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A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Bonsai Weekend at the Arboretum

Announcement:

Potomac Bonsai Festival
Free Ongoing Daily Events



The following free events will be ongoing all three days of the festival April 39, May 1 and May 2. For other programs, including workshops and demonstrations, see Programs, Demonstrations, and Workshops.
Exhibit: Potomac Bonsai Association Members’ Trees
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Come see the very best in regional bonsai. The PBA (Potomac Bonsai Association) is a regional association made up of 11 bonsai chapters located in the mid-Atlantic region from Virginia to Pennsylvania. The finest trees from each chapter have been selected for display in the exhibit hall of the festival. Located in the arboretum auditorium.

Bonsai Vendor Tent
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Find everything you could want or need in the vendor tent, which is filled with everything related to bonsai including plants, pots, books, tools, gifts, and more. Located across from the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. 
Vendors include:
  • Gardens Unlimited
  • Lang Pottery & Bonsai
  • Little Trees Bonsai
  • Meehan’s Miniatures
  • Osiga Company
  • Wild Things Bonsai Studio
  • Meco Bonsai
  • Adam’s Bonsai
  • Nature’s Way
  • Wildwood Gardens
  • North Star

Exhibit: Potomac Bonsai Association Regional Juried Show
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Potomac Bonsai Festival’s second annual juried show is featured in the Special Exhibits Wing of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. On display will be the trees selected for the show, including the award winners. Click here for more details about the show.

National Bonsai & Penjing Museum Collections
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The miniature masterpieces that we call bonsai and penjing are the pinnacle of gardening skill, and the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum has one of the largest collections of these timeless trees in North America. The Japanese art of bonsai, and its precursor, the Chinese art of penjing, are rooted in the traditions of Asian culture. Three pavilions house about 150 plants, and the surrounding theme gardens enhance the museum experience.

Celebrate Baco De Mayo at Jimmy Valentine's

Yeah, it's true. Details below:

Saturday, May 1st, 3 PM til 90+ lb.s of bacon will be grilled and consumed

True story folks, this is the 8th or 9th annual bacon cook-off for the Baco de Maio posse. 4 grills will be set up out back as bacon is cooked and served in all forms possible: smoked bacon, bacon ice cream, deep-fried bacon, bacon-wrapped bacon? feel free to bring a pack o* the pig and join the festivities as

Dan Amitai djs all afternoon and evening.


DJ Wondermike, Needles and DJ Blurry Vision move in at night.

Opossom Family Death & Reward

This is pretty sick stuff. We have a fairly large opossom population in Trinidad, and I've yet to hear of one of them doing anything worse than hissing at a person. I have one that often hangs out on my back porch so we've gotten fairly close to each other, and we're generally ok with passing within a couple of feet (or even closer when it sits on the ledge) of each other as I make my way to/from the doorway. Apparently someone around here doesn't like opossoms, but does enjoy torturing, and killing small animals. The Washington Humane Society has picked up on the story, and is putting up some serious cash to turn over the killer. Here are the details:

An innocent opossum and her ten babies, just days old were stoned to death. The horrible incident took place on Tuesday, April 27th in an alley behind 1026 16th street, NE.


The Washington Humane Society is now offering a $1000 reward for any information in this case.


This is a heinous act that should not go un-punished; WHS will pursue the perpetrators of this crime relentlessly and we need the public’s help.


Washington Humane Society officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Humane Law Enforcement department at 202-BE HUMANE. Calls are confidential and a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this crime. The reward is made possible through a special fund called the JUSTICE FUND which WHS set up for this purpose. Donations to this fund are accepted.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Capitol Bites: Dangerously Delicious Pies

Local blog Capitol Bites samples the pie man's wares.

WP Reviews Liberty Tree

Get it here.

HSGS: Changes at Souk

H Street Great Street reports that Souk hopes to install their new bar and get the back room open this weekend. Apparently they can seat 20 more people in the rear room. Souk recently obtained a beer and wine license.

We Love DC: Red Apron Butchery

The blog We Love DC looks at the newest vendor to join the H Street Farmers Market. Check out their hand cut and cured meats this Saturday from 9am-12pm at 625 H Street. Red Apron was also mentioned in the Post yesterday.

Swing Into Spring Saturday

swingspring2010

I somehow left this off my list of events for Saturday. You won't want to make the same mistake. Here are the details:

Buffet Dinner (+ one drink), Desserts, Cash Bar, Free Swing Dance Lesson, and Silent Auction.

Tickets:
$85 per person
$150 for a couple

A team of Arts Partners in Residence at the Atlas Performing Arts Center will host an Inaugural Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Featuring Doug Bowles and his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra, Swing Into Spring will take place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the Sprenger Theatre.

Swing Into Spring is a collaborative effort benefiting Capital City Symphony, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington Savoyards and the In Series--- all members of the Atlas Performing Arts Center. All proceeds from the event will benefit each organizations artistic and educational programs.

After a free swing dance lesson guests will dance the night away to the sounds of Doug Bowles and his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra, a classic hot jazz and swing band. The evening will also feature a buffet dinner, desserts, and cash bar.

Read more, or purchase tickets here.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Biergarten Haus Opening Postponed?

Someone left a comment indicating that the owner is delaying the opening until the 14th or 15th of May. I can't immediately confirm this.


+++++++++++++
UPDATE
+++++++++++++

Sorry guys, it does look like the 14th.

Sullivan's News

Seriously good food. I love the seafood salad and the shrimp po-boy. 1101 Bladensburg Road (right across from the Capital City Diner). Stop by and try Sullivan's out if you haven't. And, now, announcements:

Effective Monday April 26, 2010, Sullivan's Southern Style Seafood will no longer be serving Breakfast. We will continue to serve Lunch and Dinner.

The new business hours will be
Monday to Saturday 11am to 10pm.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.

-----------------------------------

Announcing the first Soft-Shell Crab Special of the season!

2 Jumbo Soft-Shell Crabs deep fried in a spicy batter with 2 side items of your choice, just
$27.50 (+tax)
(while supplies last)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

First Saturday May 1st

May 1st is the inaugural First Saturday on H Street. Each first Saturday there will be all days events all down H Street. Come out on Saturday and check out the first one.

FIRST SATURDAY EVENTS in May
H Street Main Street
May 1, 2010

 FreshFarm Market
Saxophone Player James “Kenyatta” Palmore will perform from 9-12pm
9-12pm
625 H Street
Chefs at the Market – Casey Patten and David Mazza - of Taylor Gourmet (1116 H Street)
Special to the Market -Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street)
New vendors -Dolcezza GelatoRed Apron Butchery

Head across the street to Metro Mutts (508 H Street) to get some doggie frozen yogurt from 10am-6pm.

Dinner, Dancing, Drinks, and Art:

Taste of Jamaica (528 H Street)
6pm Fish fry and music

light_and_allusionpromo
City Gallery (804 H Street)
6-9pm Opening reception: Light and Allusion, Nancy Donnelly glasswork, and Jill Finsen painting.

Twelve Restaurant and Lounge [LINK PLAYS MUSIC] (1123 H Street)
5-9pm DJs, music by The Liberal Party. No Cover

Palace of Wonders (1210 H Street)
The Skullduggery  Skin Show 10pm, $10

The Red and The Black (1212 H Street)
The Silver Liners, The Console War, Alex Gruenberg, The Red Satellites $8

The Pug (1234 H Street)
6-8pm a fundraiser for clinicians traveling to Haiti. $20 gets you open drafts and PBRs.

Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H Street)
At the Hotel Bar (upstairs) MASS APPEAL with special guest djs The Metaphysical and Layneeugene

Indiscretion is key to MASS APPEAL's hyper-kinetic style. Hip-hop party jams, indie anthems, dance-punk, guilty pleasures, electronic beats and hard-hitting funk get spliced together in his eclectic sets of bastard pop. Free 9:30pm-2:30am. 21+

Downstairs: Fools and Horses, Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast, Jeremy Johnson, Spectral Vision
Tickets $10

SOVA (1359 H Street)
Singer/Songwriter music series continues with live music and a look at the work of a local artist.

