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City Cast DC

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Welcome to Hey DC Connections! It's a New York Times-style connections quiz. But of course, ours is all D.C.-related categories 😏

👉 Create groups of four. You get unlimited guesses, but the fewer the better! 

The food critic at the Washington Post has long been seen as an all-powerful — and totally anonymous — figure in the local restaurant industry. But the paper’s new critic, Elazar Sontag, is rejecting that anonymity for a more transparent approach. The first thing he did after replacing long-timer 

 was bring back the star review system and introduce himself 

”The work of being anonymous has largely become kind of a theater act,” explained Sontag. “ Sometimes I do get [special] treatment, but I want to be able to talk about it openly and transparently because critics have gotten that treatment for a very long time.”

Since November, Sontag has been eating out seven nights a week to get a sense of he DMV’s food scene. “ I am not trying to pretend that I understand D.C. as well as even [locals] might,” he explained. “I am just offering people a way to see the city and the region anew through my eyes.”

 about D.C.’s changing dining scene, the role of a critic, and the best spots he’s been so far. Below, a list of some superlatives we threw his way.

Best place to go on a third date with someone you want to impress?

“When I really want to impress my partner, who I've been with for closer to five years, I take him to 

…It’s very special and very romantic without feeling too stuffy.”

Best place to take your enemy, someone you can't trust.

. It's a little pasta bar that's standing room only. And I would position myself close to the door, so if they pulled out the butter knife, I could just run.”

] in Vienna serves a dish of century eggs, which are these long-cured eggs in Chinese cuisine that turn black….They're served with crushed chilies, fermented bean curd, and eggplant.”

“It's rare in this line of work that I eat something that feels totally novel and exciting to me. And when that happens, it's like that moment in Ratatouille.”

"The awful thing about a martini is you so rarely remember that you drank it. I had a nice one at 

. It's a great little modern bistro, by the Popal group…Chef Matt Conroy's very talented and it's a very romantic little place for just you and your mother-in-law. If you can get in!”

…there is a Basque cheesecake, which is a pretty wild dish. The center is barely baked. So it's just this lovely layer of cheesecake on the outside. And then at the center, it's this runny, sweet, funky, intense cheese.”

Listen to the full conversation 🎧

DC's Top Food Critic’s Favorite Spots

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in DC. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

DC Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Picture this: you’re a new grad spending $600 a month on a makeshift room in a Columbia Heights group home. You’re basking in the sun with friends on the Wonderland patio sharing a plate of tots just a 

hungover. Life is full of possibilities. That’s the beauty of the 11th Street strip.

While I’ve since moved (my tolerance for Craigslist roomies hit its limit) the area is still my favorite hangout spot in the District. You can garden, snack on crispy pig ears, and grab frozen margs — all within a few blocks.

, but you won’t catch me complaining. They may not have the most dialed-in espresso but the seasonal flavors (pistachio dragée latte?!) and complimentary side of animal crackers put my coffee snobbery to rest. A little farther out, you have 

 pulling shots from small-batched beans which are well worth the extra four blocks.

Check out one of the community events at the 

, a community run urban garden that hosts open mics and volunteer opportunities in the warm seasons. If that’s not your thing, head to the bougie bodega 

 to peruse expensive spices and kombucha before settling on a freshly made onigiri. On Thursday evenings you can find trivia at The Coupe 

(tip: the music played between rounds always includes a hint).

 is one of my all time faves. It’s an upscale Hong Kong-style restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu and impeccable interior design. But it's not an everyday affair. For that you’ll want to head to 

 for their dependable neapolitan pies with a neighborhood vibe.

Now that Makan has closed (RIP) I’ll also throw an honorable mention to the 

 rooftop for days when you really just need some al pastor and a frozen marg with Tajín on the rim.

 — it is a D.C. rite of passage. But in my old age (30 😉) I’ve come to prefer soaking up sun and mimosas on its patio instead. Plus, I’ll never say no to their greasy brunch (except the mac n’ cheese pancakes; they’re not made for human stomachs).

. I don’t follow sports, but luckily, Buddy’s is more of a good bar where sports just happen to be playing. The roomy outdoor bar is equipped with TVs, lanterns, and lots of seating — perfect for a lazy afternoon.

More DC Neighborhood Guides

11th Street in Columbia Heights is one of my favorite hangout spot in the District. You can garden, snack on crispy pig ears, and grab frozen margs — all within a few blocks.

