Onto #9--Location, Location, Location!

Everyone knows how important those three little words are to the real estate market--but they're also critical to restaurant locales.

Which brings me to #9 on my list of fave DC eateries.

Ah, Charlie Palmer Steak House...

Elegance. Sophistication. Atmosphere. Scenery. Great food and wine.

And all those men in suits and power ties. *Sigh*

I have a few DC friends who know how I melt into my shoes when I cross an impeccably-dressed politician looking as though the world is his oyster, and Washington, DC, is one of those cities where my fetish is frequently indulged.

So it's no surprise that one of my favorite restaurants is a DC icon. A tribute to the three-martini power lunch. (And of course dinners are nothing to scoff at either, but I'll get to that a little later.)

First, Charlie Palmers is located adjacent to the U.S. Capitol, which makes it a very impressive and prestigious landmark.

Second, the crab cakes are to die for, and that's not just my opinion.

Third, if you want to see where ideas are hatched in DC, this is the place!

The air literally crackles with power. The buzz of conversation begs you to lend an ear. And the delicious smell of fresh seafood and perfectly prepared steaks permeates every nook and cranny of this beautiful, upscale restaurant.

I recommend making a reservation for lunch or dinner no matter what day you decide to dine at CP's (they're closed on Sundays), and if you book early enough, request a window table so you can see the hustle and bustle of 101 Constitution and the Capitol. (The scenery is really very pretty.)

The dinner menu is flawless. For starters, I recommend the foie gras or the oysters. Entrees are amazing no matter what you choose, but CP is known for its steak, of course, so you know you can't go wrong with the filet with a little bearnaise sauce. The rack of lamb is also suburb.

For lunch, I have just one suggestion for you: crab cake sandwich!

Now, for formal or intimate party dining, the restaurant may not seem large enough to accommodate bigger parties, but I assure you these people know how to make the most of their space! Having an office in the 101 Constitution Building above CP, I've planned a number of events at this restaurant for my company. A private party at Charlie Palmer's consists of elegant, intimate dining space; attentive, first class service; and a banquet menu and wine list that will leave you speechless.

I could go on, but I'm suddenly in need of making a reservation for next week's visit to DC! Here's all the contact info you need to book your own delicious culinary experience at Charlie Palmers--you won't be disappointed!!

Charlie Palmer Steak
101 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

Lunch
Monday - Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm

Dinner
Monday - Friday 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Saturday 5:00pm to 10:30pm

Closed Sunday

Tel: 202.547.8100
Fax: 202.547.6607

Another great loss & new beginning...

#10 on my list of favorite DC eateries is Blackie’s (as in Blackie’s House of Beef—and so aptly named!). Yes, I know. It’s closed. However, this establishment was and will always remain in our hearts an American tradition. Its own monument in a town of iconic statues.

Blackie’s was DC. From the rich, elegant décor that screamed power and influence and romance all at once (and reminded me of the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel in NYC), to the impossible-to-resist (I don’t care if you’re a vegan) steak selections to the extremely attentive wait staff to the more than 3,000-bottle wine cellar (um, this girl calls that Heaven!), there was really nothing about Blackie’s that could be criticized. Even the prices. Yes, they were exorbitant, but I don’t think the die-hards complained. I remember shelling out $40 for a beautiful, center-cut filet and paired it with a $10 baked potato. Yeah, that’s one expensive spud. But so worth it.

But since our days of tradition are over, travel/dining companion #3 recommends an alternative DC tradition: Poste Moderne Brasserie
I’ve not been yet, but this restaurant is on my list for our RWA DC trip! If you have a review of this restaurant, I’d love to hear it!!

Best,

Calista

My stomach mourns this loss...

My next selection for best DC eatery is part one of a two-part farewell to great DC restaurants. I’m dedicating slots #11 and #10 to two DC favorites that will be greatly missed.

