Friday Question of the Day

Special Thanksgiving Edition – Question of the Day (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Could be a little bit “Hallmarky” – but how about a “What are you Thankful for” feature before Thanksgiving?”

I don’t think it’s too Hallmarky at all and the photo is fantastic as well. I know I often take things for granted and sometimes need to take a step back to appreciate what I have. So I’ll kick it off, I’m really grateful for my very understanding parents and family, some of the nicest neighbors in town, the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees, and some great friends who have become like family to me.

And this is def. gonna sound Hallmarky but I’m really grateful for you guys, your knowledge and support, which has enabled me to achieve my goal of blogging full time this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and/or friends.

So what are you thankful for this year?

Scuttlebutt and Sorta Related Friday Question of the Day (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

A commenter writes from yesterday’s post showing before and after pictures from 14th Street:

“The Solea “Before” picture is almost identical to a building under renovation on 14th between N and Rhode Island. It’s going to be a Subway sandwich shop.”

I was wondering what that spot was going to become as last weekend when I walked by it looked very close to being finished. I’ll go by this weekend and try to confirm whether or not a Subway sandwich shop is going in.

And while the commercials say Subway is a healthy choice I thought I could combine this FQoTD from a reader:

“Aside from going to the typical weights and cardio gyms, can people recommend alternative places to go for staying in shape? Organized soccer leagues? Gymnastics? Dance studios? Running groups? I’ve seen that group of people at Meridian Hill Park who do what looks to be some sort of couples acrobatics – even stuff like that. What alternative programs are out there for staying in shape?”

I know ultimate frisbee kicked my ass. I’m sticking with walking all over town taking pictures… Anyone have good alternatives for staying in shape besides going to the gym?

Friday Question of the Day – What’s the Worst Sports Team Name in the USA? (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader writes:

Suggestion for a frivolous Friday question of the day. “What’s the Worst Sports Team Name in the USA?” I thought it was the Washington Wizards until Richmond just named its new minor league baseball team the “Flying Squirrels”.

I agree, it’s been a while since we had a fun FQoTD. I really enjoyed reading about people’s first cassette, CD, and concert that they went to. But this is a good question too. I’ve always thought the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz was the most ridiculous sports mascot/name. But can you think of any worse than the Flying Squirrels? I’ve always thought that Clerks of Cardozo High School was an odd name…

Friday Question of the Day – Where’s The Best Brunch in DC? (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader wrote in asking about general brunch options. This email was followed by the one below:

“Have you ever blogged about The Highlands? It’s a diamond in the rough restaurant on 14th across the street from the Metro Bus Depot. OBSCENELY cheap and AMAZINGLY good (best crab cakes i’ve ever had). Wonderful service; chef comes out for every diner to ask how it is. Perfect brunch, cheap brunch. It’s never busy and i don’t understand why! People must know!”

I do like The Highlands located on 14th Street, NW between Crittenden and Decatur. And back in August of ’08 there were some good breakfast recommendations listed. However, there have also been a ton of new restaurants that have opened since Aug. ’08 so I’m wondering if any of them have good brunch options?

Also I’d like to add a caveat, besides Highlands, where can one get a good brunch in the city without waiting an hour for a table? This is one of the toughest questions I ever have to answer. I’m always hesitant to make recommendations because the wait for tables drives me crazy. So where are the other secret or not so secret spots that have good brunch without a long wait? Of course other essentials beside the wait are great Bloody Marys and/or inexpensive mimosas…and bacon definitely good crispy bacon options.

Friday Question of the Day – What are Your Family Get Well Remedies?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Ellen November

Well, this is a bit of a selfish one as I currently feel like my legs have been whacked repeatedly by 2x4s and my head and chest are just congested. So, I’ve heard drink lots of water, rest, drink oj, don’t drink oj, whiskey, hot whiskey, tea, Mucinex, tylenol, hot lemon water and of course chicken soup. I have been very happy with Nyquil and Ricola so far but what will actually heal me?

What are your family secrets for healing flu/cold like symptoms?  I hope they are as good as the hangover cure recommendations from a previous FQoTD…

Friday Question of the Day – What Ethnic Restaurant is Your Neighborhood Missing?

By Prince Of Petworth

In a previous thread one of the commenters mentioned that there isn’t a great diversity of ethnic restaurants in our neighborhoods. I think downtown and in some neighborhoods there is a pretty good variety but it got me thinking – what type of ethnic restaurant do you think your neighborhood is missing? Personally I’m a huge fan of Italian and Greek restaurants and would love to see some a bit closer to home. I’m excited for some more Pho options. But in a perfect world – what type of ethnic restaurant would you like to see closer to home?

Friday Question of the Day – Does Council Member Jim Graham Deserve This?

By Prince Of Petworth

I was sent a tip today that these posters were plastered all over the Adams Morgan plaza at 18th and Columbia. By the time I got there all the posters had been removed. I did however spot this one on 16th Street. CM Graham sent out an email today saying:

“In regards to the recent arrest of Teddy Loza, we should all be patient while the authorities conduct their investigation. Corruption is a very serious matter. As much as anyone else, I want this investigation to be thorough and all guilty parties held to account. I have pledged 100% cooperation to the FBI.

I have committed no wrongdoing or crime.

Please also keep in mind that the Washington Post on September 30 reported—based on law enforcement sources– that I am neither a “target” nor a “person of interest” in the FBI investigation.”

While the charges against his chief of staff – Teddy Loza, are very serious, I’m wondering if Graham deserves this treatment? If Graham truly did have zero involvement in this incident, if I were a Ward 1 voter, I’d vote for him again. I’d say Graham’s net contributions to the improvement of Ward 1 far outweigh his poor judgment in choosing a chief of staff.

I have heard in the comments that some readers have received robocalls denouncing Graham in Ward 1. I think I read that they were sponsored by the DC Republican Party. So for the FQoTD – who do you think paid for and posted these signs around Adams Morgan? Do you think they are appropriate?

Some Salacious Scuttlebutt and Friday Question of the Day

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in July I wrote that Habitat was moving into the space next door, formerly Moojoo Ken located at 1512 U Street, NW.

But I had no idea what was going to move into Habitat’s old space at 1510 U Street, NW. A reader provides some salacious scuttlebutt:

“I was just in Habitat, the purse/ bag shop on U Street. It recently moved downstairs into Moojoo Ken’s old spot. I asked someone working there what was moving into their old spot and he said it would be a sex shop. He seemed to be an honest man, who struggled to find the appropriate English words to describe the shop to me.

While I often look at vacant spots on U Street and brainstorm what this area needs, sex shop has never been the top of my list. Guess I am a bit naive.”

Of course this is only scuttlebutt but I’m dying to hear what you guys think. So for the FQoTD – do you think a sex shop will be a good fit for U Street? Also, do you think the U Street neighborhood association (if there is one) will support or at least not fight a sex shop on U Street?

Friday Question of the Day – What’s the Best Movie of the Summer? The Worst?

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, I went into Inglourious Basterds hoping to see the best film of the summer. A number of friends highly recommended it. They are no longer my friends. Now, I’m a huge Tarantino fan. Violence in films doesn’t upset me. And of course, I’m Jewish, so I thought I’d love this film. I could not have been more wrong. I was constantly checking my watch throughout the film. It was utterly boring. There was no character development at all and scarcely any compelling plot. It was just plain boring. And like I said, I really enjoyed Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction and the other Tarantino films.

So help me out – what was the best film of this summer? And for fun, what was the worst?

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