Regarding Shwafel & H Street Life

Shwarma photo by Emilie Raguso

H Street Great Street and Eater both picked today to link to the H Street Life column I wrote while back (it appeared in the March issue) for the Hill Rag. So I thought I'd talk a tiny bit about Shwafel (read the article if you want the full deal), and also take the opportunity to remind people that I do write a monthly column for the Hill Rag. You can find it  online, and in print, each month. I've been writing it for about two years now, so there are lots of archives to pick through. Some of the info also appears here, but not all of it is duplicative. Here's the column discussing Shwafel. Highlights (and a quick and dirty H Street Life index) after the jump.

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El Floridano Taking Over RnR Hotel's Kitchen

Random banh mi photo by Jason Lam (jasonlam)

Food truck El Floridano announced via Facebook that, starting tomorrow, they will take over the Rock and Roll Hotel's kitchen. Great news, but one question: does this mean banh mi will be on the menu? Update after the jump.

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Aldi vs Walmart

Photo by Stephan Mosel (Moe_)

Following a New York Times story on the topic DCentric takes a gander at people's different reactions to Aldi coming to town versus Walmart. I've never been to an Aldi, so I'm curious about the one going in right over by Hechinger Mall.

Horace & Dickie's Nixes Plans to Expand at 1200 H

Popular fried fish and chicken shack Horace and Dickie's has abandoned plans to expand into a sit-down restaurant by taking over the adjacent storefront. The plans had called for a menu expansion as well, with Horace and Dickie's offering a greasy spoon breakfast. A wig shop most recently occupied the space at 1200 H Street. (Via HStreetDC)

DC Theatre Scene Digs Scena's The Weir

Photo by Ian C. Armstrong

A positive review of Scena's production of the Weir, which runs through April 24th at the H Street Playhouse.

Barriers

We Love DC: Sampling Khan's

We Love DC has photos and a review of Khan's (1125 H Street).

PoP: How to Behave During a Mugging/Armed Robbery

Prince of Petworth has an a post up, and active discussion going on, regarding how to stay safe during a mugging. Just good basic urban awareness.

CP: Why Developers Do As They Do

City Paper's Housing Complex examines clustering behaviors from developers.

Previve Comes to H Street

I received an email letting me know about an interesting event on H Street. I think the announcement explains it best, so here you go:

I'm hosting a happy hour this Saturday, April 2nd at Smith Commons on H Street from 5:00-7:00pm to support my documentary film project about my preventative mastectomy and hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (www.previve.com). We will be raffling off certificates and items from Aveda, Sprinkles, Lululemon, and the Washington Sports Club. It will be a cash bar with a suggested $5 donation upon entrance.

Read more »

Early Reviews of Toki Underground

Check out these two from The Hill is Home and Washingtonian. Toki Underground officially opens Friday.

CHHNA Clean-Up/Cook-Out Saturday

It's spring (even if the forecast doesn't agree), and it's time to resume those neighborhood clean-ups, and reconnect with neighbors who might have been hibernating since fall. Full details an event in Near Northeast (organized by CHHNA).

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Fruit Bat to Roll Out New Seasonal Menu

Fruit Bat, the funky Latin inspired cocktail lounge at 1236 H Street, plans to roll out a new seasonal menu next Wednesday. Fruit Bat is known for its fresh ingredients (bartenders actually squeeze fresh fruits behind the bar), and emphasis on creativity. It's a great place to escape and dream of summer while cooler temperatures hold on.

From the Flickr Pool: Is This Spring?

is this spring?, originally uploaded by philliefan99.

I love this terrific image from Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user philliefan99. It shows snow falling at 9th and I Street less than a week after the vernal equinox.

Neighborhood Clean-Up in Trinidad Saturday

Saturday, April 2
11am - 3pm
sponsored by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr and ANC Commissioner Tina Laskaris

We will meet in the parking lot of Joseph Cole Community Center
1299 Neal St
promptly at 11am

Read more »

Liz Taylor Film Festival at the Atlas

The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street) will remember actress Elizabeth Taylor by showing some of her more memorable screen performances Saturday April 2nd and Sunday April 3rd 2011. The actress died last week at the age of 75. Schedule after the jump.

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PoP: Checking Out Toki Underground

Prince of Petworth has some nice photos of the interior of Toki Underground, which opens Friday (2nd floor above the Pug at 1234 H Street).

