Local Reviews Round-Up

The blog Yellow Peril reviews Toki Underground (2nd floor of 1234 H Street). Have you tried the ramen yet?

J Street Beer Review hits up the Argonaut (1433 H Street).

Cloture Club does Taylor Gourmet.

Capital Spice takes a trip over to NoMA to check out the recently opened Watershed (1225 1st Street NE).

Where Am I? #16

2008. No cheating by clicking through.

Where Am I? #15

2006. This one's a little tricky. No cheating by clicking through.

Trinidad / Ivy City Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative

Saturday, April 30 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Trinidad Recreation Center - 1310 Childress Street NE

Please attend to learn more about the Ivy City and Trinidad Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative and to share your experiences in and opinions on your neighborhood.
Refreshments will be Provided!

DC Style is Real: HR-57

Photo by Robert Mann-Thompson

DC Style is Real reviews local jazz club HR-57 (816 H Street).

Street Talk Tomorrow & Monday Night

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

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

Special section Monday night at 6pm at the Argonaut (1433 H Street).

GOG: Top 10 Best Outdoor Patios & Bars

The Going Out Gurus offer up a seasonally appropriate list of the best new spots to get your outdoor eat or drink on. Smith Commons and the Queen Vic both made the list.

CP: Celebrate The Royal Wedding at the Queen Vic

The City Paper has put together a short list of fun royal wedding related events and specials. The sure bet on H Street is the Queen Vic, which will run the wedding on a steady loop Friday from noon until 3am. Certain food and drinks will be offered on special for $5.

The Taco Experiment at R&R Hotel

Think you make the best tacos around? Then sign up for the Great Taco Experiment at Rock and Roll Hotel. May 15th. Win and you can take home cash, and head to Brooklyn to compete further. If you just want to eat the tacos you can do that too. Tickets are $15.

Where Am I? #14

2005. No cheating by clicking through.

50% Off at C.A.T. Walk Boutique

What's the Deal offers you the chance to pay $25 for $50 worth of designer women's clothing, accessories, and personal shopping at the C.A.T. Walk Boutique (1404 H Street).

CP: Toki Outtakes

City Paper's Young and Hungry has one more recommendation for your next visit to Toki Underground.

WP: Late Night Eats Heat Up

Frozen Tropics flickr pool user philliefan99 shares a nice shot of a savory pie at Dangerously Delicious

The Washington Post's Going Out Gurus list some of their favorite spots to grab a quick bite to eat late at night. Taylor Gourmet and Dangerously Delicious Pies both snag mentions.

Mother's Day Food Drive at H Street FreshFarm Market

Slight typo in the flyer. It should read May 7th.

Where Am I? #13

2009. No cheating by clicking through.

Buy Local AND Help Kids

Lots of H Street deals available.

More Streetcar Updates

From Greater Greater Washington and the Hill is Home.

Tonight: Vintage Clothing and Blue Grass at Sova

Trash Cat Clothing Xchange is an eclectic flea market and pop-up shop. Buy or trade vintage clothing every 3rd Thursday 8-11pm at Sova. Of course you'll probably be at Sova tonight anyway because Thursday night is bluegrass night (9pm-12am).

Springsteen's The Promise at The Atlas

Are you a Bruce Springsteen fan? If so, you'll want to catch one of the two screenings of "The Promise" (April 22and, or 23rd) at The Atlas Performing Arts Center. "The Promise" is a documentary film featuring previously unseen late 1970s footage of Springsteen and the E Street Band, including rehearsals, and interviews.

NoMA Summer Screen Focuses on Trains

This year’s NoMa Summer Screen schedule pays homage to classic and modern train films from a fitting vantage point overlooking the rail yards. The series features classics from ‘North by Northwest’ to modern Oscar favorites like ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ Mark your calendars to join us for this popular 12-week movie festival, which runs Wednesdays, May 18 to August 3.

Where Am I? #12

2005. No cheating by clicking through.

Express: Now at Conner Contemporary, Mary Coble

The Express profiles performance artist Mary Coble and discusses her work, some of which (a joint video project with Blithe Riley) is on view through April 30th at Conner Contemporary.

CP: Erik Bruner-Yang

City Paper's Young and Hungry talks with Frik Bruner-Yang, a partner in Toki Underground.

