target=”_blank”>America’s Presidents, featuring depictions of all 42 U.S. presidents and One Life, an tribute to President Lincoln which will be on display through July 5, 2009.
Dining Hotspots
The following restaurants have been recommended by Destination D.C. as the spots to hit during your time in the District for the festivities:
Nathan’s of Georgetown, touted as “Georgetown’s legendary and lively bar and restaurant scene since the 1970s.”
The Monocle Restaurant, which “boasts a long tradition of serving members of Congress, staffers and lobbyists”
Old Ebbitt Grill, D.C.’s oldest restaurant, with roots dating back 1856, where Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt once dined.
Martin’s Tavern, where Richard Nixon, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson and Alger Hiss were among the presidential regulars.”
Café Milano, which, according to its Website, is the “hub of diplomats, lawmakers, journalists, broadcasters, lobbyists, entertainers, and all those who value first-class Italian cuisine.”
A few picks of my own:
Ben’s Chili Bowl, located on what was once known as D.C.’s “Black Broadway,” this is a place where African American entertainers and luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Redd Foxx, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bill Cosby have enjoyed barbeque, burgers and of course, the world-famous chili.
Lauriol Plaza, a D.C. eatery an amazing brunch filled with Mexican fare can be enjoyed an eatery in which the artitecture is phenomenal.
B. Smiths, located in D.C.’s historic Union Station, offers a mix of Cajun, Creole, and southern cuisine.
Useful links for planning your stay:
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
National Park Service-District of Columbia
Next Time: Inauguration Hotel Packages: What’s Left?
Janell Hazelwood is a reporter and the copy editor at BlackEnterprise.com.