Collapse @Jimmy's Tire

Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up: Jimmy's Tire in happier days.
A small wall collapsed at Jimmy's Tire, 1215 K Street, late afternoon yesterday. Construction crews working on the condos at Capitol Hill Oasis had been excavating behind the building. The collapse, along with fears of a possible gas leak, attracted a large number of emergency vehicles, and a television crew from Channel 4. The Mayor may have also made an appearance as things were wrapping up. Speculation has it that the situation may result in some fines for the builder, particularly because they are rumored to have unearthed an old heating oil tank in the past few days, and it isn't clear if the proper authorities were notified. But that is rumor only, and I can't vouch for a bit of it. In unrelated news, the developer behind the Capitol Hill Oasis project is also rumored to have made past inquiries into purchasing Jimmy's Tire, so this must be a somewhat awkward moment.

Demolition of one of the buildings that preceded the townhomes.

The beginning phases of the pre-fab townhomes.



These photos all show the townhomes, which are located next to Jimmy's Tire. The condos will be located behind Jimmy's Tire and behind the townhomes. Which means that the will basically be right off the alley. The townhomes and the condos share a common developer.


Even the Haz-Mat team was on site yesterday. The street was closed off for quite a while.

Sober Ride

MPD reminds you of the sober ride program. It's a great program, but you may end of waiting a long time for a ride, so your best bet is to walk, take public transit, or designate a driver.

DUE TO the festivities of the holidays and the vast amount of celebrations (alcohol involved) on New Years eve….. we would like to ensure that the public utilizes the following service vs. drinking and driving:

1 800 200 TAXI or #TAXI on cingular wireless telephone (numbers to use)

Those that call this service can get taxi service during this holiday season (December – January 1, 2008) (10pm-6am each day) – to avoid driving under the influence

Must be 21 yrs of age to use this service

www.soberride.com – for further info

Party Tonight@Dissident Display

from the listserv:
Holiday Dance Party at Dissident Display Gallery
DJs include Adrian Loving, and Tom P. provides live beats.
Free, but donations appreciated.
9pmish
416 H St. NE. 202-332-3346.
http://www.dissidentdisplay.com

WP: Wine Bars Take Off

The Post explores the recent proliferation of wine bars and briefly mentions SOVA in the list of wine bars to open next year. The coffee bar postion of SOVA is already open, but once they obtain a liquor license they will open up an additional 2nd floor space next door.

Express: Benning Streetscape Work

The Express reports on Benning Streetscape work that was scheduled to begin December 27th. This is part of the H Street streescape work.

New Years on H

NAPA 1015 -->Eats & Drinks
1015 H Street $60 (please call for reservations) 202-396-6272
NAPA is offering a four course meal (includes a complimentary glass of champagne) as follows:

Appetizers
Escargots in a garlic herb butter
Oysters Rockefeller
Nut Meat Pate with white beans, toasted nuts, Gruyere cheese, herbs, spices, cream and butter

Salads
Caesar Salad
House Salad

Entrees
Filet of Beef wrapped with bacon served with sauteed oysters
Prawns stuffed with lump crabmeat
Stuffed Eggplant filled with orzo, scallions, tofu, mushrooms, artichokes, herbs & spice with a sundried tomato sauce

Dessert
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Cake
Almond Pear Torte
Creme Brule


Palace of Wonders -->Drinks & a Show
1210 H Street $15 (advance tickets here) 202-398-SHOW
Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow: See Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill perform amazing feats of daring for your enjoyment.
Doors open at 7pm & show starts at 10pm.
Champagne toast at midnight


The Red and the Black -->Drinks & a Show
1212 H Street $5 202-399-3201
Hear the duo Curly and the Rocket (read about them, or check out their songs on the band's website) rock the house and introduce a brand new song for the first time at the event. Dj B-Digga will also be spinning.
This event was a Washington Post New Years for Less pick.


The Pug -->Drinks
1234 H Street
No word on any special events yet, but this is always a good place to stop in for a beer (now featuring draft beers).


H Street Martini Lounge -->Drinks
1236 H Street
No reports of special events, but the usual drinks and appetizers should be available.


