Brightwood

06/18/13 3:15pm

Developer Launches Survey for “Walter Reed Tomorrow”

15 Comments

Photo by PoPville flickr user Madame Meow

From an email:

“Walter Reed Tomorrow” is a cool project Hines Urban Atlantic has put together as part of their RFP submission for the Walter Reed site. Between now and July 3rd, the far-reaching survey and publicity campaign will gather nearby residents’ feedback about what Walter Reed should become. The data collected will inform Hines Urban Atlantic’s proposal to the D.C. Government about what should come the massive site – condos, retail, community space, etc.

I can’t wait to see what opinions we get – the project has so much potential!

You can fill out the survey here.

Ed. Note: Hines Urban Atlantic is a PoPville advertiser.

Bars

06/05/13 10:22pm

Simple Bar and Grill Coming to Brightwood

Coming and Going, Restaurants

30 Comments

5828 Georgia Avenue, NW

Good news for Brightwood residents – a casual neighborhood spot is coming your way. The former Kendejah restaurant and lounge is going to become ‘Simple Bar and Grill’ (next door to Chocolate Crust formerly Washington Deli.) I spoke with owner Wilfredo Guzman (Wil) who says he hopes to have the space open (at least to sample the food) in a month or so. After that they plan on getting their liquor license in hopes of offering a tasty mojito and more.

Since the space was formerly a restaurant, most of the changes going on inside are cosmetic (though the kitchen has been completely reworked.) But right away, for folks who know the area, you’ll notice an improvement because the former cinderblock/bricked front of Kendejah has been replaced by two big open windows. Wil tells me that he plans for the space to be very welcoming. Folks who live in the area can often see Wil cleaning up the area in front of his store (which can be a Sisyphean task on busy Georgia Ave.) not to mention beautifying the tree box and other touches.

Inspired by the many restaurants he has worked at, Wil wants to appeal to everyone’s taste and keep it nice and simple – thus the name. The menu will develop over time but he plans on serving grilled meats and other simple dishes at a very reasonable price. Inside folks will find a small bar in the back and lots of booths and table seating for up to 95 (the space is two storefronts combined and deceivingly large.) There will be tvs as well so folks can watch football during football season and watch other big sporting events as well. Though Wil emphasized that the spot will not be a sports bar and restaurant rather it will be a neighborhood bar and restaurant.

I asked Wil how he decided to open a restaurant while currently owning a tattoo shop and he laughed and said he’s always had two jobs. While Graphic Box is only about 2 1/2 years old and will remain open (5816 Georgia Ave NW) – he’s worked at restaurants for over 16 years. He had to work two jobs to pay his way through the Corcoran School of Art while also supporting a daughter.

I have very high hopes for Simple Bar and Grill to become a casual but comfortable spot. Stay tuned for updates as they get closer to opening.

coffee

05/13/13 10:30am

Wapa Cafe Coming to Brightwood

Coming and Going, Top Stories

3 Comments

6230 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word about Wapa Cafe coming to 6230 Georgia Ave, NW. Wapa Cafe’s Facebook page says:

“Latin American flavors, Colombian coffee, Tea and Chocolate from Bolivia, Antojitos, Art, Music and more. Come join Us.”

Updates when they get closer to opening.

Coffee options continue to march northwards – in April we learned about Culture Coffee coming to Kennedy Street and La Mano Coffee Bar should be getting ready to open in Takoma soon.

Bars

05/07/13 11:11pm

Former G Spot Lounge Space to Become Cafe Midar

Coming and Going, Petworth, Top Stories

10 Comments

5413 Georgia Ave, NW

G Spot Lounge opened up in Sept. 2010 at 5413 Georgia Ave, NW. In Sept. 2012 we learned the space was for rent/sale – $2,500/Mo to rent or a purchase price of $150,000. A liquor license application reveals it will become Cafe Midar:

“New Lounge serving American cuisine with live entertainment, dancing and cover charge. Seating Capacity is 200, total occupancy load is 210.”

Not sure if that is a typo but that seems like an ambitious capacity for such a small spot. Anyway, with the retirement of the G Spot Lounge – Climax Sports Bar now has the honors for the worst/best name in town…

coffee

04/17/13 10:30am

Culture Coffee Coming to Kennedy Street

Coming and Going, Petworth, Top Stories

69 Comments

709 Kennedy Street, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending on this great news from Culture Coffee:

Our motto is Coffee, Culture and Conversation…we want to get more people offline and in person and start forming that sense of community across all cultures. We plan to share our culture (African American) with others and look forward to having others share their culture with us…the guys at the Ethophian Deli two doors down have promised to host a Ethiopian Tea Ceremony (that should be fun).

