View Great Brookland Yard Sale in a full screen map

From an email:

Due to the very high chance of inclement weather tomorrow, at this time, we are opting to use the Rain Date of Sunday May 12th, from 10am to 2pm.

We are very sorry to have to move the sale to Mother’s Day, but at this time, it is our best option.

Due to the last minute nature of the move, tables will NO LONGER be available for rent at St. Anthony’s or Guildfield Baptist Church.

This Sunday, over 60 houses in Greater Brookland will be hosting simultaneous yard sales from 8am to 2pm. There will be clusters of tables along 12th Street at Guildfield Baptist (12th & Otis St NE) and St. Anthony’s (12th & Lawrence St NE) that will host residents who would rather not sell on their own front lawns. In addition, Menomalé will be open at 12th & Franklin, as will Little Ricky’s (12th & Monroe) and San Antonio Bar & Grill (12th & Randolph) and the whole thing turns into a great spring day in Brookland. Also going on is the Greater Brookland Garden Club’s plant sale at 12th & Newton, for those who want locally grown seedlings!

From a press release:

Joint venture partners Federal Capital Partners® (FCP) and Self Storage Zone have announced the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of 645 Taylor Street, NE (formerly the Capital Area Food Bank) into a three story, 78,600 square foot, fully climate-controlled, self-storage facility. The redeveloped property will include 1,034 units ranging in size from 5’ x 5’ lockers to 10’ x 30’ units and is well-located in the Brookland submarket of Washington, DC, one block from Catholic University and six blocks from the Brookland/CUA Metro station. The facility is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2014.

Ed. Note: The Capitol Area Food Bank moved to 4900 Puerto Rico Ave., NE in July, 2012. “The new facility is over twice the size of the former warehouse on Taylor Street, NE.”

On the Brookland listserve it was pretty much love it or hate it. I’m def. leaning towards the love it side. What do you guys think – a little too in your face or neighborhood pride at its best?

Ed. Note: Thanks to Brandon and others who also sent photos.

Dear PoPville,

The company building some of the new developments at the Monroe Street Market posted a teaser on their Facebook page for what retail businesses are coming to their project. I think they’ve included clues in the teaser, but I’m not smart enough to figure them out. Like the bank with a “stagecoach” is obviously Wells-Fargo. Any idea on the others?

1- Our Brookland Works buildings MAY have a “white table cloth” type restaurant. It would be great if this place offered a wide range of cold beverage options, wouldn’t it???? One can only hope I guess!

2- Brookland Works MAY also include a bike shop with a coffee component to it. What a cool concept right on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Path!

3- Need some financial services? Maybe a Bank? Maybe a horse and stagecoach I mean car loan?

4- Several casual dining establishments, perfect for lunch on the go or a sit down meal? Let your mind run on that one! No really, let it run…

5- A large scale bookstore…When I say large, I don’t mean small.

6- Twenty Seven Art Studios…Artist Applicants, keep your fingers crossed!!! We are still selecting and you’ve made it very difficult for us! You are all so wonderful, but we only have 27 spaces
(big THANK YOU to CulturalDC for your help on this!)

7- And the big question we all keep hearing from everyone! “ARE WE GETTING A GROCERY STORE?!?!?!?!”…”WELL ARE WE??????”

This house is located at 3503 15th Street, NE:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“LARGE COLONIAL BRICK HOME SIX BLOCKS TO METRO. FEATURES SEVEN BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS. CUSTOM KITCHEN GRANITE AND NATURAL MAPLE CABINETS. FEATURES AS BI-FOLD FRENCH DOORS AND DOUBLE DECKER SIDE PORCHES. SELLER IS PROVIDING A HOME WARRANTY SINCE THE PROPERTY IS SOLD “AS IS”

You can see more photos here.

This 7 bed/4.5 bath is going for $729,750.

Speaking of development in Brookland…

A reader sends in a shot of Monroe Street Market rising at Monroe and Michigan Ave, NE. The reader titles the photo above: “Schwing”

For those not familiar with the project you can read more details here:

“When completed, the five-block, mixed-use project will consist of approximately 718 multi-family residential units, 45 townhouses and over 80,000 square feet of retail along with 14,000 square feet of artists’ space and a 3,000 square foot community arts center.”

Rendering via H&R Retail

Back in June 2012 we learned that the owners of The Pug (H St, NE), Solly’s (U St, NW) and Sova (formerly of H St, NE) were bringing a new neighborhood bar, grill and coffee Lounge to Brookland. At that time they were hoping to open in the former Library space at 3514 12th Street, NE. Pug owner and Brookland resident Tony T explained their vision to us:

We are putting together a family friendly, neighborhood bar and grill. The coffee element that Frank brings is also an integral part of what we are doing.

