33rd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap

Heatstroke sizzles on the Pepsi Summer Grilling Stage

Is there such a thing as too hot? Yesterday's official temperature topped out at (just) 88* but it felt much hotter. I admit, it slowed me down a bit, but the Giant Barbecue Battle (celebrating its 33rd edition) is the type of event that draws really big crowds, no matter what the thermostat says. This year was/is no exception. I go to all sorts of events throughout the year, but the Barbecue Battle holds a special place in my heart. Great food, giveaways and music? Sold! Just in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $20 and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

28 Years Later Twitter/X Movie Review

Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Alfie Williams (r) star in 28 Years Later

Kill It

IMDb Plot: A group of survivors of the rage virus live on a small island. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors. Directed by Danny Boyle.

Cracked Eggery Twitter/X Food Review

The Stoney Burrito at Cracked Eggery

AM Perfection

Amidst average food of late (elsewhere) we’re proud to praise @crackedeggery for its otherworldly The Stoney Burrito, a delicious marriage of spicy Logan Chorizo, Scrambled Eggs, Pico de Galo & crunchy Tater Tots with a to-die-for Tomatillo Sauce on the side (only $12.) Best handheld breakfast in DC! 

Grade: A+

Materialists Twitter/X Movie Review

Dakota Johnson & Pedro Pascal (r) star in Materialists

Onwards & Downwards

IMDb Plot: A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Directed (so to speak) by Celine Strong.

Contest: Win Passes to See Bride Hard

** Please note: One entry per person/household. Multiple entries will be deleted.

We're giving away 10 admit-2 passes to see an advance preview of Magenta Light Studios' upcoming Bride Hard, starring Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Anna Chlumsky, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Gigi Zumbado, Sherry Cola, Sam Huntington, Michael O’Neill, Colleen Camp with Stephen Dorff and Justin Hartley. The screening takes place on Tuesday, June 17th at Regal Gallery Place. It starts at 7:00 PM, but seats are first-come, first-served; so winners are encouraged to show up sooner than later (ideally between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.) Seating is not guaranteed. Fill in the entry form below, and we'll select 10 winners to receive a pass for two (2.) Winners will be notified by e-mail. All entries must be received before June 12th at 11:59 PM EST, so act fast. Good luck!

The Phoenician Scheme Twitter/X Movie Review

Benicio del Toro & Mia Threapleton (r) stars in The Phoenician Scheme 

Mr. 5%

IMDb Plot: Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) appoints his only daughter, a nun (Mia Threapleton) as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. Directed by Wes Anderson.

Ballerina Twitter/X Movie Review

Ana de Armas stars in Ballerina

Bad Math

IMDb Plot: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. Directed by Len Wiseman.

Laredo Twitter/X Food Review

Crispy Chicken Wings at Laredo

A Mixed Bag

Beautiful night for eating outside at @laredo_dc. Disappointing start (paltry chips & salsa) but no complaints about food quality, starting with piping hot Empanadas Colombianas (beef) & glorious salsa verde ($10) B followed by a quartet of fluffy & delicious Fried Yucca ($6.99) A- and Crispy Chicken Wings (7 for $16.99) B- Great batter, average amount of meat + zesty buffalo sauce (for dipping only.) Annoyingly small water glasses, tacky charge for “extra” pico de gallo & a wobbly table to boot. 

Grade: C+ (Food > service)

Frankenstein Twitter/X Theatre Review

Rebecca S'manga Frank in Frankenstein at STC, Photo: DJ Corey Photography

The Truth Is...

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is one of the best novels of the past 200+ years. Emily Burns' version for @ShakespeareinDC is a refreshing reboot that honors the original, while placing less of an emphasis on the creature, and more on personal relationships. That may not sound like fun to horror fans, but thanks to Rebecca S'manga Frank's coruscating performance as Elizabeth, the end result is miles better. One can only hope Ms. Frank stays in the DMV, allowing a "star to be born" in our own backyard. Burns' direction is first rate also, especially a pair of dazzling intercutting scenes with Dr. Frankenstein. A bona fide must-see! 

Grade: A

Karate Kid: Legends Twitter/X Movie Review

Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang & Jackie Chan (r) star in Karate Kid: Legends

Bad Bait

Rotten Tomatoes Plot: Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.

Burger District Twitter/X Food Review

Bare Naked Burger at Burger District

Second Time's the Charm

Ordered from the wrong restaurant last week (oops) but I finally got to try @BurgerDistrict1 in Arlington. Fun buzz 🐝 inside & a super nice hostess, plus an on-time pickup order. Food didn’t disappoint with a Bare Naked Burger ($12.95) and Shoestring House Fries ($3.75) each earning a solid B. The fries needed salt, but they were hot and just the right size/texture. Not dirty or oily whatsoever. Burger was cooked perfectly (medium throughout) Angus beef with lettuce, tomato, red onions, ketchup & mustard. Great price for a bonafide half-pounder, but I wish the roll had been toasted. As Arnold would say, “I’ll be back!”

Overall Grade: B

Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza Twitter/X Food Review

Pepperoni Pizza at Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza

Late Night Perfect Toppings

Late Night Perfect Toppings at @GRStreetPizza. Great play at @ShakespeareinDC, followed by (hands down) the best tomato sauce ever put on a pizza. 12” Pepperoni ($20.50) has a nice char on top (but not on the base) so I had leftover crust, but the toppings (dynamite pepperoni, fresh mozzarella & spicy chorizo) are top-tier, bordering on sheer perfection. A- and I can’t wait to have it again. Sidewinder Fries ($7.50) fun, twisty shapes, nice & hot but meh flavor B- Nice atmosphere inside + great music (Escort, HNNY)

Overall Grade: B+