American Observer: SOVA

Check out this great review of SOVA from the folks in American University's School of Communication's journalism program.

Family Night @Argonaut

Family Night
At The Argonaut
1433 H St NE

Every Wednesday Night

kids 12 and under eat free
With Adult sandwich or entrée purchase

It Can Be Amazing

In Shaw offers up the example of what was once a true ugly duckling building occupied by a check cashing place, but that has now been reborn as a swan. Click on the photos to enlarge.

USA Today: King's Vision on H

The owner of George's Place is one of those interviewed
USA Today looks at H Street, as well as neighborhoods in Chicago and Kansas City to evaluate progress and short fallings over the past forty years.

Massive Fire Guts Jimmy's Tire

Firefighters arrived on the scene around 1:30pm. The fire continues to burn. Firefighters broke down the door of at least one neighboring, but unconnected rowhouse. Three people escaped unharmed from the tire store.











Currently none of us has any water pressure, and things are very smokey, but less so than they were. The family whose door was broken down is safely situated at a neighbor's house where they have been invited to stay. I received a phone call from a neighbor who swore she could see the smoke a couple of hours ago when her plane took off from National. As you can see, I got lots of pictures. Not shown is the giant fireball that came shooting out of the right side of the building around 2pm.









The water pressure is back. The firefighters are now using foam, though I believe they may still be using some water. There is a report of one firefighter injury. Firefighters expect to have the fire out sometime tonight with continued observation through tomorrow. One source cited the cause as a possible spark from the nearby condo construction.









WUSA9
ABC7
NBC4
At 7am they are still spraying the fire with foam that now coats the streets and gives the appearance of freshly plowed snow. And once again there is no water for many of the nearby residents. A section of the building has now been cut apart, allowing better access to the fire. If Jimmy's Tire could have been saved as a shell when this fire started that possibility is now gone. This one is a tear down for sure. Let's hope the owner had lots of insurance that will cover this.

PSA 504 Meeting Saturday

This month's Police Service Area meeting for PSA 504, which includes the Florida Market, Carver-Langston, Ivy City, and Trinidad ares, will be held on Saturday at 10am. The meeting location rotates each month, so keeping up can be tricky, but this month's meeting is at the Youth Service Center, at 1000 Mt. Olivet Road.

Sister's Pizza and Mussels

Another restaurant has signed on for the retail development over by the ATF. Sister's Pizza and Mussels is Denver based, and hopes to open this, its first DC location, sometime in April.

4AM Shots in the 1400 Block of Orren

No injuries, but residents of the block did sustain some property damage. I'm told 34 shell casings from at least two different guns were collected. Several cars, including the one in this photo that I received from a neighbor, were hit during the gun battle.

Pound Coffee Coming Soon

Pound Coffee is coming to the neighborhood, or rather, as they put it, they are coming to the ATF. Pound Coffee is part of the planned retail development going in at the new ATF site right next to the NY Ave metro.

New Beverages @the Argonaut

You've heard about the new beer and wines lists at the Argonaut, 1433, now see them for yourself.

BEER

Draft

Argonaut’s Booty Beer, Red Hook IPA, Washington State Stella Artois, Belgium
60 Minute IPA, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Delaware (coming soon)
Harpoon UFO, Mass Bay Brewing Co, Massachusetts

Bottled Beer

Bud Light, Anheuser-Busch, Missouri
Pabst Blue Ribbon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brooklyn Pilsner, Brooklyn Brewery, New York
Abita Amber, Abita Springs, Louisiana
Original Sin Cider, New York*
Belgian White, Blue Moon Brewing, Colorado
Wolaver’s IPA, Otter Creek Brewing, Vermont*
Old Plowshare Stout, North Coast Brewing, California*
Cru d’Or Belgium Style Ale, North Coast Brewing, California*
West Coast IPA, Green Flash Brewing, California
Stone Mill Pale Ale, Green Valley Brewing, California*
Wild Hop Lager, Green Valley Brewing, California*
Cattail Ale, Lakefront Brewery, Wisconsin*
Organic ESB, Lakefront Brewery, Wisconsin*
Heineken, Holland
Guinness Draught, Ireland
Organic English Ale, St. Peter’s Brewery, England 500ml*
Nut Brown Ale, Samuel Smith Brewing, England 500 ml
Oatmeal Stout, Young’s Brewing, England, 16.9oz