#11 is Asia Nora. What a major loss to the West End. After about 12 years, Asia Nora closed its doors on December 21, 2008. A big shock to this fan of Asian fusion, and others, I have no doubt. Chef Nora Pouillon prepares incredible-tasting organic food, and thankfully she still has her flagship Restaurant Nora. With Asia Nora, she added a fantastic Asian fusion that was bold and imaginative, with delectable offerings such as Ahi Tuna Tartar with Crispy Nori Tempura, and Thai-Style Beef Carpaccio with Lime, Chilies and Fragrant Herbs as tantalizing appetizers.

My favorite entrees included the Roasted Alaskan Halibut in Rice Paper; the Seared Day Boat Scallops; the Roasted Pekin Duck Breast; and the Spice Roasted Leg of Lamb.

Setting the mood for the food at this “basement” establishment was a sophisticated and classy atmosphere. It was a decidedly unpretentious restaurant. We arrived there on a number of occasions without a reservation because of our unpredictable travel schedules, and never waited longer than one dirty martini to be seated. (Helpful that we were usually there around the last dinner seating.) But nary an eyebrow was ever raised at our failure to follow Reservation Etiquette 101.

So while I won’t give you the contact info and tease you with details that are useless to you now that the doors of this great restaurant are closed, I will recommend you try Restaurant Nora. And if you’re looking for a similar menu to Asia Nora, one of my dining companions suggests The Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt, also located on the West End.

My hope is Asia Nora will relocate to a different, even more fantastic home.

Happy DC Dining,

Calista

Countdown to RWA Nationals in DC!!!

This is the first of my two-week series as we head into the Romance Writers of America National Conference in Washington, DC

DC Favorite Eatery #12 (Counting down to #1!)

Here’s the beginning of my list of favorite DC eateries, all with their own special qualities and, of course, amazing food! (Okay, and the occasional hot waiter--yes, that does influence my selection.)

Number 12 is the DC Chop House, formally known as the District Chophouse & Brewery:

509 7th Street
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-3434
Special Events (202) 347-1922
Sun. & Mon.: - 11am - 10pm
Tue. - Sat.: 11am - 11pm
Brunch Sat. and Sun. - 11am to 3pm

Regular Menu

I’ll classify it as a medium-pricey menu with excellent cocktails.

Why Calista Loves the DC Chop House:
Mm, yum. That’s my first comment. Obviously, my Top 12 are going to be fabulous restaurants I’ve enjoyed during my numerous visits to DC with some incredible people--three travel/dining companions in particular who are now weighing in on my restaurant selections, and offering their own recommendations!! Alright, my number 12 selection has several things going for it. First, if you were to just “pop” into this joint, which I highly recommend you DON’T do—make a reservation, for God’s sake!—you will enjoy the upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The electrifying energy. The amazing food. The creative cocktails.

The scent alone that permeates the building is enough to make your stomach howl! I suggest the mussels or the crabcakes for a starter, and of course, I recommend the steak for an entree. Either the Filet Mignon or the NY Strip. If you're not a red meat eater, the Atlantic Salmon is also an excellent selection.

Now, when it comes to the DC Chop House and an intimate party, I highly recommend you book a private room.

I hosted a private party in The Vault (pic included above) a couple of years ago, and it was one of my favorite events in DC. For our intimate evening, we set up a bar and a to-die-for seafood appetizer station that just rocked the world because of the fresh east coast shrimp, oysters, crab claws, lobster tails and clams. And, of course, the fabulous cocktails. There’s a banquet menu, but the catering staff is so fantastic, there’s nothing, I found, they wouldn't do to make our evening the most eventful and sinfully delicious as possible!

Don’t pass this place up… the service is superb and the food and bevs are delectable!

Best,

Calista

Interviews and More Sizzlin'-Hot Contests!!

Who doesn’t like free stuff??! If you’ve visited my new website (www.calistafox.com) lately, you might have already entered yourself into my two contests. (One ends today, so pop on by if you still haven’t entered Red Sage’s 15th Anniversary Contest—they’re giving away free books!)

