Mediterranean

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 10a, 5/2**. (*Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership*) I'm in the mood for a great French bistro-style dinner in DC. We are heading to **Amélie** in Logan Circle, known for its wine program and classic French fare in a relaxed, modern setting. **FOOD**: Modern French Bistro, well-executed. Amélie focuses on approachable French bistro cuisine with an emphasis on small plates and shareable dishes. Diners often highlight escargots, steak frites, and duck confit as reliable standouts, along with mussels prepared in classic broths. Cheese and charcuterie boards are frequently ordered to start, and lighter items like salads and tartines round out the menu for those looking for a less heavy meal. Executive Chef Anthony Lemortellec, a Parisian who has worked with the legendary chef Alain Ducasse in Paris, moved over from Boqueria where he was Chef. The wine program is a major draw, with a broad French-leaning selection and rotating options by the glass. Cocktails are quite good but the focus here is wine-driven, which pairs well with the menu structure. Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range depending on beverage participation. → **Explore Amélie's menu:** **[https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner](https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner)** **SPACE**: Cozy, stylish interior with a mix of bar seating and dining tables. Expect a lively, social atmosphere with moderate noise, especially on a Saturday evening → **Visit the restaurant site**: [https://www.ameliedc.com](https://www.ameliedc.com) - Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details). - Limited to 8 slots. See you there! JoeN **CLOSEST METRO**: - **U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station** (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk south via 14th St NW or Vermont Ave NW. The walk is about 15–18 minutes. - **Dupont Circle station** (Red) is also nearby. Walk east toward 14th St NW, then south. The walk is about 16–20 minutes. - For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website ([click on your preferred Metro station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm) then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip". **PARKING**: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly. ***Attendance Notes:*** - **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up***\*\*.\*\ *With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.* - ****New Members / 1st Timers:*** Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (*often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).* -****Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. Looking forward to dining with you! JoeN

**Silent Saturday Retreat: Healing Meditations** *The Magical Practice of Taking & Giving w/Kadam Michelle* The practice of taking and giving is one of the most powerful methods for opening our hearts and healing our mental and physical illnesses. This ancient practice brings mental peace and happiness and is especially helpful in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help others or overcome adversity. Taking and giving is a well-known healing meditation practice. In this retreat, we will learn to heal our mind and enhance our love, compassion, and wisdom. The morning consists of three, thirty minute meditations, with thirty minutes of silence in between each session to enjoy quiet reflection and let your mind go deeper into an experience of meaning and peace. The last half hour of the morning will be a discussion and question and answer session to help you consolidate what you would like to bring with you from the retreat into your daily life. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary. **Registration**: $30 \| $15 You can register at the door or [pre-register online](https://meditation-dc.org/event/silent-saturday-healing-meditations-the-magical-practice-of-taking-and-giving/). **Event Schedule** 10-10:30am: Guided Meditation 11-11:30am: Guided Meditation 12-12:30pm: Guided Meditation 12:30pm-1pm: Q&A

Socrates Café meets on the first Saturday of each month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

We have a **2 BR / 1 BA flat** for sale at Takoma Village Cohousing in Washington, DC! Join us at an open house on **Saturday, May 2, from 1:00 to 3:00** to view the home, which is being offered For Sale By Owner (FSBO). No registration is required. Learn more about this opportunity, including the seller's contact information, in the sale flyer and floor plan on [our website](https://takomavillage.org/page/39042~1039777/sales-and-rentals). You can also see more on the [linked web pages and photo gallery](https://wpl.mwg.mybluehost.me/website_8e2e0158/). Brief tours of the common areas will be offered to prospective buyers at the same time as the open house. Purchase offers are likely to be requested a few days later. If you are seriously considering this home for sale, please also review our [Guide for Prospective Residents](https://takomavillage.org/page/39042~755756/guide-for-prospective-residents). There are several upcoming activities you can participate in to fulfill the expectations, but please write to us to arrange for a host for any activity you want to join. Our email address is on [our website](https://takomavillage.org/page/39042~754251/public-inquiries). *Takoma Village complies with the Federal Fair Housing Act and the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.*

