Frozen Tropics

Remembering Capital City Diner

2012-02-01T20:56:00.000-05:00

The Capital City Diner closed its doors last Sunday, but its passing did not go undocumented. Here's a bit of the local coverage:

The Washington Post: Capital City Diner's Last Weekend, in Pictures
NBC4: Say It Ain't So: Capital City Diner to Close
We Love DC: Elegy for a Diner
Neon Dreamscapes: Farewell Capital City
Eater: Capital City Diner Closes With Hopes to Reformat
Roadside: The Cap City Closes
Washington Post: Capital City Owner Talks About the Closing of His Beloved Diner

Curbed Talks Popularise

2012-02-01T20:42:00.001-05:00

Curbed mentions the Popularise experiment in which people can vote on the type of business they would most like to see come to 1351 H Street. Curbed also notes that you can now be part of a hard hat tour of the space. For those who have not been following the votes, the H Street Joodlum is currently in the lead with 288 votes.

WP: A History Trail For H Street

2012-02-01T20:20:00.001-05:00

With the new history trail you'll be able to travel further back in time than this 2005 photo

The Washington Post reports on the new history trail coming to H Street. This trail results from the tireless efforts of many people, including a number of neighborhood residents who have spent countless hours researching and documenting the history of the H Street Corridor. It's set to open in the spring, and I promise it will be far more accurate than what this 2008 April Fools Day post suggests.

Former ANC 5B Chair Admits He Stole Funds

2012-01-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

Disgraced former ANC 5B Chair William Shelton has admitted that he stole public money from the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. He must repay all of that money, serve 6-12 months in federal prison, and could be fined up to $20,000. His sentencing is scheduled for May 4th.

Disposal of Surplus School Buildings

2012-01-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS REGARDING
SURPLUS RESOLUTIONS PURSUANT TO D.C. OFFICIAL CODE 10-801

The District will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed surplus of the following District properties. The date, time and location shall be as follows:

Properties: Parcel No: 01410047 at 1375 Mount Olivet Road, (“Webb School
Building”)
Parcel No: 01600045 at 820 26th Street NE, (“Young School Building”)
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Contact: Althea O. Holford, Real Estate Specialist
Department of General Services
202.478.2428 or althea.holford[at]dc.gov

UD: Get Your Sin on at Church and State

2012-01-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned the long anticipated Seven Deadly Sins cocktail menu at Church and State (2nd floor 1236 H Street), but it's been a while. The seven deadly sins is meant to be a a non-traditional menu complement the more traditional menu they have been serving (AKA The Bill of Rights). Urban Daddy has the full menu, as well as photos.

CP: Why Did Roadside Cafe Really Close?

2012-01-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

Housing Complex speculates on what really lead to the shuttering of the Roadside Cafe. Oh, and it's being replaced by a tire shop.

Capital City Diner Closing

2012-01-27T11:50:00.000-05:00

They posted a letter on their site. Stop by and say goodbye between 7am and 6pm Saturday and Sunday (1050 Bladensburg Road). It's sad news, but it's a tough economy, and (with help from Harry Thomas Jr.) a Denny's recently opened up down the street. That can't have helped.

New Barbershop & Social Club Coming to 705 H Street

2012-01-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

705 H Street is the red building

It doesn't have a name yet, but the space is looking quite nice. They will have barber chairs downstairs and pool upstairs. They are shooting for a spring opening.

Local Link Round Up

2012-01-26T14:18:00.001-05:00

Photo by Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user Philliefan99

Local blog Irbyisthename enjoyed brunch at Granville's (1238 H Street)American Eagle's inflight magazine Latitudes has visitors to H Street covered with plenty of recommendations for dining and the arts. Dust Jacket Dispatch gives a basic overview of the strip, and Washingtonian lists its top 14 picks on H Street in the piece Cool Comeback. We Love DC takes a closer look at the Popularise crowdsourcing approach to choosing a tenant for 1351 H Street. We Love DC is besotted with Toki Underground (2nd floor 1234 H Street), and Forking DC's a fan too. When you visit make sure to check out all your sake options, which The Huffington Post explored fully. Eater looks at Smith Commons (1245 H Street) as the restaurant turns one.Even if you aren't looking to devour the Burporken you should still try to catch a show over at Red Palace (1212 H Street). CBS just chose them as one of the best rock bars in DC.

A little off the main strip the Washington Post considers the future of the Uline Arena. Could it really become a music museum?

Last Night's Ward 5 Candidate Forum

2012-01-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

I did not make it to the Ward 5 candidates forum at Lace Lounge in Brookland last night from 6:30-9pm, Attendees saw 13 candidates strutted their stuff. One notable exception was Delano Hunter, who confirmed his attendance, but then pulled a no-show. Hunter's Twitter account says he attended at SOTU watch party at Lima Lounge instead. On its Twitter account Lace describes itself as a lounge/club for LGBT women (though I saw a note online indicating it's not strictly a lesbian bar anymore), so I've heard some speculation that that fact may have kept Hunter away. For the record, Lace Lounge has hosted local ANC meetings in the past. Whatever Mr. Hunter's motivation in snubbing the event, it was a weird (and kinda rude) thing to do. Hopefully he can be bothered to actually show up for the next one since he's considered one of the more serious candidates (the rest of whom all attended).

In more general news we're up to 18 candidates so far for the Ward 5 Council seat. It's unclear how many will actually appear on the ballot. Want to know more about the forum? Check out this DCist post, and make plans to hit the next forum (this coming Tuesday).

Who's Running for Ward 5 Councilmember?

2012-01-25T09:50:00.024-05:00

Apparently, everybody.

The following info comes from the Board of Elections and Ethics. It shows all the people who have picked up nominating petitions. In order for their names to appear on the ballot they must get 500 signatures before the deadline of February 15. February 18-27th is the challenge period for those signatures. March 19th is the last day for a candidate to have his/her name removed from the ballot. So far we have 18 candidates, and I've heard of candidates who are not on this list, but who I think intend to run. Full list after the jump.

Status of Candidate Filing for the Ward 5 Special Election on May 15, 2012

William Boston
Democratic
1/24/2012
3003 17th Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 415-2158
w_boston@msn.com

Amanda Broadnax
Democratic
1/20/2012
1713 H Street, NE #3
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 702-1095
amanda@amanda4ward5.com

Jermaine Brown
Democratic
1/23/2012
1241 Owen Place NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 459-3155
jbrown.dcrallc@gmail.com

John C. Cheeks
Independent
1/20/2012
1007 Urell Place, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 704-2346
cheeks2012ward5dc@yahoo.com

Bill Dwenger
Democratic
1/24/2012
3828 17th Place NE
Washington, D.C. 20018
(202) 588-0809
BillforWard5@gmail.com

Shelly Gardner
Democratic
1/20/2012
2803 26th Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20018
(202) 590-7828
winward52012@gmail.com

Kathy Henderson
Democratic
1/20/2012
1807 L Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 556-5823
khenderson029@aol.com

Delano Hunter
Democratic
1/20/2012
2430 South Dakota Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20018
(202) 439-7699
contact@hunter2012.com

Julianne M. Robertson King
Democratic
1/23/2012
6 Hanover Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 200-9273

Ron L. Magnus
Democratic
1/23/2012
4104 10th Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 306-0388
ronmagnus@msn.com

Ruth E. Marshall
Democratic
1/20/2012
1617 Crittenden Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(301) 365-0460

Kenyan McDuffie
Democratic
1/20/2012
2609 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 656-7555

Bessie M. Newell
Democratic
1/20/2012
3410 South Dakota Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20018
(202) 529-4095

Caroline Petti
Democratic
1/20/2012
1502 Otis Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 529-0953

John T. Salatti
Democratic
1/20/2012
131 U Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 986-2592
areese@anr-cm.com

Carolyn C. Steptoe
Independent
1/20/2012
1257 Lawrence Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 636-8191

Frank Wilds
Democratic
1/20/2012
5016 Eastern Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 635-6215

E. Henry Wolterbeek
Democratic
1/20/2012
3139 Cherry Road, NE
Washington, D.C. 20018
(202) 832-8637

Amazon: Half Off Tickets to Intersections Festival

2012-01-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

The Intersections Festival is only a month away. The Festival, which takes place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, is in its third year. the first year the Festival drew over 6,000 patrons. Last year that number was 9,000. They have over 100 events scheduled over a three week period. It's everything from circus performers to live jazz, to tap dance, to theater, to spoken word, to classical music, to kid-centric events. Now you have a chance to score $50 worth of tickets for only $25. That's a great deal. Check out the full schedule online. I guarantee you'll find something that appeals to you.

Found Dog Near 8th & Florida

2012-01-21T12:56:00.001-05:00

THIS DOG HAS NOW BEEN REUNITED WITH HIS OWNER

A reader writes in with the following info on this lost dog:
Found a well-behaved and seemingly well-trained male dog this morning
at approximately 8:00AM on the intersection of 8th Street NE and
Florida Avenue NE. No collar or tags. He looks like he just had a
haircut, so from his neck back is shorter than his head hair. Please
call 646-243-6374.

Thrillist: Boundary Road Opening Soon

2012-01-20T10:38:00.002-05:00

Thrillist reports that the H Street eatery Boundary Road (414 H Street) is aiming for a soft opening next weekend. Their website is only a splash page right now, so you will probably want to check out their Facebook page. The Facebook page describes the cuisine as both new, and traditional, American fare. You can actually see the opening menu on H Street Great Street. Appetizers run from $5-16, and entrees are $14-22. It sounds like they have some pretty interesting cocktails as well.

Our Local Fire House at Work

2012-01-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of the guys from House of Pain doing their thing. They are based in a fire house at Florida & Trinidad Ave. It's one of the busiest stations in the country. These guys work HARD. They handle all sorts of emergency calls, not just fires. Check out my archives for photos of them fighting a major tire fire in 2008.