Get to Know 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights

Everything to know about DC neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

DC Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Margaret Kingsbury

Gas prices around the nation are soaring because of the U.S. and Israel’s joint attacks on Iran. According to AAA, 

 are $4.2 a gallon on average, up from $3.125 just one month ago. Here are some tips for saving on gas in D.C.

 gives you points for every dollar you spend on groceries to be spent at BP and Amoco stations. They also frequently offer 4x bonus fuel points days. If you’re a frequent Harris Teeter shopper, buy some gift cards on those days to rack up more fuel points. 

 also have fuel savings programs for members, although there aren’t any in D.C. proper. If you tend to go to the same gas station, check whether it has 

 keeping tires properly inflated, and making sure to drive the speed limit. As speeds exceed 50 mph on the highway, aerodynamic drag reduces fuel economy. While limiting air conditioner use helps save on gas, that’s often impossible in D.C. summer. Use a windshield shade to lessen heat buildup inside the car, and remove bulky items — it takes more fuel to accelerate in a heavier car.

🚌 Take Advantage of DC’s First Class Public Transit

If you’re willing to walk a few blocks, 

WMATA will get you most places in the DMV

. Take advantage of your local bus and train stops. Oftentimes, using a bikeshare can be faster than driving especially when you consider trying to find parking (Plus, you’ll get jacked 💪). It’s not always possible, but even just replacing a few car trips can make a big difference.

 is free and tracks gas prices in your area. Enter your address or route, and it will show you the current gas prices at stations along the way. It’s crowdsourced, and you can enter your receipts to earn points toward rewards, including discounts on gas. You can also play games to earn points.

Gas prices around the nation are soaring. Here how to save on gas in D.C.

Hacks To Save Money on Gas in DC

Tips and tricks for living your best DC life, by locals, for locals.

DC Life Hacks

We attended one of D.C.’s few professional wrestling leagues recently (

!) and it got us wondering what wrestling used to look like in the District.

At the height of the Great Depression in 1935, a small-time D.C. wrestler named 

 what would become the city’s most successful wrestling arena.

Turner was a wrestler and boxing promoter who used to bring events to large D.C. stadiums. When the depression hit, bigger venues were no longer able to host his events, so he looked elsewhere.

He found a rundown garage on 14th & W Streets NW and converted it into an 1,880-seat wrestling ring, which he called Turner’s Arena. Despite a depression-ravaged downtown, the arena was immediately successful.

Its inaugural match between then-world champion Danno O’Mahoney against newcomer Jack Donovon brought in 2,500 people. The arena went on to bring in global wrestling stars like Chief Thunderbird, Swift Eagle, and Lefty Lou. Turner even branched out to host concerts, sports games, and community events.

The arena was one of the few mixed-use facilities in D.C. and was also integrated, which was unusual for public spaces at that time. It later became the home of the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, which became the WWE we know today.

Turner died in 1947, but the arena remained a beloved institution, passing through several hands before it was demolished in 1965. Today, the site of the arena is an apartment building called 14W.

D.C. still has a few professional wrestling leagues, but the venues look a little different. 

We went to one by Fight Club Pro Wrestling

 inside a suburban VFW hall in Cheverly, Maryland. The ring might not have been as grand but the crowd was fervent and the flips went crazy!

At the height of the Great Depression in 1935, a small-time D.C. wrestler named Joe Turner opened what would become the city’s most successful wrestling arena.

The Rise & Fall of DC’s Iconic Wrestling Institution 

People, places, and scenes from DC's past.

DC History

you told us cherry blossoms aren’t worth the crowds

. But what if you could see them without braving the Tidal Basin hordes? Here’s everything you need to know about the time-honored D.C. tradition, including where to get your blossom fix sans tourists.

Why Is DC So Obsessed With Cherry Blossoms Anyway?

In 1909, after hearing about First Lady Helen Taft and journalist Eliza Scidmore's 

 around the National Mall, Tokyo's Mayor Yukio Ozaki decided 

Unfortunately, when they arrived, the trees were found to be diseased and had to be destroyed. Ozaki agreed to send another donation, this time of 

These arrived safely and were planted primarily around the Tidal Basin and the White House. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two trees at the basin — a small ceremony which eventually grew into the 

 — The most common by far, their flowers are small and white in groups of 2 - 5 with an almond scent on a round widespread tree. (70% of cherry trees on the National Mall)

— Flowers are baby pink and full-looking with about 30 petals, and can be up to 2.5 inches across. (13% of cherry trees on the National Mall)

Identify all of them on the National Park site!

peak bloom will be between March 29 - April 1

 this year, but rumor is it could actually be 

. However, different varieties will bloom slightly earlier or later.

