Pacifico Cantina

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As you might remember, I mentioned that I spent my 4th of July celebrating in a few Mexican eateries, one of which was Pacifico Cantina. A relatively new location on Barrack’s Row, Pacifico Cantina is a little taste of Tex-Mex north of the border. Boasting only fresh, never frozen mexican cuisine from executive chef Saul Canesa and visiting Texas-native chef, Ben Berryhill, Pacifico serves up traditional fare including tacos, quesadillas, burritos and made-to-order guacamole.

The interior bar at Pacifico (image courtesy of Pacifico Cantina)

We arrived late in the afternoon last Wednesday and were greeted with a bustling bar and an interior with so much color that it might have been held hostage by a Lisa Frank designer. Strangely enough, it works with the otherwise bare teak wood bar. Securing some seats, we immediately ordered a round of mango beergaritas, aka a corona bottle turned upside down in a glass full of mango margarita. In theory, this is amazing, in practice, the mango and corona were not the best pairing of flavors, but still enjoyable enough for me to finish the whole thing. We then moved on to some guacamole, chips and salsa and quesadillas, as they are half price on Wednesdays. The guacamole was tasty, but the quesadillas were the scene-stealers. Within our group, we had one each of the chicken, wild mushroom and shrimp quesadillas and everyone was raving about them! My husband was less than satisfied with his burrito, but tried one bite of my chicken quesadilla and his faith was restored. We of course went for some more margaritas, but the good old-fashioned traditional kind, on the rocks. We did notice the margaritas ordered from the downstairs, inside bar which much tastier than the ones ordered from the rooftop bar.

Oh, that’s right, I failed to mention the rooftop BAR, Pacifico’s most appealing feature!

A view of Pacifico’s rooftop (image courtesy of Pacifico Cantina)

Outfitted almost exclusively in teak wood, the rooftop transports you to some tropical locale so effectively you almost forget you are sandwiched in between two buildings. There are plenty of high-top tables scattered between a large communal table which is the focal point of the rooftop, featuring a bubbling fountain at its center. The 103 degree temperatures were almost bearable as we watched the sunset over Barracks Row.

All in all, I’d highly recommend checking out Pacifico Cantina. The food is good, but the drinks, novelty and quite frankly, darn well-done rooftop are even better reasons to make the trip to Cap Hill. I’d recommend heading over on a Wednesday to enjoy the half price quesadillas, which are delicious!

Other specials include:

  • Sunday – half price sangria and nachos
  • Monday – half price tacos
  • Tuesday – half price margaritas
  • Wednesday – half price quesadillas

It is a great place to go before or after a Nats game, too!

 
 

Uber-riffic!

If you haven’t heard of Uber yet, get out a pen and paper and prepare to take notes. Or just get out your phone and prepare to visit the App store, because you’ll want to hit download shortly.

The first time I heard of Uber, I was trying to hail a cab, which was proving extremely difficult since not a single one had driven by in 10 minutes. My friend then exclaimed, “Let’s Uber!” To which I responded, “Ok lady, I know we’ve been drinking, but I don’t think chanting German words will help us right now.” Then she hit a few buttons on her phone, and in the short time it took her to explain the magic of uber to me, a fancy schmancy town car suddenly appeared, ready to take us to our destination of choice.

Uber is described an “on-demand private driver.” That statement probably strikes fear into the hearts of all of us who attempting to stick to a budget. Private driver = $$$. On-demand? Even more $$$. But no, Uber breaks down all of their costs for you, so you know exactly what kind of deal you are getting. You can expect a $7 base charge and $3.25 per mile (if you’re under 11 mph, you’ll pay $.75 per minute), with a $15 minimum total charge. Is it more expensive than a taxi ($3.00 minimum and $2.16 per mile)? Yes. Is it exponentially better than a taxi? Yes. Is it a lifesaver when you can’t get a taxi? Hell yes.

So how do you Uber? Take a trip to the App store on your iPhone or Android device and download the Uber app. Enter in the requested info, including your desired credit card. Next time you need to hitch a ride, go ahead and open your Uber app, set your pickup location and then Uber dispatches a driver to you. You’ll receive a text with an estimated arrival time and your driver’s profile. You can check to see how close the driver is on the map and they’ll have your number so they can call you in case they have any trouble reaching you. The best part, you don’t have to have cash because your credit card on file is automatically charged and tip is included, so don’t worry about giving your driver anything extra. Be sure to rate your driver post-ride – and be nice, it helps them out, too! Uber chooses their drivers based on their ratings and if a driver falls below a certain rating, Uber will not work with them anymore.