Dr. Granville's -->Eats & Drinks
1238 H Street $45
I still need to confirm this, but I'm told there will be a fixed price multi-course special meal for the evening.


Rock and Roll Hotel -->Drinks & a Show
1353 H Street 21+ only 3 pricing options:
$30: General Admission with cash bar
$50: Party Pass open rail/select beer
$80: All Access Pass open top shelf bar all night
Food is provided, including naked sushi by Sticky Rice.
Performances by Georgie James (live), Dj Longjawns, Dj Eyecue, Dj Stereo Faith, Dj Gavin Holland, Dj Cale, Dj Austin, & Dj Cassidy.
Advance tickets available at the Hotel, or on its website.



The Majestic By Gwen
1368 H Street
I haven't heard of any special New Years events, but the Majestic offers drinks, dancing and a full menu. Jazz and blues are the specialty.


Rose's Dream
1370 H Street
No reports of any special events for the evening, yet, but the bar regularly serves up drinks while patrons take in jazz, soul, or go go bands. They also have frequent karaoke nights.


Argonaut Tavern -->Eats & Drinks
1433 H Street NO COVER (& NO DRESS CODE)
The Argonaut presents the Neighborhood New Years Eve Blow Out Bash
Dj Jason (indie punk disco funk)
Champagne toast @midnight

Oops!

That New Years post was supposed to be a draft (which is why it had no photos and looked half written). I guess the gremlins posted it early. In the mean time, if anyone has heard about New Years events on H other than those at R&R Hotel, the Red & the Black, NAPA, or POW please let me know (I know there is one at Dr. Granville's, but I don't know much about it).

News From NAPA 1015

Here it is in the words of one of their new bartenders:

1) First and foremost NAPA 1015 is now open for business. You can make reservations at 202-396-6272 (or just stop on in for food and drinks at the bar-- shameless bar promotion there!)

1). On Monday-Friday from 5pm to 7pm, beginning on Wednesday December 26th we will be starting a Wine/Tapas happy hour at the bar. House glasses of wine will be $5 and for $10 you get a glass of house wine and a Tapas plate.

2). Also beginning on Monday is our Pre-Theater Dinner menu. Also from 5pm to 7pm, you get a 3 course meal for $30.

3). If I recall last year you blogged about New Years Options around the Area. On New Years we will be offering a 4 course meal for $60 including a complimentary glass of champagne. There will be 3 seatings: 5-5:30, 7-7:30, and 9-9:30 (please call for reservations). Here is the menu:


Appetizers

Escargots in a garlic herb butter

Oysters Rockefeller

Nut Meat Pate with white beans, toasted nuts, Gruyere cheese, herbs, spices, cream and butter

Salad

Caesar Salad

House Salad

Entree

Filet of Beef wrapped with bacon served with Sauteed Oysters

Prawns stuffed with lump crabmeat

Stuffed Eggplant filled with orzo, scallions, tofu, mushrooms, artichokes, herbs & spice with a sundried tomato sauce

Dessert
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Cake
Almond Pear Torte
Creme Brule

Thanks Again and See you at NAPA
-Scott

WBJ: J Street Takes Shot at Florida Market

The Washington Business Journal reports on a new twist in the Florida Market saga.

Shooting in 1700 block Trinidad Ave

Also from the MPD-5D listserv:

5d currently on scene of homicide of in the 1700 blk of Trinidad ST NE -- received call from citizen about male inside of building that has been fatally shot... we are asking anyone with information to contact us at 727 9099

Bank Robber Caught @Hechinger Mall

From the MPD-5D listserv:

Today at around noon the bank at 1367 conneticut ave nw was robbed by a lone male. The male fled and later it was revealed the money pack submitted a gps signal in the area of 1600 benning rd. Thus 5d units got in area of hechinger mall and began to canvass the parking lot and stores. Within a half hour the mpd found the suspect in a van on the lot. He wqs apprehended without incident and will be turned over to fbi. Great work mpd.

Ripped, Torn, & Broken

An oldie from near 2nd & K.

