CP: A Benefit & Artists Coming to 1337 H Street

1337 is the middle building shown in this old (undated) photo that I suspect is from 2005.

The City Paper has an interesting piece on an upcoming (September 9th and 10th) benefit/art installation/music experience at 1337 H Street. Proceeds to go the new artist (live, work, and studio) space at the same location. The City Paper gives the size as 7900 sqft, which is much larger than I would have guessed. The building belongs to restaurant owner (and Thievery Corporation member) Eric Hilton. Hilton has his hands in Marvin, Patty Patty Boom Boom, and American Ice Company. According to the City Paper he plans to open another restaurant or bar in the basement of 1337 H Street.

Bonus points if you can remember when 1337 was an illegal funeral home.

Is Realism Relevant? at Conner Contemporary

ERIK THOR SANDBERG
Receptivity (detail) 2011, oil on curved wood panel, 26 x 88 x 35.5 inches.

IS REALISM RELEVANT?

Opening 3 solo exhibitions with new figurative paintings by:

IS REALISM RELEVANT?
Erik Thor Sandberg: Reparatory Gestures
Nathaniel Rogers: When Disaster Strikes
Katie Miller : The Fancy of Babes

With conner/*gogo special project:
Lauren Adams: Plunder

Opening: Saturday, September 10th: 6-8pm

G Fine Art Celebrates 10th Anniversary

G FINE ART BEGINS 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON with

MAGGIE MICHAEL - THERE is NO RISING or SETTING SUN

Michael’s 4th solo exhibition features The Danube Series – drawings created in Romania Summer 2011 and New Studio Paintings

Washington, DC (August 31, 2011) – G Fine Art begins its 10th anniversary season with There is No Rising or Setting Sun, new paintings and works on paper by Maggie Michael. An opening reception will be held Saturday, September 10, 6-8PM, and the exhibition will run through October 15, 2011. Michael’s fourth solo exhibition features a group of works on paper – the Danube Series – executed this summer in Cetate, Romania, following the artist’s recent completion of a large scale mural for the US Embassy in Bucharest, a commission from the US ART in Embassies Program. Paintings executed at the artist’s studio in Washington, DC will also be featured.

Da Luft Comes to 1242 H Street

Twitter user @HStreetDC reports that a new seafood restaurant called Da Luft is headed for H Street.

Shelton Resigns as Comm. For ANC 5B01

The email below went out late last night. Shelton is currently under investigation for stealing near $30,000.00 in public ANC funds. He formerly served as Chair of the Commission, but he resigned that position effective July 5th. As I mentioned last night, ANC 5B has a public meeting tomorrow night. This will be its first public meeting since the scandal broke.

ANC 5B Mtg 9/1

ANC 5B PUBLIC MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
MPD 5TH DISTRICT
1805 BLADENSBURG ROAD, N.E
7:00 – 9:00PM

GETTING ANC 5B HOUSE IN ORDER

AGENDA ITEMS:
RECONSIDERATION OF ANC 5B OFFICER
SPECIAL ELECTION
ANC SECURITY FUND
BANK ACCOUNT
ANC 5B BY-LAWS COMPLIANCE
PERSONNEL MATTERS

The Show at R. L. Christian

The Red Line D.C. Project - Trailer from citylovedc on Vimeo.

ReadysetDC has details on exciting art event coming to the space that once housed R. L. Christian Library (1300 H Street). The Show highlights all that MuralsDC accomplished over the summer. Come out and enjoy art, music, live art making, and BBQ. There will also be a meet and greets with the Lead Artists, their Student Apprentices and film makers from The Red Line D.C. Project.

DCmud: Washington Gateway Movement

DCmud reports the latest developments on the Washington Gateway project. The NoMA development will be done in phases. It's centered near the intersection of Florida and NY Avenues. Phase one will deliver an eleven story building with 400 residential units, and 5,200 sqft of retail space.

Get Ready For H Street Festival 2011

The big event is September 17th from 12-7pm. What the Hill? has the most details I've seen yet on exactly what to expect at this celebration.

