Paleo

Join us for modern island-inspired dishes at **Isla DC**! If it's good enough to attract the Obama's, I think we should give it a try too (they visited within weeks of its opening). **NOTE: This restaurant will NOT split the tab so please come prepared to cover your portion with Paypal, Venmo or Zelle. Thank you in advance for your understanding.** ***Washington Post:*** Beyond the shimmer, Isla is an ambitious Caribbean destination with a lot to say. Dinner at Isla does not end in the dining room. Chic customers filter back into the moodily lit entryway in twos and fours, where they put their to-go bags and fur coats to the side. They find their best light in a dramatic archway framed with mirrors. They strut a little strip of red carpet. As I duck inside, I always seem to land smack in the middle of Washington’s most fabulous photo shoot. Sorry! Isla opened in the shimmering Midtown Center in late October, and it already feels like a destination. A place to celebrate birthdays, to get engaged, to spend an inordinate amount of money on a company credit card, to see and be seen (and, maybe, to see the Obamas on date night). Past the entryway is the even grander dining room roaring with life, illuminated by a chandelier shaped like a beehive and dripping light off hundreds of delicate glass petals. Through and through, this is a power restaurant, the kind of place people go as much for form — the glam of it all — as function. (You know, the food.) A plate of lamb tartare was my first clue that Isla isn’t all window dressing. It arrives as a neat column, painted with a ticklingly spicy sweet potato and habanero cream and covered with a fine layer of chopped chives. Mixed almost imperceptibly in with the dark red cubes are bits of pickled shrimp, their slight chew giving way to waves of salinity. Instead of attempting to wrestle the gamy meat into submission, chef Lonie Murdock accentuates its undeniable intensity, breathing new life into a dish that tends to be more or less interchangeable from one glitzy restaurant to the next. Murdock is new to D.C., but Canadian expats and visitors might know her from Miss Likklemore's, the restaurant she and husband Darren Hinds opened in Toronto in 2022. There, Murdock says, she felt more beholden to tradition, honoring the substantial Caribbean population that calls Toronto home by serving faithful renditions of classics such as slow-cooked oxtails and the handheld chickpea wrap called doubles. At Isla, she wanted to step “outside of that comfort zone.” She brings her vision for a sprawling, globally inspired restaurant to Washington at an exciting moment for Caribbean cooking in the United States. In New York, chef Paul Carmichael opened Kabawa in early 2025, a sleek tasting counter where he exalts plantains with shaved salt cod and caviar, treating the sticky sweet fruit as a luxury ingredient. At Kann in Portland, Oregon, chef Gregory Gourdet rubs whole cauliflowers in jerk seasoning and brings them to life in his restaurant’s open hearth, his cooking a glorious collision of Haitian technique and Pacific Northwest produce. D.C. has played its part, too. Chef Kwame Onwuachi's Dogon is a destination restaurant built around coco bread and brown stew snapper. At St. James on 14th Street NW, paratha is served as a centerpiece dish, surrounded by an ornate spread of meat and vegetable curries. Where does Isla fit in? The restaurant’s most interesting dishes emerge when Murdock treats “Caribbean” less as a prescription than a loose framework. “For me, it was more important just to kind of highlight the beauty and the bounty of Caribbean ingredients, and not necessarily focus on a traditional dish hitting the plate,” she says. Take flaky patties. There are familiar fillings, like supple oxtail that melts into each bite of buttery pastry, but more thrilling are ones densely packed with crab cooked in a fragrant panang curry. Murdock, whose mother is Jamaican, is a quick study in the American palate: A particularly decadent patty features processed cheese and ground beef. Small plates and creative side dishes tend to outshine the bigger, spendier ones, but you can piece together a meat-and-starch dinner if that’s your thing. The showiest entrée on the menu (under a section called “feast & fire”) is a snapper whose meat has been separated from its bones and turned into fried nuggets. These morsels are then reunited with the fried skeleton, which wraps around the plate as if standing guard. For all the fun of the presentation, I found the fish disappointingly mild and craved a creamy sauce to dip into. For something substantial, I prefer the pork chop, lovingly charred and served in a deep, dark, puckering reduction made with pork bones and the Trinidadian green mango condiment kuchella. A pat of crab butter slowly melts into the chop and amplifies its meaty richness, and a few spears of grilled mango radiate like glimmers of sunlight. Whatever feast and fire you choose, pair it with a grilled plantain. “It is such a beautiful ingredient,” Murdock says. “I just didn’t want to see it hit the plate in any kind of way that I’d ever seen it before.” She roasts a sweet plantain until its skin is charred and the insides are beginning to soften, then slices it open and finishes it with butter infused with more bracing kuchella. The starchy fruit has all the heft of a baked potato, but so much more depth and curiosity. I like to double up with a side of mac pie. Murdock bridges the traditional Caribbean dish — a dense casserole — and ooey-gooey American mac and cheese. Her version is a brick of pasta almost caramelized around the edges, cheese lightly coating each noodle, all drenched in a devilishly rich Mornay. I’ve yet to leave Isla short of stuffed, but someday I’ll build a light dinner around bara, the springy Trinidadian flatbread used to make doubles. Here, the dish is deconstructed, the bread served on a glass pedestal, the fillings served separately for swiping and layering. I like a version featuring tender oxtails blanketed dramatically in a creamy butter bean foam, but my favorite of these dishes nods to tradition. A bowl of well-spiced chickpeas, surrounded by labneh and dotted with a sweet-sour tamarind achar, is comfort food dressed up with a bow tie. The leather booths are deep and cozy, and the cocktails, which favor rum and lean light and tropical, are lots of fun. A daiquiri stained blue with butterfly pea flowers is a refreshing start to the night, and Isla’s rendition of an espresso martini, coined the Style and Grace, balances jittery cold brew with sweet, milky peanut punch. Here, the classic cocktail becomes something rich and grown-up, almost devoid of its typical oversaturation. ***Check out the menu [here](https://isladc.com/menu/)*** We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join. 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. **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. In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in June we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a fantastic dinner at Isla DC!