Share Your Thoughts on H Street

STREET TALK

Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm

Starting March 30, 2011

SOVA Espresso and Wine

1359 H Street

What do YOU want to see on H Street? Do you dream of craft markets and artisan stalls? Really got a craving for a hot dog stand? Wish there was a place to buy a bike? What's YOUR vision? Each Wednesday, stop by SOVA anytime between 11am and 1pm for Street Talk - informal salon discussions of how we, as H Street business owners, stakeholders and neighborhood residents envision the future of H Street, NE economic development. The possibilities are endless, but are more easily achieved when we come together as a business community to support a shared vision. Be a part of the discussion and have your voice heard. Street Talk is completely open to the public and is meant to be casual in nature. There is no set program; simply stop in anytime between 11am and 1pm to participate. Street Talk is being initiated by H Street entrepreneur Joe Englert with support from CHAMPS – Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce.

Le Grenier Comes to H Street

This is an old photo, but the building in question is the 2nd one in (with the for lease sign).

A modern French restaurant seeks to set up shop next to Nouveau Fleur flower shop. They've just applies for a CR (restaurant) license from ABRA. Full details after the jump.

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HWDC: Mental Health Evaluation Ordered in Double Shop Murder

Homicide Watch D.C. reports that the judge in the trial of accused murderer Christian Taylor, 26, has ordered Taylor to undergo a mental health evaluation after Taylor told the judge he did not understand the charges, or what was happening in court. Taylor allegedly gunned down father and son shopkeepers (32-year-old Li-Jen Chih and 59-year-old father, Ming-Kun Chih) last June. According to Homicide Watch D.C., he also faces other charges. In fact, they say he's currently facing six charges of first degree murder, as well as charges for armed robbery, and weapons possession. Taylor tested positive for cocaine at the time of his arrest.

Anacostia Now: Streetcar Connections

DG-RAD of Anacostia Now has a cool post up looking at old streetcar maps.

I Go Out Walking...

400 block of H Street.

GGW: Redistricting Game

The new census presents us with a chance to make big changes to our political map. We can move Ward lines, and redraw ANC maps. What will that mean for us right here? Some people have asked me if I think Carver Langston will move to Ward 7.  I don't really know, but it's interesting to consider all the different possibilities. And now you can play with different scenarios thanks to the folks over at Greater Greater Washington. They have come up with their very own redistricting game. Have fun playing.

Mugging & Assault at 13th & G Last Night

From MPD:

At approximately 8:40 P.M., two female victims were approached by two male suspects. The suspects demanded their property, the victims refused, at which time a physical struggle ensued. During the struggle one of the victims was stabbed three times. The victim was transported to the hospital, with non-life threatening injuries. The suspects were last scene running east on Maryland Avenue. The case is being investigated by the First District Detective's Office.

I can't locate the report, but someone stated that one of the women maced her attacker(s) prior to the stabbing. The same person said the stab wounds were to the victim's chest and arms.

BTW, if anyone is missing an older green Coach purse I found it (empty) discarded next to a trashcan around 7pm last night.

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UPDATE 10:28am

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The Washington Post confirms that the woman sprayed her attackers with mace.

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UPDATE 5:22pm

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Video report from NBC4.

Khan's: See You on the 28th

James Lee (owner), Carmin Ruggiero (GM), and Nate Oser (Assistant GM) are ready to take good care of you at Khan's.

Read more »

HSGS: Steuart Development Ready to Move Forward

H Street Great Street says Steuart Development intends to break ground on their project in the 300 block of H Street later this spring.

Examiner: Putting Construction in Perspective

The Examiner carries a local opinion piece discussing construction, and responding to the recent Informer article.

Wandering Cat: Macy

I missed this note in my inbox this morning:

This cat followed my wife home from around 7th & K NE. She is VERY friendly, well-groomed and has a collar. She seems to be very light (perhaps my cats are just very heavy :)) and VERY hungry (we couldn't help but give her a little food). However, the number on the collar is disconnected. Unfortunately we have 3 cats of our own and could not bring her into the warmth or hold on to her in case someone does know where she belongs. A few neighbors said she was around last night as well. She followed my wife for a couple blocks, and followed us back to where she started as well. She came to our basement door hours after we got home. I can't say for sure where she will be tomorrow, but if anyone does know her, perhaps this will help to locate her. The name on her collar reads "Macy Cat".

