From DDOT:

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has closed the streets that surround Washington Circle, in northwest Washington, due to a gas line issue at this location.

Motorists are advised to avoid the Washington Circle area to minimize traffic congestion and provide access for emergency response units.

Thanks to a reader for sending from 23rd and I St, NW.

@DCPoliceDept tweeted around 7pm:

“The 800 – 900 blk of 23rd St NW remains CLOSED due to the Down Tree. MPD on scene. DDOT notified. Expect Delays”

Update: Thanks to @philliefan_99 for tweeting the following photo adding:

“There’s a BMW under there, too.”

Back in late July 2012 we learned that the folks from Heritage India would be opening up a new restaurant in the former Soho Cafe space at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. We now have more details on the new spot – Crossroads.

From a press release:

Heritage Management Services (HMS), the restaurant group behind Heritage India, embarks on a new culinary journey with Crossroads, a shared dining experience that takes guests on a culinary tour around the world. Located at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW across from the World Bank and IMF buildings, Crossroads offers tastes of cuisines from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

“With Washington, D.C.’s diverse population, we saw an opportunity to expand our business beyond Indian food,” said Sanjeev Tuli, Owner of HMS. “Crossroads is a place where guests can dine together regardless of their cultural tastes and experience the flavors of the world.”

Leading the kitchen is Chef Ravi Narayanan, who brings over 25 years experience at luxury hotel restaurants worldwide including the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India and Relais Chateaux USA. The menu will feature little wonders from around world, highlighting dishes distinct to each region. Signature items include Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Beignets with Roasted Garlic Cream from the Mediterranean, South American-inspired Fried Calamari with Fried Jalapeno chips, Shaved Cucumber and Marinated White Anchovy, and Deep fried Kale and Brussel Sprout Chips with Baharat Spice and Tzatziki sauce from Africa. Crossroads will also feature a Japanese sushi bar.

Guest will be greeted into the 7,000 square foot space below street level by a cascading waterfall and 5-ft, 500-lb Buddha statue. Crossroads will offer seating for 100 guests including a large bar area with high top tables and benches. Separated by a partition, HMS will open a new Heritage India restaurant adjacent to the Crossroads dining area. The space will also feature a private dining section offering items from both restaurant menus that can accommodate parties of up to 45 people.

An expansive 86-seat patio will allow patrons to enjoy their food outdoors on warm weather days.

Thanks to Cris for sending this cool shot of the Watergate surrounded by fog.

UPDATE Tues. 1pm: MPD has spoken with the victim who now says it was not a grocery store. MPD detectives are following up to get more info.

Dear PoPville,

I wanted to make you aware that a friend of mine was a attacked and almost forced in the trunk of her own car at a Foggy Bottom grocery store.

She (my friend) was parked in the garage of the grocery and as she was loading her groceries into her trunk a man came from behind and bear hugged her. She started screaming and he put his hand over her mouth and continued to duck her head towards the trunk. Once his hand was around her mouth she bit his hand. Since she is 5’10, she was able to shift her weight around and kick him in the groin which caused him to fall to the ground. Once he fell a male customer was coming out of the store and heard my friend yelling. The male customer started yelling and the man ran and escaped up the ramp out of the parking garage. The store and police were alerted.

Apparently there have been no other reports of similar crimes in Foggy Bottom but I was hoping you could circulate in the event that this has happened to anyone else and to also spread awareness. The man was in all dark clothing with a cap. My friend did not get a description since he approached her from behind but did say that the skin that she could see on his arm between his glove and sleeve was white/light skinned. The struggle only last a few minutes max. My friend is grateful to the male customer who saw something wrong and decided to take action. Many people in DC do not take action when they see something or even when something happens to them.

Titled Gallo II 2008 by Craig Schaffer. From Foggy Bottom.

Last week we learned that the Adams Morgan Exxon would be closing to make room for new residences and retail. Turns out their is a connection to the Watergate exxon (2708 Virginia Ave, NW) closed since Nov. 2012. The manager of the Adams Morgan Exxon writes:

Hi everyone, this message is from Eddie Hanson. the manager at rock creek Exxon Adams Morgan. we appreciate your concern about our station, and we would like to inform you that our gas station and the mechanic shop will be relocated to the watergate gas station, which will be Rock Creek Valero gas station and mechanic services. and we will assure you that our gas prices will be very competitive and low prices. our main mechanics ABED and WINSTON will be at the location to greet you and take care of your cars’ services.

We are expecting to open the new place in the beginning of March, 2013 after the renovation is completed. Adams Morgan station will be close by the mid of July, 2013. We will be honored to continue servicing you at our new location. you can reach us at the same phone numbers 202-234-0422. 202-234-8711.

Thank you and we appreciate all your business through the years and see you soon.

Tonic’s Foggy Bottom location at 2036 G Street, NW is looking to take advantage of a great outdoor patio area. They’ve applied to amend their liquor license to add a:

“Summer Garden w/72 Seats”

Hopefully it will be accomplished by springtime.

From Foggy Bottom. Not as cool as the hawk chilling in the snow in Mt. Pleasant but still made my jaw drop when I saw it (near George Washington University.)

19th Bar has closed at the corner of 19th and I St, NW. On Friday a reader wrote in saying the saw furniture being carried out and when I stopped by on Saturday the space was completely empty:

We judged 19th Bar back in Nov. 2010.

It’s a pretty prime location so I’ll be sure to update when a new tenant is known.