Fall at Rosedale Conservancy in Cleveland Park

One of my favorite finds since moving to Cleveland Park is Rosedale Conservancy, three-acres of terraced lawn hidden in our neighborhood since the 18th century. Through this gate, you enter rolling hills and secret spaces that are protected from development.

It is a privately-funded park that is supported solely by the neighborhood. As soon as I found out, I contributed to keep the space "as is" and even paid a little extra for Ike to be able to get his Rosedale dog tags. It's his favorite spot to stretch his legs and run all four pounds he's got a rocket launcher speed.

It's hard to say what season is the best at Rosedale, but fall is certainly gorgeous with the leaf lined paths and colors of the trees. (But sledding down the hills when it snows is up there too!) There are community events year round, such as Easter egg hunts and cookouts.

To learn more about Rosedale Conservancy or to help support it, visit the website... or better yet, just drop by (there are membership forms right by the entrance gate.

The main entrance to Rosedale Conservancy is located on Newark Street at the corner of 35th Street.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich at Jetties Express

The Nobadeer Sandwich at Jetties (photo credit: Tammy Gordon) 

The picture speaks for itself, but the Nobadeer sandwich at Jetties Express comes with carved turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce with mayonnaise and is served on sourdough bread.

Jetties Express is located at 3708 Macomb Street NW, just off Wisconsin Avenue (in the same location as Something Sweet.)  They also have free delivery Monday - Friday from 11am to 2pm for orders over $40, so if you work nearby, take note!

Cleveland Park Christmas Trees

There are two things I'm looking for in a Christmas tree - one is looks, the other is ease of getting it to my house. Here's a running list of where you can get your tree right here in Cleveland Park:

• Brookville Market on Connecticut near Ordway Street has Christmas trees and poinsettas for sale now, if you want to get an early jump on decorating.

My Christmas Tree 2010

• Eaton Elementary School Playground at 34th Street & Lowell is selling a large variety of trees including Douglas Fir, Canaan, Fraser, Balsam, Scotch and White Pine. They also have balsam wreaths in multiple sizes and pine roping for really draping your house in the holiday spirit. Purchases can be made the first two weekends in December and - bonus - benefit Eaton's resource programs.

Where else have you spotted trees for sale in our neighborhood?

Post-Thanksgiving Deals in Cleveland Park

Sick of turkey? Saunter up to Dino today through Thursday, December 1, 2011 and owner Dean Gold will celebrate the Cleveland Park restaurant's 7th anniversary with you by offering a $30 family style meal.

Risotto from Dino

(Kids up to $11 pay their age - did you know that's always the case at Dino?)

You'll get salad, soup and meatballs to kick things off. Then chicken with citrus, ginger and garlic, beef cannelloni and risotto. For dessert, you'll be served Dino's tiramisu and gelato.

And just like home, you can get seconds for no extra charge. So, pop by and see Dean and Kay. Wish them a happy anniversary and let them know how much we love having them as part of our neighborhood.

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW (at Ordway Street), right across the street from Cleveland Park Metro. Follow Dean Gold on Facebook and Twitter. Reservations via Open Table.


MORE DEALS:

• Medium Rare is opening at noon for lunch with free Champagne for adults and free sundaes for the kids! (Also, they've got hot cider!)
• City Fitness is waiving initiation fee today and giving you an extra five weeks free (Lord knows we need it after all of that Thanksgiving food!)
• Cafe Deluxe is open for a rare Friday brunch.

Seen other deals, let us know in the comments or tweet em to @CPUptownGirl!

Fall Holiday Cocktails at Dino

One of my favorite things about Dino is how the menu changes with the seasons. The bar, thanks to Andrew Shapiro at the helm, also follows the seasons. I love walking in and saying "bartender's choice" because I know I'll get something unique, inventive and tasty.

