An Arts Angle: Kardashian

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January 26, 2012

Why "Are You There", Chelsea?

Laura Prepon and Chelsea Handler (NBC)

It is telling that Chelsea Handler does not play the lead character on "Are You There, Chelsea?", the new network sitcom based on her best selling book Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea.

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DINING WITH RESERVATIONS

Causing a Ripple in DC

I don't get to travel as often as I'd like. That could change. For now, I appreciate the occasional opportunity to leave New York City. During a recent weekend in Washington, D.C., I had occasion to scope out a buzzy restaurant in Cleveland Park called Ripple.

Ripple is a neighborhood restaurant in the best sense, as it is both reasonably priced and inviting, and it sports an appealing menu. The decor is a striking mixture of sculptural ruby walls, colorfully upholstered banquettes, and warm, earthy hardwood floors.

The New Yorker in me can't help but bring all comparisons back home, and in that regard, Ripple is both more affordable and less pretentious than a similar dining spot would likely be in NYC. It is no myth that attitude is the persistent obstacle to a satisfying dining experience in New York, as various blogs and articles can attest. Good food, even decent prices, are abundant in the nation's largest city.

The most obvious difference I tend to notice when dining out of town is the common occurrence of genuinely warm, sincere service. On that point, Ripple is no exception. From the doting manager to the kindly busser, the front of house team seemed clearly focused on delivering a positive experience for their guests.

Much as I enjoy not having to cook at home, I do find going out to eat in New York to inevitably be a case of documenting unpleasant service experiences to best avoid a disappointing meal. Ripple is easily one of my new favorite restos in DC, not to mention the US. I look forward to returning on my semi-annual visit to the nation's capital.

(Ripple is located @ 3417 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC)

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January 26, 2012

Why "Are You There", Chelsea?