The Post looks at a few of the places to eat on H Street and talks about some new spots that are coming. New attractions and changes-
CHANGES
-The Red and the Black [1212 H] is building out their kitchen so they can serve gourmet burgers
COMING ATTRACTIONS
-Radius at the Ohio- NY style pizza
-[unnamed]- afro-latin fusion
-H Street Country Club- Mexican
-[unnamed]- brick oven Pizzaria
-[unnamed]- bar-b-q
-[unnamed]- Italian red-sauce restaurant
-Taylor- an Italian grocery and deli that will offer sandwiches and salads.
-Liquid
108 comments:
This is GREAT! At first I wondered why NAPA was excluded, but then I realized they were only focusing on the Atlas District. However, I don't think XII got a mention. Wonder why they didn't make the list - aren't they an Atlas District eatery?
I'm personally not too concerned about XII, but I thought not having Napa on the list was a glaring ommision. Lazy investigative reporting, or intentional?
I concur, this is very positive!
I realize this article is focused on the "Atlas District", but does anyone have any info on the west-end of H St?
I would think that its proximity to the redline would make this area just as appealing to perspective restaurant/bar
entrepreneurs.
I thought that was unfortunate too - I'm a huge fan of NAPA's, but the map seems to focus solely on the Atlas District. Of course, on second thought, the bold headline CLEARLY says "H" is for "Happening" which means NAPA should have been included. I agree with you 8th & el.
they clearly misidentified the argonaut property on their map.
Sorry off the topic. FYI- shooting in NE
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/23/AR2008062302732.html
Very encouraging to see the Post designate H St. as an emerging "food destination" rather than bar or club destination.
This is exactly the kind of press H St. needs to attract more restaurants to the area.
Incidentally, I think the designation is well-deserved. Every time I've been in GM's or Sticky Rice over the past two months both places have been absolutely packed.
Yay for the 'hood.
Anon.11:02, I don't think your post is off topic. If this violence around here continues, it will completely undo the positive articles like this. Pretty soon their healine will read "H is for Homicide".
I particularly love how they ended the shooting article with: "The shooting scene is less than a mile south of Montello Avenue NE and the Trinidad section where police recently set up a checkpoint to stem a rash of violence." (See earlier discussion).
Now back to this GREAT positive article on "H is for Happening".
Why would they even consider mentioning Trinidad in this post? I swear We get attached to alot of outside stuff.
I even thought it was unfair that Trinidad itself was "targeted" when it was the entire Ward 5 that saw crime spike. Some how Ward 5 got dropped, and Trinidad became focal point.
Trinidad Home Owner
' If this violence around here continues, it will completely undo the positive articles like this. Pretty soon their healine will read "H is for Homicide".'
While we're at it, why don't we complain about the rise of teenagers in white tees eating McDonald's on the street,in particular the west end of H, around the 400 block. They must be up to something, leering in the distance, waiting to pounce in the middle of the day. Or maybe, like the article, we could limit our survey of hoodlum teenagers to include the next neighborhood over, where partons of mentioned resturants do not frequent. Or maybe, just maybe, we can finally stop talking mixing apples with oranges, and be happy that the neighborhood we ALL care about is getting mention on the front page of the Washington Post's Food Section?
Does whining ever bore you, because you sure bore me...
I LOVE the new focus on food. The article had it just right - Adams Morgan already caters to the younger, drunker set.
It's terrific to see H Street catering more to a more mature set that cares about the food.
Wow. A real "red-sauce Italian" place? Do people even eat spaghetti and lasagna anymore? I thought it was all small plates of gourmet salumis and braised radiccio? I might actually NOT have to haul ass to Italian Inn in Hyattsville anymore!
My barbecue expectations in this town are so low, ANYTHING even resembling decent barbecue will be eaten with relish.
Very positive. And thank you to Monkeyrotica, I didn't realize the Italian Inn was still open. I had heard it closed; this is welcomed news for the ears.....but not welcome for the waistline.
They should have included Napa in the article.
I cannot wait for some of the others to open. Yes, Monkeyrotica, people do eat red sauce. And if you tasted mine you would see why..lol
I'm going to chime in and say I too am disappointed that they didn't mentioned Napa.
Can the new Italian deli ever compete with Litteri's?
Also looking forward to a taqueria or some sort of Mexican place. The one over on Mass. Ave sucks. And it's always too crowded.
I also love Litteri's, but they are never open say after work hours if I need something..they do not carry fresh pasta btw...If the new establishment will be open say later in the evening, or even on Sundays..great..I am sure I will frequent both..
I heard the new Italian seli and market is going to be open 11am - 10pm so that should help us all!
Email blackj@washpost.com with any comments about Napa 1015 not being included.
Sidamo also deserved to be listed! There is a west end to H Street; and true, with its proximity to the red line metro and the new condos, seems entrepreneurs would be all over it. But, what a great article!
Studio 400?
Beth Chang from the Washington Post did a piece on Sidamo already.
