When we started Destroy the Infamous, we had no idea how much of a positive response we would receive. Over the past month since our inaugural issue we have gotten so much wonderful feedback from our readers as well as hundreds of great suggestions for restaurants, bars, concerts, galleries and shows to profile. Our goal was to create a medium through which to share the D.C. scene we know and love with you. We had a lot of fun searching for and rediscovering some of our favorite places for this months issue and we hope you find them as enjoyable as we have. Generally February is the month for magazines and blogs to be devoted to Valentines Day, a day on which to focus on the things we love. However, we love D.C everyday and it is our hope that if love is indeed in the air this month, it will find you whilst you are out enjoying all Washington has to offer.

Katrina & Lisette Co Founders & Editor-in-Chiefs

{écrasez l’infâme}

Photo is property of “Destroy The Infamous.” All Rights Reserved. 3

écrasez l’infâmeCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & COPY DIRECTOR - Lisette Pylant

I’m Lisette. I came to Washington as a college student with a desire to major in Politics, however as most students in my field of study realize roughly a year or so into their schooling, it takes more than a semester of intro classes or an internship on the hill for people to take you seriously. While International Relations remains my passion, instead of waiting until graduation day to start working I decided to skip a step and create “Destroy the Infamous”. Having always had a love for photo journalism and writing I wanted to combine my interests and love for D.C. into something that I could both enjoy with my friends as well as with others who shared my love of this wonderful city. It is my hope that through this blog and subsequent magazine our readers will not only find suggestions to better aide in their enjoyment of the Nation’s Capitol, but also help acquaint them with trends, styles, and observations about everyday life here. The aim of this blog is to destroy the infamous notion that Washington is simply a city by and for government. That may be our hallmark, but there is a lot more to D.C. than a handful of marble buildings and the generic gin and tonic.

CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN DIRECTOR - Katrina AvilaAside from my name, Katrina, the other two things you should know about me are that while I hail from Miami, D.C. is my stomping ground. As a senior Politics Major I have spent my last four years spearheading more than a handful of advertising and social media campaigns at The Catholic University of America, and have worked actively with my peers to create better social networking and Public Relations tools for students and administrators. When I am not studying I can be found shooting photos around the city, or keeping up with the latest music & pop culture trends.When Lisette first approached me about spearheading the creative direction of “Destroy the Infamous,” I was elated at the prospect of flexing my design muscles outside the usual routine of my college campus. I have always been fascinated with not just photo journalism but also with the art direction that is required of a project such as this. To be able to combine my interests of design, photography, and social media and my love for The District into something not just enjoyable but also shareable is something that I value highly. I hope you find this blog and subsequent magazine as exciting and enticing as you find Washington itself!

Follow us on twitter: @LisettePylant, @KatrinaMarie8

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February 2012F EAT URES8 -11 Love at First Sip12 - 15 Tie Me Up16 - 19 A Capital Lifestyle Shit We’re Still Saying20 - 29 Made You Look30 - 33 D.C.’s Hidden Music Scene35 The Clash Comparisoon38 - 40 An Open Letter to those Apathetic about Valentines Day

Contributors

TAYLOR BOOZAN JOHN MCCARTHY@taylorboozan @JohnWMcCarthy

Cover photo is used with permission by Mary Rita McKenna.WATER COLOR ON PAGE 43 IS USED WITH PERMISSION BY MOLLY LOVELL.

All photos are property of Destroy the Infamous, unless stated otherwise. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This publication was co-founded by Lisette Pylant and Katrina Avila.