Washingtonian: Langston Grille on Wheels

Washingtonian catches up with the new Langston Bar and Grille food truck Langston Grille (LINK PLAYS MUSIC) on Wheels.

Exploring Reclaimed Alleys

Sightline Daily has a photo essay on reclaimed alleys. We looked at this topic back in 2009 with an alley art project in Baltimore.

GGW: Ward 5 Needs More ANCS

I intended to link to this Greater Greater Washington post when it first came out, but better later than never. The author argues that Ward 5 needs more, and smaller ANCs. I could not agree more. All of the three ANCs in Ward 5 have 12 commissioners each. That's way too many commissioners, and way too much space for each commission. When a commission covers such a large area the danger is that commissioners may end up voting on issues with which they are unfamiliar, or with which they may actually have competing interests. Obviously, there are several other good reasons to split the ANCs, but I think the author addresses the points adequately in his article, so I needn't repeat them. Those who've been around a while will recall the difference it made when they split ANC 6A.

Thrillist Visits Shawafel

Thrillist checks out Shawafel.

Y&H: Impala Update

Tacos Impala in January

Young and Hungry discusses the latest developments with Impala, the Mexican restaurant coming to 1358 H Street. Impala is the brainchild of Troy Hickman. Hickman partnered with Erik Bruner-Yang to create the temporary pop-up Tacos Impala this past fall in the Philadelphia Water Ice space. Hickman's no newcomer to the neighborhood. He's a partner in Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club, and he's been involved in multiple build-outs along the Corridor.

Surviving the Storm

Billowy by Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user Philliefan99.

We escaped the storm formerly known as Hurricane Irene relatively unscathed. I saw a few trees down, but no major damage otherwise. Hopefully everyone's basement is dry, and their roofs intact.

Improving the K Street Triangle

A reader writes in that he's been talking to DPR about improving a small triangular park that DPR owns at 8th and K. He's started a blog about the park, and wants other to offer input on what they'd like to see at the space.

Fatal Domestic Shooting on Emerald Place

There was a shooting last night on Emerald Place. According to a reader report there was a shooting between 13th and 14th on Emerald. The cops suggest it was a domestic incident ("between two families") and the victim who was taken off in an ambulance. 13th Between E and F was closed as was Emerald between 13th and 14th. The victim was a 52 year old male, and he died from his wound.

Missing & Last Seen on Benning Road NE

A reader alerted me to the story of a 22 year old man who disappeared August 20th. He was last seen on a traffic camera in the 2500 block of Benning Road NE. Here's the text I was sent that appears on the CNN site (I didn't want to change anything for obvious reasons):

A member of the Situation Room family is in need of help. Stephen DeDakis, the son of Situation Room Sr. Copy Editor John DeDakis, is missing. The 22-year-old was last seen in Washington, DC, August 20.

Queen Vic Welcomes Head Chef Ian Reeves

As we've discussed, the Queen Vic has a new Head Chef (apparently he prefers that title to Executive Chef). The good folks at the Vic have been kind enough to send over a nice bio/press release. Reeves sounds like he'll be a perfect fit for the gastro pub. Check it out:

Born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, Chef Reeves’ early influences are his mother cooking family meals daily and experiencing the local farmers market in Stroud, where his family went every week to pick up local produce and meats. His passion for sourcing local product to create mouth-watering dishes was further fueled by working at various inns, pubs and restaurants in the Gloucestershire area after leaving school.

Hostage Situation Near 15th & Benning?

@CapitolHillDC reports a hostage situation near the Starburst intersection. Prince of Petworth also has something up about certain street closures in the area. Nothing from @DCFireEMS.

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

UPDATE

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

The situation has been resolved. No injuries.

Express: Frozen Treats at Smith Commons

Black Doris Plum Icecream, a photo by ohdarling on Flickr.

Express samples some ice cream and gelato from DC restaurants. Smith Commons offers up two tasty sounding flavors 0f gelato: ginger, and jalapeno. $6 per scoop.