The Music :
- Star FK Radium
- Ian Walters
- The Chilling Effect
- Flo Anito

Artist:
- Quest Skinner

The Argonaut (1433 H Street)
Dj spinning tunes. No cover, 21+


Of course there will be plenty more going on, but this is what I know about now.


++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
++++++++++++++++++++
swingspring2010

I forgot to mention that Swing into Spring is also on Saturday.

Swing Into Spring is an annual benefit for  Capital City Symphony, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington Savoyards and the In Series--- all members of the Atlas Performing Arts Center. All proceeds from the event will go to these organizations' artistic and educational programs.

Buffet Dinner (+ one drink), Desserts, Cash Bar, Free Swing Dance Lesson, Live Entertainment, and Silent Auction.

Tickets:
$85 per person
$150 for a couple
7-11pm

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And then I saw this in my email...

Saturday, May 1st, 3 PM til 90+ lb.s of bacon will be grilled and consumed


True story folks, this is the 8th or 9th annual bacon cook-off for the Baco de Maio posse. 4 grills will be set up out back as bacon is cooked and served in all forms possible: smoked bacon, bacon ice cream, deep-fried bacon, bacon-wrapped bacon? feel free to bring a pack o* the pig and join the festivities as

Dan Amitai djs all afternoon and evening. At night it's DJ Wondermike, Needles & DJ Blurry Vision.

Jimmy Valentine's is located at 1103 Bladensburg Road (a short walk from the Argonaut).

The Farmers Market Returns May 1st

IMG_2962
Where: 625 H Street (south side of H Street).
When: Every Saturday from 9am-12pm
What: a producer's only market where you can buy meats, desserts, scones, bread, cheeses, veggies, fruits, and more.
Vendors:
Atwater's Bakery, Blueberry Hill, Cedarbrook Farm, Clear Spring Creamery, Dolcezza Gelato and Sorbet, Garden Path Farm, Keswick Creamery, Quaker Valley, Richfield Farm, Red Apron Butchery.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I should have mentioned that this is part of the First Saturday festivities, so they will have live music at the Market, and Dangerously Delicious pies will be selling there as well.

Bourbon Tasting @Little Miss Whiskey's Tonight

Here are the details from Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street):

From 7:30-8pm our good friend Mike Goss is back to lead us through samples of the following small batches:
Eagle Rare Single Barrel;
Basil Hayden;
Elmer T. Lee;
and W. L. Weller Special Reserve.

Mike will share his knowledge in both identifying the different flavor profiles as well as the history of this choice selection of American bourbons. Chef Ryan Gordon will be grilling on the deck starting at 6pm, and our weekly Trivia Night follows immediately afterward with a special round of questions devoted to the wide world of whiskey.

Argonaut on Living Social

IMG_4992

The deal is spend $20 to get $45 worth of Argonaut goodness.

Monday, April 26, 2010

ABRA: Capitol Hill Premium Cigar & Tobacco

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Posting Date: March 26, 2010

Petition Date: May 10, 2010

Hearing Date: May 24, 2010

License No.: ABRA-077176

Licensee: Capitol Hill Premium Cigar and Tobacco, LLC

Trade Name: Capitol Hill Premium Cigar and Tobacco
License Class: Retail Class “C” Tavern

Address: 1006 Florida Avenue, N.E.

Contact: Ronald Wright, 202-396-8006

WARD 5 ANC 5B SMD 5B06

Notice is hereby given for this licensee who has applied for a substantial change to his license under the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and for objectors who are entitled to be heard before the granting of such on the hearing date at 10:00 a.m., 2nd floor, Suite 2000, 1250 U Street, NW. A petition or request to appear before the Board must be filed on or before the petition date.

Licensee requests the following substantial change to its nature of operation:

REQUEST FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT ENDORSEMENT TO INCLUDE A DJ, JAZZ BAND, KARAOKE, AND POETRY READINGS.

PROPOSED HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Sunday through Thursday 6 pm – 12 am and Friday; Saturday 6 pm – 1 am

CP: Star & Shamrock

The City Paper checks out the Star and the Shamrock.

Family Health & Birth Center Fundraiser

Announcement:

The Family Health and Birth Center’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program provides breastfeeding support, education, and counseling to a population that has some of the nation’s lowest breastfeeding rates. The program has dramatically increased breastfeeding rates at FHBC through one-on-one peer counseling, group education, and collaboration with clinicians. While just 65% of African American women initiate breastfeeding in the US as a whole, 82% of African American FHBC clients breastfeed their babies. This program is in jeapordy due to lack of funds; please read on to find out how you can help!

What we are doing: We will be hosting an live and silent auction along with live performances by musical groups and dance troupes on Sunday May 16th 2pm-5pm at The Mindfulness Center 4963 Elm Street, Ste 101 in Bethesda, MD to raise money for the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program at the Family Health and Birth Center.

What the auction proceeds will help pay for: Free lactation (breastfeeding) support to mothers and children that use the center, including group classes, individual consults, home and hospital visits, and 24-hour phone help. All services are provided free of charge to FHBC clients.

What we will be auctioning:

Sample donations:
- professional massages
- private dinner party
-baby-sitting
-dog walking
-private cpr classes

-crafts ( jewelry, household items, accessories)
- herbal garden walk through rock creek park
-bike tune ups
-personal training
-art work
-children’s clothing
-and much more…..



TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE ON SALE NOW

For Tickets or More information on this event please contact Saundra Bishop at SaundraBishop@gmail.com

Tomorrow's Beerspotter Dinner at Granville's Postponed

I just got this:


Hi everyone, the Spring Beer Dinner with the Beerspotter at Granville Moore's has been POSTPONED one week to Tuesday, May 4. We're very sorry for any inconvenience. If you have already made your reservation, you will receive $10 off if you can come on the new date.

Of course, this means you have more time to get your tickets. Hope you can make it!

Orr Shtuhl
Beerspotter
Washington City Paper

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THIT: Gallery Hopping on H Street

The Hill is Home covers galleries on H Street.

The Hill Raves Over Liberty Tree

A glowing review for the new restaurant.

700 Block of 2nd Street

I've had a couple of readers write in with questions about some fencing that just went up around some rowhouses in the 700 block of 2nd Street. It looks like they are slated for demolition (and that's how I recall the process ending up) in preparation for new construction (Dreyfus, I believe). But sometimes I'm not so clear on stuff so far west. Anyone who sat through all those meetings care to shed a little light? Are the houses going, or staying?

+++++++++++++++
UPDATE
+++++++++++++++


Anon 9:52 chimes is with a useful link to DCmud. The properties are going, but maybe not quite yet.

Khan's BBQ Coming to H Street

IMG_5165

Now comes notice of a new ABC license application for a restaurant at 1125 H Street. From the application:

New Restaurant with 58 seats inside, a sidewalk café with 40 seats and a total capacity of 98 on the basement and first floor.

For reference, we're talking about the space previously occupied by the check cashing location. I'm assuming this is Mongolian BBQ, but I don't know that for sure.

Washingtonian: The Queen Vic

Washingtonian notes the anticipated summer opening of the British pub, the Queen Vic (1206 H Street).

Urban Daddy: Biergarten Haus

Urban Daddy covers the much anticipated H Street establishment Biergarten Haus, which will open its doors at 5pm on Friday, May 7th.

From the Frozen Tropics Flickr Pool

splainin

On a rainy Sunday morning I thought I'd share this image that really makes you wonder what's going on. It looks like this image (uploaded November of 2009) was taken through a window screen, and that effect almost makes me feel like I'm watching on tv, or projected on a screen. It's odd, and a little eerie. Photo by AWard Tour.