As for Jane Black, I wouldnt harrass her about who made it and who didnt oif we want het to do any positive reporting/writing about H Street in the future
I think the deli and A. Litteri can very easily co-exist. I seriously doubt they will deplete business of an institution that has been around 50+ years. And there's a certain degree of irreplacable quaintness behind that squeaky steel door, tight shelves, and friendly old Italian guys (one who occasionally wears a hat with the Pope on it).
My question is: during the day, who exactly is going to frequent a deli that is at the eastern terminus of H? It seems to me the abundance of businesses coming into the NoMA office park would be a better target market...
Ms. Black et al need to be called out on their incompetence or ignorance.
While Napa 1015 lacks a significant physical presence (small store front, no sign), they are a full service restaurant and not a wine/espresso bar with finger food. They have no excuse why it was left out...
In reference to Anon. 3:30 and Anon. 3:40 - Why not write to Ms. Black thanking her for her positive portrayal of H St. restaurnats and then simply ask if she was aware that there was a restaurant left out? No need to harass or "call her out on her incompetance".
In defense of the Post, I will say that Napa is a tad hard to find -- and I agree with the previous poster that we should not be sending out a bunch of emails to the writer saying how she did a crummy job b/c she missed Napa -- thats a little like biting the hand that feeds you.
As for the new italian deli I read that one of the owners is from Philly. As a former philly native I can say that if there is one thing philly people know how to do its make sandwiches and run delis. Honestly, I have yet to see a place in DC that sells italian food or makes sandwiches like philly delis do. DC'ers just don't have the skills. I think this place, once open, will do very well.
some of these places need real signs. it's marketing 101. not sure how you spend all that money renovating a storefront and building a business from scratch without completing the last step, adequately advertising your presence.
I love Litteri's, but I hate their hours. I'm from Philly originally and Litteri's and Italian Store in Arlington is the only place to get anything close to a hoagie.
I suspect that the new Italian deli will still end up sourcing a lot of their supplies from Litteri's since it's a wholesaler.
As far as 'fresh pasta' goes, I think Litteri's has stuff in the cases that isn't frozen. (But I admit, I just go nuts for the non-perishable De Cecco selection.)
FWIW, I still eat spaghetti and meatballs at the little Italian restaurant in Capitol Hill on D Street. (No idea what the name is.) If you follow the old nonna maxim of eating a portion that's 'no bigger than your fist', you should be fine. Pasta is only your primo piatto anyway, followed by your secondo piatto of meat... Not plated all at once together.
NAPA 1015 is not hard to find if you use the entire name of the restaurant.
So now that I'm all nostalgic for old school Italian food, is there a decent bakery on H Street or what? (Is it Sova that has the awesome pastries? There was a killer eclair I had one night after drinking at Rock n Roll Hotel...)
The place you're thinking of, in the 300 block of D Street NE, is Bistro Italiano. It's OK.
I found the link for the Italian Deli - cool delign but looks like under construction
http://taylorgourmet.com/
Bistro Italiano is oddly comforting, if somewhat forgettable on occasion.
Pretty good pizza, good pastas by and large.
Terrible, terrible chicken dishes. Never ever order a chicken dish there.
Good service, great prices.
I just read the food section chat and when someone asked her why she didn't include Napa, she said that "we didn't think it reached the level of the other places mentioned."
I was pretty aghast at that and did write her an email.
here's the chat.
She did, however, admit they should have put it on the map.
Jane Black is really an alias for Joe Englert.
Hillman, I've been to Bistro Italiano many times, as early as this past Saturday, the chicken parm was sublime -- or it was the time I tried it. Good pineapple and ham pizza too. Agree, the prices are great.
Napa 1015 didn't reach the level? They're a full-fledged catering business turned restaurant. Other than an early altercation between one of the original chefs and the dishwashers (he had a bit of a temper problem he's since been axed), the place has been stable with flawless cooking...
...in terms of signage, Napa received their awning today...only to find that it was flawed. Back to the factory! Sidamo now has a very, very cool sign that will likely define H Street for years to come...
Neither the Italian Deli or SOVA is owned or operated by Joe Englert or any of his "offspring". I think it's unfair to say he had anything to do with who Jane Black decided to cover and not cover. I do agree that the title of the article was a bit misleading since it's only focuses was on the Atlas District.
1200:
Every time I've ventured into a chicken dish at Bistro I've found it to be very tough, usually dried out, and fairly flavorless.
In particular, their chicken piccata is a disgrace. Tastes like it was premade in a high school cafeteria a month ago, then frozen, then microwaved just in time to be served.
I haven't been in a couple months, so maybe they've changed it since then.
And a lot of their dishes are quite tasty.
One oddity: if you order pick-up from them the pasta portions are sometimes considerably smaller than if you were to order the same thing in the restaurant.