As of today, Uber now offers the choice of an SUV only option. This is significantly more expensive, but it makes complete sense if you and your friends are rolling deep (i.e. more than 4).

So, what have we learned?:

  1. Download Uber. Now.
  2. Use Uber whenever you are in a bind if you are on a budget.
  3. Use Uber all the time if you are not on a budget.
  4. If you’re not going far, try to use a cab. remember, there is a $15 minimum charge.
  5. Use Uber if you are out with a 5 or more friends so you can share one vehicle instead of trying to convince a cab driver that yes, the six of you really can squeeze in the backseat.

Another tip, you can use Uber in other cities too. When I was in San Francisco last week, we couldn’t find a taxi so I just opened my Uber app and 5 minutes later, we were off in an Uber vehicle!

 
 

Independence Day in America’s Capital

I hope everyone had a truly Fabulous 4th of July. I can’t lie, it was a little strange having a holiday in the middle of the week and to have the early morning wake up call for work. But, I’ll just look at it as a couple of two day work weeks! Aren’t we lucky?

Speaking of lucky, I feel very fortunate that I was able to spend the 4th of July in Washington D.C. this year. This is only the second year I’ve been in town for the holiday, but this was the first year I put myself right, smack dab in the middle of the city and I am so thankful I did! Granted, we did frequent two Mexican restaurants (Cantina Marina and Pacifico Cantina) – and, as my husband said, we were just one bratwurst and a potsticker away from making America really proud. It was my first time at Pacifico Cantina, which just opened a few weeks ago, but I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to kickback with a margarita. Check back later today for a full review, but for now a picture tour of my D.C. Independence Day Celebration!

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Some mango beer-garitas with some of my favorite ladies.

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We walked from Barracks Row in Capitol Hill, down Independence to get a view of the fireworks. I only had my iphone, but this was one of my favorite shots!

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And of course, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include our view of the Capitol Building.

After we walked down to the National Mall for the fireworks finale, we quickly realized that we were amidst thousands of people all clamoring to get to the nearest metro station. The line to get down to the stations closest to the mall were at least a hundred people deep – and that was just to get down the stairs to the metro. I can’t even imagine what the platforms looked like! So, we kept on trucking down the mall and through the city, which was a great experience in of itself. We strolled past the White House and just enjoyed being in the city, even though I would have preferred the temperature to be about 15 degrees cooler.

We caught a cab in Dupont and once we got home, saw another fireworks show from our living room window. I’d say it doesn’t get much better than celebrating America and our independence with the people you love in our nation’s capital! I hope you all had a great holiday and work is at least bearable today!

 

 
 

Fourth Fashion: Don’t let the Fireworks be the Only Show Stopper!

First of all, I can hardly believe it is July already. It seems like I was just celebrating New Years Eve and here we are nearly halfway through 2012! But, I digress. Let’s focus on more important things – like the fashions we can don while celebrating America’s birthday!

I usually travel for the 4th of July, but I am very excited to be celebrating here in our Nation’s Capital for once! There is nothing quite like the displays of patriotism that occur, leaving us all feeling more American than a slice of Apple pie washed down by a swig of Budweiser.

As you can imagine, here in D.C., there is no shortage of things to do, places to be and people to see on the 4th. In fact, the trouble often is choosing just one option! I’m taking a more laissez faire approach to my plans tomorrow and just seeing where the day takes me. However, if you have your plans all ironed out you are probably now wondering what the heck to wear! Fret no further and take a peek at some of the outfit ideas below. No matter what your plans are, you’ll be prepared to do America proud in these patriotic ensembles!

One tip to make sure you look like Miss America and not Uncle Sam – don’t over do it! Anchor your outfit with one patriotic color and accessorize with the others; don’t try to let them all compete.

Fourth Fashion: From Day to Night
Not sure what your plans are? Be ready for a daytime celebration, an evening event and everything in between in this outfit.
Fourth Fashion: A Daytime Celebration
– Planning for an outdoor bbq or staking out a plot of grass for some evening fireworks? Take the casual approach with these looks.
Fourth Fashion: A Daytime Celebration by kerrychannon featuring peplum and polka dots.
Fourth Fashion - A Dressy Affair
– Does your 4th of July call for playing a bit of dress up? Pair your favorite red, white or blue dress with some eye-catching accessories and you are ready to party the night away!
 
