Live Like A Local: Ben's Chili Bowl

Ask any Washingtonian to name one iconic food from DC, almost all will say Ben's Chili Bowl. Ben's has been a fixture in the DC food world since 1958. Ben's Chili Bowl is located across the street from the U Street Metro Station.

The history of Ben's Chili Bowl is the history of the city. "From the turmult of the late 60's race riots to the tough times in the 70's and 80's and finally to the revitalization of the U Street Corridor beginning in the 90's. Ben's has seen it all." Now, as the U Street area has been transformed into the place live, eat and party, Ben's stands proudly of what was and what will be the new 14th Street Corridor.

T
he inside of Ben's is a blast from the past. It has a gritty feel to it, but that is part of its charm. One of the first things you will encounter is the line. Every time I come, the line has been long, but it moves quickly. I would recommend if you come with a group, send someone to get a table, while others order.

Most people come to Ben's for the Chili Cheese Half-Smoke. The Half-Smoke is 50% Pork - 50% Beef, 100% Delicious Hot Dog.

The Half-Smoke is topped with mustard, onions and the famous chili sauce. Yummmmmmm.....

I always get Chili Cheese Fries with my Half-Smoke

And fruit punch. The Fruit Punch will rot your teeth, it's so sweet.

What I love about Ben's is that the food is greasy, sloppy, but oh, so tasty. My favorite part is the sting on your lips from the heat in the Chili. This is the type of meal that requires multiple napkins. Seating is a bunch of booths, tables, and the counter space. A little more seating can be found in the back.

The cost for my dog, fries and drink was about $15.00. Ben's has other items on their menu.

Next time your visiting DC, leaving the tourist trap and come to U Street to try Ben's Chili Bowl. A local place that opens its doors to anyone looking for a messy meal.

Bon Appetit!
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Live Like A Local: Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial

My favorite memorial in Washington, DC is one of the most overlooked: Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Theodore Roosevelt was the US's 26th President after the assination of President William McKinley. Teddy Roosevelt is many times overshadowed by his brother, President Franklin Roosevelt, but Teddy had some equally important accomplishments. For instance, he is a Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, ensured the construction of the Panama Canal and best known for his favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He is less known for his conservation work. After he became President in 1901, Roosevelt used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the U.S. Forest Service and establishing 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 150 National Forests, 5 National Parks and enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act which he used to proclaim 18 National Monuments. During his presidency, Roosevelt protected approximately 230 million acres of public land.

For this reason, it is only fitting that his monument is a nature preserve. The Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial is an island in the middle of the Potomac accessible only from the Virginia side. There are two ways of getting there: drive and take public transportation.

Directions by Driving:

The Island can only be reached from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After the Memorial Bridge follow the sign to turn right to enter the parking lot. There is a limited number of parking spots.

Public Transportation

The island is 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro Station, which is operated by the Orange and Blue lines. When leaving the station, walk towards the McDonald's:

Walk through the little park to the left of McDonald to the stop light.

At the stop light, cross the street towards the Cosi and walk towards the bridge to Georgetown.

Eventually, you will see this sign and the walk path towards the Island.

Be careful, the path is broken up into two lanes. Many bicyclist use this path, so best to stay alert and walk near the grass.

 The path will lead to a windy bridge:

At the end of the bridge, you will be in the parking lot. 

Walk the length of the parking lot, you will come to a bridge and the entrance to the National Park.

The bridge offers a nice views of Georgetown, the National Cathedral and airplanes, since DCA is slightly down river.

At the end of the bridge, you are on the island. There are three main trains: swamp, upland, and woods. 

When I go to the island, I always do a swamp trail first, which takes you on the edge of the island. I typically go right at the sign and you will eventually hit his fork in the road. If you want to see the memorial, go left and up at this fork, if you want to continue on the swamp trail, go right.

The swamp trail gives you amazing views. Right off, the view is of Rosslyn skyline. 

