Anecdotal evidence suggests the narwhal is criminally underutilized in pop culture, apart from an animated pal in Elf, Leelu from Futurama, and a subplot in one of those Ice Age movies. If a blowhole could make a tsk-tsk sound, it would be making it at you, America. There’s so much to appreciate about the majestic marine mammal with a long spiral tusk. One thing is definitely true: Inuit communities have deep connections to the narwhal. And scientists are drawn to it, too, not only because it carries secrets into the icy Arctic depths, but also because its habitat is vulnerable to climate change. The National Museum of Natural History pulls together the mystique and the reality in Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend. Read more >>> The exhibit is on view daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. (202) 633-1000. naturalhistory.si.edu. (Joe Warminsky)
EAT THIS
Duke’s Counter has a monster sandwich that’s perfect for refueling after a trip to the zoo. The Torta Milanesa “Cubano” comes with chicken schnitzel, Jarlsberg cheese, capicola, tomato, shaved red onion, pickled jalapeno, Romaine, garlic aioli, Dijon mustard, and a thick smear of smashed avocado on a torta roll ($13). Try it for lunch or dinner. Duke’s Counter, 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 733-4808. dukescounter.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
New York-based Americana group Evening Darling performs at DC9 with Rubyfruit, a similarly minded folk ensemble that recorded its latest album in cities across the nation before settling in Denver. 9 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $10.
British new wave band The Fixx continues to tour and performs with Adam Ezra at The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $35.
Wave your wand at the Black Cat and enjoy some butterbeer while watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as part of the club’s Muggle Mondays series. 7 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. Free.
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