I have even more chances to win books and my “One Hell of an Island Adventure” beach bags!!

First, the lovely ladies at Fierce Romance (www.fierceromance.blogpost.com) have interviewed me today about my July single title release, OBJECT OF DESIRE, and the hunky hero I’ve fallen in love with! All commenters on the blog will be entered to win an autographed copy of Secrets Volume 26, featuring the third story in my Rendezvous trilogy, SECRET RENDEZVOUS! (Red Sage Publishing, trade paperback)

Next, if you’re not a subscriber of the weekly Hot Sheet from Between Your Sheets (www.betweenyoursheets.com), I highly recommend you check out their website and subscribe to their newsletter! Not only will you get the low-down on all the newest releases, but you’ll get sneak previews of upcoming books, interviews and special features from your favorite authors! And of course, there are CONTESTS!! Mine is a featured contest this week, and it’s SO easy to win!! BYS also interviewed me this week, and I had a great time talking to them about my writing and OBJECT OF DESIRE! Subscribe to the Hot Sheet and you could win! How cool is that??

Finally, sign up for my Seriously Sexy Romance newsletter (www.calistafox.com) and you’ll be entered in my “members only” contests! I’ve given away books and gift cards… who knows what I’ll give away next!!

Here’s an update on the release of OBJECT OF DESIRE. Looks like the book will be coming out on July 15! Just in time for signing at the Literacy Signing at the RWA National Conference in Washington, DC! Pre-orders at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com are available, and you can receive a discount if you pre-order!

OBJECT OF DESIRE by Calista Fox

5 BLUE RIBBONS from Romance Junkies!!

4 STARs from Romantic Times Bookreviews!!

When treasure hunter and spy Laurel Blackwood raids Victoria Peak in Belize to
recover a rare Mexican fire opal rumored to evoke dark desires and passions, she
unwittingly sets off a sequence of dangerous events—and finds herself in the midst of a battle between good and evil… and lust and love. Laurel must keep the opal from falling into the hands of a deadly terrorist cell, a greedy Belizean dignitary, and one particularly hot and scandalous treasure hunter named Devon Mallory.

For ten years, Devon has had his eye on the $30 million prized opal and his heart set on winning Laurel for keeps. But her web of secrecy and now her betrayal over recovering the legendary stone without him has Devon hell-bent on stealing the opal from her and collecting on the massive payout. But Devon will have to make a choice soon, and decide which gem is his true object of desire...

Best,

Calista

Object of Desire Contests!!!

Visit my revamped website for two great contests this month--one is a special contest for the Object of Desire release!!!

Big Sale on My Sexy Werewolf Story, High Voltage!
Visit the Red Sage blog this week for a smokin'-hot deal on this erotic paranormal story, featuring a seriously sexy alpha werewolf! Y-UM! This e-book is on sale for $1.50! Yep, you read that right!

Hurry, because the sale ends June 20!!!

Where to Find Me In June--And MORE Contest Opportunities!!!

Monday, June 15: I'll be guest blogging all day at Bitten by Books and Jennifer's Random Musings. Here are the details:

Bitten by Books Appearance--TRUTH OR DARE??? (I'm taking a DARE!)

Event: 6/15/09 Truth or Dare Chat and Contest with Red Sage Authors

Location: Online at www.Bittenbybooks.com

Description: Join us on Monday 6/15/09 as 13 paranormal authors from Red Sage Publishing play truth or dare, chatting and of course a contest! Red Sage is celebrating their 15th birthday this month!

We will be giving away some amazing prizes, so show up and find out more about these fabulous authors and see what goodies they may have for you! Be sure to bring your party hats, because these ladies know how to tear the house up! Contest portion of the day is open to readers worldwide!

RSVP here and get 50 entries to the contest when you show up on the day of the event. If you don't show up and mention your RSVP AND ask a question, you won't be entered into the contest.

Monday, June 15: Also blogging at Jennifer's Random Musings on Monday, June 15! Come see me and we'll chat about books and contests and really hot romance!

