Culinary Travel

We will be participating in a trivia night event at 54 restaurant located at the Springfield Town Center mall on Monday. Trivia starts at 7 pm. Parking: There is free mall parking. There is also paid valet parking if you are feeling bougie. There's a maximum of 7 people per team, so please show up by 6:45 pm so that we organize accordingly. We may field multiple teams depending on turnout. Please plan on arriving and staying for the entire trivia event. To ensure you get a spot on a trivia team: * Please arrive by 6:45 PM, or notify the hosts that you are running late by 6:45 PM. If you arrive after 6:45 or don't notify the hosts, you are not guaranteed a spot on a trivia team and may need to form your own, separate team. * Please RSVP so we know to expect you. Don't be like Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers and crash a trivia event (i.e., don't show up without signing up on the attendee list). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some travelers hear about changes and assume the value is gone. Prices go up. Options shift. Things get harder. End of story. The mistake is thinking the opportunity disappears when the chart changes. It doesn’t. In this special session, JGOOT Travel Expert Tom Spears breaks down Hyatt’s updated award chart and what it actually means for the way you book. Because the truth is: while most travelers focus on what got worse… smarter travelers focus on how to keep winning anyway. It’s time for: **The Suite Life: What Hyatt’s New Award Chart Means for JGOOT Travelers** Tom will walk through what’s changed, where it impacts real bookings, and how to continue applying the JGOOT strategy to get strong value from your stays. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • What’s actually changed in Hyatt’s award chart (and what hasn’t) • Where the biggest impacts show up when you go to book • How to adjust your approach without overcomplicating things • Where strong value still exists… and how to find it • How to keep using the same core strategy, even as pricing shifts This isn’t about chasing the “old” chart. It’s not about finding a workaround or shortcut. Because the travelers who understand the system don’t lose when things change… they adapt and keep winning. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

I have passed this trail for years without exploring it but have heard people rave about this urban riverside oasis for just as long. Who wants to join me in exploring it? We will meet up in the parking lot on the northbound side of US 29 (just before Trader Joe's). After a quick introduction, we will head out on this riverside trail. We will turn around after a mile and a half (after we see some supposedly cool rapids) and mostly follow the path we came in on. We will scale the hill at two points to give us some rocky variety but it should be relatively flat other than those two climbs. Total distance is just over three miles and we should be back at our cars by 7:45. [Follow our route on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fall-line-rachel-carson-greenway-and-northwest-branch-trail?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

Washington, DC is about to fill with global founders, investors, and operators for SelectUSA Investment Summit. But here’s the twist… This isn’t just about international companies entering the U.S. It’s also about **U.S. founders expanding outward.** Join us for a special edition of **Cigars & Startups DC**—an **unofficial, independent gathering** designed to connect: 🌍 **International founders** exploring U.S. market entry 🇺🇸 **DC-area startups and operators** looking to expand globally 💼 Investors, advisors, and ecosystem builders bridging both worlds When the conference ends for the day… the real conversations start here. 🔥 Expect: * Cross-border conversations (not just small talk) * Partnerships between U.S. and international companies * Insights on entering new markets—from both sides * A relaxed, off-the-record environment built for real connection 🎯 Whether you're: * Expanding into the U.S. * Taking your company international * Looking for capital or strategic partnerships * Or just want to meet high-quality people outside the conference halls You’ll find your people here. 📍 Location: Casa de Montecristo (DC) 💵 Entry: $25 🥃 Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no additional fee whatsoever! ⚠️ This is an independent event and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by SelectUSA.

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Join us for an LGBTQIA+ D&D happy hour! Come unwind, roll some dice, and share adventures over drinks (alcoholic or otherwise)! Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just curious about the world of tabletop roleplay, it’s a space to connect, laugh, and celebrate community. Can't make it? Join the [DMV D&D Discord](https://discord.gg/xhEJ7V3uvu)[ ](https://discord.gg/bDvGRtKfhR)to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest events!