But I will give them credit for bucking the trend in DC and providing good service. And the prices really can't be beat.
ugh. people!
please get over litteri.
it *sucks*.
and no, i'm not the corporate type that loves big chains, and the burbs, etc.
the place is a dump.
and the hours suck.
i can make a better sandwich than the old fart with the pope hat.
AND, guess who supplies litteri's?
you think they import all of their items by themselves? think again, losers.
if you REALLY wanna be 'under the counter culturalists' shop w/their wholesalers.
what.a.sham.u.people.are.
Joe Englert said:
Just call me Mr. Jane Black.
I think H St NE could use a nice bakery, and in fact I looked into it. There is a place up in the 600 block that looked like a bakery was going to open, but nothing has ever come of it. I did check with some bakery owners I know in MD and I just have the type of capitol it would take to begin such a venture. I could see the bakery carrying breads, cakes, pastries, pies and other little odds and ends. Using season products to sell in some areas of the sales. It would only be open while supply lasts and not try to do sandwiches or other items already for sale on the block, strickly a bakery of fresh.
I have been told that there used to be one on H St NE "back in the day".
Poo Poo please shut the hell up. Some people like Litteri's. I love that place. If you don't like it, don't go. I think I can speak for everyone here and say that nobody cares about your opinion.
re: Napa. I did get an answer to my email where she said she just didn't like it as much as the others and had limited space so chose to focus on the others. but reiterated it should have been on the map.
PooPoo - if you can make better sandwiches than the guys at Litteri, we can only hope that you will actually put your money where your mouth is for once and open a sandwich shop of your own, rather than spouting off about things you have no intention of actually doing anything about.
"...and the hours suck."
Ooh, burn! And certainly the first time anyone has EVER mentioned that (even in this thread).
"if you REALLY wanna be 'under the counter culturalists' shop w/their wholesalers."
Really, Poo? Do you understand what a wholesaler is? Wholesalers sell in bulk (cases, pallettes, gallons and pounds of items) instead of manageable sizes that the average household uses. Most true wholesalers don't have a retail option, so you either buy in bulk from them or you buy from the people who do. Costco/Sam's Club/BJ's are the closest most consumers get to actual wholesale, and I'll take Litteri over them any day.
They make their own sausage on site, they slice deli meats to order, and they stock brands that those of us who grew up in Italian families recognize with fondness.
Who else in DC does these things better? Subway? Potbelly's? Safeway? Harris Teeter?
I don't think so.
Sometimes I wonder if you post things like this just to be contrary, Poo. First you criticize those who complain about the historical aspects of the neighborhood and invite them to move back to whichever Midwestern locale you've deemed worthy of your scorn that day, then you turn around and talk out of the other side of your mouth about how "over" A. Litteri - a TRUE piece of near Northeast history since 1932 - you are.
And now I've given you your greatest pleasure - I actually took the time to engage you and call you on it today. Enjoy it.
what.a.bore.you.are
I have to say that I agree that Litteri's sandwiches are pretty awful. If a place can open up on H that really does Italian sandwiches and hoagies right, I'll be a regular. Getting the bread right is 90 percent of getting the sandwich right. I'm excited about this place opening up.
That "didn't rise to the level" comment on the Post chat really is a bummer. Limited space in the article, fine, but Napa is great.
Yeah I was a big fan of the article (press for H Street = Good, new restaurants opening up = Good) but the lack of mention of Napa 1015 because it didn't "rise to the level" is just ridiculous.
For one, if you have been there and had the key lime tart, you will most likely agree that it is the best dessert you've ever had.
For another, I hear that the brunch is amazing--easily among the best you can get in the area even counting "downtown".
They are just a great restaurant that listens to neighborhood concerns (and responds!), without using some gimmick to grab a crowd---don't get me wrong, I actually love the gimmicks and those places thus far have delivered well on them, I just think it's cool to have a place on H that offers something different.
I've yet to try the Mexican night but, again, you've got them really trying to offer variety. I for one really hope that Napa begins to be included in the "H is for Happening" style articles as it's certainly worth a trip to H Street and the food is on par with anywhere else on the block.
mike -
i'm glad you really, really, really like litteri's.
it's not a *such* a horrible joint, and yeah, they make their own sausage.
and, to their credit, it is the lone decent place in the dump of a market.
i still don't really like it. i've been there once in the last 6 months, and you know what? i don't miss it. granted, i'm not italian.
but for you italianos, hey, go for it. i guess if there was a brasilian market i'd patronize it up and down, left and right, top to bottom - even if it were crap.
actually... i probably wouldn't. i travel to brazil more often than i ..... shop at litteri's.
"Costco/Sam's Club/BJ's are the closest most consumers get to actual wholesale, and I'll take Litteri over them any day."
Call me unhip, but I love Costco.
Litteri's is not good. It is so sad this is what we have to look at as a comparison to others. Yes, they have some stuff there that is great to have. But, it is in a disgusting warehouse that doesn't even have any character about it.
NAPA is not good either. I can easily see why it was left off the list. There prices are WAY too high for the quality of the food. The place smells like new construction and had no appeal. I had high hopes for this place.
