Photo of Oyamel courtesy of yosoynuts on Flickr Creative Commons

GLOBAL – The fifth of May is an annual celebration of Mexican pride, commemorating as it does a Mexican victory over French forces back in 1862. In the US and Europe, the fiestas that mark Cinco de Mayo often tend to be of the kitschy kind, in which the only thing vaguely “Mexican” about the debauchery is that the beer is Corona or Tecate.

We’re all for kitsch, but at the same time we’ll take ours with a little authenticity−and class. Here are our favorite places to get our Cinco de Mayo on, with a dose of chic!

London
It might sound crazy to expect good Mexican food and drink in faraway, foggy London, but Crazy Homies in Notting Hill manages to pull it off. The funky restaurant-cum-club packs in the hipsters with riotously colorful Mexican décor including guitar-playing skeletons, haphazard altars of flowers and candles, and multihued wall art of painted skulls. The kitchen and bar carry out the Mexicana theme with an array of nachos, tacos, and enchiladas, as well as a killer selection of tequila and tropical cocktails. For serious revelry, head downstairs to the basement club Camucho’s Clubhouse, where the sound system pounds thumping Latin tunes.

Los Angeles
With its proximity to the border, Los Angeles is a Mexican food mecca, with all manner of regional cuisine represented. For Oaxacan fare, nothing beats Guelaguetza, a family-run restaurant in Koreatown popular with Mexican expats for its handcrafted moles in a rainbow of flavors and an enormous selection of mezcal and tequila. The restaurant is warm and brightly painted but absent the typical display of tacky knickknacks, although occasional mariachis lend a traditional touch.

On the other hand, El Carmen, a spirited Mexican-themed dive bar on 3rd Street, is a veritable explosion of kitsch, with walls plastered with Mexican wrestling posters and actual wrestling masks, as well as a giant bull’s head mounted on the ceiling. But it’s all in good taste, as are the delish margaritas and selection of 270+ varieties of tequila. Add in Mexican bar bites, a jamming jukebox, and a stylish crowd, and this is our idea of a chic fiesta.

New York City
The spicy accent of Mexican cuisine is one of our favorite flavors of the New York melting pot, and, increasingly, it’s delivered with an upscale slant. The gourmet take on Mexican classics and elegant architectural details (like a 30-foot blue tile “water wall” and a “floating” staircase) at Rosa Mexicano on the Upper West Side make this Mexican dining at its classiest. Don’t miss the legendary guacamole prepared tableside in lava-stone molcajetes or the potent, frozen pomegranate margaritas.

Covering similar swanky territory is Dos Caminos Soho, whose sleek interior is more trendy than kitschy (more “SoHo” than “south of the border”!). The grown-up cocktails (try their signature prickly pear margarita, por favor) and selection of 150+ tequilas keeps things festive, while highlights of the menu include pescado tacos and tableside guac.

Also in SoHo is La Esquina, a stylish three-in-one Mexican café, brasserie, and taqueria. The café and quick-service taqueria are comfy and casual, decked out with homey decor accents like vintage books and records. The subterranean brasserie, on the other hand, is a sultry, low-lit space, with weathered brick, candles, iron grates, and fashionable artsy types nursing margaritas. Just think of it as a south-of-the-border speakeasy!

Washington, DC
In the increasingly international food scene of the US capital, Mexican cuisine is a rising star. Spanish celeb chef José Andrés has jumped in the ring with Oyamel, a trendy joint in Penn Quarter that puts quality above kitsch. The bright, airy dining room is decked out with orange banquettes, pink walls, marigold “carpet” on the ceiling, and delicate butterfly mobiles overhead−without a whiff of tackiness. The kitchen keeps things modern yet authentic with succulent short ribs, fresh ceviches, and inventive, fruity cocktails.

Funky U Street has its own hip entry with Richard Sandoval’s El Centro D.F., a restaurant/lounge broken into three distinct spaces. Downstairs, couples congregate in the romantic underground tequileria, an urban-chic space with polished concrete and distressed wood décor accents that features 200+ tequilas from which to choose. The laidback ground floor taqueria is all about the almighty taco, enjoyed by groups of friends at casual counter seating. On the roof terrace, two open-air bars offer a menu of light bites plus Latin-inspired cocktails.

Even more edgy is the H Street Country Club, a buzzing “barcade” that pulls in the H Street hipsters with board games, skeeball, shuffleboard, and Xbox Kinect. But the kitchen is all about Mexico, with everything from bar bites like nachos and quesadillas to heartier plates like fajitas and enchilada. Of course, the highlight (at least from the standpoint of the boozy groups of arcade-goers) is the pitchers of margaritas shared among friends. And yes, the bar serves both Corona and Tecate. This is as close as we get to a Cinco de Mayo fueled primarily by cerveza!