CANCELED: ANC 5B Emergency Meeting Re: Medical Marijuana

2012-01-19T13:45:00.001-05:00

This mtg is now canceled due to scheduling conflicts

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 5B
EMERGENCY MEETING
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESOLUTION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 @ 7:00PM

LOCATION: 5TH DISTRICT POLICE STATION COMMUNITY ROOM
1805 Bladensburg Road NE
Washington D.C. 20002

Jacqueline Manning Chair
Vaughn Bennett Vice Chair

ANC 5B meets every first Thursday of the month at the 5th District Police Station. NOTE: February meeting will be held at Trinidad Recreation Center 1310 Childress Street N.E.

Seeking Candidates for Vacant ANC 5B Seat

2012-01-19T13:20:00.000-05:00

5B05's northern boundary is Mt. Olivet Road. The eastern boundary is Trinidad Ave. The southern boundary is Queen Street. To the west the boundary is West Virginia Ave, EXCEPT that it also includes that entire triangle be Gallaudet and south of Mt. Olivet (where you see Capitol Ave).

Do you live in ANC 5B05? If so, that seat is vacant, and we're looking for candidates to fill it. You can pick up a petition at:

D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics
441 - 4th Street, NW, Room 250N
Washington, DC 20001

Interested candidates will need to get at least 25 signatures from registered voters within their Single Member District (it's a good idea to get extras just in case). Here's the circulation period for petitions (i.e. your signatures are due February 6th):
Petition Circulation Period: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 thru Monday, February 6, 2012
Petition Challenge Period: Thursday, February 9, 2012 thru Wed., February 15, 2012

You can call 727-2525 with any questions about qualifications, or procedures. The actual election date has not been set in stone yet, but it's coming up soon.

The Surgery Room at AtlasVet

2012-01-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

Chris Miller and Matt Antkowiak pose in their new surgery room at AtlasVet (1326 H Street). Yes, they plan to obscure the window so passersby won't actually see the surgeries. They aren't open yet (soft opening next week), but you can make appointments by emailing info[at]atlasvetdc.com. They will handle dogs and cats, but are not currently set up for boarding. You can like them on Facebook, or follow them on twitter @atlasvetdc. I'll put up more info soon, but I thought I'd share this picture.

AtlasVet Announces Soft Opening

2012-01-17T14:51:00.002-05:00

Here you go:

Our preparations are coming to a close and the final touches are being added as we speak. Very shortly, DC's newest veterinary clinic will be up and running and we wanted to start spreading the word.

The opening process will occur over a 2 week period and we will start with a "soft opening" the week of January 23rd for friends, family, and local neighbors that have been so supportive during our building phase. We will have longer than usual appointments during this week as we get ourselves and our staff up to speed on our new state-of-the-art software, digital radiography and lab machines. The service you receive this week will be exemplary as we will be spending more time with you and your pets than a standard 20-30 minute appointment would allow. Surgeries and dental cleanings will not be performed this week but surgery consultations and the ability to schedule future surgeries/dental cleanings will be available.

Hours of operation:

Monday 8am-8pm
Tuesday 8am-4pm
Wednesday 8am-4pm
Thursday 8am-8pm
Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 9am- 1pm

More info after the jump.

To schedule your appointment for our opening week please email us at:

info@atlasvetdc.com

Please include your name, pet's name and age, reason for appointment, and a phone number where we can reach you. We will confirm with a response email or a phone call.
We will be accepting appointments by email up until January 23rd when we will be able to take appointments by phone.

As of January 30th, we will be fully functional and will have normal appointment hours.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for January 30th or later, please call and schedule an appointment starting January 23rd

(202) 552 8600

Final pricing is still being determined and will be competitive with other local veterinary clinics.

In mid to late February, we will be hosting an Open House with opportunities to take tours of the facility, meet the veterinarians, meet the staff, and get free stuff for you and your pet. We will have more information on the exact date later. Keep following us on twitter @atlasvetdc, facebook: www.facebook.com/atlasvetdc and our webpage www.atlasvetdc.com which will be up and running soon!!

Also in February, AtlasVet will be helping to promote Mutts Gone Nuts at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (Saturday February 25th, 2pm, ). Look for our "Ask the Vet" Table!!

This has been a long journey and we could not have done it without the support of our neighbors. We want to send special thanks to the crew at Metro Mutts, Alberto at Shawafel, Frank at SOVA, Tony T at The Pug, Casey and Dave at Taylor, and TC and all of our friends at the Atlas Performing Arts Center!

See you at AtlasVet!

AtlasVet
1326 H. St NE
Washington, DC 20002
202 552 8600
www.atlasvetdc.com

H Street Bakes Sunday January 22nd

2012-01-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Image from H Street Bakes Facebook page

The next H Street Bakes happens at the Big Board (421 H Street). Get your fix 12pm-3:30pm. Bring your vegan friends, 90% of the goods offered by one of the participating bakers (Kim Moffat, pastry chef at Granville Moore's) will be vegan this time.

Grub Changes at the Pug

2012-01-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

The Pug has been tinkering with their food schedule recently, and they wanted to let everyone know about the changes:

Monday-Wednesday-Open at 4 p.m. We've got sausages till close, fries and cheesesticks till 10.
Thursday-Open at 4 p.m. Joey the cook will be making subs, and will have at least two specials. Service lasts till 8, maybe later. Sausages till close.
Friday-Open at noon. Full menu, plus Joey's specials. Service till 8. Sausages till close.
Saturday-Sunday-Open at 10:30 a.m. Full menu, including brunch with $10 Bottomless Mimosas till 4. Service till 8. Sausages till close.

You can check out the full menu (including the yummy brunch) after the jump.

Food Menu

Hot Dog {$3}
Fries {$4} available after 5 p.m.
Cheesesticks {$4} available after 5 p.m.

Locally made 13th Street Meat Company Sausages
Italian Sausage {$5}
Spicy Chicken Sausage {$5}
Half Smoke {$5}

Joey’s Subs
(available Thursday-Sunday)

Sausage Sub {$7}
(half smoke or italian, peppers, onions, housemade marinara, provolone and parm)
Meatball Sub {$7}
(meatballs, homemade marinara, provolone and parm)
Cheesesteak Sub {$7}
(shaved steak, mushrooms, peppers, onions, american or provolone cheese)
Veggie Sub {$6}
(mushrooms, peppers, onions, eggplant, housemade marinara, cheese)
Special Sub of the Day{$7}
(whatever our cook Joe thinks is good today)

All subs come with parmesan garlic potato chips
BRUNCH MENU
(Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Biscuits and Gravy {$6}
(homemade biscuits topped with sausage gravy)

French Toast {$6}
(3 pieces of toast dipped in whiskey batter, topped with powdered sugar and syrup)

Hangover Hash {$6}
(hash brown potatoes, peppers, onions, bacon, and sausage)

Half Smoke and Eggs {$6}
(browned half smoke topped with two sunny-side up eggs on a bed of hash)

Potato and Egg Sub {$7}
(eggs, hangover hash, sausage gravy)

Cheesesteak Omelet {$8}
(shaved steak, mushrooms, peppers, onions, american or provolone cheese)

Stuff Your Own Omelet {$8}
(add ons: bacon, cheese, hangover hash, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sausage)

The All American {$8}
(sausage, cheesy eggs, hangover hash, and homemade biscuits and gravy)

Beverages

Coffee {$2}
Orange or Cranberry Juice {$2}
Dutch Coffee {$5}
Spicy Bloody Mary {$6}
Bottomless Mimosas till 3:00 p.m. {$10}

DC Conscious Cafe Seeks Liquor License at 1413 H Street

2012-01-13T10:16:00.002-05:00

1413 is the one in the middle (Buka's old location)

A new restaurant serving world fusion food hopes to open at 1413 H Street. According to their application they will also host book readings, and social gatherings, as well as provide live entertainment. Full application after the jump.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE REGULATION ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Posting Date: January 13, 2012
Petition Date: February 27, 2012
Hearing Date: March 12, 2012

License No.: ABRA-088623
Licensee: DC Conscious Café, LLC
Trade Name: DC Conscious Cafe
License Class: Retailer’s Class “D” Restaurant
Address: 1413 H Street, N.E.
Phone: Ahmadou B. Diop 202 550-4844

WARD 6 ANC6A SMD 6A06

Notice is hereby given that this applicant has applied for a license under the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and that the objectors are entitled to be heard- before the granting of such license on the hearing date at 10:00 am, 2000 14th Street, N.W., 400 South, Washington, DC 20009. Petitions and/or requests to appear before the Board must be filed on or before the petition date.

NATURE OF OPERATION
New Restaurant. World Fusion menu. Social gatherings, book reading and speakers from the community. Entertainment will be provided. Occupancy load is 40.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday 10 am – 11 pm, Monday through Thursday 10am – 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am – 3 am

HOURS OF SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Sunday 10 am – 11 pm, Monday through Thursday 10am – 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am – 3 am

HOURS OF OPERATION FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Sunday 7 pm – 10 pm, Monday through Wednesday 7 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 7 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 7 pm – 11 pm

WT: Former ANC 5B Chair Shelton Faces a Fed Charge

2012-01-12T11:46:00.002-05:00

This Washington Times piece gives a little context on the William Shelton scandal. Of particular interest is the discussion of Patsy Staten. Staten was paid nearly $20,000 a year by ANC 5B to work as an Administrative Assistant. It's a little unclear what, if any, work she actually performed. Staten also worked for a non-profit run by Shelton (sometimes referred to online as Young Adults Corporation, and sometimes popping up as Young Adult Corporation). According to a Times article from this fall Staten had three similar jobs at the time and "regularly mingled their accounts, billing supplies to one account and having them delivered to another."

Also from today's story:

"No one immediately confiscated Mr. Shelton’s key to the ANC’s office, allowing him access to records that could have detailed any financial improprieties going back years. The records obtained by The Times included checks made out to Mr. Shelton preceding the period of theft covered by the charges."

I haven't seen numbers for later years, but a 2008 Washington Post story said that Shelton's non-profit received $100k from the District in 2007.

