2917 Georgia Ave, NW

Potentially huge news for Georgia Ave. Thanks to a reader for sending word that the former Enterprise Theatre & Jazz Lounge is going to become a tavern. But it’s much better than that – I hear it will be called Bravo Lounge and they plan on serving deli food. If it’s true deli food this could be huge. Stay tuned.

From Council Member Jim Graham:

Dear Friends: We have good news for the Park at Georgia Ave and Irving. Mayor Gray has decided to direct $200,000 this year for needed in improvements at the park. I had made this one of my top funding priorities requested of the administration, but obviously it could not have happened without the Mayor’s enthusiastic support. Thanks also to the fine work of our Georgia Avenue stakeholders, including the Collective, the business association and Sylvia Robinson.

Please use this link to have the details and letter confirming this funding.

Photo courtesy of Mothership

Thanks to the folks at Mothership [3301 Georgia Ave, NW] for letting us know:

“We launch full brunch menu this weekend, Sat & Sunday 11:30-3:30 both days.”

Check out the tentative brunch menu:

BRUNCH MENU

Simple Salad of Mixed Greens, Cotija Cheese & Red Wine Vinaigrette 4.5
“My Mom’s” Albacore Tuna Salad, Kernel Corn, Celery, Grape Tomatoes, Red Wine Vinaigrette 8
Wheat Berry & Quinoa Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Cauliflower & Green Goddess Dressing 8
Maine Salmon “Dread Lox” House Cured in Jamaican Rum, Thyme, Allspice & Scotch Bonnet ????
2 Eggs over Veggie Hash with Hollandaise 9
Veggie Frittata with Swiss Chard, Fingerling Potatoes, Onions, Tomatoes & Fontina Cheese served with a side salad 8

Lechon Frittata with Onions, Fingerlings and side salad 10
Classic Eggs Benedict – Home Fries & Side Salad 10
Eggs en Cocotte with Bacon, Potatoes, Cream & Truffle with side salad 10
Cuban Monte Cristo Sandwich, Virginia Ham, Roast Pork & Swiss Cheese Griddled with Home Fries 12

Baked Dutch Baby Pancake with Elderflower Syrup, Powdered Sugar & Lemon 9
HaHaHaHalf Smoke in a Blanket with Tasso Gravy & Side Salad 10
Steak & Eggs & Eggs, Grilled Hanger Steak, Poached Egg & Béarnaise served with Home Fries & Side Salad 14

Freakin Pancake Sandwich, 3 Whole Wheat Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon or Sausage & Bourbon Maple Syrup 12
Brioche French Toast with Maple Mascarpone & Fresh Fruit 9
3 Whole Wheat Pancakes with Bourbon Maple Syrup & Fresh Fruit 8

SIDES

Home Fries 3 Creamy Grits n Tasso Gravy 4 One Egg any way 1
Two WW Pancakes n Syrup 4 Bacon 4 Sausage 4 French Toast 4.5

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The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection with a First Degree Sexual Assault and Burglary which occurred in the 1900 block of Lincoln Road, NE.

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, at approximately 3:45 am, an adult female received a knock at her door. Upon answering, an unknown male asked to use the telephone, at which time the victim agreed. Once inside, she was sexually assaulted by the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5’8” to 5’10” in height, dark complexion, short hair, with no facial hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, and khaki pants.

Anyone who has knowledge of this case, knows the identity of the suspect or sees him, should take no action, but should immediately call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

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From the Columbia Heights listserv:

The Bruce Monroe Community Garden (Georgia Ave & Columbia Rd NW) has open garden plots for the 2013 season (March – November). Single plots rent for $30/year and each person/family unit can reserve up to two plots for $60/year. There are also shared garden plots which are free; they are planted in community with other gardeners and each can share in the harvest.

Email brucemonroegarden(at)gmail.com for more information or to reserve a plot.

3301 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to the folks from Mothership for sending word that their liquor license came through earlier than expected. Nice! “Draft beer tonight then full bar and craft cocktails tomorrow.”