Under the Rossevelt Bridge, one can see the Netherlands Carrolion, located at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

After going under the bridge again, there is a small path that takes you to the "swamp."  Take this path, because it leads to some of the best views from the island.

The swamp trail has a very nice boardwalk to walk on compared to the dirt style trails on the rest of the island:

The Kennedy Center:

The Watergate

Georgetown Harbour

The Francis Scott Key Bridge

However, no trip to the island is complete until visit Teddy himself:

The statue is huge and very Soviet like. The picture does not do the height of the statue justice. When you first see him, it is breath taking.  Other than the statue, there are a few fountains and 4 panels with some nice words. When I went to the island, there was no water in the fountains or water fountains.

                  

The other great part of the island is plane watching. Almost every 5 to 10 minutes, a plane flies over.

I hope that when you visit Washington, DC, you visit the memorial to our 26th President, a true American Hero!

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FTUDC Restaurants!

As FTUDC  approaches and millions (ok maybe a few hundred) frequent fliers and miles/points lovers descend on Washington, D.C. I figured it was the perfect time to use my seven years in DC to put out some of my favorite restaurants to enjoy while visiting that won't be swarming with tourists and won't be a chain experience that will leave you wanting more. (Thanks to Thrifty Tourist for asking for recommendations and inspiring this post!)

Before starting a list it's important to give you the lay of the land. The suggestions that I have will be specifically for the Washington, D.C. downtown area, not the area where FTU will be held, which is in Tysons Corner in Virginia. As you can see on the below Google Map the "A" is the Hilton where all of the FTU events will be held. If you look to downtown Washington, right under the words "Washington" on the map is the National Mall (Your Monuments, Smithsonian Museums and US Capitol). So as you can see there is quite a distance. 

But if you come into town early and spend some time in DC to do some sightseeing then you will need to eat and I have you covered. (PS If you need a dining companion or if anyone wants to get a pre-FTUDC DO meal going, let me know). 

1. Founding Farmers - 1924 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 (Metro: Foggy Bottom or Farragut West)

"Since September 2008, the award-winning Founding Farmers has been one of the country’s leading restaurants to offer farm-inspired American True Food & Drink in a modern, casual, andeco-friendly setting. From our modern farmhouse, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus include homemade and “scratch-made” traditional American classics inspired by the heartland.

A collective of American family farmers owns our restaurant. We source our fresh products from family farms, ranches, and fisheries across the United States. We celebrate and share the longstanding connection between farmers — the first to lead the “green” movement — and their historic stewardship of natural resources.

We believe that everyone benefits by knowing more about the sources of the food they eat; we work diligently to ensure our restaurants walk the talk on matters of sustainability. Take comfort knowing that when ingredients are available locally and it is sensible for us to buy them, we do so.

We look forward to seeing you — and to sharing the best of our True Food & Drink."

The food at Founding Farmers, located just a few blocks from the White House, is good for any meal, but I especially love their brunch and dinner. If you are going for brunch you have to try one of their farm fresh benedicts or their red velvet pancakes, which are made with half pancake batter, half red velvet cake batter. You also MUST order one of their Made-to-order beignets which are not made until someone orders them and take 20 minutes so order as soon as you sit down. If you are going for dinner you have to try their popcorn of the day for an appetizer or their cornbread which comes with honey butter that is literally honey mixed with butter. 

If you are someone who enjoys a good cocktail then Founding Farmers also has you covered. They infuse all of their alcohol in house and have an amazing set of cocktails. My favorite is to actually let the bartender choose what cocktail to make me. The server will ask what types of alcohol you like and which ones to stay away from and then the bartender will create something from that! 

2. RFD (Regional Food and Drink) - 810 7th Street, NW Washington, D.C. (Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown or Metro Center) 

"RFD is code for B-E-E-R and no place in town has a beer list quite like it. In face, WASHINGTON CITY PAPER proclaimed RFD's tap lineup the "Best Draft Beer Selection" in all of D.C." 