R&R Hotel Event Saturday

If you needed another reason to check out the Rock & Roll Hotel's 12/22 show you may have just found one. I've heard a rumor that Denim Bar may be having some giveaways (including 25% off certificates) at the event. The evening, which is $10, features The Drugstore Cowboys, Dj Rob Wonder, Dj Dredd, and Dj Tanner.

VOH: Platinum Catering

The current Voice of the Hill has a piece on Platinum Catering & Cafe (650 H Street).

Bikram Yoga Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Holiday Schedule
New Year's Resolution Special
Gift Certificates Available
Ring in the New Year with Yoga!
Auto Debit Program
A Look Ahead
Work/Study Exchange
QUICK LINKS
buy classes now


Greetings!


Happy Holidays from Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill! We are thrilled to
present this new format for our newsletter. We hope you enjoy!
Holiday Schedule
We will follow a regular schedule with the exception of the following:
12/24 - 10 am and 4 pm
12/25 - 10 am
12/26 - 6 pm and 8 pm
12/31 - 10 am and 10:30 pm
1/1 - 4 pm

New Year's Resolution Special


Make 2008 Your Best Ever!
Through December 31st, purchase a 12-month membership for $999(reduced
from $1,200) which includes mat cleaning and storage, and towel
service. If you currently have a package or pass you could lock in
the $999 rate by paying prior to the month's end, and your 12-month
membership will begin when your previous package expires.

Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of good health and well- being this Holiday Season and
receive a free class!
Treat your friends, family, and colleagues to a gift certificate for a
class, Intro Week, a year of yoga - any package from Bikram Yoga
Capitol Hill. For more information, please inquire at the front desk,
call or email us. Please note that Gift Certificates cannot be
redeemed for cash, are non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Ring in the New Year with Yoga!
Special 10:30 pm New Year's Eve Class
Elizabeth will be leading a candlelight class on December 31st at
10:30 pm. Ring in the New Year in final savasana, followed by a
healthy raw foods buffet. Renew, revitalize and recharge - start your
2008 off right! BYOC - bring your own candle (in a glass, on a stand
or saucer).

Auto Debit Program
Auto Debit Program
Don't want to have to worry about renewing your monthly membership?
Enroll in our Auto Debit Program available for 6 and 12-month
memberships at $135 per month, and $125 per month, respectively.
Please ask for an Auto Debit request form at the front desk to enroll.
Funds can be debited from your bank account or credit card.
A Look Ahead
We have lots of exciting plans for 2008. We will be adding classes to
the schedule beginning January 1st so please relay your feedback
regarding class times to Elizabeth or Michelle. Also, our rent is
going up, as are our heating bills, so there will be incremental
changes in rates in January to cover these expenses. All the more
reason to get a package before the year's end!

Work/Study Exchange
Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill offers a work/study program. If interested,
please contact Michelle or Elizabeth for details.


Happy holidays from Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill! We are most grateful
for each and every one of you. It has truly been a pleasure sharing
Bikram's Beginning Yoga Series with you.

Warmly,

Elizabeth Glover
Director
elizabeth.a.glover@gmail.com
202 256 9156
Michelle Ouimet
Manager and Teacher
mlouimet@msn.com
202-547-1208

H Street Night @the Atlas

H Street Night

December 19 @ 8pm

Atlas Performing Arts Center

SPUNK

three tales by Zora Neale Hurston

adapated by George C. Wolfe

directed by Kenyatta Rogers

original music by Chic Street Man

music direction by William Hubbard

Tickets are just $15* to this lively blues filled musical for the H Street community.

The first 50 patrons receive a Spunk t-shirt.

Enjoy a post-performance discussion with the cast of SPUNK!

For tickets, call 202-399-7993 or visit the Atlas box office.

Mention promotion code: H Street Night

*Includes all applicable fees

"Magnetic"

- Washington Post

"Plenty to applaud"

- Washington Examiner

"..the show is a delight"

- Potomac Stages

Three short stories from celebrated folklorist and author Zora Neale Hurston come alive in George C. Wolfe's spirited adaptation. Wolfe weaves the stories of love, survival and relationships together into a blues filled musical that evokes tears, laughter and recognition of our own frailties and capacity for forgiveness.

