Tonight we attended an Oscar Night party at Copa Wine Bar (or as we like to call it "Home Away From Home").  It was a fun evening that was partially sponsored by Moët & Chandon (the official champagne of the Oscars).  We were given the choice of White Star or Imperial Nectar -- I thought about being adventurous, but when our server mentioned that the nectar was very sweet, we played it safe and went with the White Star (which we've had before, and it's reliably crisp and enjoyable.)   The buffet that Copa put out was also nice - I was particularly fond of the Hellboy Queso with chorizo, although I'm certain I ate more than I needed, so I skipped weighing in this morning.    The sound system started getting flaky (it was popping in and out) and the owner tried to compensate by bypassing the house speakers nad cranking the television up to full volume -- but then the sound was terribly distorted and speakers were difficult to understand.   Thankfully Copa is pretty close to home, so musicbyoscar ran home, grabbed some of his DJ equipment and one of his smaller speakers, and during the next commercial break, he got everything set up so that the sound was loud and clear for everyone.   As for the award show itself, probably the best one in many years. Hugh Jackman was an excellent choice for host. 

Yesterday, musicbyoscar  and I were driving out by the Rim, and we noticed that a Maggiano's Little Italy is being built facing I-10!  yeah!!!  Maggianos is one of my favoritist restaurants!!   (I am addicted to their Rigatoni-D.)   I checked their website this morning, and their grand opening is scheduled for November 13! 

  Okay, I'm in Tysons for a 3-day turnaround this week (yes, I suck for not making pre-arrangements or plans with anyone). 
  Grabbed dinner with a girlfriend last night at the Ritz-Carlton Maestro in Tyson's Corner.  OMG, the food was awesome (except for one of the middle courses, which was risotto and scorpion fish in a spicy dill sauce that was so strong, we could barely eat it).  Apart from that, the menu was superb, and it just made me sad that hubby wasn't in town to enjoy it with me.   If you get a chance to go there on a special occasion -- don't pass it up!!!
   Meanwhile -- please forgive me if I add one more "go Spurs!"