I hope this helps her find her way back home!

If you know this cat, send me an email at inked78[at]hotmail.com and I will put you in contact with the note's author.

Queen Vic in Photos

The Queen Vic is not yet officially open, but here are some photos from tonight's no food soft opening. Pretty exciting, no? Let's go inside.

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Remember When (Circa 2005)?

The future homes of Star and the Shamrock and Dangerously Delicious Pies.

Does the General Store Closing Matter For K Street?

As you no doubt recall, Chef Gillian Clark announced plans a few months back to open a restaurant inside the Loree Grand called Kitchen on K Street. At the tim she told reporter Tim Carman that she planned to continue to operate the General Store in Silver Spring, as well as to open a third restaurant in Petworth. Recently she announced that the General Store was closing, but blamed it on the landlord's failure to pay back taxes. Since that announcement Carman spoke to the landlord, who maintained that Clark owed him back rent dating to April of 2010, and that was why he could not afford to pay his taxes. The landlord filed suit seeking the back rent, late fees, and attorney's fees. He won the full amount sought. So Clark and her business partner had to produce $160,125 my March 29th, or close. They chose to close. Clark told Carman she doesn't have the money to repay the landlord, but that matter will not impact plans to open either of the other two restaurants. Buy it?

Street Talk at Sova

STREET TALK
Stop. Collaborate. Listen.

Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm
SOVA Espresso and Wine
1359 H Street

What do YOU want to see on H Street? Do you dream of craft markets and artisan stalls? Really got a craving for a hot dog stand? Wish there was a place to buy a bike? What's YOUR vision? Each Wednesday, stop by SOVA anytime between 11am and 1pm for Street Talk - informal salon discussions of how we, as H Street business owners and stakeholders, envision the future of H Street, NE economic development. The possibilities are endless, but are more easily achieved when we come together as a business community to support a shared vision. Be a part of the discussion and have your voice heard. Street Talk is being initiated by H Street entrepreneur Joe Englert with support from CHAMPS – Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce.

WBJ: A Tax Break For Capital City Diner?

The Washington Business Journal reports that Harry Thomas has introduced a bill to exempt the Capital City Diner from property taxes through January 1, 2016. The Capital City Diner is Trinidad's only sit-down restaurant (well, that pizza delivery place on Florida recently got two small tables), and Thomas wants to ensure that the Diner succeeds. Thomas introduced a similar bill (that one exempted them from sales tax, as well as property taxes, for a period of three years), but it died in committee.

H Street Corridor Snags Best Up and Coming Neighborhood

The Washington City Paper's Best of Awards are out and H Street cleaned up big time. Here's the local list (let me know if I missed anyone):

H Street Corridor -- Best Up and Coming Neighborhood
Argonaut -- Best Neighborhood Phoenix
Dr. Granville's -- Best Mussels
Spot on Training (inside Metro Mutts) -- Best Pet Services
Biergarten Haus -- Best Outdoor Patio
Kostume Karaoke (Little Miss Whiskey's) -- Best Karaoke
Dangerously Delicious Pies -- Best Pie
Florida Market/Capital City Market -- Best Food Adventure

Queen Vic Launches New Website

This one is still a work in progress, but it's looking good.

Could the H Street Corridor Get a Real Vietnamese Restaurant?

Bun tom thit nuong cha gio, originally uploaded by @joefoodie.

That's the question HstreetDC poses, and she thinks there's a good chance the answer could be yes.

Gofivo To Announce $2,500 in Prizes "Buried" on H

Could this rainbow point to the buried treasure?

New social media/mobile based service Gofivo currently offers various short term deals on local businesses. On April 1st it will announce the location for its contest. The lucky winners can claim cash prizes, charitable donations in their names, or hockey tickets. The prizes are "buried" somewhere on H Street.

Scholarship Fundraiser at Langston Bar & Grille

The Rosedale Citizens’ Alliance (RCA) and Greater DC Cares are excited to host our first community scholarship fundraiser:
Read more »

Budget Travel: 20 Best Kept Secrets of DC

Budget Travel includes the Atlas District on its list and specifically mentions Biergarten Haus, H Street Country Club, and Dangerously Delicious Pies.

Sneaker Con Comes to the Atlas 4/2

Sneakers, originally uploaded by izzie_whizzie.