WBJ: DC Streetcar Contract Canceled

2012-01-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

The Washington Business Journal reports that the District has canceled an $8.7 million contract to purchase two streetcars from a Portland based company. The cancellation follows a protest filed by a competing bidder. A formal review found the protest raised valid issues, and the solicitation has now been reopened.

This Weekend at the Pug

2012-01-11T17:35:00.000-05:00

Thursday: Sixpoint Happy Hour from 7-9 p.m. We'll have $5 drafts and $4 Bengali Tiger IPA tallboys. Alex from Sixpoint will be here to talk about the brewery.

Sunday: Ravens Watch Party from 1-5 p.m. We'll have $2 Natty Boh, $5 Pikesville Rye, crabcake sandwiches, and pit beef sandwiches.

Monday: Open at noon for MLK Day Brunch. $10 bottomless mimosas and full brunch menu till 4.

The Pug is located at 1234 H Street.

WP: William Shelton Charged With Federal Fraud Count

2012-01-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

A criminal information has been filed in the case against former ANC 5B Chair William Shelton. Shelton is accused of stealing $28,526.21 in public funds from ANC 5B while acting as its Chair. He reportedly spent the money on payments towards his Lexus, as well as on shopping sprees. The filing of a criminal information generally signals that a plea agreement is imminent. This is excellent news to those of us who feared that Shelton would face no penalty beyond repaying the District of Columbia the money that he stole. Under his previously reached agreement with the District, Shelton has ten years to repay the money (apparently interest free) in monthly installments of $200. The Washington Post has the full story.

Things Heat Up at Fruit Bat

2012-01-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

Fruit Bat (1236 H Street) has rolled out its newest cocktail menu, and it includes some hot selections to help you banish those winter blues. If you'd rather use your imagination while you sip or something tropical, you can do that too. Full specialty cocktail menu after the jump.

Drop it like its Hot (Seasonal Hot Libations)

$6

Hot BAToddy
Double Rye Whiskey, orange liqueur and your choice of hot tea (green, berry, or mint)

REDRUM CIDER
House made Ginger-Apple Cider with your choice of Cruzan flavored, classic sterling or spiced rum

Café Con…
Fresh brewed Spanish coffee with your choice: Coffee Liqueur, Chocolate Liqueur or Amaretto Liqueur
Add a shot of whipped cream vodka for only $2
Organic, naturally decaffeinated Teechino available also!

Irish Coffee $8
Jameson’s Whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, hot, fresh brewed coffee and house made whipped cream

+++++++++++++++++++

NEW!!!!!Spanish OR-G $7

Persimmon, Papaya, Mango, and Lime doin’ it in bubbly

House Infusion Cocktails-$8

Mexican Showdown
Tequila, cassis, habanero, lime

The Avele
Samoan wonderfulness embodied in lavender-infused Svedka vodka

Black Sangria
Blackberry wine, black cherry rum

BAT CLASSICS $9

House Caiprowska
Vodka, muddled lime and burnt ginger syrup

Jamie got Jacked
Jack Daniels whiskey and house-made maple and clove vermouth

Jamie’s Got a Gun
Jameson Irish Whiskey, cassis and cranberry

The Daily Rider to Open at 1108 H Street NE

2012-01-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

1108 H Street is the building with the man looking out the 2nd floor window

The Daily Rider, long rumored to be headed for H Street, has announced their new location at 1108 H Street NE. The Daily Rider is a local bike shop dedicated to providing city cyclists with high quality stylish bikes and accessories. You can follow them on Twitter, or like them on Facebook. H Street Great Street has more details.

WP: Ward 5 Contenders

2012-01-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

The Post's Mike DeBonis has a good list of the current/likely Ward 5 contenders.

Formstone to Brick

2012-01-06T10:37:00.000-05:00

IdleGnome shared this image through the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool

The soon to be Pakastani restaurant sheds its outer skin at 12th and H Street.

Harry Thomas Jr. is Gone. So, What's Next?

2012-01-06T10:22:00.005-05:00

The law calls for a special election after 114 days. I expect this to be a pretty packed field (sort of like a while back when we had 12 candidates). Here's what happening right now with possible candidates (partly cribbed from various Twitter feeds, but also something I've been working on).

Definitely in:
Kenyan McDuffie
Delano Hunter
John Salatti
Tim Day (I'm assuming)

Considering running:
Mark Jones (State Board of Education Member for Ward 5)
Ron Magnus
Frank Wilds
Drew Hubbard (identified by Mike Debonis as a Council Staffer)

Possible candidates:
Anita Bonds
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Pearson West
Robert Vinson Brannum
Rae Zappata
Angel Alston
Frank Malone
William Boston

So, this could be a big field. There's a movement out there that seems like it wants to handpick a candidate, or a small number of candidates to fill this seat. I'm going to go ahead and say that's a TERRIBLE idea. Those kinds of political games put Harry Thomas in office in the first place. So, I'm really not happy when I see things like this tweet from Mike DeBonis "Vincent Orange announces he's hosting 'meeting of the leadership in Ward 5' next Monday, 7 p.m. at Israel Baptist Church." Hmm.

Harry Thomas Resigned (Finally)

2012-01-06T09:59:00.005-05:00

Here's a link to his official statement, and a nice piece from the Post. Apparently we've made a little dubious history here. From the article: "Thomas is the first member of the D.C. Council to resign under duress since the District’s home rule government was first seated, in 1975." Awesome. Thomas plans to plead guilty to two federal charges. Mike DeBonis has a nice collection of links to various coverage, and notes that Thomas' statement suggests that he hopes for a second act. Ugh.

DC Soundstage Comes to Benning Road

2012-01-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

This one somehow flew under my radar, but DC Soundstage is now open and operating at 2403 Benning Road. They definitely offer drinks, comedy, and live music. They don't have a food menu posted, but I did see a space for one. Oh, and they have pool tables. Here's their Facebook page.

Roadside Cafe Closes Its Doors

2012-01-05T15:29:00.000-05:00

I just learned that the Roadside Cafe (2101 Benning Road) officially closed its door yesterday. I had only visited the restaurant once, but I enjoyed my dinner. Roadside Cafe offered live jazz in a lush outdoor setting (one would never guess that the interior portion was a former car wash.

Action at Birdland

2012-01-05T13:54:00.000-05:00

A reader reports that there's currently a dumpster outside the former home of Birdland (1118 H Street), and they appear to be gutting the space.

Feds File Charges Against Harry Thomas Jr.

2012-01-05T13:07:00.001-05:00

The Post's Mike Debonis broke the news that the Feds have formally filed charges against Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas. The Charges are:
1. Theft concerning a program receiving Federal funds;
2. Filing a false tax return.

They claim he stole $353,500, and failed to report $346,000 in income. Also interesting it the allegation that the theft may have started in April of 2007, and continued for almost two years (February 2009). It looks like the majority of the funds were stolen in 2008. Thomas allegedly filed false tax returns for three straight years.
Read the full document here.

WCP: H Street Playhouse Seeks New Home

2012-01-05T11:54:00.000-05:00

It's no surprise to those who recall the sale of the building housing the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street), but the Playhouse is going to have to relocate. The lease is up in February 2013, and the new owner wants a market rent. I know that the Playhouse has been informally shopping for spaces along Bladensburg (maybe this could lead to a mini-arts district?). According to Housing Complex the Playhouse is also looking down Benning Road. Check out the Housing Complex piece for more details.

The Pug Introduces House Beer Tomorrow

2012-01-04T17:24:00.000-05:00

The Pug, a photo by AWard Tour on Flickr

It's called Tunney's Irish Red, it's brewed in Baltimore, and you can get it exclusively at the Pug. They'll have it tomorrow starting at 4pm tomorrow (1234 H Street).

WCP: Yeah, Ace Might Come to H Street

2012-01-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

Earlier today the Prince of Petworth posted a rumor that Ace Hardware could be headed to the current Fashion One space (Fashion One is going out of business) at 700 H Street. Washington City Paper's Housing Complex did a little research and says the chances are good that Ace will open somewhere on H Street. Housing Complex also wondered if this could be the end of Park's Hardware (920 H Street). Park's has a decent selection, though nothing close to Frager's. Their biggest issue is probably that they don't allow you to shop all of the individual aisles. If you want certain types of items you have to ask for them to be retrieved by an employee. That's kind of a big turnoff for many potential shoppers.

I will say that every time I shop at Park's the employees are helpful, and able to offer advice. I think they need to open up the store more, and market themselves better. For example, I think many people are unaware that Parks has a back room of gardening supplies.

WP: HTJ Update

2012-01-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

The Post has the lastest on the Harry Thomas Jr. saga. Here are the highlights:
1. No final deal has been reached. We might see one in the next week or so;
2. Apparently HTJ really doesn't want to plead to stealing public funds;
3. HTJ did call friends last week telling them the tax related charges could get him three years.

In other news, Kwame Brown has said that his office will candle Ward 5 constituent service should Harry Thomas Jr. resign.

PoP: Ace Hardware Coming to H Street?

2012-01-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

Prince of Petworth shares the rumor that and Ace Hardware will replace Fashion One.

Thomas in Negotiations to Resign?

2012-01-04T04:16:00.004-05:00

Hopefully the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow has yet to be misappropriated

WTOP reports news from a source that Ward Five Councilmember Harry Thomas is negotiating a plea agreement with the US Attorney's Office that will require him to step down from his seat. Thomas stands accused of misappropriating more than 300k (maybe way more if you believe the Brookland Heartbeat) in funds meant for youth sports. Media (social, and otherwise) buzzed when the FBI and IRS staged a joint raid of Harry Thomas' home (months after the allegations had been made public). Will a plea allow him to avoid prison?