Atlas Performing Arts Center

1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC

Valet parking @ $10 is available for all performances.

Fitness Together @408 H Street

I've gotten a report about a sign advertising a coming soon business at 408 H Street (next to the hot yoga studio). The sign announces the business as Fitness Together.

GOG: Sidamo

Sidamo gets a shout out on the weekly Going Out Gurus chat.

WP: Condo Crunch

The Post considers the unpleasant position of some condo buyers why purchased at the height of the market. The story begins with a would-be buyer at the now rental Senate Square.

Community Market Chili Cook-Off

Info from the H Street Community Market:

Chili Cook-off!

Support the H Street Community Market


Eat Chili, Drink Beer, & Learn about the Food Co-Op Coming to your Neighborhood



Saturday, January 19th from 5-8pm
At Christ Church -- 620 G street SE (enter through the alley)



Tickets: $20 each ($5 discount for HSCM members)

o includes chili, natural beef hot dogs, 2 beers or organic sodas, biodynamic rice, organic salad and dessert.

o Kids free, and we'll have crafts & a play area!



For tickets, call Tim Fenton at 202-257-4277



Chili Contestants:

If you enter the chili contest, you receive free admission and have the option of serving up your own chili or just enjoying the event. We will have prizes for 1st through 3rd place. If you are interested in being a chili contestant contact us at (hstfoodcoop@gmail.com).



Local Contributors to the Event:

· Shenandoah Brewing Company of Alexandria

· biodynamic rice from Spiritual Foodʼs, a local CSA

· grass-fed beef hotdogs from Rainbow Acres farm

· Ipso Crafto on 8th street will be providing the crafts.


To learn more about the H Street Community Market, visit www.hstcommunitymarket.org, or email hstfoodcoop@gmail.com or call us at 202-547-7053

Pap & Petey's Update

The following was recently forwarded to me:

Pap & Petey's is very nearly ready to open. They have their liquor license and the only thing really holding them up is that the heating system suddenly died and needs to be replaced. They were planning to open next week, and they are scrambling to find someone who can get the system installed & operational as soon as possible. Another sign that they are getting close to opening is that they now have a website: www.papandpeteys.com -- the owner will probably be having a more complete site built, but the site does have all the pertinent information. It's getting exciting now!

Napa to Open Tomorrow @5pm

Napa 1015 Restaurant and Lounge (1015 H Street) will open tomorrow night at 5pm. Call 202-232-7816 to make a reservation.

CP: Antigone @Playhouse

The City Paper weighs in on Forum Theatre's production of Antigone that is currently running at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street).

WBJ: Fed Tax Incentive to Expire

The Business Journal discusses the federal New Markets Tax Credit, which is credited with helping DC commercial districts recover that is set to expire soon (paid subscribers can read the entire article & everyone else gets the preview).

NYT: H as in Humming

The Times talks up H Street again. Though this piece is fairly bare bones, I think it might to more to attract visitors who've never been than the last Times piece that we saw. If nothing else this drawing does more for me than the photo of the Autozone parking lot that accompanied the last story.

Post: Antigone @ the H Street Playhouse

The Post reviews Forum Theatre's production of Antigone at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street) though December 30th. Buy tickets through the Forum website, or call 800-494-TIXS.

Free Holiday Concert @Atlas

I received this notice in my in-box. I attended last year's concert with a sizable group carrying toddlers and for once it wasn't a big deal if one them started crying. It was great show and everyone seemed to have a good time. It does get packed, so make sure to get your tickets early.

LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS --

AND BEYOND -- WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL CHORUS

In this holiday season we thank all of you who helped make our concerts of environmentally conscious music such a success right before Thanksgiving. After celebrating "The Beauty of the Earth," we are busy preparing for our second annual Community Carol Sing with the Capital City Symphony.