Spring Beer Dinner at Granville's w/the Beerspotter

Sounds tasty. Here are the details:


Tuesday, April 27
7-10pm
Granville Moore's
1238 H St.

Join us for a spring-themed beer dinner with Chef Teddy Folkman and Orr Shtuhl, Beerspotter columnist at the Washington City Paper. Five courses and six beer pairings, including a few being poured for the first time! Also pretty flowers, ducklings, bunny rabbits, and all that.

Tickets are $65, call Granville Moore's to make your reservation, 202-399-2546.


Menu:

7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Happy Hour featuring the new Ommegang Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Duck Three-Way Terrine
w/ Farmhouse ale TBD

Bison Tenderloin Tartar with Six-Month American Boucheron
w/ Victory Hop Devil (and a surprise)

Red Gazpacho with Crispy Skinned Snapper
w/ Rogue Chipotle Ale

"Bangers and Mash," Quail Sausage and Gruyere Mashed Potatoes
w/ Anchor Porter

Mixed Berry Shortcake, Cocoa Whipped Cream, Allagash Caramel
w/ Allagash Four

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

I just got this:

Hi everyone, the Spring Beer Dinner with the Beerspotter at Granville Moore's has been POSTPONED one week to Tuesday, May 4. We're very sorry for any inconvenience. If you have already made your reservation, you will receive $10 off if you can come on the new date.

Of course, this means you have more time to get your tickets. Hope you can make it!

Orr Shtuhl
Beerspotter
Washington City Paper

HStreetDC: the Future of R. L. Christian Library

IMG_3782

I'm not entirely sure to what this refers, but HStreetDC sent out a disappointing tweet reading as follows:


Despite all efforts to use RL Christian library building to benefit #HSt community, looks like DC will give it to commercial rent-a-desk.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Earth Day, What Did You Do?

IMG_6368
gratuitous azalea shot from the arboretum

I went with friends for a clean-up at Kingman Island, followed by brunch at Sticky Rice. The Asian style pancakes ($6) are great. I can't recall the exact title on the menu, and I'm not finding the brunch menu online, but they were larger than I expected. They are also vegan in case that matters to any potential diners. If you haven't checked out Kingman Island (free 9am-5pm everyday), you should. Other good nature that are close to us:
National Arboretum (free 8am-5pm everyday) and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (free 7am-4pm, but go early to catch the blooms).

The Star & Shamrock Opens for Lunch

IMG_6351
Liverwurst and onions on pumpernickel with a Messiah Bold = heaven

Starting Monday at 11am the Star and Shamrock (1341 H Street) will be open for lunch.

An H Street Wedding

I've heard of people have different portions of their weddings/celebrations on H Street (I think you can now even get married at Palace of Wonders), and now I have a request for reader suggestions:


Hey there,


My fiancée and I really enjoy reading your posts at Frozen Tropics, and when we decided that we'd make our wedding an H Street event, we immediately realized that you might have ideas about the subject:


We're looking to celebrate our wedding next spring in H Street, or at the very least to have our wedding reception somewhere in the neighborhood. Do you have any ideas of a place that could accomodate about a hundred people who want to dance, drink, and have a good time?
Our usual haunts -- The Argonaut, Sticky Rice, the Martini Lounge, etc. -- seem like they'd be a little small for so many people dancing. Maybe the new Biergarten Haus could accomodate us... Do you have any thoughts or tips on the matter?


By the way, we're not looking for anything crazy or fancy; instead we just want to find some nice place that captures the independence and funky spirit of H Street.

Just in terms of sheer space he'd be looking at  Biergarten Haus, The Rock and Roll Hotel, The H Street Country Club, XII, or the Atlas (if they do that sort of thing).  Of course to make it a really H Street wedding you could have flowers from Nouvelle Fleur, catering from a local place, ect. Any advice for the soon to be married who love living in the H Street Corridor?

Friday, April 23, 2010

From the Flickr Pool

AWard Tour added this great shot of three sketchy characters hanging out in an alley to the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool.
H Street Friends
Rumor has it that each one has a price of $200 on its head.

DCist Reviews: Public Enemy

P1010015_3
DCist reviews the current Scena Theatre production at the H Street Playhouse.

HStreetDC: Biergarten Haus Opens May 7th

That's the date HStreetDC tweeted. Doors open at 5pm.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

WBJ: Giant Comes to 3rd & H

Washington Business Journal breaks the news that the grocery at 3rd and H will be a Giant. Sorry for the late posting. I was out all day.

Argonaut News

I've been asked to pass on two bits of info for the Argonaut:

1. The Argo is currently hiring servers.

2. The Argo wants to sponsor your local spots team.

If either of these propositions is of interest to you, email Scott at scott.magnuson[AT]yahoo.com

WP: EPA Proposes Rainwater Trapping Rules For DC

Here's a short article from the Post on a demonstration effort to prevent runoff from polluting DC's rivers.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

GOG: No, Biergarten Haus Will Not Open this Week

The Going Out Gurus report that the German beer garden still needs a few final touches inside, and that all important Certificate of Occupancy. If you were hoping to spend the weekend there, you'll have to find a different patio. But soon...very soon.

Raise a Glass for Haiti @the Pug

The Pug has a fundraiser coming up 6-8pm May 1st to cover travel expenses for a group of clinicians (including owner Tony T.'s wife) to travel on a medical mission with the Crudem Foundation. The first $1,000 pays for her plane ticket to Milot, Haiti. Anything over $1,000 goes to help pay for the other plane tickets and to the Crudem Foundation. It is all for a good cause. $20 buys you open drafts and open PBRs. 1234 H Street NE.

Clean Alley

IMG_6216
Also near Bladensburg Road.

Light & Allusion @City Gallery

Announcement:

light_and_allusionpromo

City Gallery PresentsLight and Allusion 


Washington, DC—City Gallery’s May exhibition “Light and Allusion” showcases Nancy Donnelly’s
elegant glass art and Jill Finsen’s whimsically primitive paintings executed in oil paint. The opening
reception with the artists is Saturday, May 1, 6:00–9:00 PM. The public is invited to attend.
Fascination with color is apparent in the work of both these artists. These pieces sing out - they
raise the possibility that good humor can be engendered bycolor alone. Allusive of the natural
world, they are at the same time direct and accessible. Surface is paramount to the success of these
artpieces—the smoothness of the glass contrasts with layered textures in the paintings. The colors
of glass and paintings complement each other and pull the exhibit in newand exciting visual direc-
tions. Both artists find negative space crucial to this effect, moments of rest that energize each work.
Donnelly and Finsen’s works provide tension between familiarity and abstraction and at the same
time question placement within imagined space.
Having read deeply in anthropological literature, Donnelly is convinced that the images that keep
our attention, images wekeep coming back to again and again, strike towardour common basis in
ancient humanity—images of nature, of our creativity, of striving, and of community.
With allusions to the works of early 20th century American painters and the Fauvists, Finsen’s
paintings are a journey, from representation to abstraction and from visible hues and shapes to more
psychologically charged compositions.
The exhibit runs through May 29.

City Gallery is located at 804 H Street #1. The gallery's normal hours at 1-5pm Friday and Saturday's, and by appointment.

GGW: Streetcar Meeting Recap

Greater Greater Washington has a detailed recap of last night's streetcar meeting.

Catch HooperNatural @the Capitol Riverfront

image001-3

The event isn't local, but I'm mentioning this one because one of the participants is a local business (7th and K). Check out hooperNATURAL's website, and the press release for the event:

CAPITOL RIVERFRONT PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL FITNESS IN THE FRONT EVENT
A FREE SATURDAY OF OUTDOOR FITNESS CLASSES

(Washington, D.C.—For Immediate Release) Put on your tennis shoes, fill up your water
bottle and come enjoy outdoor fitness classes on Saturday, May 1 from 9 am to 12 noon in
the Capitol Riverfront, the neighborhood around Nationals Ballpark and the Navy Yard Metro.
Classes are free and open to the public.

