“Dillinger, a shih tzu, ran away today and I desperately need your help locating him. My phone number is on his collar. Please help me.”
Last seen in north Petworth/Brightwood.
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Brightwood
709 Kennedy Street, NW
Back in April we learned Culture Coffee was coming to Kennedy Street. Thanks to a reader for sending an update:
“Just wanted to let you know that I saw Culture Coffee on Kennedy street is having a free tasting preview on Saturday morning (9-11). They also have a new website up and running with their menu on it. Exciting!”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Madame Meow
From an email:
“Walter Reed Tomorrow” is a cool project Hines Urban Atlantic has put together as part of their RFP submission for the Walter Reed site. Between now and July 3rd, the far-reaching survey and publicity campaign will gather nearby residents’ feedback about what Walter Reed should become. The data collected will inform Hines Urban Atlantic’s proposal to the D.C. Government about what should come the massive site – condos, retail, community space, etc.
I can’t wait to see what opinions we get – the project has so much potential!
You can fill out the survey here.
Ed. Note: Hines Urban Atlantic is a PoPville advertiser.
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5828 Georgia Avenue, NW
Good news for Brightwood residents – a casual neighborhood spot is coming your way. The former Kendejah restaurant and lounge is going to become ‘Simple Bar and Grill’ (next door to Chocolate Crust formerly Washington Deli.) I spoke with owner Wilfredo Guzman (Wil) who says he hopes to have the space open (at least to sample the food) in a month or so. After that they plan on getting their liquor license in hopes of offering a tasty mojito and more.
Since the space was formerly a restaurant, most of the changes going on inside are cosmetic (though the kitchen has been completely reworked.) But right away, for folks who know the area, you’ll notice an improvement because the former cinderblock/bricked front of Kendejah has been replaced by two big open windows. Wil tells me that he plans for the space to be very welcoming. Folks who live in the area can often see Wil cleaning up the area in front of his store (which can be a Sisyphean task on busy Georgia Ave.) not to mention beautifying the tree box and other touches.
Inspired by the many restaurants he has worked at, Wil wants to appeal to everyone’s taste and keep it nice and simple – thus the name. The menu will develop over time but he plans on serving grilled meats and other simple dishes at a very reasonable price. Inside folks will find a small bar in the back and lots of booths and table seating for up to 95 (the space is two storefronts combined and deceivingly large.) There will be tvs as well so folks can watch football during football season and watch other big sporting events as well. Though Wil emphasized that the spot will not be a sports bar and restaurant rather it will be a neighborhood bar and restaurant.
I asked Wil how he decided to open a restaurant while currently owning a tattoo shop and he laughed and said he’s always had two jobs. While Graphic Box is only about 2 1/2 years old and will remain open (5816 Georgia Ave NW) – he’s worked at restaurants for over 16 years. He had to work two jobs to pay his way through the Corcoran School of Art while also supporting a daughter.
I have very high hopes for Simple Bar and Grill to become a casual but comfortable spot. Stay tuned for updates as they get closer to opening.
6230 Georgia Ave, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending word about Wapa Cafe coming to 6230 Georgia Ave, NW. Wapa Cafe’s Facebook page says:
“Latin American flavors, Colombian coffee, Tea and Chocolate from Bolivia, Antojitos, Art, Music and more. Come join Us.”
Updates when they get closer to opening.
Coffee options continue to march northwards – in April we learned about Culture Coffee coming to Kennedy Street and La Mano Coffee Bar should be getting ready to open in Takoma soon.
5413 Georgia Ave, NW
G Spot Lounge opened up in Sept. 2010 at 5413 Georgia Ave, NW. In Sept. 2012 we learned the space was for rent/sale – $2,500/Mo to rent or a purchase price of $150,000. A liquor license application reveals it will become Cafe Midar:
“New Lounge serving American cuisine with live entertainment, dancing and cover charge. Seating Capacity is 200, total occupancy load is 210.”