Where Am I? #11

2007. No cheating by clicking through.

CP: DDOT Lays Out Streetcar Plans

The City Paper covers last night's streetcar meeting at the Atlas.

Where Am I? #10

Circa 2006. No cheating by clicking through.

Where Am I? #9

Circa 2006. No cheating by clicking through.

A Shuttle to The Game and Fundraising For Japan

Four local establishments (the Pug, Biergarten Haus, Khan's, and the Queen Vic) have teamed up to pay for a shuttle to and from tomorrow's DC United game against the NY Red Bulls. Grab a drink, or a bite, on the way over, and celebrate on the strip after. 10% of Thursday's total ring at the Pug goes to Japan recovery efforts. For shuttle times and info follow @dcuhstshuttle. A little bird also told me that the Pug bartenders might have a little info some discounted game tickets.

Where to Sip DC Brau Brews On H Street

Uploaded by sashafatcat

Young and Hungry has a full list, but here are are the local spots where I'm sure you'll want to check it out:

Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar, 1104 H Street
The Pug, 1234 H Street
Smith Commons, 1245 H Street

Peruse their website for more on DC Brau.

Tasting Table: Toki Underground

Tasting Table makes some recommendations for your next visit to Toki Underground (2nd floor of 1234 H Street).

Dinner At Ethiopic Tonight?

Of course it sounds good. But tonight you have an additional reason to head over. The first 20 dinner customers can enjoy free salad (beets, lentils, or chickpeas). I suggest the lentil salad, as it is flat out amazing. The offer is a thank you to loyal customer for patronizing the restaurant while they continue to beautify the exterior of the building (no interior construction). Ethiopic (link plays music) is located at 401 H Street. They open at 5pm.

Fire Injures One at 816 6th Street

This is the third house in north of H Street on the western side of 6th Street (across the street from Murray's).

The following updates are all from @dcfireems:

1. Update - 816 6th St NE - bulk of fire knocked down 1st and 2nd fl - EMS eval and transported 1 inj(burned hands) civ1 minute ago via web
2. +++++++++++++++++++UPDATE 1:53pm+++++++++++++++++++
   dcfireems dcfireems
   

   
   

   Update - 816 6th St NE - significant damage - No FF inj - EMS evaluated and transported 1 adult male (civ) to WHC Burn Unit - priority 2
   
   DCist has photos.

DCist: About a Denny's

DCist considers the new Denny's coming to Bladensburg Road and questions whether it will hurt the Capital City Diner.

CP: Main Streets Scramble For Dollars

Housing Complex briefly covers the funding woes of local Main Street programs. Worth a read seeing as this topic comes up from time to time here.

Where Am I? #8

Circa 2009. No cheating by clicking through.

Where Am I? #7

Circa mid-2006. This one is harder, and it's a place most won't have seen firsthand. No cheating by clicking through.

DCmud: Steuart To Break Ground By July

This seems a tad optimistic to me, but DCmud reports that Steuart plans to break ground on its new mixed use development in the 300 block of H Street by July. To review, this project will feature a Giant grocery store, and 215 apartment units. The entire project is slated for delivery in early 2013.

Ward 6 Candidates Forum Tomorrow

GOG: English Pints and Soccer on H Street

The Going Out Gurus talk up a potential Sunday at the Queen Vic (1206 H Street).

Where Am I? #6

Circa 2005. No cheating by clicking through.

CHRS: House History Part II 4/20

The popular Preservation Cafe series continues. This time you can learn how to get more information about your home's history.

Where am I? #5

Circa 2005. No cheating by clicking through.

Denny's Comes to Bladensburg Road

A reader writes in that a Denny's is setting up shop at 17th and Bladensburg Road (just south of Mt. Olivet Road and Eddie's Carryout). This will be the second Denny's in the District.

Khan's Rolls Out New Bar Menu Tonight

Tonight's roll out is a six item menu (I believe the eventual plan is to expand to 12 items). Stop by and give it a taste. 1125 H Street.

Where Am I? #4

Date unknown, but probably about four years ago. No cheating by clicking through.