With over 300 bottles of beer on offer and a further 30-40 draft beers they most likely have what you want to drink...if they don't have the beer you like...well I just don't know what to tell you. The restaurant is located in the Chinatown area and is near the Verizon Center which is the home of the Washington Capitols, Wizards, Mystics and Georgetown University Basketball. Outside of the beer list they have tons of great food options, including my favorite the grilled cheese and tomato soup...or the tater-tots...you can't go wrong with either! 

Best news for Frequent Flyers...They are a Dining Rewards Member!!! 

3. Good Stuff Eatery - 303 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Washington, D.C. (Metro: Capitol South)

"HEREIN, WHERE GOOD PEOPLE 

...make good stuff, stands a restaurant committed to freshness, fellowship and friendliness: Good Stuff Eatery - quite frankly, the best way for Capitol Hill and surrounding areas to enjoy handmade burgers, hand-cut fries and handspun ice cream shakes that'll make you come back again and again.

We hope you're hungry" 

This Capitol Hill burger shop is a great place to look for DC Celebraties or Villains...depends on your opinion of Congress. ;) I've seen dozens of Congressmen and women here along with lots of Hill staff sampling their dozens of burger and fry combinations and pairing it with delicious milkshakes. It's so good that President Obama has visited. 

The restaurant was started by famous chef, Spike Mendelsohn and he has put together a great fresh menu full of many different kinds of burgers. My favorite is the free range turkey burger with avocado, munster, tomato and lettuce. I pair that with some fresh fries and a sampling of their different mayo dipping options including chipotle, old bay and sriracha. 

These are just a few of my absolute favorite options...if you need more suggestions just drop me a note! (chris@doitforthepoints.com) I can't wait to meet all of you at FTU and I really hope that you enjoy your time in the Nation's Capitol. It's a beautiful city with many things to offer outside of the National Mall. Get out of the tourist zones and explore the different neighborhoods and you will see the other side of DC. 

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Insiders Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The Yoshino cherry trees, which were first given to the United States in 1912 by the mayor of Tokyo as a gift to Washington, D.C. are well on their way to peek bloom levels and that only means one thing....the tourists are coming....oh sorry sorry sorry I put on my DC hat there for a second. No, it means that one of the most beautiful times of the year to be in Washington, D.C. is on it's way: The National Cherry Blossom Festival which runs from March 20 to April 14, 2013 in and around the Tidal Basin area of the city.

If you want the insiders guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival, we've got you covered. This year it looks like there is some disagreement as to when the trees will hit their "Peak Bloom" when over 70% of the blooms are open. The National Parks Service, which maintains the Tidal Basin and the Yoshino cherry trees, estimates that the Peak Bloom will occur between March 26-30. The weather forecasters over at the Washington Post say that the bloom might actually occur closer to April 5 due to a colder winter. But the first signs of the blossoms should be coming in the next few weeks so even if you aren't in town for the peak bloom days you will still get a good view of all of these beautiful trees.

 The bad part about the Cherry Blossom Festival is that it is one of the busiest times in Washington, D.C. for tourists. It's right around spring break time for lots of schools and that means families and 8th grad3 Washington trips as far as the eye can see. As a visitor to the city this may not phase you that much, but you will notice it at the Tidal Basin if you try and go in the middle of the day or on the weekends. If you go during those times be prepared to squeeze your way through everyone and having a difficult time getting a good shot of the trees without someone in the background.

If you want to live DC like a local and see the Cherry Blossoms without too much hassle you have to plan on going down on a weekday morning before everyone else has a chance to make it down and while Washingtonians are busy working.