More than 9,000 cherry trees line streets, parks, and other spaces in D.C. Here are our favorite spots.

The main pathway at the historic cemetery becomes a tunnel of pink in the spring, perfect for some photo ops with your pup.

Over 1,200 cherry trees are concentrated in this small neighborhood in the suburbs, specifically along Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue, and Kenwood Avenue.

Located at the back of the gardens, these cherry trees are very old and much larger than others in D.C. They also bloom a little later than the ones along the Tidal Basin.

Just a 10-minute walk from Union Station, this is a good option for out-of-towners. The small park has a dense population of blossoms and plenty of space for lying under them on a picnic blanket.

This park has over 200 cherry trees and will host the annual 

 on March 29 with vendors and live performances.

Ok, obviously not underrated, but if you must go (aka you’re new to D.C. or your mother-in-law is in town), then go before 9 a.m. and avoid weekends.

Everything you need to know about the D.C. cherry blossoms, including where to see them without fighting the crowds.

Underrated Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC

Underrated Spots To See Cherry Blossoms In DC

Most of Malcolm X Park is closing until early summer for repairs. But it might have been closed for a whole lot longer if it hadn’t been for a last-minute community rally. Here is everything we know so you can plan your picnic in peace.

Wait, Malcolm X Park Is Closing? For How Long?

 it would be closing the upper-level lawn from Mar. 23 to Sept. 4 — aka the whole summer — in order to restore the park’s turf, prune trees, and repair signage and other features. But, as of my Tuesday afternoon walk, the upper part of the park remained open.

Due to significant public outcry, the original timeline of the closure has been shortened. Now, the National Park Service tells us they expect the upper level lawn to be closed until early summer. 

 previously reported that the walkways could reopen after only 2 - 3 weeks, but we were unable to confirm this with NPS.

The lower level of the park has been closed since January for a 

 to the fountain a la the Trump administration's handyman spree ahead of America’s 250 anniversary, per WaPo. NPS did not confirm with us when this section might reopen.

Many community members felt that the closure came as a surprise and were less than thrilled about one of D.C.’s most iconic outdoor spaces being out of commission in the height of summer.

“When we found out that NPS, through Trump's “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative,” was going to close the park for six months until September without any public notice … My community members and I were pretty devastated and quickly came together,” 

 that quickly racked up more than 3,000 signatures asking NPS to consider a phased approach that would maintain some public access during the repair process. The weekend before it closed they hosted a “

Several community events on the lawn have already been put on pause, including 

Walking through the park, there is no denying it’s not looking its best. A long winter of snow and slush followed by flurries of dogs and picnic goers have obliterated the lawn’s grassy allure. (It resembles a dirt patch more than anything else.) Many residents are itching to see it restored.

“I'm fine with it being closed for a summer if it means it won’t turn into a muddy mess of dog sh*t and dirt. The park needs love, and I’m glad it is getting it,” 

“I'm with NPS here. That 'lawn' is in horrible shape and needs to be rehabilitated,” 

Hopefully, if NPS sticks to a shortened timeline, we can get the best of both worlds and can be enjoying picnics in the lush green grass by summer.

The Keep Malcolm X Open Coalition considers the shortened timeline a partial win but are 

still fighting for an exact timeline and greater transparency

 around the project, including opportunities for public input.

“We just want them to commit in the future to try to involve the community more in decisions like this,” said Schrohe.

More Details On the Park Shutdown

Most of Malcolm X Park is closing until early summer for repairs. Here is everything we know so you can plan your picnic in peace.

Malcolm X Park Closure Sparks Community Outcry

What's being decided in DC City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and DC City Council.

DC Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

City Cast DC staff

Michael Brice-Saddler is joining City Cast DC as its new City Hall reporter, where he’ll write a twice-weekly newsletter breaking the latest news in this consequential year for DMV politics. Michael is the second reporter hired as part of a major expansion in City Cast DC's newsroom.

Michael is an award-winning journalist whose reporting explores how politics and public decisions shape residents’ daily lives. Most recently, he was a reporter on The Washington Post’s Metro desk, where he spent more than five years covering D.C.'s local government.