@nycnell: Tru Orleans to Open End of May

Via Twitter comes an update from Nycci Nellis (TheListAreYouOnIt.com) on Tru Orleans. Tru Orleans is a restaurant coming to 400 H Street. They will serve New Orleans style fare, and will sometimes feature live musical entertainment on two levels. They are also planning a sidewalk cafe.

Where Am I? #3

Circa 2005. No cheating by clicking through.

East City Art Round Up

This feature appears courtesy of Phil Hutinet.

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Visual Arts meets Dance and Poetry Edition

Friday, April 15

CHAW and Dance is the Answer team up to kick off the combined unveiling and installation of Box O’ Art.  The exhibit will initially occur on Friday, April 15, 2011 between 6:30-7:15 pm at Eastern Market’s North Hall (225 7^th St, SE) during a Tango Your Taxes Off reception from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Under Construction

The 400 block of H Street.

WTOP: Mistrial in 2008 Robinson Murder Case

The Judge declared a mistrial after a jury deadlocked in the trial of Antonio McAllister for a series of shootings one night that resulted in the death of 13 year old Alonzo Robinson, and the wounding of other people. McAllister was one of five defendants on trial for related crimes.  One was convicted of minor charges, the other three were acquitted.

THIH: The Weir

Photo provided by Scena

The Hill is Home reviews Scena's the Weir (playing at the H Street Playhouse through May 1st).

WT: Remembering Betty Ayele (The Ohio)

The Washington Times has a longish story on Betty Ayele, who briefly ran the Ohio Restaurant (1380 H Street). Ayele was murdered in Del Ray in October of 2006. She provided key testimony against the Murder Inc. drug gang that once operated in the area, and worked with the FBI on various stings. Apparently she also assisted with some anti-terrorism efforts.

Where Am I? #2

Circa 2006. No cheating by clicking through.

Online Auction For Capital City Symphony

Buy something cool, and benefit a great cause. Capital City Symphony is based at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Check out all the H Street goodies in the auction.

Blues For An Alabama Sky at the Atlas

African Continuum Theatre Company Presents

Pearl Cleage's Blues for an Alabama Sky

It is the summer of 1930 in Harlem, New York. The creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance has given way to the harsher realities of the Great Depression. Invoking the image of African American expatriate extraordinaire, Josephine Baker, as both muse and myth, five characters, through their overlapping personalities and politics, struggle to look beyond 125th Street for the fulfillment of their dreams.

Directed by Walter Dallas
April 14 - May 8, 2011
ALL Thursday Performances are Pay-What-You-Can ($10 minimum.) Buy tickets.

Lunch For $1 on H Tomorrow?

Check out LivingSocial's Instant Deals mobile app, and tomorrow you'll be able to buy a voucher to eat lunch (only good for tomorrow between 11am and 2pm) for $1 at places all over the city. The following H Street spots are participating in the deal:

Dangerously Delicious Pies
Inspire Bar-B-Q
Sticky Rice
Taylor Gourmet

Where am I? #1

Can you guess the local building? No cheating by clicking through!

Street Talk Evening Session

Can't make those daytime sessions of Street Talk?  Well here's a special session just for you. May 2 from 6-8 upstairs at Argo (1433 H Street).

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

More on Smith Commons Saturday Brunch

As H Street Great Street recently announced, Smith Commons launches their Saturday brunch this weekend. Allow me to share a little info on what to expect. Brunch is available in the main dining room downstairs, as well as in the 2nd floor public house, and on the second floor patio. Brunch runs from 11am-3pm. The bars remain open from 3-5pm, when dinner service commences. The menu features brunch classics, but with a special twist. Sample items:  Cointreau Noir Orange Liqueur French Toast, Hanger Steak & Eggs, Wild Arctic Char with Béchamel Sauce, Eggs and Lyonnaise Potatoes. Plates range from $4 - $15. The bar menu features biscuits and muffins with house made jams, salads, snacks and bottomless Belle Jardin Mimosas or House Infused Bloody Marys for $14. Make your reservations (recommended) online. Smith Commons is located at 1245 H Street.

CP: If H Street Were a Sitcom...

The City Paper makes some storyline suggestions in case H Street the sitcom gets picked up. Make sure you don't miss the comments.

