The Most Awesome Celebrity Workout Tapes Ever
Summer is still in full effect and priority one in these steamy months is a hot body. But maybe you’re tired of the all the trendy workouts like Cross Fit, Pilates, Pure Barre, or grinding on that stripper pole. Why not go to a place where aerobics ruled, spandex was NOT ironic and neon was all the rage, not rave like it is today.
What’s this magical place? The 80’s and 90’s where celebrities from the D list to the A list all busted a move in their tightest thong workout unitards or matching track suits and turtlenecks so you could pop it in your VHS and sweat to the oldies (not just to Richard Simmons). This was a glorious era that reveled in the complete and total absence of irony. Hop aboard the locomotive as we count down the most totally rad celebrity workouts ever.
Cher
Mega star Cher is credited as bringing a sense of female autonomy and self-actualization into the entertainment industry, awesome jams like If I Could Turn Back Time, and I Got You Babe, and the often forgotten workout tape Body Confidence. You laugh, but Cher has had a rocking body for six going on seven decades, so I’m going to listen to this Diva. Afterall, she never had a fat phase like Britney, Christina and Jessica.
Mark Walberg
Sure he may be a Hollywood A-lister now, but back then, he was Marky Mark, he had his funky bunch, a third nipple, a Calvin Klein underwear campaign and a cheesy workout video to wrap it all up in one ripped package.
Paula Abdul
Get up and dance! It’s what the former Lakers cheerleader, dancer, and pop star demands from her fellow aerobicizers in this workout video. But where’s the Paula Abdul music in this workout? I want to grape vine right grape vine left to Cold Hearted Snake not the YMCA. WTF?!?!
Fabio
Like Madonna or Cher (only not talented), the solo named Fabio, Italian fashion model, spokesperson, and actor, who appeared on the covers of hundreds of romance novels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, or as I remember him best as that grease ball from the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter commercials, joined in on the workout tape craze. It’s like soft-core porn. Sick. (BTW check out his website, it’s ridiculous).
Alyssa Milano
In the innocent days before free Internet porn, there was Alyssa Milano and Teen Steam. You know her from her days on Who’s the Boss (check reruns at 3am) or Charmed. It was a simpler time. Taking place over the course of a sleepover/workout party, the movie includes bizarrely staged music videos (starring Milano!), boy problems (that she is having!), and choreography that looks like…well, something a 15-year-old girl would do in her bedroom.
Traci Lords
Made “famous” or perhaps infamous by her underage appearances in porn, of course Traci Lords made a low budget work out tape, because that’s what you do when you want to shed your slutty image because you “got into porn because you really wanted to be an A-list actress”. Know your audience Traci, yours is that balding old man with the beer belly leering at young girls at Hooters. Let’s get fit with Sexy Exercize set to the background of 80’s porn music.
Chuck Norris
Walker Texas Ranger (Chuck Norris) is many a man’s hero. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist, and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do, not to mention a long list of movies. But before Norris began pushing the Total Gym on late night television he urged our butts into high gear with his workout tapes, which offer the added bonus of self-defense against bullies or rapists.
George Foreman
Retired American professional boxer, two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister, author, and entrepreneur. Blah blah blah, the dude who gave us the late night George Foreman Grill, added exercise instructor to his resume because that’s the kind of stand up guy he is, fills us up with burgers and then forces us to work off the flab.
Angela Landsbury
I don’t know about you, but senior citizens are pretty much the last people I’d ask for workout tips. Yet, here’s Angela Landsbury from Murder She Wrote (or the teapot in Beauty and the Beast for you younger kids) doling out workout tips. Though at 88, she’s still going strong so maybe we shouldn’t laugh this one off just yet.
Latoya Jackson
As the fifth child in the Jackson family, poor Latoya is better known for her facial reconstruction and affiliation with the crazy train of lunatics over at the Psychic Friends Network, so she hasn’t received all the fan fare as her brothers. But, she was wise enough to jump on the aerobic workout VHS bandwagon and that’s got to count for something. There’s just something about her voice that makes me want to lay down and take a nap, not join in on this step up workout.
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear was the ultimate ‘babe’ back then and has never had an ounce of fat on her body, which makes me want to scream and hate her from afar, yet steal all her workout advice, which is exactly what you can do with this throw back aerobic workout. The music is full of lively guitar riffs (maybe ex husband and ex Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora had some help with the soundtrack) and Easter egg colored thong unitards for your viewing pleasure.