Join us for some cheffy Vietnamese Street food from Moon Rabbit's chef, Kevin Tien, at his new conept - ***Chao Ban*** in Tysons Galleria! ***Washingtonian:*** At his upscale restaurant Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien and his team reimagine Vietnamese food with modern dishes like mochi beignets with fresh eel or green-curry sponge cake. But at his new fast-casual spot, Chao Ban, in Tysons Galleria, Tien is focusing on more familiar staples like pho and banh mi—albeit with some of his usual cheffy twists. “If you want super traditional Vietnamese food, definitely go check out the original mom and pop places,” says Tien, citing Eden Center and standbys like Pho 75. “We’re just trying to do what our version is.” At Chao Ban—meaning “hello, friend”—Tien has teamed up with Alan Vo, his partner in Hot Lola’s fried chicken joint and a longtime friend from his early restaurant days in Louisiana. One of the banh mi at Chao Bun features Hot Lola’s Sichuan-chili-oil-spiked Nashville hot chicken. Other sandwiches come stuffed with salt and pepper shrimp—a nod to the chef’s late nights at New Big Wong in Chinatown—or crispy pork belly rubbed in pho spices. All of them come on bread that arrives par-baked from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans. “When you take a bite, there’s like a million crumbs everywhere, with a super soft interior,” Tien says. The toasted bread also accompanies a couple bowls, such as a lemongrass beef short rib stew or a lemongrass chicken coconut curry. Other snackier dishes include fried spring rolls, nuoc cham chicken wings, and honey pecan shrimp (a riff on honey walnut shrimp) with yuzu kosho mixed into the condensed milk drizzle. Tien expects a sleeper hit to be the shrimp chips and dip with a Vietnamese “salsa” made from charred tomatoes, chipotles, shallots, lime, and fish sauce. On the more traditional end of the menu is pho, including a beef version with 12-hour brisket and another with halal lemongrass chicken. (All the chicken on the menu is halal, and Tien is hoping to expand the offerings soon.) “We’re toasting all our spices by hand for the pho, so it’s like the freshest all our spices could be,” Tien says. Check out Chao Ban menu [here](https://www.eatchaoban.com/menu) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in May, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Chao Ban in Tysons Galleria!

¡Vamos! http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/c/2/c/600_348667212.jpeg

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.** ⚽ **[Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/queer-night-out-dc-power-fc-game)** 📍 Audi Field 📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 PM Women's soccer. Happy hour. Community energy. Lesbifriends Travel invites you to join us for a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before we walk to the stadium together. Our group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people. 🎟 **Ticket Info You Should Know:** -Tickets are $20 each -**Tickets must be purchased** **[HERE](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/queer-night-out-dc-power-fc-game)** -Only 20 tickets are available -This is a meet-up opportunity and we are not affiliated with the team or stadium 🍸 **Happy Hour Hangout:** For those who buy tickets and want to connect, we're meeting for happy hour in Navy Yard at 5:00 PM before walking to the stadium together at 6:30 PM. Location will be shared with registered guests closer to the date. **Who This Is For:** Black queer folks who love a good night out, women's sports, and connecting with community in a fun setting. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to lace up, show out, and cheer loud with your community for a night of women's soccer. Note: By attending this outing, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the outing to photographer and host.

Social Sips & Bites family - this is the kind of day we do best. Easy, fun, and full of connection. We’re taking things to the water with a full afternoon of cruising, exploring, eating, and just enjoying the moment together. No stress, no rush… just good vibes and great people from start to finish. ⸻ **MEET UP — 12:00 PM** L’Enfant Plaza (D & 7th St Exit) Metro: Orange, Blue, Silver Drive: 400 7th St SW (free parking on Sunday nearby) ⸻ **THE RIDE 🚤** We’re cruising the Potomac together Wharf → Alexandria: 12:45 – 1:15 Alexandria → Wharf: 5:00 – 5:30 **Round Trip: $44** Grab your ticket: https://share.google/MR4rRnrVghl6t56e8 ⸻ **ALEXANDRIA VIBES** 🍕🍦 We step off the boat and the day just flows 1. Walk the waterfront. Take in the views 2. Andy’s Pizza — one of the best slices around https://share.google/TOnyMxiqTkhTYGXBF 3. Before heading back… Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream https://share.google/hWiZ8i8M06mayPbxM ⸻ This is one of those effortless, perfect SSB days Sunshine, water, food, laughs, and that signature SSB energy

Join us on Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM for an unforgettable evening celebrating the wines of Southern Italy at our Salento Wine Dinner. We are honored to welcome a special guest—the producer of Masca del Tacco—who will guide you through an exclusive tasting of their exceptional wines from Salento. Each course of this curated dinner has been thoughtfully paired to highlight the unique character, depth, and elegance of these wines. From crisp and aromatic whites to bold, expressive reds and a beautifully balanced dessert wine, this immersive experience offers a true taste of Salento’s rich winemaking tradition. Limited seating available. Reserve your table and join us for an intimate night of wine, food, and storytelling. \-\- COMPLIMETARY PARKING \-\- [RESERVE HERE](https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1390855&restref=1390855&experienceId=708278&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared) FOUR-COURSE MENU $78 per person BURRATA & SPRING VEGETABLES cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mint, lemon zest, toasted pistachio ORECCHIETTE with ITALIAN SAUSAGE RAGÙ broccolini, garlic, chili flake, pecorino GRILLED BEEF MEDALLIONS rosemary jus, eggplant caponata, aged balsamic DARK CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY TART almond crumble, vanilla crema

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cleveland Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter. Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts. **Choose your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=find-your-future-partner-through-nature&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) 🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Meet Cleveland singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.

**$1 Slices of Pizza!!!** #5xNWPizzaCrawl is back!! Start at Barrell & Tap where Brenz pizza will serve slices at the bar and you can grab the voting link from our booth. Then take a walk to Fibonaccis, Halwanis, Deweys, and finally Jets to choose your favorite! (the walk is about a 10 block square) Join us for this great community event and check back for more information on our route. (Grandview area)

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections