Living far away from family and friends is hard, but being in D.C. is really the best-case scenario. It’s a place people travel to and through, so we always have a steady stream of visitors. Tonight, it was my brother. Thanks to a business layover, we got to spend the evening with him.

Fortunately, he’s not high maintenance so when we suggested going to kids night at one of our local hang-outs he was all for it. We got to Mr. Henry’s around 6, which is about as late as you want to get there on kid’s night. The place is packed with Capitol Hill families there to enjoy a meal without worrying about the fact that their kids are crawling under the table, throwing crayons or spilling their drinks; everyone’s kids are doing the same thing! The wait staff is reaching saint-hood status with their smiling faces and relaxed demeanor. Kids eat free and there are cartoons playing and lawn chairs set up by the tv in the bar area; you barely even have to look at your children, much less talk to them!

Like many of the old restaurant/bars on Pennsylvania Ave, Mr. Henry’s is a little dumpy, but it does have a history: in 1968, the original owner hired Roberta Flack (I know you know “Killing Me Softly”) to sing at the pub. At the time, she was a local music teacher looking to get out of the classroom and start performing. I’d rather watch Roberta, but free mac n’ cheese will do.

Before saying goodbye to my brother, we stopped by one of my personal favorites, Pitango Gelato.

All I can say about this is “omnomnom.” You can get whatever you want, but if you don’t get nocciola (hazelnut) and pistachio, you’re making a mistake. Dave tried cardamom and fell in love, but he’s weird.

Then it was a quick ring-around-the rosie in the rain and a rainbow spotting to top off the evening.

What did you do with your Tuesday night?