As the weather warms up, Washington’s newest destination neighborhood hosts families and
friends for a day of outdoor fun and opportunity. No experience necessary, there is
something for everyone. Try new fitness classes offered by local instructors as well as sign
up for summer sessions, run/bike clubs, watch demonstrations and enter drawings.

Six fun fitness classes will take place during Fitness in the Front on Canal Park, located one
block east of the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Ave exit) at the intersection of M St., SE and
2nd St., SE:

9 am – 10 am
Bootcamp by Greg Jones, Elite Fitness
Kickboxing by Results Gym

10 am – 11 am
Yoga by Stacey Etheridge, Capitol Hill Yoga
Pilates by Erin Carnahan, Capitol Hill Yoga

11 am -12 pm
HooperNatural™ by Granetta Coleman, Hoopnotica Certified Instructor
Zumba Dance by Denny Montas, Certified Zumba Instructor
Demonstrations by Trapeze School

Rain date Sunday, May 2nd, announced online at www.capitolriverfront.org.

CP: Capital Hemp's 2 Year Anniversary @Rock & Roll

A City Paper reporter recalls last night's festivities.

Free Boubon Tasting @Little Miss Whiskey's

Announcement:

Tuesday, April 27th, 7:30 PM to 8 PM

Our good friend Mike Goss is back to lead us through samples of the following small-batch bourbons:

Eagle Rare Single Barrel, Basil Hayden, Elmer T. Lee, and W. L. Weller Special Reserve. Mike will share his knowledge in both identifying the different flavor profiles as well as the history of this choice selection of American bourbons. Chef Ryan Gordon will be grilling on the deck beginning at 6 PM and our weekly Trivia Night follows immediately afterwards with a special round of questions devoted to the wide world of whiskey.

WP: DC Seeks Federal Funds for Streetcars

The Post reports that the District has requested $25 miliion.

Shooting @16th and F

Here's the MPD notice:

Police Alert-SHOOTING

SHOOTING_2359 hours_16th St and F St NE_NO LOOKOUT GIVEN DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100200974

Sent on: 04/21 00:07

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

---

- You received this alert because you registered for AlertDC.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Report of New Greek Restaurant on H

Vacant 1220 H Street
1220 H Street circa 2005

Via HStreetDC twitter.

Also via twitter she reports that it will be at the now vacant 1220 H Street and will feature two floors of mezze, and late night service.

4 Shots Fired

We heard them while sitting out front on Morse (1200 block). Police in the 1300 block of Morse. No details.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Police/fire sirens. No idea if it is related. There is a station nearby, so it could be unrelated. Either way somebody is trigger happy.

The Shots in the 700 Block of 11th Today

Here's an explanation from MPD:

We responded to the sounds of gunshots in the area. There was property damage to a parked car but no injuries reported. We took a report for the damaged property- stopped several subjects who checked out and they were subsequently released.

Commander David K. Kamperin
First District
101 M St SW
Washington, DC 20024

And here's video from Jaimie Gregorian.

Monday, April 19, 2010

A Condiment Hello

A Condiment Hello
This cute shot (from inside Capital City Diner) comes to us from Madame Meow, via the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool.

MPD: Robbery @13th & H Street

Here's the alert:

Robbery (Force and Violence) 2309 hours 13th Street and H Street, NE _L/O for B/M wearing a black hat with black jens and shirt DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #1200100198926

Sent on: 04/19 23:14

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

Hearing Gunshots

I just heard 5 fairly rapid gunshots that sounded like they came from either the 1100 block of Morse, or further up Montello. No details. Hopefully no injuries this time.

I'm actually hearing from people who think this was south of Florida, maybe closer to the 9-1100 blocks of K Street. I can't tell. It just sounds west of me.

Apparently  8th is now blocked off between L and Florida, so that may be it.

Reminder: Streetcar Meeting Tomorrow

Press Release:


DDOT to Update Community on Streetcar Progress



WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m., DDOT Director Gabe Klein and Streetcar Project Manager Scott Kubly will appear at a public meeting hosted by Advisory Neighborhood Commissions 5B, 6A and 6C to update the community on DDOT’s progress on the streetcar project, particularly on the H Street-Benning Road streetcar line. Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5) and Tommy Wells (Ward 6) will make introductory remarks.

DDOT is constructing the H Street-Benning Road streetcar line, which will one day link the Benning Road Metrorail station (Blue Line) to Union Station (Red Line). DDOT will describe what steps the agency is taking to make this initial streetcar line operational by 2012 from the intersection of Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue to Union Station, and extend it to the Benning Road station after that.

A similar meeting on H Street NE in August 2009 drew more than 100 attendees and served as a catalyst for Klein to reinvigorate the streetcar project, including by announcing his appointment of Kubly to manage the project. By October 2009, DDOT released its plan for a 37-mile streetcar network and held public meetings in all eight wards to seek public comment on the plan.


WHO: Gabe Klein, Director, District Department of Transportation

Scott Kubly, Streetcar Project Manager, District Department of Transportation

Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5)

Councilmember Tommy Wells (Ward 6)


WHAT: DDOT to Appear at Meeting Hosted by ANCs 5B, 6A and 6C to Update Community on Streetcar Project


WHEN: Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.


WHERE: Wheatley Elementary School, 1299 Neal Street NE

Streetcars4DC

Alley Off Bladensburg

IMG_6229

I find myself spending surprisingly large amounts of time in alley ways. This particular shot is from a walk I took with a friend one Saturday. This is just west of Bladensburg Road.

NoMA Summer Screen Line-Up Released

I have to say they picked some pretty good films for this summer. Check it out:

noma_summer_top
NoMa Summer Screen is a free, weekly, outdoor film series, featuring local BBQ and music by Fatback. This year’s theme is The Future is Now, films that grapple with the future or the element of time. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, Frisbee and cooler, and enjoy great films under the stars. Subtitles provided.


DATE MOVIE TITLE TAGLINES RATING


May 12 Spaceballs In this classic Mel Brooks comedy, Lone Starr must stop Lord Dark Helmet from stealing Planet Druidia’s air supply. NR


May 19 WALL-E FAMILY NIGHT: In this futuristic Pixar film, a friendly waste-collecting robot embarks on a space journey that will decide the fate of mankind. G


May 26 Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure Two dim-witted teens struggle to prepare a historical presentation with the help of a time machine in this 1989 comedy. PG


June 2 Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn Admiral Kirk's mid-life crisis is interrupted by the return of an old enemy looking for revenge. PG


June 9 Donnie Darko A teenager (Jake Gyllenhaal) lost in time is plagued by visions that manipulate him to commit a series of crimes. R

June 16 Back to the Future 17-year-old Marty McFly got home early last night; 30 years early. PG

June 23 The Fifth Element In the colorful future, cab driver Bruce Willis unwittingly joins the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay. PG-13


June 30 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3 million light-years from home. PG


July 7 Sleeper* A Woody Allen love story about two people who hate each other...200 years in the future. PG

July 14 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star in this wildly imaginative love story: a couple erases their memories of each other, only to discover what they had in the beginning. R


July 21 Logan’s Run In this 1976 sci-fi classic, an idyllic future has one major drawback: Life must end at 30. PG

July 28 Groundhog Day A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again. PG

Organized by the NoMa Business Improvement District

Checking Out the Star & Shamrock

I stopped by the Star and Shamrock (1341 H Street) for food and drink with a couple of friends tonight. The place had a good feel, and friendly bartenders. For those wondering if you can take in small children, the answer is yeas, but they might end up eating fries for dinner. For adults the menu options are much expanded. They offer a number of sandwiches, ranging from egg salad, to rare roast beef, to chopped chicken liver. I opted for the liverwurst with onions on pumpernickel. Because we wanted to try stuff we also ordered latkes, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, kosher cornies (small sausages wrapped in puff pastry), and a pickle. To drink I had the He-Brew Messiah (draft). The latkes were tasty, but I like mine with apple sauce, and they don't serve them that way. The sauce they did provide worked out well. The coleslaw was good, we didn't find much special about the potato salad or macaroni salad. Cornies are good drinking food, and you can order them in three sizes. The pickle was great, as was my sandwich. I look forward to trying out more food menu items, all of which are priced under $9, as well as exploring the beer list a bit. The have one of them internet jukebox thingies, so I can't say who/what was playing dj, but the music over the 2+ hours we spent there was an unusually good set.  Just FYI, Star and Shamrock is cash only for the next week or so, but they do have an ATM.

