Data Dork?

If so you'll love Swivel. I read about it in the Goodspeed Update.

UBU 80s Dance Party @Red & the Black

GOG: H Street Recs

Going Out Gurus dispense more H Street love.

WP: Brussels on H Street

Check out this Post piece on Granville Moore's (1238 H Street).

ANC 5B Meeting Sept 6th

Where: Washington Center for Aging Services 2601 18th Street, NE
When: Thursday 9/6 at 7:30pm

Agenda Items:
I. ANC-5B Admin Matters
II. Public Safety Report (5th District rep.)
III. Guest speaker: TBA
IV. Community speak-out
V. Announcements: Karey Hall, representing Woodridge Residents re: Installation of Speed Bumps
VI. Old business
VII. New business: ANC-5B08, BZA Appeal# 17657 (1231-1233 Morse Street, NE)

Bartending for Change @Argonaut

Here's a notice of an Argonaut event benefiting a good cause. The Argonaut is located at 1433 H Street:

This Thursday, August 30th, the charity organization "Bartending for Change," (aka Salim Bhabhrawala and Marty Claessens) will host FOOD FOR ALL as its honored Non-Profit Charity of the month. The Happy Hour will intoxicate from 6:30 to 10 pm at one of the new and exciting H St, NE bars, The Argonaut. There is a mere $3 optional cover charge at the door, which will be donated directly to FOOD FOR ALL. Inside and upstairs there'll be great drink specials and all tips earned will go to FOOD FOR ALL as well! Please come support us and spend an "entertaining" evening with good friends. Come on out, have fun, and support a great cause!!!



FOOD FOR ALL is a non-profit organization that strives to provide food for those in DC who are in temporary situations of need. Their clients are generally elderly citizens, handicapped or single mothers with young children. The operation is entirely volunteer operated with the assistance of generous donations and a federal grant. You can learn more about FOOD FOR ALL at http://foodforalldc.org. See you Thursday at 6:30pm at the Argonaut!!

WP: The Tiniest Show In Town

The Post reports on a flea circus that recently visited the Palace of Wonders.

Lost Dog @6th & K (Otis)

All,

My dog Otis got loose around 8pm at the corner of 6th and K street NE this evening.
He is mostly hound, mostly dark brown with white markings and two white feet.

He doesn't come to many people. We adopted him 2 weeks ago.

Please call if you find him. 202-641-1480.

He slipped out of his collar, but has a "chip" in case the dogcatcher finds him.

If you know someone in my area, please let them know to keep a sharp eye out.

Thanks,

_____________________________________
Dan Benjamin

**********************
UPDATE
**********************

Otis has been found and is safely back home with his people.

Singles Moratorium in Effective 10/1

The H Street singles moratorium begins October 1st. Get more info/share your thoughts on Tommy Wells' blog.

City Paper: Gentrification 101

Entrepeneur Joe Englert visits students at Two Rivers & the City Paper reports on it.

WBJ: Entertaining Options at Uline Arena

Check out this Business Journal article on the future of the Uline Arena.

Happy Birthday Rock & Roll Hotel

The Rock & Roll Hotel is now 1 year old, and it has been getting plenty of attention recently. This morning's Express had a piece on the Hotel & its status as a magnet for music fans outside the neighborhood.

Naby's Island Restaurant

A Caribbean restaurant is taking over the space formerly occupied by the Rib Tip (12th & H). A sign above the door says they are aiming for a September opening. Other Caribbean food on H Street: Taste of Jamaica (operated exclusively as a carryout at first, but now has tables at 6th & H), Tropicana (a carryout coming soon to the 1000 block of H), Caribbean Best (a carryout in the 1300 block of H with the same owners as Rose's Dream).

Express: Bladenburg Road

Check out this piece in today's Express.

600 Block of H Street

Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club

Located at 1103 Bladenburg Road (most recently Liberty Tax) Jimmy Valentine's opened its doors on Friday night at around 10pm. It features a full bar and bottled beers (no tap). Pizza will also be available (but I don't know if they have any yet). The inside is cool (I saw it during construction, but haven't been in since it opened) with lots of red and a very special surprise staring up at you from the floor. I'm not sure of the hours, but I think they may be sticking with the late night thing for now. I did hear excellent reviews from the friends who have made it in (cool space & good beer selection). Please note that the bar does not accept credit cards, so bring your cash.