Thomas already settled with DC, and agreed to replay the District all the money with no interest, and no admission of guilt. Apparently somebody thought this was a great settlement because they gave basically the same deal to an ANC 5B Chair William Shelton, who appears to have stolen about 30k to pay for his Lexus and shopping habits. Bullshit pseudo punishments both times. And guess what? Thomas just missed his first payment. That means he's in default, and the whole amount will now be due instead of just the $50k. The Post quotes his lawyer as saying Thomas is "working on meeting the terms of that agreement," which seems odd considering that defaulting would seem by definition to NOT remotely meet the terms of the agreement.

If Thomas doesn't appease the District, we get to go after his privately held company. If it doesn't have the money, we get to use liens and other fun tools to try to recover the funds. These recovery efforts will, of course, also cost more money. Oh, and the vacancy when Harry Thomas Jr. resigns triggers a mandatory special election within 114 days. Remember that time we had like 15 people running for that seat? Yep. I think we can all look forward to a bit of craziness there. Paging Kathy Henderson...

+++++++++++

UPDATE

+++++++++++

I hesitated to link to the WUSA9 report before because it suggests that the plea agreement would definitely include a 2-3 year prison term, but there are other indications that no deal has really yet been reached to that effect. Bottom line is that it sounds like negotiations are ongoing. I will update as more news becomes available.

+++++++++++++++++

WUSA9 reporter @brucejohnson9 reporting that Harry Thomas Jr.'s staff has been told to look for new jobs.

Fire at 657 F Street Today

2012-01-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

Reader supplied photo

A reader writes in with news that there was a fire at 657 F Street today. I do not know if there were injuries, but here are some reader supplied photos of the scene around 4pm.

Reader supplied photo

Reader supplied photo

Reader supplied photo

Hearing on the Future of Webb School Parcel

2012-01-03T18:11:00.002-05:00

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS REGARDING
SURPLUS RESOLUTIONS PURSUANT TO D.C. OFFICIAL CODE 10-801

The District will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed surplus of
the following District properties. The date, time and location shall be as follows:
Properties: Parcel No: 01410047 at 1375 Mount Olivet Road, (“Webb School Building”)
Parcel No: 01600046 at 1401 Brentwood Parkway, (“Young School Building”)
Date: Monday, January 23, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Contact: Althea O. Holford, Real Estate Specialist
Department of General Services
202.478.2428 or althea.holford@dc.gov

...And Then There Were None

2012-01-03T13:34:00.001-05:00

Image from Google Maps

A reader alerted me to efforts to raze the remaining buildings (1402, 1404, and 1406) on the north side of the 1400 block of H Street. Currently these building are bookended by two parking lots. That block is a small triangular shape. No word on what might go in if the buildings are razed.

You can read the Historic Preservation Office report here.

Northeast Book Club 1/9

2012-01-03T10:35:00.000-05:00

Join us for the January Northeast DC Book Club

You can RSVP and get more info online.

Monday, January 9, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Open to All - Meet some Northeast DC neighbors. Learn a little about DC. Engage in dynamic discussion. Join us for the Northeast DC Book Club! We welcome the casual page skimmer to the in-depth literary minds.

Featured Book: Washington Goes to War

The city "boasted" 15,000 privies; you could walk through the White House gate without being questioned; the Army chief of staff, early in the war, at least, sent a handwritten note to the family of every serviceman killed in battle. Things were quite different in the WW II capital, and Brinkley (a radio reporter in Washington at the time) reveals the tempo of the town in a series of vivid character sketches and anecdotes connected by commentary both illuminating and entertaining. Among the wide variety of subjects dealt with: the bulging civilian and military bureaucracies; the housing crisis in a city "crowded to suffocation"; the pressures on black Washingtonians; the frivolousness of the town's high society (President Roosevelt publicly called them parasites); the effect on the citizenry of hordes of thrill-seeking servicemen in a city without much entertainment to offer them; the emotional wranglings of the wartime Congress; the thorny yet genial relationship between FDR and the press. This is a valuable record of a town and government coping with global responsibilities for which it was ill prepared.

Questions? Contact: NEDCBookClub@gmail.com

All are welcome, no matter how much or how little of the book you have read. There will be time at the end of our discussion to determine the next book and location for our book club meeting, so come with your ideas!

ANC 5B Meeting 1/5 Agenda

2012-01-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

ANC 5B Public Meeting

THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2012
7:00PM – 9:00PM

5TH District Police Station
1805 Bladensburg Road NE
Washington, D.C. 20002

AGENDA

Moment of silence, greetings and introductions 7:00pm

ANC 5B Officer Elections 7:05pm

MPD 5B Crime Report 7:20pm

Medical Marijuana Cultivation Centers in ANC 5B 7:25pm

New Business 8:05pm

Community Concerns/Announcements 8:10pm
(Please limit all comments to 60 seconds! Thanks in advance for your cooperation.)

---- Meeting Adjourns at 8:40 pm ---

The Kitchen at Red Palace is open

2012-01-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

sideshow, a photo by AWard Tour on Flickr.

For the longest time I've heard about plans to roll out gourmet burgers at Red Palace (or the pre-merger Red and the Black). It's finally happened, and menu is no disappointment. You can get the wings and fries you'd expect from a bar menu, but you can also swap out your fries for a side salad. They have a vegan burger option, and the Burporken is sure to please the most devoted carnivore. The Burporken is a beef burger, topped with pulled pork, topped with grilled chicken. It sounds vaguely sacrilegious, but I suspect it's delicious.

Kitchen hours are 5pm-11pm weeknights, and 5pm-1am on weekends.
1210 H Street

Full menu after the jump.

APPETIZERS
Crab & Artichoke Dip $8
Served with crusty French baguette.

Buffalo Chicken Wings $10
Ten traditional, double-dunked chicken wings served with carrots, celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

SIDES
Mac & Cheese $4
Shoestring Fries $3
Sweet Potato Fries $4
Chopped Coleslaw $4

SLIDERS
Trio of Mini Burgers $8
Three petite beef burgers with cheese, ketchup, mustard, chopped onion and a dill pickle chip.

Trio of Crab Cake Sandwiches $10
Three petite crab cakes with caper remoulade.

BURGERS & SANDWICHES
All burgers and sandwiches are served with shoestring fries. Substitute homemade sweet potato fries or mixed baby greens with balsamic vinaigrette for an extra $2.

No. 1 (The BURPORKEN) $13
Beef burger topped with pulled pork topped with grilled chicken.

No. 2 $12
Beef burger with apple wood smoked bacon, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions and blue cheese.

No. 3 $12
Beef burger topped with grilled spam, a fried egg, and American cheese.

No. 4 $11
Veggie burger with lettuce, tomato, chopped onions and pickles (100% vegan).

No. 5 $8
Grilled chicken breast, apple wood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on sourdough.

No. 6 $7
American, Provolone and Swiss melted on grilled sourdough. Add bacon, mushrooms and tomato for $2.

No. 7 $10
Pulled pork, bbq sauce and coleslaw.

DO IT YOURSELF $9
Start with an all natural ground beef burger on a toasted bun and add your toppings below.

Free Toppings — Lettuce, Tomato, Raw Onions, Dill Pickle Chips.
Cheese — $1 Each — American, Provolone, Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Blue.
Specialty — $1 Each — Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Grilled Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Fried Egg, Pickled Jalepenos.

(WO)MAN UP! $20
Two beef patties, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and our house sauce. Served on a toasted bun with shoestring fries and a Konig Pilsner Tall Boy!

Zuppa Fresca is Open

2012-01-02T11:40:00.003-05:00

Stop by and check out this new restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Zuppa Fresca is located at 250 K Street. They have a large soup menu that perfectly matches the cooler temperature hitting us now. Regular hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00am - 7:00pm

The Big Board Adds Weekday Lunch

2011-12-29T09:37:00.000-05:00

Big Board, a photo by Nivad on Flickr

The Big Board (421 H Street) launches its weekday lunch menu starting January 2nd at 11am.

WP: Shelton to Repay Stolen ANC Funds

2011-12-26T18:27:00.000-05:00

The Post's Mike DeBonis reports that ANC5B Chair William Shelton has agreed to replay nearly $29,000 in public funds that he allegedly misappropriated from ANC5B's coffer. Under the deal he will make an initial payment of $5,000, and then pay $200 a month. So Shelton has ten years to pay back the the funds. The article makes no mention of any interest charges, but does say that Shelton will be liable for treble damages should he fail to make timely payments. The stolen funds were used for various things, including payments on Shelton's Lexus, and purchases at Target and Bloomingdale. The article says it's unclear whether the DC Attorney General will refer Shelton's case for prosecution. If they choose not to prosecute, Shelton basically gets (assuming no interest) a free ten year loan. That's similar to the situation with Harry Thomas. Why are we creating a perverse incentive that reward criminals for stealing?

Koffee Boutique Comes to H Street

2011-12-23T17:30:00.003-05:00

I don't have a lot of info on this new place, but it's going in above Philadelphia Water Ice. It's a women's boutique. They hope to open in late January.

Unemployed & Behind on Your Mortgage? There's Help

2011-12-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Are you behind on your mortgage because you lost your job? Do you know someone in that situation? If so, check out this program. It's only open to those those who previously worked, but were laid off. Details below:

The DC government, through the Homesaver Program, now offers forgivable loans to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgages because of unemployment. If you own a home in DC, are receiving or have received unemployment benefits at any time during the last 6 months, and are behind on your mortgage because you were laid off, you may be eligible for a loan to help bring your mortgage current. Call (202) 667-7006 or attend a FREE foreclosure clinic to find out more about this program and other realistic options for avoiding foreclosure.

When:

Wednesday, January 4—12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, January 11—12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, January 18—12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, January 25—6:00 P.M.

Where: Housing Counseling Services
2410 17th Street NW
Suite #100

Pamela's Punch: Try Shawafel

2011-12-21T20:26:00.000-05:00

Food blog Pamela's Punch recently tried Shawafel (1322 H Street) and was very pleased. I have to agree. Shawafel serves up excellent Lebanese food at a very affordable price.

