Happy New Years

Me and my friend and neighbor David at the Argo in 2006

Hey guys, I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy, healthy, peaceful, safe and prosperous new year. Today is also the 6th(!) birthday of Frozen Tropics. H Street, Trinidad, and the larger area north of Capitol Hill have changed so much. We've all grown together. People often say that we are like a big family around here, and I totally believe that is true. We may fight at times, but ultimately we all have to live together, and work together to make this a better place to live, work, and play. I love you guys, and this blog would never be a fraction of what it is without you. I love it here, and I hope you all do too. After ten years, this is my home, and I wouldn't trade it (or my friends here) for anything. It's been absolutely amazing.

"I suppose at one time in my life I might have had any number of stories, but now there is no other. This is the only story I will ever be able to tell."
-Donna Tartt

"[W]hile the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it must be heard. There isn't any other tale to tell, it's the only light we've got in all this darkness."
-James Baldwin

"Keep your eyes shut and live your life. Open up your eyes and speak your mind. Leave your youth far behind."
-Beat Happening

"Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa H Street."
-Kevin Costner in Field of dreams [improved quote].

New Years at Liberty Tree

Friday, December 31 · 5:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 will get you 3 courses at Liberty Tree:
Stuffed Baked Oysters-spinach, pecorino, cream and panko
or Lobster Bisque with brioche croutons
Entrees
Prime Rib of Beef-cheddar twice baked potato, brussel sprouts
or Shrimp Scampi-garlic, chili flakes, white wine, butter over linguine
or Prime Rib of Beef with Shrimp Scampi topping, cheddar twice baked potato, brussel sprouts ($7 upcharge)
Desserts
Blueberry Creme Brulee or Bing Cherry Bread Pudding with cinnamon maple syrup

The usual menu will also be available.

Sticky Rice Shut Down

There was a non-fatal stabbing incident at Sticky Rice last night, and the restaurant has been closed for the standard "up to 96 hours." They shut down around 10pm last night. I do not have further details at this time.

This just came through on the MPD daily:
CCN: 10186045
RPT DATE: 12/29/2010
SHIFT:
OFFENSE: ADW
METHOD:
BLOCK: 1200 B/O H ST NE
LOCATION: Other
START DT: 12/29/2010
START TM: 01:35:00
END DT: 12/29/2010
END TM: 02:41:00

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

UPDATE

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

MPD has made an arrest.

ARREST# : 011052790
DT-TM: 29-DEC-10 - 0241
LOCATION: 1224 H ST. N.E. - PSA: 102
OFFENDER: PORTER, T
SEX: M
OFFENSE: ADW -- KNIFE
TYPE: FELONY
OFFICER: MCABEE

New Years at Capital City Diner

Time: Friday at 7:00pm - Saturday at 6:00am
Location: Capital City Diner
1050 Bladensburg Rd

This Friday for New Year's, we're serving a traditional southern supper all night long-- locally-cut pork chops, black eyed peas, collard greens, and more! Try the pork chop dinner platter for $8.25, and take advantage of our drink specials all evening.

After dinner, hop across the street to Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Heart Club for the best local New Year's party around, and come back in the morning for breakfast. For those wanting a quieter evening, we'll show the NY ball drop on our TeeVee with complimentary champagne at midnight.

Don't forget: we're open all night long on the weekends!

The End of the H Street Shuttle?

I received the following note reminding me that the H Street Shuttle goes away after December 31st:

I hope all is well. As you know the H Street Shuttle service is coming to an end effective December 31st. We have been circulating the attached notice to businesses and riders on the H Street Corridor. If there is anything you can do to help circulate the notice it would be greatly appreciated. Many business will be tremendously affected by this.

It's true that this is really going to hurt businesses on H Street (and in the Capital Diner area, as that stretch is served by the same shuttle). Wouldn't it make sense to keep it going until the streetcar is up and running, or at least until construction is complete? Concerned about the shuttle? You might want to send a quick note to Tommy Wells and Harry Thomas. You can reach them at twells[at]dccouncil.us and hthomas@dccouncil.us.

