Monthly Archives: January 2011

Airline Travelers stay alert!

January 29, 2011 – 10:39 pm

Specially during winter months many flights are canceled due to bad weather, therefore it is a good idea to plan ahead by following the steps below:

Before your flight

• If bad storms are in the forecast, call the airline and try to change your connection to a hub with better weather.

• Make a list of hotels near the airport. If you call the front desk directly you can generally find a room, even if the hotel’s website says it’s full!

• If you booked through your company or used a travel agency don’t hesitate to call the agent and let him know about the situation, he will help rebook if things go bad.

• Sign up for flight-status alerts from your airline and FlightStats.com.

• Consider a back-up reservation on an airline like Southwest that has no change fees. (Southwest @ BWI airport)

At the Airport

• Check if your connecting flight is still scheduled before you board first flight.

• If your flight has a long delay, ask the crew how much duty time they have left. If not much, start calling for hotel rooms because your flight may well be canceled.

• Use the airline’s website. Sometimes, you can often get rebooked or find the airline has already rebooked you.

Overnight Help

• Many airports are prepared to help with cots, blankets, diapers, even showers. Airport courtesy phones or workers can tell you what concessions or TSA checkpoints are open, where to find an ATM or where the quietest sleeping areas are located.

Transport from the Airport to the Hotel
If the problem is due to heavy rain or snow and if you are lucky enough to be at an airport that provides metro/subway transportation, you will be better off taking the metro instead
of a taxi or shuttle because road traffic can become a nightmare depending where you are. For example, the last storm we had in Washington, DC caused traffic to stop and a trip that would take 15 minutes took hours, imagine the poor folks that chose a taxi. American Guest House Bed and Breakfast is accessible by metrorail from Reagan National Airport-DCA.

• Airlines and airports can give you vouchers toward discounted hotel rooms.

• Hotel-booking services like Airport Accommodations (800-935-5995) have rooms reserved at nearby hotels for distressed travelers.

• Keep essentials in your carry-on. Collecting bags may mean leaving secure areas, and you won’t be able to go back through security with big bags, even if TSA is still open.

• You might be able to check bags at an airport hotel even if you aren’t a guest.

• Work the standby list. Even fully booked flights can have seats open up if other customers don’t show up. Go at the gate you might get lucky.

Last for last you can always consider buying a seat on a discount airline. If you can find one, you can get a refund from the airline that’s grounded and buy a ticket (more expensive, no doubt) on another carrier.

DC airports:

Washington Dulles International Airport (703) 572-2700 www.mwaa.com

Washington Reagan National Airport (703) 417 8000 www.mwaa.com

Baltimore (BWI) Airport (410) 859-7111 www.bwiairport.com

Enjoy your trip! Jonathan

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

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Regional News

About the state dinner at the White House

January 20, 2011 – 9:01 pm

Yesterday was held a “state dinner” at the White House to welcome President Hu Jintao of China.

Do you know why we call that a state dinner?

By definition a state dinner is a dinner or banquet (with a lot of protocols) paid by a government and hosted by a head of state in his or her official residence in order to renew and celebrate diplomatic ties between the host country and the country of a foreign head of state or head of government.

In the US, we need to go back in the 19th century, the term state dinner became synonymous with a dinner hosted by the president honoring a foreign head of state. For the anecdote the first state Dinner was held at the White House for King David Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was hosted by Ulysses S. Grant on December 12, 1874.

What was the menu of yesterday state dinner?

The menu which is generally a four or five course meal was created by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and White House Pastry Chef William Yosses.

It featured:

- D’ Anjou pear salad with farmstead goat cheese, fennel, black walnuts, and white balsamic

- Poached Maine lobster, orange glaze carrots and black trumpet mushrooms

- Lemon sorbet

- Dry-aged rib eye with buttermilk crisp onions, double-stuffed potatoes and creamed spinach

- Old-fashioned apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

May be you will get busy cooking! Jonathan

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

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Recipes The White House

Apple Pie at the White House in Washington, DC

January 20, 2011 – 7:51 pm

Is there anything better than hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream after a juicy steak and potato dinner? Chinese President Hu Jintao’s delegation was right on their choice of food for the State Dinner at the White House, they requested and got an all-American feast and below is the recipe for the Apple Pie served.