This rental is located at 732 Gresham Place, NW:

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The listing says:

“Best of The Block! This Lovely 3 Bedroom, 1 Full and 2 Half Baths Row House. With Living Room, Separate Dining Room, Huge Table Space Kitchen., Sitting Room off of Kitchen, and Fully Finished Basement. Lounge on the Front Porch. Close To Hospitals and Metro. A Must See! Renters Insurance Required.”

This 3 BD/1 Full, 2 Half BA is going for $2,700/Mo.

Today’s review of Mama Chuy and Dulcinea was written by dcreba. dcreba is a big apple transplant and enthusiast of all things edible. she lives – and often eats – in Logan Circle.

Howard University never had it so good.

The 2600 block of Georgia Avenue NW is now home to not one but two Mexican establishments – located directly next door to one another. Just over a year in, how does Mama Chuy’s self professed modern Mexican taqueria compare to Dulcinea Bar & Grill next door? Check out the vital statistics below.

Mama Chuy:
Named for: the beloved grandmother of the brother / sister team, Dinora and Joe Orozco, who own the joint
Number of seats: 18
Number of floors: 2 – dining room upstairs; waiting area, kitchen, and take out counter downstairs
Take out: yes – full menu
Average price of appetizers and small plates: $4 tacos and $5 sopes
Average price of entrees and larger share plates: $9-13
Vegetarian options available: yes, several
Happy hour: “Happy Day” from 11-6, Tues-Friday
Closed Sundays.

Dulcinea Bar & Grill:
Named for: Don Quixote’s impossible dream, his true love Dulcinea
Number of seats: 24 upstairs + bar, 16 seats down + downstairs bar
Number of floors: 2
Take out: yes, full menu
Average price of appetizers and small plates: $8 quesadillas and $7 tacos
Average price of entrees and larger share plates: $12-18
Vegetarian options available: yes, several.
Open Sundays.

Mama Chuy’s:

On a recent visit – same day, both restaurants – Mama Chuy’s was quiet and serene at lunchtime. Highly recommend taking advantage of their lunch service, thereby enjoying the same food while missing the extensive nighttime waits and avoiding having to shout at your dining companion.

The quick and dirty: Guacamole was fresh, and an excellent start to a satisfying lunch; the accompanying chips, however, were overfried and salty and the salsa forgettably mild. Sopes – flash fried masa cakes – were flavorful and held their shape and texture throughout the meal without getting soggy. The three to four bite tacos (served 2 to an order) were wrapped in a single tortilla – controversial for those who prefer the double wrap – and filled to the point of being overstuffed. I found it easier to pick mine apart with a fork. The carne asada tacos and the carnitas sopes were standouts. The beer was cold: a pleasantly varied selection of Mexican and domestic beers are available. One quesadilla, three tacos, and one sope later, our party of two scooted in and out for lunch, happily sated, the both of us fed and watered for under $30.

Dulcinea:

Upon return to the 2600 block of Georgia Avenue in the evening for happy hour at Dulcinea, both levels of the restaurant were teeming with Howard students devouring decidedly un-Mexican plates of chicken wings and nacho appetizers. The lively social scene, coupled with the music notched a few decibels too high, made it hard to converse but the environment was upbeat, and shouting seemed acceptable.

The quick and dirty: The restaurant was “out of” margaritas that night – surprising when they had several flavors and varieties advertised on menus and table tents – so more beer was enjoyed. The chips were lighter and far less salty than those at Mama Chuy’s and were served with a fiery salsa that was too spicy for my company that night but a perfect complement for those who like it hot. The guacamole lacked flavor on its own but was improved when paired with the vegetable quesadillas. The tacos, full size and served 3 on a plate, were more than enough for a light meal. Food was well seasoned but flavors did not jump from the plate. We did not finish any of our dishes; the food was generally lackluster although generously portioned. The three of us escaped – four beers, one order of tacos, one quesadilla and a guacamole later – to the tune of $45.

The take away:

Affordable and affable, both Mama Chuy’s and Dulcinea appear to have the staying power to flourish while Georgia Avenue quietly continues to benefit and grow from neighborhood revitalization.  Bring your appetite and restaurant hop: start your journey with a sope, a cold Bohemia, and a side of guacamole at Mama Chuy’s and chase it with a taco plate or fajitas paired with a Negra Modelo at neighboring Dulcinea. As Teresa from Cervantes’s Don Quixote says, “La mejor salsa del mundo es la hambre.”