Barbie
Barbie was awesome, before a bunch of feminist moms talked Mattel into giving her flat feet, smaller boobs, a fatter waistline and shorter stature. Now, she looks like an f#*ked up version of Skipper her younger sister doll. But, in the early 90’s Barbie was still in her hey day with unattainable proportions giving 90’s youth hope that they could one day aerobicize their body to look like this plastic goddess. Dr. 90210 owes his life to Barbie.
So, if all your late nights partying in the DC nightclub scene, have left you broke, pop in a VHS (am I the only person who still owns this machine?), ok You Tube your favorite throw back workout, tone up and hit the beach before the snow sets in.
You can also check out these slightly less amazing, but still awesome workout tapes from the past that didn’t make the list, but still thrill me.
Claudia Schiffer, Milton Berle, Shirley MacLaine, Dixie Carter, Silver Foxes, Marie Osmond, Sandy Duncan, Estelle Getty, Sally Struthers, Chyna, Mary Tyler Moore, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Regis Phillbin
DC’s Best EDM Venues For Non-EDM People
If an EDM fanatic, the genres and culture surrounding dance music are currently literally included in every aspect of our lives. From the mall, to the gym, even the muzak in the elevator as we’re headed into the office in the morning could feature tunes by Krewella, Zedd, Avicii and more. If you’re like me, there are people in your life who are either curious or dismissive of EDM related venues in DC until they inevitably find a song that gets them interested in learning and/or hearing more. Thankfully, if in the DC Metropolitan area at the moment, there a diversity of nightspots that – given the characteristics of the person who’s interested – will entertain them and possibly win them over as new fans of electronic dance music and electronic dance music culture. From U Street to Northeast, Downtown and more, there’s certainly something for everyone.
Person #1
Your boss is in her early 40s and awkwardly stops by your cubicle every time she sees you silently raging to that Dada Life mix. As well, she always brings up raving in high school while listening to Depeche Mode, and she name drops “Voodoo People” by The Prodigy as the song that set off her college parties. Currently, she doesn’t listen to much on the radio, but she definitely scores tickets for Moby whenever he’s in town.
The best DC nightlife spot for Person #1 – Send your boss down to U Street Music Hall’s bass heavy black box venue. Though she definitely has seen her fair share of bright lights and glowsticks, she’s going to want to take some time before jumping into the deep end of the EDM pool. Nights when electronica-era acts like techno king Plastikman play, it’s typically a reminder of everything old with a teaspoon of new material. Or, have her check out local DJ/producer and club owner Will Eastman’s Bliss parties. Known for less raging and more vibing, it may become her favorite monthly DC night on the town.
Person #2
So, there’s this woman you see in Zumba class when you walk by that giant glass window that is on the way to the men’s locker room. She never misses a step, looks like she doesn’t mind getting sweaty, and guess what, you have her phone number and you are supposed to be going out on Thursday night. Is there a club in town that can satisfy her funky, percussive dance needs? Of course there is!
The best DC nightlife spot for Person #2 – Tropicalia’s name matches the vibe of what happens so often in the club. On the corner of 14th and U and built beneath Lost Society and Subway, for what Tropicalia lacks in being particularly eye-catching, it more than compensates for in the heavy Afro-Latino funk vibes of the DJs regularly spinning at the club. Definitely check the calendar for local DJs Mista Selecta and Mane Squeeze keep things drum-heavy and diverse.
Person #3
So, your college roommate is moving into town. He was always a bit off the beaten path, and may enjoy science and a night with Dr. Who on Netflix after a day of working as a web coding specialist over pulse pounding electro rhythms. However, you two haven’t seen each other in five years, and he wants to have “a different night on the town.” It just so happens that the DC area has one of America’s best nightclub experiences for the “non-EDM person.”
The best DC nightlife spot for Person #3 – Echostage. Between a mammoth LED wall, enormous ground-level dance floor, second-level VIP seating, and a system that is calibrated well enough to allow for music to be loud and not quite grating against the senses. A sensory overload in the best way possible, Echostage is probably an experience in the Nation’s Capital that a non-EDM aficionado would be willing to have over and over again.
Person #4 (and 5)
Your best friend’s mom and dad are in town and they’re certainly known for being the “adventurous” sort. Though appearing very straight laced on the surface, the mother sky-dives, paints and has traveled the world, while the father knows five languages, brews his own beer and does Crossfit. While at dinner, with you and your friend, they want to “let their hair down” and “dance.” Where to take them?
The best DC nightlife spot for Person #4 (and 5) – To give those crazy lovebirds the night they likely want to have, check out Eighteenth Street Lounge. Eclectic, yet fun, the main room and outdoor patio specialize in all manner of house and disco. For parents looking to bump a bit while dancing cheek to cheek, or maybe feeling something a bit more adventurous, yet house-driven with DC-area legend Sam “The Man” Burns in the back room.