Questions? Suggestions? Feedback?Please email Destroy The Infamous at:

destroytheinfamous@gmail.com 7

LOVEATFIRSTSIPA LOOK AT CASUAL DATE LOCATIONS

In a city where many of the news worthy events happen before 11am, D.C is without doubt a wired city. With everyone from interns and staffer to the movers and shakers themselves hustling and bustling around making sure no one misses a beat, it goes without saying that many of us have self proclaimed serious caffeine addictions. As one who sometimes wishes I could have an IV of casi cielo, I understand the necessity of a morning cup of joe… or three. However, being that it is February and love is in the air, why not do what Washingtonians are best at and multitask, picking up your routine drink and making it a date! The nation’s capitol has more than its fair share of great coffeehouses and tea shops so finding one that is conducive to good conversation with a great selection was the easy part, now all you have to do is invite your mate! 9

PAUL: Our most casually romantic pick, Paul is located in the heart of Penn Quarter and just steps away from the national mall. Offering a wide selection of authentic French confections from macaroons and mousse to a lovely bûche poire caramel. Since 1889 this boulangerie has been perfecting it’s craft as well as cultivating a sophisticated atmosphere, helping them gain a loyal following. Conversations en français float gently over frequent sips from china cups and the sound of spoons being placed on saucers. You will leave Paul indubitably satisfied and thinking you traveled to the center of Paris for an hour or so.

www.paul-usa.comTwitter: @PAUL_USA

TEAS: Founded in 2007, Capitol tea’s first opened its doors in Annapolis, MD. Since then they have expanded to both Oxon Hill and Bethesda. Their two newest locations in Georgetown and Dupont Circle have been welcomed into D.C with open arms, attracting a wide variety of customers and offering over 120 different teas. Incased in a 15ft long “sniffing wall” Capitol Teas houses blends of Rooibos, Maté, Herbal, black, white, and green teas. Their tea experts offer great advise on how to choose, brew and serve the blend of your choice and do a great job helping curious customers find just the right gift.

www.capitalteas.com

Twitter: @CapitolTeas

CAPITOL

COMPANY:

COFFEE

For an easy to get to, casual meet up, check out Chinatown Coffee Company just down the street from the Chinatown/Gallery Place stop on the redline. Offering what might be the best Chai latte in the District, this East End establishment, in addition to a very worldly assortment of coffees also plays host to such creative beverages as Teatulia tea, Absinthe, Craft Beer and various Wines. For any occasion, date or a friendly chat, this location certainly won’t disappoint even the pickiest of latte lovers.

www.CHINATOWNCOFFEE.COM

Twitter: @CHINATOWNCOFFEE

CHINATOWN

COMPANY: BAR AND

Described as being “a tease to the imagination”, Marvin Bar & Bistro exudes a chill vibe whilst maintaining its upscale atmosphere. The nightlife here is great. Upon entering on a Saturday night and ascending the staircase that meets patrons at the door, what appears to be a classic, antique furnished bar opens into the night with a rooftop bar and lounge. Fully heated this bar offers a great fresh air atmosphere in which to enjoy one of 30 Belgian imports. A great place to grab a bite after work or catch up with friends later on in the night, this U St/Shaw establishment is one not to be missed.

www.MARVINDC.COM Twitter: @MARVIN_DC

MARVIN

BISTRO:

TIE ME UPWear me as you like

In the past month alone D.C. weather has proved highly unpredictable. Drag the umbrella along for the commute or risk it and wear pumps? Whether you flaunt an effortlessly edgy look or one chosen for you by a certain Capital Hill blogger, even your order at Starbucks can be completely thrown off if precipitation crosses the DMV. These problems left us wondering, what was the appropriate attire for a February that thus far has felt closer to September? We did a bit of digging around to see what stylish ladies and gentlemen are sporting around the nation’s capitol on days when they wish they could be wearing sandals.

For Men: This weather is perfect for being adventurous and layering your new printed tie over your favorite patterned shirt. Don’t be afraid to mix colors, so long as they are accented well, they will only help you stand out more. Bowties are also one of our favorite ways to spice up 13

otherwise more casual nice weather ensemble.

For women: We understand that days that swing like a pendulum between hot and cold, sunny, and rainy are not only hard to plan for but that there is nothing more frustrating than a rainstorm ruining an otherwise flawless

outfit. Should this be the case however, we have found your solution, lightweight airy scarves. Easy to pair with almost any outfit this accessory doubles as a shawl and rain bonnet in emergencies and also helps keep your look casual for work by day, but at night can be easily removed for a more eye catching look.