Curbed: Deaf Architecture at Gallaudet University

2011-12-21T12:30:00.002-05:00

Curbed has a cool feature on Gallaudet University's ongoing search for a more deaf friendly architecture.

HSGS: Casbah & the Spot Headed for H Street

2011-12-21T12:15:00.002-05:00

H Street Great Street has the scoop on two new places opening on H Street. The first is Casbah, which will serve Pakastani/Indian food ("South Asian"). There had been rumor for quite a while of an Indian restaurant possibly taking over the old Naby's space (1128 H Street), but then everything went quiet, and it seemed like the deal had died. Recently, I had noticed construction of what looks like a bar inside the space. This report from H Street Great Street confirms the good news.

Just down the street at 1255 H Street a new restaurant called the Spot plans to set up shop. The Spot will serve Latin American food. This space previously was home to a store selling incense, scented oils, and clothing. That store has relocated to the 1400 block (it was previously down the street at 1309 H Street).

Stabbing in the 1500 Block of Gales

2011-12-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

From MPD:

Police Alert-STABBING

ONE ADULT MALE STABBED IN THE 1500 BLOCK OF GALES STREET NE DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #120110655779

Joe Cole Park Vandalized

2011-12-20T20:51:00.005-05:00

All Photos by Robert Mann-Thompson

The following story comes from a reader and neighbor:

On Sunday, a pee-wee football league that now practices at Joe Cole Park (1200 Morse Street), showed up for practice and found the gates locked. Instead of turning away when they found the gates locked (the park is brand new, as are the gates), they took it upon themselves to break into the park. In doing so, they did what appears to be over a thousand dollars in damage to the gate. They ripped the metal gate from the concrete, and bent the metal so severely that the gate had to be removed.

I'm told that no one saw them rip up the gate, but that once an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner showed up with her official placard display on her vehicle (and called MPD) they quickly fled the premises.

I cannot say for sure that these parents were the guilty party, but neighbors seem to strongly lean that way. At any rate, someone clearly vandalized the gate. It's an expensive repair, and it leaves the previously gated park open to drug dealers, or any other comers, after hours.

Stabbing Near Starburst intersection

2011-12-20T18:51:00.000-05:00

The police alert from a little before 4pm today:

Stabbing in 1500 block of Benning Rd NE LOF B/M wearing a coat DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20110655227

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

Tonight: Their Lives in Pictures and Words

2011-12-20T15:47:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the short notice on this one. The email slid by me, but it sounds cool, so hopefully people might still be able to stop by:

Their Lives
in
Pictures and Words

Join the staff of Randle Highlands Elementary School on Tuesday December 20th 2011, for a fundraising event from 5:00p.m. - 7:30p.m. at Dr. Granville Moore’s.

10% of your purchase will go towards supplying digital photography equipment for the students at Randle Highlands Elementary School.

The students will begin a project on documenting their lives outside of school and sharing it through photographs and the written word. The goal is to purchase a minimum of 10 digital cameras, memory cards, photo printer, and photo paper.

Taken by 3rd grader on field trip to National Mall. “The others were running around doing cartwheels and then there was just one lying in the grass and reading.”

Dr. Granville Moore’s
1238 H Street

HR-57 Moving & BeBop Cafe Coming

2011-12-19T20:23:00.004-05:00

HR-57 at its 14th St. location

Twitter user @mgholwill reports interesting news about local jazz club HR-57. In late January HR-57 will move down the street to 1007 H Street (formerly a church). The new HR-57 will also include a new coffee shop called Alchemy. Visitors to Alchemy will be able to get housemade pastries, as well as breakfast all day long. Owner Tony Puisan isn't giving up the current space at 816 H Street. He plans to use it for his planned BeBop Cafe, which would feature live blues, poetry, and more.

Got NYE Plans?

2011-12-18T16:06:00.007-05:00

Photo by philliefan99, contributed to the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool

There is tons of stuff going on, or around, H Street for New Years. Here are the events I'm aware of so far:

Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Heart's Club (1103 Bladensburg Road) has a huge bash planned. Tickets are $20 general admission, and $70 open bar.

The Argonaut (1433 H Street) offers three options for New Years. Upstairs they will have food and drink as part of their New Year's package. Enjoy all you can eat steamed shrimp, mussels, clams, crab legs from 7-9pm. After that you can enjoy munchies from 9pm-close. Open bar 7pm-1am. Complimentary champagne toast, party favors, and a dj starting at 9pm. Tickets are $60. Email argonautdc[at]gmail.com for reservations.

On the first floor from 5-8pm parents can ring in the New Year with the younger set. Free champagne toast for adults, and free sparkling cider/apple juice toast for the kids.

Once 8 o'clock chimes the downstairs converts into a neighborhood New Years Eve celebration that won't break the bank. No cover, no dress code. Reservation suggested, but not required.

Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H Street) plans to go all out with a massive dj line up and all three floors open. Tickets are $50 for admission with cash bar, and $80 admission with open bar.

H Street Country Club (1335 H Street) has a special menu planned for the evening. Two people can get three courses for $59. Individual dinners are $35. Already have dinner plans? Buy admission to the party (with open bar) for $75.

Fruit Bat (1236 H Street) has a no cover New Year's Eve celebration with DJ Mixx, vegan chocolate waffles, and party favors.

Church and State (2nd floor of 1236 H Street) offers a two person (seven drinks each) pre-set cocktail tour for $210 per two people.

The Pug (1234 H Street) will operate with no cover, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Red Palace (1212 H Street) Has two events on for NYE. The first is a burlesque and variety show with go-go dancing between breaks. Tickets are $30. Ball drop and champagne toast. The fun starts at 8pm. The second is a more budget friendly $5. Zombie NYE with DJ Mellie Mel starting at 9pm.

XII (1123 H Street) boasts two djs, a free champagne toast, and party favors, with a buffet and open bar from 9-11pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $30 at the door. Valet parking 8pm-3am.

Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar (1104 H Street) throws down with DJ Sharkey. Tickets are $75 for all the rail drinks you can stomach, or $90 for all you can drink top shelf.

Local Eating & Drinking Round Up

2011-12-18T12:10:00.003-05:00

Big Board, a photo by Nivad on Flickr

Roll Call writes up the Big Board (421 H Street). Express Night Out loves the latkes at the Star and Shamrock (1431 H Street). Toki Underground (2nd floor of 1234 H Street) made the Going Out Gurus Editor's Picks for Best for Soup. Express Night Out talks tattoos with Rodney Henry of Dangerously Delicious Pies [LINK PLAYS MUSIC] (1339 H Street). The Going Out Gurus named Biergarten Haus (1355 H Street) as one of the best bars in DC with an outdoor fire pit.

Sol Mexican Grill Comes to 1251 H Street

2011-12-17T20:21:00.001-05:00

Men placard the future home of Sol Mexican Grill

A new restaurant serving Tex-Mex fare will replace the Chinese carryout Danny's. The restaurant will feature a full bar, seating for 35, and a maximum occupancy of 49 patrons. The ABRA application (tavern license) also mentions plans for a small summer garden. Want to try their food before they open? You're in luck, this restaurant is a brick and mortar incarnation of the food truck Sol Mexican Grill. Follow them on Twitter at @solmexicangrill. Read the full application after the jump.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Posting Date: December 16, 2011
Petition Date: January 30, 2012
Hearing Date: February 13, 2012

License No.: ABRA-088292 Licensee: Fernando Postigo
Trade Name: Sol Mexican Grill
License Class: Retail Class C Tavern
Address: 1251 H Street, NE
Contact: Cheryl Webb, 202-277-7461

WARD 6 ANC 6A SMD 6A02

Notice is hereby given that this applicant has applied for a license under the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and that the objectors are entitled to be heard before the granting
of such license on the hearing date at 10:00 am, 2000 14th Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington,
DC 20009. Petitions and/or requests to appear before the Board must be filed on or before the petition date.

NATURE OF OPERATION
New Tavern serving Tex-Mex cuisine with a full bar. Entertainment will include a Dee Jay on Fridays and Saturdays. Seating capacity is 35. Total occupancy load is 49. Summer Garden with seating for 10 patrons.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday through Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-3am

HOURS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION
Sunday through Thursday 11am–10:45pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-2am

HOURS OF OPERATION FOR SUMMER GARDEN
Sunday through Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-12am

HOURS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION FOR SUMMER GARDEN
Sunday through Thursday 11am-10:45pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-11:45pm

HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT
Friday and Saturday 6pm-1am

Shooting in the 1300 Block of H Street

2011-12-17T09:45:00.002-05:00

From MPD:

This morning at approximately 2:52am, officers in the 1300 block of H Street NE heard gunshots at the mouth of the alley on the north side of the street. The officers observed an adult male subject falling to the ground, and he was found to be suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

This matter is currently the subject of an active investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and therefore no further information is available for release at this time.

Persons with knowledge of this matter, or any unsolved crime, are encouraged to contact the police on a special toll-free Crime Solvers Confidential Telephone Hotline: 1-800-673-2777. Callers need not identify themselves. Information that leads to an arrest and indictment in a case may result in a reward of up to $1,000. (The Crime Solvers confidential telephone is located within the MPDC and is staffed 24 hours a day by Police Department personnel.)

Stone Brewing at Smith Commons

2011-12-16T07:36:00.002-05:00

Arrogant Bastard Ale - Are You Worthy?, a photo by Bernt Rostad on Flickr

Are you a fan of the beers from Stone Brewing Company? Do you also dig Smith Commons (1245 H Street)? If the answer is yes you should make a point to stop by the restaurant from 6-7:30 12/19 because you'll be able to sample some of Stone's brews, and meet co-founder Greg Koch.

Pug Holiday Hours

2011-12-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

pugnacious fun, a photo by AWard Tour on Flickr

Christmas Eve Saturday 12/24-open at 8:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Sunday 12/25-open at 8:00 p.m.

Boxing Day Monday 12/26-open at 10:30 a.m. for brunch. We'll have bangers and mash plus tons of soccer.