DC NoMA: Italian Deli Replaces Pound

The blog DC NoMA announces that Italian deli A-Deli will open a location in the former Pound Coffee space at 1300 Second Street NE. This will be the second location for the Herndon based deli that specializes in hoagies and cheese steaks. Just for reference sake, this location is 0.4 miles from A. Litteri , just over a mile from the two closest Taylor Gourmet locations, and just over a mile from Philadelphia Water Ice Factory.

Girl Meets Food: The Elvis at DDP

I am Elvis..., a photo by Lew57 on Flickr.

Girl Meets Food celebrated the anniversary of the King's death with the Elvis from Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street). The Elvis is a banana cream pie with bacon pieces and bits of peanut buttercups. Top it off with whipped cream and fresh bananas and you're done. Wow, that's a hunk of burning love indeed. $6.50 a slice, or $30 for the whole pie.

HC: Streetcar Conundrum

End of the rails, a photo by Kecko on Flickr.

Housing Complex's Lydia DePillis delves more deeply into the question of the streetcar's western endpoint.

Y&H: French Fried at Shawafel

Young and Hungry test drives the signature french fry sandwich at Shawafel (1322 H Street).

Tom Sietsema Not a Fan of Tru Orleans

Photo by philliefan99

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema advises diners looking for the true New Orleans experience to pass up Tru Orleans (400 H Street).

Fruit Bat Starts Brunch Service

Fruit Bat (1236 H Street) starts brunch service this Sunday. Here's a sampling of the menu:

A South American version of Eggs Benedict, French toast, fruit plate with organic yogurt, amazon salad w/ guava vinaigrette, Huevos con arepas y chorizo, fresh squeezed juices, and bubbly flights.

They will also serve fruit bellinis. This Sunday the celebrate with a Cruzan rum cocktail giveaway. Brunch is served until 3pm.

Trinidad Block Party 9/3

Trinidad Neighborhood Block Party and Potluck Cookout
Saturday September 3rd
2—8pm
1200 Block of Morse Street, NE
(between Trinidad and Montello Avenues)
DJ’s, Dancing, Food, and Friends
Bring a dish or food for the grills

Where Am I?

Yoga District Coming to H Street

A Yoga District studio is scheduled to open September 1st at 526 H Street (above Lady's Nails). Yoga District offers classes for all skill levels, and pretty budget friendly. This will be the second yoga studio on H Street. Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill (which offers hot yoga) is located down the street at 410 H Street.

CP: Where the Streetcar Ends

The City Paper writes about, and maps. the possible western endpoints for the streetcar.

WP: DC Wants Streetcars Rolling By Mid 2013

The Post follows up on yesterday's DDOT press release.

Comedy on H Presents Ari Shaffir

This weekend the Atlas (1333 H Street) hosts the first comedy show in a new series called Comedy on H. DC native Ari Shaffir takes the stage for the weekend. Shaffir hasn't performed in DC in about two years, but he's been plenty busy elsewhere. He's appeared on HBO, Conan O'Brien, and Comedy Central. He's also very involved with the National Lampoon site. The weekly series itself will be mostly open mic format at different H Street locations, with a big name appearing every six weeks or so at the Atlas.

Brunch Plans in the Works at HSCC

H Street Country Club (1335 H Street) announced via Twitter that they are working on plans to serve brunch. In recent months and increasing number of taverns and restaurants have chosen to serve brunch on weekends. Even more impressively, many of them are also opening for lunch during the week. Awesome news for those who work near the Corridor, or don't work a 9-5.

DDOT: Streetcar to Run in 2 Years

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

I know you'll want to read the full press release, but this is exciting and reassuring news for all. DDOT has announced that the H Street / Benning road line will be up and running by mid-2013. They are currently looking an plans for turn arounds and a car barn, and well as other remaining necessities.

Eater: Chef Ian Reeves Comes to Queen Vic

Eater announces that Chef Ian Reeves will replace Chef Adam Stein at local British gastropub the Queen Vic (1206 H Street). Stein resigned late last week. No word yet on where he's headed. According to Eater, Reves was most recently employed at London's The Bull and Last. Based on the menu there, it looks like he'll be a fine fit.

