Feel Like Vegging Out?
Or, do you have strong feelings about vegetarian dining in Washington? Don't lie, all you Eating In complainers are out there, I know it! Here's your chance to shine. VegDC is having a contest to determine the best vegetarian restaurant in Washington. I know, I know, a contradiction of terms, but stick with me here…

With nearly 30 vegetarian-only eateries in the region, VegDC is right to start whittling down the list to get to the best. Their contest is split into restaurants by state, so you can choose three favorites, then pick the best of the three. In addition, you'll have a chance to win "one of ten animal-friendly prizes" from the contest's sponsors: Pangea, Perfect Organics, the Vegetarian Society of D.C., and the subtly named Compassion Over Killing.

Are you new to the veggie scene? If so, make sure to check out VegDC's excellent guide to Washington's no-face dining. You'll probably be surprised at the range of vegetarian options here in town. In addition, there are several places that have good veg-food such as Food for Thought at the Black Cat or every Indian restaurant. Mortons? Not so much.

Eastern Market's Still There. Go.
In case you haven't noticed, or are for some reason have misunderstood what has happened with the vendors following the April 30, 2007 fire at Eastern Market, the vendors are still there, just in different forms. The Market has been pushing advertisements in the local media and neighborhood lists to make sure people know that the market is still open, and that many vendors are still selling their goods. Most, if not all, of the arts vendors and farmer stands are still there every weekend, and 8 of the inside vendors have moved outside to sell goods.

Photo from hallieW.

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation">is still riding herd on fundraising efforts for the Market, and has a video posted on its website about the fire and the people affected. Unfortunately, business has been off at the market the past few weeks, so it's important to tell your friends to head down to the market to check out what's available. Rebuilding efforts are underway, and the city has broken ground on the temporary market (located across the street), which should be done by the end of summer. Get down there to see for yourself!

Small Bites
Great American Bake Sale on Sunday
Share our Strength is holding the Great American Bake Sale this Sunday at the Dupont Freshfarm Market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 20th and Mass. Ave, NW) to benefit their effort to end childhood hunger. The bake sale will feature cookies, cakes, pies and muffins donated by several area bakeries including Shoe Box Oven, Best Buns Bakery, Reeves Bakery and Open City/Tryst Café.

Tom's Hook-ed
Barton Seaver's Hook pulls two and a half stars from Tom in this Sunday's Post magazine. Florid prose of the week: "Sable goes down like satin, and my encounter with the pearly white and utterly succulent protein was better for its accessories: a sweet-tart lick of cranberry sauce and onion-laced lentils, both lighter than they sound."