Not sure if that is a typo but that seems like an ambitious capacity for such a small spot. Anyway, with the retirement of the G Spot Lounge – Climax Sports Bar now has the honors for the worst/best name in town…
709 Kennedy Street, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending on this great news from Culture Coffee:
Our motto is Coffee, Culture and Conversation…we want to get more people offline and in person and start forming that sense of community across all cultures. We plan to share our culture (African American) with others and look forward to having others share their culture with us…the guys at the Ethophian Deli two doors down have promised to host a Ethiopian Tea Ceremony (that should be fun).
Of course, we’ll be offering delicious coffee and espresso drinks, free Wi-Fi and LOTS of culture (spoken word/poetry slams, book readings, chess tournaments, panel discussions with various speakers, featured Cultures of the Month).
Sounds like an amazing addition to Kennedy Street. Updates as they get closer to opening.
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5830 Georgia Ave, NW
From a press release:
A new bakery and deli opened in the Brightwood neighborhood of DC on the corner of Georgia Ave. and Missouri Ave in late February, 2013. Owner and Chef, Robert Cabeca, used his love of and experience with chocolate to craft a unique menu of American classics infused with chocolate inspiration.
Chocolate Crust is the newest addition to the Brightwood neighborhood, and located at the corner of Georgia Ave NW and Missouri Ave. across from where the first Wal-Mart inside the District is slated to open later in 2013. The bakery is centrally located in this growing neighborhood and offers carryout and delivery services. Though there is no seated service, customers are welcome to sit and enjoy a beverage and snack on samples while their food is prepared.
Chocolate Crust’s signature dish is the Chocolate Pizza made with a crust that incorporates cacao nibs, small pieces of the roasted cocoa bean, and bits of dark chocolate. In explaining the concept of this dish Owner & Chef, Robert Cabeca explains “Chocolate is really a versatile and complex ingredient that many people sideline as a dessert or candy. The cocoa beans flavor profile enhances the natural flavors of fresh pizza.” Though customers might be uncertain when they first hear of the savory chocolate options, Robert and the staff say the feedback has been positive and encouraging.
For those remaining skeptics, Chocolate Crust will be doling out samples this upcoming weekend for their grand opening. Stop by on Saturday or Sunday for tastes of the pizza, skillet crusted cocoa mac & cheese, and assorted pastries as well as special offers – and free balloons!
Chef Cabeca states: “This is a really eclectic neighborhood with great potential. Our food has been a welcome addition for the local residents. I love watching our customers express skeptical curiosity towards our cocoa infused food and then watch their expressions of delight once they experience how good it really is. We already have dedicated regulars after just a few weeks!”
Other menu items include skillet seared Cocoa Macaroni & Cheese topped with bits of bacon and cacao nibs, ChoGrilled Cheese on Chocolate Bread, fresh made bagels and breads for sandwiches, and crisp salads. Along with the unique savory chocolate items, Chocolate Crust offers a wide variety of baked goods and pastries baked fresh daily on site. Chocolate chip cookies, scones, cupcakes, brioche cinnamon rolls, and brownies are just a few of the baked goods offerings. Custom and wedding cakes, catering and wholesale packages are also available for order.
Some metered parking is available along Georgia Ave in front of the Chocolate Crust, with other zoned parking available in nearby neighborhoods. In the coming weeks Chocolate Crust will also be offering delivery service in the adjacent neighborhoods.
Robert Cabeca has been working with chocolate for over 25 years. Owner of COCOVA in Adams Morgan, he decided to create a place where the experience of chocolate is infused into fresh, classic foods from hamburgers to pizza in a casual and fun atmosphere. Having no formal culinary training, apart from a few specialty classes like wedding cake design, Robert has proven himself a passionate expert in the field of chocolate, pastry, and cooking.
Chocolate Crust is open from 9AM-6PM every day of the week.
From MPD:
On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at approximately 9:10 pm, members of the Fourth District Vice unit received information that there was a man armed with a gun in the 700 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW. Upon arrival, officers attempted to stop an individual who ran and pointed a gun at an officer. That officer discharged their weapon but did not strike the suspect. The suspect was apprehended and a gun was recovered on the scene. There were no injuries to the officers or the suspect.
5830 Georgia Ave, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending word that Chocolate Crust has opened in the former Washington Deli space in Brightwood. You can see their menu here. Anyone check them out yet?