*Denotes beer is certified organic

Argonaut Wine List

By The Glass – White
Chardonnay, Lolonis, Redwood Valley, California, 2006 7
Pinot Gris, Wines By JOE, Oregon, 2006 6

By The Glass – Red
Cabernet Sauvignon, Foxglove, Paso Robles, California, 2005 7
Malbec, Trapiche “Broquel,” Mendoza, Argentina, 2005 7
Merlot, DeLoach “Estate,” Russian River Valley, California, 2004 8
Pinot Noir, Frey, Mendocino County, California, 2005 *9
Shiraz, McWilliams “Hanwood Estate,” Southeastern Australia, 2006 6

By The Bottle – White
Chardonnay, Lolonis, Redwood Valley, California, 2006 *40
Pinot Grigio, Periage, Verets, Italy *33
Pinot Gris, Wines By JOE, Oregon, 2006 28
Sauvignon Blanc, Grove Mill, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2007 *33
White Blend, St. Hallett “Poacher’s Blend,” Barossa Valley, Australia, 2007 33
semillon, sauvignon blanc

By The Bottle – Red
Cabernet Sauvignon, Twenty Bench, Napa Valley, California, 2005 44
Cabernet Sauvignon, Foxglove, Paso Robles, California, 2005 34
Malbec, Nieto “Don Nicanor,” Mendoza, Argentina, 2004 37
Malbec, Trapiche “Broquel,” Mendoza, Argentina, 2005 31
Merlot, DeLoach “Estate,” Russian River Valley, California, 2004 37
Pinot Noir, Bearboat, Russian River Valley, California, 2006 44
Pinot Noir, Frey, Mendocino County, California, 2005 *40
Shiraz, McWilliams “Hanwood Estate,” Southeastern Australia, 2006 26
Red Blend, Worthy “Sophia’s Cuvée,” Napa Valley, California, 2004 62
cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot
Rioja, Faustino VII, Rioja, Spain, 2003 28
Zinfandel, Peachy Canyon “Incredible Red,” Paso Robles, California, 2005 26

*Denotes Wine Is Certified Organic

Wheatley Update

Those of you who live near Wheatley Elementary, have no doubt been curious, so here is some info.

Recent Questions

A couple of questions have popped up recently that I can't answer. Does anyone have any info on these?


Anyone know what is being built on Bladensburg NE between Yellow Cab & Mt Olivet cemetery?

What's happening with that big building on Bladensburg near Jimmy Valentine's?

Capitol Hill Premium Tobacco Opens

The shop, and I believe also the private club upstairs, is now open and operating. I saw a membership application for the upstairs club, and I want to say that the lowest level of annual membership was around $225. Capitol Hill Premium Cigars and Tobacco is located at 1016 Florida Ave.

Nouveau Fleur

I haven't made it down there yet, but I understand that this new flower shop has opened up at 500 H Street. I'm told that the owner plans to offer herb/container gardening classes once the weather becomes more springlike. They are located on the first floor of the Language Doctors building. So some of you will recall when the space was occupied by the Mid-Day Cafe.

Heidi's Brooklyn Deli

Apparently one is coming to 200 Florida Ave NE, which would place it right next to the NY Ave metro. Once they finish construction, the immediate area will also have a Marriot Courtyard, and the new ATF headquarters.