Join us for all or part of our weekly program to practice and study the dharma together - In-Person or Online. All experience levels welcome. Schedule was: 10:00 am - 10:30 am Chenrezig practice\* 10:30 am - 10:45 am Break 10:45 am - 11:30 am Silent Meditation *Two 20min sessions with a 5min break* 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Study & Discussion \*Chenrezig practice is led via video by HH the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The practice is recited in Tibetan with English subtitles. For text and information go to: [https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/](https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/) **In-Person** Fellowship Hall at the [Unitarian Universalist Congregation](https://www.uucr.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0ZQVFBCdmJ3MzNOWEJoRwEeSoPXSHNPf_pRRTPn-UbSRXubgBfGor06l14v9_Z1cMfvxShmdngQDTcV-ao_aem_4x2F8VhluNx_5QC2unwCkw) of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 ([[https://www.uucr.org/](https://www.uucr.org/) **Online via Zoom** (for Zoom information, click on the relevant tile for that Sunday’s meeting): [https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events](https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events) BodhiPath Washington DC is supported by donation.

Start with a Pisco Sour, a signature cocktail or mocktail. Enjoy ceviche just like you get in Peru, a choripan sandwich, some Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Chicken or many more delicious choices! [Check out their menu here](https://autenticoperu.com/menu/) Auténtico is born from years of dreams, sharing the rich diversity of Peruvian cuisine with Northern Virginia. Their menu celebrates variety and creativity, where traditional recipes meet subtle touches of innovation. It’s more than food, it’s a fusion of authentic flavors crafted with care, turning every plate into a story worth savoring.

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Join me for a relaxed and delicious Italian lunch at **Gregorio's Trattoria**. Gregorio's Trattoria brings that *“from our family to yours”* vibe—serving up authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Expect comforting classics like pasta, pizza, and hearty entrées in a warm, welcoming setting. This is a perfect mid-day break to enjoy great food, good conversation, and meet some awesome people. Here's the menu: https://gregoriostrattoria.com/menus/ * **📍 Location:** Park Potomac Spots are limited—RSVP early and come hungry 😄 • If the event fills up, join the waitlist—spots often open as the date approaches. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍷

We’re kicking off something new… and you’re invited Join us as we start our Sunday Walk Series with Mellisa - the perfect way to ease into your Sunday with fresh air, great company, and relaxed vibes. We’ll take on a 2–3 mile walk along the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail, enjoying nature, conversation, and that signature SSB energy. And because we know how to reward ourselves… There might be an ice cream stop after. (Okay, there probably will be.) Come walk, connect, and start your Sunday right. Let’s make this a new favorite tradition. Meeting point: In front of Uncle Julio 4870 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Parking: Montgomery County Parking 4846 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (free on Sunday) Metro: Bethesda Metro (0.5 miles from meeting point)