Oh, and I think this is the only place on H Street you can get Guinness on draft.  They have several beverages on tap. Here are a few of the offerings: Harp, Brooklyn E.I.P.A., Magner's Cider, Brooklyn Lager, He'Brew Messiah, and Kilkenny Cream Ale. They have around 25 beers in bottles. The bottles screw heavily towards the craft brews, with more offerings from Brooklyn, and He-Brew, as well as Hop Rod Rye Ale, and Founder's Red Rye. Cider drinkers will notice both apple and pear ciders from Original Sin. Those who prefer stiffer drinks can find solace in the roughly 25 Irish whiskeys, and assorted other brown goods that decorate the back of the drink menu.

Other reviews:
The Hill is Home
Prince of Petworth

You can read more about the Star and Shamrock in the H Street Life column in the May issue of the Hillrag.

Chartreuse Tasting @Little Miss Whiskey's

Now this is something you don't see everyday, and if you're a cocktail geek, or just curious, you'll want to check it out. Announcement:

Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar
1104 H St.
Wednesday, April 28th 6 PM til 9 PM


Chartreuse tasting with Todd Richman (Chartreuse Brand Ambassador)


Todd Richman is traveling the United States promoting the history and mystery of one of the world’s oldest liqueurs. Chartreuse uses extracts from 132 plants, and the 400 year-old recipe is known by only 2 Carthusian monks. Todd will be guest bartending, and during his presentation he will serve up a number of cocktails using Chartreuse while discussing this distinctive and delicious “elixir of long life”. There is no charge for entry. Chartreuse is normally a prohibitively expensive drink but prices will be cut in half to $5 for this special event.

FYI: they've also got a free bourbon tasting coming up soon, and Ryan Gordon of the Queen Vic is now showing off his grilling skills on the back patio every Friday.

Don't Panic, There Was No Stabbing

Apparently the PSA 102 blog is incorrectly reporting a stabbing at Sticky Rice.

It looks like this is just confusion related to last week's ABRA hearing. Here's what I got from a reliable friend:


There was a tweet this afternoon from Nichole Remmert @NicholeAileen "I'm hearing there was a stabbing at @StickyRiceDC? Can anyone confirm or deny?"
I ran it down, spoke to Jason, and NO, there was no stabbing.
So I tweeted, "@nicholeaileen Nope. No knives @StickyRiceDC other than for the eats. Jason confirmed."


I got a Direct Message from Nichole: "Someone might want to let Mr. Pittman know... http://bit.ly/b2ffBo"
Check that. http://mpd1dpsa102.blogspot.com/2010/04/stabbing-at-stick-rice.html


Yes, Bobby posts only "Stabbing at Sticky Rice, More information coming..." TODAY


Scott's wife Shareen (Argonaut) called Nichole after she saw the original tweet, What the Hell?
Shareen says that Bobby is OUT of TOWN.
This is probably related to the ABRA hearing last week about an altercation on the street in front of Sticky, that involved a knife but nobody got "punctured." Two drunks. ABRA heard it and no action was taken since it wasn't Sticky's fault.

Robby Suspect Apprehended

From the listserv:

ROBBERY ARREST MADE

On April 8, 2010, a suspect entered the Game Stop store located with in the Hechinger Mall shopping complex. Once inside the location he produced a handgun and robbed the store clerk of several hundred dollars and fled the scene on foot. The Fifth District responded and secured the scene. The investigative process was initiated and quickly revealed the identity of the suspect, an adult male named Demarco Scott. A short track of the suspect lead detectives to his home address, on April 19, 2010, he was placed under arrest without incident, Detectives are looking at this subject for several robberies throughout the area!!!! Excellent investigative follow up lead to Mr. Scott’s removal from of community!!!

Commander Lamar D. Greene
Metropolitan Police Department
Fifth District

No Food or Drink @CVS

IMG00543
Apparently the CVS on Bladensburg Road has been having some licensing issues. Here's a photo snapped by reader Matt on Saturday.

WP: Three Wounded in Trinidad

Gunfire erupted at 4:30pm yesterday in a normally quiet corner of Trinidad. Three people were shot in the 1100 block of Morse. One was found at the scene, and the other two were separately found near North Capitol where they were driving themselves to the hospital. Few other details are available. The Post reports.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

WP: Why Streetcars are Preservationist

Another opinion piece from the Post.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

WP: Would Overhead Wires Spoil the View?

An opinion piece from the Post.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Obama Endorses Voting Rights...

...but the current bill comes with some serious gun provisions.

The Washington Business Journal reports.

Here's a key quote from the article:

To many in the District’s dismay, the measure also would decimate the city’s gun laws, thanks to a rider added by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. It would repeal the semiautomatic gun ban, repeal the gun registration requirement, repeal the handgun ammunition ban, remove criminal penalties for possession of unregistered firearms, and remove criminal penalties for carrying a firearm outside the home.

Rather than nitpick about the misuse of decimate, I'm going to just say that I find this more than a little disturbing. I haven't read enough to know if the above mentioned paragraph accurately characterizes what goes before the House next week. I am aware of of some of the gun provisions, but not all of the details. Can anyone more knowledgeable enlighten me? Is the paragraph an exaggeration? Because that's a hell of a tradeoff ("remove criminal penalties for possession of unregistered firearms," ect.).

Here's the NYT editorial.

Twitter Changes

Those of you following Frozen Tropics on Twitter got a few test messages from me last night. Sorry about that, but I had to change a few things because Twitterfeed wasn't posting in a timely manner. From now on I'm going to use Feedburner, so you should get messages closer to the time I actually post them (instead of say, 13 hours later).

WBJ: Graham Pushes H Street Streetcar

The Washington Business Journal reports that Jim Graham (obviously supported by Tommy Wells on this one) wants to move the H Street streetcar ahead of the Anacostia streetcar on the priorities list. Graham has said he believes streetcars on H Street would "activate and energize" the Corridor, and that there is a clear demand for such a transportation option.
The article notes that "[i]n his fiscal 2011 capital budget, Fenty proposes to bankroll a 1.95-mile H Street/Benning line with $40 million — well shy of its $73 million price tag." But it also points out that Graham excercises some degree of control over those purse strings.

What exactly does the H Street line need? The article lays it out very clearly:

To launch the H Street line the city must order at least six more cars, engineer a car turnaround at Union Station, construct a maintenance facility, extend the track to the Benning Road Metro Station east of the Anacostia River and decide how the line will be powered — by overhead wires, underground power or a hybrid system.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Reminder: Streetcar Meeting 4/20

Streetcars

Don't miss the streetcar meeting this Tuesday April 20th 6:30 pm. District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director, Gabe Klein, and Streetcar Project Manager, Scott Kubly will provide an update on their progress toward bringing streetcars to the District of Columbia's streets. Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5) and Tommy Wells (Ward 6) will both attend.

Wheatley Campus 1299 Neal Street NE (in Trinidad, 2 blocks north of Florida).

RP: Coffee Shop/Bar/Restaurant = Arts District?

Rebuilding Place has an interesting post on what exactly constitutes an arts district, and why people keep stretching the label. I think we're pretty safe around here. We've got live theater, music, dance, visual arts, film, ect., but Richard does make some good points.

