The Adventures of a 35yo (Alcohol) Virgin

Sangria Rojo

There is something pretty damn awesome about seeing something you love through the eyes of someone else. This is why living in Washington, DC is so great. Not only does it have so many cool things to see and do, but it’s a destination city and so people sometimes come here anyway.

And not just to see us.

This was the case with our friend Angie. She was going to be just outside of DC for work early this week, but decided to come in early and spend the weekend with us visiting and taking in as much of the city as possible.

And 20+ walking miles, 4 excellent meals out, invisible pandas and dodging millions of Girl Scouts later, I think she got her visit’s worth.

One of the first things we did was take her to Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden down on 7th and Constitution. A favorite of Joe’s and mine and one of the very first things we did as tourists, it’s a really great time.

Or I should say, it’s normally a good time. Eh, it wasn’t a bad time. But it was busy. Like too-many-people-in-the-pool-is-the-water-getting-warmer busy. I mean, every square inch of grass or place to sit or stand was occupied by 20+ somethings enjoying the weather and breathing each other’s air.

It was intense. So busy there were dozens of people waiting to get in. Waiting. At the gate. Like it was a concert. It was insane.

And the line to get sangria was just as bad, apparently. Thankfully, Joe and Angie had a full pitcher of sangria waiting for me by the time I got there. The sangria at Jazz in the Garden is famous. Not because it’s that great, but because it’s cheap and plentiful.

Typically offering one variety, that night was red. But I’m being fancy and calling it sangria roja. I know, fancy. It was alright. Pretty watered down, nice tart sweetness from the wine, slightly alcoholy, and a touch of lemon.

Alone, the sangria was just ok. But in the atmosphere of good friends and the masses it was fun, social, and really helped to kick-off summer.

And Angie loved it. She was already quickly impressed with DC just off one event and the weekend was just getting started. In fact right after we headed over to Hill Country BBQ for some dinner and yet another firstdrink… but that my friends you’ll have to read about tomorrow with my HC Cooler post.

Oh, and then I had another firstdrink on Saturday. But then, ironically, I rested on Sunday. So the DC Adventure with Angie continues. You’ll just have to wait.

“Another 3 parter, Ben?!” Yes, shut your face. Just sit back and enjoy it. If nothing else you know it’ll have brief moments of amusement. Brief, but they’ll be there.

Cheers, Ben


PS: 3 words: Charity Yappy Hour. 2 more: This Thursday. 5 final words: Your dog will thank you.