I am psyched about the article and can only say I am sad they didn't include more business there is buzz about. And Taylor's is right - there is NO delivery in DC. That needs to be changed - I am glad they are starting it!
I must say that the article is very well written and if it brings business to H street, then we ALL will be better off.
We've been called alot of things from pretentious, to unmotivated to lazy, and it's all been untrue but we didn't comment.
With that being said, there are a few topics that need clarification.
First, Signage. If you have EVER been inside our restaurant or have spoken to Jorge, Ron or myself, you know that ALL the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted. NO one neglegeted "the last step." We've been working on the sign since day one.
I don't know if anyone really knows how much they cost, but you can buy a car with the same amount of money. For those who care we paid for a sign and it should have been up before we opened. Then in January, then Febuary, then March, then the company stopped answering our calls, and avoiding Jorge. So we purchased ANOTHER sign. They take between 10 weeks to three months to make. The Sign got Deliverd YESTARDAY, and it was WRONG. So it had to be sent back. At this point, I guess we'll just be known as the place without the sign. Like a little hidden treasure.
Second, I am pretty sure Jane(I'm sorry, Mrs. Black) has NEVER been in our restaurant. I remember everyone and everything about our guests and I don't remember her. Futhermore, I'm slightly taken aback about the "certain level" comment. I bet if you poll the neighbors and ask them were they would bring visiting family, friends, or guests for dinner, they will say NAPA 1015.
Lastly, I will say that being left out of the article hurt us, angered us, but most of all MOTIVATED us. You can't control what other people do or say, all we can do is continue to do our best and make Napa a fun, and inviting atmosphere for our neighbors. Everyone is so great and the outpouring of support on this blog makes alot of things worth it.
To all that came in last night....THANK YOU, we may not have the time to always say it, but YOU MATTER, and we continue to press foward everyday because of you guys.
Also, *shameless plug alert* come out tonight for our authentic Mexican night. I promise you won't get a mexican meal like this anywhere else. If you don't like Mexican, our full menu is AlWAYS available and we have great drinks. OH, and I'm wearing a fancy new uniform.
Sorry, for being so wordy but as you guys know I'm kinda wordy.
And ONE LAST THING if you know anyone who wants a part-time serving job, send them in. God Knows, I'm tired, and have a masters degree to finish. More help would be AWESOME.
Cory Ross
Your Favorite Server.
I thought the article was fine - however, the title: H Street is Happening, was at the least misleading. So, I sent a note to Ms. Black reminding her that things "are" Happening on the West end of H Street too; like Sadamo, Bikram Yoga, Nouveau Fleur, Total U, Total Fitness, just to name a few.
Shameless Plug Here: I also mentioned Pap & Petey's - - Alright, we'll work on the menu - but Live Jazz (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday) constitutes something "Happening" in my opinion. I hope to see you at the bar...
Duke
Napa Mexican night was horrible in my opinion. Would rather eat real Mexican at Rosa or the Taquaria. Stick to one menu and do it well...
Cory Ross
Quit bitching and hire a PR firm or try to contact teh Washington Times, Post, Blade, Gazzette or City Paper. That is how places get recognized, written about that are off the beaten path. Stop complaining about the establishments that Jane picked and do get yourself some positive press.
From your rant it is evident that you are new to the industry...
anon 1:58 --
Perhaps your words of "constructive criticism" (if one could refer to them as such) to Cory Ross might be better received if you cared enough to at least leave your name or handle. To me, all telling someone to "quit your bitching" under the cover of "anonymous" does is to demonstrate your lack of backbone and willingness to toss a blind suckerpunch from two rows deep.
anon 1:58 is back - this time I posted my name sorry
I did give constructive criticism I said "hire a PR firm or try to contact the Washington Times, Post, Blade, Gazette or City Paper"
Telling people you are unhappy on this blog is not going to get you written up anywhere. I will take my "constructive criticism" one step further and say contact http://www.smapr.com/. They will get you in all the papers, magazines and written up all over the place if you are unable to procure relationships with the normal players…
Litteri is the only place in the city I've found that sells bucatini. Oh, and their pancetta is better than any other pancetta I've found in town, including any pancetta you can get from the vendors at Eastern Market. And their hot italian sausage is great.
As long as those three things are true, they'll continue to get my business.
anon 1:58 --
I do not think Cory was bitching at all, chill out and leave the man alone. Bottom line, Napa should have been included, the combination of food & service is as good as anything on H Street.
Bill Ray
Dear Poo Poo,
For Brazilian, you should go to either Silver Spring or the Portuguese shop in Arlington that carries a lot of Brazilian stuff.
o capixaba
Billy
The same way you and Cory can speak freely, Jane Black can write about what she wants. I have been to Napa 1015 once and do not believe it is even close to the caliber of dining mentioned in the article
Again just my opinion.
With that said, I cant wait for some of these new places to open up and continue to put H Street on DCs map!