Michael joined The Post in 2018, initially as an intern on Metro before moving to the General Assignment desk to cover national breaking news and anchor live coverage of the pandemic and the impeachment proceedings of President Donald J. Trump. He joined the D.C. politics beat in 2020, where he covered three consecutive election cycles and produced enterprise work that centered on the human impact of governance. His reporting on a direct cash assistance pilot for D.C. mothers earned a 2025 award from the Society of Professional Journalists. He was also part of the team of journalists awarded the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their comprehensive coverage of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Assembling a team is about finding the very best talent you can, and Michael is among the best. We’re thrilled that he will be joining our newsroom,” said Annie Rees, Senior Executive Producer of City Cast DC. “Michael has long been a favorite City Cast DC podcast guest. Now you’ll hear him more frequently on the podcast and be able to read his original reporting on DC politics, where he’ll bring his wealth of experience and great sense of humor and collegiality.”

“DC is at a really critical, fascinating moment — with an election looming and a hugely complicated relationship with the White House,” said Executive Editor Michael Schaffer. “It’s also got a ton of fascinating characters and entities vying for influence and power. We’re counting on Michael to bring that to life for an audience of longtime city politics obsessives — and people who don’t know they’re city politics obsessives yet.”

A Baltimore native and a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Michael lives in the heart of the District. When he isn't on a local court, he serves as the long-running commissioner of his fantasy basketball league.

Yu Vongkiatkajorn Joins City Cast DC as Managing Editor

Yu Vongkiatkajorn is joining City Cast DC as Managing Editor. She’ll edit the beat reporters’ original reporting and their newsletters. Yu is the second editor hired as part of a major expansion in City Cast DC’s newsroom.

Yu Vongkiatkajorn is an editor who has helped lead coverage and audience strategy at The Washington Post. Most recently, she served as the breaking news and general assignment editor on the Metro desk, where she led a team focused on timely, original stories about life in the Washington region.

Earlier at the Post, Yu worked on initiatives to reach new audiences, helping launch newsletters, podcasts and other editorial experiments in collaboration with product, marketing and analytics teams. She also developed a process for conducting newsroom analyses and providing strategic recommendations.

“When we began looking for the right person to fill this role, one person’s name kept coming up: ‘Yu – have you met Yu?’ ‘Hire Yu,’” said Annie Rees, Senior Executive Producer of City Cast DC.” From the moment we talked with her, it was clear why she was so universally regarded by reporters and editors she worked with. Sharp, clear-headed and creative, with years of Metro and Audience experience to boot, she is a crucial piece in making City Cast DC a local powerhouse.”

Yu will be working alongside Michael Schaffer, City Cast DC’s Executive Editor, to shape CCDC’s new products. “We want to publish impactful, attention-getting journalism about Washington even as the local media environment undergoes a wild shift,” Schaffer said. “Yu immediately got the idea of galvanizing a team to do stuff that connects with an audience and obliges that audience to follow what we're up to.”

Yu began her journalism career at Mother Jones in San Francisco. She grew up in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

Emma Uber is joining Cast Cast DC as a reporter. She'll write a twice-weekly newsletter with the juiciest, most memorable, most consequential stories playing out in the DMV. Emma is the first reporter hired as part of a major expansion in City Cast DC's newsroom.

Previously, Emma covered local breaking news and public safety for The Washington Post, where she distinguished herself with scoops and sharp stories. Emma began covering D.C. police for The Post just days before President Donald Trump federalized the city's police force and deployed the National Guard. She analyzed 

 to deliver a comprehensive account of how an unprecedented federal law enforcement surge was playing out on the District’s streets and doggedly covered 

Her reporting on a change to U.S. Park Police's 

 caused two Democratic lawmakers to open an investigation and her coverage of federal agents shooting at drivers during traffic stops was referenced as the D.C. Council passed emergency legislation requiring the city police department to release body-camera footage when a local officer witnesses a federal officer shoot someone.

“Emma is a rare talent – a brilliant, passionate, high-energy journalist,” said Annie Rees, Senior Executive Producer of City Cast DC. “With Emma as a reporter, City Cast DC will evolve into the city’s most indispensable – and most fun – place to find local coverage. We look forward to announcing the other reporters who will join Emma in the coming days.”

Hoosier born-and-raised, Emma graduated from Indiana University, where she earned degrees in journalism and international studies. Prior to moving to D.C. and joining the Washington Post in 2024, she covered breaking news at the Tampa Bay Times, interned with Indianapolis Monthly magazine, and worked with the national investigative team at USA Today.