Ingredients for the crust:
3 cups All-Purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
10 ounces unsalted butter, cold, cut into small chunks
3 ounces lard, cold, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup ice water

For the filling:
2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Zest and juice of 1 lemon

For the egg wash:
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
Sugar, for sprinkling

Method
To make the crust, in a food processor pulse together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the butter and lard, then pulse briefly until the mixture forms small crumbs. Add the ice water and pulse just until a dough forms. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and shape into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

When chilled, to prepare the pie shell, on a floured surface roll out one disc to a 14-inch circle using a rolling pin. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased, deep 9-inch pie pan, leaving a 1 inch overhang. Refrigerate the crust in the pan for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

When ready to bake the bottom crust, heat the oven to 375 F. Line the cold crust with foil and fill with baking weights, rice or dry beans to hold it in place. Bake the pie shell for 30 minutes and remove from oven. Leave the oven on once the crust is done.

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large saucepan, toss together the apples, sugar, honey, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon and lemon zest and juice. Let sit for 20 minutes.

Bring the fruit mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the fruit thickens. Let cool.

When the bottom the filling has cooled, pour the it into the baked crust. Roll out the second disc of dough to about 12 inches.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the salt. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg on the edges of the cooked crust. Place the top crust over the filling. Using a fork or crimper, gently crimp the top crust, sealing the pie around the edges.

Slit the top of the crust with a paring knife in several places to create steam vents. Brush egg wash over the crust, then sprinkle with sugar. Bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top crust is golden brown. Let cool for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Servings: 8

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Hospitals

Cancer treatment centers in Washington DC

January 20, 2011 – 6:33 pm

All the Comforts of Home- When Your Need Them Most

Many visitors to the American Guest House Bed and Breakfast are business travelers, tourists, foreign dignitaries, and travelers of all other walks of life. Unfortunately however, sometimes travel to the Washington DC area is much more a necessity than a holiday.

The Washington D.C./Baltimore area is home to some of the finest medical facilities the world has to offer, including some of the most technologically sophisticated cancer treatment centers in the country. Whether visiting a loved one receiving care at Washington Hospital Center, the Lombardi Cancer Center, the Johns-Hopkins Cancer Center, or any other of Washington’s fine healthcare facilities, we all know that sometimes the comfort of a warm environment can ease the stress and worry inflicted by a loved one’s difficult battle with cancer.

These facilities offer the best possible solutions in progressive cancer treatment for difficult malignancies like lung cancer, mesothelioma, leukemia, and other aggressive disease.

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast in partnership with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, is proud to host patients, families, and loved ones of those receiving care at any Washington D.C. area treatment facility. We recognize the value of feeling welcome and embraced in an otherwise difficult time.

If you or a loved one are receiving care at a Washington area hospital or cancer center and would like to arrange comfortable and convenient lodging for yourself or a family member, we urge to call the guesthouse today to arrange reservations for your stay.

Regional News

“THE LOST SYMBOL” coming to Washington, DC

January 17, 2011 – 11:47 pm

Best-selling author Dan Brown is coming to the nation’s capital in his newest thriller, “The Lost Symbol.” Professor Robert Langdon is back! This time he is bringing his trademark expertise in symbology and iconology Washington, DC for an action-packed, clue-cracking adventure.

Visit the landmarks and locations featured in Langdon’s latest adventure as you explore the secret side of the nation’s capital. Learn more about the Freemasons, the city’s design, and locations loaded with signs and symbols, from the breathtaking Scottish Rite temple to the Library of Congress.

US Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center
George Washington is said to have worn his Mason apron when laid the cornerstone for this powerful landmark, which is featured on the cover of the book. Some say that Masonic symbols and references appear throughout the building

George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The temple-like building towers over Old Town Alexandria, Va. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about George Washington and Freemasonry, a large Masonic library and artifacts including George Washington’s family Bible, locks of his hair and items used during his funeral.

House of the Temple (Scottish Rite Headquarters)
This 16th Street landmark was once voted one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. While it is officially used as an office building for the Sovereign Grand Commander and other officers and staff of the Scottish Rite, it also houses a museum and Masonic library.

Washington Monument
The celebrated landmark honors George Washington.

Washington National Cathedral
Known to be at the highest point in the city.

Library of Congress
The nation’s largest library holds many secrets of its own.

Smithsonian Institution
Visitors can discover fascinating treasures at locations throughout the museum system.

Enjoy your adventure! Jonathan

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

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Regional News

Washington, DC monuments and memorials at the Mall.