Submission for Top Chef on Bravo TV from Christian Villatoro on Vimeo.

Pretty sure this is Reeves in an audition video for Top Chef.

H Street Festival 2011 9/17

Make sure all your friends mark their calendars. The H Street Festival will be here before you know it.

New Hours at the Pug

The Pug, originally uploaded by AWard Tour.

Starting today the Pug (1234 H Street) will open at noon Monday through Friday. Opening time on Saturday and Sunday, moves to 10:30am, and earlier when big soccer games dictate (but for now they can't serve alcohol until 10:30). Pug brunch will once again be cooked behind the bar, and keep your eyes peeled for a couple of new brunch menu items in the near future.

Queen Vic Executive Chef Resigns

Executive Chef Adam Stein has resigned from British Gastropub the Queen Vic (1206 H Street). Stein had been a part of the project since long before the restaurant opened. No word on where Stein is headed, or who will replace him.

National Journal Interviews Anwar Saleem

The National Journal has a piece on Anwar Saleem (of H Street Main Street) looking back on the 1968 riots on H Street.

CP: Adios Florida Market (the Name)

The City Paper continues the discussion on Edens and Avant's branding of the Florida Market (AKA Capital City Market) as Union Market (actually an older name for the market area).

Thrillist: Shawafel

Thrillist offers more background on Lebanese newcomer Shawafel (1322 H Street). They've also got a menu posted.

Photos of Shawafel

Shawafel is the newest eatery to open on H Street. This Lebanese spot serves both lunch and dinner in a laid back (order at the counter) setting. The menu consists primarily of flatbread sandwiches. I opted for the meat shawarma (a mix of lamb and beef) and it was very good. Sandwiches are in the $6-7.50 range, or you can opt for a full platter for $13. There's a starter menu, so don't forget to pick up some tabbouleh when you stop by. A number of Middle Eastern canned and bottled beverages are also available. 1322 H Street. 11am-9pm Sunday-Wednesday, and 11am-3am Thurdsday-Saturday.

More photos after the jump.

RP: Marketing the Florida Market

Photo of A. Litteri by Ken Firestone. Used with permission

Rebuilding Place has a post pondering the future of the Florida Market in light of recent efforts to rebrand the area as Union Market (actually the least commonly used of three names traditionally applied to the Market). BTW, you should totally go to that big ice cream event on Saturday.

Can You Find H Street on This Map?

See something or say something: Washington, DC, a photo by Eric Fischer on Flickr.

You may have already seen this cool image on Twitter and Flickr use in DC, but here it is just in case. That white line sticking out of the right is H Street. If you can't find it just click through to the original photo and you'll find some location tags.

Shawafel is Open

Shawafel soft opening, a photo by Nivad on Flickr.

They had a friends and family event last week, and they are treating this week as a soft opening (grand coming next week). I'm planning to head over tonight for some tabouli and shawarma. Shawafel is open for lunch and dinner. 1322 H Street.

Shooting on 16th Street

There was a shooting early Sunday morning on 16th Street (1200 block, near Meigs). No word on the condition of the victim. Police notice:

Shooting 0034_1200 Block of 16th Street, NE Adult Male Shot DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT I20110420735

Chocolate City Kegs at the Pug Tonight

Chocolate City Brewery is launching early, and you can get your first taste of the stuff tonight at the Pug. Starting at 6pm they'll have a keg going. 1234 H Street.

Richard Florida Digs H Street

Noted urban studies guru Richard Florida put H Street at the top of his list of 10 Great Places to Explore Urban Neighborhoods. The list appears in the travel section of USA Today.

CP: Change Coming to George's Place

The City Paper has a brief piece about the future of George's Place (corner of 10th and H). Apparently he's entertaining offers from potential buyers.

Shawafel to Open Monday?

A reader reports that Shawafel (1322 H Street), a shawarma and falafel spot, had a soft opening last night and expects to be open for business Monday. Keep an eye out for the artery clogging french fry sandwich (reportedly the only one in town) that features fries, lettuce, tomato, a garlic yogurt spread, and wild cucumber pickles. I first reported on Shawafel back in March for an article in the Hill Rag.