Dr. Granville's Follow-Up

I went again (4th trip) last night. This was the first night with the new chef. I did not get his name. The menu is smaller, but I spoke with one of the owners who said that they planned to add 4-5 new entrees/appetizers over the next couple of weeks. They are trying to find dishes that they can handle more easily with a somewhat limited kitchen, but that will still provide for a varied and exciting menu.

Sidamo Burglarized Again

Sidamo Coffee & Tea (417 H Street) was burglarized again (the first robbery occurred on August 8th) the night before last. The most recent burglary occurred around 10:30pm and unable to have someone come out to replace the glass at night the owner was forced to sleep inside his store to keep it safe. Here's an anonymous statement from a reader who was on the scene when the police arrived:
Walking down H Street about 45 minutes ago, I heard the ominous sound of a security alarm and the dreadful sight of a cop arriving at Sidamo. As he went to interview Kenfe and someone who I assumed to be an employee, I walked past and noticed that the entire front door window panel was smashed in, lying inside the cafe. I obviously minded my own business and did not try to ascertain any other details. But this is more terrible news for one of the few visible, honest businesses on the block.

Either word's gotten out among the thugs that Sidamo is an easy target, or someone is seriously trying to demoralize Kenfe and Mimi. They really need to invest in a security camera yesterday, and perhaps a booby trap.

I will be there tomorrow to show my support and hope our community will continue to come out in force to do the same. Take care, and stay safe out there.

Street Cars

Every so often people ask about the street cars and what they will look like. Here is an (not too high res) image.

A Message From Sticky Rice

This Saturday night August 18th from 9pm - 11pm we will be having a FREE Sticky Rice tasting at the Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H Street), upstairs in the Presidential Suite. Two sushi rollers will be on premises churning out signature Stick Rice rolls. We will also have tater tots (with tot sauce), Sticky Balls and garden balls as well.

Jason Martin
Sticky Rice DC
1224 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Jason@stickyricedc.com
http://www.stickyricedc.com
http://www.myspace.com/stickyricedc

Hot Mama Pre- & Post-Natal Fitness Class

Press release from Fit In DC:

The Hot Mama Fitness Class is a fun, energetic, yet challenging exercise class that will help expectant mothers to prepare for labor and delivery, while guiding new mothers back into their fitness routine. You'll feel strong and be strong so you can get through everyday life!

Class begins with a cardiovascular warm up. You'll progress through a total body workout that focuses on strengthening the core. During the cool down phase, you'll move through stretching and relaxation sequences that will allow you to leave class feeling refreshed and energized.

This is a great opportunity to meet other moms.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel, water and a blanket.

Class #1-Morning

Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Day: Fridays starting September 21, 2007

Class: 6 sessions $102

Class #2-Evening Time: 7:15 pm-8:15 pm

Day: Tuesdays starting September 18, 2007

Class: 7 sessions $119

You can participate in both classes for $211.

For registration details contact Vionna Jones at 202-423-7445 or vionna@fitindc.com or www.fitindc.com.

Stay Healthy, DC!

Vionna R. Jones
Owner of Fit in D.C., LLC
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Healthy Moms Certified Fitness Professional
200-Hour RYT
vionna@fitindc.com
www.fitindc.com
202-423-7445

Live Healthy...Have Fun...Feel Great!

RP: Dr. Granville's-->Gastropub

Richard looks briefly at gastropubs and whether Dr. Granville's is one (I'd say definitely).

Applewood roasted bacon mussels at Dr. Granville's

NBC4: Street Cars Return to DC

Check out the story and video (with renderings) here.

Smoke Alarm Verification and Utilization (SAVU)

On August 18th DC Fire, EMS employees, & volunteers will install and inspect smoke alarms in the Trinidad community. Join the SAVU team for an informational meeting tonight (Wednesday August 16th) at the Trinidad Baptist Church (1611 Benning Road NE). The meeting begins at 6:30pm.