Of course, we’ll be offering delicious coffee and espresso drinks, free Wi-Fi and LOTS of culture (spoken word/poetry slams, book readings, chess tournaments, panel discussions with various speakers, featured Cultures of the Month).

Sounds like an amazing addition to Kennedy Street. Updates as they get closer to opening.

Restaurants

04/12/13 4:30pm

Chocolate Crust Grand Opening this Weekend in Brightwood – Sample the Goods!

3 Comments

5830 Georgia Ave, NW

From a press release:

A new bakery and deli opened in the Brightwood neighborhood of DC on the corner of Georgia Ave. and Missouri Ave in late February, 2013. Owner and Chef, Robert Cabeca, used his love of and experience with chocolate to craft a unique menu of American classics infused with chocolate inspiration.

Chocolate Crust is the newest addition to the Brightwood neighborhood, and located at the corner of Georgia Ave NW and Missouri Ave. across from where the first Wal-Mart inside the District is slated to open later in 2013. The bakery is centrally located in this growing neighborhood and offers carryout and delivery services. Though there is no seated service, customers are welcome to sit and enjoy a beverage and snack on samples while their food is prepared.

Chocolate Crust’s signature dish is the Chocolate Pizza made with a crust that incorporates cacao nibs, small pieces of the roasted cocoa bean, and bits of dark chocolate. In explaining the concept of this dish Owner & Chef, Robert Cabeca explains “Chocolate is really a versatile and complex ingredient that many people sideline as a dessert or candy. The cocoa beans flavor profile enhances the natural flavors of fresh pizza.” Though customers might be uncertain when they first hear of the savory chocolate options, Robert and the staff say the feedback has been positive and encouraging.

For those remaining skeptics, Chocolate Crust will be doling out samples this upcoming weekend for their grand opening. Stop by on Saturday or Sunday for tastes of the pizza, skillet crusted cocoa mac & cheese, and assorted pastries as well as special offers – and free balloons!

Chef Cabeca states: “This is a really eclectic neighborhood with great potential. Our food has been a welcome addition for the local residents. I love watching our customers express skeptical curiosity towards our cocoa infused food and then watch their expressions of delight once they experience how good it really is. We already have dedicated regulars after just a few weeks!”

Other menu items include skillet seared Cocoa Macaroni & Cheese topped with bits of bacon and cacao nibs, ChoGrilled Cheese on Chocolate Bread, fresh made bagels and breads for sandwiches, and crisp salads. Along with the unique savory chocolate items, Chocolate Crust offers a wide variety of baked goods and pastries baked fresh daily on site. Chocolate chip cookies, scones, cupcakes, brioche cinnamon rolls, and brownies are just a few of the baked goods offerings. Custom and wedding cakes, catering and wholesale packages are also available for order.

Some metered parking is available along Georgia Ave in front of the Chocolate Crust, with other zoned parking available in nearby neighborhoods. In the coming weeks Chocolate Crust will also be offering delivery service in the adjacent neighborhoods.

Robert Cabeca has been working with chocolate for over 25 years. Owner of COCOVA in Adams Morgan, he decided to create a place where the experience of chocolate is infused into fresh, classic foods from hamburgers to pizza in a casual and fun atmosphere. Having no formal culinary training, apart from a few specialty classes like wedding cake design, Robert has proven himself a passionate expert in the field of chocolate, pastry, and cooking.

Chocolate Crust is open from 9AM-6PM every day of the week.

Crime

04/04/13 9:30am

Officer Involved Shooting: 700 Block of Tewkesbury Place, NW

Takoma/Takoma Park

No Comments

From MPD:

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at approximately 9:10 pm, members of the Fourth District Vice unit received information that there was a man armed with a gun in the 700 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW. Upon arrival, officers attempted to stop an individual who ran and pointed a gun at an officer. That officer discharged their weapon but did not strike the suspect. The suspect was apprehended and a gun was recovered on the scene. There were no injuries to the officers or the suspect.

Coming and Going

03/22/13 12:00pm

Chocolate Crust Opens in Former Washingon Deli Space in Brightwood

Restaurants

10 Comments

5830 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Chocolate Crust has opened in the former Washington Deli space in Brightwood. You can see their menu here. Anyone check them out yet?

Remembering

01/31/13 11:00am

Remembering the Battle of Fort Stevens and the Battleground National Cemetery in Brightwood

11 Comments

6625 Georgia Avenue, NW

I’ve driven past this sight probably 100 times. I finally walked past and was able to check out this incredible history.