This evening, I got a delicious organic cranberry-ginger-rosemary vodka concoction with a gorgeous garnish. Go by this week to see Andrew - tell him what you love and he'll make something special for you! Follow Andrew at @ShapsinDC & @DinoDC on Twitter to get up-to-the-minute updates

Music at the Metro

Am I the only one who gets a kick out of music at the Metro? It's usually reserved for hot spots like Dupont Circle and Penn Quarter, but earlier this week, I snapped a shot of this trio rockin' it out in our own Cleveland Park.

Here's hoping they come back soon!

Tonight, Brought to You by Takeout...

Between travel, events, friend visits and work, sometimes, you just need a night in.  Tonight, it's spring rolls and papaya salad from Paragon Thai paired with a Keis Gruner Viltliner from Weygandt Wines.

This will pair perfectly with embarrassing TV on my DVR and a date with my dog. Cheers!

Must Try: Eastern Shore Corn Risotto with Squash Blossoms at Dino

As much as I like to restaurant and bar hop, Dino has become a bit of a home away from home. Owners Dean and Kay are so nice and passionate about their food. The bartenders, Sam and Andrew, are always welcoming and serving up creative cocktails... and the patio is puppy-friendly, a key point for this dog obsessed Cleveland Parker.

I've been to the Sunday brunch many times. Normally, I'm a brunch classic kinda gal, but after an afternoon of exercise I didn't want to blow all of that work on the decadent Breakfast Bread Pudding. I love how wide open the brunch is - for just $25 you get three courses. And you can mix and match starters, entrees or pastas, cocktails or desserts... whatever you like, Dino will make it happen. (Heads up, they do the same for Restaurant Week which is coming up Aug. 15-20.)

This time around, I started with the Canteloupe Rickey and the Insalata Forte, made with local greens. But the stand out was the Eastern Shore Corn Risotto with Squash Blossoms:

Eastern Corn Risotto (photo: Tammy Gordon)

Like much of Dino's food, it's made with seasonal ingredients that are only available a few weeks a year - so top by and try it while you can!

Follow Dino on Facebook, Twitter and via Dean's famous email newsletter for the latest new specials and menu items.

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue, just across Ordway Street from Cleveland Park Metro. Book a reservation on Open Table.

Ladies Who Lunch at Indique

I met my friend McCealaig for lunch last week and we had such a nice meal at Indique, I just had to share it with you all. I normally think of Indique for dinner, but during lunch it's got gorgeous light streaming through the windows and is more intimate for catching up on all of the girl gossip!

 When I arrived, I had a Pink Martini waiting for me and the first course had been ordered. (See, this is why it's great to have foodie friends that take control!)

The first thing that arrived were these adorable little crab cones. OK, that's what I called them, they are really called Crab Papad Roll and use Maryland crab with shallots, chiles and coconut, all wrapped up in a papery thin cone!

Crab Papad Roll (photo: Tammy Gordon)

 Next, we had the Mini Oothapam, a savory pancake with ground lentils and rice.  You can get a vegetarian version or one with chicken, both served with chutneys and side dips!

(photo: Tammy Gordon)

For my entree, I chose the Tamilnad Fish Curry, prepared with hearty fish fillets, fenugreek, onions, tomato and tamarind.

(photo: Tammy Gordon)

I had been tweeting up a storm, as I often do, and Chef K.N. Vinod must have seen it because all of the sudden this amazing pastry with a honey and ice cream side showed up on the house. Well, huge thanks chef, because we're now going to have to add this to our regular order!

(photo: Tammy Gordon)

You can follow Indique on Facebook, follow Chef Vinod on Twitter and read his blog.

Indique is located at 3512 Connecticut Avenue NW, right at the feet of Cleveland Park Metro.

PS. Don't miss half-price wine bottles on Sundays!

Wanted: Burly Men to Trade Brawn for Pedicures

See Nam's Posh Nails. I love me some new pedicure chairs, but seems like we are having a little trouble getting past the lobby.

Men of Cleveland Park, help the ladies out!