Here's more info from another email forwarded to me. I think this one lays it out pretty well:

Here are the ridership numbers for the shuttle.  I was immediately struck by the impact that stopping this service could have on the neighborhood.

Subject: H Street Shuttle ridership numbers

Please find below ridership numbers as per our conversation. Please note that there was an event booked at the Atlas relying on transporting its customers using the H Street Shuttle. Since they just received the news about the H Street shuttle service being terminated,  they are frustrated and reconsidering their future booking.

Month	2009	2010
January	0	3688
February	0	3925
March	1425	4854
April	1426	5,158
May	5110	4923
June	4560	5187
July	6218	5831
August	6376	6016
September	4604	5913
October	4814	6991
November	4475
December	2107
Totals	41115	52486

$25 for $50 at H Street Country Club

Like pool, mini-golf, shuffle board, Mexican food, or booze? Awesome! Buy today's Living Social deal and you get half off on $50 worth of any of these things at the H Street Street Country Club.

THIH Sneaks an Early Peak at Church & State

The Hill is Home has info and photos on the new bar opening above Fruit Bat (1234 H Street).

New Years With Langston Bar and Grille

Photo courtesy of Langston Bar and Grille

Trying to avoid the large crowds? Looking for quality mature fun? We promise you the best in food, music and friends. No Cost. Reservations recommended.

Moet: $85.00
Korbel: $60.00
House Champagne: $30.00

Open 7 Days a Week. Weekends 11:30-2am. Weekdays 4-1am.

New Years with Star & Shamrock

Here's what the Star and Shamrock offers:

-Open Bar 9pm-2am
- All drafts available including premium, microbrews and imports.
- Our Red and White Manischewitz Sangrias
- Our House Specialty Cocktails; Lepracohen and Dirty Picketinis
- All Well Drinks and House Wines are included
- Live Entertainment
- Passed Hors d’oeurvres fresh from our Deli/Kitchen
- Free Noisemakers and Party Favors
- Complimentary L’chaim and Slainte Champagne Toast at Midnight

Join us for the most original New Years Eve Celebration on H Street!
- $70.00 advance purchase
- $85.00 purchased at the door

Holiday Hours

christmas bokeh, originally uploaded by William Brawley.

I've received a few notices about modified holiday hours. I'll add more if I see them.

From Fried Fish Counter to Sit-Down Restaurant

This just in via Twitter, Horace and Dickie's has leased the building next door.

HstreetDC

  

Horace [and] Dickie's has leased bldg at 12th and H for expansion!!! Breakfast, bakery, sit down fish dinners! One of my old faves on #HSt! Wow! 11 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

Smith Commons Slightly Delayed, But Y&H is Ready

The opening of Smith Commons is reportedly slightly delayed (New Years Eve remains on go), but the City Paper's Young and Hungry sounds pretty excited about the place.

CP: Does Ward 5 Have a Red Light District?

City Paper's Housing Complex reports on the colorful BZA hearing regarding the Stadium Club (link plays music). The Stadium Club is a strip club and restaurant located at 2127 Queens Chapel Road. That's a bit north of our normal area of focus, but I think it's of wider Ward 5 interest, and one of the guys (James T. "Tru" Redding) behind the Stadium Club is the same guy opening the New Orleans themed restaurant Tru Orleans at 400 H Street. Now, before people leave a million panicky comments, I'll quickly point out that the same man is also behind Sushi Rock, a restaurant and bar in Arlington. He also has a venture in Baltimore, and a hand in Public Bar, which occupies the space once home to Five.  As the Stadium Club website read until quite recently "The Tru brands range from up-scale classic epicurean experiences, to cool, hip, upbeat dining rooms bars and clubs." So, Mr. Redding can certainly offer up quality food.

WP: Worker Stabbed at Rite Aid

The Post reports that a male employee of the Rite Aid at 8th and H Street was stabbed Sunday evening around 6pm. No information on motive, or the worker's condition was available. The Post says the man was reportedly up and speaking following the attack.

New Pizza Place Moving into H Street Connection

The name escapes me, but I saw a sign indicating that a new pizza is going into the vacant spot next door to the 7-Eleven.