Tryst Type Concept on H Street

Yesterday's scuttlebutt from Prince of Petworth is confirmed. The owners of Fly Lounge are indeed making plans for 1346-1348 H Street. But it isn't a club they seek to open, but something closer to the Adams Morgan staple Tryst. As for the Rick Astley rumor...I'm going to call that a ruse. According to Wikipedia Astley is married (to a woman) and lives in a suburb of London.

PoP: Fly Lounge Owners Buying on H Street?

Prince of Petworth offers up a little scuttlebutt regarding the possible acquisition of a double property in the 1300 block of H Street by the owners of Fly Lounge. This would be a large property owned by Evolve, and adjacent to Evolve's new headquarters. Several months ago I spoke with an Evolve representative who told me they planned to lease the space to an established restaurant (but had not yet identified a tenant). Is the scuttlebutt true? I can't say.

WTOP: Acquittals and Convictions in 2008 Trinidad Murder Charges

WTOP reported yesterday that the Benton brothers (Joshua and Christian) have been acquitted of the brutal slaying of unarmed 13 year old Alonzo Robinson. Three other defendants face charges related to that homicide, and other offenses (including a 2008 triple murder on Holbrook Street). William McCorkle, charged with the triple murder, has been acquitted of lesser charges. Prosecutors allege that McCorkle argued with three men he did not know at a gas station. He then allegedly pursued the three men, and shot and killed all three. The victims were 37-year-old Duane Hough of the 1400 block of Trinidad Street, 35-year-old Anthony Mincey of the 600 block of Morton Street, NW, and 24-year-old Johnny Jeter of the 1700 block of Holbrook Street. Two of the men were mentally disabled.

Marcus Brown, who faced charged stemming from providing a gun to McCorkle's group to use in retaliation, has been convicted of 5 of 6 charges. The fates of Antonio McAllister, and William McCorkle still rest with the jury.

TBD also reports. As does the Post.

Capital Breast Care Center Benefit at Atlas

April 19th at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (6:30pm to 9:30pm)
Live music performed by Mike Bowers.
A variety of desserts will be provided.
Cash bar available.
Valet parking will be available at the venue for a charge.
Tickets available online.

Rosedale Clean-Up

Greater DC Cares is helping pull together clean ups at Rosedale and we are doing a special one on April 16th from 10am-1:30pm to prepare for the Health Fair. If you would like to come out and clean up please follow the instructions below to register!!!

H Street Farmers Market Returns Saturday

The H Street Freshfarm Market returns early this year. Starting this Saturday you can venture out for a bigger and better market.

9am-12pm
625 H Street (south side of the street).
Details on changes and improvements after the jump.

WTOP: 2 Acquitted in Robinson Murder

WTOP reports that a jury has acquitted twin brothers in the 2008 murder of 13 year old Alonzo Robinson. Joshua and Christian Benton, who did not know Robinson, stood accused of choosing him at random and shooting him down in front of his mother. Jury deliberations continue over the fate of the three other defendants in the joint conspiracy trial. The government's key witness has a long history of drug abuse, has sometimes heard voices, and admitted to using PCP the night of the murder. He also admitted to involvement in other separate murders.

HSGS: Smith Commons Launches Brunch

H Street Great Street reports that Smith Commons (1245 H Street) begins Saturday brunch service this weekend.

Taking a Break

Tomorrow: Street Talk at Sova

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

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

Want to Star in H Street the Sitcom?

It could happen. This open casting call popped up in my Google Reader this afternoon. Notable fact: there appears to be no hipster character. Here are a few details, but check the ad for the full list of available roles.

Casting Call sitcom. "H Street"
Please be prepared to for a cold read.
We plan to shoot the entire pilot episode of our new sitcom, H-Street.
Compensation includes meals, performance credit, and a copy of the project.
Further compensation/work would depend upon whether the series is picked up and would be negotiated at a later date.

GOG: HR-57 in Full Swing

The Going Out Gurus tell you everything you need to know about the new HR-57.

CP: HR-57 Finally Opens on H

HR-57 in its old location. Photo by Robert Mann-Thompson

The City Paper reports on the long awaited reopening of HR-57 on H Street (they moved from the old location on 14th Street to 816 H Street).

Progress at the Flats at Atlas District

Things appear to be moving along quite quickly. this photo is from 4/2. The development is behind Hechinger Mall (i.e., the old Sears site).