Labor Day Weekend Cultural Celebration at the Embassy of Costa Rica

Friday -Sep. 3, 2010

7:00pm-9:30pm

The Embassy of Costa Rica

This Labor Day Weekend, take in the beauty and excitement of Costa Rica, without ever boarding a plane and staying close to rent apartments Washington D.C.. On Friday Night, Sept. 3, step onto foreign soil as we invite you to experience an energetic, culturally magnificent Central American nation at the Embassy of Costa Rica. Through the food, drink, music, dance, diplomats and other cultural aspects of the evening, we’ll experience the rich customs of the multiple regions of Costa Rica.

FEATURING:

1) Costa Rican Food:

Taste from a sampler’s buffet of a variety of native Costa Rican food, including:

POLLO DE SANTA
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST MARINATED IN COCONUT MILK

GALLO PINTO
BLACK BEANS AND RICE

PICADILLO DE PLANTANO VERDE
TANGY PLANTAINS

HEARTS OF PALM SALAD

ROLLS AND CORN MUFFINS

TRES LECHES CAKE

2) Costa Rican Drinks:

Taste the wines, beers, coffee and specialty drinks native to the region.

3) Costa Rican Salsa Demonstration and Dancing

Costa Rican Salsa has derived from a combination of the merengue of the Dominican Republic and the Puerto Rican salsa. We’ll experience a native Costa Rican salsa demonstration with optional salsa dancing (and lessons) occurring in the latter part of the evening.

4) Diplomatic Greeting

Hear from leading Costa Rican diplomats from the embassy and meet and greet several diplomatic staff, who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

5) Coffee Tasting

Costa Rica has some of the most diverse and tastiest coffee througout the world. Tonight, we’ll taste seven different types of coffee imported and provided directly by the embassy.

6) Costa Rican Art:

Experience the art of Costa Rica currently on display at the embassy.

7) Film

A special film highlighting the beauty and culture of Costa Rica will be on continuous play throughout the event

Suggested Attire: Smart Causal No sneakers, shorts or jeans please.

Directions: The Embassy of Costa Rica
2114 S Street, NW,
Washington DC 20008 Washington DC

Closest Metro is Dupont Circle

Cost: $60.00

The Beauty that is Medina
The Mysteries of the Desert
The Glory of Riyadh

TTD’s Cultural Society has the remarkable privilege of transporting you around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement – all in a single evening close to rent apartments D.C. Step onto foreign soil and join us for an exclusive visit to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. You will be amazed at the fantastic architecture and elegance of the Embassy.

Featuring:

1) FULL SAUDI DINNER:
The Embassy’s private chef is preparing a special full buffet dinner of exquisite Saudi delicacies, including traditional Saudi meat, vegetables, rice, salad, samposa, and special surprise Saudi desserts. Out of respect to the laws of our host country, alcoholic beverages will not be present at the Embassy.

Included in the menu:
Saudi Fresh Fruit Display
Melons, Strawberry, Pineapple, Kiwi, Berries
Saudi Spanakopita
Stuffed Vegetarian Grape Leaves
Middle Eastern Tomato, Cucumber Chopped Salad with fresh mint
Humus
Tabouleh
Saudi Chicken Kebob
Wedding Rice with toasted pine nuts and raisins
Saudi Lamb Koobideh with Tsatziki
Fried Cauliflower
Carrots
Baklava
Middle Eastern Honey and Almond Cookies

2) SAUDI FASHION SHOW:
Volunteers will be picked from the audience to display off the glorious international outfits from Saudi Arabia. Learn about Saudi Arabia’s fascinating national attire, dress and uniforms.

3) EXCLUSIVE SLIDE SHOW:
Learn about the rich culture and splendor of the country of Saudi Arabia. The country’s scenic highlights, people, kingdom, and everyday lifestyles will be featured in a manner that you may have never seen before.

4) SAUDI ART:
Surrounding this beautiful Embassy are historic paintings, pictures, and artifacts (including swords, jewelry, etc) that will be on display. Representatives from the Embassy will be on hand to discuss their significance.

5) DIPLOMATIC GREETING AND RECEPTION:
Meet and greet diplomats from the embassy of Saudi Arabia, as well as other invited guests from various other embassies representing the Persian Gulf Region.

