The capital is also stocked with the kinds of treats they don't cover in Social Studies classes top-rate farmers' markets, modern American restaurants, like chef Ris Lacoste's Ris, and nightclubs that attract more than that tiresome crop of 23-year-old congressional aides.

WSJ: Journal Concierge: Insider's Guide to Washington, D.C.

" Longtime resident Bill Buford, author of the celebrated "Heat, " says of Beaujolais: "It's tart and bright and acidic, and perfect with birds and boudin noir and kidneys and ris de veau, and all the rich, piggy, fatty, creamy, gamey food that has made the Lyonnais so weirdly robust and happy.

WSJ: Jay McInerney on Cru Beaujolais | On Wine