Fruit Bat Opens 2nd Floor New Years Eve

It's sort of a sneak peek at the space, which will officially open as Church and State in January. Fruit Bat is located at 1236 H Street.

Capital City Diner on Conspiracy Theory Tonight

Via the Capital City Diner:


Photo courtesy of Matt Ashburn

I *just* confirmed with the producers at TruTV that a scene for Jesse Ventura's show "Conspiracy Theory" shot at Capital City Diner will be featured on tonight's show. The episode airs tonight at 10pm on TruTV.

Watch Out For Transit Thefts

A reader relates the following tale of woe:

Hey Inked - just a heads up to fellow neighborhood riders of the X2. Mine was snatched out of my hand while riding the X2 to work - mid-morning on a Wednesday. It was a newer bus, I was sitting close to the back door - and I think part of the problem is that the driver kept the back door open as long as the front door was open. Anyway - I was using it and the kid grabbed it out of my hand and bolted off the bus at H/N. Cap. I did not pursue, but wish now that I would have as there are a lot of different police types in DC - and other stories I've heard have met with success in recovery.


Anyway - just a heads up to anyone riding the X2 - among everything else you have to deal with on that busline - add phone-snatching to the list.


Now, I know we've all seen the warnings circulating about holiday thefts on Metro trains, and buses, but they really do happen. And they can happen to you. One more important reminder: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SNOW SHOVEL HANGING ABOUT. IT WILL WALK OFF.

In other bus related news, the X9 (the express version of the X2) begins service on the 19th.

Ryan Gordon's Last Saturday Brunch at the Pug

Tomorrow is your last chance to chat with bartender Ryan Gordon over Saturday brunch at the Pug. Gordon leaves his post behind the bar to finish up work on his soon to open British style pub the Queen Vic. The Queen Vic, located at 1206 H Street, will feature an ever-changing menu with a healthy focus on wild game. Gordon, and Chef Adam Stein, however, have assured me that vegetarians and vegans will not be forgotten or neglected. The Queen Vic will also boast 12 beers on tap, with space for an additional 12 taps in the future.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas & the Christmas Market

Catch the film at the Atlas Performing Arts Center for free when you buy online ($2 electronic purchase fee) at 2:30pm, 5pm, or 8pm this Saturday or Sunday.



This is also your last chance to check out the Holiday Market at the Atlas.

2-8pm Saturday and Sunday in the Atlas Lobby.

Stop by to shop, enjoy holiday music, and enjoy treats from the Atlas Cafe. This weekend's vendors will be selling handmade jewelry, crocheted items, accessories, scents and more!

GGW: Aldi Design Lacking

Greater Greater Washington looks at the plans for the Aldi going in behind Hechinger Mall.

Holiday Party at Langston Bar & Grille

Photo courtesy of Langston Bar and Grille

Tuesday, Dec 21st. 5-10pm.
Complimentary Food, Fun and Eggnog.

Gray Goose: $5.00
MGD: $3.00
Wines: $3.00

NYE at H Street Country Club

Another promising event on H for when you ring in the New Year:



The atmosphere will be spirited and warm on New Year's Eve at H Street Country Club. We'll start the night with a special dinner package. The Last Supper of 2010 is perfect for two people. It includes one appetizer, two entrees, one dessert, two glasses of sparking wine and two mini-golf passes. Executive chef, Pablo Cardoso has a dinner menu to savor for only $59. Reserve your dinner pass now.

Now THAT's a Pretzel!

Now that's a pretzel!, originally uploaded by jsmjr.

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user jsmjr shares this image of Biergarten Haus' Laugenpretzel, which feeds six.

A Different Kind of Greenhouse on H Street

If you subscribe to local listservs you may have already seen this ad. Contrary to what went out on the listservs, this isn't inside the R. L. Christian Library (the map just makes it look that way). It's actually located at 1341 H Street, in the same building with Taurus Development, DC Greenworks, and the Star and Shamrock. Anyway, here's a good inexpensive work environment for a small business person, or someone just starting out.