January 13, 2011 – 9:27 pm

The best way to see all the monuments is to take a tour. Many of the monuments are open late at night and their illumination makes nighttime a memorable time to visit them.
DC War Memorial
National Mall, west of 17th St. and Independence Ave. SW.
This lesser known memorial commemorates the 26,000 citizens of Washington, DC who served in World War I.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
Daniel French Drive and Independence Avenue, SW
Our nation honors those who were killed, captured, wounded or remain missing in action during the Korean War (1950 -1953).

Lincoln Memorial
23rd Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW
This memorial was dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. Thirty-eight Grecian columns surround a statue of Lincoln seated on a ten-foot high marble base. This impressive statue is surrounded by engraved readings of the Gettysburg address. Hours are 8 a.m. to midnight.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW
A V-shaped granite wall is inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Washington Monument
Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, NW.
The memorial to George Washington, our nation’s first president, took 40 years to complete its original construction due to lack of funds, but was finally dedicated in 1885. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily except for December 25. Advance tickets are available for $1.50 service fee.

World War II Memorial
17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues.
This beautiful structure serves as a peaceful place to remember those who served our country during World War II. The memorial is open 24 hours a day.

Enjoy your visit! Jonathan

American Guest house Bed and Breakfast

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Regional News Washington DC Activities

Yoga Classes in DC

January 10, 2011 – 8:25 pm

For a great way to stretch, tone up and help get rid of those aches and pains associated with a desk job- try taking a yoga class! There are many places to choose from in DC and plenty of introductory deals at most studios. Take a look at the list below (here’s another great list).

Yoga District - 1635 Connecticut Avenue, NW 5th Floor. 2 blocks from Dupont Circle Metro. 3 class “New Student” pass valid for one week is $10 and drop in classes are $10.

Bikram Yoga – 1635 Connecticut Avenue, 4th floor. Intro week is $20 and drop in classes are $20.

Flow Yoga – 1450 P Street, NW. Newbies can get a $20 for 2 classes pass or 1 month unlimited pass for $50.

Boundless Yoga - 1522 U Street NW. New student first month is $50 and drop in classes are $18.

See their websites for more details on passes and prices.

Happy health! -Vanessa, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Regional News Washington DC Activities Washington DC Shopping

Antique Shopping in DC

January 9, 2011 – 7:59 pm

Finding unique and beautiful antiques can be a fun way to spend the day in DC. There are plenty of options throughout the District, but finding the best bang for your buck can be the challenge. For the bargain shopper, that’s part of the thrill! Check these shops out for some swanky digs.

To begin, take a gander at the whole slew of shops in Georgetown .

Susquehanna Antique Company - 3216 O St., NW

Random Harvest – 1313 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Cote Jardin Antiques – 3218 O St., NW

Flea markets are also a great resource. You may want to try:

Georgetown Flea Market – Sunday from 8am to 4pm at 1819 35th St., NW

The Flea Market at Eastern Market – Sunday from 10am to 5pm at 7th and C St, NE

For the serious antique collector, you may want to take a peek at what’s in stock at Weschler’s Auctioneers and Appraisers. They are located at 909 E Street, NW.

Happy shopping! – Vanessa, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

About American Guest House B&B Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates for all occasions – Washington, DC

January 6, 2011 – 8:26 pm

Would you like to surprise someone with a special gift? Why not give him or her a Gift Certificate for a stay at our lovely American Guest House Bed and Breakfast in Washington DC. If you have an idea for the certificate we can try and design it for you, or perhaps you have something prepared that you would like us to use? You are welcome to send us your prepared Gift Certificate or art work and we will mail it anywhere in the world for you.

Lucia Rosan

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Regional News

10 Things I Hate in Hotels by Tony Wheeler from Lonely planet

January 4, 2011 – 10:11 pm

Tony Wheeler’s article is great because it reminds us of things we should check before we reserve a hotel room, like asking if hot breakfast and Internet are included in the rate. Many hotels offer great prices but then they overcharge you for Internet, phone calls, breakfast and some other absurdity they come up with, at the end you end up spending a lot more. Also make sure you get an uninterrupted night sleep by turning off the alarm set by the previous guests. Do check us out next time you visit Washington DC, our rates are very competitive and yes it includes made-to-order hot breakfast and wireless Internet. In addition, if you need a removable clothe hanger to drip dry your shirt, please just let us know, it is free. For more info on Tony’s article please visit this link Lonely planet website

Jonathan, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast

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Last updated by admin at January 4, 2011.