Updated MPD/City Contact List

NOTE THE 311/911 CHANGE

Important Phone Numbers/Websites for City Services

Metropolitan Police Department

Washington, DC

Police & Fire Department’s Emergency & Non Emergency Number: 9-1-1 (per Office of Unified Communications Jan 14, 2008)

To Request City Services (graffiti removal, assistance with abandoned cars and abandoned houses, etc.) dial 3-1-1

Sex Offender Registry: http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1241,q,540704.asp

Watch Your Car Program Watch Your Car Program

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit

Latino Liaison Unit: 673-4445

A School Visit from McGruff the Crime Dog: 727-8809

Criminal Records/Police Clearance: 727-4245

Operation TIPP (Terrorist Incident Prevention Program):
TERRORIST TIP LINE – 1 877 YOU WATCH (877 968 9282) Operation TIPP (Terrorist Incident Prevention Program)

GUN TIP LINE- 1 800 GUN – TIPS (800-486-8477)

CRIME SOLVERS – 1 800-673-2777 (PICK DC, VA OR MD)

Child Support Enforcement: (202) 442-9900 http://csed.dc.gov/csed/site/default.asp

DC’s Legal Brief: Gun Ban: http://www.nbc4.com/download/2008/0104/14980193.pdf

City’s Customer Services Operations: 3-1-1 or http://dc.gov/mayor/customer_service/core_services.shtm

Abandoned Auto, Alley Cleaning, Alley Repair, Autumn Leaf Collection, Bulk Collection, Dead Animal Pick–Up, Grass & Weed Mowing, Illegal Dumping, Litter Cans (Repair), Parking Enforcement, Pothole, Rat Abatement, Recycling Carts, Recycling Collection, Sanitation Enforcement, Sidewalk Repair, Street Cleaning (Sweeper), Streetlight/Alley Light, Street Repair, Street Sign, Supercan, Traffic Signals, Trash Collection, Tree Related, Yard Waste

Visitor Perspective: Palace of Wonders

I thought people might be interested in this little bar review I stumbled across. Palace of Wonders is located at 1210 H Street.

DC Foodies Does Litteri's

Photo by Ken Firestone. All rights reserved.
DC Foodies offers a nice piece with photos on your favorite Italian store and deli. A. Litteri is located at 517-19 Morse Street and the Florida Market. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

So You Think You Can Dance

In what is either the most unexpected, or second most unexpected story of the week on Frozen Tropics we now have word that the Fox show So You Think You Can Dance is holding auditions at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on February 21st. Apparently the Atlas is already getting calls about hotels. Let's hope no one plans to stay at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street.

New Menu @NAPA 1015

Here's the latest from NAPA 1015, which is predictably located at 1015 H Street.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we appreciate all of the feedback that has been given through frozentropics. In response to some requests, we've changed the menu some, trying to give some variety by adding a light fare section of sandwiches. I thought it would be helpful to go ahead an post our entire current menu below

Also, although reservations are not required they can be made at 202-396-6272. We are currently open Tuesday-Saturday at 5 p.m.

-Scott (the bartender)



Appetizers

Mussels du jour
$14

Country pate served with pommery mustard
$9

Crab & artichoke crostini
$10.95

Soups

Soup du Jour
French onion
$6.50

Salads

Caesar salad
Hearts of romaine and shaved Asiago
served with crouton spears and our house Caesar dressing
$9.95

House salad
Romaine & baby field greens with shaved red cabbage, carrots,
tomato's & cucumber with our house dressing
$7.95

Light Fair

Grilled chicken sandwich & swiss with a lime mayo. Served with potato wedges
$13.99

Beef tenderloin jalapeño burger & cheddar. Served with potato wedges
$14.99

Grilled vegetable and feta sandwich with a sundried tomato vinaigrette. Served with potato wedges
$13.99

Pasta

Gulf Shrimp
Sauteed shrimp with scallions tomato, applewood bacon, feta, herbs & spices in a white wine sauce
$24.95

Wild mushroom fettuccine
Shiitake, cremini & baby portabella with garlic and shallots finished with herbs and goat cheese
$22.95

Entrees

Rosemary chicken with pommery sauce
sauteed breast of chicken with roasted red potatoes
$16.95

Fish Dujour
market price

Filet of Beef
Fire grilled filet of beef served with shiitake & a Port demi glace
$32.95

Lump crab cakes
$28.50

WP: Different Shows Must Go On

The Post reports on the efforts of one theater company, Theater Alliance, to keep keep the faith as non-neighborhood theatergoers prove hard to court without a metro. Theater Alliance is the resident company at the H Street Playhouse, which is located at 1365 H Street.