WCP: Smith Commons

The Washington City Paper joins the crowd eagerly awaiting the opening of Smith Commons in the 1200 block of H Street (1245). Want more? Check out this short piece, with photos, from Urban Daddy.

HSGS: Angelico's Moves a Little East

sunday_pizza, originally uploaded by rrazor.

I've been a tad busy recently, but there has been plenty of local news about. Angelico, originally slated to open at 1387 H Street (the former Sun and Moon building) has migrated to 1421 H Street.  1387, meanwhile has taken on a life of its own, having transformed from Angelico, to Il Garage, to Desperados, to Slice of Life. The 1387 plan is far more expansive and eclectic than the simple good pizza Angelico plans to offer (and, ahem, deliver) at 1421.  That said, both are sit-down restaurants, and both plan to serve alcohol, and feature patio seating. Read more at H Street Great Street, and Prince of Petworth. As PoP notes, it is great news to see more stuff opening up in the 1400 block of H Street. This should make it a little less lonely down there for attractions like the Argonaut (which should fully reopen January 15th), the C.A.T. Walk, and that random psychic that replaced the liquor store.

Have You Tried Saturday Brunch At Granville's?

Tasting Table has, and they've got a full review of just what the good doctor ordered (1238 H Street).

WP: Tacos Folks on H Street

The beef and carnitas tacos. Photo by Jason

The Post samples the fare at Tacos Impala (1204 H Street), and also hits on the interesting trend of interconnectedness among H Street establishments.

$15 for $30 in Food at Sticky Rice

Photo from Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user InspirationDC

Today's Living Social deal is $15 for $30 worth of sushi, or pan-Asian at Sticky Rice (1224 H Street).

Weekend East-City Arts Round Up

Courtesy of Phil Hutinet:

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Last Shows of the Year Edition

With the holiday season upon us, why not give the gift of art or show your support for organizations that enrich our lives and communities?

Saturday December 11
The Capitol Hill Art League will hosts Wrap It Up-The Art of Giving on Saturday, December 11, 2010, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at CHAW (545 7th Street SE, Washington DC). The exhibit features ready to purchase inexpensive artwork that is gift-wrapped by CHAL members

The Fridge (Rear Alley behind 516 8th Street SE, Washington, DC) will host a fundraiser for Albus Cavus from 6pm to 10pm. The event will feature live music and an art auction with work from renowned local street artists. All proceeds will benefit Albus Cavus’ classrooms including scholarships, supplies and space rental

Sunday December 12
Park Café (106 13th ST SE, Washington DC) will host a small reception for Diana Derby, a local artist who won first place in CITY Gallery’s Regional Juried Show

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

Smith Commons To Open 12/21

The long awaited Smith Commons is poised to open its doors for the first time on December 21st. The establishment will feature fine dining catering towards the "everyman," as well as a large wine and beer list (with many beers on tap). Smith Commons is located at  1245 H Street.

Want the full scoop? Well maybe you should read the press release (after the jump).

Thieves Strike Ethiopic!

Some jerk decided to run off with the (securely locked up) outdoor furniture from Ethiopic. 'Tis the season, I guess. Stop by for a bite and expression of condolences. Berber does wonders against an icy wind.

How to Rent That Space

I recently received an email from a reader asking how to best let local people know about a place to rent. Hers is actually an apartment, but those who rent rooms (or full houses) face the same issue. I have, at times, rented out a couple of rooms in my house (poor law students are prone to such exploits). I have mostly used Craigslist, and used to also use the City Paper online ads. I no longer use City Paper because:

1. Craigslist is the big game in town;
2. if City Paper ran the ad in print it was typically after I had rented the room, but I kept getting the emails.

This particular reader doesn't like Craigslist (due to "posers"), and was asking about other online forums, and good physical places to post ads.

Lots of us rent spaces, whether we rent them from someone, or rent them to someone. So, where do you place ads, or read them?

Bonus, tell me about your renting experience in the neighborhood. I want to hear from both sides (renters and landlords). I've been both in this neighborhood. How did you search and find your match? What was the ultimate outcome? Do you like/love where you live?

2010: The Year of the Fish Taco?

Fish Tacos - Ricky's Fish Tacos, originally uploaded by djjewelz.