From Wikipedia on the Battle of Fort Stevens:

The Battle of Fort Stevens was an American Civil War battle fought July 11–12, 1864, in Northwest Washington, D.C., as part of the Valley Campaigns of 1864 between forces under Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early and Union Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook. Although Early caused consternation in the Union government, reinforcements under Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright and the strong defenses of Fort Stevens minimized the military threat and Early withdrew after two days of skirmishing without attempting any serious assaults. The battle is noted for the personal presence of President Abraham Lincoln observing the fighting.

From Wikipedia on the Battleground National Cemetery:

After the battle, Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs seized 1 acre (0.40 ha) of farm land to use for burying the dead. Under direction from President Abraham Lincoln and Meigs, forty were buried on the evening of July 12 on the battlefield site. That night, Lincoln came to the site to dedicate it as the Battleground National Cemetery.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Crime

01/25/13 9:55am

Adult Female Shot in Head and Killed at 5th and Nicholson St, NW

16 Comments

Tweet from MPD:

“4D Shooting //5th & Nicholson Street NW //Adult female shot in the head unconscious not breathing //6559″

Email from MPD:

Around 3:30 am, MPD units received a call for a person down at the corner of 5th and Nicholson Sts NW. Units responded and located an unconscious complainant suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The complainant is deceased. This case is being investigated by the Homicide Branch. This area is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099.

Update from MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced that an arrest has been made in the homicide of Siohban Nicole Lee which occurred at 5th Street and Nicholson Street, NW.

On Friday, January 25, 2013, at approximately 3:24 am, units from the Fourth District responded to 5th Street and Nicholson Street, NW, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, they located an adult female lying on the ground, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded and determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending an autopsy. She was pronounced dead by a member of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has determined that the victim and suspect were known to each other.

The decedent is identified as 18-year-old Siohban Nicole Lee of Takoma Park, Maryland.

On Friday, January 25, 2013, members of the of the Homicide Branch arrested 21 year-old Alexander D. Buckley of Northwest, Washington, DC and charged him with First Degree Felony Murder in the shooting death of Siohban Nicole Lee.

Coming and Going

01/17/13 4:30pm

Masai Mara East African Cuisine Coming to Georgia and Kennedy St, NW

Petworth, Restaurants

9 Comments

5422 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word about Masai Mara East African restaurant and lounge coming to Georgia and Kennedy St, NW.

Retail

12/28/12 4:30pm

Dear PoPville – New liquor and wine shop, Simple and Good (S&G), Opens on Georiga and Kennedy St, NW

Petworth

5 Comments

5214 Georgia Avenue, NW

Dear PoPville,

There is a new liquor and wine shop, Simple and Good (S&G), at 5214 Georgia Avenue, NW (Kennedy street). I wanted to pass on to let some more people around this area of petworth/brightwood know. I know it’s just another liquor store on Georgia ave but its so much cleaner than the others I have visited near here and the owners are very friendly! They also carry good wines and craft beers.

Rental of the Day

12/17/12 3:00pm

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Brightwood

4 Comments

This rental is located at 433 Longfellow Street, NW:

The listing says:

“Fabulous top floor unit – on level all by itself. Only 3 units total. Appx. 1050 sq. ft. Lots of natural light and windows. Wood floors, facade fireplace, SS dishwasher and microwave, gas cooking, large kitchen w/pantry, formal LR and DR, sunroom – feels like a SF home. Pets considered on case-by-case basis. Laundry in basement. Rent includes heat/AC/water. Owner/agent.”

This 2 bed/1 bath is going for $1,400/Mo.

DC Government

12/10/12 1:30pm

“Mayor Gray Announces Walter Reed Community Advisory Group and Launches Great Streets Grants for Four Retail Corridors”

Development, Takoma/Takoma Park

2 Comments

From a press release:

Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced the formation of the Walter Reed Community Advisory Group and launched four Great Streets grant programs to assist revitalization of commercial corridors – two in the area of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center and two in other parts of the District.

Building on the foundation created through years of planning by the citizen members of the Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority Committee, the Community Advisory Group will work with the District as it transitions into implementation of the Walter Reed Reuse Plan. After more than 100 years at its location, the Army moved Walter Reed’s operations to Bethesda last year.

“Launching the Walter Reed Community Advisory Group is an important milestone in the development of the site,” said Mayor Gray. “The group’s focus on Walter Reed and the new grant offerings are critical to my administration’s work to maintain the commercial vibrancy of the business and residential corridors near the Walter Reed campus as well as other parts of the District. The awards we are offering will provide small business owners with an opportunity to sustain their businesses and prepare for what is to come in the way of additional, competitive retail options for all residents to enjoy.”

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Real Estate

16th St. heights

11/15/12 1:00pm

Good Deal or Not? “Enjoy dinner preparation” edition

Brightwood, Petworth

7 Comments

This house is located at 1221 Ingraham Street, NW: