Thanks to icubaji for uploading these H Mart photos. I had to look it up. Looks like they have a few locations in MD and VA. Any fans?
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grocery stores
Thanks to a reader for sending this info from CM Jim Graham:
“Dear Friends, Here is the Target hiring announcement for those seeking employment. We have also been informed that Target will open some 100 positions in the near future. Target is opening a full grocery store in July and extra staff is required.”
I wonder what they’ll add?
I’m still waiting for the mariachi band to return:
Thanks to a reader for sending in this great shot from the City Vista Safeway in Mt. Vernon Square.
My friend, Sean, shared some scuttlebutt with me that is so sweet that I had to make it the Friday Question of the Day. First the scuttlebutt: he writes, “I was at Trader Joes and I asked the manager when they would open up another DC location and she said they were actively seeking a space near 14th and U (Streets, NW).”
Holy cow.
So for the Friday Question of the Day, at the risk of shattering my dream, what are the odds of this happening? Do you think there is an appropriate space/lot near 14th and U that could host a Trader Joes?
If one did open at 14th and U (for those that live relatively nearby) would you ever shop at Giant or Safeway again? How much parking do you think would be necessary for a Trader Joes? If they were able to open up at 14th and U – from how far away would this attract people. I know living up in Petworth I’d definitely patronize the store.
“Dear PoP,
Last night Jack McGrath of Ellwood Thompson and David Stein, Director of Operations of DCUSA, came to speak to the North Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association. Very good and exciting news to report.
McGrath, whom I believe is one of the owners, discussed Ellwood’s mission and how it fits into the community. Ellwood’s started in 1988 in Richmond as a small community grocery store. Their focus is on local sourcing (within 100 miles, which will generate overlap with Richmond products, though, obviously, not every product will be sourced locally), sustainability (agriculture, environment, etc), community, and education. They focus on providing healthy products and have a list of additives and ingredients that are banned from products that they sell in their store. They intend to be a community gathering spot with in-house dining and a full working kitchen, besides the groceries. Price points hover around Whole Foods, but Ellwoods offers more vegetarian and vegan options. The space will be approx. 15,000 sq. feet and, if all the legal hoops and other last minute details pan out, they plan to start construction sometime in July with a target completion date of Mid-January. Hopefully, they’ll be able to work with the new farmer’s market and other community projects to really become a valuable asset to CH above and beyond providing their core products.
Stein was positive and attended the meeting to provide support to Ellwoods. He mentioned that prospective tenants of DCUSA have been interested to see what will happen with Ellwoods. As you’ve heard before, DCUSA is selective about the tenants that they will put in the remaining spaces, looking for a diverse mix that will fit with the community. He explained the many facets of diversity, but I won’t go into them here. He was positive about filling up the space with in the next 12 to 18 months, particularly after Ellwoods comes in. IHOP is still on track, though no lease has been signed yet so it’s still off the record. The good thing is that the company locally franchises its restaurants, so the owners/franchisees of the prospective IHOP will be local folks.”
In other grocery store news Borderstan notes that the P St, Whole Foods will be undergoing renovations:
“Renovations are underway at the Logan Circle Whole Foods Market at 1440 P Street NW. Construction is expected to be complete in November 2010. A rendering of the mezzanine level cafe and progress photos can be found on the store’s Facebook page.”
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Petworth’s Safeway on Georgia Ave (3830 Georgia Ave, NW)
Georgetown’s new Safeway on Wisconsin Ave (1855 Wisconsin Ave, NW)
While I’m very happy with the YES! Organic Market a bit further up the block at Georgia and Taylor, I find it pretty appalling to compare the Petworth Safeway to the Georgetown Safeway. I understand that Georgetown residents have a lot of money to spend so obviously they are going to get a nice store but Petworth residents were told time and time again that this relic on Georgia Ave was going to be upgraded. Whenever I ask Mayor Fenty or Council Member Bowser they say, plans are still in the works. But Lord – how long must we wait. Quite frankly I just don’t like all the bullshit. If they’re not going to upgrade the Georgia Ave Safeway then just say so. Be honest with us, we can take it. I’ve heard lots of rumors as to why the Safeway upgrade has stalled. Some blame residents, some blame Safeway, some blame funding/tax break issues. But are we not entitled to an honest answer?