That's what a report coming from the Nation's Restaurant News (via We Love DC) asserts. Among the notable developments:

-"the number of fish tacos on restaurant menus rose 22.5 percent in the first half of 2010, compared with the first half of 2009."

-In "menu mentions, 40.2 percent promised grilled fish tacos, but fried fish tacos likely beat them out."

-"Of all the menu mentions, 22.8 percent actually said the fish tacos were fried, 21.7 percent said they were “crisp,” 6.5 percent mentioned the word “battered,” and 5.4 percent used “breaded” as a descriptor."

Who knew the Argonaut and H Street Country Club were riding a rising wave (other than the H Street wave, I mean)?

BZA: 7-Eleven Not a Fast Food Restaurant

The Board of Zoning Adjustment ruled yesterday that the 7-Eleven in the H Street Connection need not seek reclassification as a fast food restaurant (which would be a big deal under the overlay). Thus ends a rather contentious clash between the 7-Eleven and ANC 6A, that I occasionally heard referred to derisively as "the chicken bones wars." Though that certainly over symplified the issue, it was one of the most public sticking points. Hopefully now we can all move forward, and concentrate on being good neighbors, and improving H Street.

TBD has full coverage of the actual hearing.

Drink for Good at the Pug

Tony T. and gang have a new plan for their fundraisers, which he explains below. The key facts are:
-10% of this Friday and Saturday's ring goes to Watkins Elementary;
-10% of next Friday's ring goes to the Yellow Ribbon fund;
-the Pug is located at 1234 H Street.

Alive

New Years at Red Palace

BALL DROP Burlesque and Variety Blowout Bash
New Year's Eve at the Red Palace (1212 H Street).
Friday, December 31, 2010
Doors at 8 pm, Show at 9pm, Ball(s) Drop at midnight, Dance Party until closing. Tickets $25 in advance.

Did Kearney Use the Same Gun in Both Murders?

Bullet Casings, originally uploaded by perpetualplum.

According to an MPD source cited in DC Homicide Watch the handgun used to murder 17 year old college bound high school senior Joseph Sharps also fired the fatal bullet into a man Kearney alleged killed a week later in Truxton Circle.

District Curmudgeon: A Killer on the Block

The District Curmudgeon writes about receiving a stamped letter (with no return address) stating that Kwan Kearney, who stands accused of shooting two teens in Trinidad (one fatally), and murdering another man, lived on the Curmudgeon's block. The letter is accurate, and it's another sad reminder that as great as most of your neighbors might be, there's sometimes a troublesome element lurking about.


The City Paper picked up the story.

Liberty Tree Makes NYT

The New York Times mentions Liberty Tree in an article on indulgence eating on Capitol Hill.

Capital City Diner is Hiring

Have experience waiting tables? If the answer is yes, and you are currently seeking work, consider sending an email to jobs[at]capitalcitydiner.com. The Capital City Diner is a vintage diner is located at 1050 Bladensburg Road, just a few blocks from H Street.

WP: First Bite Atlas Room

Tom Sietsema writes about the culinary delights available at the Atlas Room (1015 H Street).

Meeting Re: Walmart Tonight

7PM, 5D Headquarters, 1805 Bladensburg Road.
Officials from Walmart will be attending tonight’s meeting to make a public presentation of its plans to open retails stores in the District, and to answer questions. This meeting is organized by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas.

Taste of Teeter Tonight

5:30 pm – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm – Taste of Teeter: Shoppers will be able to sample a wide
variety of wine and products available in the new store. This event is free
and open to the public.
8 p.m. to midnight: Harris Teeter is open for regular shopping

HT will open at 8am tomorrow, with regular hours (7am-12am) commencing on Thursday.

The new Harris Teeter is located in NoMA at 1201 First Street, NE (just of the NY Ave Metro).

WTD: $20 for $35 of DDP Pie

delicious S&M, originally uploaded by philliefan99.

You can't lose when you spend $20 for $35 (45% off) of Dangerously Delicious Pie, AND 10% of your purchase goes to charity. That very offer is up for grabs from What's the Deal?. Get yours before they're gone.

