
What do you think of the contrast of the stone on the first floor vs the material above? No doubt about the good door and details though.

What do you think of the contrast of the stone on the first floor vs the material above? No doubt about the good door and details though.

I can’t remember if I’ve posted this photo before but I always find it striking every time I walk by. So which do you like better the orange one or the one with more windows?

I saw this on the bulletin board outside Columbia Heights Coffee and based on all the strollers I’ve been seeing around the neighborhood I thought some folks may be interested.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the fourth you can check some video I took last year here. By the by, you can expect to see tons of fireworks beginning this week, peaking on Friday, but continuing throughout next week.

An apricot tree! I saw the owner with a bucket harvesting some of the fruit. Super cool.

It’s official – 11th Street is the coolest street in the city. Forget about Columbia Heights Coffee, Wonderland, Red Rocks and the soon to be Meridian Pint – First Bloom of Bloom – the new “spontaneous, underground, music, art and inspiration in the heart of Columbia Heights” is ridiculously awesome! I was sitting with a friend at Red Rocks drinking a couple of beers and relaxing after the Parade and a guy named Jon Chambers comes over to us to talk about his new spot. (And when I came home I had quite a few emails from folks also telling me about this new space.) Well, it is exactly like it sounds – art and music and lots of good vibes. I should say that this awesome spot is located at 3222 11th St, NW right between Wonderland and El Rinconcito. It is in one of those buildings that we’ve been wondering what will become of it. And I don’t think it would be possible for anything cooler than this to arrive.
I was given a tour during the day and got to see much of the cool art located on two levels. I then returned around 11:30 that evening to listen to some phenomenal music. The event was free although you could give a $5 donation but it wasn’t mandatory. I was a little hesitant when I heard a lot of talk about love and peace. The New Yorker in me came out and I thought I may have entered some sort of cult headquarters. But I couldn’t have been further off base. These folks are simply socially conscious people who are trying to bring the community together. The hope seems to be that all sorts of folks, white, black, latino, young, old, etc, will use this space as a community center. Pictured above is Jason Jasper who had an incredible voice and sang acapella. You can also see to the right of the photo that there was an artist painting a piece throughout the evening inspired by the music being played. Sat. night was the last night of a three night stand but I’ll be sure to post info for upcoming shows/events as they become available. I realized it was a super cool evening when famed WJLA anchor, Maureen Bunyan, arrived (see photo below). It seems like this space is really going to evolve into something great. Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Holy awesome. I think this was my favorite Caribbean Day Parade yet. Every year I get down to Georgia and New Hampshire too early. And every year I say I’m not going to come as early next year. But man was it worth the wait. Everyone was in a super good mood. Despite the brutal heat, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The music? Phenomenal. The dancing? Off the hook, as the kids say. The costumes? Brilliant. But of course words can do this parade no justice. So I’ll post some of my favorite photos after the jump and I’ll continue to post some cool pics throughout the week. So if you took any photos that you are particularly proud of send them to [email protected] and I’ll post throughout the week. Best photo gets a free PoP t-shirt of course. So what was your favorite part of the parade? (more…)
Lots of good scuttlebutt to report. Firstly, I have been tipped by a very reliable source that within three to six weeks there will be a major announcement by the DC USA complex in Columbia Heights. That announcement is – Elwood Thompson’s grocery store will in fact be opening up! Secondly, it is likely that the Ross Dress For Less Store will no longer be coming to DC USA. Thirdly, and I think New Columbia Heights heard this rumor as well, REI is still very seriously considering opening a store in the DC USA complex. Holy sweet that would be awesome. Now I think it will be helpful if they receive encouragement via email. So definitely comment here if you’d like to see an REI but also make sure to contact REI directly here.
I had some false info about the Five Guys Opening last week (scuttlebutt accuracy down to 96%). But I am 99.9% sure they will be opening this Tuesday at 11am!
And sadly Colorado Kitchen has served its last dinner Sat. night and it’s last brunch on Sun.
But hey Elwood Thompson’s Grocery store is coming and with some luck so will REI!

Someone is taking those public service announcements announcing the switch to digital television way too seriously…