Person #6
The guy who sits next to you on your uptown to downtown Metrobus ride every morning listens to 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar while he sees that your iPOD is filled with Kaskade and Dillon Francis. His girlfriend digs “your music” though, and he needs somewhere to take her where he can hear a bit of things they both like.
The best DC nightlife spot for Person #6 – Tell your Metrobus buddy that the best bang for his bucks can be found at Ultrabar. Five levels of different types of partying absolutely ensures that from A$AP Rocky to Steve Angello, they’re going to hear a solid mix of everything they both require to have a quality night on the town.
Five Great DC Men’s Clothing Options For DC Nightlife
Between Moonrise and Trillectro, plus the recently passed Union BBQ, Thank You and Sweetlife Festivals, the DC area has recently been swept up in party fever. The Nation’s Capital also has a diversity of top-tier music-driven nightlife options available, too. However, when it comes to fashion options for these events, someone could make the very easy-to-make argument that it’s a 110% women-driven market. Previews and photo spreads rarely ever spend significant time highlighting unique and quality options for men. However, with this article, that’s about to change, and as well, it will be done with a local spin. If a guy who enjoys the incredible number of options available for entertainment, but also wants to stand out from the collared (or neon tee) shirt crowd, DC has some fantastic local fashion options worth considering.
Hugh and Crye
3212 O St NW
(202) 250-3807
In visiting the Georgetown-based and gaining in national respect men’s fashion company, finely-tailored men’s clothing no longer has to be a boring and expensive situation. Off-the-rack dress shirts and blazers oftentimes fit uncomfortably or blouse up around the cuff and in the midsection. In many cases, if you’re heading out to VIP on the second level of Echostage or out to the Golden Triangle’s chic Barcode, you’re also likely spending a good amount of time attempting to be physically fit, so, having some gear that can showcase the effort you’ve put in at the gym is worthwhile. Shirts fit according to skinny fit, slim fit, athletic fit, or broad fit (with a number of separations in those size classes). Blazers are similar, and the company also has one-of-a-kind pocket squares, collar stays, tie pins and ties available, too.
Federal
2216 14th St NW
(202) 518-3375
The one fashion tip that every fashion-forward male should know is that every man needs a great pair of jeans. Whether the jeans are of the raw, slim-fitting Japanese selvedge variety, or just a great pair of well-constructed straight leg jeans, they’re important. From throwing on a v-neck t-shirt and partying with that epic soundsystem at 9:30 Club or putting on a collared shirt and jacket and heading to any one of the five levels of diverse sounds at Ultrabar, with the right pair of jeans, both events are possible. The classic hip-hop notion of baggy jeans being everywhere is largely done. Being able to wear jeans anywhere is now quite popular though, so having a pair that fit like khaki pants, but don’t make you feel like you’re at the 9-5 is important. Yes, the price is somewhat steep, but if you look at it as an investment in comfort wherever you’re heading when out for entertainment, it’s definitely worthwhile. 14th Street’s Federal specializes in this, and will definitely help you get the most out of the experience.
Dr. K’s Vintage
1534 U St NW
(240) 888-6284
It’s all about belts and shoes, plus accessories make the memorable man. Many of us are headed out on the town because it’s all about finding a significant other. If a man making this search, finding that one piece of clothing that – even in a dark nightclub or in front of a festival stage filled with tons of people – makes you stand out, is important. Four blocks away from indie-friendly locales U Street Music Hall and Tropicalia, Dr. K’s Vintage specializes in rare and hard-to-find vintage clothing, but it’s the enormous array of shoes, belts and belt buckles that makes them stand out. Thinking that it might be time for a new and much more swagged out belt buckle? It’s often said that you can look at a man’s shoes to get a sense of who he is as a person. Wanting to make a funky statement? Maybe it’s a military-style boot? What about a unique oxford that’s 40-years old and absolutely not on the market. If wanting that ever-so-slight edge, this place is definitely worth the time.
Cmonwealth
1781 Florida Ave. NW
(202) 265-1155
Sneakers. Yes, while frowned upon by many night spots, there’s still going to be that occasional night that calls for dressing down and letting it all hang out. Whether that means a sweaty and wild night of Moombahton Massive at U Street Music Hall, Steve Aoki tossing cakes and dropping bass bombs at Merriweather Post Pavilion, or just heading out for a not-so-fashion serious night on the town in general, by considering your feet in all of this, there’s still a way to sneak in a little bit of flair. Cmonwealth’s existed in Adams Morgan for quite some time, and the one thing they’ve always gotten right is understanding footwear. Sneaker fashion oftentimes tends to get a little out of hand in color and style, but in hand-selecting what ends up in the store, Cmonwealth ensures that you’re certain to find something not too wild, but just crazy enough to spruce up any outfit.