WP: Payday Lenders Rally Against Bill

I mention this article because we have such a large number of these places on H Street and this legislation could have a major impact on the industry in DC.

WP: Market Growth

This article from the Post looks at affluent grocery stores, where they locate & why communities court them so heavily. Thanks to Capricious for pointing it out.

Trader Joe's Petition Online

Here's an email I recently received from Commissioner Alan Kimber:

Neighbors,

As part of our ongoing effort to encourage Trader Joe's to locate a new location at the corner of 3rd & H Street NE, we have created an online petition for those who have not yet been able to sign the paper petition. Please take a moment to follow the link below and sign the online petition.

It takes literally less than a minute to sign the petition--you just enter your name, email and any comment you would like to include. Be sure to opt out of receiving emails from iPetitions (uncheck the box). Here is a link to the petition website:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/TraderJoesHStreet/

A big thank you to Corey Petree for finding this online tool and setting up the petition.

We are preparing economic, demographic and other information to present a business case to Trader Joe's, but having a large, direct indication of support helps put a "human" face on the effort.

Please copy and forward this message to anyone you know who may not be a member of this Yahoo group. Thank you for your support!

Best,
Alan Kimber
ANC Commissioner, 6C05
(c) 202-390-0235
(f) 877-765-6928 (toll-free)

GoG: Dr. Granville's & H Street Talk

Check out the latest Going Out Gurus chat here.

Sidamo Robbed Last Night

Apparently thieves smashed the window at Sidamo & then let themselves in (or maybe it was one person, it isn't clear). The cash register and other items were taken.

Teen Shot Twice in Carver Terrace Overnight

From the 5-D listserv:

5D Community,

A 15-year-old was shot in the 1700 block of M Street in Northeast just before midnight on Tuesday. The victim suffered two gunshot wounds to the back. The incident is under investigation, No other updates are available at this time. Please join your PSA 504 Lieutenants, ANC Commissioners, Neighbors, and friends Tonight's for the PSA 504 National Night Out and walk beginning at 5pm; (staging area 21st and M Street NE) to Trinidad Recreation Center 1310 Childress Street NE

Fayette Vaughn-Lee
5D Community Outreach Coordinator
202 698-0188

National Night Out in PSA 504

504 6-8 pm Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street, NE Combined National Night Out Celebration with the ANC Commissioner Lt. Judith Anderson
(202) 698-0277

Meet at 5pm at 21st and M for a community walk.

A past community walk in Carver Terrace

Sorry, but details are scant. I am told that Mayor Fenty is likely to stop by. If you haven't seen the new rec center this is a great chance to do so.

5B08 Meeting Wednesday

Where: Joe Cole Rec (1200 Morse)
When: 6-8pm
General Topics:
*Wheatley Elementary -update on the upcoming renovation
*The Institute of Urban Living's Hyacinth Place -a 15 unit SOR providing affordable housing to formerly homeless women recovering from mental health issues
*DDOT Grant: a brief explanation of where the money is going
*H Street: streetscape work and other changes (a general update)
*Florida Market: what's new with the Market & what is this New Town thing?

National Night Out With PSA 102

Presss release:

Cops, Kids, Copters and More: National Night Out, Aug. 7

Last year's event (photo copyright David Klavitter)

Join your friends, neighbors, business owners and community partners for the National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets NE.

Mayor Adrian Fenty, City Council Chairman Vincent Gray and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells and MPD First District Commander Diane Groomes are among those scheduled to participate.

The Sherwood event starts at 5 p.m. An H Street NE unity walk to the festivities begins at 6 p.m.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. We will send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The National Night Out experience includes:

* Kids games
* Moonbounce
* Music
* Food and refreshments
* MPD horse mounted patrol
* McGruff the Crime Dog
* Helicopter flyover (Falcon)
* Child ID fingerprinting
* Electric engraving of personal property
* A unity walk on H Street NE, which concludes at the Sherwood event

The walk begins at the 1400 block of H Street NE and finishes at the Sherwood Recreation Center celebration at 10th and G Streets NE.