Thanks Jane for the phenomenal article. I hope your interest in the Atlas district of H Street spurs others to come and try our restaurants and other writers to do more pieces
Wait a minute! How can Jane Black say that NAPA "wasn't up to caliber" when she included several mentions of places to come "Country Club", "Taylors Italian Deli", etc., when they aren't even open yet? Were they up to her caliber?
And Duke of P&P, all the things you mentioned were west end businesses and not eateries, if I'm not mistaken that was supposed to be Ms. Black's focus, which clearly now she fell short of.
I still find it humerous that XII wasn't mentioned either (not that I really care), but all those who were ranting and raving saying that some of us weren't giving XII a fair chance are now not coming to its defense saying "What an injustice"... "must be an incompetant reporter"... "We need to seen Jane Black an email", etc. Maybe nobody really cares about the future of XII as they do the sucess of NAPA - I would fall in that catagory.
So where are XII's defenders out there for being left out of the H St. article? Have you all changed your mind now and like many of us just wish they would go away?
On the subject of XII -- I wanted to see them succeed if for nothing else than the subsequent benefit to the neighborhood. However, they haven't really proven to be the kind of place I'd frequent (lots of reports of bad food/drinks/service) so, honestly, yeah I don't really care anymore. But to hope now that it would fail or, "wish they would go away"? What really is the problem? I haven't heard of any verified problems resulting from XII being on H. I think that space could be put to better use, sure, but unless it's a problem, I'm certainly not going to wish they'd go away...
What this thread does insure that if any writer reads this blog in hopes of writing an article I am pretty sure they will skip the H Street article so they do not receive a headache from complaining people about what is fair and what isn't fair. Being a writer is all about being subjective and writing about what you see, perceive, enjoy and understand.
JUST BE HAPPY H STREET IS GETTING POSITIVE PRESS ABOUT THE CHANGING NEIGHBORHOOD, RESTARUANTS AND NOT TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THE CRIME!!!!
Actually Jenny, she did bring up crime, but Joe E. assured her that it wasn't a problem.
Some of do have expectations of fairness from a Washington Post writer...or a Hillrag writer. I expect them to look around, and form their own opinion, not just take a press release and spin it as news. I'm not sure what is so positive about an article that is so racially and culturely biased. But then that the reason so many people no longer read the Washington Post isn't it? Funny thing is that the people not reading it are fraidy cat wanna be hipsters like herself. I hope that she at least gets a free beer out of Joe.
Can someone tell me how that wonderful article was either or both
"racially and culturely biased"
There was no mention of a single black owned place on H, not even the ones in the same block of H as slicky rice (yeah I know that Frank of SOVA is passing)But then,this is a food "critic" that thinks that tater tots is a higher level of food than Horance & Dickies fried fish. A non-existing Italian deli get mentioned over the terrific cheese steaks from Philadelphia Ice. So is the lady afraid of the dark or what?
Anon. 9:21, you bring up a good point about her exclusion of Horace & Dickies (which I happen to despise, think it's filty, and after two carry-outs there never plan to go back), but I will say you're right, she did seem to leave out some of the minority owned businesses, including XII (which surprise, surprise, I'm also not a fan of). But with that being said, the article was GREAT for the Englert-touched places and since he pretty much single-handedly gets the credit for kick-starting the revitalization of H St., then I say Ms. Black did her job in her article promoting the "Atlas District".
I walked into Horace & Dickies last week and all the grease and dank was gone! Replaced by brushed stainless walls and new linoleum. WTF? Moe, what happened to the dank!
And anyone who thinks DCers can't make a decent sub has never had the G-Man at Mangialardo's. I just wish they still made their own sausage. Any Philly-type deli that makes a halfway decent roast pork and broccoli rabe sub will have my undying gratitude. Next to doner kebabs and Italian beef, DC desperately needs a good ethnic deli.
I used to eat at Mangialardo's at least once a week, every week -- I'd stop in there and pick up a sandwitch to take to work for lunch. Sometimes I'd pick up something for breakfast, something for lunch, and something for dinner. They got a lot of business from me. Then, one day, I was at work, halfway through my breakfast sandwich, when I discovered something on my sandwich that really really really shouldn't have been there. No, not a roach -- something much worse than that. I haven't been back since.
The problem with DC is people acrually think Mangialardo's is good. Have you ever looked at the quality of their meats or more importantly the bread they use? How can you call yourself an Itailan deli with those horrible products? I dont like Litteri either but hands down would eat their sandwich anyday and time over Mangialardo's.
My personal take is that DC has been neglected in terms of food for so long that local residents have no idea from good to bad
horace and dickies is moving 'up town'. a lawyer that fell in love with the place is actually opening up a 'horace and dickies' in miami. i think the dc location is actually getting a % of the profits.
Agree with ANON 9:07.
Its not that DC places/delis can't make a good sub -- its just that the general population has been getting bad subs/hoagies for so long that they've become accustomed to them.