SNEAKER CON WASHINGTON DC
Saturday - April 2nd, 2011
12pm-7pm

The Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street
Washington, DC 20002

Sneaker Con is the premiere Buy/Sell/Trade convention offering sneaker heads of all ages a chance to get their hands on the newest, rarest and most coveted footwear currently on the market. The convention will be traveling to the nation’s capital, Washington DC, marking the first ever Sneaker Con to travel outside of New York City. The one-day event will feature over forty vendors featuring vintage sneakers and clothing from the past three decades, along with all the hottest and most sought after recent releases. Attendees are encouraged to wear a pair of their best kicks and show them off proudly! This will be one of the largest Sneaker Con’s to take place thus far, so if you can make it down, this one is not to be missed!

Music by DJ Leo Rodri
Admission is $12.00

Opening Tomorrow: The Weir at H Street Playhouse

This Scena Theater production runs through April 24th. Tickets are $25-40, except for those 30 and under on Thursdays ($18). From Scena's website:

The story opens in a rural Irish pub where three local lads—Brendan, Jack, and Jim—revel in their usual high jinks. Soon they discuss the pretty young woman from Dublin named Valerie who has just rented an old house nearby. Suddenly, Valerie enters the pub with another mate of theirs, Finbar, and they join the trio. Before long, the four men swap ghost stories in an effort to impress her and entertain themselves. After a few more drinks, Valerie opens up and reveals the haunting secret behind her unexpected departure from Dublin. Her heartfelt and haunting story softens the brash nature of the men and ultimately exposes their true kindness, and puts them on a path of friendship and understanding that they never anticipated. In the end, THE WEIR is a rich, human story filled with emotional ghost stories, as told by unique characters from the country.

National Marathon Road Closures Saturday

It's National Marathon time again and those runners will be heading right down H Street. It does make for a fun spectacle, so I recommend watching from the sidelines. Unfortunately, it also means road closures. Please plan your travel accordingly. Here are the local closures:

# East on K Street NE
# South on 4th Street NE
# East on H Street NE
# South on 13th Street NE

Stuck On You

We Love DC Chats With Chef Teddy Folkman of Granville's

Check it out here, and here.

New Evolve Space, Um, Evolves

Heavy construction is underway at the new Evolve headquarters (left), and at their double space (left). Evolve plans to rent the double space to a restaurant tenant.

Urban Daddy Chills on Little Miss Whiskey's Patio

Seriously, if you haven't been out on the back patio, you should go. You can even reserve the patio if you guarantee a minimum bar tab.

Fight Breast Cancer at the Pug

Capital Breast Care Center's (CBCC) Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC). is holding a happy hour on Saturday, 7-9 pm, to raise money for the Center.

Read more »

Plant Trees at Sherwood Rec 3/26

Join Sticky Rice in Raising Funds For Japan

Sticky Rice and the Rogue Wave Project (www.roguewaveproject.org) have partnered to fundraise for ShelterBox (www.shelterbox.org) relief efforts in Japan.

Now through Sunday March 28th, Sticky Rice will MATCH all donations made to ShelterBox made by their customers dining or drinking at the DC location. Baltimore Sticky Rice is also participating.

Everyone who donates is eligible to enter a raffle for a free in-home sushi dinner for 4 catered by a Sticky Rice Sushi Chef!

Toki Underground Set to Open 4/1

HStreetDC confirms that Toki Underground will stick with its opening date of 4/1. Expect the place to get packed as everyone seeks to satisfy those dumpling cravings.

Other upcoming openings:
HR-57 (soon?)
Queen Vic (very soon)
Khan's 3/28 I still need to upload the photos, but I visited Khan's again on Sunday and it's looking good. I'll try to get a post up soon. Mongolian bar-b-q, Asian fusion, 12 beers on tap, and special white whiskeys. What's not to like?

Celebrate Spring, Throw a Grilling Party at Little Miss Whiskey's

Did you know you can (for a certain bar minimum) reserve the outdoor patio at Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street)? If you've seen the space, you know it was a very relaxed and cool feel. It also includes a stainless steel gas grill. Between the patio, and the hard to beat beer selection, Whiskey's is a great option for your next social event.

District Curmudgeon: Trinidad-Ivy City Neighborhood Initiative

The District Curmudgeon briefly discusses the Trinidad-Ivy City Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative, and a recent meeting regarding that initiative. The major goal of the program (which gets funding from HUD) is to to create affordable housing in the District.