The walk details:

* Gather at the Argonaut Tavern outdoor patio at 15th and Maryland Streets NE.
* Depart at 6 p.m. ET.
* Walk west on the south side of H Street NE to 8th St NE.
* Turn left on 8th St NE and walk one block to G St NE.
* Turn left on G St NE and walk two blocks to 10th St NE--the location of Sherwood Recreation Center (arrive about 6:20 p.m.)

View scenes from last year's event (including former Mayor Anthony Williams doing the Electric Slide):
psa102.blogspot.com/2006/08/friends-neighbors-and-mayor-at.html

Learn more about National Night Out here:
www.mpdc.dc.gov/nno

David Klavitter
Volunteer PSA 102 Citizen Coordinator

MPD Lt. Barbara Hawkins
PSA 102

Dr. Granville's Soft Opening

Ok, very tired (so please excuse any typos, because beer was involved), but Dr. Granville's was amazing. This was by far the best food I've ever had on H street. I met up with many friends and ran into others. We had beers on tap and beers in bottles (only one lambic [bottled] available right now [strawberry not carbonated, or at least very lightly carbonated], but others are on order). I beleive the beers on tap were Stella, Hop-In (or Hop-Up, I forget), Deconnick (not spelled correctly I think), and a tripel of some sort that we did not try. We also ordered the lambic (began with an "O" and was so lightly carbonated that it was more like a wine), St. Bernardus Biere Blanche Witbier (like the beers I had at Octoberfest in Munich one year), and St. Bernardus Tripel (my strategy is something like if all else fails order the beer with your name in it [my last name is Bernard], and that worked out quite well). I'm interested in a banana lambic that will be there soon because I read something written by a guy who gushed orgasmically about drinking banana beers with Belgians, but that is my own obsession.

We also had the tamarind mussels, the smoked applewood bacon mussels, and the frites with the garlic mayonnaise sauce and the vinegar sauce (I also tried the curry sauce). Everything was excellent. The cream sauces were especially good for fries (frites). If you order mussels you should also order bread to soak up the juices (trust me on this). Top notch food, and not just for H Street. This stuff was amazingly good. Try it NOW so you can pretend to have discovered it. You will come back. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Waste your paycheck here tonight (Stellas are cheap and other beers are decently priced)!
p.s. for those who say they don't see Tommy Wells on H Street enough, he was in attendance and ordering up a storm. Also, they serve water in real glasses. Those crappy bottles belong to my friends who hiked it over from SE.

Some Like It Hot...and Fresh

Salsa (the kind you eat) contest at tomorrow's H Street Farmers Market. Bring enough for sampling and you'll get a shot at winning one of three prizes up for grabs.

If you don't take home a prize this year that's just more reason to start training for next time (plus, salsa parties are fun). They've even got a salsa making demonstration from 9:30-10:30am. If salsa's not your thing you could take home some tomatoes and make one of these.


The farmers market (a producers only market) is a great place to get meats, cheese, breads, ruits, veggies, sweets, herbs, ice cream & more.
When: 9am-12pm Saturday mornings
Where: middle of the south side of the 600 block

Carver Langston Teen Missing

Taken from the ABC News 7 website (thanks to Stop Blog & Roll & alert FT reader Hans for the heads up):

D.C. Police are asking for help locating a missing teenager. Fifteen-year-old Tyesha Renee Smith was last seen at about 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, in the 900 block of 19th Street, NE.

Police say she is described as a black female, medium complexion, 5'5", weighing 105 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

She was last seen wearing a white skirt and a pink and green shirt.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Tyesha Renee Smith is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Dr. Granville's: More Info

Left in the comments:

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
OPENING FRIDAY, AUGUST 3RD
Granville Moore's
1238 H st NE
202.399.BLGM
docmoores@gmail.com

Hello All!-
Granville Moore's, the Atlas District newest restaurant, will be opening Friday, August 3rd. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with food service beginning @ 5:30. As this is our first weekend, we will be doing a "soft" opening. We will offer 50+ Belgian beers, wines by the glass, as well as the full menu for your enjoyment. Please come and join us as we celebrate several years of hard work, but understand this is our first weekend of business. You will be pleasantly surprised this weekend, and wowed next week!

Chris Surrusco
Proprietor
Granville Moore's
202.399.BLGM