A Capital Lifestyle: Shit we’re still saying

JOHN MCCARTHY - CONTRIBUTOR

The Viral Video “shit DC says” has become so popular because it’s actually shit we all say. The minute I saw that video I forwarded it to my friends at the DOI, EPA, EOP, and DOL (but really). So what makes our D.C. lifestyles so unique that we’d have our own video dedicated to us? Need some tips on fitting into the DC social scene? Well I can’t cover all of hit

but here are some of the necessities:

• Hawk N’Dove or Embassy Party: Don’t get me started on the closing of the nostalgic DC watering hole that was Hawk N’Dove. I’ve never prayed for a small business to fail, but the new owner of my favorite bar should have quit while he’s ahead. Hawk N’Dove and embassy parties are the epitome of DC nightlife. Other cities might have more upscale places, but who wouldn’t pick a Friday night cocktail party where you could call some guy “His Excellency” or maybe be the next Monica Lewinsky? It’s not just about location in DC, it’s about the guest list. Only in this city does the invitation list come with a guest list attached. I mean really, how embarrassing would it be to end up at a place where you’re the highest ranking member of society? Talk about a bummer.

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• “Let’s do brunch: Our city would prefer the most arrogant meal of the day. With the simple utterance of an invitation you already send a slew of signals saying, “My usual breakfast and lunch time are booked with meetings, scheduled months in advance — I guess I can pencil you in for this fictional meal.” It’s a sign of social stature. Interns take lunch breaks, real DC brunches.

• iPhone or Blackberry: Listen, I’m not going to debate on team iPhone or Blackberry, but if you don’t have a smart phone you better jump on that Amtrak that brought you here and bring yourself back from whence you came. Smartphones are the be all, end all for those living in our nation’s capital. They connect us to the world, and force us to continually interrupt our meetings to say, “So Sorry I have to answer this…Really busy day at the office, we’re rolling out some pretty big stuff.” Word from the wise: If you’re not averaging an

email every five minutes, turn on Facebook notifications to blow up your phone. Nothing screams “I’m just here to get involved” quite like a phone that’s not constantly vibrating.

• Happy Hour: Always invite your colleagues out to happy hour a month in advance. It makes you look busy, and like more of a DC-insider. Even if this means you have to sit home pretending your out for a few weeks – grin and bear it, nothing will kick you off the next invite list quite like the overwhelming sense of availability. Nobody invites Sally-I-came-to-DC-to-make-a-difference anywhere…Seriously. Anywhere.

• Openly Jaded: We all secretly came to DC with dreams of making a difference. We all remember tearing up over the cuts to the Save the Snow Leopard fund and leaving misty eyed every time we walked through the rotunda. Stop.it.right.now. You are a politically-immune-flag-pin-wearing-machine. You’re not impressed with the Rotunda; you’ve

been there a million times. Seeing the Constitution at the Archives? Shucks, you have 18 prints of it hanging in your apartment. This city doesn’t impress you, you impress it.

There you have it: the DC social scene in a nutshell. Live it and Love it, because if you don’t there are millions of other people who’d gladly take it from you. Just remember always keep a flag pin in your pocket, study your acronyms and don’t be caught dead eating at traditional mealtimes. Hope to see you on the event circuit, though I doubt we’re invited to the same parties.

John can not be caught dead with out a patriotic piece. you never know when you could meet a constitute and every new Aquiantence could be a future voter. Follow John on twitter at @JohnWMcCarthy

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MADE YOU LOOK

STOP & STAREWORTHY STREET ART

MADE YOU LOOK

STOP & STAREWORTHY STREET ART 21

Each day when we cross the street, pass by a trashcan or ride the metro, we are bombarded by DC’s ever growing collection of graffiti and street art. Off the streets and into daily life, street art in D.C is, as it should be, always unpredictable. Here is a showcase of some of the more interesting pieces we have spotted around the city. Some are clearly done by skillful artists, whilst others by amateurs. Either way these statements say more about us as a city than you might think at first. They serve the purpose of pointing out the obvious, or simply aiming to create a more colorful landscape in a marble city. Stay alert, or you might miss it!

