We told you a few months ago about a new venture by CityZen’s Eric Ziebold at the Mandarin Oriental called South by Southwest. The restaurant is supposed to offer less pricey regional fare. The name was questioned by the City Paper’s Tim Carman, so when a number of folks received invitations to save the date for the opening of Sou’wester, we wondered, what’s going on here? According to Ziebold, the rationale was a lawsuit…

‘Tis two days before Christmas, when all through D.C., not a creature is stirring, except maybe Marion Barry. And who knows what he’s stirring anyway? Whatever it is, it’s probably not Splenda or non-dairy creamer. By the way, did you know that Marion Barry’s middle name is Shepilov? I read that Marion’s father Julian named his son after Dmitri Shepilov, the Soviet foreign minister under Khrushchev. But unless Julian Barry knew Shepilov personally, that can’t…

Last fall, DCist assured you that you could sample Eric Ziebold’s cuisine at the CityZen lounge for less than $60. Though our penchant for drinks made it a stretch for us, we could certainly see how less thirsty diners could enjoy a pure eating experience without breaking the bank. Fast forward to spring 2006. Don Rockwell files a post gushing about CityZen’s three-course tasting menu at the bar for $45. Said Rocks: “These are EXACTLY…

By DCist food contributor Melissa McCart. Pretend you’re visiting a good New York restaurant. You slip into your “black is the new black” fall attire. You ratchet up the attitude. You reach deeper into your wallet to pay the bill. You sit back and admire the beautiful people. You may choose to embrace these rituals when visiting Washington’s CityZen in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Despite that it’s off the beaten path, CityZen is where it’s…

It may not look or feel like it, but spring really is in the air. Sure the calender’s moved past winter, but a more tell-tale sign is that cherry blossom fever has hit the city. The opening ceremony of the 93rd Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, held at the new Mandarin Oriental hotel this past Saturday served as a good reminder that despite the dreary rain and decidedly un-spring like temps, some color is indeed…

Good morning Washington. For those on Capitol Hill and others, we hope you’ve been enjoying the Congressional recess this week. To everyone else, enjoy your Good Friday if you have it off. For the weather today, check Capital Weather. Rain will be moving in around lunchtime with highs near 50. They’re Coming!: Tourists, a million strong, will be coming into the city for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. And according to the Post, the first…

No, DCist hasn’t forgotten that it is Valentine’s Day. But the controversial nature of the day just makes us feel like tiptoeing around the holiday. On Feb. 14 you are either a “have” or a “have not,” no matter how much spin you want to put on it — Yes, we know that mom is always your valentine. Some of you are panicking because you are procrastinators. Some of you are wallowing in self-pity. And…

The corner of New Hampshire Avenue and M Street has never been known as one of the city’s most beautiful. With Don Shula’s steakhouse, Lulu’s Club Mardi Gras and the Exxon gas station in the center, you may wonder why the West End Ritz Carlton decided to set up shop on the edge of what could be described as a garish, undefined regurgitate semi-urban, semi-suburban architectural mess. Lulu’s attempts to transform the corner of M…

In the wake of the collapse of WHFS, Infinity sister station 106.7 WJFK has announced that the Sports Junkies, last heard as morning show hosts on HFS, will return to JFK in the 10:30 AM to 2 PM slot today. The move comes as no surprise, as the Junkies had been on JFK for many years, most recently in the timeslot occupied by Ron & Fez. Meanwhile, conservative talk show host Bill O’Reilly will be…

DCist noted last week that the Mandarin Oriental is offering a lavish $200,500 package for inauguration week. The Atlanta Journal-Constutition offers a few more details on the offer. Guests signing up for the service will have their choice access to either a Hummer, Rolls Royce, or Maybach for the week, private jet service to D.C. from their home, and an outfit from Neiman Marcus: [an]Oscar de la Renta evening gown and matching Manolo Blahnik shoes,…