I live just a few blocks away, so I’m looking to make a place where I can take the kids to dinner as well as a place the softball team can come for a few pitchers after a game. the neighborhood bar feel is very important, but with the chef we’re bringing on board, the menu is going to be much broader than hot dogs and 13th street meats off of the Pug’s grill. Although both may be included to keep the kids happy.

The long and short of it is, we want a place to eat and drink that caters to the families and folks who have been in Brookland for years, as well as a place for the newer folks.

The bad news is that the former Library space, obviously, didn’t work out – the good news is that they found an even better corner location – 12th and Jackson St, NE:

View Larger Map

And I’m happy to say the vision of coffee/bar/restaurant remains. Last week I spoke with the future owner who told me the space will have room for around 55 seated inside and an awesome 25 person outdoor patio. For the outdoor patio think Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Cusbah that have the roll down window with their outdoor seating:

If all goes according to plan they hope to open sometime in September. Stay tuned.

After the jump – a taste of some of what you’ll see on the menu.

Salads and Sandwiches

Seasonal Green Salad
Arugula, Red Onion, Cucumber, Bacon Crutons, Sweet Basil Vinaigrette

Cow Girl Charcuterie Platter
Fennel Salame, Olli Proscuitto, Cow Girl Creamery Cheese Selection, Marcona Almonds, Roasted Red Pepper, Cornishons, Olives

Grilled Caesar Salad/ add chicken or salmon
Caesar Dressing, Croutons, Parmesan Reggiano

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and Grits
Creamy Grits, Creole Sauce

Brookland Burger
Grilled Angus Beef, Carmelized Onions,
Tillamook Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Brioche Bun, Onion Rings

Soup of the Day
Daily Seasonal Selections

Beer Braised Steak Sandwich
Beer Braised Prime Rib, Provelone, Horseradish Mayonaise, Carmelized Onions, Hand Cut Fries

Crab Cake Sliders
Pan Seared Crab Cakes, Lemon Aioli, Brioche
Buns, Kettle Chips

13th Street P.E.I. Mussels
Roasted Tomato Sauce, Pernod, Fennel,
Garlic, 13th Street Chorizo, Grilled Crostini

Crab and Avacado Salad
Tarragon Aioli, Roasted Corn, Red Pepper, Baby Greens

Grilled Chicken Club
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Romaine,
Heirloom Tomatoes, Dijon Mayo, Handcut Fries

House Salad
Mixed Greens, Tomato, Pecorino Romano, Balsamic

Panini

Brookland Margarita
Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato Sauce

Jersey
Deli Pepperoni, Salame, Italian Sausage, Onion, Bacon, Mozarella Cheese, Marinated Tomatoes

Porchetta
Roasted Garlic, Red Onion, Fresh Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Arugula, Whole Grain Mustard Sauce

Turkey Goat Cheese, Cucumber, Sundried Tomatoes, Creamy Vinigarette

Proscuitto and Pesto
Olli Proscuitto, Pesto Sauce, Feta, Arugula

Entrees

Brick Oven Roasted Half Chicken
Seasonal Vegetables, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Demi Glace.
Rosemary and Dijon Salmon 20 Roasted Tomato, Green Beans, Stone-Ground
Grits

Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sunday Sauce, Hand Cut Pasta, Veal Meatballs

Fried Maryland Catfish
Coermeal Encrusted Local Catfish, Mac & Cheese, Greens

Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Miso Marinade, Pickled Veggies, Jasmine Rice, House-made kimchi

Cowboy Cut Pork Chop
Apple cider Brine, Brandy Cream Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables

Porcini Rubbed Rib Eye Steak
Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Spicy Rapini, Porcini Mushroom Rub

Kids menu

Spaghetti
Tomato Sauce, Grated Pecorino Cheese, Meatballs

Brookland Kid’s Burgers
Grilled Angus Beef Sliders, Tillamook Cheddar, Brioche Buns, Handcut Fries

Chicken Tenders
Fried Chicken, Fresh Cut Veggies

Grilled Cheese Panini
Cheddar, Mozzarella, Kettle Chips

PB&J
Creamy Skippy, House-Made Jelly, Handcut Fries

Desserts

Loaded Banana Split

Cannoli
Grandma’s Recipe, Pistachio

Pound Cake Crouton
Winter Berry Sauce, Chantilly Cream

Cheese Trio
Poached Fruit, Lavender Honey, Crostini

White Chocolate Cheesecake
Strawberry Basil Sauce

Double Chocolate Brownie
House-Made Peanut Brittle, Vanilla Ice Cream

From MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, Northeast.