From the Flickr Pool: Abstract Argonaut

stacks at a bar, originally uploaded by philliefan99.

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user philliefan99 shares this shot of stacked glasses at the Argonaut's new outdoor bar. It almost looks a little like an alien landscape to me.

Shooting Last Night in Linden Court

Shooting  0258 hours  1300 b/o H St NE, No lookout DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20110132835 
 
Sent on: 03/20 03:21

I just saw the police alert. I'll post more details as they become available.

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UPDATE 12:08pm

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From MPD:

At 0300 hrs an ADW Gun occured at 1300 H St NE south alley. Complainant states he was standing in the alley when a vehicle appoached and shots were fired at him. He was struck in the groin. No additional info at this time


The "alley" in question is Linden Court.

From the Flickr Pool: The Things They Left Behind

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user IdleGnome shares this colorful image of the remnants of a craps game abandoned in a flower pot.

WTOP: Witness Testifies in 2008 Robinson Murder Case

WTOP details the testimony of government witness Kenneth Williams against five defendants in the murder of unarmed 13 year old Alonzo Robinson. Robinson was in town from Atlanta visiting his grandmother who has cancer. Williams and his friends drove up and opened fire randomly on Robinson and his relatives. They also drove around randomly shooting others, all of whom survived the attacks. Defense attorneys sought, unsuccessfully, to prevent Williams from testifying. they argued that his testimony was unreliable due to heavy drug use, and a history of hearing voices.

Washington Informer: H Street Revitalization Hits a Snag

I wanted to get this up earlier, but I felt compelled to just stare at my screen in disbelief for a while after I read the article. The article focuses on the struggles of small business owners along the H Street Corridor during construction. It also mentions that property taxes have risen on the Corridor. The author gets some quotes from business owners, and from Tommy Wells. She then jumbles that all together into what might just be the biggest ball of bullshit, racebaiting, crap I've seen published as an actual news item in a contemporary newspaper. Wow. Just wow. I'll probably write more soon, but go ahead and experience it for yourself.

Read more »

Capitolbop: HR-57 Opening Delayed

Local jazz blog Capitolbop reports that inspection related delays have pushed back the anticipated opening date for HR-57. According to the post the final inspection should take place on Friday. So hopefully the club will be open and operating out of 816 H Street very soon.

Alley Cat Week at Joe Cole

March 21 - 23rd

6 – 7 pm

Joseph H. Cole Community Center

1299 Neal St. NE

Celebrate Trinidad's feral cats with activities for kids of all ages.
Learn about our local feral felines and what you can do to help them out.

Monday March 21st Story Time

Ginger Finds a Home * Mrs. Crump's Cat

It's Raining Cats and Cats

Tuesday March 22nd Cat Art

paint a watercolor portrait of your favorite cat

Wednesday March 23rd More Stories and Art

This project is made possible by a Greater DC Cares Neighborhood Empowerment Project Grant
Additional support provided by the Washington Humane Society's Cat Neighborhood Partnership Project (CatNiPP)

If you have any questions, or are interested in volunteering, contact Danielle at djbays[at]earthlink.net or 202-706-3412

$20 for $40 in Food & Drink at Souk

Living Social  has a deal on for half off of Mediterranean fare at Souk. $40 buys a lot of stuffed grape leaves, and zalouk.

Found Dog at 8th & K

 8th & K

Friendly neutered male. Older golden/yellow lab. He appears malnourished.

MuralsDC Seeks Commercial Properties For Art

As part of a special partnership between the D.C. Commission on Arts and Humanities and the Department of Public Works MuralsDC identifies local artists and youth willing to remake a graffiti marked space into public art. Commercial property/business owners, are not charged for the murals. This is an excellent opportunity, and one that local businesses should consider. Funding for a particular mural would typically fall between $3-5k, but it depends on many factors, including the size of the space. Applications must be postmarked by April 15th. [Via DCist]

Upcoming Fun at the Pug

It's going to be a long week at the Pug (1234 H Street) as the guys there have jam packed their schedule. I'll have to stop in sometime just to make sure they are still standing.

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AWS & Great Lakes Brewing at Red Palace 3/16

You won't want to miss the fun at Red Palace next Wednesday from 6-9. The Anacostia Watershed Society, a local non-profit that works to clean and restore the Anacostia River, teamed up with Great Lakes Brewing to host a happy hour at the Red Palace. Those who come out can enjoy $4 pints of Conway’s Irish Ale and Burning River and sign up to volunteer at AWS’s Earth Day clean-up event on April 9th (you were already going anyway, right?). If you participate in the clean-up, you will receive VIP status at another event at the Red Palace on April 22nd, which will include live music, a raffle, and the elusive Great Lakes Christmas Ale.

