DEALS: Discounted Group Running Programs in Cleveland Park

Running is one of my favorite ways to stay in shape. It doesn't cost a monthly fee like a gym. I can take my dog or go with friends... but I'm not a *good* runner and I slack every winter. So, today's Groupon has my name all over it.

PR Training Programs are located right in the Sam's shopping center right at Cleveland Park metro - and they offer three different levels, depending on your skill set.

I see these people... all healthy and laughing in their PR shirts and I've always wondered how to get in on it. Well, I'm about to! Get your Groupon here and join me. I need motivation.

TO DO: Barton Seaver Book Signing & Wine Tasting This Friday

I'm beach bound this weekend, but one thing I'm bummed I'm missing in Cleveland Park is Chef Barton Seaver's book signing this Friday, May 13 from 6-8pm at Weygandt Wines.

I'm kind of a Barton Seaver junkie. Not only is he a super talented, local chef (and then man who started Hook, Tacklebox and Blue Ridge menus) but he's a HUGE global advocate for sustainable seafood.

Chef Barton Seaver (photo: TED.com)

What the hell is sustainable seafood and why should you care? Well... if you have a favorite fish, you should care. Basically, the "trendy" fish are being overfished and are threatened in their environment. In some cases, invasive species (people, dumping Nemo in the Potomac... bad idea) with no natural enemy are taking over their space and driving the natural species (the ones we like to eat for dinner) out. My most popular blog post over on Florida Girl in DC was actually about Chef Seaver's plan to fish the invasive lionfish out of existence.

Anyway, this hugely talented (adorable) local chef is going to be in OUR NEIGHBORHOOD... so get down there and say hello. He'll be signing copies of his newest cookbook For Cod & Country: Simple, Delicious, Sustainable Cooking and Weygandt will be offering complimentary wine tastings.  The cookbook is organized by month and features recipes with fish and ingredients that should be harvested at that time. Brilliant!

For Cod & Country (photo: BartonSeaver.org)

Weygandt Wines is located at 3519 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC, right at Cleveland Park Metro.  Get all of the details on the Facebook event page here.

Peonies Popping in Cleveland Park

My favorite spring flower spotted on Macomb Street is getting me psyched for the farmers markets the next two weeks. I can't wait to have a nice big bowl of these on my coffee table.

(photo: Tammy Gordon)

Related: watch out for the flower bandit! Take a pic if you spot him. (There's a guy who strips our neighborhood yards of their awesome flowers)

More Springtime Scenes from Cleveland Park

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.

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