Chalk Walk 9/10

H Street Main Street and CHAMPS (Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce) present the first ever Chalk Walk on H Street. Funded in part by a generous grant from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Investment Fund, the Chalk Walk is a day-long event that will allow attendees to watch artists working live, in partnership with H Street businesses, to create sidewalk art with the theme, “My Neighborhood is My Business.”

DCentric: A Retail Boost for H Street

Stores like Nouveau Fleur could be eligible

DCentric discusses a new program meant to bring additional retail to H Street. The program provides funds for new and existing "small and unique" retail businesses. There are some restrictions. For instance, the following are not eligible: bars, restaurants, hair salons, barber shops, cell phone shops, or liquor stores. Existing businesses would only be eligible if they do something new that creates jobs for DC residents. Businesses must from on H Street NE between 3rd and 15th. Interested in opening a retail business on H Street? Attend the next session of Street Talk.

Movie and Kids Dance Party at the Atlas

The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street) and The DC Center for Independent Living are hosting a Summer Movie + Kids Dance Party on Saturday, August 20th. This event features a screening of The Tale of Despereaux followed by a kids dance party with:
- DJ Iana (she's actually 17 and has been DJ'ing since 14!)
- Face Painting
- Rita's Water Ice and "Ice Man"
- Raffle Prizes and more!

H Street Bakes Sun at the Pug

Buy great local baked goods and enjoy Sunday brunch at the Pug with bottomless mimosas. 11am-3pm. 1234 H Street.

Capitol Hill Bakery Opens

Cupcake, a photo by REL Waldman on Flickr.

It's a little south of H Street, but the opening (Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm) of Capitol Hill Bakery is generating lots of local buzz. The space at 411 18th Street NE was previously home to Cafe Roma (I think it's the same owners). The primary specialty will be cupcakes, but you'll also be able to purchase scones, muffins, cookies, tiramisu, and traditional cakes.

Check out the cupcake menu after the jump.

The Importance of Being Earnest Extended

Scena's gender-bending production of The Importance of Being Earnest has been such a big hit that the company is extending the run through August 21st. Playing now at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street).

Liberty Tree's Patio Is Open

Liberty Tree (1016 H Street) just opened their new patio. It's pretty good timing too as we seem to have passed the worst of the summer swelter, but still have plenty of warm days stretched out in front of us. This may be the perfect time to try out their new cucumber and melon infused gin cocktails.

Fruit Bat Opens For Lunch

Local Latin inspired cocktail and juice bar Fruit Bat (1236 H Street) has added lunch and brunch service. They open at 11am. Stop by for coffee and some tasty tacos (vegetarian options available). H/T @HStreetDC.

Cocktail History at Red Palace

Sazerac #ixd11, a photo by Joshua Kaufman on Flickr.

Monday, August 15th, catch the latest installment of the Tall Tales: History of the Cocktail series at Red Palace (1212 H Street). This session focuses on the cocktails of New Orleans (the Ramos Fizz, the Sazerac, the Vieux Carre, ect.). The class starts at 8pm, and costs $25, but that includes the cost of three cocktails.

Capital Bop: Jazz at the Atlas

Capital Bop writes about the new jazz series coming to the Atlas.

Ward 5 Redistricting Task Force Blog

Offer your ideas on the ANC and SMD redistricting process through the Ward 5 Redistricting Task Force Blog. It's not as rich in data as the one for Ward 6, but there's still time.

DC Scoop Comes to the Florida Market

I received this flyer for the first of the aforementioned pop-up restaurant events coming to the Capitol City (AKA Florida) Market. Union Market is the name for the development going in right where you used to find the flea market on weekends. The event sounds interesting, and they've got a children's ice cream eating contest, free samples, live music, and an art installation.

The Maia Comes to 14th & Maryland

Housing Complex has more details on the residential development replacing Faith Bible Church on the northwest corner of 14th and Maryland (1350 Maryland Ave). This development is NOT slated to have retail space. It's a straight-up 49 unit condo building. Valor Development anticipates a ground breaking next spring.