Redeem
1810 14th St NW
(202) 332-7447
Okay, so none of the other places on this list suit your fancy. You’re that one guy that we all know who thinks that DC isn’t Brooklyn or LA, but are impressed by the plethora of big name dance festivals being booked at cavernous suburban venues like Pimlico Race Course and Jiffy Lube Live. Fashion is your “thing,” too, and you think that DC is so corporate and government drab. Well, let me tell you about 14th Street’s Redeem and help you understand that you’re totally wrong. You’re looking for rare and indie clothes, right? Well, Redeem has a variety of rising American and international independent brands, and local designers, too. Do you hate that moment of reading your favorite fashion blog but knowing that there’s absolutely no way that any DC store is going to know about what you’re talking about? That’s absolutely not the case here. If you’re looking for couture, but at the same time ever-so-slightly cost-conscious, this is the shop for you.
Most Bizzare Celebrity DJs
Seems like everyone’s a DJ these days. Well, at least everyone thinks a fancy a pair of blinged out headphones, and an extensive iPod playlist is all it takes, and celebrities are some of the biggest offenders of the instant DJ. Check out this laughable list of the weirdest celebrity wanna-be DJs while you wish they’d leave this skill to the professionals.
David Beckham
Former England footballer and LA Galaxy midfielder, and um super hot David Beckham, uploaded his “Winter 2014″ chart on Beatport and its pretty underground. He’s featured some wickedly talented and fast rising producers. It’s is an intimate collection of dark, purist tech house music gems. He showed his ‘skills’ at The End, London, for garage night Twice As Nice for a two-hour set.
Nigel Benn
Former world super middleweight champion aka the Dark Destroyer, is now a DJ? According to Benn,
“I have two loves in my life, House music and boxing. I adore them both with equal measure to such an extent, that my idea of heaven evolves around the spectacle of two fully grown men beating seven balls of shit out of each other, as I get stuck into a chicken Korma, washed down with a six pack of Stella Artois, whilst listening to some serious Deep House at full volume. Believe me, there’s nothing like it (apart from a jackpot lottery win or a night with Cindy Crawford).” WOW.
Wesley Snipes
In 2003 the Hollywood actor, tax evader slash vampire slayer won DanceStar’s ‘Best Celebrity DJ’ award in Miami. To make things even more weird Snipes was just seen partying in a club with Paris Hilton and Justin Beiber at the Cannes film festival this year. What a threesome- Hollyweird House Mafia?
Elijah Wood
Wonder if Frodo is his DJ name? Nope, it DJ E-Wood. The ‘Lord of the Rings’ star has done some gigs in Brooklyn and Austin’s SXSW festival, and just did a gig at FanstasyCon in Salt Lake City over the fourth of July holiday weekend. What a nerd fest that must have been!
Tommy Lee
Heavy metal drummer Tommy Lee, now on his farewell tour with Motley Crue, moonlights as a DJ, mostly as a duo with DJ Aero.
Deejaying is no passing fad for TOMMY LEE. As he told The Miami New Times, “This DJ project will never be over. This isn’t like a quick little, ‘I’m gonna play techno music with my buddy Aero for a minute.’ It’s tattooed in. It’s not going away.” Remember when he came to Glow in 2009 and played piano with Sharam of Deep Dish?
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan tried his hand as a DJ, and even spent some time in the booth with Steve Aoki who tweeted “The Hulk in my DJ booth. @hulkhogan #hulkamania”, but passed the baton to his son, Nick Hogan.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the younger Hogan first tried his hand at DJing a few years back after his pop-star sister Brooke gave him a pair of turntables. Since then, he’s opened for DJ Pauly D and played a handful of other gigs around the country. He recently released the acid-tinged track “Everybody’s Doing It”.
Michelle Rodriguez
The bad ass Fast and Furious actress is apparently now a DJ as well. She just held it down behind the DJ booth at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s 2014 An Evening with Women event held at The Beverly Hilton in May in Beverly Hills. We’re too scared of her to say anything bad.
Snooki
Perhaps taking a cue from her ‘Jersey Shore’ co-star DJ Pauly D, who played several times at our very Barcode. Or perhaps she’s looking for a back up career after her reality television stint runs dry. The pint size wanna-be even has her own line of headphones, no doubt tacky and gawdy.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys has picked up a new talent while being married to producer/rapper Swizz Beatz. The songstress premiered her alter-ego Mrs. DJ AK-47 recently while at a party at New York City’s Yotel hotel. She took over the turntables from Swizzy and immediately got the party rocking as she spun a few joints by Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock and Gang Starr. Don’t quit your day job.
