Straits of Malaya is located at 1836 18th Street, NW. I’ve always wondered about this place, honestly because it looks like it has a great roof deck. You can find their menu here. So what’s the word on the food, price and atmosphere? Any specialties that are particularly good?
One of the things many people find difficult about city living is the lack of green space. Fortunately for us, the nation’s capital ranks pretty high on the list of cities with the most park space, with 250,000 acres of parkland in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. As privileged as we are to be able to enjoy all of this green space, we also have the responsibility to respect and maintain it. Caring for our city’s parkland can mean something as simple as not littering, or picking up after people who do. Another option, one that not only protects existing green space but also creates more, has quickly been gaining popularity – installing a green roof!
We’ve spotted a number of green roofs around the city, but there are many, many more thanks in part to Canopy, a green roof company started by Sarah Murphy. Last week I had a chance to sit down with Sarah and learn about what she does and why she does it. I’ll admit that going into this interview I knew very little about green roofs, aside from the fact that they are pretty and that adding some green to an otherwise unused space probably has some environmental benefits. In the short amount of time we spent together I learned that there are a ton of reasons to consider installing a green roof on your home or business.
Though you have to make a bit more of an investment up front for the installation costs, the payoff can be pretty rewarding. The insulation provided by a green roof can help to reduce heating and cooling costs, and it can help extend the lifespan of your roof membrane by protecting it from harmful UV rays. Installing a green roof can also increase your property value by utilizing unused space. Green roofs also have a number of public benefits, including lowering the Urban Heat Island effect by reducing ambient air temperatures, and capturing storm water which helps our waterways by reducing flow rates. Did you know that a 4 inch green roof system (that’s pretty standard) will hold up to an inch of rainwater?! Continues after the jump. (more…)
Last week I suggested a shawarma taste off between the two new spots that opened up in Adams Morgan – Shawarma King located at 1654 Columbia Road and Shawarma Spot located at 2418 18th Street. I didn’t think I’d be an impartial judge so I got a few volunteers to share their opinions with you. The first entry is from Jaime.
<href=”http:></href=”http:>Shawarma King:
When you walk in, you are greeted by bright orange walls and bright smiles from what seems to be a family-run business. They are still sporting a Christmas tree – it may be time to take that down. They offer small or large chicken, beef or falafel shawarmas in either a pita or a wrap. The menu is a little confusing. We opted for the wraps, but are still unsure if you can choose a small or large wrap or if the wrap is the large option. They called us up to the counter after about 5 minutes. We topped the shawarmas ourselves at the topping bar. They had lots of options – fried cauliflower, tahini, tomatoes, onions with sumac, sauces and much more. After that, the server took our sandwiches and warmed and pressed them in a panini maker. This made it a lot easier to eat. They tasted pretty good and the enthusiastic workers were sure to ask us if we enjoyed it. The wrap was more than enough food for one person. At only $5.95, it was a great value. This is an excellent addition to Adam’s Morgan.
Shawarma King PROS:
Enthusiastic Ownership
Put on your own toppings with more choices
Slightly Better Prices
CONS:
Confusing menu & process Continues after the jump. (more…)
You know the rules, your caption in the comments and I’ll select a winner on Friday. Winner gets a free PoP t-shirt.
You can see last week’s entries here.
After yesterday’s post on the new Pho restaurant coming to Park Road I thought I’d stop by the Vietnamese market some folks referenced. Indeed they were super nice. And they said that the Pho restaurant will open up in 2 months. The market reminded me a bit of the new Japanese market that opened up at 17th and U. It’s a little gritty inside but it is has lots of interesting options. If anyone is interested in checking it out it’s just a few store fronts west of SimplySoles.
More photos after the jump. (more…)
The New York Times just published an article called Chefs Settle Down in ‘the Real D.C.’. They focus on Petworth, Columbia Heights, U Street and H Street, NE. They say:
“In Petworth, Columbia Heights, the U Street district and even the dicier parts of North Capital Hill, a little restaurant revival is under way. Washington neighborhoods that for years were considered too dangerous or too poor for a viable sit-down restaurant are suddenly entertaining quite a few.”
You can read the full article here.
This one is painted on the back of a rowhouse in Columbia Heights. It was super hard to spot, I barely caught it out of the corner of my eye walking down 13th Street.
From an email:
Kassie is raising money for Suited for Change – a local DC organization which helps women in transition dress for job interviews. As always, people can bring in a pair of gently worn shoes to donate and take 10% off their purchase year round, but on Wed January 14th, we’re going to have an Inauguration party and introduce the new lillybee shoe, the “Michelle”.
A Time for Change: Inauguration Celebration and Spring Lillybee Shoe Launch
A Simply Fabulous Night at SimplySoles benefiting Suited for Change
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
WHY: Because CHANGE is always a good thing.
WHAT:
Please join SimplySoles for the unveiling of Kassie Rempel’s new lillybee collection for Spring 2009, including a shoe that was inspired by First Lady Elect, Michelle Obama. Celebrate with champagne, a signature Michelle cocktail, and 10% off all pre-orders for the new lillybee collection, including the Michelle. Tickets are $25 per person and proceeds will be donated to Suited for Change, a DC-based non-profit helping women transition into the professional workplace. Tickets are limited. Reserve your space by RSVPing here http://www.simplysoles.com/
For more information on Suited for Change visit www.suitedforchange.org and for more information on SimplySoles, visit www.simplysoles.com.
WHEN AND WHERE:
SimplySoles Boutique in Columbia Heights
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
5:00 – 8:00 pm
1438 Park Rd NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-0072
The door’s kinda cool but I really like the lantern hanging down.
I really dig the circular window and the bay window above it.