Suggested Attire: Business Attire

Directions: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D.C.
(Across the street from the Watergate. Closest metro is Foggy Bottom/GWU)

Cost: $65.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, August 3

Do you like seafood? We invite you to join us for a DC-area summer tradition near apartment D.C. for rent and experience one of the simple pleasures of summertime. We have organized an all you can eat Crab Feast and combined it with a memorable cruise on the Potomac River that includes crabs, corn on the cob, hush puppies, potato salad, French Fries, and cookies. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a meal of world-famous Maryland Crab while taking in sweeping views of the Washington skyline and monuments.

We will depart for the Crab Feast Cruise from Georgetown. While you enjoy the Crab Feast, socialize, make new friends, and enjoy the illuminated views before we return at the conclusion of our 2 hour cruise. The cruise also features $3 margaritas.

Our Potomac cruises are very popular and sell out well in advance. We recommend that you reserve your tickets early.

The All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feast Menu Includes:

Crabs
Corn on the cob
Hush puppies
Potato salad and French Fries
cookies

Some of the monuments by moonlight you will enjoy from the Potomac River include: The Kennedy Center | Key Bridge | Memorial Bridge | Roosevelt Island | Washington Monument | LBJ Memorial | Jefferson Memorial | U.S. Capitol | The Watergate | Lincoln Memorial | Maritime Memorial | Custis-Lee Mansion.

An Optional Post Party at a Local Nightclub Follows.

Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: At the end of 31st street NW in Georgetown by the water in Washington, DC 20007. The boat will be docked across from the Riverside Grille on the dock. Please allow enough time to find parking and locate the boat. The boat is called the Nightingale.

If driving, please arrive early to give yourself enough time to find parking. Several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of the meeting location.

Cost: $69.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, August 3

We sample foods from a variety of restaurants, some carryout, some sit-down, but all important to the Ethiopian community at large.

Your gastronomic experience will chronicle the intricate flavors, textures, and colors in Ethiopian cuisine, while recounting the history of the Ethiopian people. The tour will highlight Ethiopian cuisine by stopping at a variety of restaurants, each boasting a different specialty dish.

The Food Tour may include the following specialties:

Traditional Ethiopian breakfast
Deep fried appetizers
Vegetarian and meat dishes
Hand made sauces and cottage cheese,
The Ethiopian national dish, Doro Wot
Several homemade Ethiopian breads
Italian influenced desserts
Ethiopian National drink, honey wine
Coffee ceremony

Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: Meeting Location: Outside the U Street Metro Station-African-American Civil War Memorial on 10th and U Street

Cost: $50.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Friday, July 22

If you love Hot Chocolate Divas, then you will really enjoy this ice cream spin! Come and enjoy a pairing of 8 ice cream diva delights with 8 of our handmade confections right near apartments DC for rent! Such combinations as Lavender & Pistachio, Chipotle & Cinnamon, Orange-Caramel & Clove, Mint Cookie, Raspberry-Strawberry, Wasabi-Ginger, Cardamon Blueberry, and Coconut Almond.
…all this, while relaxing with a glass of wine too!

Experience a Chocolate Tasting like no other. A special treat with such incredible chocolate, their decadent enjoyment should be illegal. Enjoy a tasting of several different chocolate desserts prepared by an excellent pastry chef at an award winning restaurant.

Put on your chocolate sommelier hat and learn how to discern the subtle and exquisite notes of chocolate, and what to look for when purchasing fine chocolates. You will sample a variety of chocolate couverture from around the world and learn the rich and wonderful history of the cocoa bean. From milk chocolate, to dark chocolate, to unsweetened, sugar fee and more, we’ll spoil our palates with this amazing treat.

At the same time, prepare your palates for ice cream like never before. Tempt yourselves and savor the incredible unique touch of your favorite ice cream treats.

Finally, our ice cream expert will also pair each chocolate and give us the whats, whens, and hows on tasting, sampling and bringing home the styles of these fantastic desserts which compliment any dinner.

In addition, complimentary wine is included to specially pair with the ice cream and chocolate dessert tasting.

Each attendee takes home a special “goodie bag” of multiple chocolates.

Class starts promptly at 7 PM.