Justin Bieber
Just no. Can’t even go there. No DJing, no singing, no dancing, no driving, no smoking, no existing, just no no no.
Macaulay Culkin
KEVIN!!! It’s now ‘DJ Mac’, and apparently he’s a one stop party shop, promotes his own “iPod parties”, where he’s the DJ of honor, and brings the party favors. His parties generally have an off the wall theme like, Macaulay Culkin’s iPod: Dinosaur Birthday Party. Weird, though it looks like he may have taken his partying too far.
Lindsay Lohan
Another train wreck turned DJ. Maybe she was just trying to get closer to her then girlfriend and “sort-of” DJ Samantha Ronson. Whatever the case is, we can’t imagine this having been something anyone was seriously trying to see.
Dennis Rodman
Former NBA champion announced his plans to become a celebrity DJ in 2010 and hit the road with his bestie, who taught him how to DJ. He played a bunch of second-rate nightclub events and a Kentucky Derby party, landed in rehab and well nobody cares.
Kim Kardashian
Let me guess, a Kim K set would be plopping a Kanye CD in and rolling through the tracks, maybe a hair flip or two, a few makeup touch ups, and the whole club falls asleep. Stick to showing up as celebrity guest at a club, grab your check and leave the turntables to someone with better musical and marital taste.
Paris Hilton
The epitome of entitlement Paris Hilton is she is dead serious about this DJ game. She’s dated Afrojack, who’s called her out about her lack of DJ skills, but really, he didn’t even need to speak (especially since he’s still worked with her on her forthcoming album for Cash Money). Though she did win the ‘Best Celebrity DJ’ at the Dancestar Awards in 2004 and did a recent gig at our very own Echostage in DC, which we are sure was one of her greatest nights.
Kirstie Ally
Nothing about her alias as DJ Lil Buttercup, screams hardcore DJ, yet Lil Buttercup made her DJ debut at Colony, a Hollywood nightclub in 2011. Think she peaked at during her ‘Look Who’s Talking’ and ‘Cheers’ days…
Matt LeBlanc
Matt Le Blanc tried his hand as a DJ with the FashionTV crowd at Maddox nightclub on the last night of London Fashion Week 2010. The former ‘Friends’ star looks nervous outside of his classic Joey role.
Solange Knowles
Beyonce’s little sis was nominated for Golden Spin Award for Celebrity DJ Of The Year in 2012. Wonder if she beat anyone up because she didn’t win! It must suck to be the less loved sister under the shadow of Beyonce’s weave.
Don’t quit your day job people, is that the lesson we can all learn here? Or should we follow Tosh.0 whose wise words on DJs, start with “you know why everyone thinks they can DJ? Because they can…” Let’s just let him sum it all up for us with this video and you can make up your own minds.
Life in Color Unleash – World’s Largest Paint Party – 9.20.14
Life in Color “The World’s Largest Paint Party” Presents:
The 2014 Unleash Tour
Washington D.C. – Baltimore
Saturday September 20, 2014
RFK Stadium Grounds
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
DC nightlife went hard in the paint last year for Life In Color‘s first festival ever! The festival featured a ferris wheel, zip lines, air bungees, gallons of paint, and massive DJ’s including Afrojack, R3hab, and Nicky Romero.
In 2014, its all about the “Unleash Tour”! “The Unleash Tour represents a lifestyle, a culture. Something that allows you to let go of all worries and just be yourself! It symbolizes freedom. There is no need to worry about labels, how you dress, or how you look. We want our fans to come to Life in Color and just be themselves…we want you to UNLEASH with us”
Join us as we transform the RFK Stadium Grounds into a massive paint party on September 20th. We can promise you an unforgettable experience!
“The World’s Largest Paint Party” tours around the world with the biggest names in electronic dance music (EDM), thousands of people, unique aerial acts, contortionists, stilt walkers, fire dancers, and of course……. massive amounts of PAINT!
Formerly known as DayGlow, Life in Color was founded on Florida college campuses in 2006 and quickly gained recognition nationwide as an unparalleled magical experience. “The World’s Largest Paint Party” unites thousands of fans with high-energy music, art, dance, and paint for an unforgettable adventure.
