The DC Traveler

One of my favorite spots for a glass of wine and a bite of tapas on a weekend night is Bambule, one of DC’s Spanish-influenced tapas/mezza restaurants. But what makes a weekend evening there so enjoyable is the great live music. Two truly brilliant guitarists, Michael Bard and Richard Marlow join forces to put on an exceptional powerful gypsy flamenco, rumba-style guitar show. With three high-energy passionate sets, people often get up to dance salsa-style long before the club officially turns into a dance club around 11:30.Michael, who holds a Masters degree in music has performed around the globe, including being chosen by the U.S. State Department to tour as a musical cultural ambassador.His lovely wife, vocalist Deborah Benner, is a great Bossa Nova singer and performs at Bambule with him on most Thursday evenings and at other venues in DC.But on Friday and Saturday evenings, Mike and Richard play popular gypsy flamenco rumba tunes from artists such as Armik, Jessie Cook, Ottmar Leibert, and Strunz & Ferrah. Once in awhile, you’ll hear them break out into something interesting, such as the James Bond 007 theme mid-song, or play a classic rock anthem a la flamenco style.

Once in a while, you might see a few of DC’s serious flamenco or belly dancers put on an impromptu show during one of their sets.

Besides being a great musician, Michael also composes and teaches guitar, including one rather famous student, Senator John Kerry. He has also played for dignitaries and world leaders, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger, to name a few. In addition to his quick fingers on the neck of a guitar, he’s also a rather entertaining magician. During breaks, he often entertains people at the bar with a few of his favorite magic tricks.He has appeared on a couple of CDs playing for other performers and has one solo CD of his own entitled “Illumination” and a second entitled “Baila Me“. On weekends after the guitar show, Bambule turns into an international dance club where a DJ spins Latin, Middle Eastern and international dance music. The mostly 30+ crowd is a fun and eclectic group that includes local professionals, ex-pats, embassy employees, and the occasional incognito Ambassador, foreign dignitary or humble DC blogger.And while you’re listening to the great music, enjoy one of the close to 40 hot and cold tapas dishes (most in the $6-$9 range), or a selection from more than a dozen entrées including three classic Paella dishes. Either way, there are some great options for a light snack at the bar or a full dinner at a cosy table.

My personal favorites include:

• Gambas Al Pil-Pil - Shrimp sautéed in olive oil and garlic – a Spanish classic
• Pollo Sevillana - Sautéed chicken, escargot and mushrooms
• Tabla De Embutidos Mixta - A combination of Serrano ham, Spanish salami, chorizo, Manchego cheese and olives – another Spanish classic
• Vegetables a la Parrilla - Grilled vegetables marinated in garlic, oregano and olive oil (you really should order something healthy)

As for dessert, (and I’m a sucker for a good dessert), my favorites include the cannoli, chocolate dipped strawberries or the tartufo - vanilla ice cream in a puff pastry covered with chocolate sauce and served with raspberry and mango sauces.

Bambule’
5225 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20015 (map it)Live Shows – Fridays and Saturdays - Gypsy Flamenco / Rumba Guitar show – 8:00 – 11:30 p.m., Thursdays - Bossa Nova show 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.Nearest Metro Subway Station - Friendship Heights - Red line, then a 3 block walk. line

Parking - Street parking is usually fairly easy to find, check the residential areas off Wisconsin Ave.

Images - Musicians - personal collection, John Kerry & Michael Bard - Michael Bard, dancers Anna & Micaela, photo by Michael Perez - DC Flamenco (one of DC’s best sources for Flamenco info.), food - Flickr
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