D.C.’sHidden Music Scene

TAYLOR BOOZAN - CONTRIBUTOR

It’s easy to get lost in the political arena of D.C., so the music community here may not seem like it has a substantial agenda. If you’re not a local, the only music events you really hear about are the overly expensive concerts at the notorious Verizon Center. Most of us may not have $300 to blow on Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne tour, but D.C.’s music scene doesn’t end there. If you hop on the green/yellow line to U Street and walk towards 9th & V st., you’ll find the 9:30 club: widely recognized as the best music venue D.C. has to offer, and it’s just as good

as everyone says it is. 9:30 hosts shows of all sizes and genres, from emerging bands to nationally acclaimed artists with a fan base around the world. It is an intimate setting in comparison to other larger locations, which makes a more memorable experience with a standing room and an upstairs balcony to view the performances. This club is respected nation-wide and recognized by all big name musicians. Some headliners that have hit the stage of 9:30 include Adele, O.A.R., Jack’s Mannequin, Foo Fighters, Beastie Boys, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Smashing 31

Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Death Cab for Cutie, Ingrid Michaelson, and so many more—all of this is happening in the shadows of D.C.’s political machine, but who knew? All shows at 9:30 are open to all ages, all the time. Additionally, the club serves appetizers and sandwiches/wrap all priced below $10, and four full bars are also included. If this legendary nightclub didn’t already draw your attention with all of its pluses, their ticket prices average from $10-$35 (hello, college students). These amazing prices cause the only drawback: tickets are sold out fast,

so stay informed with the website, Facebook and Twitter; their calendar and availability are constantly updated. With approximately 300 shows annually and over 200,000 attending fans, there is no dispute that the 9:30 Club is the mainstay of D.C.’s music scene.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION:

9:30 Club 815 V. Street N.W. Washington DC(202) 265-0930

www.facebook.com/930club www.twitter.com/930Club

www.930club.com

Be on the lookout for:Mos Def → Monday 2/20ATTACK ATTACK! & Sleeping with Sirens → Friday 2/24O.A.R. → Tuesday 2/28 through Thursday 3/1 Kaiser Chiefs → Friday 3/9Uncle Kracker → Wednesday 3/14Justice → Wednesday 3/21Gotye → Thursday 3/22Fatboy Slim → Friday 3/23Snow Patrol → Friday 4/6 through Saturday 4/7Nada Surf → Tuesday 4/10Hot Chelle Rae → Wednesday 4/11The Ting Tings → Thursday 4/12Ingrid Michaelson → Wednesday 5/9M83 → Saturday 5/12

Spotlight:One of the hardest things to come by in Washington, D.C is time. Time to see friends, time to finish work, time to start new projects and time to explore someplace new. One can eliminate a number of these time traps in their schedule by checking out what we are calling this months D.C hot spot. This spot includes a café that is open from 11:30am-6: 30pm, and boasts a number of delicate and satisfying dishes as well as an impressive selection of both imported wines and beers. However, what impresses us most about the space is not the menu, but the actual space itself. Originally two separate buildings, The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, were joined in 2007 by the kogod courtyard and has remained a favorite of locals ever since.

National Portrait Gallery

THE CLASH COMPARISON

Many readers may remember the numerous protests last year at this time that occurred outside the gates to the white house. for weeks groups of Egyptian-Americans gathered in front of both the Egyptian embassy and then White house. they called for the U.S government and President Obama to take a stronger stance against President Mubarak and call for his resignation. This time around it is Washington’s Syrian population doing the same thing. This past weekend groups gathered outside the white house in a show of support for the Syrian resistance, whose aim is to overthrow President Bashir al-Assad. Assad, who since the start of the clashes between civilians and the military, has refused to relinquish power even in the face of criticism by members of the United Nations and Neighboring States. Only time will tell if Syria will go the way of the still emerging situation in Egypt, but for now, expect to see those who care passionately about Syria to be out and letting D.C hear their story. 35

