DSCN1116, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I kind of like the odd shape. And the aged brick is working as well. Pretty interesting shape for a rowhouse, yeah?


Gift of Tomato

Thanks to a reader for sending this article on the eco food movement in Oakland from the Wall Street Journal. The article says:

“Yet, amidst the snaking freeways and dilapidated buildings, a bit of green is growing. Since 2001, more than 80 urban farms have been cultivated in the backyards and vacant lots of West Oakland. Produce from zucchini to watermelon is grown for consumption by local residents; goats and chickens are raised on some farms. Last year, more than 10,000 pounds of produce was harvested, according to Oakland’s City Slicker Farms, which is at the epicenter of the neighborhood’s urban-farm push.”

Think anything of this scale would work in DC? (Have we talked about this before or am I losing my mind?)


DSCN1555

I’ve always loved this building just east of 14th Street on Florida. I believe it is a charter school now. It’s got great details. What is this style called? Any other fans out there?


Eddie

“I am submitting my roommate Eddie. He is also my landlord and friend. Eddie is the coolest roommate ever for many reasons, he cuts us all breaks on rent, cooks the most delicious dinners for us (which are always ready when we get home from work), he cleans the house and makes our beds for us when we are away. Also he is great to hang out with and talk to and might be one of my favorite people to play Wii with. Eddie may not be The Perfect roommate but he’s pretty damn close!”

Ed. note: Yesterday’s comments were interesting but remember it’s not a “pimp your roomate” contest, simply who has an interesting/cool roomate. The entries are starting to roll in now. Aren’t there any cool female roomates out there? Represent.


DSCN2296

Thanks to a reader for the heads up. The flyer for this home at 3519 New Hampshire Avenue says:

“ROWHOUSE TURNED INTO 2-UNIT/2-LEVEL CONDOS. EACH FEATURES 2 MASTER BDs, 2.5 BATHROOMS W/ JAKUZZI TUB W/JETS, TOP-OF-THE-LINE APPLIANCES, GLEAMING HARDWOOD FLOORS AND RECESSED LIGHTING. FIREPLACE AND WASHER & DRYER. UNIT #1(1st 2lvls) HAS BACK DOOR TO PARKING. STEPS TO METRO.”

More info and pictures can be found here. Unit #1 is on sale for $519,000. So what do you think of the renovation and do you think it’s a good deal or not? (Remember it’s a pretty good location only a stone’s throw from Columbia Heights Coffee and all the other 11th Street joints.)


“I just had the time and opportunity to look through the blogs on your website.To all those followers I just want to reiterate, that I love Mayorga Coffee their brand and quaility far exceeds most coffee shops in this area. Though I’m sad to part from Mayorga Coffee I am excited about our new restaurant/bar. We’ll have a sushi bar downstairs in the 14th Street entrance and still have our Korean menu offerred throughout our space. I’ve seen a tremendous amount of interest for Chinese cuisine and I’m sure I could incorporate several of those dishes in due time. I’m also looking into providing outdoor seating along Park Road, the biggest hurrdle being getting approval from ABRA/DCRA.

As far as events on Friday nights, this is an attempt to bring in guranteed additional sales to our struggling bar business. I hope with the new Asian Bistro we will be able to do well enough and and do away with the parties.

About the rumor concerning Carvel Cinnomon and Mayorga, we sold/leased our coffee and espresso equipment to the owner at Carvel/Cinnabun.

And while we are remodeling our space downstairs I want to extend our happy hour specials all night ($2 off all draft/bottle beers and $4 rail drinks) I just want to thank everyone for their support.”


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Post and illustrations written by Hipchickindc.

I have always had a fascination with Jemal’s Wonder Bread Factory on S St NW, near the Shaw/Howard U Metro, but one day, as I was walking home from Metro to Bloomingdale, I happened to notice a sign in front of a lovely turreted Victorian across the street. The sign said, “ArtSpace” and there was a web site listed. As an artist, I am always interested in learning about studio and showing space, especially so close to home, so I looked up Art Space.

“The ArtSpace is a conduit for personal and community expression, empowering participants to find their artistic voice, celebrate the beauty of the world that surrounds us and expose what needs to change with powerful visual statements. At the ArtSpace we believe that art should be as accessible as the local basketball court or branch library.”

In addition to a small menu of art classes offered, the invitation to attend the weekly drop in Open Studio sessions caught my eye. I called the number listed to make sure this was for real, and spoke to the director, Kristian Whipple. Kristian enthusiastically encouraged me to come over the following Monday with my daughter. The facilities and materials would be open for use for the entry price of either “food or five” (either bring food to share, or pay a five dollar donation.)

In addition to clay, pottery wheels, and a kiln, ArtSpace has a dark room, several looms for weaving, cupboards and shelves well stocked with a range of art materials, art books for inspiration, and space for tables and an easel. We usually try to bring some kind of food to share, and enjoy hanging out with both newcomers and regulars. All are welcome regardless of experience or skill level. An interest and desire to be creative are all that is required. Post continues after the jump. (more…)


“I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the most recent (for want of a better word) gentrification-related posts on PoP, and kicking some of the issues (which one of my friends calls DC’s “Clash Of Civilizations”) around with some e mail buddies.

Last night, I was reading an interview with former Montgomery County politician Doug Duncan in the new “Washingtonian.” He works at the U of Maryland these days. When discussing his frustrations with PG County, he used the phrase “culture of low expectations.”

I think that phrase describes a lot of what newer residents of this city are coming up against. Years and years of familial and/or governmental dysfunction create what I see as a kind of poverty of the spirit, as well as deep seated self hatred.

Also keep in mind that government and monuments notwithstanding, this is really a small Southern city to the core. Certain aspirations are considered uppity (going out of town for college, for instance). Hell, my barber was nearly apologizing to me because she is now working with a nutritionist and doing yoga…. She was whispering, as if she’d shot someone.. That is the DC a lot of people don’t know. But this kind of thinking contributes to the aforementioned ” clash.”

Can a black woman (my barber) do yoga and take care of herself and not be considered an outcast? Good question…

These sketchy reflections are, at best, opinions/observations. I am not a hater, as I have said on PoP. In fact, I’m one of the people with a fair amount of disposable income, no kids-etc. Custom made for the changes so many of your readers want.
Of course, I neither belong to the young’uns coming into the city, or the knuckleheads (who see me as a sell out-bitch, what have you) In fact, I am looking into jobs outside of DC. It’s time for some proverbial new music.

I cant say I love DC- my 50 years here notwithstanding-but I think that many of your readers ( and you) are a big part of this city’s future. I hope someone wants to stay and make it better. It is truly crippled now.

Like I said, I’m just thinking out loud. Sorry this is so dang long. Long as a delay on the Red Line.”

It always makes me profoundly sad when I hear about good people moving out of the city. What’s your reaction to the above?


DSCN2253, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This one is located at 2426 Ontario Road. You like the look? Here’s their Web site for the curious.


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