Toledo Lounge

A Nip and a Tuck

amybowman — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:38:33 +0000

Morgan Tramontana, pictured left, and J.A. Thueson are tending to the nuances of the new Toledo Lounge, the 18-year-old institutiton that is receiving a nip and tuck, although not a nip and tuck in the dramatic fashion of Burt Reynolds, who has become Asian right before America’s mostly uncut eyes. It is their objective to create a space that appeals to the masses: to the young and old, the hipsters and geeks, the douche bags and frat boys, those who cannot taste the alcohol and the tourists with five cameras dangling from their necks, and everyone else, especially everyone else. The new Toledo promises to be both edgy and oh-so boring, eclectic and sterile, to have a certain character but no soul, for it will be a faith-free zone. Better yet, the new Toledo promises to feature restrooms that have been restored to their previous pungency, plus have a Don’s John stationed on the patio in celebration of the recently completed streetscape project. Seriously, people ask: “Why do birds fly south?” Because it is too far to walk, you silly person you. “I think patrons really will be pleased with what we are seeking to achieve with the space,” Tramontana says. “We are in the process of telling a story, and it is a story about you, and it is a story about me, and really, it is a story about all of us. I look forward to seeing you on opening night and in all the days and nights ahead. I also want to take this time to thank my parents, who made it all possible, my adorable son, Mr. Auslander, Ms. Bowman — she is really, really tall, by the way — and, of course, Mr. Thueson, our lovable project director. I thank you one and all. I will be seeing everyone real soon.”

Taking a Timeout

amybowman — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:07:21 +0000

With the rebirth of Adams Morgan under way following the completion of the streetscape project last month, Toledo Lounge is taking a well-deserved break after 18 years of operation. This pause will allow the management team to tweak this and that, plus make a few adjustments to the space that will appeal to the increasingly upscale patrons who descend on the neighborhood. This is to thank all the supporters, well-wishers and interested parties. This also is to express the heartfelt desire to see you soon.

Euro 2012 Nears

amybowman — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:10:27 +0000

The 16-team Euro 2012 gets under way next Friday (June 8), with two soccer matches, in what promises to be compelling drama leading to the final July 1. Greece, the Euro winner in 2004, meets Poland at noon (E.S.T.) on the opening day, followed by Russia and the Czech Republic at 2:45 p.m. The teams are placed in four groups of four teams apiece. Those favored to advance beyond group play are Russia and Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, England and France and Italy and Spain, the Euro winner in 2008. German striker Mario Gomez is one of the formidable players in the event.

A High Stick, a Low Time

amybowman — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:19:19 +0000

There is no joy in Tony Cheng’s neighborhood after the Caps snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against the Rangers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference seminfinal series. The Caps were a mere 6.6 seconds away from seizing control of the series. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Six point six seconds, a cleared puck, and so much postseason frustration would have been held at bay, if only for another game. It was not meant to be. It is never meant to be, the high-sticking penalty be darned. Now all the old demons of history are back, tugging on the jerseys of the Caps, mocking the Red instead of rocking it. The Easter Epic. Pat LaFontaine. Sean Burke. Jaromir Jagr. You know the postseason script from here. The Caps show up in body only in Game 6, Billy Smith steps out of retirement to go in goal for the Rangers, and the Caps will be left to dust off their golf clubs and set up their tee times the next day. See you next season, Caps, the eternal masters of the little game and the tormented symbols of the postseason game.

Sister City

amybowman — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:27:19 +0000

Toledo, Spain, which is located in the central part of the Western European nation 43 miles southwest of Madrid, is an international tourist spot, in part because of its monuments, churches, museums, history and cuisine.

It is the city that gave its name to Toledo, Ohio, as well as countless other Toledos across the globe.

Toledo, as the one-time capital of Spain under the Romans, retains its archiitectural strength from that period, highlighted by its historically rich buildings and winding, narrow streets perched hard above the Tagus River.

It also is a city that became the muse of El Greco, the 16th-century painter, sculpture and architect of the Spanish Renaissance.

Toledo is celebrated for its roast meats and stews, which the back-of-the-house team of the refurbished Toledo Lounge has duly noted by lending a Spanish twist to an otherwise all-American menu.

We think this gastronomical linkage — where the Old World meets the New World at the intersection of Toledo, Spain, and Toledo, Ohio — is a natural that complements the diversity of Adams Morgan, appeals to the ever-sophisticated palate of Washingtonians and resonates with a neighborhood forever pushing the foodie boundary