DDOT to Partially Close 8th Street at 8th & H Saturday & Sunday

Just FYI from DDOT:

South Side Of The 8th and H St Intersection Closed Saturday, March 12 and Sunday Morning, March 13

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans to close the south side of the 8th Street intersection with H Street NE from 7:00 am Saturday, March 12, until 12:00 noon Sunday, March 13, weather permitting, to accommodate the placement of concrete base across the intersection.

Read more »

Fast Company: Where Old Subway Cars Find New Life

I thought we'd take a slight detour from the super local and visit more the transit/general urban interest stuff I used to cover a bit more. This particular Fast Company slide show concerns the final resting place of New York's subway cars. MTA's used cars are sunk beneath surface off the coast of the Atlantic and serve as artificial reefs that nurture marine life. I hope this provides an interesting mental image for the next time you step through Metro's closing doors.  [Via Planetizen.]

East City Art Round Up: H Street Brunch and Capitol Hill Dinner Edition

This round up appears courtesy of Phil Hutinet:


Weekend East City Event Round Up:  H Street Brunch and Capitol Hill Dinner Edition

Start off your Saturday on H Street NE with a couple of artists talks by local galleries, have a disco nap and head over to Capitol Hill where three openings are set to take place featuring the very affordable work of numerous local artists.

Read more »

From the Flickr Pool: A Desire Named Streetcar

desiring the streetcars, originally uploaded by philliefan99.

Rita's Reopens Tomorrow

It's that time of year again. Soon the temperatures will start climbing, and we'll all spending more  of our time outside. In celebration of the changing seasons Rita's opens its doors once again to offer you frozen treats. Stop by 1014 H Street for a refresher course on frozen deliciousness.

Eater Gives H Street A Little Love

New site Eater DC mentions Khan's and Ethiopic.

HSGS: Khan's Update

H Street Great Street has a nice update on progress over at Khan's Mongolian Bar-B-Q (1125 .H Street).

Lots of Exciting News at Ethiopic

First, Ethiopic (website plays music) will celebrate its one year anniversary on March 15th (didn't I say this was shaping up to be an awesome spring?). Second, they have a new partnership with the World of Tomorrow (WOT) initiative to benefit local schools with school projects and Children in Ethiopia through existing schools and programs. The program launches with the anniversary celebration on March 15th. All of the proceeds from that event will help jump start the program and 2% of Ethiopic's profits will go to fund the program thereafter. More great food for a great cause on H Street.

Dear Ethiopic,
Congratulations on your 1st birthday, we're all so glad to have you around. Also, I think we all look forward to the exterior facelift you'll get in a few weeks thanks to H Street Main Street and a facade grant from DC Gov. Cheers! Now please pass the injera.

City's Best: The Rise of Taylor Gourmet

City's Best looks at the formula that propelled Taylor Gourmet into a sandwich empire of sorts.

CapitolBop: HR-57 Update

Capitol Bop, a local jazz blog, repeats a rumor that we can expect recently relocated jazz club HR-57 to open its doors March 16th. That's great news for jazz fans all along the Corridor. But that's not all the good news. CB also reports that owner Tony Puesan plans to open a blues bar somewhere on H Street. That fits in well with the rumor I heard a while back about Puesan was shopping spaces, including a double size space (i.e. two buildings) a few blocks further east. Awesome. HR-57, and a blues joint along the same lines, would be a major draw to H Street much in the way that Red Palace and the Rock and Roll Hotel bring in crowds from all over the metropolitan area.

Want more good news? Khan's Mongolian Bar-B-Q (their website is up, but it's just a splash page) and the Queen Vic (warning, link plays music) reportedly aim to open March 21st. Hot damn, it's gonna be a hell of a spring. March 21st aim for date via @HStreetDC.

Private Clubs Writes Up Atlas Room

Photo provided by the Atlas Room

Another complementary blurb from the magazine Private Clubs. This time they recommend the Atlas Room.

Curious About the Renee?

