Grand Re-Opening For Family Dollar

Family Dollar (1121 H St NE) is having a grand re-opening.

Po Boy Jim's New Signage Is Looking Good

Po Boy Jim Bar & Grill (709 H Street) has some sweet new signage up now. It's looking like they'll open any day now. Who's excited to sink their teeth into some Po' Boys?

Former Philadelphia Water Ice Space For Sale

The former space for Philadelphia Water Ice is for sale. There was a listing for $599,000, but that listing appears to have been removed apparently because a sale is pending. As we reported previously, this space temporarily held a Taco Impala pop-up. Here's hoping the buyer for this property puts something at least as interesting as Taco Impala or Philadelphia Water Ice there.

Spring Planting & Clean-Up at Sherwood

Join your neighbors to spiff up Sherwood Rec for the spring.

Three Area Shootings (& One Stabbing) in Recent Days

Photo by Flickr user Tony Webster (Diversey)

I was out of town for a family wedding, & as a result, I was unable to quickly post information about three local shootings.

The first happened Friday afternoon, around 3-3:30pm.   It happened in the 600 block of Morris Street (across from Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School).  Some students heard the shots, but did not witness the shooting.

Restaurant Recovery's Midday Monday Meetings at the Argonaut

Press release:

Starting Monday May 12th, Restaurant Recovery will be launching Midday Monday Meetings
for both restaurant professionals (who are struggling with drug and/or alcohol dependency issues and those who are in recovery) as well as a meeting for families and friends (who have a loved one working in the industry struggling with these same issues). These are closed meetings for either restaurant professionals or the friends/families of restaurant professionals. Given the unique working environment in a restaurant, these meetings may appeal to restaurant professionals who have a desire to stay sober while maintaining a career and a community in the restaurant industry.

H Street Block Party & BBQ Cookoff

The Table Church and our neighbors on 11th Street invite you to a Block Party and BBQ Cookoff for the whole community including – Music, Photobooth. Job Preparation Assistance. Dance-off. Kids Activities. BBQ Cookoff. Bakeoff. And much, much more!

Large Swath of the Florida Avenue Market for Sale

Image from the listing

Reader Matt Ashburn alerted me to the fact that 300 Morse is for sale. This is actually a huge building that houses several businesses. These businesses include (non-exhaustive list) a couple of butcher shops, two places that specialize in West African ingredients, a tofu manufacturer, a produce vendor, a bakery, a shop that sells (among other things) Latin cheeses, and dried chillies.

FONA Plant Sale & Garden Fair at the National Arboretum

Spring has finally sprung, and it’s just in time for the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Annual Garden Fair, April 25-26 at the National Arboretum. Held in conjunction with Arbor Day, FONA’s plant sale and garden fair is continually recognized for its premier selection of new, rare and exotic plants that are best suited for growing in the Washington, D.C. area.

Spring Jubilee at Ludlow-Taylow

Spring has finally arrived!
Join us to celebrate at Ludlow Taylor Elementary’s Spring Jubilee
Saturday, April 26th from 2-5 pm
659 G Street

WCP: What the Hell is Going on at Tru Orleans?

Jessica Sidman of the Washington City Paper has an update on even more weirdness going down at 400 H Street (the former home of the troubled Tru Orleans). You might recalled that Tru Orleans was facing eviction for unpaid rent (they had also failed to pay their taxes) not so long ago. It turns out that they paid up, and are still the leaseholders. Now a group that includes at least one of the former partners is talking about renovating for a new American-Mediterranean restaurant, but it seems that no one bothered to tell the landlord about any of this. Read Sidman's article for the full story. It's beyond bizarre.

The H Street Farmers Market Returns Saturday

Don't miss this year's opening of the H Street NE FRESHFARM Market, this Saturday at 9am (market closes at 12pm). The market is located on 13th Street, immediately north of H Street.

Vendors at the market sell fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, preserved foods, break, cookies, & much more.

Celebrate Earth Day w/Special Dinners at Sticky Rice

Photo courtesy of John Yamashita

Sticky Rice (1224 H Street) is hosting a special pre/post-Earth Day pre fixe dinner in honor of the holiday.

Sticky Rice & Chef Jonny Moto will offer a 5 course dinner this Monday the 21st & 28th at 7pm ($50 per person) Chef Jonny will use responsibly sourced proteins & vegetables to create amazing plates for patrons.

Alley Blues Behind the 1300 Block of H Street

This alley needs some serious help. Photo courtesy of Andrew Hysell

I received a plea that I help spread the word about the condition of the alley on the south side of the 1300 block of H Street. The situation is fully explained below, but you can clearly see the extent of the problem in the photos. BTW, there are homes in this alley.

Free Outdoor Screening of Heal H Street

Photo courtesy of Craig Corl

Are you interested in the history of H Street? Do you like outdoor movies? Perfect! You will not want to miss a free outdoor screening of the new documentary Heal H Street. Info after the jump.

When Did You Move Into The Neighborhood?

I'm curious to see how the "long time resident"/"newcomer" discussion evolves as time goes forward and the "newcomers" from the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s become the "long time residents". When did you arrive in DC? When did you move into the neighborhood?

More on the Pizza Place Coming to 1320 H Street [Updated]

Steak & Ice shall soon become Pizza Parts & Service

As I wrote last night, the guys behind Taylor Gourmet are preparing to open a new pizza joint at 1320 H Street (the old Steak & Ice space). The new place is called Pizza Parts & Service. A source says the interior is quite different, with a lot more light than Steak & Ice. Customers will be able to buy pizza by the slice, or by the pie. Looking for a salad or calzone? Pizza Parts & Service will sell those too. Fans of natural flavors/real sugar will appreciate the selection Puck's Sodas. I haven't seen the menu yet, but my source tells me that it looks very promising. Look for an opening very soon.

Free E-Waste Collection at Union Market Saturday

Bring your outdated electronics to Union Market (1309 5th Street) for recycling/safe disposal. Here's a list of items you should e-cycle in DC. This is a great chance to safely dispose of those old cd-roms/printers/batteries, & then reward yourself with a Market treat.

Little Miss Whiskey's Opens Second Floor of Outdoor Space

All photos courtesy of Little Miss Whiskey's.

You know that awesome back patio at Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street)? It just became even better, because they have added a level. For those who have not been to the back area, it has a fountain, and enough lush greenery to make you momentarily forget you are actually sitting in the middle of DC. From owner Mark Thorp:

New Pizza Place to Open in Steak & Ice Space?

I've been hearing for months that the guys behind Taylor Gourmet would open a pizza place in the old Steak & Ice spot at 1320 H Street. I first got the heads up from @DCExplorer way back in November. I generally try to avoid running rumors about places closing (out of sensitivity to owners & staff), so I held off on mentioning it. But another source tells me that the new pizza place will open very soon. I don't have a name yet, but look for something to happen in the very near future.

Weekend East City Event Round Up: April Super Saturday Edition

Agniet Snoep "Still Life Series: Oyster" 2013, C-Print mounted on aluminum. 
 Courtesy CONNERSMITH

Saturday, April 12

Art Enables– 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Art Enables’ April second Saturday workshop is all about the superhero!  Create you very own with all materials supplied. Details on this free activity here.  

Art Enables is located at 2204 Rhode Island Avenue NE

WBJ: Frenchie's Launches Kickstarter to Open on H Street

The Washington Business Journal brings news that Frenchie's (which has previously sold croissants & pastries at the farmers markets around here, & I think also at Union Market) recently launched a Kickstarter effort in the hopes opening a brick & mortar shop right here on H Street. They haven't released an address yet, but wouldn't this be a fabulous edition to the east end of the Corridor (the west end already has decadent offerings courtesy of Batter Bowl Bakery at 403 H Street)? If you would like to see them open up, head over & show them a little love.

Missing Dog: Sigmund

I recently fostered a dog, and he escaped from my house on Saturday, April 5th at 1:30 p.m.. He left my house at 3 and C NE and ran down East Capitol toward Lincoln Park. His name is Sigmund (but doesn't answer to it) and looks like a yorkshire terrier, but is about 15 pounds.

Here's a link to Sigmund's Craigslist missing dog page.

