A reader writes:
“Flames licking the first floor window at Johnny’s Carry-Out. Hope no one was hurt. Buses pretty screwed up.”
@IAFF36 tweets:
“Update – 503 Kennedy St NW – fire on 1st floor knocked down, still working to access basement, primary search negative”
5320 Georgia Ave, NW
“Dear PoPville,
There is a new local coffeehouse that just opened on the 5300 block of Georgia Ave. NW (bet. Ingraham and Jefferson).
The owner, Mani, who herself is from Ethiopia, serves only Ethiopian coffees plus a variety of baked goods. It’s one of the very few pleasant, low-noise, sit-down eating places in this area. She told us today that the cafe is open 7-7. They offer free wifi too!”
Manahalush “Mani” Tesema (right) and Dawit Zewdie
Photo by PoPville flickr user Madame Meow
Thanks to Caroline for sending. From the Walter Reed Local Development Authority:
On July 18th 2013, Deputy Mayor Victor Hoskins and the Walter Reed LRA Project Team joined over 200 members of the community at the Developer Presentations which were shared in response to the recently issued Request for Proposals (RFP). The community is invited to share comments, questions and concerns via email at [email protected] or by writing to the LRA at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 317 Washington, DC 20004. Responses are due by 5PM on August 19, 2013.
Below, please find the Walter Reed LRA’s Agenda/Presentation and the Developer Presentations shared on July 19, 2013.
Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority Community Meeting Agenda & Presentation
Forest City Washington- Part 2
Forest City Washington- Part 3
Forest City Washington- Part 4
Forest City Washington- Part 5
“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.
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.
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.