DNV Rooftop Pool Bar at DC’s Donovan House hotel is, however, a notable exception. Just think of it as a dash of Miami in the capital. When you arrive at the roof deck, you’ll swear you’ve just crossed the velvet ropes at a South Beach hotspot. Glowing pool? Check. (Although the pool itself is only available for a dip from Memorial Day through fall). Stylish crowd? Check. This is a place you can rock your shortest skirt, sexiest top, and highest heels. A DJ spinning pulsing tunes? It goes without saying.

During the day, the lounge is reserved for hotel guests, but those in the know start packing in after dark. The group that turns up is a rather exclusive set since DNV is a well-kept local secret. The crowd is a mix of trendy international jetsetters and local insiders, not unlike you’d find at Miami’s hottest clubs (but without the cover charge or the wait to get in). Early in the evening it’s usually not packed, which makes sunset chaise lounging quite a treat, and pan-Asian small plates from Zentan restaurant downstairs cover your dinner needs. As the evening wears on, the crowd becomes younger and hipper.

Aside from the fab people watching, there’s not a whole lot to look at. While it’s nice to enjoy the alfresco setting, the view from the rooftop isn’t anything spectacular. We wouldn’t come here specifically for the city sights. (P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at the W Washington D.C. would be a better option for that.)

At the same time, it’s nice to escape all the ogling of the DC skyline−including the U.S. Capitol and the glowing monuments−if only for one evening. As you nurse your sultry cocktail, just imagine that palm trees and white sand stretch beyond the rooftop deck!

Read more about DNV Rooftop Pool Bar in our Washington, DC Guide.

DNV Rooftop Pool Bar
Donovan House
1155 14th St., NW
Washington, DC
(1) 202-737-1200
Website
Map

Photo courtesy of mindfrieze on Flickr Creative Commons

ARLINGTON, VA – The nerve center of our nation’s military, The Pentagon has long been synonymous with the U.S. Department of Defense. This iconic building just outside of Washington, DC, is where delicate military operations are coordinated, wars are strategized, and matters of national security are paramount. Back in the Cold War, it was considered “ground zero” for a Russian nuclear attack, and on 9/11, it sustained damage when a hijacked flight hit the building.

Kind of a somber place to take a tour in, right? Well, yes and no. On the one hand, the tours are serious business and run with absolute military precision. Getting in requires jumping through considerable security hoops: You must fill out a security roster at least three days in advance of your scheduled date and bring two forms of photo ID as well as your confirmation letter to check in. Once inside, you won’t be able to deviate from the tour script whatsoever−that means no dawdling or stopping to admire anything not on the program.

On the other hand, there’s a little bit of fun and levity in the mix. First off, it’s an honest-to-goodness workplace, so it’s not at all unusual to cross paths with actual Pentagon staff going about their business. It’s entertaining to look in on the activity of a working building, especially one as important as this. Don’t be surprised if you’re pushed out of the way of an employee in a rush! And secondly, given that the building itself is gargantuan (it has more than twice the floor space of the Empire State Building in New York), the tour is actually a great way to stretch your legs.

That’s right, you might want to bring a pedometer along because it’s an hour-long walking tour that covers one-and-a-half miles. The tours move at a steady clip, so this wouldn’t be a good trip for anyone with mobility issues (although there may be scooters available for the tour–inquire when making the reservation). The tour is, however, wheelchair accessible.

As you prance along, there’s a lot to take in. You’ll get a glimpse into the workings of the five US military branches. With 23,000 employees, the sheer vastness of this operation is truly astounding; it’s like its own mini-city with shopping, dining, a gym, and more all on the grounds. One interesting bit of trivia: there’s a cluster of stores inside dedicated to selling expensive jewelry, chocolates, flowers, leather handbags, and the like. This is known as “Bad Husband Row.” See, not all serious, right?

On a more solemn note, however, two of the absolute highlights include the National 9/11 Memorial and the Hall of Heroes. The 9/11 memorial room and chapel space were built to pay respects to those who perished in the terrorist events of that day. Also historically notable, the Hall of Heroes is the place to view all the names of all those who’ve received the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest decoration. These two special areas provide a keen reminder of the gravity of The Pentagon’s business.

So when you wear out those walking shoes on the tour, remember whose footsteps you’re treading in!

Read more about The Pentagon in our Washington, DC Guide.