H Street Main Street Board Meetings

Did you know H Street Main Street holds regular public meetings? Well it does, and here's a bit of info (announcement):

HSMS is a publicly-funded organization whose mission is to promote the development of H Street. Their Board meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of each month and are held at the offices of HSMS at 961 H St, NE, in the former branch bank building of Bank of America,
The public is welcome to attend. Since there has been little community participation in recent years, there are no established protocols for comments. Attendees are free to interject questions where appropriate.
The Board discusses ongoing issues that affect H Street. Of particular concern is city funding of HSMS initiatives and the allocation of resources.
Depending on the volume of public input, the meetings are not likely to last over an hour.
All are welcome and community participation is encouraged. It is YOUR street.

Margaret Hollwill
mgholwill@gmail.com
twitter @HstreetDC

The Star and Shamrock Soft Opening

HStreetDC suggests (via Twitter) that The Star and Shamrock will have a neighborhood SOFT opening tomorrow and Saturday AFTER 9pm. 1341 H Street.

Good Eats @Little Miss Whiskey's Tomorrow

Ryan Gordon (of the Queen Vic) is back by popular demand. He'll be grilling up chicken kebabs, sliders, BBQ sandwiches, and beer brats. Little Miss Whiskey's 1104 H Street.

DCist: Game Stop Robber Caught on Camera

The guy who robbed the Hechinger Mall Game Stop last week apparently wasn't looking out for cameras. DCist has the images and info on who to call if you recognize the genius.

Game stop Suspect1a

Here's the press release:
Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fifth District are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify and locate a suspect who committed an armed robbery of a business establishment on April 9, 2010.

Around noon on Friday, April 9, 2010, a lone suspect entered the Game Stop store located in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. Once inside, the suspect drew a handgun from a backpack and demanded money. Two store employees complied with the gunman’s demand. The suspect obtained an undetermined amount of U.S. currency and fled the scene.

Patrons and employees of the store were not physically injured during the commission of the armed robbery.

The suspect in this case is described as a medium complexioned black male, approximately 5’10” in height, with a bush style haircut. He was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans, was carrying a black backpack, and was armed with a silver colored handgun. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who has knowledge of this case or suspect’s identity or sees him should take no action, but should immediately call police at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E] – 1-888-919-2746. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to DC Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Game stop suspect1b

CP: Streetcars, Allegations, and Search for a Link

Loose Lips has been busy. Today's column refers to the Greater Greater Washington post I mentioned yesterday, and also looks at an Examiner article on Lt. Burley Sanders, who has been charged with misdemeanor sexual assault for allegedly groping another officer. Sanders will be familiar to residents of Trinidad, and he played a role in the checkpoints of 2008. He has entered a plea of not guilty.

At the top of the of the article are a bunch of links to recent LL postings. One of them, "Nine Shot. Four Dead. Was It All Really Over a Bracelet?", discusses a possible link to a 2008 Kenilworth double murder, that prosecutors have said are linked to the murder of 13 year old Alonzo Robinson in Trinidad that occurred on the same night. The link comes in the form of a gun (recovered by Marshalls during an eviction of Jordan Howe's mother) that matches shell casings found at the site of the Kenilworth murders. Jordan Howe was shot and killed after Sanquan Carter accused him of stealing a piece of costume jewelery. Confused? Yeah, sorry.

So, IF there is is a link to the shootings, it's to a victim in the recent shootings, not one of the perps. But Howe's gun (Howe was the "listed owner," and the gun was recovered from his bedroom) does appear to have been at the Kenilworth site. What I recall hearing quite a while back was that the car carrying Alonzo Robinson's killers had come to Trinidad with no specific target in mind, but instead seeking retribution for some small slight. Maybe the only real connection is that a small number of highly violent offenders are prolific in their harms than we sometimes realize.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Scienceblogs: Happiness and Commuting

Read this, and be very glad you don't live in the suburbs.

Rod Glover's Ungrounded @Studio H

Announcement below:
glover_promoimage

Studio H presents a solo show by:
Rod Glover
“Ungrounded”
April 17 through May 12, 2010

Opening Show: April 17 from 6PM to 9PM

About the Exhibition:

Rod Glover's paintings simplify the complexities of life without the need for representational depictions. He constructs his work using abstract shapes and color. "Abstract shapes have undeniable power. The orientation or action of a shape evokes conflict, balance, anxiety or harmony. In shapes we perceive ourselves, and they become the archetypes of existence" explains Glover. The shapes in Glover’s work seem to float in space that he imagines to be infinite. The forms are in movement through time. The shapes speak of many things: relationships, solitude, confrontation, awakening, joy, stillness, order or chaos.

Glover's work is influenced by early geometric or reductive abstractionists. Painters such as Kandinsky, Malevich and Moholy-Nagy used geometric shapes to reject illusionist practices in the belief that shapes could convey expressive feelings and ideas without the need for recognizable or objective forms.

The paintings are built through many layers, beginning with a basic foundation of color. Portions of the foundation are masked and masking is added in each successive layer to retain areas of that specific color and to introduce new elements to be preserved throughout the process. The visual and physical texture of the work is extremely important. The ability to see layers of paint, to see how abrasions reveal what has come before, all heighten the depth of field. This richness of surface, imperfect, aged, sometimes scratched or pocked, creates an acknowledgement of time and change.

About the Artist:

Glover was born in 1962 in Champaign, Illinois. He studied under Jean J. Slenker, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, for his undergraduate studio concentration in Fiber Arts. Rod lives and works in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Washington, DC. Throughout the 1990’s, Rod’s collaborative design company, AEON, produced products for the New York and European markets. Rod is artistic and merchandising director for his retail store Home Rule, in Washington, DC. Rod shows regularly in Washington, DC, and his work is included in many private collections in the US, CANADA and BRITAIN.

About Studio H Gallery and Workshop:

Among the first galleries to call H ST NE home, Studio H opened its doors to the public in October of 2009. Originally used as a working studio, owner Phil Hutinet transformed the space into a boutique gallery to showcase the many under-represented artists of the immediate area.

Studio H exhibits emerging artists on the cusp of realizing major breakthroughs both in their individual work and in contributing to major contemporary artistic movements. Currently, in 2010, the Spring and Fall showing seasons will connect exceptional DC based artists with their surrounding community. In 2011, Studio H will diversify its pool of talent by featuring the work of national and international artists who also straddle the line between the ordinary and the trendsetting.

For more information about Studio H Gallery and Workshop, please visit www.studiohdc.com. Studio H is located at 408 H Street NE second floor Washington, DC 20002. Contact director- owner Philip Hutinet at 202.468.5277 or phil@studiohdc.com. Hours are by appointment.

GGW: H Street Could Get Streetcars By 2012

The blog Greater Greater Washington talks about how a little budget reprogramming could accelerate streetcar development on H Street.

Thinking Outside the Box...er...Quadrant

I was reading the District Curmudgeon when saw a reference to a guest post on the blog Congress Heights on the Rise. The post deals with that annoying habit people have of erroneously lumping all of southeast together (often under the Anacostia moniker). Not so long ago most people I met did a similar thing with NE DC. When I first came to the District I was told by more than one person that I'd be crazy to move outside of NW because I'd probably get shot. I'm guessing that those people had never left NW. It isn't just people making ignorant comments either. The Curmudgeon post author actually found inspiration in a recent Washington Post article.

WP: Ethiopic Review

Food critic Tom Sietsema checks out Ethiopic (link play music). Ethiopic is located at 401 H Street.

District Curmudgeon: Montello Pothole Blues

The District Curmudgeon focuses on the lifecycle of a single pothole in Trinidad's Montello Avenue. It's actually a more interesting post than I'm making it sound, so go read it.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

HStreetDC: Star and Shamrock to Open Soon

Via Twitter HStreetDC reports that one of the owners of the Star and the Shamrock was at DCRA picking up the C of O for the new tavern.