New Years Eve Saturday 12/31-open at 10:30 a.m. for brunch. Champagne toast at midnight. No cover.

New Years Day Sunday 01/01-open at 10:30 a.m. for brunch.

01/02-open at 10:30 a.m. for brunch and bottomless mimosas.

We are also doing a fundraiser for the Yellow Ribbon Fund this Saturday, 12/17. All proceeds from DC Brau sales will be donated.

What Would You Build at 1351 H Street?

2011-12-14T20:18:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of Ben Miller

The site Popularise officially launched Friday night. It's a crowdsourcing experiment from the guys at Westmill Capital. They recently acquired the autozone lot and 1351 H Street. Their hands are somewhat tied on the Autozone space (existing lease and all), but they are ready to move on 1351 H Street. The event itself was pretty damn cool. They gutted the building, but brought in couches, houseplants, and food and drink. The barebones space looked amazing. They also set up some computers, and a stage with a display screen. The computers were for attendees to suggest uses for the space through Popularise. The stage provided a setting for a sleek presentation on how the team wants to engage the community in the choice of future occupant. The existing list features some merchants who have already expressed interest. One potential candidate is a flagship store for the men's clothing line DURKL. Another option is Red Rocks Pizzeria. You can also suggest your own idea, or vote on the ideas of others.

So, what would you guys like to see at 1351? Please do submit your suggestions to Popularise. But also, what would you like to see all along the H Street Corridor (including Bladensburg Road, Benning Road, or even Florida Avenue). Special instructions for the comments on this one: Please specify if the suggestion is specifically for 1351 H Street. If it isn't, please specify the area in which you would like to see this particular business type. Bonus points if you can elaborate a bit on your proposed business, and why you think it might do well around here.

Streetcar Workshop 12/20

2011-12-14T19:55:00.001-05:00

Image courtesy of DDOT

***PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE***
H Street/Benning Road Streetcar Line Workshop
Workshop to Address Interim Connection to Union Station, Car Barn and Training Center, and Installation of Overhead Wires and Substations

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a workshop on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 to seek public input on the proposed interim connection to Union Station and the various architectural elements that are under consideration for the operations base and maintenance facility that is planned for 26th Street and Benning Road, NE. DDOT will also share details about the overhead wire installation, and supporting poles, and the substations along the line.

What: H Street/Benning Road Streetcar Line Workshop

When: Tuesday, December 20, 2011
6 pm – 7:30 pm

Where: The Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street, NE

Metro: Red Line (Union Station)
Bus Lines: X2, X8, X9 (X9 service ends at 6:30 pm)
Bikeshare: There is a station at 13th and H Streets, NE

For more information about this workshop please contact the DC Streetcar Team at 1-855-413-2954 or dcstreetcar@dc.gov. The materials presented at this workshop will also be made available online at www.dcstreetcar.com.

DDOT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its projects, programs, and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, or gender, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or on the basis of disability as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you need special accommodations or language assistance services (translation or interpretation), please contact the DC Streetcar Team at 1-855-413-2954 or dcstreetcar@dc.gov in advance of the meeting. These services will be provided free of charge.

Even More Local News

2011-12-14T19:02:00.004-05:00

014, a photo by aebivins from the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool

Dining:

The Bitches Who Brunch dine at Sticky Rice (1224 H Street).

Services:

The Hill is Home gets a sneak peak at Atlas Vet (the new vet clinic opening at 1326 H Street). Oh, and Atlas Vet is hiring.

Transitions:

The Washington City Paper reveals that Gallaudet University has a new logo meant to embody the University's embrace of bilingual (American Sign Language and English) education.

WBJ: $8.7 Million for Two Streetcars

2011-12-14T18:56:00.002-05:00

The Washington Business Journal reports that the District plans to spend $8.7 million to buy two streetcars from a Portland based firm. Both of the streetcars are for the H Street line, and each car can carry 144 passengers.

Local News Roundup

2011-12-14T07:15:00.004-05:00

I spy myself, a photo by theqspeaks in the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool

It's been a busy December, so posting has been a little light. Life, however, marches on. Here's some of what's been happening.

Ward 5:

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. can't be happy about his new fake Twitter account that recently popped up. This account is way more active than fake Kathy Henderson (a local Ward 5 gadfly). The City Paper points out that Thomas has acknowledged the fake account (which is clearly a parody) in a tweet clarifying that it is not his.

Transportation:

The streetcar WILL go up the hopscotch bridge after all. That's quite a relief to some 3rd street residents who worried that the streetcar might run right in front of their homes. WJLA has some video, and rather humorously misquotes the Mayor on this point.

Tuesday night, Mayor Vincent Gray agreed and told city officials what residents have been waiting to hear.

"Those streets are just as narrow, which is H Street," Gray said.

Fear not, he wasn't really muttering gibberish into the mic. He actually said "We're going to do this the right way, and that is on the main thoroughfare, which is H Street." The City Paper has full coverage from the recent meeting (TBD also has info). Did you miss the meeting? If so, you might want to check out all of these meeting materials online. You can also read all the live tweeting from the meeting. Oh, and the new goal for streetcars to be up and running is the summer of 2013. This should please District Cuisine, who thinks the streetcar will play an important role in the H Street dining scene.

Development:

Friday night marked the launch party for Popularise, a crowdsourcing venture from the team that acquired both the Autozone lot, and 1351 H Street. 1351 was previously home to a dollar store, but you would never have known that from the party Friday. The space was gutted, and populated with couches, chairs, tables, houseplants, and two bars. Servers moved through the crowd offering appetizers. Downstairs they had three computers set up allowing guests to submit their own ideas for what they'd like to see in the space (you can do the same by registering on the site), and a large screen and stage. They gave a short presentation regarding Popularise, and how they hope it can connect the development to the community, and thus bring in what residents want. One option is a flagship store for local men's clothing line DURKL, which is losing its space on I Street NW. The City Paper lays it out for you.

Arts:

Examiner.com has a nice review of Black Nativity, which runs through December 31st at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street). Tickets to Theater Alliance's production are $35.

Retail:

Glam Soup takes a look at C.A.T. Walk boutique (1404 H Street), which sells a mix of new and vintage clothing items.

Dining:

Toki Underground (2nd floor 1234 H Street) gets attention from Eat More Drink More, Prince of Petworth, and Doing the District. Eater reports that you will probably have to wait until spring to try out Taylor Charles Steak and Ice (1320 H Street). Based on their track record (the same team opened Taylor Gourmet at 1116 H Street), it should be worth the wait.

Holiday Pajama Drive

2011-12-12T09:47:00.002-05:00

Good night, a photo by flickrized on Flickr

A mother on Capitol Hill has organized a Christmas pajama drive for foster kids in the District. You can drop off new pajamas at Evolve Property Management (1344 H Street), or have them delivered to The Family Room 411 8th St., SE 32, Washington, DC 20003.

Full press release after the jump.

Area Mom Mobilizes Christmas Pajama Drive for Kids in DC Foster Care

Earlier this year, DC resident Kathy Jackson lay in her hospital bed, wiped out from leukemia treatment. She couldn’t see her three children, Joseph, Sam, and Tyler (ages 12, 8, and 7, respectively) because exposure to their normal childhood germs would have made her sick at a time when a simple cold would have been disastrous. A bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy had destroyed her immune system.

One of the few bright spots in those days was when a nurse would deliver a package sent by a friend that contained a pair of brand new pajamas. She says, “few things are as comforting as a new pair of pjs” when you are really feeling lousy.

It was then that she came up with the idea to sponsor a Christmas pajama drive for children in the foster care system. It is a cause near to her heart.

Jackson’s sons were all adopted from the DC foster care system and she recalls that, “not one of them owned a pair of pajamas when they came to me.” The idea of the pajama drive was one of the things that kept Jackson going through her illness and staved off self-pity on tough days. She stayed strong and determined to get back to her boys, her work, her life---and to run her pajama drive.

Early response to the pajama drive has blown her away. So far, she has received dozens of pairs of pajamas (with commitments for many more en route) from as close as her own neighborhood, and as far away as her home state of Maine. Two networks that she has mobilized for support include her former high school classmates in Maine and Moms on the Hill, a list serve of some 3,000 families on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Kathy invites all area residents to consider donating new pajamas, robes, and/or slippers in sizes from toddler to adult (for teenagers). She is particularly passionate about making sure that the many teens in the DC foster care system benefit from this drive. “There are so many teens, especially boys, who will never be adopted out of the foster care system,” she notes, and the holidays can be an especially tough time for them.

There are several ways to help, for those who do their shopping on-line, pajamas and other items can be sent to The Family Room 411 8th St., SE 32, Washington, DC 20003 and a drop box available for walk-in donations. Another Hill business, Evolve Property Management at 1344 H St, NE, Washington, DC 20002, will also have a drop-box.

The drive runs through December 20th, at which time all donations will be delivered to DC Child and Family Services for distribution to children and teens throughout the foster care system.

Weekend East City Round Up

2011-12-09T08:58:00.004-05:00

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Buy Local, Buy Art Holiday 2011 Edition

Saturday December 10

Brentwood Arts Exchange (10am to 4pm)

In addition to hosting rotating exhibitions of local artists, the Brentwood Arts Exchange displays the work of local artisans and craftspeople. Their extensive inventory of superb crafts will make finding the ideal holiday gift a simple task. For additional details, click here.

The Brentwood Arts Exchange is located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue in Brentwood, MD

GRUMP Holiday Market (11am to 5pm)

A local collective of artists and artisans, many of whom are Crafty Bastards alumni, will sell their wares in time for the holidays. The event will take place at the American Legion on Capitol Hill. Part of the sales proceeds will be donated to a DC National Guard charity fund. For additional details, click here

The American Legion Hall is located at 224 D St SE

Mount Rainier Studios (1pm to 5pm)

Cast Recycled Glass Sculpture by Erwin Timmers. Photo Courtesy of the Washington Glass School

Washington Glass School, Flux Studios and Ellyn Weiss Studio

Several Studios are hosting holiday open houses in Mount Rainier including the Washington Glass School’s 10^th Annual Winter Sculpture show. Next door, Flux Studios and Ellyn Weiss will also open their doors to the general public. For additional details, click here.