 

Sale Roundup: J. Crew and Ann Taylor Loft

I’m making this a quick one since I am bouncing around a lot here on the West Coast, but I had to share some of today’s sales with you.

The J. Crew Factory Store is running some nice specials on some of their classic pieces with some items up to an additional 40% off. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Factory Store, it is basically the J. Crew outlet you’d find at your average outlet mall, but J. Crew was smart enough to but the steals and deals online. Now we can pick and choose our favorite items at our leisure, without having to fight our way through the masses and take down that crazy lady who thinks she is getting that last pair of pants. Er…ok, let’s just take a look at some of their best deals…

Factory Drawstring Day Dress – originally $79.50, on sale for $49.50. The perfect casual dress for any summer day. Throw it on with your favorite sandals and you’re ready to go!
Factory Bell Skirt in cotton – originally $54.50, on sale for $29.50. I own this skirt and blue and can attest, it is a versatile piece that you can pair with a tee or tank for the weekend or a button up for polished, work appropriate look.

Ann Taylor Loft is running two different sales today, both with pretty stellar savings! Now, it is no secret that I tend to make a lot of purchases from Loft and a significant percentage of my wardrobe can be attributed to the store. Well, with these savings, you can understand why! Online, you can score 30% off all purchases with the code SHOP30. In stores, you can rack up 50% off all items today as long as you shop from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Check out their Facebook page to snag the deal.

Honey Stripe Knit Maxi Skirt – Originally $59.50. On sale for $54.99 and an additional 50% off – $27.50. Another incredibly versatile piece, pair with a tank or tee and a fun jacket.
Cotton Batik Carnation Print Tie Neck Peasant Tunic – originally 49.50, on sale for 50% off – $24.75. A bold, bright tunic top will help add an element of the unexpected to your wardrobe.

This is a great time to stock up on some of your summer staples. With prices this low, you really can’t afford NOT to treat yourself to something. It is Friday after all!

 
 

San Fran: the First 48 Hours

Well, almost 48 hours! I arrived late Tuesday night but haven’t really stopped since!

So far, I am loving San Francisco. The Left Coast ain’t so bad, folks!

My trip was not really for pleasure, as I’m working all week, but who can resist mixing a little business and pleasure?

I’ve spent the last two days at my office which is kind of a tourist event in of itself since this is the view:

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Yesterday evening, I was able to meet up with my friend Marisa who recently relocated to this fine city and our friend Greg who is also in town. We ate at a fabulous sushi restaurant named Ryoko. The wait was a half hour but boy was it worth it! Some of the most interesting sushi combos I’ve ever seen!

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This morning I treated myself to a walk around Union Square before coming to work. The highlight of my day thus far? Noshing on grilled salmon and arugula atop Gap Headquarter’s roofdeck taking this in:

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Tough life huh?

On tap tonight? Dinner with family in just an hour! Can’t wait!

I’ll have tons more to share later in the week. Have any suggestions for me?

 
 

Oh Darling, You Can Find Me at the Ritz!

It’s a summer weekend in DC. The weather is almost as fabulous as you are and you want to enjoy it with your even more fabulous friends. But where on earth can you go? After all, you need a place worthy of all that fabulousness.

Well darlings, the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown has heard you! And, boy, have they delivered!

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown is hosting tons of fun summer events!

Starting this weekend, the Ritz Carlton Georgetown is hosting complimentary events for locals.

Each Friday night, viewers can screen “Movies by Moonlight” and on Saturday mornings, head on over to stretch your limber limbs with free yoga demonstrations by one of my personal favorites, Lululemon. Oh – and you’re not done! Don’t forget to frequent the Ritz on Sundays for a cocktail party from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm to get your drink and dance on, featuring a DJ, fun cocktails, half-price bottles of wine, a seasonal tapas menu and the ever-classy bucket of beer.

All of these events will take place in the property’s new Urban Garden that holds up to 90 people. The first drive-in movie screening is “Ghost Busters” on July 6th.

Yoga runs from this Saturday, June 30th through September 8th at 9:00 am sharp. Be the first to sip on the hotel themed cocktails (including the Fresa Chiller, Urban Sunset and the Skippy Surprise) at the cocktail party this Sunday, July 1st.