It actually is all about the bread. Philly has two or three local, family owned italian bakeries (Amorosos being the most famous) that make hoagie rolls early morning and deliver to most philly delis that day. Hence, the rolls are super fresh. Plus, philly delis will make your hoagie to order.
I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
I haven't found anything in DC that comes close to it. DC places just want to make paninis or god forbid toast your hoagie!? You never toast the hoagie!
Jenny from the block - I just can't agree with you. Saying that, e.g., Sticky Rice's food is better than Napa's...it just doesn't compute.
I think you should give Napa another chance.
It is about the rolls. I'm from South Jersey right across from Philly and I totally agree. My buddy who actually grew up in Philly just moved to N. Carolina and he said a Phila. native just opened a sub shop in his town down there and is going to get the bread sent down from one of those bakeries. It's the only way :-) Hopefully it will be fresh.
I'm pretty sure that the cheese steak is on a Amorosos roll at Philadelphia Ice.
You Philly types are such losers. It's a sandwhich! Who cares! I understand you need something to be proud about, but get a life.
Apparently, you cared enough to post your hate Anon 12:08.
Anon 9:21:00 PM
Are you serious? She is racist because she didn't write about a fried fish take out joint or a walk up place that slings cheesesteaks? If you read the article the emphasis was on new dining establishments on H Street. Not old take out places...
Sometimes people on this blog only know how to play the race card like Johnny Cochran taught them.
simon legree,
i noted the omission of the black owned naby's restaurant, which is right at 12th and H, a sit down place, and fairly decent.
you are right that H&D and Philly Water Ice aren't the best examples of "dining", but how do you explain the omission of Naby's?
XII isn't that great of a place, but if you're going to mention the Argonaut as a place for "dining" (whereas I think of it as a bar with a menu), then why not at least mention (black owned) XII?
It does seem odd and at least worthy of analysis.
Is Napa black-owned?
napa wasn't up to what caliber?
seriously?
a lot of the places she named were either not open or bars with limited menus as compared with an actual full-on restaurant like napa.
if napa is black owned, i think this may be a scenario where a race-based critical analysis might be appropriate.
sad.
but would fit with the legacy of the post, generally.
(some of the pre-march on washington 'they're coming to burn down the city' editorials are almost hilarious bad)
I think NAPA would qualify as minority owned - Jorge does have a heavy accent. Does that count? I love NAPA, they should have been included?
NAPA, has anyone there checked on your omission from the article? Also, any word on when you might get a Post review of your place? Maybe someone would be willing to do that since they clearly excluded you from what would have otherwise been a GREAT article!
Soul Searcher
The write up was "H is for Happening"
She detailed new place that were creating a buzz and places that were coming to H that were creating a buzz.
Naby's while a take out place, I wouldn't call it a restaurant isn't getting people to write the Post asking for reviews, as for 12 and Napa.
Why is it always a race game? "They left out black owners, or black establishments" The complaining is old! Always that the white person is leaving the black community out. Why cant people just be happy the article was written?
And moreover do you even know Jane Blacks race? Have you ever seen her?
Lastly before I puke from the nausea that this blog makes be feel when the "blacks are being left out" posts come up is. The last time I checked Frank over at Sova is a black owner and he was detailed in the article.
There were several places mentioned by Inked in the original post as "Coming Attractions":
- Radius at the Ohio- NY style pizza
- [unnamed]- afro-latin fusion
- Liquid
Why didn't Ms. Black mention these in her article? Does anyone know if there was a conspiracy in her not mentioning this or did she just not do her research?
Inked, since it seems that you have done more H St. restaurant research than Ms. Black, could you please fill in her holes and give us some updates on these other exciting things you mentioned?
"conspiracy"
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO
I just fell of my chair at the office!
Damn, anon 12:08, you've got to let go of the hate and have a Philly Cheesesteak. I eat them every day (except when I have a hoagie) with a soft pretzel on the side and bore my wife to tears with stories of Dr. J taking the Sixers to the Championship, Mike Schmidt & Co. in the World Series.
Have we set the record for # of comments on a FT post yet?
I doubt there was a conspiracy, but Naby's is downright delicious, and XII deserved at least a mention. Count me in as a fan of both, even if I think XII needs to work on their service a bit, and Naby's could use a little later closing time.
Joe Englert said:
People, let's keep this in perspective. It was a glowing piece about the burgeoning restaurant scene on H. EVERYONE benefits from a piece on the area. Our business up and down the strip has been up 20% since it ran.
The media usually operates by a copy cat code. They interview the same people and rehash stories over and over again. Ms. Black's editor for the food section probably suggested it was high time they did a piece on the restaurants of H.
She called the usual suspects. I talked to her three or four times.
Even if a place wasn't mentioned, they will benefit from the hype and the overflow.