If you have a travel chess set and/or clock, please bring them so we can be sure to accommodate everyone. If not, feel free to come anyway!

**\*\* Tickets are $167.03, ($125 + tax, gratuities, and fees), and can be purchased [here](https://www.thelibertytavern.com/event/e-pira-chiara-boschis-wine-dinner/). \*\*** The Piedmont region of Italy is renowned for Barolo, one of my favorite wines. Please join us at Liberty Tavern on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:00 PM for a five-course Barolo wine dinner featuring the wines of celebrated winemaker Chiara Boschis. **MENU** **1st Course** **Risotto ai Fungi -** porcini, castelmagno, white truffle *Pairing: E Pira Chiara Boschis Dolcetto d' Alba 2024* **2nd Course** **Agnolotti -** candied walnut, spring pea, sage, besciamella *Pairing: E Pira Chiara Boschis Barbera d' Alba Superiore 2025* **3rd Course** **Brasato al Barolo -** polenta concia, caramelized heirloom carrots *Pairing: E Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo "Via Nuova" 2021* **4th Course** **Hazelnut Crusted Venison Loin -** chestnut puree, braised radicchio, crispy sunchoke *Pairing: E Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo "Mosconi" 2022* **5th Course** **Coconut Cream Maritozzo -** pineapple, basil, brioche Pairing: *La Spinetta Moscato d'Asti "Bricco Quaglia" 2024*

If you love A Cappella Singing come check out the Harmonizers and Metro Voices...The lower voice and treble voice choruses- both part of the Alexandria A Cappella Collective. If you love 4-part harmony you'll want to visit us! We will be rehearsing on June 16th at Beth El located at 3830 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304. We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for everyone to sing. We welcome everyone to visit our rehearsal and enjoy the singing while learning more about us!

Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, Divino is the perfect place to gather. Enjoy live music, handcrafted dishes, and a warm, social atmosphere. FREE PARKING GARAGE

Please bring a nutritarian dish or salad to share with at least 8 members. Also, you could bring containers to take home etras at the end of the evening. We will share resouces, recipes and other info as we support each other in choosing high nutrient dense eating.

Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: SUNDAY TIME: 1pm-3pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

# Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: Fridays TIME: 7:30pm-9:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

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

**🎉 Speed Dating Night for Hialeah Singles — On Zoom** Hosted Zoom rounds, Hialeah singles your speed, and matches sent the next day. Easy as that. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Choose your group and register:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Important: RSVP is not the same as registering. Use your age link below and complete the quiz to secure a place. Limited capacity. See you on Zoom, Hialeah. 😊

The restaurant’s website doesn’t have the dinner menu listed. I took a picture of the dinner menu.

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.

Join us Saturday, June 20th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow at the Columbus Park of Roses with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded. All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat). A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute. The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Pattycake Bakery for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over delicious sweets and conversation 🌱

**🥂 Speed Dating Night for Hialeah Singles — On Zoom** No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Hialeah singles picked for you. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Choose your group and register:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) > Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped. Bring yourself and an open mind — we'll handle the rest. 🍷

**Let’s meet for pizza 1st at Mikey’s Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**