Ever noticed those condos right across the street from the Capital City Diner? The development is called the Renée. If you want to take a look inside (maybe you're shopping, maybe you're just interested in residential development on the eastern end of the H Street Corridor), you've got a chance tomorrow.

Read more »

Private Clubs Reviews Ethiopic

Photo provided by Ethiopic

Ethiopic garners kind words from the publication Private Clubs (apparently a magazine put out by ClubCorp).

RP: Two Streetcar Mock-Ups

One of these is made with one of my photos, but Richard has his Flickr account set up so I can't get to it, so click through to see the image. A Flickr user called JohnCReinhardt has another nice one.

PSA 103 Meeting Tonight

Announcement:

Please come out and support PSA 103 meeting tonight. Important safety issues and crime stats will be discussed! Please govern yourself accordingly. If anyone has any comments, questions or concerns; please feel free to contact me.

Let your voice be heard by attending meetings in your community!

PSA (Police Service Area) 103 Meeting
Meeting date: 2nd Wednesday each month – March 9, 2011 @ 7 PM
Meeting Location:
Miner Elementary School,
601 15th Street NE

Urban Daddy: London Calling at the Queen Vic

Urban Daddy gives the latest update on goings on at the soon to open Queen Vic.

Metro-Venture Reviews the X9

Even if you haven't ridden it, chances are you've heard about the X9. It's the recently launched express bus line that runs along H Street (like the X2, but with fewer stops, and it only runs during rush hour). The blogger behind Metro-Venture regularly reviews different bus lines and metro station, so it's no small thing that she award the X9 a 9 out of 10. The same blogger reviewed the X2 a little under a year ago. She gave it a 4.
A few other lines of local interest that the blogger reviews:
D4 (7) Where I'd take it: Downtown, to 13th and I NW.
D8 (7) Where I'd take it: Union Station.
X1/X3 (4) Where I'd take it: I might the X1 to North Capitol if the X2 was full.
X8 (7) Where I'd take it: When I used to housesit for a friend on the Hill I'd sometimes catch this to Union Station (it runs down Maryland).
90/92/93 (5) Where I'd take it: U Street, 14th Street, Adams Morgan, Eastern Market.
Circulator Union Station - Navy Yard Via Capitol Hill (3) Where I'd take it: probably no where. I'd take the 90 instead.
Circulator Union Station - Georgetown (8) Where I'd take it: all the way to Georgetown. I rarely go, but the Circulator does get me there when I need to make it to Mie N Yu. I have not tried taking the D3, but that might be a better bet.

Looking Towards Spring

Originally uploaded by xxo23o.

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user xxo23o shares this sunny image from the Pierce School Lofts.

Young & Hungry: Sampling Veggie Sandwiches

A tasty vegetarian offering from Sidamo

Young and Hungry samples two veggie sandwiches from Taylor Gourmet and prefers the Spring Garden to the Church Street. Coming soon...Sidamo's veggie sandwich.

The Examiner: Man Arrested in Knife Point Mugging

The Examiner recently reported that Terrell Emmanuel Gibson was arrested inside the Popeye's on H Street. An alert citizen recognized Gibson and called MPD. This confirms a report left by a reader in the comments last week that he/she witnessed the arrest of Gibsons next door to Sticky Rice (i.e. at Popeyes). Gibson had mugged a man at knife point in the 1000 block of I Street. Let's be glad he's in police custody.

Clicking Around: Photos of The Streetscape

Just keep telling yourself the construction is TEMPORARY

Roll Call (subscription only) has photos up of new lights, and DDOT posted images of the new tree plantings.

PSA 102 Meeting Tomorrow

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

This month's PSA 102 meeting will feature guest speaker Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells. Come join us for a discussion on crime issues within PSA 102. We intend to have an open Q and A session with members of MPD as well as with Councilman Wells. Please come with your concerns on both specific and general public safety issues for PSA 102.

RP: Streetcars, Velocity of Change, & H Street

Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space muses about the potential impact of streetcars on H Street.

Kitchen Construction Starts Soon at Red Palace

This just in, an announcement on Twitter says kitchen construction starts next month at Red Palace. The new kitchen will occupy the space formerly devoted to changing rooms and the downstairs stage at the pre-merger Palace of Wonders. Expect burgers and more to eventually satiate your hunger.

HstreetDC Margaret Holwill
Finally! Burgers coming to #HSt. With salads, great sides, and more! @redpalacedc preparing to install new kitchen. Work starts next month.