Five Dining Options on 14th Street NW
As with any city in the midst of an economic boom period, big business comes to town in a major way and completely changes the landscape. For Washington, DC, this has affected two major areas, food and entertainment. Insofar as entertainment, new options are popping up all over town, and in the suburbs, too. However, as far as food, there may be no finer area at-present than traveling down Northwest DC’s 14th Street strip. If preparing for a night on the town anywhere in DC, 14th Street is a great central location to consider taking a date or friends, and enjoying an incredible meal before an exciting evening in the Nation’s Capital. Unsure of where to head? Well, here’s a list of five of 14th Street’s best options.
1610 14th St. NW
202-803-2389
An Italian Gastro pub, Ghibellina features Tuscan-style cuisine, which basically amounts to classy Italian takes on pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes and desserts. If looking for &Pizza or Olive Garden, this is a clear step above. Upon entering the restaurant, you’re greeted by the bar and a bar-style seating area facing directly out onto 14th Street. That, alongside the exposed brick and beams, plus the candlelit atmosphere gives the space a warm, inviting ambience. Food is best ordered here to be shared by the entire table (like pizza) or in a manner similar to tapas, meaning that smaller plates that can be conveniently shared, too.
Worth ordering: Quattro Formaggi – A pizza featuring buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, grana padano and pecorino romano cheese, as well as pickled hot peppers, garlic, basil, oregano.
1819 14th St. NW
(202) 328-3131
Let’s say it’s your roommate’s birthday, and instead of having a DC nightlife evening of heading to a bar and requesting her favorite song over and over again (and the DJ not even appearing to pay attention), you want something more. Let me suggest the Tequileria at El Centro as an idea. In the restaurant’s underground space, mixologists craft Latin cocktails and can pour from 200 tequilas and mezcals in doing so. While tasting rare alcoholic beverages, also enjoy a dining menu including traditional fare like tacos and enchiladas, but also a native Mexican menu that is wide a deep, with both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.
Worth ordering: Jalisco Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas – Outside of the obvious, the enchiladas come topped with oaxaca cheese, corn and crema fresca, plus are served with fresh plantains and cilantro rice.
1818 14th St NW
(202) 265-8337
So, you’re a little bit older, and your parents are in town, but your friends are still are coming out with you for the evening. Yes, 14th Street even has options for you, too. Ted’s Bulletin blends art-deco décor with a menu that is equal parts delicious and ridiculous. Traditional American with a twist is the key here, with beer-battered fish, steaks, breakfast all day, and yes, homemade pop tarts as well. If looking for a quality meal that is tasty and top-notch without the bells and whistles of other 14th Street locations, Ted’s is ideal.
Worth ordering: “The Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito” – Sirloin steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar cheese and green chile sauce, served with hash browns.
1601 14th St NW
(202) 332-3333
Possibly one of the most physically attractive restaurants along 14th Street, French dining option Le Diplomate features an extraordinarily simple, yet well-delivered take on French cuisine. Appetizers include roasted sweetbreads, onion soup au gratin, steak tartare and and escargots, while entrees include steak frites, trout amandine, beef bourguignon and duck leg and breast confit. With multiple specialty cocktails featured on the menu as well, this is quite possibly one of the few locales in the area that has Euro-centric cuisine delivered without too much innovation.
Worth ordering: Steak Frites – Pan roasted hanger steak served with maître d’ butter and a side of pommes frites.
1608 14th St NW
(202) 234-2400
For as many newly opened restaurants continue to reach the 14th Street area, “fine Thai” cuisine space Rice continues to deliver quality food, excellent indoor and outdoor atmosphere and a diverse menu that offers a unique dining experience. Pumpkin empanadas at a “Thai” restaurant? Absolutely, and they’re crisp, moist and unforgettable. The menu is separated into “Rice specialties, (aka newly invented Thai fusion cuisine)” as well as “Authentic Thai” and “Healthy Green.” If headed out with a crew with diverse tastes, dietary restrictions or just adventurous eaters, this is a quality choice.
Worth ordering: Spicy duck, stir-fried with Thai herbs and crispy wild ginger
Toro Toro
- Main Dining Area
- Venue type: Restaurant/ lounge
- Amenities: Happy hour, Sunday brunch, Full menu, Happy hour menu, Full bar, Private events, Bottle service.
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11pm- 2 am Friday- Saturday: 10 pm- 3 am
- Cover charge: None
- Dress code: Fashionable
- Age requirement: 21+ on the weekend
- Location: McPherson Square
- Address: 1300 I street NW Washington DC 20005
- Contact: 202-682-9500
- Website: www.richardsandoval.com/torotorodc/
Overview:
Richard Sandoval’s newest DC hotspot is an upscale Latin restaurant serving authentic cuisine during the day, with full bars in both the dining and downstairs lounge areas. Everything in Toro Toro is perfectly Latin themed, from the furnishings to the Day of the Dead bottled beers. Boasting burning amber onyx walls, lush black leather couches, a lit-up bar, glowing orange countertops, and state-of-the art lighting system, Toro Toro creates an ambience of pure elegance.