Directions: AC KC Cocoa Bar Café
1529C 14TH Street NW

About the venue: Twin Jazz is home to Avant-garde artists, minor legends and the best of the local jazz scene. Its intimate, cultural setting, embedded with colored ceramic tiles and eclectic artwork creates a strong connection between our audience and performers. Most of the action takes place on stage, but Twins Jazz has got enough momentum to get you on your feet! No matter where you sit, you’re practically with the band!

A full dinner (with a vegeterian option) is included

Suggested Attire: No sneakers please.

Directions: Twin Jazz
1344 U Street.
(Right across the street from Republic Gardens and the Reeves Building).

Cost: $49.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, July 20

Deep in the heart of Africa is a largely road less wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. At the same time, there is a fantastic culture among the Ashanti tribes of Ghana, the beaches of the Busua and Dixcove, the savanas of Tamale and Bolgatnge and the modern society of Accra.

Tonight, journey to Ghana without ever leaving the district as TTD invites you to step onto foreign soil for a very special African cultural evening at the Embassy of Ghana. Join your fellow young professionals for a special taste of Ghanaian food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, fashion, film, and more at this African treasure.

Featuring:

A) GHANAIAN FOOD:

Enjoy an incredibly Ghanaian buffet meal featuring: Suya ( Beef sticks ), Watche (Ghanaian stew)Ghanaian fish, Kenka, Jallof rice, vegetables and dessert!

B) OPEN BAR of GHANAIAN AND OTHER AFRICAN TREASURES:

Partake in the best and most unique wines, beers and other cocktails commonly found in Ghana.

C) GHANAIAN NATIVE CULTURAL PRESENTATION:

Enjoy an incredibly rare native Ghanaian presentation showcasing the music, dance, costumes, tools, customs and much more! Native Ghanaian performs were also select participants from the audience to participate throughout (including participating in a special royal tribal fashion experience)

D) DIPLOMATIC GREETING:

Meet and Hear from the Ambassador and feel free to schmooze and network with her and the diplomatic staff, all of whom will be invited to this special evening, and many of whom are expected to attend.

E) GHANAIAN ART:

The embassy has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. The embassy staff will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you.

F) GHANAIAN CULTURAL FILM:

You are invited to watch recurring films showcasing Ghana’s cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, tours, everyday culture and much much more.

Suggested Attire: Smart Business Casual

Directions: Embassy of Ghana
3512 International Drive NW,
Washington DC 20008

Closest Metro is Van Ness off the Red Line
(about a 5 Minute Walk)

Cost: $50.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, July 13

If you’re living in one of the rent apartments washington dc near Dupont you should definitely check out dc bread & brew a great place to get some organic coffee, some delicious food, and a great relaxing atmosphere. The menu is updated daily so you’ll definitely need to stop by this place a few times to be sure to try all of their tasty quiches and pizza & soup specials.

So next time you’re wondering around Dupont Circle why not stop by dc bread & brew for a brew of a different kind?

It’s a Thursday night, you’re in your apartments dc for rent, and suddenly find yourself quite thirsty,  a good brew and a nice meal to go along side it would sure hit the spot, wouldn’t it?

I’ve got you covered with a few great places that offer a wide variety of beer as well as having some great food.

First, why not head down to the Brickskeller over on 22nd St NW. The Brickskeller has a huge selection of beers so no matter what your preference is, you’ll be sure to find something that is delicious and refreshing.

If you’re looking for something with some locally made brews, be sure to check out Capital City Brewing Company, which opened up in 1992 as Washington’s first brew pub since the 18th Amendment rang in the prohibition era and was the nail in the coffin for most breweries and brew pubs across the nation.  I personally would suggest you try the Amber Waves Ale a delicious, award winning brew.

Aside from those two great places, you should also check out these  breweries and ale houses when you’ve got some free time, you won’t be disappointed:

Old Dominion

Shenandoah

Dogfish Head Alehouse

If you’re not sure of where to go, you should know there are some great food tours out there, but I have to say I like DC Metro Food Tours the best. They cover all the neighborhoods in Washington DC and can introduce you to some new culinary delights. So, take a few moments, peruse their site, plan your day, and eat, walk, eat, walk, and eat walk.