Or more simply, the best sauce in the world is hunger.

2606 Georgia Avenue, NW

About a month ago we learned Pleasant Plains Workshop would be expanding into the former Soul Vegetarian space at 2606 Georgia Avenue, NW. They’re about half way towards their goal of raising $10,000:

Pleasant Plains Workshop is a shared studio space, classroom, gallery and retail outlet for local artists in Washington, DC. It was founded in 2010 by DC-based artist, Kristina Bilonick. In January of 2013, the Workshop took on the building adjacent to its existing location. Over the next few months, they will be building a state-of-the art screen printing studio so that they can provide space for more artists to work, and present more exhibitions and classes to the community. The workshop’s current location will become solely the retail and gallery component offering goods created by resident artists and other local artists and artisans.

Since its opening, the space has quickly become a hub of the neighborhood- offering 6 art exhibitions a year, a variety of programs and classes, and wide variety of handmade items by dc artists and artisans. Almost everyone who visits the space goes on to become a regular at PPW gatherings and events.

With the funds raised on this platform, we will be able to take our Workshop to the next level, offering more opportnities for local artists, and more exhibitions and programs that our community can come by and enjoy!

You can donate here.

2301 Georgia Ave, NW

The FroZenYo by Howard University is now open. Stand by for Fuel Pizza next!

3301 Georgia Ave, NW

Earlier in the week we noted that Mothership, coming to 3301 Georgia Ave, NW, had applied for a liquor license. We also learned they were 3 weeks out from opening. I stopped by for some early photos yesterday and was happy to learn that permits were getting issued and they were still on track for an opening in about 3 weeks. You can also tell from these early photos that the space is starting to look great. You can track their progress and follow them on twitter @MothershipDC. And of course I’ll post again when an opening date is finalized. In the meantime – here’s a first look inside the former Brown’s Caribbean Bakery. Note that over 80% of the materials have been recycled.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

3301 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to all who sent emails about the liquor license application posted for Mothership at 3301 Georgia Ave, NW (the former Brown’s Caribbean Bakery.) It says:

“New Full Service Restaurant serving eclectic small plates and gourmet pizza. Seating Capacity is 44, with a total Occupancy Load of 87. Summer Garden with 40 seats.”

I spoke with the owner who says t-minus three weeks or so when we’ll be able to get a taste. Stay tuned for an exact date.

2606 Georgia Avenue, NW

Well, I thought Soul Vegetarian had just closed for renovations but sadly it looks like they’ve closed for good. We judged them to positive reviews back in June 2009.

3124 Georgia Avenue, NW

A new restaurant is coming to the former Tax Services storefront at 3124 Georgia Ave, NW. A liquor license application posted out front says:

“A new full scale restaurant serving Asian & African inspired food, with an atmosphere for lounging and listening to DJ music or Live Bands. Entertainment with a cover charge. Total number of seats is 99. Summer Garden seating is 18.”

Sounds promising! More info as it becomes available.

Girard and Sherman Avenue, NW

A few weeks ago I shared some news that a new restaurant was coming to the long vacant building at the corner of Girard and Sherman Ave, NW. Thanks to a reader I was able to speak with one of the owners – Sam Jahanbeen. Sam was kind enough to share his plans for the space. First of all Sam is the nephew of the owner of Saloon on U Street. And that’s not the only Saloon connection – Sam’s business partner is Kaleabe Getaneh the former bar manager of Saloon.

And like Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will focus on German beer and other imports. But in addition to the focus on beer the duo also plan to offer a solid dining option. Nothing fancy but comfortable “American fare”. The key to Sam is comfort. Unlike the Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will not enforce (love it or hate it) no standing rules. They hope to keep the atmosphere relaxed and a real neighborhood spot.

The restaurant and bar will take over the whole first floor. And in the warmer months there will be an outdoor seating area as well as a window that opens up like El Chucho on 11th Street and Pearl Dive on 14th Street. Lots of updates as construction progresses. Can’t wait for late Spring/early Summer!