Moonlighting

When not soliciting Barbie cam photos Glover can be found at her hot yoga studio located at 410 H Street.
An email alerted me to the interesting other life of Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill owner Elizabeth Glover. Here is the Post report. Now check out the pics from Wonkette! See, the neighborhood's already more interesting than you thought.

Be Aware 1800 Block of H

The following report appeared on the MPD-5D listserv last night--

Tonight at around 8 my girlfriend was walking down the 1800 block of H st. NE when a man grabbed her by the arm. She thought he was just attempting to talk to her and didn't initially think anything of it. He refused to let her go and started pulling her closer. Luckily, a van was passing by at the same time and the driver yelled at the man to let her go. He still wouldn't let her go, but she was able to
wrestle herself free and she ran away.

To be clear, this is not part of the H Street commercial district. This is after Benning Road takes over. The 1800 block of H Street is in Carver-Langston and it is a residential area.
Here is a map.

New Policy @Dr. Granville's

As you may know if you read the comments, a new seating policy recently went into effect at Dr. Granville's. Has anyone been there since the change? If so, what was the result? Here is the original announcement of the change [slight editing]:

Joe Englert said:

Elise and all our friends on H....

We are concerned about making our neighbors and customers happy at Granville Moore's.
Therefore, starting next week [the comment was left New Years Eve], we will be having a host/hostess every Friday and Saturday night with a clipboard taking names and seating people in order of arrival for when an appropriate-sized table comes available.
We are able to take reservations of 6-8 for three of our tables at times of [5:30, 7:30 and 9:30] p.m. We must give away the table to the next party if the group is not there at the requested time. All other tables are open on a first come, firstserved basis.
We also can do reservations of 10 or more upstairs during the week, but cannot seat everyone at one table.
We tried to keep the seating policy more casual than this, but because of continual concerns, we are now putting these new policies into practice.
Thanks for being so supportive and we hope to see you soon. Thanks, Get, Chris, Teddy, Joe and the Staff

H Street Heritage Trail

From the Organizers--
A note to all who attended our last meeting and those who have shown interest in the efforts towards establishing a Heritage Trail on H Street:--

Tomorrow night, Monday, January 7th, we will hold our third meeting for the H Street Heritage Trail. Again, the meeting will be at 7PM in the Lang Theater of the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 1333 H Street NE.

Sam Smith, founder of the Capital Gazette and a reporter and resident at the time of the 1968 riots, has been nice enough to volunteer some time in order to share his experiences about those times.

I apologize that this announcement comes so late, but am hoping you all can make it. I'm really looking forward to the event, and am sure Mr. Smith has a lot to share.

Also, Ms. Mara Cherkasky of Cultural Tourism has informed me that they have begun to consider physical placements for the signs, so that of course will be another point of discussion.

Also, Mr. Rick Burns was able to interview Ms Kogok about her times spent on the corridor and we're hoping he'll have a lot to share at the meeting.

If you have any questions, please email me back or call me at (202) 286-4343

Hope to see you there,
Thomas

RCA Meeting Monday

Hello everyone,

The Rosedale Citizens Alliance will have its next meeting this Monday, January 7th at 7:30PM. We'll be meeting at Sova, 1359 H ST NE (2nd floor).

Highlights on the agenda include

-- presentation by John Cotten, Community Outreach Coordinator, Rosedale Youth Institute

(The Rosedale Institute is non-profit organization consisting of parents and volunteers who support the sports programs at the Rosedale Recreation Center. Mr. Cotten will tell us about
the work they do and discuss the grant application that RYI and RCA are putting together for the football program.)

-- update on issues to resolve traffic speed and volume in Rosedale/Kingman Park
-- spring planning for the Rosedale/Kingman Park community garden
-- updates on the future rosedale recreation and community center
-- discussion of closing of Gibbs Elementary

Rosedale Citizens Alliance
www.rosedalecitizen.blogspot.com
for more information, contact rosedalecitizensalliance@gmail.com

NYT: Heirs to A Headache

The New York Times has an interesting piece on the complications that result when multiple heirs inherit shares in real estate holdings. Another good reason to plan your estate carefully.

Delta Towers II

No info yet, but look for the matter of right addition to the senior living center to come up soon, because it is definitely on the horizon.