The Pentagon
1400 Defense Pentagon
Arlington, VA
(1) 703-697-1776
Website
Map

Photo courtesy of ShashiBellamkonda on Flickr Creative Commons

McLEAN, VIRGINIA – On the tourist circuit in Washington, DC, the National Mall (or, as it’s affectionately known, “The Mall”) gets an awful lot of attention. What with all the museums and monuments−from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History and the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial−The Mall is a one-stop-shop of DC must-sees.

But after navigating all the tourist hordes (especially in summer, when the humid weather is bound to put a damper on your fashion sense), what you might need is a one-stop-shop of a different sort. If you’re thinking what we’re thinking (luxury designer goods!), then it’s time to swap The Mall for “the mall”−and nearby Tysons Galleria is the most upscale escape around.

This ritzy mall about 15 miles out of town packs in posh department stores, designer boutiques, and upscale mall classics. It’s anchored by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and the collection of standalone boutiques by international luxury brands is staggering.  Usual suspects like Burberry, Chanel, and Gucci are represented, but so too are more niche designers like Lilly Pulitzer and Tory Burch. More casual yet still upmarket franchises like J.Crew and Anthropologie are also in the mix.

True to mall tradition, the Galleria is ideal for a leisurely day of browsing and snacking. There are several low-key lunching spots and a handful of swankier restaurants for a posh shopping break. On the other hand, if your trip to the mall is more mission-oriented (like finding a party frock, grabbing a work suit, or snatching the perfect birthday gift), the Galleria is equally good for a more focused expedition because there are so many shops (about 100) in one place.

If you want the ultimate in frenzy-free shopping, however, consider the mall’s “Retail Therapy” luxury shopping package. It includes overnight accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, valet parking, breakfast for two, and a USD 50 gift card to use at any retail boutique in the Galleria. After getting some good rest and slipping into some new duds, you’ll be more than refreshed for returning to all those monuments and museums!

Read more about Tysons Galleria in our Washington, DC Guide.

Tysons Galleria
2001 International Dr.
McLean, VA
(1) 703-827-7730
Website
Map

So, the question always becomes, “How to do a grown-up Coachella weekend?” One of the answers I found this year is fireside tapas at Tinto in The Saguaro hotel. The Saguaro is a hipper-than-thou establishment that hits all the right notes of buzzing bars, a hot pool, and quirky art installations to attract a spirited Coachella crowd (and a slightly more sophisticated one than, say, the low-budget spring breakers at the Motel 6 down the road).

Onsite restaurant Tinto is an import from Philadelphia, courtesy of Iron Chef Jose Garces. It’s modeled after the intimate pinxto bars in Spain’s Basque region which pair delicate, flavorful small plates like montaditos (crostini), bocadillos (finger sandwiches), and brochettes (skewers) with cider, sangria, and wine. The menu, like Basque country, straddles the traditions of both Spain and France.

The restaurant is designed to exploit warm desert nights with French doors flung open to the enchanting terrace. The candlelit interior has plenty of nooks behind peek-a-boo wooden latticework, but the place to be is on the patio. My friend and I took a seat on a comfy upholstered bench right by a flickering fireplace. We were surrounded by tables of funkily dressed Coachella-looking types who preferred haute cuisine to festival food trucks.

And the food…oh the food! My friend, who is a vegetarian, delighted in a Spanish tortilla and crispy fried artichokes served with Meyer lemon cream and black truffle. I went the more meaty route and ordered juicy chicken skewers, which were artistically presented like little “sundaes,” with each skewer buried in its own individual glass cup filled with garbanzo bean puree and chicken jus.

The highlight for me was the decadent bacon wrapped dates, made from local Coachella dates stuffed with almonds and accented with roasted pearl onions and blue cheese fondue. From now on, every time someone says “Coachella,” I’ll be thinking about these dates, not the music festival!

Friendly service and a relaxed attitude (we didn’t feel rushed in the slightest) allowed us to linger over bites and wine, enjoying the flicker of the flames and the choice people-watching all around. In fact, Tinto so endeared us to The Saguaro that we decided to check out their daytime Coachella-affiliated pool party the next day. It was definitely a dip into the wilder strain of festival life, complete with men dressed as mermaids, women pairing bikinis with combat boots, and dazed-and-confused clusters of friends floating by on massive rafts. Sometimes it’s fun to regress to younger times to appreciate grown-up pleasures even more!

Tinto
The Saguaro
1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA
(1) 760-322-1900
Website
Map

That’s why Hotel Madera is so refreshing. It’s a real-deal retreat tucked away on a quiet residential street just off Dupont Circle. Every aspect of the hotel is infused with inner calm. The spacious, Japanese-inspired rooms are covered in grasscloth wallpaper and feature plush beds and deep, comfortable sofas that inspire satisfying rest. If you need more tranquility than the already quite serene rooms provide, book the “Tranquility” room, which offers extras like a Japanese massage chair and Bose white noise machine.