Also, for the people that weren't mentioned, call the newspapers once and awhile. Send them a press release. Do an interestng event or project. (Show up for one of our BID meetings once-in-awhile, too--we can always give advice). These publications have lots of column inches to fill--give them a reason to write about you--trust me H, the phoenix business strip rising from the 68 riots is a great story. They love to write about people who give them a reason to.
H can compete with Chinatown, Adams-Morgan and other areas of town. We just need to keep up the positive publicity. And we desperately need PARKING. Call Tommy Wells today and demand government accountablity when it comes to this serious issue.
And again, thanks for your continuing support of our projects.
Well said Joe. Hopefully people will finally understand press doesnt always come to the business
i wanna be just like joe englert when (if) i grow up.
he makes all the rest of you look like dummies.
it's a good piece, and benefits everyone in the hood.
for the record, naby's sucks.
decent food, but a shit establishment.
For the record, HB, you suck.
Occasionally decent points, but a shit attitude.
Telling everyone else here what's wrong with them, why everyone here but you is an idiot, and what everyone else here is wrong about is pretty much all you ever do. I don't know whether to call your behavior here childish or despicable, since both seem to apply. But maybe the first lets you off the hook for the second . . .maybe you just simply don't know any better. After all, if your parents had been doing their job when they raised you, they would never, ever have let you get away with the way you treat other people.
Please _please_ PLEASE grow up.
For the record, poo poo does not reflect the attitude of most of us paulistanos. I think he just has psychological issues.
ANON Jun 26, 2008 3:09:00 PM
What is the name of the Brazilian store in Arlington?
A Capixaba
I'm not "anon 3:09," but it's called "Euro-Latino/European Market" on N Pershing Dr. in Arlington.
Joe:
I agree about the parking.
Is there a specific parking proposal you'd recommend we pressure elected officials for?
simon,
naby's isn't a take out place. it's a restaurant. have you ever been inside naby's? if not, why are you discussing a place you have never seen? if you have, how did you not notice the tables or the fact that the establishment is clled 'naby's island *restaurant*'. LOL. come on now.
hey, simon legree. is your name really simon legree, did you just make that name up randomly or are you particularly fond of the cruel slave owner from uncle tom's cabin, also named simon legree?
just curious.
Simon Legree you are fool who clearly does not know history if you think Johnny Cochran taught people how to "play" the race card. No, No, my friend..that card was being played long before Johnny Cochran. In fact, it's played in media and politics all the time. One of many most noted occurances was in the Bush/Mondale election when several ads were run regarding Willie Horton a prisoner on furlow who committed a crime while out of jail. In addition (post Johnny Cochran) we saw it play in media when Harold Ford Jr ran for Senate in TN. The other candidate ran ads suggesting Ford was a playboy who was after white women..and in TN that is their worst nightmare! In addition, we saw the race card played in court cases through out the South when cleary the white person was guilty but because it was a black person they were set free. I mean did Rodney King REALLY need to be beaten THAT badly...So the race card has been played by white people since the beginning of time. What Johnny did was play it in the favor of a black man which was the first time we saw that happen and he won doing it. Which has and still does strike fear in all the white people who go crazy whenever the topic of OJ so much as comes up. It's quite amusing because the same white people have not and will not get as up in arms about a black woman being killed by her white husband. In addition, do you really believe cute white girls are the only people whose husbands kill them??? But we know names like Lacy Peterson like the back of our hand! Do you really think NOT one black woman has been killed by her husband? Of course she has but it's not "newsworthy" That my friend is also the "race card"
"What Johnny did was play it in the favor of a black man which was the first time we saw that happen and he won doing it. "
Actually, it's played in DC pretty much daily, by everyone from Marion Barry on down.
But you are right about the white girls missing thing. Anytime an attractive white girl goes missing we put out a AWGM (Attractive White Girl Missing) bulletin and we all bemoan the tragedy. We run specials on CNN, complete with White Girl Missing graphics.
It helps if the girl was at least middle class and it definitely helps if she was attractive.
We don't seem to see the same treatment when a black, hispanic, or asian girl is missing.
But, then, we also don't do it when gay men of any race go missing either.
So why play the race card over a Washington Post article. Makes no sense? Anyone have a good reasom?
I don't think the person who said "Jane Black can write whatever she wants" is really accurate. The Post isn't merely any publication. IT's the paper of record in Washington, DC.
And a headline "H is Happening" _in the Washington Post_ should include more establishments than those on a couple blocks.
Given my experience with a story done by Craig Timberg in 2003, I would argue that Jane Black isn't as enterprising a reporter as she might be a feature writer.
Timberg used the sources I gave him, but he "one upped" me by also looking more deeply into the field, and finding additional experts. (I gave him Dennis Gorman, he found and quoted Richard Scribner.)
See the Post shouldn't have titled the story "H is happening" if it didn't cover all of the H Street NE shopping district. The headline should have been something different -- "what intrepid restaurant-tavern visionary Joe Englert is doing in Northeast DC" maybe would have been better.
It shows that Jane Black is maybe a feature writer, not a reporter, and not at the level of the main food section writer, Walter Nicholls, and that the food section editor should have caught this.
