Faves and raves by Michelle Jacoby
Owner of D.C. Matchmaking & Coaching (and engaged mother of four) for the past two years.
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 45
NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C. AREA: 44
NEIGHBORHOOD: Bethesda (Edgemoor)
– Lisa Gartner
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
I love the Nest Cafe in Bethesda (4921 Bethesda Ave.). Great live music on Friday and Saturday nights, affordable quality wine list, warm neighborhood atmosphere (the owners are always there) and covered outdoor seating with flat screens and music when it’s warm. In D.C., I love Tryst for hanging out and Politics & Prose for lectures and Friday night open-mic nights. Not to be missed!
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
I like to take the Metro into town for dinner, a show or a sporting event (go Caps!). It’s easy, and you don’t have to deal with parking. Here in Bethesda, I use my feet!
3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
Legg Mason Tennis Classic in early August. I go every year. It’s fun to watch great tennis and to hang out in friends’ boxes and the corporate tents. Good people watching too!
4. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
It’s a tie. I’m crazy about Wolftrap – both the Filene Center and the Barns. And the Birchmere is so awesome!
5. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
In addition to the Mall and museums, it’s fun to stroll around Old Town Alexandria, visit the Torpedo Factory, shops and restaurants. Georgetown is a must-see for out-of-towners too. And if my guests are outdoorsy, I take them to the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls (Maryland).
6. FAVORITE MUSEUM
I love the Hirshorn. But when I’ve got my 5-year-old with me, it’s the Playseum in Bethesda (7000 Wisconsin Ave.)!
7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
Oh the pressure! I could name a few quiet candle-lit restaurants, but I think romance is something you create. So, how about bringing a picnic basket to Great Falls or the Mall or taking a canoe out on the Potomac in Georgetown? Get creative!
8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
My favorite Sunday – stay in bed late, walk from Bethesda to Georgetown on the Capital Crescent Trail (7.5 miles), have lunch at Peacock Cafe in Georgetown, catch a movie at AMC Loews then get one of my teenagers to drive from Bethesda to pick us up!
9. FAVORITE RESTAURANT
For lunch, Raku in Bethesda (7240 Woodmont Ave.). For a nice casual dinner, Pines of Rome in Bethesda (4709 Hampden Lane) – a family favorite since the ’70s!
10. BEST RETREAT OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
I’ve been going to St. Michaels since I was a kid – by boat from Annapolis. St. Michaels is a charming, historic town. Don’t miss the Crab Claw!
11. BEST RETREAT INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Insight Meditation Community of Washington has meditation and dharma classes all over the D.C. area. I love the Wednesday night class at the River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda taught by Tara Brach. There are usually 250 plus people in attendance. It’s very relaxing and helps me get centered.
12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
Cafe Green — amazing creative delicious organic vegan cuisine in Dupont Circle is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 p.m. the rest of the week. Try their “cheeseburger” or “mac-n-cheese”. I don’t know how they do it, but the food is crazy good!
13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE D.C. AREA
When I drive along the George Washington Parkway and look across the water at the city and the monuments, I think about the all of the history that made D.C. what it is, and I’m in awe. This is the heart of America. My family came from Greece, Poland, Hungary and Russia. Even in these tough times, the American dream is alive and well. I’m proud to live here.
14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C. AREA
Our manners. Do we really need to honk at the person in front of us when they paused for like two seconds when the light turned green? Really?