So once and for all – should the Georgia Ave Safeway be upgraded? If so, what is the responsibility of Safeway, our elected leaders and/or the residents to make sure this happens. I believe that Mt. Vernon Square (City Vista), Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Navy Yard (SW Waterfront) all have new or upgraded stores. Besides Petworth what other neighborhoods do you think are due for an upgrade?
I can tell you when I walked into the Georgia Ave store this weekend I was hit with a foul odor. When I walked into the Wisconsin Ave store, I could swear that the aisles were paved with gold. Not to speak for all but I’d be happy with half as nice an upgrade in Petworth.
Luncheon meats at Georgia Ave above.
A portion of the cheese selection at Wisconsin Ave below.
The Social Safeway located at 1855 Wisconsin Ave NW opens May 6th. It’s looking good. The store is considered a ‘lifestyle store’ and you can learn what that means here.
And if you need a primer on Safeway nicknames you can find them here.
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Photo by PoPville flickr user rosiedawn
Michael Neibauer of WBJ has the scoop:
“A deal to put a Giant supermarket at Third and H streets NE two blocks from Union Station is imminent, sources tell the Washington Business Journal.”
There was a lot of speculation as to which grocery store would arrive. Folks were, understandably, pining for a Harris Teeter or Whole Foods. Those would certainly be great. And I know not everyone will agree with me, but I’ve been a big fan of the Giant in Columbia Heights. So overall I’d say this a great addition to the H Street, NE corridor.
Does anyone think Harris Teeter will ever open up another location in DC?
Update: Dang I forgot Harris Teeter is opening one up at 1st and M St, NE.
Hi, I’m Laura and I’m delighted to be contributing to PoP as a guest blogger! I love to talk about interesting food items, like unique grocery shops/restaurants and recipes inspired by those places.
Hailing from Silver Spring, I thought I’d dedicate this first post to one of my local favorites, the Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-op.
For those of you unfamiliar with this gem, the TPSS co-op is a locally owned organic market, featuring local produce, dairy, meat, and other foods. There are two locations, one in Silver Spring, just outside the DC border in Rock Creek Park, and one in Takoma Park. Right now, I’m loving their pots of fresh herbs outside.
Although I enjoy local produce, I just never have managed to be huge patron of Farmers’ Markets because many of them would require me to Wake Up Early on Saturdays. I consider this a huge waste of Sleeping In Opportunity. So while all those other “early birds” are off at the farmers market, I can just come to the TPSS co-op at any time I want until 9pm and get in on my organic spinach.
One aisle of the store is dedicated to bulk bins. Bulk bins hearken me back to the days of my childhood when my mom would push her cart right past the bulk bin displays of candy. So now that I am a grown-up,there is nothing more satisfying at the grocery store than the Bulk Bin Aisle. I suppose my tastes have developed somewhat, since it is not Brach’s wrapped candies I am interested in anymore, but that by-the-pound Pearl Couscous, Veggie Pasta, or Trail Mix. Spices also come in bulk bins, so you can stop buying overpriced bottles at Giant (seriously, $6 for a tiny jar of ground mustard?), and come here where you can stock up on Garam Masala, Whole Coriander, Mustard Seed, and other such grilling necessities.
So now, you have your bulk-bin pasta and organic produce, what are you to make? How about some Cavatappi with Butternut Squash and Spinach?
Continues after the jump. (more…)
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Photo by PoPville flickr user K’s Clicks
“Dear PoP,
I just joined a CSA, and i’d love it if we could share their info on POP…the clincher for me was that they has small size boxes…other places always do family size, which is just too much.
They are new, organic, and will be making a weekly delivery in Petworth (no hauling out to takoma park, yea!)”
They are called Earth Spring Farm.
I feel like I’ve been getting lots of emails about CSAs lately, so if you have on that you like or recommend feel free to leave in the comments.