WP: Streetcar Dispute Opinion Piece

A Post editorial writer talks about the ongoing overhead wire wrangling that holds up the arrival of streetcars on H Street.

The Majestic & Sticky Rice Before ABRA

Here's interesting item. You'll want to check out the bolded portions:

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Agenda

Wednesday March 31, 2010
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ABC Board Hearing Room
1250 U Street, NW
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Before the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board:

Charles Brodsky, Chairperson
Mital Gandhi, Member
Nick Alberti, Member
Donald Brooks, Member
Herman Jones, Member

NOTE: ABRA must frequently make last-minute changes to the Board calendar shown below. Please check the "ABRA News" section of our web site to see if a modified Board hearing schedule has been posted. Or contact ABRA at (202) 442-4423 with scheduling questions.

2:30 pm: Fact Finding Hearing
Case# 09-CMP-00813
The Majestic by Gwen, Inc. t/a The Majestic by Gwen
1368 H Street, NE
License#: 72194
Retailer CR
ABC License Fraudulently Obtained and Maintained

Weird eh?


And on tomorrow's ABRA agenda:


10:30 AM: Fact Finding Hearing
Case# 10-251-00074
Bee Hive, LLC t/a Sticky Rice
1224 H Street NE
License#: 72783
Retailer CR
Assault at the Establishment

I don't have further details.


Thanks to a tipster for this one.

Roll Call: H Street Serves the Upper Crust

Roll Call looks at Dangerously Delicious Pies.

H Street Connection Gossip

A reader reports the following:

I got all of this information from a storeowner in the H Street Connection.


The property owners are making changes to prevent continued use of the parking lot as a park-n-ride for Prince George s County denizens. It appears concrete islands have been poured to either host access control devices or change traffic patterns (or both). Customers would still be able to park for free. Perhaps your readers can take some snapshots of the new construction.


7-Eleven is coming. She did not know when.

Those interested in learning more about changes to the parking policies at the H Street Connection should attend tonight's PSA 102 meeting (info posted below).

Spoiled & Rotten on Tyra Banks Show

Here's the notice I received:

Spoiled and Rotten Kid Spa will make a guest appearance on an episode of the Tyra Banks Show. The episode – which airs at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 22nd on WDCW-TV Channel 50 – will examine the positive and negative effects of excessive grooming and indulging can have on children.
http://www.spoiledrottenboutiqueandspa.com

PSA 102 Meeting Tonight

Announcement:


REMINDER - PSA 102 MEETING - April 13th - SHERWOOD REC CENTER

PSA 102 Public Safety Meeting
Sherwood Recreation Center - 10th and G Streets NE
Tuesday 13 April 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.

This month, we'll be focusing on two subjects:

Rappaport Companies, the owner and developer of the H Street Connection Property, will be on hand to discuss proposed changes in parking policies within their lot in the 800-900 blocks of H Street NE. Also, they will be discussing the new 7-Eleven that is opening at the H Street Connection, and that will continue to operate within the new planned development at this location.

Share with PSA Lt. Vendette Parker your concerns about typical problems in the summer within PSA 102. We all know there are problems within the PSA that seem to turn up each summer. Come share these with MPD so they can develop a plan of action for this summer.

Next Meeting Tuesday 11 May 2010
-------------------

QUESTIONS? Contact:

Brandon Bies
Volunteer PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator
communitysafetywalk@gmail.com

Bobby Pittman
PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator
psa102coordinatormpd@gmail.com

Lt. Vendette Parker
PSA 102 Lieutenant
vendette.parker@dc.gov

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Watch Treme @Jimmy Valentine's

Doors open at 9:30. Treme is the new show from the creators of The Wire. It takes place in New Orleans three months after hurricane Katrina. After the premier stick around and watch the first episode of The Wire. $4 PBR pounders all night. 1103 Bladensburg Road.

Capitol Bites: Liberty Tree

The blog Capitol Bites reviews Liberty Tree.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Own an H

IMG_6015
Those H shaped planters on H Street will soon give up their spaces to living trees. That means you can now get one of the colorful planters in exchange for a tax deductable donation of $200 to DC Greenworks.

Gina Clapp: Magic Realism

clapp

Announcement:

NE Washington, DC—City Gallery is very pleased to announce its first solo exhibition "Magical Realism" by gallery member Gina Clapp. Clapp will exhibit new work and will awe visitors with her mastery of watercolor. Clapp searches for and finds magic.
The term "Reality" mystifies Clapp. She sees reality as ever-changing, fluid yet fleeting and ephemeral. In "Magical Realism" she tries to focus intensely on what she sees and her work attempts to communicate her vision. "I am trying to catch a split second in time. I want to portray the movement in a still object, a kind of vibration that living materials have, as well as their inherent stillness. Drapery may feel like it is swirling, blowing, or hiding something. Pots and jars seem to tilt just slightly when I draw, as if they are shifting their weight. And the minute I think I have captured the moment it slips away".

What Clapp sees is different from what most people see, even if the object is familiar. The observer looking at Clapp's work will enter into a magical world where egg yokes become landscapes, sequined fabric is the shimmer of light on water, and flowers seem on the verge of shifting their bodies, slipping or flying away. In this world no object is unworthy of inclusion. The ordinary green plastic garden pot has the same potential to reflect, glow and shimmer as a more precious item.
Additional information may be found at: www.citygallerydc.com For further information or images, please contact the gallery at 202.468.5277 or info@citygallery.com.
City Gallery is located at 804 H ST NE second floor, Washington, DC 20002. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturday 1-5pm.

A New Attraction @the Florida Market

I was down at the Florida Market buying lamb and tofu with a friend earlier today. We walked through the flea market and saw a new stand called selling tacos.  You could already get hotdogs and a few other items, including (oddly) carrot cake. We tried a couple of tacos ($2 each) and they were tasty. Unlike other stands, this one actually provided a table so a few people could sit. It looked like they only had tacos.

++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
++++++++++++++++++++++

I wanted to add that there was also a Mexican ice cream cart nearby.

Wonkabout: An Urban Pie Oasis

Check out the review.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Ginko Spraying Starts Today

Here's the press release:


Warm Weather Begins Early Gingko Spray

Urban Forestry Will Start Spraying Thursday, April 8


(Washington, D.C.) Unseasonably warm weather has brought the first signs of the unsavory female ginkgo fruit to life much earlier than expected. To prevent the notoriously unpleasant odor of this popular tree from overtaking city streets, the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) will start spraying these fruits tomorrow, Thursday, April 8.

Spraying will begin in Wards 1, 2 and 6, where female ginkgo trees are most prevalent, and continue through Wards 4, 3, 7, 8 and 5. The spraying will be conducted at night and there is no need to move vehicles parked on streets.

The specific spraying locations will be sent to the ANC commissioners and are available upon request. If residents have any questions about the spraying, they can contact the Urban Forestry Administration at (202) 671-5133.

The mission of the Urban Forestry Administration is to establish a full population of street trees within the District and to ensure that those street trees are maintained in a healthy and safe condition. UFA has 19 certified arborists on staff who are responsible for issuing permits, enforcing regulations, and caring for approximately 140,000 trees throughout the city.

Ludlow-Taylor Market Day & Silent Auction

Here's you chance to buy cool stuff for a great cause:


Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to remind everyone of a really great activity happening this weekend: the first annual Ludlow-Taylor Market Day and Silent Auction! It will be held at the school between 11AM and 4PM, although the Silent Auction closes at 1:30PM.

So far we have over 20 fabulous items to bid on during the auction, including:

- A party for 10 kids at the H Street Country Club
- Conan O'Brien Tickets
- Gift certificates from CHAW, Spa on the Hill, and Biergarten Haus
- Tickets for a variety of concerts, plays, and sporting events
- Unique designer jewelry and handbags
- And so much more.

There will also be a cash raffle, door prizes, and vendors of all kinds -- including demonstrations by Bikram Yoga!