“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” - Nietzsche

AN OPENLETTERTO THOSEAPATHETICABOUT VALENTINESDAY

LISETTE PYLANT- CO- EDITOR- IN- CHIEF &

COPY DIRECTOR

For many, the date of February 14th is a very ominous one. The idea of finding a date or having one can be scary and then again there are those of us who have come to the realization that Valentines Day is simply just another day of the year. I’m not enough of a cynic to say I hate Valentines Day, nor am I optimistic enough to be fond of it. While it’s nice to see so much love in the air, it can also be nauseating, and I say that with the full knowledge that I sound like a masochist. While Valentines Day makes some feel utterly fulfilled in their relationships, I think it is fair to say that for many, a specific day devoted to telling people how much you love them makes a lot of people feel more alone. I had the interesting opportunity last Valentines Day to attend

an “Anti-Valentines Day” party. The walls were adorned with black hearts torn in half, gravestones with “love” and “soul mates” written on them as well as a sign next to the bar that read “Fuck love, just fuck”. Everyone was instructed to wear black to the party and, as should be expected, dates were discouraged. This was one of the most fun parties I have ever had the good fortune of being invited to and it made me stop and wonder, “If this is how I’m celebrating Valentines Day, what am I missing out on?” The conclusion I have come to a year after the fact is that I was doing exactly what one should be doing not just on Valentines Day, but everyday of the year. I was enjoying myself with the people I cared about. Had I been asked a year ago how I felt about a day commonly used to celebrate 39

and simultaneously glorify relationships, I would have said I hated it. Having watched (500) Days of Summer a few times more than is probably healthy, I have a more realistic opinion of relationships and love in general. Things don’t always work out for the best, however that’s no excuse for being pessimistic. There is always some good to be found in almost any situation even if that good is the $20 one saves on not paying for someone else’s Valentines Day dinner. So perhaps Valentines day isn’t as good an excuse to make margaritas and watch Schindler’s List as I once thought it was, but if you insist on being depressive, at least make a party out of it and share your distain for the holiday with someone else. This Valentines Day I have decided to not rule out

anything. Perhaps I will find myself at another party with a bunch of single friends, or maybe I will have a romantic night in Georgetown, who knows. Ultimately Valentines Day is meant to celebrate love - feelings of warmth, tenderness, intimacy and attachment included. As far as I’m concerned this means that I could spend my day wearing sweats, drinking coffee and listening to Bright Eyes, so long as I’m not partaking in anything I dislike. I may not be sharing the things I enjoy with someone else at the moment, but I’m still sharing them with myself and I’m okay with that.

“Spend your money on the things money can buy. Spend your time on the things money can’t buy.”-Haruki Murakami, The

Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.”-Lemony Snicket

“Love is always bestowed as a gift -- freely, willingly, and without expectation....We don’t love to be loved; we love to love” -Leo Buscaglia

“I’m sick of just liking people. I wish to God I could meet somebody I could respect.”-J. D. Salinger

“If I am to forfeit a parcel of my soul Let it be for passion

Not for profit”-Craig Junjulas

“Love is strong yet delicate.It can be broken.To truly love is to understand this.To be in love is to respect this.”

-Stephen Packer

#AlliDoIsLoveWhen one looks to inspire, we usually look first to the words or works of others. Be it through music, film, or writing, sometimes the best way to say something is the way it’s already been said. Here are just a handful of quotes that Destroy the Infamous felt were a relevant lens through which to frame our outlook for february.

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INFAMOUSFollow us on twitter attwitter.com/DC_Infamous

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“When you liveon a round planet, there’s no choosing sides.” - Wayne Dyer

“Unfortunately we often get praise for things that weren’t particularly difficult to achieve. If we focus on the props and encouragement of those who have low expectations for us, we become mediocre. It can be challenging to set our sights on excellence, particularly when we’re hearing that we’re already there. One of life’s greatest lessons, which we all must learn, could be expressed in the phrase “That was nothing. Watch this.” Challenge yourself and others to call the normal things normal and save that word excellent for things that really are.” - Alex Harris

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