The easiest way to get to the Tidal Basin is to take the Metro system to Smithsonian station. You will want  to go early, but on a weekday just wait until after 9:00 and you will be much happier because commuters will not be blowing by you or rushing you onto a train. But, make sure you follow the basic rules of the DC Metro system. On all escalators you stand on the right and walk on the left side. Safest bet is for everyone to just stand in a single file on the right side and you won't get grief from anyone trying to run for the train. Second rule is that once you reach the bottom of that escalator, keep walking! If you stop at the bottom that means everyone behind you will keep moving and run into you...you don't want this. Third rule is that the easiest way to figure out our Metro system is to look where you are going and find the color of the line that you need to take and the end station on the end of that line. All trains have their line color and the end station (with a few exceptions during rush hour) on them so you know you are on the right train. If you are going to use the Metro system for your whole visit, which I would recommend, consider getting a SmartTrip Card  which will cost you $10 per card, but it will get you $5 in Metro fare and you can reload it at any time and it will save you $1 per use over a paper card.

 When you arrive at the Smithsonian station you will exit on the Independence Avenue side and you will want to cross Independence Avenue and walk on the south side of the street until you cross 15th Street SW and you will take a left and walk down 15th St until you hit Maine Ave SW and you will see the Tidal Basin across the street. The cherry blossoms are all around the Tidal Basin but most people crowd around the area right by Maine Ave so make sure you walk around until you get rid of the main mess of crowds  and you will have a spectacular view!

There is one parking lot that has very very limited parking so unless you have someone with you that has trouble walking or has a disability I would suggest you save yourself the headaches and stress and just let Metro do the driving and work. In the end you be much more excited to enjoy this view as long as you want.

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Earning Hyatt Points While Not Staying at Hyatt

EDIT: Thanks to @Jamucsb for remembering that it was Gary from View From the Wing with the original post!

I love the blog community. Everyday, I seem to learn a new trick, a new policy or get inspired by a new destination. What I love even more is when a learned trick or policy turns into points in the bank?

Case in point: A while back some blogger (I don't remember who, so I apologize for not hat tip)  explained that one could earn Hyatt points for eating at one of their restaurants or getting spa treatments, even if you were not staying at the hotel.

On V-Day, my boss and I held a luncheon for a few of our real estate agents at the Blue Duck Tavern located at the Park Hyatt in Washington, DC. I had booked the event in early January and kind of forgot about it until I read this blogger's post about earning points at restaurants at Hyatts.

I immediately sent an email to my contact at the restaurant inquiring about earning points for the event. Her quick response was "of course you can, just send over your Hyatt Gold Passport number." The result was about 5,000 more points in the bank!

Hyatt FAQ page has a whole tab devoted to Earning and Redemption in Restaurants and Spas. The important ones are:

7.

How can I earn points for F&B and Spa when not staying at the hotel? If member is a Hyatt Gold Passport (HGP) member and visit participating restaurants or spas, member will provide HGP account number to the Hyatt Associate at the outlet at time of payment to process the earned points (5 HGP points per $1USD) on eligible charges.

8.

What is eligible for earning at restaurants and spas? Eligible changes vary on a hotel-by-hotel basis, but generally include spa and salon services, spa and salon retail items, and food and beverage expenditures (except at outlets not operated by the hotel). Points will not be awarded on tips, service charges, taxes, gratuities and alcoholic beverage purchases in certain jurisdictions. (Alcohol excluded where prohibited by law). Other exclusions may apply.

Not all charges are eligible to receive points. On our bill, we did not receive points for alcoholic beverages, which were flowing, the tip, DC's outrageous 10% food tax or the parking for our guests and us.

To see which Hyatt hotel's restaurants and spas participate, go to this website.

The luncheon was a major success and the food made love in. It was AMAZING. Here is a peak at our menu, personally customized for the event:

If you have never been to the Blue Duck Tavern, you must go. The service is amazing, the kitchen is open and the food screams in your mouth. The Gold Passport Points are only the cherry on top of the homemade ice cream!

Thank you to whomever wrote about earning points at Hyatt Restaurants!!!!

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Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa

About a year ago Kelsey purchased a LivingSocial Deal for a getaway weekend from DC and finally, just before it expired of course, we were able to use it.