Toys For Tots at Fitness Together

BOXING TOYS, originally uploaded by Zellaby.

Announcement:

Because of the high demand for toys in the Washington, DC area, numerous families will not receive toys from charitable organizations. Let's spread holiday cheer and make sure all kids are able to open a gift. This year, Fitness Together Capitol Hill will be holding a Toys for Tots drive. Please bring new, unwrapped presents and deposit in our Toys for Tots marked box from November 29- December 17.

New Years With Smith Commons

It's not too early to start making those New Year's Eve plans. The first menu I've seen out on H comes from the soon to open Smith Commons. Basically you get three-courses and one glass of wine, a beer or a signature cocktail per person, $50.

The full menu is after the the jump.

Technicolor Street

My street (I Street NE). Technicolour wonderland. originally uploaded by alexandrajones14.

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user alexandrajones14 shares a beautiful fall moment in what appears to be the 600 block of I Street.

Tacos Impala First Taste

The beef and carnitas tacos. Photo by Jason

Tacos Impala is a new taco stand venture from two guys who are no strangers to H Street. They're cooking up some tasty tacos just for you. Right now the menu is carnitas, braised beef, or bean and cotija cheese, tacos. Tacos come on two corn tortillas with cilantro, onions, sliced radish, and a lime wedge. You can then choose either a mild, or hot, salsa. I sampled the beef and pork, and preferred the first, but enjoyed both. Next time I plan to check out the bean tacos, as I have heard good reviews (including one shouted by a passing motorist after I had ordered). Tacos run $3 each, and you can wash them down with a Mexican Coke, or Jarritos. 1204 H Street. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Late night hours on weekends.

Photo by Jason

WP: Fruit Bat Review

The Post has a detailed review of Fruit Bat (1236 H Street). I wrote about the bar when it first opened back in August. I was back again last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. The cocktail menu changes periodically, so I tried out some new offerings. I tasted the drinks of a few friends and was thus able to get a decent sense of the current menu. The banana boat, which involves banana rum and soy milk, was a crowd pleaser. I started with a lychee capirinha, which was refreshing, and the slipped into a dark night (an enjoyable concoction made from whiskey, creme de cacao, and blackberry). I'd definitely recommend the dark night.

Best Sandwiches -->Taylor Gourmet

That's the word from Washingtonian readers.

Tacos, Glorious Tacos!

tres tacos, originally uploaded by pheezy.

If you read this blog with any regularity you already know of my taco obsession. Well, I recently learned of a new entrant onto the local taco scene. It launches tomorrow, and I'm totally psyched. If you want to try the tacos, head over to 1208 1204 H Street (these guys are subleasing from Philadelphia Water Ice during the off months), and order from the window. I believe they are launching with beef and pork tacos, and MAYBE quesadillas. With all the local tacos popping up, is it time for a taco taste off?

Other local taco sources (east to west):

-Argonaut: fish tacos (currently Tuesdays only);
-H Street County Club: chicken, pork, steak, fish, shrimp, or veggie, with discounts every Wednesday.
-Fruit Bat: mini taco to munch while you sip;
-The taco booth at the Florida Market flea market (Saturdays and Sundays only): pork, chicken, beef, tongue.

Atlas Holiday Market

Every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm until 8pm December 4th - 19th

Follow the jump to learn about PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED during the HOLIDAY MARKET

Sing-A-Long Ticket Swap?

I'm looking to see if anyone with tickets to the 3:30 concert this Sunday would be willing to swap for tickets I have for the 7:00 concert. By the way, did you get tickets, or are you interested in joining my group?:

Hi, I have up to 8 tickets available for the 7:00 PM concert at the Atlas this Sunday, but I cannot attend the later concert. Is there anyone with tickets to the earlier concert who would be willing to swap for tickets to the later concert? I can "sweeten the deal" if necessary - for example, I'll swap 4 tickets to the later concert in exchange for 3 tickets to the earlier concert (or 8 tickets in exchange for 6, etc.). If interested, please contact me directly at healey.j[at]gmail.com to let me know how many tickets you can give me and how many you would like for the evening concert.