Lauren asks: HELP! Summer is rapidly approaching and if I want to enjoy some rooftop happy hours, I must counteract by kicking up my workout routine.  Any suggestions for fun, young fitness classes in DC?  Red line is a plus!

Since my idea of exercise is either walking the halls of Congress or shopping in Georgetown, I had to call in some help for this one.  Thanks to my friend and fitness wonder Alexis for these great tips…

- Gyms: City Fitness, Washington Sports Clubs, and Vida Fitness all have young clientele and unique and interesting class offerings such as Zumba!, Budokon, and Bhangra as well as a menu of traditional classes such as spin, step, pilates and yoga.

- Yoga: DC’s Yoga community is young and vibrant, with studios and classes to match every personality type and skill level. Fun red line options include: YogaChai in Adams Morgan, Yoga District in Dupont Circle, Evolve in Dupont Circle (brand new!), and Shakti in China Town.

- Dance: Dance classes can be a fun and social way to get a great work out. DC Dance Collective is located in Tenleytown, and  Joy of Motion has 3 studios on the red line.  Both studios offer classes in a ton of different styles (too many to list!) and are very beginner- friendly.  All classes are pretty much “drop in,” so no long term committment is necessary– in fact, you could just try a different style of dance every week!

Finally, I also highly recommend checking out Graceful Edge.  Its like the Daily Candy of activities for sassy, hip, and adventerous women, and is a great resource for finding cool groups to run, hike, kayak, do yoga, etc. with.

Rachel asks: I’ve tried a few times to get brunch reservations at Founding Farmers with no success.  What’s going on over there?  I have a group of six next Sunday.  Where should we go?

Don’t fret, this could be a good thing.  Founding Farmers is getting some bad buzz for service/experience although the food is still quite favored.  I’ve had a few dinners there and have been satisfied-plus, but am too confused by the recurring rejections I face on OpenTable when I try for a Sunday brunch.  So let’s see what else we have…

Gotta show some love all the great brunch spots on the green line!  I heart U Street  brunch hotspots Marvin and Creme, but would probably hit Columbia Heights for British Gastropub Commonwealth or South American tapas at Rumberos for a group your size.

Linda asks: My brother and I are taking mom out for her birthday in downtown DC next week.  Where do you recommend for good seafood?

If you are okay with swarms of preppy Washingtonians, try either Tony & Joes or Nick’s Riverside found in the waterfront area of Georgetown.  For a bit less scene-y-ness with unforgettable flavors, I definitely recommend Johnny’s Half Shell or Hank’s Oyster Bar.  If like your seafood with South American flair, hit up Cafe Atlantico (and don’t forget the tableside guacamole and the margarita with the “salt air”).

Justin asks:  I’m having a birthday dinner Saturday, and want a place with lotsa character - like Russia House. Any suggestions?

Check out Mie N Yu or Neyla in Georgetown, both ooze with transporting atmosphere.  Rasika is a bit more minimal in decor, but still quite unique.  for DC.  Of course, there is always Marrakesh for authentic Moroccan food and bellydancing.  Put the Buddha Bar on your list for next year.  The Asian-French restaurant and bar with locations in Paris and Vegas, to name a few, leased 9,400 square feet at 455 Mass Ave and should be open at the end of 2009.

Jenna asks:  My husband I are are “foodies” and will be visiting DC in mid-April.  What are your picks for restaurants we should try?

DC is definitely becoming a food city so there is plenty to pick from (first stop - Komi).  On the other hand, some of my favorite taste-tastic (yeah, I just made up a word) menus come from DC institutions.  One of my favorite multiple-course meals in DC was at Obelisk, a tiny Italian restaurant that does a tasting menu every day.  Another great place that keeps their menu fantasitcally fresh and interesting, and for a smaller price tag, is Cashion’s in Adams Morgan.  Check out the new Corduroy.  Once housed in a somewhat seedy Sheraton, this dining delight has moved to an elegant space in the up-and-coming Convention Center area.  

For more local foodie insights, I recommend these DC foodie blogs:

• DC Gastronome
• DC Foodies
• Eat Washington
• Metrocurean