NW. It's right outside of Cleveland Park metro. Come visit.

First Visit: Brunch at St. Arnold's in Cleveland Park

It's so gorgeous in Cleveland Park today, we just had to get outside for brunch! The plan was to scale the steps and take up residence on the CPBG roofdeck, but on the way I saw the patio doors rolled up at St. Arnold's and got excited that the brunch I'd enjoyed in Dupont Circle had finally hit our hood.

We scored a (basically) outdoor table that still had a view of March Madness behind the bar and settled in. I've been sick, so I stuck with the water and coffee but my Dad gave the bloody mary a thumbs up.

En route, my brother texted me the question you might be thinking, "Is it all mussels or is there brunch stuff?" A: Good God there is brunch stuff.

I had "The Drug Opera"- a grilled ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg and bechemel sauce. Yeah, I think my appetite is back.

The Drug Opera

My Mom opted for the Belgian Liege Waffle with fresh berries and whipped cream. [Note: You can also select Nutella which makes everything more awesome.]

Belgian Liege Waffle with Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Dad went full on meat and got the Full English Breakfast with eggs, bangers, black and white pudding, grilled tomato, mushrooms and more.

Full English Breakfast

There's a ton more to try, including the Waffle Waterzooi (a chicken stew over waffle... Their take on chicken & waffles) and the Waffle Burger (see below).

St. Arnold's is located at 3433 Connecticut Avenue at Ordway Street NW in Cleveland Park. It's right across the street from the Cleveland Park Metro stop and also right across from the L2 and L4 bus stops. (The patio side entrance is on Ordway, but there is also an entrance on Connecticut to the "Underground" bar.)

A Twist on the DC Half Smoke at Ripple

Earlier today, Chef Logan Cox posted on Facebook that he was unveiling his take on the classic DC half smoke tonight at Ripple.

I swore I wasn't going out due to a super early morning flight, but a last minute CVS run needed to happen and an open bar seat beckoned...

Half Smoke at Ripple + fries and vino (photo: Tammy Gordon)

As it happens, I got the last half smoke order of the night. It was spicy, smoky and delicious. My neighbor was coveting mine.

So, looks like we need to lobby Chef Cox to permanently add it to the menu. Whaddya say?

Ripple is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC directly across from the historic Uptown Theater.

Pizza at Palena Market

Am I the last person in the neighborhood to realize that Palena makes a mean pizza during brunch?

I was delighted when I popped into Palena Market around lunchtime and saw this bubbly, cheesy, smoky pie. In the Market, you can get it for just $2.00 a slice.

Patio Time in Cleveland Park

Have you seen the card that says, "I'm outdoorsy in that I like drinking on patios."? Yeah, that's me. And this is my season.

St. Arnold's has the walls rolled down and Cleveland Park Bar & Grill has the roofdeck open (along with heaters for when the sun sets!)

Get out there and enjoy the neighborhood!

Cleveland Park Bar & Grill (photo: Tammy Gordon)

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar in Cleveland Park (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Unlimited Mimosa Brunch at Ardeo + Bardeo

I popped by Ardeo + Bardeo for a little brunch today. I know from previous visits, the unlimited mimosas can be dangerous (dangerously fun.) I was trying to be healthy today... So I just had two. After all, a gal needs her Vitamin C.

Mimosas at Ardeo + Bardeo (photo: Tammy Gordon)

In addition to the mimosas (or Champagne), you get two courses for $25. Today, I had the stone cut oats with currants and honey.

Stone Cut Oats with Currants and Honey (photo: Tammy Gordon)

And then the vegetable omelette which was stuffed with mushrooms, onions and goat cheese.

Vegetable Omelette and Breakfast Potatoes (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Ardeo + Bardeo is located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC. Follow on Facebook to get the latest events and new menu items.

Ice Cream Sundae at Medium Rare

When most people think Medium Rare, they think steak. But, I think desserts. Have you tried them yet?

I've died over their carrot cake and cheesecake, but today when I popped by for a chat at the bar, I spotted this sundae the size of my head.

This one was headed for a kid-filled eight-top, but I'll be back to assuage my sweet tooth soon enough!

Ice Cream Sundae at Medium Rare, Washington, DC (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Hint: While they are completely booked up for Valentine's Day, make sure to get in around the 14th - they will have a special Red Velvet Layer Cake for a short time.

Medium Rare is located at 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC.