Susur Lee's signature Singapore salad at Zentan

Winter Weekends in Washington

Perfect Bites. The Chinese Year of the Dragon will be celebrated by “Top Chef Masters” contestant Susur Lee at Zentan (inside Donovan House; zentanrestaurant.com). Stop by during the week of Jan. 23, the Chinese New Year, for his celebratory dishes such as long stir-fried Empress noodles or his famous Singapore slaw.

Perfect Stay. The first of D.C.’s Kimpton properties recently underwent a makeover, and we like the results. Stop by the jewel-toned bar at the Topaz Hotel (topazhotel.com) and laze on the settees before making your way to redesigned contemporary rooms. Ask for a “yoga room” for an additional alcove for working out (exercise mats and yoga DVDs included), and join guests at the make-your-own-trail-mix bar in the morning.

Perfect Buy. You’ll feel like you’re right at home—an elegant, fashion-forward home—when you visit the new Ann Taylor (anntaylor.com) concept store, the first of its kind in D.C. (If you’re flying out of Dulles, you’ll also find one at the Town Center.) See stylish exclusives in plush surroundings (we love the ottomans, perfect for lounging), as well as the “store within a store” sections, such as the Career Chic or Petites shop.

Perfect Diversion. Tour the city while sampling some of the neighborhoods’ best dishes during Dishcrawl D.C. (dishcrawl.com/dc), a national concept making its mark in the District. Each month features a new neighborhood for an affordable meal (under $40 per ticket) everyone will love.

Perfect Escape. Visit the Capitol Riverfront’s boardwalk this winter for a peek at “Rivers of the World,” part of an exhibit on display through February. It examines the global rivers through the eyes of more than 2,000 adolescents, including D.C.-area students. Local artist Abi Byrd helped meld individual works from the schoolchildren into vibrant collages, now seen as double-sided, freestanding panels along the boardwalk. The British Council, in partnership with the Mayor's Thames Festival and HSBC, facilitated the project with local schools.

Perfect Treat. The husband-wife team behind the bites at Georgetown’s Fleurir Chocolates (fleurirchocolates.com) knows their sweets. The regionally inspired candy bars, delectable winter caramels (in mulled wine, hickory-toasted chestnut and Earl Grey tea flavors) and Valentine’s Day box of flowers with nine “floral” chocolates are all that’s needed for a sweet new beginning.