Urban Discoveries Living .

Although many of you may know Adams Morgan only as a place to hit the bars on the weekends, it has just as much to offer during the week. Next Tuesday, April 2 (and the first Tuesday of every month) is First Tuesday. Sponsored by the AdamsMorgan MainStreet Group, the event features special dining and shopping deals. Food and drinks for two will only cost you $25 plus tax at participating restaurants. And some retailers are offering 10 to 30 percent discounts.

It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy Adams Morgan without the crowds. For a list of participating restaraunts and retailers, click here.

Domku, a unique Eastern European/Scandanavian restaurant with an African-American head chef and an Asian-American owner is the epitomy of multiculturalism in Washington, D.C. But it's more than that. Surrounded by mostly chicken joints, Domku serves carefully prepared, fine food with fresh ingredients in reasonable portions. Their European delicacies are served in a fascinating venue comprised of a combination of cement floors and crystal chandeliers.

So step away from hectic downtown D.C. and make your way to this laid back oasis. Check out this gem of a restaurant for yourself at 821 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 722-7475.

The newest restaurant in the Penn Quarter neighborhood is scheduled to open today. Asia Nine (915 E. St., NW) is located across from the FBI Building and will be serving up a mix of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai cuisines. The restaurant has a sushi bar as well as 40 different varieties of sake. The two-level space has a large bar and dining area located on the first floor as well as a posh VIP room, with it's own bar, on the second floor. The décor features a waterfall, bamboo-wrapped banquettes beneath a floating trellis and an eight-foot-tall figure "9."

It seems as though the restaurant options in the Penn Quarter neighborhood just keep getting better.

We have been talking a lot about home renovation in the last few posts. This is a topic that is on all of our minds as the weather starts to warm up and we are able to do more things both inside and out. A major component of exterior renovation is your garden and landscaping vision. If this has been an area where you would like to make some improvements, you should visit the 48th Annual Washington Home & Garden Show.

The Home and Garden Show will showcase springtime inspirations from across the country. The Garden Marketplace will feature everything from water lilies to bonsai trees. In addition the main display touts more than 800 vendors, including Washington Spaces, that will display ideas for kitchens, baths, remodeling and more.

Tickets to the show, to be held at the Washington Convention Center, are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children ages 6 through 12. Children under 6 are free.

Thursday, March 13, 2008
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 15, 2008
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 16, 2008
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Dolcezza, the charming little gelataria in Washington D.C. will soon be expanding. They will be opening up a second store on Bethesda road in April of 2008. The gelateria will be competing against the already well known and established local frozen delight vendors - Ben & Jerry's, Haagen Dazs, Gifford's and, in the summer, Clayboy's Shaved Ice.

Dolcezza specializes in making small batches of handmade gelato on a daily basis. They only use the best available ingredients: local fruits, herbs, cheese, milk and cream. They support local farmers, hand squeeze the citrus ingredients, grind the spices and roast the nuts all in their own shop. Their old-world dedication, innovation and unique flavor assortment creates a great product with an environmentally friendly twist that is sure to win over the crowds.