June 25: Interview on The Romance Studio Blue blog! Find out the inspiration behind my latest book, Object of Desire, and some other secrets about me!

June 30: Interview on the Fierce Romance blog! Love these ladies and always have a great time when I visit them!

End of June: Interview on Between Your Sheets website! They picked my brain clean for this one!Join us!

July 9: Blogging at Fresh Fiction! This will be a blast!!!

So much fun!!! Hope to "see" you this month!!!

Best,

Calista

Tweet, Tweet! (And Contests!)

I believe I have FINALLY found the perfect way to stay in touch in with people! Twitter! With updates being limited to 140 characters and the question already posed for you (“What are you doing?”) I don’t have to come up with a clever topic or find a twenty minute break to craft a blog when I’m under deadline and stressing beyond believe that I can’t even find twenty-freakin’-minutes to say hey to my friends and readers! So I just signed up and have, like, I don’t know 27 followers. LOL So come tweet with me at www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks and let me know what YOU’RE doing!!

I’m also a Facebook addict now… Let’s be friends! www.facebook.com/calistafox

Okay, I also noted a contest in the header, but in addition, I’ve got an awesome deal on one of my books, along with a number of other really steamy romantic reads!

First, visit my revamped website and check out the Contest page for two great contests! (One is a VERY SPECIAL bonus contest for my July release, OBJECT OF DESIRE!)

Second, Red Sage is celebrating 15 years in the erotic romance biz, and offering crazy-ass deals on their hottest books!! My “electric” paranormal, HIGH VOLTAGE, is on sale June 11-20 for $1.50! OMG, yes, you read that right! $1.50 for this smokin’-hot book. Here’s what Red Sage has to say about the ebook:

“Passion is electrifying. We feel it in our skin, in our bellies, in that flutter of excitement when we hear our beloved’s voice murmur tender words of love. The electrical charge builds until it breaks over our bodies at that crucial moment. No wonder we call it a climax.

Calista Fox writes electrifying stories, and not just in the sex scenes. HIGH VOLTAGE begins with an electrical storm on a secluded country road. The heroine, alone and terrified, manages to dodge these bolts of lightning, but then when she finds the hero, naked in the back of her truck -- direct hit! And does this werewolf story crackle with energy!”

On sale June 11 through 20 for just $1.50!

Enjoy!!

Calista

What? Two Blogs in Two Days????

I know, I'm living the wild life!! LOL

So, this summer is going to be crazy-busy, and FULL of amazing contests and new books and all kinds of fun stuff.

Are you ready for it?? Huh, huh? Are ya?! ;-)

Okay, let's kick off June with a fun contest hosted by my publisher, Red Sage Publishing. It's so easy to win and there are MULTIPLE chances to enter. (Hey, slow up there. I know you got excited when you read the word MULTIPLE!)

Here's the contest:

"Kidnap" Our Logo & You Could Win!

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Red Sage is throwing a party! And every
party needs presents, right? You could win the July Secrets anthology (Volume
27) and my new novel, Object of Desire! (Already receiving RAVE reviews! Yay!!!)

Here’s how to play the party game. All you have to do is send an email with the
subject line “Ransom Note” to eRedSage@gmail.com. Inside this email, just include a link back to my website, blog or Myspace page (or all three!) where you found the logo! You'll then be entered into a drawing to win free trade paperbacks! (Hint, if you find all three logos and send in an email for each, you're entered three times!)

Want more chances to win? If you have a website, blog, Myspace page, etc.,
"kidnap" the logo by copying and pasting it onto your site(s) and then email me
to tell me where you've placed the logo! I'll send a Ransom Note to eRedSage
telling them where I saw the logo and guess what? You're entered to win
again!!!

Hurry! Contest ends June 30th!!

This is just one of many contests, so check back here often, and at my website. And hey, if you Tweet, follow me on Twitter! I just started and have no *f-ing* idea what I'm doing. This will be lots of fun!!!

Best,

Calista