Author: Prince Of Petworth

A Legend Leaves The Looking Glass Lounge (But Won’t Be Going Too Far)

By Prince Of Petworth

Dan Searing is one of the best bartenders (general managers) in the city. We were lucky to have him for so long at Temperance Hall and then Looking Glass Lounge. The only solace in his departure is that he won’t be going far. For those who are looking for classic posts/comments, surely, you remember this epic battle?

From the man himself:

“Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Some of you know me as the former General Manager of Temperance Hall and its successor the Looking Glass Lounge. Since stepping down as manager this summer to work on the soon-to-be-open wine bar, Room 11, (in Columbia Heights at 11th and Lamont) I have continued to work as a bartender. Tuesday, March 31st is my last shift. Please come by to say farewell and enjoy a free taste of some homemade limoncello and other drink specials. To receive updates about Room 11 please email me at [email protected]. To all I had the pleasure of serving, thank you.

Cheers,
Dan Searing”

Dear PoP – How ‘Bout a Day of Service?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

So, I was reading the rock throwing post and all the diatribe that always comes with such discussions of our neighborhood. It seems to me that there is a split – those of us who love the beautiful life and want to work to make it better and those who hate the beautiful life and want the rest of us to join them. For those of us who want to make it better, what would you think of organizing a different kind of PoP happy hour? We complain about litter, general apathy in the neighborhood, etc, so I was thinking we could do a spring cleaning day somewhere in the neighborhood. Again – there are ways other than violence to show the thugs that they aren’t in charge any more.”

I think this is a great idea. And I believe we should do it once a month in a different neighborhood from April – September. We can pick a new neighborhood every month. I suggest we make it the third Saturday of every month. And I know folks are busy so let’s just plan on two hours of not only cleaning but also chatting neighborhood folks up and perhaps grabbing some beers upon completion. Ideally it would be great if everyone could participate even if it falls in a neighborhood that they don’t live in. And we should be a force. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get 50 people together every month for this? I think it is doable. But if there’s only 6 of us it’s not going to work. So let’s see if folks are into this in the comments. If there is a positive reception I’ll put a poll up to see which neighborhood we’ll start with. Sound like a plan?

What the Helen of Troy is This? Vol. 5 Bubblegum Tree edition

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader sent me an email that there was a bubble gum tree on 18th Street outside of Julia’s Empandas and suggested it might be a good Helen of Troy feature. I was so intrigued I headed over to 18th Street from 1st and R. And I’m glad I did. This is truly insane. Part of me thinks it is awesome and part of me thinks it’s rather foul. I suppose it’s an attempt at art? I think I’d be cooler with it if it was on a lamppost as I have a strong affinity for trees. What do you guys think?

PoP Pho Patrol

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, as reported last, Pho 14 was hoping to open today or tomorrow. Sadly, that was a bit optimistic. But fear not, I am in daily contact with the folks at Pho 14 located on Park Road a bit west of 14th Street. Today I heard, they have been promised an inspection tomorrow and aim to open this Thursday. Again, I promise to post the official news as soon as I hear from them. Hang tight for just a few more days!

PoP Presents – Mittenfields, Dangerosa and Crimes of Paris At the Velvet Lounge This Friday

By Prince Of Petworth

I have always had two loves of my life – music and tropical fish. Since I’m no longer allowed in the National Aquarium (a story for another time) I’ve decided to support the local DC music scene. Like my food posts, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not an aficionado. I simply know what I like and recommend it to others. Plus I always enjoy taking the advice/suggestions of those who know far more than I (which should be very obvious from this blog). I’ve noticed that DC’s local music scene often gets no respect in certain circles. But I’ve heard some great local music at Velvet Lounge, DC9, Rock and Roll Hotel etc. So I figured I’d try and start supporting some local up and comers.

As such, I’m proud to announce that I’ll be sponsoring this Friday’s show at Velvet Lounge (915 U Street, NW) with three great bands playing. I’ll be giving out some free PoP t-shirts and there is supposed to be a really good emcee for the show as well. So if you weren’t able to make the happy hour at Solly’s last Thursday, come say hello at the show this Friday.

Here are the bands:

mittenfields

www.myspace.com/mittenfields

crimes of paris

www.myspace.com/crimesofparisdc

dangerosa

www.myspace.com/dangerosa

Best Spot For a Morning Cup of Coffee

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader requested I walk up and down 1st Street between Rhode Island and Bryant in Bloomingdale. I have always been blown away with how cool 1st Street is. You’ll see lots of cool stuff there this week.

Garden of the Day

By Prince Of Petworth

If you see or know of some particularly sweet gardens be sure to send me an email.

Reader Request – House of the Day (Re-PoP)

By Prince Of Petworth

This awesome home from Swann Street has recieved about every accolade available here at PoP. If memory serves this house has been featured for it’s door, windows and overall house of the day honors. However, a reader suggested it be house of the day so I think this house warrants a re-PoP.

Ed note: Since I drink a lot and walk a lot, it is highly possibly that I may re-post certain entries, like this house for example. The readership is constantly growing so particularly cool items that stop me in my walks may be re-featured particularly if they are requested.  I think it’s cool since we all probably drink too much. If I’m sure I’ve posted an item before I’ll designate it a re-PoP.  

Random PoP Query – Are Neighborhood Hardware Stores Doomed?

By Prince Of Petworth

The other day a buddy mine was replacing a stove for me and asked me to pick up a plug. I was without a car and thought, oh, I’ll just head over to Cooper’s Hardware on 14th Street. Sadly it seems Cooper’s has been closed since Jan and it’s not clear if they’ll reopen. Walking around last Friday, I recalled that Bemmi’s Hardware at 12th and Florida has also been closed for ages. So I know there Pfeiffer’s in Mt. P and Logan Hardware on P Street but I’m wondering if neighborhood hardware stores will be able to survive. I guess everyone goes to Home Depot these days. So what do you think – can neighborhood hardware stores survive? Do you have a favorite? Or is it cool just to head over to Home Depot?

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