On the main floor, you can enjoy the quiet, classy atmosphere at the bar, or candle-lit table to unwind from a long day. The happy hour includes reasonably priced and tasty appetizers and cocktails, featuring Latin-inspired dishes such as their chipotle hummus and smoked guacamole.
Located on the bottom level, the 5,000 sqft late night lounge provides an intimate and vibrant setting for guests to dance and converse.VIP tables are placed conveniently by the dance floor with comfy and chic couches for guests. Candles are lit next to plush booths to enhance the intimate ambience. Another notable aspect of this floor is the state-of-the art lighting system, with its beautiful array of bright colors and patterns. The flashing lights are perfectly timed to create a high-energy and sensual vibe on the dancefloor. The beautiful upscale interior is complimented with tasty, Latin-inspired drinks, exceptional service, and uplifting house music.
I would recommend Toro Toro for private events and celebrations. Tables provide an intimate setting for guests to enjoy delicious drinks and for you to have a great time with friends. They also come with excellent service. The VIP hostesses were very attentive and made sure to keep our table stocked throughout the night.
For bottle service specials and rates, call 202.682.9500. Toro Toro is also available for private events.
Written by Roma Moradian and Sana Alloo
What do YOU think?
How was your experience? Share your feedback below!
We’re not looking for trolls and we’re not looking for cheerleaders. We’re looking for honest feedback. Thanks!
The Craziest EDM Lovin’ DJ Tattoos
These ride or die EDM loving fans went all out with their ink. Forget tattooing your lover’s name on your body, these music lover’s tastes will last forever as they immortalized their dedication to the electronic thumping’s of their favorite DJs. After all, music can’t break up with you.
Tiesto
This most impressive full back $9,000 ode to Tiesto belongs to Lello Arena. Glow interviewed the ultra fan back in 2012. Though his Tiesto tattoo is his largest and most impressive he also has Axwell, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Laidback Luke, W&W, Rank 1, Fedde le Grand, Hardwell, Alesso, Thomas Gold and Sander van Doorn signatures forever decorating his body.
DJ AM
Kat Von D etched this mug of the late DJ on this fan’s bod, who happens to be a DJ himself, DJ Fashen. That’s a West Coast threesome right there! Travis Barker, Blink 182 drummer and the lone survivor from the fatal plane crash that took DJ AM ’s life also inked an ode to the gone-too-see turntablist (on the right).
Axwell
We found several Axwell bleeding heart fans out there who tatted up their skin in love of the #19 DJ on the 2013 DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ’s. Wonder if these guys know each other? Like girls showing up at the same party wearing the same dress…
Skrillex
Not sure why this guy chose to have Skrillex’s face etched permanently so close to his junk, but that’s his business. This tat takes some serious commitment and will keep Skrillex forever young.
Daft Punk
Helmet-clad French electronic duo Daft Punk are coming to the small screen with a one-hour documentary made by BBC Worldwide Production France which is slated to air in 2015. These die-hard fans should be at the premiere for their dedication. Did you check out the Daft Punk/Skrillex mash up tat- what???
Deadmau5
Wonder if ex-fiancé and famous tattoo artist Kat Von D laid down this ass art in ode to the mouse head wearing DJ? This tattoo requires some serious lunges to keep the cottage cheese at bay and Deadmau5 sag.
Everything EDM
Can’t choose which act to devote your skin space to? Why discriminate, spread the love like this walking ad for everything EDM.
Armin Van Buuren
This permanent wristband should definitely get this super Armin Van Buuren fan into gigs for life. Body real estate in exchange for concert ticket? We think that’s fare. The other silhouette won a tattoo contest on the ‘A State of Trance’ website.
Swedish House Mafia
This guy must have some serious balls to get a super big tramp stamp of the Swedish electronic dance music trio that consists of three dudes. At least this tattoo will last longer than the three members of Swedish House Mafia who broke up in 2013.
Bassnectar
Bassnectar had several super devoted fans that dedicated large chunks of skin to this artist, but these really stood out. Some show the cover art of Bassnectar’s album, ‘Divergent Spectrum’. Though the other one lower back tat is slightly lost while living on the back amongst a mixed bag of random tattoos including a pentagram, yet it’s still glows with devotion.
Kaskade
It must be an honor for Kaskade to have so many fans tattooing themselves with lyrics from his songs. This won wins out for the massive size…too obvious though? ‘Angel on my shoulder’ being inked on the shoulder, get it?
