Adams Morgan

New Cell Phone Company Taking Over Prime Storefronts in U Street and Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

I had noticed the sign at the corner of 14th and U Streets, NW and a reader wrote in about the Adams Morgan location:

“What’s going in the space next to Shwarma King on the 1600 block of Columbia Road?”

I spoke to some workmen at the Columbia Road location (1652) and they said Cricket Communication will be coming in the next few weeks. From their Web site they say:

“Cricket is a simple, affordable wireless service offering consumers and local businesses a flat-rate unlimited service over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Designed for customers whose basic and advanced wireless needs have not been met by traditional communications companies, Cricket is the pioneer of unlimited services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required.”

I’m gonna file this under – it’s better than an empty storefront…

DSCN0165

Dear PoP – What’s Going on With Ghana Cafe?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hello PoP,

Over the past few weeks my friends and I have noticed that the Ghana Cafe (on 18th street in Adams Morgan) is going through a transformation. First they took down the sign, now they have gutted the whole building, installed new windows on all three floors and put up new internal walls. Could you work your magic and find out if it’s coming back as a shiny new Ghana Cafe or if it’s gonna be another Jumbo Slice?”

I took a look this weekend and the permits out front said that it was slated to become a retail or wholesale store. I think it would be great to add some retail to the mix of 18th Street. Anyone have any idea what type of retail this may become? What do you think would do well in this spot?

Judging Restaurants – North Sea

By Prince Of Petworth

North Sea Restaurant is located at 2479 18th Street, NW (near the McDonalds). I have to say, I never realized this was a proper restaurant. I always thought it was just take out. But it looks pretty nice.

Their Web site says:

“Our restaurant offers a wide array of authentic fine Chinese dishes, ranging from tranditional Szechuan and Hunan dishes such as , Seasame Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, Sauteed Mix Vegetable to new style entrees such as Pad Thai, Chicken Chow Mein, Pepper Steak and Kung Po Shrimp.”

You can see the menu here. So any fans out there for delivery or dining in?

Judging Restaurants – Rumba Cafe

By Prince Of Petworth

Rumba Cafe is located at 2443 18th Street., NW in Adams Morgan. I know this is a popular spot to listen to live Latin music but recently I’ve noticed lots of folks eating at the outdoor cafe in front. Here’s a list of main courses from their menu. Any fans of the restaurant? The bar? The music? What’s the best part of this spot?

New Restaurant, Jack Rose, Coming to 2007 18th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in March I asked if the gym at 2007 18th Street in Adams Morgan was closing. I just noticed an alcohol application on the window.

It says the restaurant trade name is “Jack Rose” featuring:

“regional cuisine and drinks, occasional DJ, live music, dancing, and cover charge”.

So does anyone go to this gym? Is it closing? With an occupancy of 299 and 150 summer garden it has to be the whole building, right? Does the “transfer” mean that this restaurant already exists and will be moving here? Anyone know more details?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) Coming to DC

By Prince Of Petworth

When I got the email saying:

“This weekend I will hit the streets dressed as a tree…”

I wasn’t sure if this was the ramblings of an insane person or a legit cause. Turns out it is a super cool legit cause. Pictured above is Bert Fitzgerald, 27, in Adams Morgan.

He worked on the Holly Tree Farm around Charlottesville VA last summer, and is now organizing this project delivering CSA shares from local Virginia family farms to DC, and partnering with farms that do pastured eggs, grass fed meats, raw milk cow shares, artisan breads and cheeses,local trout, and more.

He says:

“With a CSA (community supported agriculture) the idea is that you put money up front to support the costs of the farm’s growing season, and you get a share of its produce (dozens of different things throughout a season) every week. What we do different is that we deliver to your door, at the time you want it, on Thursday (as opposed to doing drop off points). And we allow people to add a very diverse group of local foods to their orders. If people want to join us we have lots of shares to offer, and they start up this Thursday (going through oct 1), so now’s the time to sign up!”

More detailed info after the jump. (more…)

Garden of the Day

By Prince Of Petworth

I think the sidewalk/garden improvement at Calvert and Adams Mill Road came out really well (in Adams Morgan).

Dear PoP – Policy Activity Last Night (Friday)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’m surprised I didn’t see a post from you yet on what happened last night. (Although I know you don’t post on weekends regularly). I was walking home around midnight and there were 12-13 cop cars around the block of 14th street between Columbia and Irving. I walked up to a group of people that actually included Councilmember Graham. A cop explained what was going on, and when I asked someone what he said, I heard that someone was shot and killed.

This morning, I checked washingtonpost.com and found additional details.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/16/AR2009051600081.html?hpid=topnews

“In Columbia Heights, a 19-year-old man was shot to death last night in the heart of the neighborhood’s developing retail and residential district, D.C. police said.

The area was brimming with people on a warm and pleasant night when the shooting occurred about 11 p.m. in the 3000 block of 14th Street NW, near the busy intersection of 14th Street and Columbia Road. The burst of as many as six shots sent people racing in all directions, some of them darting into traffic in their efforts to flee, according to witnesses.

Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) said he believed that the killing might have represented “gang retribution.”

The victim, who was not identified immediately, was hit in the head and fell in front of an apartment house doorway.”

And from Ontarioroader’s comment in Rant and/or Revels:

“Yep, a 19 y/o shot in the head and killed at 14th and columbia. There was also a gunfight in Adams morgan at kalorama and Champlain. 2 MPD officers shot and injured, but it sounds like they were able to return fire and kill the shooter.

there was also some jerk-off on a mini-bike firing off a 9mm at 12th and Decatur [maybe it was delafield] last night. MPD was out picking up casings and looking for a victim. Not sure if anyone was hit. Oh and a stolen car crashed, ejecting and killing the driver somewhere else in 4d. Good times… Good times.”

 

Judging Pizza – Duccini’s

By Prince Of Petworth

Duccini’s is located at 1778 U St, NW. I’m always on the hunt for good pizza and we’ve certainly discussed the topic at length. But I think it’s worth exploring good slices of pizza. I enjoy Moronis and Red Rocks etc. But sometimes I’m just looking for a slice. I think hands down Vace’s (Cleveland Park) has the best per slice pizza. Pete’s (Columbia Heights) is also good. But I’m wondering if there are other good per slice places. So how’s Duccini’s? Any other recommendations for per slice spots?

Coming and Going – 18th Street – Black Squirrel and Spy Lounge

By Prince Of Petworth

The Black Squirrel is expanding it’s space into the basement level at 2427 18th Street, NW.

And across the street, of course we’ve heard the spy lounge space has closed. Walking by last weekend, I saw that the for lease signs in the window now have a “under contract” listing. Anyone know what may be going in there? I’ll be sure to update as I get more info.

View More Stories