By Liza Horan

Photos by Horan

The District of Columbia is better known as the place where the three branches of the government—executive, legislative, and representative—hold court, more than take court, but those realities sometimes cross.

There is a tennis court at The White House*, many Congressional folks play the sport, and, once again, the tennis lobby is going to Capitol Hill. The occasion is the 11th annual National Health Through Fitness Day, organized by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and supported by presenting sponsor the U.S. Tennis Association. More than 40 sports companies' interests will be brought to the attention of Congress in small and large meetings that will include 20 well-known athletes. The goal is to encourage representatives to provide funding for health-related efforts and to understand the needs of industry stakeholders.

Washington, D.C., has a history of pro tennis and its Legg Mason Tennis Classic, July 31 through Aug. 8, is part of the U.S. Open Series. There are also innumerable private and public places to play (search here) that also host tournaments and leagues for all ages.

But there are other places to find tennis in the nation's capitol, too.

I stumbled upon Serena Williams and Steffi Graf in swimsuits—as part of an exhibit at the Newseum (a museum of how the news business has developed). "Athlete: The Sports Illustrated photography of Walter Iooss" features pro sports people spanning decades from Babe Ruth to Michael Phelps as well as some kids playing stickball and soccer. All of the big-format photos are intense and the captions for each are must-reads; they tell the context of the shoot.

There's a "2-hour highlights tour" brochure for the Newseum, but I don't think that's enough time to enjoy all that's there. (Then again, I'm biased as a media lover who has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and website publisher.) Highlights for me were front pages of newspapers harking significant events like the Titanic sinking, Marilyn Monroe's death, the moon landing, war declarations and many more; an 11-minute video spotlighting the experiences of journalists covering the World Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; the actual broadcast antenna from the WTC; collectible newspaper editor cards, styled after baseball cards; and a watch tower and portion of the Berlin Wall.

It is incredible. Let's just say that I was relieved to run into "The Lighter Side of News," featuring satires by Stephen Colbert, Saturday Night Live, Jay Leno and others, just after I emerged from the Sept. 11th exhibit.

The Newseum's cafe is a great place to catch a meal with healthy and diverse choices on the Wolfgang Puck menu. It doesn't come cheap, though: Museum entry runs around $20 and my lunch came just under $15.

When the Newseum closes at 5 p.m. head over a block to the Mall and walk from the Capitol along museum row and straight to the Washington Monument. The sunset is other-worldly.

I took in the scene and headed back to where I was staying to prepare for a delicious dining experience my friend had suggested. We went to Belga Cafe in The Hill neighborhood. We had a reservation—a must on a weekend evening—and I was immediately impressed that the head chef was visiting diners inquiring about their meals. Then he turned around and I realized I had seen him before...at the Taste of Tennis event that matches top chefs with tour players the week before the U.S. Open?

"Yes," Chef Bart Vandaele affirmed!

I remember tasting his exquisite Belgian fare that August night at the W Hotel on Lexington Avenue in New York City, and I can tell you our entire meal was absolutely delicious and special. Best Belgian frites I have ever had, and the beef stew was tender and tasty. My friend had dined at Belga Cafe several times and knew it was a hotspot. The place was packed, yet service was attentive and provided a genuine touch.

I asked Chef Vandaele if he has considered opening a location in New York, and he said that while he's had much encouragement to do so, he simply would not be able to be in two places at once. Diners surely would miss his tableside visits.

I'll just have to get down to Washington, D.C., again. Perhaps for the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. And I'll keep my eye out for Belga Cafe at the 2010 Taste of Tennis.

*President Barack Obama, partial to basketball, has kept the tennis court but had basketball lines painted and added baskets on wheels so the court can host both sports.