Join us for the world premiere of the musical ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders,*** commissioned by GALA and conceived by Helen Hayes multi-award winner Luis Salgado from Puerto Rico and Colombian artist Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as bomba, currulao, and cumbia, and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, Aguardiente is a bold new musical about the messy, urgent act of making art in a world on fire. As a group of artists race to finish a new show, their rehearsal room becomes a battleground of ideas, ambition, and lived experience—especially for a composer whose undocumented status makes the dream of success anything but simple. As the team wrestles with what story they should tell, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, until—like two currents meeting in the same river—the artists’ own struggles spill into the story they are creating: a vibrant tale set in a river town on the brink of environmental collapse, where two young lovers must decide whether to stay and fight for their homeland or leave in pursuit of a dream, making Aguardiente a theatrical journey about migration, memory, and the complicated act of transforming real lives into art. **PERFORMANCES:** ***Aguardiente*** is a bilingual production with surtitles in English and Spanish, and runs April 30 through May 24, 2026. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The show is approximately 160 minutes long and includes one intermission. Community Night is Thursday, April 30. Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast and creative team, is Saturday, May 2, under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. **TICKETS:** Regular tickets for ***Aguardiente*** are $60 Premium, $55 Orchestra Standard, $45 Orchestra Value, and $35 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night tickets are $25 each and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245626)** **CAST:** ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders*** features an 18-people multicultural cast that includes Samuel Garnica (Venezuela) as Alberto, Sebastián Treviño (Colombia and Mexico) as Alejandro, Vin Ramos (Puerto Rico) as Azuquita, Ana Luisa Martínez (Mexico) as Anís, Shayla Hernández (Puerto Rico) as Kiara, Emy Ramos (Dominican Republic and United States) as Beta, Eric González (Spain) as Eve, Machirán (Cuba) as Pepe/MC, and Leanna “Leah” Finol (Venezuela and Hungary) as Mamá/Mom. The ensemble includes Ralphie Rivera (Puerto Rico, Dance Captain), Álvaro Medina Molina (Puerto Rico and Colombia, Alberto U/S), Santiago Ayala (Colombia, Alejandro U/S), Brianna Ríos (El Salvador and Puerto Rico, Anís U/S), Ana Daniela Pérez (Panama, Beta U/S), Bibi Sánchez (Mexico, Mamá U/S), Julia Neveu (United States, Eve U/S), Zaramaría Fas (Puerto Rico, Swing), and Rodrigo Calderón (Peru, Swing, Azuquita U/S). **CREATIVE TEAM:** This enthralling new musical is written, directed, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, with music and music direction by Daniel A. Gutiérrez, and lyrics by both Salgado and Gutiérrez. Scenic Design is by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design is by Colin Bills, Projections Design is by Milton Cordero, and Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek is Sound Designer. Costume Design is by Jeannette Christensen, Properties Design is by Chelsea Dean, and Hair and Makeup Design is by Andre Hopfer. Sorany Gutiérrez is the Dramaturg, Valeria Cossu is Associate Director, and Ralphie Rivera is Associate Choreographer. Cody Von Ruden is Assistant Costume Designer and Elias Hall is Assistant Properties Designer. The band includes Daniel Gutiérrez (Music Director, Conductor, Keys), Sebastián Natal (Assistant Music Director, Multi-instrumentalist), Juan “Juancho” Gómez (Guitar), Iván Navas (Multi-instrumentalist), Jaime Rodríguez (Percussion), Roger Torres (Trumpet), and Michael “Mike” Ventura (Saxophone). Ester Teixeira Vianna is Stage Manager, Rbekah Nogueira is NYC Assistant Stage Manager, Brian Martínez is DC Assistant Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Amanda Leyva is Assistant Production Manager, Anson Stevie is Technical Director, Delbis Cardona is General Manager for Rehearsal Space, and Lorena Suárez is Company Administrator. Gustavo Ott is the Producer and Rebecca Medrano is the Executive Producer. The production is made possible in part with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Paul Angell Foundation, the National Latinx Theater Initiative, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additionally, GALA Hispanic Theatre is a recipient of the 2026 THRIVE! Grant, funded by the Mark Edelman Theater Fund and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the National organization for theatre leading for a just and thriving theatre ecology.

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

**Tickets are on Sale now $22.00 curtainplayers.org** **please list your seat number in comments . Purchase in E .We also will meet for lunch if interested which is posted separately 😊**

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! **AND TODAY IS OUR THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY!!!** So be ready for a celebration of everything that's made Improv Meetup wonderful: you, the amazing performers! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Let’s meet Sunday morning for coffee/tea at La Chatelaine in Worthington, OH at 9am. 7 La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro in Worthington, OH, located at 627 High St, is a charming, locally owned eatery offering authentic French cuisine, pastries, and bread in a rustic,, cozy atmosphere. Open daily, it is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, featuring a popular patio, counter service, and a frequently lauded bakery section