The deal was for a night at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. The resort is located about an hour drive to the east-south east of Washington, D.C. The deal included a night in a king suite, $50 to spend at their restaurant, $100 spa credit and a bottle of wine upon arrival.

We arrived at the hotel around 1:00 pm and the lobby was pretty empty since it was a few days before Christmas, but the staff was really nice and promptly checked us in. We were given one of the six king suites they have, they are all located at the end of the hotel property which overlooks the Chesapeake Bay.

The room was really impressive upon entry with its two-room sized layout. In one half of the room was a sitting area with a tv and views of the beach and the best part of the room, a jacuzzi tub. The bedroom portion of the room had a king bed, work station, a huge tv and a Keurig. Dividing the two portions of the room was a see-through gas fireplace, which was perfect for the 20-degree wind chill that was present when we arrived.

Desk, TV and Keurig 

Sitting Area and Tub

Bathroom

Full Suite 

 The hotel its self was very nice and the staff was great. Attached to the resort is a spa and as I previously mentioned we took advantage of a few of the services using our $100 spa credit. The massage was awesome and Kelsey enjoyed her manicure.

Where the property left something to be desired was in their restaurant, "The Rod & Reel." We made dinner reservations and arrived on time only to wait for at least 10 minutes for someone to recognize that we had walked in. Then when we asked if we could sit by the window overlooking the water at one of the at least three open booths we were told that they had all been reserved and we were put on an awkward raised platform in the middle of the dining room. We then sat for at least 15 minutes before a waitress came over and asked us what we wanted to drink. By this time we were ready to order and did so just in case she never came back. I ordered a seafood platter of sorts with shrimp, scallops and flounder. The flounder was pounded into oblivion and had so much breading on it I am not sure there was actually fish in there. The scallops and shrimp were just OK, but nothing great considering how fresh the seafood they get must be. Kelsey's steak was average at best and the only redeeming portion of the meal was the veggies and potatoes served with it.

Overall the resort was very nice, but the restaurant left lots to be disappointed about. If I would have been actually paying for the $50 meal in the restaurant I would have not been pleased. But, the resort is quaint and if you are looking for a quick getaway from DC, this is a great option.

Live Like A Local: Getting to National Zoo

One of the best activities, in Washington, DC, is visiting the National Zoo. This past weekend, I stopped by and even in the winter month's, the zoo is still an awesome place to visit. No trip to DC would be complete without a visit to the zoo and the most famous pandas in the US. Oh, the price can't be beat either...its free. (Your Federal Tax $$$s at work).

If you were coming to the zoo, would you get off at this metro stop:

or this metro stop:

If you choose the Woodley Park stop, you would be like the majority of visitors  However, by choosing this stop, you will encounter this long walk up a hill:

Just imagine walking up this hill in 100% humidity, during the Summer, with a stroller. Its a sight that you can see almost any day. However, I would like you to avoid this trouble.

The better stop is Cleveland Park. Once you get off the top of the Metro escalator, you will have an option to go "East" or "West":

You want to take the "East Side."Once you get outside, you should see the metro elevator and a PETCO (as of 12/2012) directly in front of you:

Walk in the direction of the Elevator to get to the zoo.

   

If you see a Subway and Walgreen's, you are on the wrong side of the street. Turn around and walk away from the Subway Sandwich shop towards the Uptown Theater.

The Subway Shop you want to avoid!!!

The sidewalks are somewhat small in the Cleveland Park neighborhood  but if you pass a row of restaurants and bars, you are in the right direction:

You will need to cross over a bridge into a residential neighborhood with some amazing old architecture like this building:

A few more minutes, you will be at the front of the National Zoo.

Walking from the Cleveland Park stop to the zoo took me 10 minutes (with me stopping to take photos). On the way home, walking down the hill to the Woodley Park stop took about 8 minutes (with me stopping to take photos).

I hope this tip helps make your visit to the National Zoo even better!!!