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Check out the hotel’s event calendar here for more info on all their summer events.

Way to go Ritz! Thanks for giving us a place for all our fabulousness.

*Also, a tip, don’t get the Georgetown location confused with the West End Ritz off of M Street. The Georgetown hotel is at 3100 South Street, NW.

 
 

Look Smokin’ While Getting Your Sweat On

Summer is a fabulous season. It bring sunshine, warm weather and fantastic memories. Along with said benefits comes the potential of needing to be in a bathing suit at any time with no notice. Yay bikini season!

If you’re still working off that little extra bit of padding that made its way on to your delicate frame this winter (um, bears hibernate, so can we), I highly recommend you take a trip to lululemon. At lululemon, you can find all you need to look fabulous even if you don’t feel so fabulous as your sweaty, huffing and puffing self. With an endless assortment of tops, bottoms and accessories, you can search for your new workout wears by sport, function or just because it looks pretty. And trust me, all their things look pretty. Now, I will caution you. The price point is probably a bit more than you are used to paying for some sweaty gym clothes. However, the price is worth it for most items, as the quality is top notch.

As a runner, I discovered lulu about midway through training for my first marathon in 2008. I purchased a pair of running crops (similar to these) for training. With a nearly $90 price tag, I wasn’t sure I could afford anything else. Four years later, I am training for my third marathon with those same pair of pants. So ladies and gents, consider lulu purchases as a bit of an investment. They will last and they will look darn good on you, too.

Their items are designed to flatter, taking into account all of the things that make slipping on spandex and stretchy fabrics less than exciting, including muffin top. You can get double time out of many of their items as their leggings, yoga pants and tops can work their way into your daytime wardrobe. Did I mention that the brand is not afraid of color either?

Here are some of the goods on my wish list:

Run: Sun Sprinter Crops – $88 (comes in purple, pink and black)
Run: Tie And Fly Tank – $52 (pink, neon yellow, purple and black)
Run: For Your Money Tank – $68

Who says you can’t look good while working on your fitness? The company is also committed to community involvement and works with local fitness studios to offer complimentary classes.

Find out which store is closest to you and check out their calendar! For you DCers, there are stores in Clarendon, Logan Circle, Georgetown and Tysons. Check it out for yourself and let me know what your favorites are!

 
 

Sale Alert: Kate Spade!

Calling all Kate Spade fans! If you haven’t moseyed on over to her site in the last few days, you should visit. Like now. The top-name designer is running a massive sale on some of its best – and brightest – merchandise from this season. Kate Spade’s designs are preppy, colorful and bold. While most of these summer pieces aren’t for the color-shy, they can function as your next wardrobe workhorse with their classic shapes and pops of brightness that will compliment any outfit. There really is something for everyone though, as the sale also has a few neutral bags.

The sale started on Friday, at which point I had about $700 worth of items in my cart. I resisted the urge, as I did just get my dream purse a few months ago for my birthday (thank you, husband). But, that doesn’t mean I can’t live vicariously through all of you, so please, take a look at some of the highlights of the sale merchandise and head on over to Kate Spade to pick out some of your own must-haves!

Colorblocking at its best! Stella Heels – Originally $328. On Sale for $171.

 

Make a statement in turquoise – Mulholland Drive Double Row Necklace. Originally $178, now $79.

 

And more turquoise…Cobble Hill Kori purse. Originally $478, on sale for $250.

 

Make everyone green with envy…Irving Place Nadine. Originally $528, on sale for $237.

 

This is just a small selection of the massive savings you can score. Clothing, belts, earrings, wallets, clutches, totes, sandals and more are all on sale, just waiting for you to scoop them up!

 
 

Friday Fun with Neon

Neon is a great look for summer and a big trend in stores. I am all for bold, bright outfits, but sometimes they can be a bit too loud for the office. A great way to make the most of this season’s neon trend is to scoop up some awesome accessories in fun, neon colors.

I purchased the pink neon belt pictured below on Monday on sale from J. Crew.  It arrived yesterday and I’m wearing it today. I can already tell I am going to get my  money’s worth!

You can also look for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even sandals in an array of neon colors. Limit your neon pieces to two accessories (such as a belt and earrings) or one bold piece (such as a skirt or top). This will help you avoid looking like you are channeling a package of highlighters, or the 80’s…

Friday Fun with Neon

 
 

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