These free programs are set for December 16 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, and are open to all, advance reservations at the Atlas Box Office (202-399-7993) recommended. Children are encouraged to bring their parents to the 3:30 p.m. performance, when Santa will make a guest appearance. A second program for older folks will start at 7 p.m. The Atlas is collecting Safeway Gift Cards on behalf of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry which distributes cards to needy families in the neighborhood. Stick around after either event to have a cookie and chat with chorus members.

NTY: Lounge that Ate a Restaurant

The New York Times offers a review of Grayz, a NYC lounge, and discusses the recent growth in non-restaurants serving restaurant food. I thought this might be of interest to those who have visited Dr. Granville's, and paid a compliment on the new restaurant only to be thanked, but told it is a bar, not a restaurant. From the article:

"She said everything was business as usual, but she took pains to define Grayz as a cocktail lounge with some nibbles."

followed by an explanation of the food service offered and the author's appraisal:
"In my book that’s dinner. And Grayz’s reluctance to call it that — or to cast itself as a full-scale restaurant — opens a window into the befuddled and befuddling soul of the place."

NAPA 1015 to Open Week of 12/17

I just received a report (unconfirmed) that Napa 1015 (located at 1015 H Street), a new restaurant serving American food with a French twist, will open the week of December 17th.

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

We now have confirmation.

H Street Heritage Trail Meeting

I received the following announcement:

The H Street Heritage Trail Working Group is having another meeting, it's third, on Jan. 7th at 7:00 PM at the Atlas Theater. Sam Smith, a journalist at the time of the 1968 riots, will be there to share his experience and memories from that time.

Also, the group has set up a list-serve to keep everyone connected. Email gallo4343@hotmail.com if interested.

Art Show @ British Ink

What: “Our Photographs: When the Hypo-Check Turns Blue” Photos from eight American University teaching assistants. Exhibiting artists include: Jessica Bautista • Merquit Garcia • Josh Garvin • Charlotte Kesel • Sara Neufield • Carmen Machado • Tatiana Petrone • Katelyn Pepper

When: Friday, Dec. 7-Dec. 20. Reception starts at 7pm
Where: British Ink Tattoo Studio and Gallery 508 H Street

American Observer: H Street

The local publication (American University Journalism grad school) reports on H Street (the article appears to be largely based on the recent 6A ABL Committee meeting). I did have to laugh a bit at the sociology prof's quote regarding U Street:
“It’s being marketed. There’s active marketing going on about the U Street Corridor – that it’s the new, hip place for young, lefty folks to go and sort of be in harmony with the traditional civil rights slash African American culture there.”

First, I don't really think it's being marketed quite that way (probably a good number of those hip, young lefty people can't afford the area anyway), secondly, even if it is, isn't that a sort absurd notion?

Spunk @the Atlas

"How do I git to the git?
With some blues!" -Spunk

"…well worth watching"
"…solid"
-DC Theater Scene

"Magnetic"
-Washington Post

"...plenty to applaud"
-Washington Examiner

"..the show is a delight"
-Potomac Stages

Receive $15* tickets to this lively blues filled musical for performances through December 23!

Spunk
three tales by Zora Neale Hurston
adapted by George C. Wolfe
music by Chic Street Man
directed by KenYatta Rogers
music direction by William Hubbard
now playing through December 23, 2007


Three short stories from celebrated folklorist and author Zora Neale Hurston come alive in George C. Wolfe's spirited adaptation. Wolfe weaves the stories of love, survival and relationships together into a blues filled musical that evokes tears, laughter and recognition of our own frailties and capacity for forgiveness.


For tickets, call 202-399-7993 or purchase online at www.atlasarts.org .
Mention promotion code: thanks
*Includes all applicable fees


Tickets can also be purchase at the Atlas box office
1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC

Valet parking is available for $10 for all performances.

New Metro Cars

I've seen some photos of these guys taken by individuals who rode in the test cars, and they mostly seem to make sense (apparently there are some odd quirks not mentioned in the Post article). Check out the Post's panoramas of the new seating and new flooring (did we really need a picture of one without carpeting?). Any thoughts on these new cars?