So if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, or are curious about the school, or just want to support another really great Capitol Hill school, please stop by. Entry fee is $5 per adult (kids are free), which also buys you a ticket for the raffle.

Ludlow-Taylor ES is located on the corner of 7th and G Streets NE. Hope to see you there! (And we're still accepting donations for the silent auction, if you have anything to contribute!)
Rachel

Streetcar Meeting April 20th

Announcement:

Dear streetcar supporter,

On Tuesday, April 20th at 6:30 pm, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions 5B, 6A and 6C will host a community meeting for an update on streetcars, and we hope you will be able to attend!

The meeting will be at Wheatley Elementary School, 1299 Neal Street NE. American Sign Language interpreters will be provided.

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein and Streetcar Project Manager Scott Kubly will update the community on DDOT's progress toward bringing streetcars to H Street and Benning Road NE. Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. and Tommy Wells will also be present to make introductory remarks.

At a similar meeting in August 2009, more than 100 people showed up to demonstrate their support for streetcars, and following that meeting, DDOT redoubled its efforts to move streetcars forward. We hope you will be able to attend this next meeting to again demonstrate to DDOT that so many of us care about streetcars and want them running on H Street and Benning Road as soon as possible.

For additional details about the meeting, including information about several bus routes that may be used to reach the meeting, please visit: http://streetcars4dc.org/?p=100.

Thank you for your support for streetcars!

Jason Broehm

for the H Street-Benning Road Streetcar Alliance
www.streetcars4dc.org
jason_broehm@earthlink.net

Tom Sietsema Digs H Street...and Toyland

Seriously, check out this snippet from a recent Washington Post chat:


Biergarten: Are you excited about the forthcoming German Beer Garden on H Street, or will this immediately turn into an outdoor frat party? 

Tom Sietsema: Funny. I strolled by there just lat night. The space looks very impressive.
I'm digging what's going on in the Atlas District these days. I lost track of the number of places I'm eager to check out. 

Hot Tip Du Jour: My fave new bar is a place called Toyland on H St. NE. It's not very big, but it brims with early-60s charm and the clientele is refreshingly mixed: bikers, thirtysomethings, groups of ladies, gay guys, blacks, whites, Asians ... Plus, the drinks are GREAT and not too expensive. Four of us popped in not long ago and got a round of fun for $35. Go, go, go (but not all at once, please.)

Healthy Motions Deal From Living Social

Local massage therapy studio Healthy Motions is a Living Social deal for the day today. For $40 you can get a hot stone massage or any other 1 hour (or less) treatment or equal or lesser value.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

New York Magazine Mentions 2 H Street Spots

New York Magazine has an article that mentions the H Street Country Club and Little Miss Whiskey's as cool spots to check out on H Street.

WP: Divide Over Wires Persists

The Post covers the ongoing debate about overhead wires for the streetcar. Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells plans to introduce a bill that would overturn the ban that currently prohibits overhead wires in the Old City.

Monday, April 05, 2010

Examiner: Fenty Budget Trims Litter Program

The Examiner discusses some of the new budget cuts, including the small BID litter program (BID Litter Cleanup Assistance Program) that helps out H Street and Barracks Row.  The program was created by a 2007 act.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

WP: Revival in Rosedale

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Photo courtesy of Langston Bar and Grille

The Post looks at the Rosedale neighborhood.  Antonio Roberson, owner of Langston Bar and Grille (1831 Benning Road), was among those interviewed for the article.

WP: Gally Baseball Gets a Taste of Victory

The Post has this story on the Gallaudet University baseball team.

Friday, April 02, 2010

Ryan of the Queen Vic Grilling @Miss Whiskey's

Stop by Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street) for a cool beer and some hot grub. Ryan, of the still under construction Queen Vic (a British style pub), is manning the grill until around 10pm.

$4 gets you:
 -2 Asian skewers;
-or 2 sliders.

They've also got brats and BBQ sandwiches. Plus, the back patio is pretty cool.

Cinema @the Atlas: The Greatful Dead, Opera, Ballet, & More

The Atlas is really taking full advantage of that new HD screeen. Check out the full film line-up.

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The Grateful Dead CRIMSON, WHITE and; INDIGO Concert: The Complete Show From JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, July 7, 1989

Nearly 3 Hours Of Music, including "Box Of Rain," "Blow Away," "Scarlet Fire," and "Standing On The Moon"

Friday, April 16th at 8:00 PM

Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street
Tickets: $11

http://www.atlasarts.org/

Here is the schedule for upcoming ballet and opera screenings:

Rigoletto, Verdi
Wednesday, April 7, 7 pm; Saturday, April 10, 2 pm
Performed at Teatro Regio di Parma

Don Giovanni, Mozart
Wednesday, April 14, 7 pm; Saturday, April 17, 2 pm
Performed at the Salzburg Festival

Otello, Verdi
Wednesday, April 21, 7 pm; Sunday, April 25 at 2
Performed at the Salzburg Festival

Falstaff, Verdi Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm; Saturday, May 1 at 2
Performed at Opera Royal de Wallonie

Don Carlo, Verdi
Wednesday, May 5, 7 pm; Sunday, May 9, 2 pm
Performed at Teatro alla Scala

Norma, Bellini
Wednesday, May 12, 7 pm; Saturday, May 15, 2 pm
Performed at Teatro Comunale, Bologna

Happy Easter

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Thursday, April 01, 2010

Frozen Tropics on Twitter

It took a minute to get everything up and running, but posts will now also show up on Twitter. One fun thing about Twitter is that (and this is easy to turn on and off) you can get Twitter alerts sent to your phone whenever there is a new post.  Twitterfeed will pull the posts every 30 minutes so there will be some delay between the time I get a post up on the blog and when it actually appears on Twitter.

Dangerously Delicious Pies Opens Tomorrow

It is definite. Here is the official press release and photos they just sent over.

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Pie has arrived…for real this time. It’s official!
Friday April 2nd, at 5pm Dangerously Delicious Pies is open for Business!!!!!



Dangerously Delicious Pies has finally maneuvered through the elaborate maze of red tape and will victoriously throw open their doors! After 7 months of it looking like the doors would be open “any day now” DDP is ecstatic to serve up some damn fine pie…for the people, by the people. Unique to the DC location, DDP will have their signature Marion Berry Pie (topped with rock candy) and a Vegan Chili Pie! And good news H st.! Dangerously Delicious Pies will be slingin’ slices well past last call for that late night itch that’s oh so difficult to scratch in these parts. In Pie We Crust!

Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8am-12am
Thursday-Saturday 8am-3:30am
Sunday 8am-10pm

Services: Pie and quiche (sweet and savory, vegan and vegetarian options), bluebird coffee, Carryout (slices and whole pies), Eat-in, Catering (with delivery for orders of 5 pies or more within the District), 24hr advance Orders (online and phone) for in house pickup, live music/events.

Whole pie prices: Sweet/Quiche: $28 (slices $6.00)
Savory: $32 (slices $7.50)


*** All pies are made from scratch with no additives and/or preservatives. Only the freshest of ingredients are used which is why certain pies may only be available during certain seasons. Each and every pie is made by hand with love. There’s nothing frozen, generic, or massed produced about what we do and we take pride in that. Customers are paying for a quality product and a quality experience therefore if any customer is not satisfied it will become our undying duty to get it just right. We truly do aim to please, we truly do love our pie and it is our greatest responsibility to make sure everyone else does too. All comments (good and bad), and suggestions are encouraged!

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Tired of Tourists? Try Sova

At least that is the thinking over at Express Night Out. Not a bad plan.

Philadelphia Water Ice Re-opens Tomorrow

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Temperatures are starting to rise, and that means the return of Philadelphia Water Ice. Note the late night hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Rita's Water Ice to Open Soon

HstreetDC reports that the H Street location (1014 H Street) may open in about a month.