The Washington Glass School is located at 3700 Otis Street Mt. Rainier, MD

Flux Studios are located at 3708 Wells Avenue Mt. Rainier, MD

Ellyn Weiss Studio is located at 3706 Wells Ave, Mt. Rainier, MD

39^th Street Gallery (2pm to 4pm)

The 39^th Street Gallery will host an artist talk with artists Karl Connolly, Jan Razauskas and curator Stewart Watson talk about their show Shape Shifters. The 39^th Street Gallery is located in the Gateway Arts Center complex. For additional details, click here.

The 39th Street gallery is located at 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, MD

CHAL (4pm to 8pm)

The Capitol Hill Art League hosts an opening reception for its annual Wrap it Up holiday gift giving event at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Affordable, framed and ready-to-hang pieces are gift wrapped for the buyer. If you miss the opening, know that the remaining inventory will be on display through December 22. For additional details and a preview of the work, click here.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is located 545 7th Street SE

The Fridge (8pm to 11pm)

The Fridge’s has its own take on holiday gift giving. Project Dispatch, a collective of over a dozen artists, offers buyers a subscription of smaller wrapped art. The buyer takes a leap of faith as the art remains unseen until it is unwrapped. Larger “visible” pieces will also be on display. For additional details, click here.

The Fridge is located in the rear alley 516 1/2 8th St SE

Sunday December 11

Riggio Design (6pm to 10pm)

Riggio Design will be closing their current show Interior Design as Art. Food and drink will be served. For additional details, click here.

Reggio Design is located at 5710 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD.

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art. You can get more information about East HaCity Art on Facebook or follow them on Twitter

Reminder: Streetcar Meeting Tonight

2011-12-06T08:33:00.002-05:00

What: The Mayor and various transportation officials will provide a progress update on the streetcars, and also gather audience input.

Where: The Atlas (1333 H Street)

When: 7-8:30pm tonight

Winter Specials at Healthy Motions Massage Therapy

2011-12-06T08:09:00.002-05:00

Feeling stressed? The solution might lie in the latest seasonal special from Healthy Motions:

Until December 12, 2011, Winter Special Gift Certificates can be purchased online at our website via PayPal, just click on the Winter Special tab. The cost is $60 for any 60 minute Treatment at our studio (Traditional, Thai, Hot Stone, and Pregnancy Treatments).
Gift Certificates are valid for one year, and there is no limit to the number of Gift Certificates purchased or redeemed.
Online booking available.

We look forward to providing our services to you.

Healthy Motions® Massage Therapy
Main/Kevin: 202-246-4738
Granetta: 202-276-0517
www.HealthyMotions.com
Twitter: @healthymotions.com
Facebook: Healthy Motions page

Crowd Sourcing Comes to H Street

2011-12-06T07:55:00.004-05:00

The team behind Westmill Capital, which acquired the Autozone lot (as well as 1351 H Street), is launching a new site aimed at figuring out what the community would like to see in their H Street spaces. The site is currently still in beta, but the launch party is the Friday at 8pm, so expect all to be revealed soon enough.

Holiday Dinner at the Atlas Room 12/12

2011-12-06T07:43:00.003-05:00

Photo courtesy of the Atlas Room

The Atlas Room (1015 H Street) has a very tempting special holiday dinner coming up soon. The announcement and description appear below:

Tannic Tongue Holiday Wine Dinner at The Atlas Room

A stupendous lineup of wines from Tannic Tongue with six delicious courses from chef Matt Cordes of The Atlas Room. Those of us familiar with the venue know that seating is limited; book early to avoid heartache.

6:30pm Monday, December 12; seating at 7pm.

The Atlas Room
1015 H Street NE
202-388-4020

$90 all inclusive (includes all food, wine, taxes and gratuities).

Note: Credit card can be used at Atlas Room for reservation
purposes; CASH ONLY accepted by Atlas Room on day of event.

To pay with credit card and avoid using cash, purchase in advance
for $84 from our favorite retail partner:

Chat's Liquors on historic Barrack's Row
503 8th Street SE
202-544-4660
bw@chatsliquors.com
Item: Atlas Room Dinner

The Menu

Reception and First Course
FossMarai Roös Sparking Rosé, Valdobbiadene, Italy
Grilled Seafood on couscous

Second Course
Y. Rousseau Chardonnay "Milady," Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2007
Tuna: Chef's special preparation

Third Course
Furlan "Stuccara" Merlot-Cabernet, Venezia Giulia, Italy 2005
Ravioli filled with beef short-rib; caramelized onions, assorted
mushrooms, and herb demi-glace

Fourth Course
Eric Kent Pinot Noir "Stiling Vineyard," Russian River Valley 2008
Saddle of Lamb

Fifth Course
Lauterbach Syrah, Russian River Valley 2007
Flatiron Steak with parsnip pureé, lentils, baby beets, and braised
short-rib

Sixth Course
Castello di Neive Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont Italy
Ricotta Cheese Fritters with citrus curd

Another Place to Get Inked on H Street

2011-12-06T07:16:00.002-05:00

Tattoo: Jesara, a photo by gemsling on Flickr

A new tattoo parlor is coming to the west end of H Street (416 H Street). Cirque du Rouge offers services for both walk-ins, and those who make appointments. I believe this will be the forth place to get a tattoo along the Corridor, and the second one on the west end.

Homicide in the 1100 Block of 21st Street

2011-12-05T07:53:00.003-05:00

A man was shot and killed Saturday evening around 6:45pm in the 1100 block of 21st Street. Police responded to a report of gunfire and found the victim suffering from his wounds. No further info at this time. This is in the Carver-Langston neighborhood.

Zuppa Fresca Comes to Loree Grand

2011-12-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

Good news, the vacant space originally slated to house Kitchen on K has a new tenant. Zuppa Fresca, an Italian resaurant, will open there with a young chef named Alfrio Celia. He apparently has lot's of kitchen experience in various fine dining kitchens in the metropolitan area, but this will be his first experience opening his own restaurant.

From Loree Grand management:

"We are very excited to announce that Zuppa Fresca will be opening in our retail space on February 1st! Featuring traditional Italian food with a modern twist, Chef Alfio will bring a unique feel to NoMa and The Loree Grand. They will initially start with a breakfast and lunch menu with brunch on Sundays. Shortly after opening they will have dinner and bar services available."

"Alfio Celia was quintessentially 'born in the kitchen'. Coming from a family with 40+ years of restaurant experience, Alfio is bringing a rustic Italian flair to the DC market. Set to be one of the youngest chefs in DC, this chef will incorporate old style ideas from Sicily into the atmosphere and food at his new restaurant. After working for his families' restaurants for 7 years, he graduated in 2009 from L'Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD. Alfio has worked at several fine dining restaurants and hotels in the metro area. He and his partner started AC Culinary, Inc. in 2011 and are working on opening their first restaurant within the year."

FBI Raids Harry Thomas Jr's House

2011-12-02T12:47:00.002-05:00

Today's a rough day for Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. The FBI raided his home this morning and the IRS was reportedly also on the scene. There's plenty of news coverage, and tons of Twitter chatter. Here's a timeline from the City Paper, some photos from CP's editor, and a CP primer on exactly why HTJ's in such hot water.

Chicken Tortilla Seeks Liquor License at 1324 H Street

2011-12-02T12:31:00.003-05:00

A new restaurant has applied for a CR (restaurant) alcoholic beverage license at 1324 H Street. The application describes Chicken Tortilla as "fast, casual, family style dining." I'm assuming that it's associated with the Chicken Tortilla over by Eastern Market. That one serves Mexican food and Peruvian Chicken. 1324 H Street is next door to Shawafel.

Full application after the jump.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE REGULATION ADMINISTRATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Posting Date: December 2, 2011
Petition Date: January 17, 2012
Hearing Date: January 30, 2012
License No.: ABRA-088102
Licensee: Chicken Tortilla, Inc.
Trade Name: Chicken Tortilla
License Class: Retail Class “C” Restaurant
Address: 1324 H Street NE
Contact: Mike Jones 202-543-1904
WARD 6 ANC 6A SMD 6A06
Notice is hereby given that this applicant has applied for a license under the D.C. Alcoholic
Beverage Control Act and that the objectors are entitled to be heard before the granting of such
license on the Hearing Date at 10:00 am, 2000 14th
Street, NW, 4th
Floor, Washington, DC
20009. Petitions and/or requests to appear before the Board must be filed on or before the
petition date.
NATURE OF OPERATION
Fast, casual, family style dining establishment.
HOURS OF OPERATION/SALES/SERVICE and CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES
Sunday through Saturday 10am - 2am

Coffee Ceremony at Sidamo

2011-12-01T15:23:00.001-05:00

Coffee Ceremony At Sidamo, a photo by I Coleman on Flickr

Share your photos through the Frozen Tropics Flickr pool.

NE DC Book Club Meeting

2011-12-01T08:52:00.002-05:00

Join us for the LAUNCH EVENT: Northeast DC Book Club

Monday, December 12, 7-8pm

Open to All

RSVP, or get more info, here.

Featured Book: Washington, DC Protests: Scenes from Home Rule to Civil Rights Movement*

Meet some Northeast DC neighbors. Learn a little about DC. Engage in dynamic discussion. Join us for the Northeast DC Book Club!

This month's book is "Washington, D.C. Protests: Scenes from Home Rule to Civil Rights Movement" Washingtonians' lack of representation has impelled them to make positive change through peaceful, and often creative, forms of protest. Mark S. Greek, photo archivist for the D. C. Public Library, has compiled a stunning collection of images of Washingtonians effecting change.

All are welcome, no matter how much or how little of the book you have read. There will be time at the end of our discussion to determine the next book and location for our book club meeting, so come with your ideas!