Last Night's Violent Mugging at 12th & K

Sorry about the old photo, but this is where the mugging took place

Anyone know what just happened at 12th & K St NE? Bloodcurdling screams at the bus stop & yells for help. MPD & EMS on scene.
— Frozen Tropics (@FrozenTropics) April 9, 2014

If you saw my tweets/retweets last night, you know that something bad went down at 12th & K Street a little after 10pm. A few minutes after I asked, MPD tweeted about a robbery at that location.

Gallaudet Celebrates 150 Years

Gallaudet is celebrating a big day today, & everyone is invited. Events are going on all day, and well into the night. Follow that same link to watch some of the festivities on a live stream. Here's the afternoon and evening events:

Noon-2 p.m.—Lunch at the Mall
Noon—Deaf Studies Digital Journal-Special 150 issue launch, SLCC
1-4—Exhibitions and presentations (student services, academic departments, student organizations, residence life)
1:30—Gallaudet Museum Exhibition Opening: Gallaudet at 150 and Beyond, Chapel Hall steps
2:30—Sesquicentennial cake at the Mall
6:30—SBG's "Mindvolt" -ASL performance art, Elstad Auditorium
8:30—Closing, Light up Chapel Hall

Can a New Coat of Paint Help Kendall Row?

Long-term readers of this blog are well familiar with the history of the troubled townhouse project at the corner of 12th & K Street NE. The Kendall Row (AKA Capitol Hill Oasis) development has baffled many of us for years. I watched with interest as they stacked the original pre-fab elements. Interest turned to frustration as the builders made mistake after mistake. A wall collapsed (leading to a massive fire at Jimmy's Tire), holes had to be re-excavated, construction equipment toppled over into pits, and so much more foolishness took place as the years wore on. The townhomes recently went on the market, but they are not cheap (close to a million last time I checked). They suffer from a cookie cutter look on the outside, and a floorplan that might charitably be described as eccentric.

Graffiti Mini-Rampage Up and Down H St

Photo by @mcombal

@FrozenTropics @HStreetDC @DCDPW - major graffiti tagging all along #hstdc bldgs & trash cans...need enforcement. pic.twitter.com/wX7UHifrSt
— Martine (@mcombal) April 6, 2014

Weekend East City Event Round Up: H Street Voodoo Edition

Voodoo queen Marie Laveau (1794–1881) by Frank Schneider (detail). 
Source: Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans.

Thursday, April 3

Wild Hand Workspace– 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Illustrator Elizabeth Graeber’s work has been featured in numerous national publications.  Her whimsical, vibrantly colored work will be on display at the Wild Hand Workspace in Brookland .  To read more about Graeber’s work, click here.

Wild Hand Workspace is located in Studio 8, Monroe Market Artwalk (716 Monroe Street NE)

Snake Oil, Holywater, & Sweet Tea at Gallery O on H

Come find your salvation!! April 5 - Gallery OonH 1354 H Street

7pm - 8:30pm Open Art Reception at Gallery O on H - No Cover
8:30pm - 10:30pm - Variety Show (sideshow, burlesque & more) $20 adv/$25 dos
Live Music with Dixie Deluxe Trio 
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League 

Tickets available online, or at the door.

Found Dog at 13th & I St (Update: Dog is Home)

A reader writes in with news that he "found a beautiful just groomed gray and white pup at 13th and I. He's say and scared, no tags." Anyone recognize him? Email elise.bernard@gmail.com if you do.

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

UPDATE

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

This dog is back at home.

Florida Ave Transportation Mtg Tonight

Test Drive Impala's Taco Window

Photo of a Impala tacos at their original stand by Jason

Stop by Impala's taco window (1358 H Street) & try out some of their new offerings. Just the thing to celebrate the warmer weather!

Opera on Tap Comes to H Street

Lego Opera singer by Ted Drake on flickr

Do you like the idea of enjoying prosecco and opera in a casual setting? If so, you might want to stop by Vendetta on Monday April 7th. Local opera singers will perform a mix of opera and musical theatre favorites. Moday night also means $1 sliders all night (2 drink minimum). Happy hour from 5-8pm. $3 PBR, $4 prosecco and Peroni, and $5 house wine.