On Saturday, March 30, 2013, at approximately 2:09 am, patrol units from the Fifth District responded to the 600 block of Edgewood Street, Northeast for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The decedent is identified as 33-year-old Irving Jones, Jr. of Northeast, Washington, DC.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

View Larger Map

From MPD:

This morning, [March 30th] at approximately 3:35 AM, members of the First District were flagged down in reference to a shooting. Members responded to a residence in the 900 block of Delaware Avenue, SW, where they discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, who was conscious and breathing, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A second victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment after sustaining non-life threatening injuries while fleeing the scene. Lookout for (2) black males, slim builds. No further description at this time.

This rental is located at 1210 Perry Street, NE:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“FANTASTIC 2BD CONDO W/OFF-STREET PARKING, 2.5 BLOCKS FROM METRO STATION. WALKING DISTANCE FROM UNIVERSITIES, SHOPPING, SUPERMARKETS, DINING & MEDICAL FACILITIES. ASK ABOUT OUR MILITARY DISCOUNT, HCVP VOUCHERS ARE WELCOMED.”

This 2 bed/1 bath is going for $1,550/Mo.

This edition of Eating Around Town was written by Abbey Becker. Abbey previously wrote about Middle Eastern Cuisine and Market in Takoma Park and she lives near Eastern Market.

When I went to Toki Underground for the first time two years ago, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been upwards of 15 times, and it’s safe to say that it’s my favorite DC restaurant.

Except Menomale is now jockeying for that top spot. Not only is it a contender as one of the area’s best Neapolitan pizzas, it’s one of the places I want to eat at each and every week.

You may remember reading about Menomale’s struggle to obtain a liquor license earlier last year. Visiting now, you’d never know they hit a bump in the road—their beer, wine, and cocktail offerings are eclectic, fairly priced, and creative.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll love co-owner (and homebrewer) Leland Estes’s choices for their 10 or so taps. When I went earlier this week, they had Old Rasputin, a high-percentage Russian imperial stout; Rodenbach, a Belgian oaked sour that’s one of my favorites; and Racer 5, an IPA that many of my beer nerd friends consider an excellent, if more “mainstream,” example of the style. Menomale also has a fridge stocked with several bottles, including Rodenbach Grand Cru and Mad Elf.

Sometimes I prefer a glass of wine, and if you’re looking for affordable, go for the Barbera. It’s $6 most times, but when I went on the later side on a weeknight, it ended up being $2 off! I don’t expect much out of the cheapest wine option on a menu, but this one is actually pretty good—not vinegary or too tannic like some cheaper reds end up tasting.

Let’s talk pizza, though.

Continues after the jump.

Co-owner Ettore Rusciano was born in Italy and learned to make pizza the way they do in Naples. He’s even got a pizzaiolo certificate from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. The association has very specific rules about how a Neapolitan pizza must be made—cooked in a wood-fired, domed oven; hand-kneaded and rolled dough; no larger than 35 centimeters in diameter.

I didn’t bring my measuring stick and I didn’t watch my pizza being made, but with pizza this good, I don’t care.

The dough itself is saltier than I remember it being at 2 Amys and Pupatella, which I personally like. It’s airy, charred, and chewy like Neapolitan dough should be when cooked. They use the dough or their pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches, so as long as you don’t have a gluten allergy, you’ll get to try it.

My favorite pizza has got to be the Quattro Formaggi, with DOP San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, goat cheese, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s the Gorgonzola that makes it, and I love seeing the pools of slightly bluish, melty cheese in each quadrant of the pie.

The Di Ettore (chef’s special) is a close second, and it sometimes surpasses the Quattro Formaggi, depending on my mood. The dough base is topped with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, cooked, then finished with a huge pile of lightly dressed arugula, prosciutto, Grana Padano, and extra virgin olive oil. The saltiness of the prosciutto, the bitterness of the arugula, the creaminess of the mozzarella, a few juicy and roasted tomatoes, topped off with salty shaved cheese…if you’re going to top a pizza, this is the way to do it. It’s even a little garlicky, too.

Of note is the Verde calzone (it’s enormous and doesn’t even fit on a plate) and the prosciutto e melone, which is served with lightly dressed arugula. I haven’t tried the sandwiches yet, but people seem to order them fairly often and enjoy them.

Yeah, you pretty much have to drive here if you don’t live in the neighborhood but I’m telling you now—this is a meal that is worth the trip. It’s tiny, only seating about 15 or so at tables and maybe four or five at the bar, but if you go on a weeknight or on a weekend afternoon, there’s a good chance you won’t have to wait.