Faves and raves by
Alfonso Aguilar
Executive director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 43
NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C. AREA: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Gaithersburg
– Brian Hughes
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
I enjoy and frequently visit places like Mio — great Latin American urban cuisine — La Taberna Del Alabardero — great and authentic Spanish food and tapas — Tosca — the best Italian — Capital Grille — still the best steak in town — and La Chaumiere in Georgetown — I like the cozy ambiance and great country food.
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
I must admit I’m not a fan of Metro; I drive everywhere. It relaxes me. I do some of my best thinking while driving.
3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
I’m a tennis player. I grew up playing every day and am a big fan of the sport so I have to say the ATP Open at the Rock Creek Tennis Center. It’s now the Citi Open.
4. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
When I have out-of-town visitors, the obvious and logical places to take them are the Mall, the museums and the monuments. I never run out of historical and majestic places and landmarks to show them. If they have more time, I like to take them on excursions to Mount Vernon and Monticello and the civil war sites, Gettysburg, Harper’s Ferry, Antietam, Manassas, etc.
5. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
I’m not one to go to a bar with loud live music. However, I do have a blast at the Harp & Fiddle pub in Bethesda. I do enjoy a concert from time to time. I enjoy classical as well as rock, especially from the eighties. Going to the Kennedy Center for a concert or opera is always quite a treat, as well as catching a musical at the National Theatre. However, I must admit that seeing The Police at the Verizon Center a few years ago was probably one of my favorite musical experiences ever.
6. FAVORITE MUSEUM
The National Gallery of Art and the Museum of American History. I love art, and the gallery has a great selection of all the major periods. And, as a history buff, I always find the exhibits at the American History Museum fascinating.
7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
Hmm, I guess it depends who you’re with. The park at the Netherlands Carillon, right next to the Iwo Jima Memorial, which has a spectacular view of the city, is an incredibly romantic spot. They have Carillon concerts during the summer.
8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
Reading a good book, going to Mass — perhaps at St. Matthew’s Cathedral or the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception — and then meeting a friend for dinner or the movies.
9. BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?
Tough choice. Old Ebbitt is fun, the food is good — basic fare, nothing gourmet — and the prices are reasonable. Cafe Milano has a very nice looking crowd, but the food is totally overrated.
10. BEST RETREAT OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
Middleburg and Williamsburg are great places to relax, walk and enjoy nature.
11. BEST RETREAT INSIDE THE BELTWAY
The National Gallery of Art, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and, occasionally, Kafe Leopold in Georgetown.
12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
Old Ebbitt Grill and Bistro Francais in Georgetown.
13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
Being able to actively participate in some of our nation’s most important political and policy discussions.
14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
After twelve years of living here, still making wrong turns when driving, especially at the circles.
