“Dear PoP,
As an area resident (14 and W) I want to bring to your attention a local establishment that I think could really use some publicity. The Collage Cafe
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coffee
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“Dear PoP,
I just noticed yesterday there’s a new place, Chinatown Coffeehouse, opened up on H right, NW near the corner of 5th.”
Always happy to hear about more coffee news! I stopped by this weekend and it’s a very comfortable place with a nice vibe going on. A good study/work spot too if you are in the area.
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Ed. Note: At the time I posted about Mid City Caffe’s opening this past weekend, I also mentioned that the YES! Organic Market will be opening Monday with a ribbon cutting. Council Member Bowser’s office says that YES will now open still open on Monday Wed. at 10am but the ribbon cutting has been pushed to the 24th.
“Dear PoP,
I stopped by Mid City Caffe (1626 14th Street, NW) this morning for a latte on my way to U Street for brunch. It’s a very cute, very low key little place and the traffic was steady but not overwhelming. The espresso was quality and I’m looking forward to the chocolate croissant I took to go. There are plenty of seats inside, but folks who want to park at a table and quietly take in the Internets on their MacBooks should have their iPods charged; it’s just the tiniest bit noisy when as people come and go.
All in all, though, it’s a comfort to have this little gem around the corner.”
I too stopped by this weekend and the place really does look great. See some more photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)
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On August 2nd, Mid City Caffe, located above Miss Pixie’s at 1626 14th Street, NW, had their soft opening. Today we learned that the official opening will be this Saturday, August 15th. The press release says:
“To complement the fine selection of coffee, delicious handmade pastries will complete this shop
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“Dear PoP,
I noticed this morning the construction next to Eat More Fried Chicken. Do you know what is happening there?”
The location next to Eat More Fried Chicken, is going to become a hair salon.
And perhaps in more exciting news:
I chatted with a worker at the space being renovated at 3501 Georgia Ave., NW. He told me it was going to become a coffee shop! He didn’t have any more details but I promise to keep a close eye on this one.
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Back in April I mentioned that Gori Cafe had opened up at 1113 V Street, NW. I accidentally posted their photo last week to the wrong post but what I wanted to say was that the sign they recently put outside is phenomenal:
And I mean that very sincerely. For those that live in the area and are looking to support local businesses – look no further. And $2 for a domestic beer from 4-9pm is incredible. I think I need to have a happy hour here – We’re long overdue…
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Ever since we learned of Mid City Caffe’s imminent opening (above Miss Pixie’s at 1626 14th Street, NW) folks have been super excited. The opening date has been pushed back a few times but for this weekend’s Mid City Dog Days Sale, the spot had an unpublicized soft opening. There are still some finishing touches that will be implemented so they didn’t want me to take photos just yet. However, given the fact that I receive weekly emails about this spot, I begged them to let me take one photo (see above). I have to say it really is a sweet space. Its got an old school, sorta 1950s, feel to it. There is a counter to order and two open spaces to sit, with Wifi of course. It seats around 40 though eventually they hope to have some outdoor tables on the front sidewalk.
I spoke to a friend who happened to be passing by and she was super excited about the opening, hoping that this space will fill the loss of Sparky’s and 14U coffee shops. I think most folks are going to be pretty happy. It has a very unique comfortable vibe going on. I’ll be sure to announce the opening date when it firms up and becomes official.
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Back in October ’08 I asked about all the stores on 18th Street, NW for lease in Adams Morgan. This past weekend I was able to speak with a longtime Adams Morgan business owner, Lynn Skynear, who’s been in Adams Morgan for 20 years. Skynear is located at 2122 18th Street, NW.
First let’s talk about the plans for this space, which are pretty cool. As you can see the third floor is for lease and now there is a sign saying the first floor is for lease.
Ms. Skynear explained that in this economy small furniture stores are having a tough time and therefore one needs to be creative. And here’s the creativity:
Skynear will remain a part of this space on the second or third floors. But on the first floor Ms. Skynear is looking for a tenant to open a European style bakery and cafe with an outdoor seating area. Skynear explains, “you have to give folks more than one reason to come here”. And to fill out the second and third floors, Skynear would like to see a consortium of Skynear furniture along with potential partners including the following possible vendors – clothing, jewelery, and/or pottery. She envisions folks having a coffee and cake downstairs and then shopping upstairs.
Ms. Skynear also addressed the issue of the many storefronts for lease on 18th Street. The only way Adams Morgan will become a destination spot beyond nightlife, she believes, is with better public transportation. Specifically she would like to see one of the new Circulator buses coming down 18th Street. She believes this is the only way to prevent other small businesses from leaving the area. And the only way this will be possible is if the Mayor embraces the neighborhood. She left me with these words: “I’m hoping the Mayor will embrace the place in which he grew up in.”
So what do you guys think, do you like the idea of a bakery cafe on the first floor? And what are your thoughts on a Circulator bus coming to 18th Street?
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And don’t forget your cameras this weekend so you can take some photos of your favorite spot and enter the contest to win a sweet carafe (value $180).
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Well this is super cool. I get a lot of emails from folks trying to get me to promote their products. So I was a little suspicious about this email from AllModern.com. Then I went to their site and was blown away. They’ve got an awesome selection of modern furniture, home accessories and lighting from pretty solid brands like Knoll, Blu Dot, Alessi, Blomus. Well, they were gracious enough to let me select a product to give away for one of my contests. As a self admitted lover of coffee and coffee spots I thought I’d give away this dope Alfi thermal carafe (obviously I had a price limit). I stupidly didn’t think to ask for something for myself so I may have to enter the contest as well…
Anyway, the contest will be open for two weeks. Take a photo of your favorite spot in DC for a morning cup of coffee. It can be a balcony, like I often feature, or a spot in your house, in a park, anywhere in DC. Send a couple of lines of text along with the photo to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com explaining why it’s your favorite. I’ll select three finalists and we’ll vote on a final winner.