Questions? Contact: NEDCBookClub@gmail.com

CP: Where the Streetcar May End

2011-12-01T08:42:00.003-05:00

Housing Complex examines the options on where to end the streetcar now that Amtrak tunnel is out.

Vegan Chocolate Beer Waffles at Fruit Bat

2011-12-01T08:26:00.002-05:00

Fruit Bat (1236 H Street) has been serving brunch for a while now, but they just rolled out a very cool sounding new menu item. During bunch, which now runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am-5pm, you can now order vegan chocolate beer waffles made with Turbodog.

Local Link Round Up

2011-11-30T21:40:00.002-05:00

RnR-Golf-DC-2011-11 (47), a photo by Moravsky Vrabec on Flickr.

Ivy City News: Housing Complex contemplates the future of the Crummell School (check out the nice video).

H Street Eats:

Scoutmob suggests that you try Toki Underground (2nd floor of 1234 H Street). WAMU reports on the hot commodities down at the Big Board (421 H Street). Metrocurean talks food and beer parings with Granville's (1238 H Street) Teddy Folkman. Cloture Club enjoys brunch at Liberty Tree (1016 H Street). Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema reminds us to not be that guy who no shows/no calls when he makes reservations. The Post writes up Chupcabra (the new food truck venture from the Sticky Rice (1224 H Street) crew. DC Taste Buds tries out a birthday dinner at the Atlas Room (1015 H Street). Eater interviews a chef who loves Ethiopic (401 H Street). Young and Hungry dug the peking duck feast at Toki Underground (2nd floor of 1234 H Street).

H Street Arts:

Examiner.com writes up Theatre Alliance's Black Nativity (at the H Street Playhouse December 3rd through 31st). Mindful Melissa recalls the arts cars from the H Street Festival.

Neighbors Save on a Game Roast at Watershed

2011-11-30T08:43:00.002-05:00

Pheasant on Brownsea, a photo by slideshow bob on Flickr

NoMa's Watershed continues supper series continues with a hearty, festive game roast, featuring community-farmed, regionally-sourced fowl. Menu highlights include country style pate with toasted pistachio, cider-brined roasted game hen, pheasant and port wine cherry sausage, roasted new potatoes with rosemary, and chablis roasted pear with whipped armangnac vanilla cream. Come for happy hour, beginning at 5pm in the lounge, and stay for supper at 7pm. Watershed's Game Roast will also feature brews from DC Brau and live music. See the full menu online.

Special NoMa Neighborhood Offer: For NoMa neighborhood residents, bring a friend and you can both enjoy the Game Roast for $75 (the normal price is $75 per person).
When: Friday, December 9 at 7:00 pm
Where: 1225 First St. NE (Second floor of the Hilton Garden Inn)
Reservations: Reservations are required. Please call Watershed at 202-534-1350 and mention that you are a NoMa resident.

Streetcar Meeting 12/6

2011-11-30T08:34:00.002-05:00

DC Streetcar Front, a photo by Mr. T in DC on Flickr

Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm, Mayor Vincent Gray and DDOT Director Terry Bellamy will participate in a public meeting at the Atlas (1333 H Street) to update the community on streetcar progress. Don't miss out on the latest news. Read more on Streetcars for DC.

District Cuisine Reviews Pho Bar & Grill

2011-11-30T08:25:00.002-05:00

The combination pho

Local blog District Cuisine hits up the newly opened Pho Bar and Grill (1360 H Street). They give it a positive review overall, but point to a few service issues, and note that the restaurant does not yet have its liquor license. I was in recently, and the manager told me that they would have the license very soon. I would agree with the preference for round eye steak pho. They did not have banh mi when I visited, but were working on introducing them.

Two Fatal Overnight Shootings

2011-11-26T17:49:00.004-05:00

One of these occurred on the northwestern most corner of Trinidad, and the other was in Carver-Lanmgston. The explanation from MPD is below. I hope everyone else's Thanksgiving was safe and fun.

Last night (this morning) about 12:37 am, two men were shot in front of a convenience store in the 1200 block of Mt. Olivet St. NE, near the intersection of West Virginia Avenue.

One of the victims, an 18 year old, died of his wounds. The second victim survived.

This morning at about 10:25 am, a 22 year old man was shot and killed near an alley in the 700 block of 19th St., NE, just off Benning Road.

There is no other information available to the public at this time. Detectives are investigating both cases.

If there is anyone in the community who has any information on either incident we ask that you call 727-9099 and report it.

Andy Solberg
Commander, 5D

There's also the following report (from Trinidad), which I assume was non-fatal.

SHOOTING///0042 HOURS///1200 BLK SIMMS, NE// NO LOOKOUT DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I201106121231

Sent on: 11/26 00:54

Central Applies for Liquor License

2011-11-25T12:15:00.002-05:00

A new tavern by the name of Central has applied for a CT license at 1200 H Street. They plan to serve Mediterranean style fare. Max occupancy of 40, with seating for 30. They also plan to have a sidewalk cafe with seating for 40. This is from the owner of Souk. Full application after the jump.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE REGULATION ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Posting Date: November 25, 2011
Petition Date: January 9, 2012
Hearing Date: January 23, 2012

License No.: ABRA-087558
Licensee: Rasco Corporation
Trade Name: Central
License Class: Retail Class “C” Tavern
Address: 1200 H Street, NE
Contact: Driss Ouadrhiri 703-647-0208

WARD 6 ANC 6A SMD 6A01

Notice is hereby given that this applicant has applied for a license under the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and that the objectors are entitled to be heard before the granting of such on the hearing date at 10:00 am, 2000 14th Street, N.W., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20009. Petitions and/or requests to appear before the Board must be filed on or before the petition date.

NATURE OF OPERATION
New Tavern serving Mediterranean style food with 30 seats and occupancy load of 40. Request a sidewalk café with 40 seats. No entertainment.

HOURS OF OPERATION FOR INSIDE PREMISES AND SIDEWALK CAFE
Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday 11 am – 3 am

HOURS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION FOR INSIDE PREMISES AND SIDEWALK CAFE
Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday 11 am – 3 am

Relax, It's Almost Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T14:28:00.002-05:00

Hilleast, Northeast DC, a photo by I Coleman on Flickr.

MPD Apprehends Mugging Suspect on H

2011-11-22T11:05:00.005-05:00

Earlier this morning Prince of Petworth relayed a reader report of a shooting in the 1200 block of H Street. This report was, thankfully, false. What did happen is that MPD apprehended a mugging suspect and recovered a gun. No shots were fired, and no one was injured. DCist covers the story. The earlier portions of this story appear below the official response from MPD (after the jump).

Good Morning,

There were two robberies this morning in the First District:

The first took place at 8:55 A.M. in the 300 block of 13th Street, N.E.

In this case, there were a total of three black male suspects, two on foot wearing masks and a third operating a red Ford four door vehicle. The suspects made good their escape in the vehicle and were last seen traveling eastbound in the 1300 block of Constitution Avenue, N.E. The victim had personal property stolen and suffered minor injuries. No weapon was used in this offense.

The second took place 9:38 A.M. in the 1200 block of H Street, N.E.

In this case, members of D.C. Protective Services Police and the First District were able to successfully apprehend the suspect. The victim in this case was not injured and their personal property was recovered. The suspect displayed a gun during the robbery, which was also recovered at the scene. The officers and detectives on the scene did an outstanding job in apprehending this suspect.

At this time, it is unknown if these incidents are related.

Lieutenant Mark Saunders
First District Sub-Station (PSA 103)
500 E Street, S.E.
202-698-0090

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prince of Petworth is reporting an UNCONFIRMED (reader source) shooting in front of 1238 H Street. According to the reader there were roughly a dozen police cars, crime scene, and clean-up on the scene just before 10:30am. No word on the status of the victim, and no other sources currently reporting any incident at this location.

+++++++++++++++

UPDATE 11:17am

+++++++++++++++

Prince of Petworth has a photo of police tape and a couple of police cars outside of 1238 (Granville's) this morning.

I will update as more information becomes available.

Open For Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T16:34:00.007-05:00

from Flickr user riptheskull

Here's the start (I'll update as I learn more) of a list of local spots open on Thanksgiving.

Confirmed Open:

Capital City (1050 Bladensburg Road): Open from 7am until noonish. Serving chiecken and waffles, turkey dinner, and turkey sandwiches.

Argonaut Tavern (1433 H Street): Opens at 7pm (downstairs only, and kitchen closed)

Smith Commons (1245 H Street): Open.

The Pug (1234 H Street NE): Opens at 9pm.

Sticky Rice (1224 H Street): Opens at 7:30pm. No food. Drink specials include $5 Jameson shots and $2 PBRs.

Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street): Opens at 2pm for a potluck. Email them to tell them what you are bringing reservations[at]littlemisswhiskeys.com

The Big Board (421 H Street): Opens at 7pm. Serving fried turkey legs, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

Confirmed Closed:

Sova (1359 H Street)

Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H Street)

H Street Country Club (1335 H Street)

Toki Underground (2nd floor 1234 H Street)

XII (1123 H Street)

Taylor Gourmet (1116 H Street)

The Atlas Room (1015 H Street)

Ethiopic (401 H Street)

Please feel free to leave updates in the comments.

More Action at Hechinger Mall?

2011-11-21T14:16:00.002-05:00

Empty Lot, a photo by M.V. Jantzen on Flickr.

A reader writes in with the following:

"I notice that there’s construction in the old National Liquidators building in the space formerly occupied by H [and] R Block. Wondering if you have any idea what’s going in there. Has the Ross Dress for Less spawned a retail renaissance?"

Anyone have any good info on this one?

Photos From Community Day at Joe Cole

2011-11-21T14:02:00.002-05:00

Better late than never, right? Here are a few photos from Community Day at Joe Cole Community Center. The event wasn't well publicized, so turnout was small. I thought people might be interested in the beautiful new park.

This is actually a fountain

A Thursday Night

2011-11-21T13:59:00.000-05:00