I'm with the people who say Napa should have been included, etc.
And while I think Argonaut's collard greens and fish tacos are superb, I'd find it hard to believe that Napa doesn't provide dishes of this and better quality. Etc.
Marion Barry is an example of playing the "crack card". I believe more than have the DC natives have tried crack at least once...just my stat based on the craziness I witness daily. So they don't see a problem with it and that makes MB their boy!
The focus of the article is made very clear in the third paragraph - early enough that even the laziest of readers should get through it before abandoning the article:
"Independent, inexpensive and quirky, Sticky Rice embodies the vibe of many of the new restaurants on this stretch of H Street, also known as the Atlas District, which runs from 12th to 15th streets NE. Until recently, the area has been known mainly as a night-life hub. But the past year has seen the debut of the charmingly dive-y Belgian bistro Granville Moore's, the espresso and wine bar Sova and Sticky Rice. Within the next year, four more outlets are scheduled to open, including an Italian grocery and takeout, a taqueria and a yet-unnamed dessert bar."
Even a casual reader should take two main things from this paragraph:
1. The focus is on the Atlas District - arbitrary designation or not, that means it's ONLY going to be looking at establishments between 12th and 15th.
2. The focus is on places that have opened within the past year as well as places that are slated to open. It even goes so far as to mention them by name.
Given these two sets of parameters, does the headline fit the article? No.
Is that Jane Black's fault? Maybe not. Historically, titles for articles are chosen or at least suggested by copy editors. Who knows if she even chose the title for the article or if someone else tacked it on after the fact.
So what's my point? Simply this: the article makes its focus very clear right off the bat. It's the headline that is confusing things.
Rather than looking for racial bias or some other sinister motivation, take another look at the stated purpose of the article (highlighting quality dining options within the Atlas District) and ask yourself if Black accomplished it. Seems to me that she did.
I don't have a problem with the title of the article. I didn't expect an encyclopedic dissertation of the entire length of H Street. I just took it as this section is part of H....it's a style and food article for goodness sakes, it's not a report for a senate committee. Washington.... I also thought it was good PR and marketing, considering all the press that Trinidad was getting. Put forth a very positive view.
Would you think that it was a wonderful article if it only mentioned Naby's, Philadelphia Ice, XII, Horance and Dickies, and the Martini Lounge???
Enuff said.
You know, the article would have taken a completely different feel if it mentioned those places and a very good article could have been written with those places as the foundation. As I said, it would have a different feel, but to include everything would muddy the water. This focused on one aspect. Again, I think it gave a very positive spin to H Street in general.
Personally, I think it would have been better if the title had been more clear about the area it covered. I will also point out that XII's recent publications advertise it as being in the Atlas District. So, perhaps this district, as most are wont to do, are expanding. If it was really just an article about the Atlas District, why was there amention of Taylor? I think what happened is that the author was a bit lazy, and talked to a few people, which resulted in a few places being highlighted. It does help everyone on H, but it isn't good reporting, and I can't imagine how NAPA couldn't measure up to the current state of the Red and the Black [I do look forward to burgers and homemade pickles]. No, the reporter was lazy, and wouldn't admit it. Shame on her.
But I don't see racial bias, just poor research and laziness on the part of the reporter. It's great to have positive media coverage. It would just be better if they did their homework. I'm happy to see this piece, but I hope we can demand better. Hopefully we'll see better researched articles in the future.
As far as italian deli's go litterri is pretty good for DC. until 2000 there was a amazing italian store by Catholic U that had been there for 20years call Viarreggios. It moved to Dupont circle and did really well until the rent got too high and they had to close. they had the best sandwiches and cannolis in DC.
If I were the WP I wouldn't run any more positive stories on H Street, given the harshness of the reaction by residents.
Apparently none of you have actually worked in daily newspaper print media. They have limited space, limited time, and their work is subject to severe editing without much input from the actual author.
If I wrote a mostly positive piece on a neighborhood and then I had to read these sorts of comments I'd swear I'd never write positively about that area again.
I don't want to ever hear a single one of you bitching in the future about lack of positive press coverage for our area.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself for weighing in again. I am in the historic district and not that intimately involved with the details of H Street and who is doing what, so I took the article as more an overview for the feel of what is happening on H. This piece has a point of view and painted a very visionary view of H (not the normal run of the mill you see in the Post). I thought everything from the page layout, to the graphic being red to match the red of Sticky Rice...to the pictures they chose to print all supported a concept and style and in turn supported the article. I don't usually think anything that the Post does on culture, art or style is very good or very current(anything they write about regarding new design/home shops has usually been covered in the national shelter magazines 6 months to a 1 1/2 earlier...which is probably why they feel safe writing about it). For the first time I felt like they wrote about the "future"(in terms of a larger trend, lifestyle) not what has peaked and ready to slide down the curve. I'm not saying it was perfect, but sure made H Street sound pretty "happening".
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