This page describes the contents of an issue of Washingtonian magazine. Subscribers get exclusive early access through our print and digital editions. Most of our feature stories are later published online and linked below.
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Features
50 The Comeback
Kurt Bardella was a rising star on Capitol Hill—but as a congressional aide he was supposed to let his boss get all the attention. Drawn to the spotlight like a moth to a flame, he got burned. Now he’s trying to salvage his career. By Luke Mullins.
Thirty years after the first AIDS cases were identified, Washingtonians reflect on what the early years of the epidemic were like, the toll the disease has taken, and why there’s an ongoing crisis in DC. By Dave Singleton.
62 The Artist
Chris Martin thinks intimate but paints big. Over the past year, our photographer followed the Washington native as he prepared his current show at the Corcoran, where his passion and vision were first inspired. Photographs by Chris Leaman.
Senator Jim DeMint’s refusal to compromise with moderates has made him a Tea Party hero even as it has angered many of his Republican colleagues. No matter: He wants to replace plenty of them in 2012. By Libby Copeland.
Breast surgeon Christy Teal has watched her patients—and her mother—anxiously await test results and bravely battle cancer. To avoid going through that, she made a very hard decision. By Cindy Rich.
More than 150 of the best people, places, and things to do. Edited by Sherri Dalphonse.
Departments
11 Capital Comment
Memorable campaign-bus tours . . . Catching up with Joe Biden . . . Which books get the “Washington read”—and why . . . Law-firm perks for summer associates . . . Stephen Colbert’s Washington lawyer . . . Funny girl at the Post . . . Don Graham as lobbyist.
32 Where & When
K.D. Lang, Emmylou Harris, Huey Lewis, Dolly Parton, and more headline at Wolf Trap . . . Audubon and others at American Art . . . Oklahoma! returns to Arena . . . Denyce Graves at the Castleton Festival . . . Uncovering Machu Picchu at National Geo . . . Folklife Festival on the Mall . . . Fringe Festival all over town.
As a park ranger, I got a backstage pass to the Mall—and lots of good stories to take with me. By Molly E. McCluskey.
The longtime Channel 4 news team talks about memorable moments, bad habits, old friends, and more from 20-plus years together. Interview by Cindy Rich.
Pamper your wallet with these exclusive specials on massages, facials, haircuts and color, waxing, and other salon and spa treatments. By McLean Robbins.
Want to try golf? Here’s how to find good teachers, forgiving courses, the right equipment, and more. By Aaron Kraut.
127 Dining Out
Chef Fabio Trabocchi is back in town with a new restaurant, Fiola, in downtown DC—and he’s still the maestro. Plus, star Thai in Silver Spring, ramen and noodles with attitude on DC’s H Street, spicy kebabs in Arlington, and more.
137 Best Bites
What chefs plant in their gardens . . . Where to go for Peking duck . . . Lunching around Tysons/McLean . . . Best DC holes-in-the-wall . . . The appeal of pho . . . Good bánh mì sandwiches.
141 Looking Good
We endured painful facials and mediocre massages so you won’t have to. Here are 30 of our favorite spas. Plus—questions you may want to ask before getting a facial, massage, manicure, or other spa treatment.
157 Life on the Shore
Locals talk about their favorite ice-cream parlors and crab shacks at the beach. Want to join the fun? Here’s what’s happening to home prices on the coast. By Steve Bailey.
163 Luxury Homes
Former Bush chief of staff Josh Bolten sells at a loss in Bethesda.
Who says you can’t train cats? Like dogs, they can learn new tricks. By Gwendolyn Purdom.
Retired from the opera, Carol Ireland found a new passion—and dove right in. By Vicki Valosik.
She was a reporter in Afghanistan. Then she did what she swore she’d never do: follow a man. They’re no longer together—but she found an unexpected new life. By Angie Chuang.