Delta Towers is adjacent to the Starburst Intersection.

ANC 6A Meeting 1/10

Left in the comments:

Joseph Fengler said...

Anyone interested in ANC 6A, please visit our website at anc6a.org. We have a handful of very active volunteer committees – dealing with issues ranging from zoning, to liquor licenses, to transportation - and we welcome anyone’s participation.

At our next ANC 6A meeting on January 10, 2008, we will be providing a "snap shot" update on H Street. Our meeting starts at 7:00pm and is held at Miner Elementary School – the 600 block of 15 Street, NE. The following people have confirmed their participation:

Director Moneme and Ms. Karina Ricks from DDOT, will discuss the H Street NE Streetscape project to include status of the contract, tentative construction plans (where will construction start) and the status of ordering the street cars funded in the FY 2008 budget. Time 10 - 12 minute presentation with 5 - 10 minutes of questions and answers.

Mr. Woody, from the Mayor’s office of Economic Development, will provide a short update on the following: (1) Great Streets Neighborhood Retail Priority Area, (2) Target Building Improvements - Corridor Wide and (3) Mixed Use Development Partner to Build a Bigger and Better R. L. Christian Library in a Mixed Use Building. Time 10 - 12 minute presentation with 5 - 10 minutes of questions and answers.

Mr. Saleem, the Director of HSMS, will provide an update on the clean and safe program for H Street and the on-going efforts for the facade improvement program. Time 5 minute presentation with 5 - 7 minutes of questions and answers.

Councilmember Wells and Brown will be on hand to participate as well.

We have also invited the following:

Mr. Barrow, from [the] H Street [Community Development Corporation] has declined to participate, but will be in attendance at the meeting.

Mr. Rappaport, who owns the H Street Connection located at 8th and H Street, NE, has been invited to participate and we are still waiting to see if he will attend the meeting.

For all residents, this will be a good opportunity to meet your Councilmember, the key players on H Street as well as your local ANC representatives.

Regards,

Joseph Fengler, Commission 6A02

Some New Developments

I've updated the Hangouts and Haunts to reflect some new activity, including the announcement of some new coming attractions. Check it out here. Trust me, it is worth clicking through.

Argonaut Update

from the Argonaut (1433 H Street):

Darts
Argonaut is now forming dart teams to play in WADA. The season starts January 15th. We are looking for people who can play on either Tuesday or Wednesday nights. If you are interested, please email info@argonautdc.com (or stop by and fill out an application).

Trivia Night
I am looking for someone to help organize and run a trivia night at the Argo. If anyone is interested, please email info@argonautdc.com .

Hiring
The Argonaut is looking for people interested in part-time server positions. We are looking for dedicated and professional people who live in the area to join our new team for 2008. While experience and knowledge of wine and beer is not necessary, it would definitely be a plus. If you are interested, please email scott.magnuson@yahoo.com.

New for 2008!
Big changes are happening at the Argonaut, and if you haven't stopped by recently, please do so!
We have finished making changes to the dining room, the bar area and both bathrooms (although the men's room is not quite finished) and we are in the process of revamping our kitchen.
You can look forward to a new wine menu (created with help from Adam Manson, Wine Consultant from Veritas Wine Bar) and a new beer list (with a lot of smaller, US micro brews). Both the beer and wine lists have a strong organic influence, but don't worry, Booty Beer and some of your other favorites will still be available.
We are also in the process of hiring a new chef, and in the coming months we will have a new food menu that will feature free-range, organic, and/or locally grown products. We'll still offer some of our more popular sandwiches, and of course, the sweet potato fries!
Expect the new menu sometime around the beginning of March, followed by a new brunch menu. (I'd like to thank Teddy Folkman from Granville Moore's who has been offering us his culinary expertise.)

We wish everybody the best in 2008 and look forward to your feedback. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email info@argonautdc.com .

Thanks,

Scott Magnuson
GM/Owner
Argonaut

Lots of Things Were Happening

An Interesting Development...

...regarding H Street Main Street and the annual festival. Perhaps the issue has been resolved, because the link now goes to the HSMS Page.