Those needing to burn off steam from a day in the capital will appreciate the in-room spa treatments and free in-room yoga mats. Or, book the “Cardio” room, which comes equipped with a stationary bike, a treadmill, or an elliptical machine. On the other hand, if a drink sounds more like your preferred way to wind down, the hotel hosts nightly complimentary wine receptions in the lobby (5:00pm-6:00pm). There’s also a full bar at onsite restaurant Firefly, where comfort food is served beneath twinkling lanterns.

The hotel even unburdens your woes about the environment with its eco-friendly policies (hybrid cars even park free!). They’re also super conscious of the needs of your littlest guests, whether kids or canines. Pets are warmly welcomed with amenities like food and water bowls and dog treats. Kid-friendly perks include welcome treats, child-sized robes, and child-proofing kits.

And, if you needed any further reassurance to quiet your frazzled nerves, consider this unique perk: repeat guests can store their toiletries at the hotel in between stays. That means never having to pack all those carry-on luggage sized bottles. And it also means never having to worry that you’ve forgotten something.

That’s a whole lot of inner calm! Soak it up, because just outside the door lies the bubbling cauldron of the Beltway…

Read more about Hotel Madera in our Washington, DC Guide.

Hotel Madera
1310 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC
(1) 202-296-7600
Website
Map

So it makes sense that Founding Farmers−a restaurant in DC‘s Foggy Bottom named for this patriotic agrarian phenomenon−would bring the best farm-fresh bounty into its cutting-edge kitchen. The restaurant is owned by a collective of real-deal American family farmers, so this ain’t no gimmick! Ingredients are local, seasonal, sustainable, and organic whenever possible, and when they procure something like, say, biodynamic Chilean wine from afar, they purchase carbon offsets to reduce the environmental impact.

The eco-consciousness really pays off on the plate. The kitchen turns out scrumptious American standards with the freshest produce, dairy products, wild-caught fish, and humanely raised meats. Juicy burgers and chili dogs, plus classics like Yankee pot roast or pan-fried chicken and waffles, make for hearty entrees. While carnivores will flip for these dishes as well as treats like bacon lollipops and crab cakes, vegetarians will have an awfully fine time here as well.

On the meatless front, we love starting out with the fried green tomatoes (with cornmeal batter and herb goat cheese) or the simply delicious skillet corn bread with honey butter and sea salt. The farmer’s salad is a cornucopia of seasonal lettuces, veggies, fruits, and nuts. One of the restaurant’s specialties is “farm breads,” which are thick-cut ciabatta rolls topped with a variety of veg-friendly toppings like brie, onion jam, and sliced apples. Fresh pastas and veggie entree choices like the grilled cauliflower steak are super satisfying.

You might think that cooking this wholesome would have a homespun atmosphere to match. The décor does indeed nod to the farmhouse, but it’s more “urban loft meets barnyard chic” than straight-up rustic. While the floors are made of reclaimed woods, there’s plenty of glass, steel, and glossy surfaces to make this a more upscale organic dining experience. George Washington University and the IMF are just next door, so the tall wood rafters and concrete bar draw plenty of upscale suit-and-tie types. The buzzy bar, serving up yummy cocktails, also attracts a sophisticated scene.

In fact, the restaurant even distills its own proprietary rye whiskey and gin from barley grown by farmers in the collective. Just think of sipping a cocktail with one of these fine spirits as the most festive, urbane way to get as close as possible to those amber waves of grain!

Read more about Founding Farmers in our Washington, DC Guide.

Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC
(1) 202-822-8783
Website
Map

Though a woman’s credentials and accomplishments should unquestionably be more important than the attractiveness of her haircut, we’re firm believers in women’s hair getting the right sort of attention. That is to say, great cuts with care and lots of pampering! And that’s where DC‘s Andre Chreky comes in.

The eponymous salon of the famous hairstylist is the go-to place for DC’s female power set to touch up their ‘dos and get some TLC to boot. Everyone from diplomats to First Ladies to lobbyists drops by for cuts that are admittedly conservative but the perfect match for power-suited professionals. Some pay a premium price for an audience with Andre himself, but all of the expert stylists do the “power bob” with flair and elegance.