First (Real) Snow

PRESS RELEASE:


Thursday, December 20th - Ward 5 Holiday Open House
– Please join Councilmember Thomas for a Holiday Celebration with

a Taste of Ward 5 and Entertainment at the John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, From 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.



Friday, December 21st - Caroling through Ward 5 with Old Town Trolley
Please join Councilmember Thomas with an Old Town Trolley Ride through Ward 5. Beginning at Backus Middle School 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Parking Lot 5, Meeting time 6:00 p.m.



Saturday, December 22nd – Breakfast with Santa

Please join Councilmember Thomas (Santa) for this great holiday event. For ages 13 and under at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center 1100 Michigan Ave N.E. From 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.



*Please R.S.V.P for all events by December 17, 2007 *

For additional Information please contact the Ward 5 Council Office (202)724-8028

Liveable, Walkable Community Awards

Press Release:

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells
Contact: Charles Allen
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 408 (202)724-8072
Washington, D.C. 20004 www.TommyWells.org

Councilmember Wells Hosts 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards Celebration

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, December 5th, Councilmember Tommy Wells will host the 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards Celebration.

“To create a truly livable, walkable community, it takes leadership and vision -- not just from those elected to office, but also from our neighbors, city employees, civic organizations, and local businesses,” said Mr. Wells. “To honor their initiative and hard work, I've created this annual award to recognize outstanding efforts for community members in each of these four categories.”

In late October, Councilmember Wells made a call for nominations to residents of the District. “What does livable, walkable mean to you and who best represents what it takes to make it a reality?” he asked in an email announcement. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony Wednesday night.

“Coming on the heels of the Brookings Institution report that DC is the most “walkable” city in the country, even beating out New York City, its time to honor and recognize the individuals and organizations that help make this a reality,” added Mr. Wells.

There will be food, drink, cash bar, live entertainment and an awards ceremony to honor the recipients.

What: 1st Annual Livable, Walkable Community Awards

When: Wednesday, December 5th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Awards ceremony to begin at approximately 7:30 pm)

Where: East Hall of Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE (Taking Metro? Use Eastern Market station, cross Pennsylvania Ave to 7th Street, walk one block north)

RCA Meeting Tonight

The Rosedale Citizens Alliance (RCA) will have its regular meeting tonight at 7:30PM. This month, they'll be meeting at the new coffee shop/wine bar, SOVA, located 1359 H ST NE (2nd floor).

Highlights on the agenda include

-- presentation by Hiram Bruton, Ward 6 Outreach and Community
Services Specialist, Office of the Mayor

(Mr. Bruton will be discussing the Mayor's recent community walks in Rosedale and how the community can assist in addressing problems that were identified. RCA will have copies of the report issued by the Mayor's office on actions taken by the DC government in response to the walks.)

-- update on the planning process for the future Rosedale Recreation/Community Center (including upcoming meetings with the Department of Parks and Recreation, recent neighborhood focus groups, and efforts to secure funding for an adjoining library.)

-- discussion on potential school closings

For more information on RCA, please see our website at
www.rosedalecitizen.blogspot.com
or email us at rosedalecitizensalliance@gmail.com.

Seeing the Light

As previously mentioned the Salvation Army in the 1300 block of H Street has finally installed dressing rooms. So now you can actually try on that cool shirt/jacket/pair of jeans instead of just guessing about the fit. I'm not sure what it is (could be the light from the dressing rooms behind the two Jesus pictures that hang over the wine rack and torch light), but I find this shot oddly appealing.

WP: Go-Go Offers Music, HIV Tests

the Post reports on a recent go-go concert held at the Market Lounge, located directly above the DC Farmers Market in the Florida Market. The Concert, which was not restricted to a teenage audience, was sponsored by Metro TeenAIDS. Attendees could pay the $10 entry fee, or they could get in for free if they submitted to an oral swab HIV test.

NYT: Signs of Recovery

The New York Times reports on H Street's revitalization and how it was a long time coming.

WP: H Street Singing a New Tune

The Post covers the Atlas' new Indigo cabaret series. Indigo is on Friday and Saturday nights. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street.