Sneaker Con Coverage

Sneakers, a photo by izzie_whizzie on Flickr.

The Atlas hosted Sneaker Con this weekend, and there was plenty of local press there to catch all the fun. Some local coverage:

WTOP

City Paper

Music in the Courtyard 8/13

Yamomanem at the H Street Festival (photo courtesy of Galley OonH)

Gallery OonH (1354 H Street) presents Music in the Courtyard, a summer long outdoor music series. On Saturday the 13th catch Yamomanem playing New Orleans style jazz. $5 for entry gets you live music from 7:30-9:30.

Good Seed Farmers Market Tomorrow

Saturday August 6th

11am-3pm

Trinidad Rec

1310 Childress

Brought to you by the Eden Good project (in partnership with the summer youth employment program, DES and DPR). They have lots going on, including cooking and canning demonstration, a farmers market with produce and plants, prizes, and vegan treats to sample. Part of the goal is to draw attention to the new Trinidad Youth Garden (at the Rec). The garden is managed by Eden Good, Inc. (a non-profit), and they are working with kids from the summer jobs program.

Weekend East City Event Round Up: DC Go-Go Edition

This feature appears courtesy of Phillip Hutinet

Friday August 5

Honfleur Gallery (6pm to 8pm)

Honfleur will be hosting the Fifth Annual East of the River Festival with six local Ward 8 artists selected by a panel of jurors. Upstairs, artists Mei Mei Chang, Honfleur’s summer resident artist presents 61 which pushes the boundaries of paper and canvas onto the gallery’s walls.

Honfleur Gallery

www.honfleurgallery.com

1241 Good Hope RD SE

Metro: Anacostia (Greeen Line)

Two DC: Granville's v. Brasserie Beck

Chef Teddy during his throwdown against Bobby Flay

Local blog Two DC compares and contrasts Granville Moore's and Brasserie Beck. While the authors concede that while "[i]n a head to head mussel/frite comparison, Beck might win by a nose (mostly because we like their thin fries better than Granville's thicker cut)...in an overall experience comparison, Granville Moore's takes it by a landslide."

Best of DC Shorts Coming to the Atlas

It's a while off, but you might want to mark your calendars now for special screenings of the Best of DC Shorts the weekend of September 17th and 18th at the Atlas. DC Shorts is one of the top film festivals in the country, and features 145 films from over 23 countries.

CP: Jazz at the Atlas

The City Paper takes a look at a new jazz series coming to the Atlas (1333 H Street). Starting in September Jazz at the Atlas will feature different acts every two weeks. Tickets will be available online starting August 18th.

Washingtonian Checks Out Tru Orleans

Photo by philliefan99

Washingtonian does a quick appraisal of Tru Orleans (400 H Street).

HWDC: Update in Scarborough Murder

Homicide Watch D.C. reports on the latest development in the prosecution of the three men accused of killing 71 year old Glen Scarborough on June 18th. Defense attorneys for the men are arguing that their confessions are unreliable, and may have been coerced. The judge found the confessions reliable enough to hold they men, and suggested that the reliability of the confessions was an issue for trial.

Beer Dinner at Liberty Tree 8/18

Liberty Tree (1016 H Street) will host a five course Sam Adams beer dinner. $65 reservations recommended. Please call 202 396 8733 or email info[at]libertytreedc.com

Baby Loves disco at R&R Hotel

Baby Loves Disco returns to Rock and Roll Hotel Wednesday August 17th (5-8pm). tickets are available online, and are $20 a person,or $60 for four tickets.

This isn't just an ordinary Baby Loves Disco event. It's part of the Super Hero Tour. What's that?

Tru Orleans Offers Monday Specials

Abita Amber, a photo by Numinosity (by Gary J Wood) on Flickr

Tru Orleans (400 H Street) has rolled out some Monday specials that are easy on the pocketbook. The red beans and rice with andouille sausage, which would normally run you $16, can be had for only $8. All Abita drafts are also half off ($3 instead of $6). I'd call that a pretty good incentive to check the place out if you haven't been yet.