Not that we here in the D.C. metro area need any reminders of what season it is, but the 2010 Winter Olympics open in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Friday, bringing to life the quadrennial excitement of some of the world’s literally coolest sports.
For the next two weeks, fans will have the opportunity to check out hockey, curling, skiing, skating and a number of other activities that only get the limelight every four years.
“Oh yeah, I’m totally excited,” said Spike Mendelsohn, owner of Good Stuff Eatery, the burger joint on Capitol Hill. “I love watching the Olympics. It’s great to see all of these athletes competing. It’s exhilarating. People trained for four years. You see the preparation put into one moment.”
Mendelsohn, a former “Top Chef” contestant, is originally from Montreal but has spent most of this life in the States.
“It’s an exciting time for Canada,” he said. “That’s what inspired the special menu.”
In honor of the games, Good Stuff is adding a handful of specials, including poutine — fries covered in gravy and cheese curd.
“It’s like the best thing in the world,” Mendelsohn said. “We’re excited to try it out on the public in D.C.”
Mendelsohn said he is most excited about the hockey, downhill skiing, speed skating and curling this Olympics.
“It’s an actual game,” he said of curling. “It’s fun to watch.”
Speaking of which, if anyone gets a jones for curling because of the Olympics, he or she doesn’t need to look much further than the Laurel-based Potomac Curling Club.
“We exist in order to give people an opportunity to try the sport,” said Ann Drummie, president of the club. Drummie has been a member of the club for eight years and said she sees an increase in interest around each Olympics.
“We definitely see an increase,” she said. “We swell in membership. It’s so transient — we grow, but we don’t grow hugely.”
This is an exciting time for the PCC. The club has an open house scheduled for Feb. 20 (more information can be found at curldc.org). Also, the Hilton Garden Inn in D.C. is hosting a curling expose Feb. 19 to 21, coinciding with the curling competition at the Olympics.
Drummie, who is from Montreal, said she is excited to see how the city of Vancouver presents itself for the games.
“Just how Vancouver itself shines throughout the games,” she said.
However, in an area that has become enthralled with the Washington Capitals, hockey may be the most popular event locally at this year’s games.
“I’m excited about who they picked,” said Bryan Watson, owner of Bugsy’s Sports Bar in Alexandria. “I think the hockey is going to be exceptional.”
As far as hockey goes, Watson should know. The Canadian hockey player played for nearly 20 years professionally, including three years with the Capitals. His Old Town bar and restaurant is a hot spot for hockey enthusiasts and plans extensive Olympic coverage.
“There’s a lot going on. I love every part of it,” Watson said. “There’s tremendous interest here.”