Michael Schaffer Joins City Cast as Executive Editor 

Michael Schaffer is joining City Cast DC full-time as a host and executive editor as the national podcast network begins staffing a local Washington newsroom to complement and expand its daily audio and newsletter offerings.

A D.C. native and former editor-in-chief of both Washington City Paper and Washingtonian magazine, Schaffer is one of the most experienced editors and writers in local Washington. During his eight years at Washingtonian, the magazine was twice judged America’s best big-city magazine. He most recently wrote the Capital City column in Politico.

A co-host of City Cast DC since its 2022 launch, he’s developed a reputation with listeners for a deep knowledge of the city, an ability to find humor in the city’s quirks, and a willingness to ask probing questions of political leaders and fellow journalists alike.

Schaffer’s hire comes as City Cast, a nationwide network of local podcasts, is in the midst of an expansion in D.C., with plans to hire a staff of local journalists to focus on robust coverage of city politics, regional business, local culture, as well as the personalities and institutions that make the city tick.

In his new role, Schaffer will continue to anchor City Cast DC’s flagship daily podcast alongside co-host Bridget Todd. He’ll also help shape City Cast DC’s new team of reporters and produce his own column about his hometown at a moment of radical disruption.

Schaffer arrives as City Cast undergoes an unprecedented expansion of its local newsroom, hiring a team of journalists to create original reporting about the D.C. area. The new journalists will enable City Cast DC to roll out additional newsletters, podcasts, articles, and social offerings.

“As he's proved time and time again in the past 30 years, Michael Schaffer is the smartest, most insightful, and funniest observer of local Washington,” said City Cast CEO David Plotz. “He can do it all: Podcast! Report! Write! Edit! With Michael as our Executive Editor, City Cast DC is going to be the city’s must-listen and must-read.”

City Cast is a network of daily local news podcasts and newsletters in 13 cities around the country, covering news, culture, and things to do in your community. Owned by Graham Holdings Co. in Arlington, VA, City Cast aims to be the smartest, easiest way to connect with the place you live and love.

City Cast DC is undergoing an unprecedented expansion of its local newsroom, hiring a team of journalists to create original reporting about the D.C. area. 

Michael Brice-Saddler Joins City Cast DC as Reporter

News and updates about the City Cast DC podcast and Hey DC newsletter.

City Cast DC Announcements

Announcements

We've officially survived another D.C. winter, and it’s time to break out of hibernation. This spring we’re headed to Delaware, an underrated spot for some of the best getaway deals around. Travel writer Tim Ebner led us through 

 to Wilmington for $20 and head straight to the 

 — a former bank turned boutique inn. Rooms start at $219, but split two ways with rail fare it comes out to about $120 per person. The building is a former bank and still has its original vault architecture, a speakeasy bar that reminds us of 

 and a banging northern Italian restaurant.

 Take a 15-minute Uber across the Pennsylvania border to 

. It has one of the largest tulip displays in the world, cherry blossoms, and a sprawling English garden. The gift shop is dangerous if you love plants. Consider yourself warned.

Enter Your Nicholas Sparks Era At Bethany Beach

 in Bethany Beach is a Victorian B&B sitting right on the shoreline. The wraparound porch, Adirondack chairs, and ocean views gives big “anguished romance lead looking to start again” energy. In spring, weeknight rates start at $199. Factor in about $60 for gas and tolls from D.C., split two ways, and you’re looking at under $150 per person. Breakfast, afternoon tea, beach chairs, and umbrellas are all included. Rates spike to $600 a night in summer, so now is the time.

Delaware is a sales tax-free state, and you know what that means … outlet malls! The 

 along Route 1 are perhaps the only reason we can be convinced to leave the beach for a few hours. Rehoboth also has great boutique shopping along the main streets.

Perhaps the most budget-friendly and underrated option on this list, 

 in Felton has rentable cabins right on the water that go for $62–$89 a night. They come with a full kitchen, bathroom, beds, and a grill. Just remember to bring your own linens and kitchen cookware. Think of it like glamping.

 — bird walks, forest bathing, nature art classes, and night programs like owl and bat watching. Most run $8–$20 per person.

More Summer Activities Under $150

Travel writer Tim Ebner led us through his best Delaware trips for around $150.

The Best Spring Trips Around Washington, DC For Under $150

The Best Spring Trips Around DC For Under $150

Group words that share a common thread. Hint: all categories are D.C. related

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Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

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