Sebastian Ingrosso
Sebastian Ingrosso, one third of the Swedish House Mafia, but perhaps more true than ever since their split, this DJ’s flying solo.
Ferry Corsten
This girl wins for double trouble- lyrics from Ferry Corsten ‘s, ‘Beautiful’, circle the DJ’s logo, next to a slightly faded bonus ‘A State Of Trance’ angel to the left, which lets us know she’s a life long fan of EDM.
Make sure to check out the full article on ‘The Tiesto Tattoo Guy’ from his interview with our very own Glow DC.
Labor Day Carnival White Out: 8.31.14 at Ultrabar
Panorama Productions and Ultrabar Present:
Labor Day Carnival White Out
Half off drinks 10pm-11pm!
Sunday, August 31, 2014 | Ages 18+
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Drawing inspiration from the biggest party in the world, Panorama and Ultrabar fuse elements of the Brazilian, Portuguese and Caribbean Carnivals as well as New Orleans Mardi Gras into one massive event this Labor Day!
With free party favors, balloon drops, vodka pops, gummi bear shots, confetti blasts, masks, and live performers, Carnival at Ultrabar is DC nightlife’s escape to the no-holds-barred party world.
Featuring 5 floors, 6 bars and $5 Fireball shots till midnight!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $5 Fireball shots until midnight
- Half off drinks 10pm-11pm
- $150 bottles of Stoli
- Bottle service available at (202) 271 1171
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dressy Casual
The Worst Places You Can Wind Up After a Night Out in DC
We’ve all had those nights where you go out with the best of intentions…
I’m not going to drink ‘too’ much, I have to work tomorrow, I have that marathon to run, or I’m meeting my parents for brunch…
Cut to, winding up in an undisclosed basement in Centreville, a strip club in Baltimore, the slammer or worse. We know it happens to the best of us, so let’s commiserate on some of the worst places party goers (not you of course- wink wink) can wind up after a night in the nation’s capital.
The Suburbs After Party
Nothing like waking up in the butt crack Northern Virginia. Seems like most after parties wind up somewhere way too far south or north of DC. You come out of your after party haze, like where the hell am I? Siri? Google Maps? Yellow Cab? There are kids outside playing in the neighboring yard and there you are stumbling out of a Centreville basement with the rest of the zombies. Keep it classy!
Baltimore Strip Club
This is one area that Baltimore excels, there’s Score’s, Larry Flynt’s Hustler, well you dirty boys know them all by memory. It all sounded like a great idea until the sun comes up and you’re broke and in Baltimore, even the strippers have gone to bed, and your ride home will be a true test of your manhood.
Honey Pig
Damn you 24 hours! Korean BBQ sometimes sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a few too many, but then you wake up ten pounds fatter, and somehow your hair and clothes are covered in a sticky layer of grease, just like your insides.
The Streets of DC Walk O’ Shame
We’ve all done this victory lap. But perhaps no other city in the country is the walk of shame, more shameful than the nation’s capital. Why? Because you cannot avoid the DC political type, suited up, conservative office types rushing to work, and yuppie mommies with baby carriages giving you disapproving looks, all this on the mean streets of DC. For comparison’s sake, walk of shame in NYC or LA, not so bad, there’s tons more freaks and geeks to blend in with.
The Drunk Tank
Your night out antics sometimes wind up with a good old-fashioned trip to the po po. Quite possibly the worst place on earth to end your night is the police station, so don’t drink and drive and quit it with the bar brawls because this one is the gift that keeps on giving- Mug shots!
Your Ex’s Bed
How did this happen? You check your phone. Drunken texting will get you every time. Good luck sneaking out before that stage five clinger wakes up!
The Hospital
You definitely shouldn’t have worn those 5-inch heels out while trying to twerk at Echostage. But hopefully you looked good doing it, before the fall…
NYC
Washingtonians are lucky to be able to easily take a car, bus, train, or short flight to New York City. But you know what’s not easy? – Deciding to head to the big apple mid way through your night out in DC and realizing it’s a long way home. It always seems like a great idea at the time…
The Tow Company
DC loves to tow cars, they really really enjoy ticketing and towing, so if you don’t obey the signs and the times, you’re likely to wind up in a really seedy area on DC begging for your car back. Or they might just ticket it and tow it to another street, which will have you walking aimlessly around the district like, Dude Where’s My Car?
Downtown Chinatown
There’s that one Chinese restaurant in Chinatown that will keep serving you vodka red bulls after hours until you’re peeing yourself. So, that fried rice that was supposed to sober you up and end your evening out, turns into drunken rocket fuel, and then any of the previous scenarios will be geared into action.