On the pampering tip, the salon also offers a wide menu of spa services, from manis & pedis to facials, waxing, body treatments, and makeup. We’re fans of the Signature Facial, which includes deep cleansing exfoliation, relaxing massage, and a nourishing mask customized for your unique skin type. Granted, this isn’t a spa environment in the fully relaxing sense, since the space is pretty noisy, the treatment room walls are thin, and there are no perks like snacks or a relaxation lounge. But we appreciate being able to step out with every pore and follicle whipped into shape in a single visit!

Moreover, we enjoy hanging out among the K Street power set. The last time we were at the salon, a woman held court with two note-taking assistants as her hair was cut. It’s kind of a thrill to be in the company of such influential (and crisply bobbed) ladies!

That’s not to say that men are excluded, however. A small menu of men’s services includes haircuts, back waxes, and facials. And, even while the salon supports women’s political rise, they haven’t abandoned more traditional services like beautifying brides-to-be. If wedding bells are ringing in your near future, you can be one of Andre Chreky’s “wedding belles,” with their extensive selection of on- and off-site services for the bride and bridal party.

At the same time, here’s hoping that the only path a woman can take to the White House isn’t through marriage…

Read more about Andre Chreky in our Washington, DC Guide.

Andre Chreky
1604 K St., NW
Washington, DC
(1) 202-293-9393
Website
Map

Nope, you’re actually at Eden, a swanky lounge-cum-dance club that’s DC‘s answer to partying SoBe style. Tough door? Check. Ladies in bandage dresses and killer heels? Check. Cool kids lounging around on banquettes or at private tables? Check and check.

The tropical theme alone might be enough to transport you down Florida way. Lush hanging plants and bright green décor details create a kind of “rainforest chic” atmosphere. At the same time, there’s also an Asian vibe in the mix with the happy hour menu of gyoza, satay, and spring rolls (although, frankly, these bites are pretty meh, and the deals aren’t so great).

Each of the three floors in the club has its own bar, so we can get our drink fix no matter where in the club we end up wandering. The rooftop is winkingly named “Garden of Eden,” and there’s also the “Forbidden Room” on the third floor, so check any biblical irony at the door. In nice weather, DJs play up on the roof. The dancing crowds are pretty exuberant here, a nice change of pace from the sometimes uptight DC decorum.

Bottle service is pretty popular, and it’s a fun place to bring a big group. If that’s not how you roll, expect to pay a cover charge of USD 10-20 on most nights. However, check online to join the RSVP list and obtain free entry before midnight on select nights.

Aside from the occasional Drake sighting, the crowd is mostly made up of European and other expats and embassy workers and off-the-clock Hill staffers. But inevitably, the party-loving college kids show up, and…poof! Spring break in Miami!

Read more about Eden in our Washington, DC Guide.

Eden
1716 I St., NW
Washington, DC
(1) 202-905-9300
Website
Map

Photo courtesy of Jeri Gloge on Flickr Creative Commons

WASHINGTON, DC, US – Here at The Purple Passport, we’re pretty big fans of collecting as many stamps in our passports as possible. Aside from doing, say, a whirlwind Europe-in-10-days trip, we can’t think of a better way to collect a bunch of stamps in a short period of time than “Passport DC,” held on Embassy Row each May.

The event flings open the doors of the elegant foreign embassies clustered along Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Visitors can purchase a “Souvenir Passport” to get stamped at each embassy they visit on May 3. Over 40 embassies participate, from Afghanistan to Zambia, and food, music, and dance performances introduce “travelers” to the rainbow of foreign cultures represented. Of course, the passport stamps provided are not official, but the symbolic stamps sure are fun. Then, on May 10, the European Union embassies host their own open house, so you can hop from Denmark to Italy in a jiffy.

Even if you can’t make it in May, though, Embassy Row is worth a visit during a trip any time of year. The neighborhood of ritzy mansions makes a lovely backdrop for a family stroll or date with a sweetheart and offers a sense of history to boot. The Row began as a chichi enclave in the 1900s and then lost its elite status during the Great Depression, only to evolve into a glamorous district of foreign ministries in the years after World War II.

The architecture and landscaping are lovely, and the diplomatic crowd imparts a regal feel. Highlights include the constructivist architecture of the Finnish Embassy and the modern, marble-shelled Italian Embassy. Many of the embassies open their doors individually for public events including concerts, exhibitions, and lectures−check the websites of individual embassies for more information.

Aside from Passport DC, another of our favorite times on Embassy Row is Halloween. Many embassies get in the spirit by handing out culturally specific sweet goodies to costumed locals and university students. One Purple staffer once received a Mayan ruin made out of chocolate from the Guatemalan Embassy. Now that’s what we call good diplomacy!

Read more about Embassy Row in our Washington, DC Guide.

Embassy Row
Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC
Website
Map