Brightwood Park

SWAT team in Brightwood Park this Morning

By Prince Of Petworth

map
via google maps

“Dear PoPville,

This morning we discovered what looked to be a four-car team of FBI agents and Maryland sheriffs hanging out on our block (7th and Madison), not at all inconspicuously.

At around 6:15 we left the house for a run and there were two unmarked cars, parked and idling, facing east on Madison. Both cars had one guy in them, and at least one had Maryland plates. Both guys had vests on, one said Sheriff, I couldn’t see the other as well.

When we left for work at 7:15, the cars were still there plus two vans, one on 7th and one on Madison. The guys in one van were wearing full camo tactical gear (helmet included) looking more like soldiers than cops. Just hanging out, obviously waiting for something/someone. I didn’t take pictures for fear of pissing them off.

Our best guess is that it’s some kind of fugitive/bail jump situation, give the FBI involvement and MD plates–there was no visible MPD presence in the immediate area. I’m just curious if anyone else has reported something similar in the neighborhood or elsewhere or knows what they might have been up to. Obviously there was some kind of jurisdictional issue. This is probably unrelated, but this is just two blocks from where that house was shot last week.

Optimistically, I guess our house is on the safest block in DC today? But it was a bit unnerving.”

Lily’s Cafe Under New Management and Becomes Colorado Cafe

By Prince Of Petworth

Lily’s Cafe located at 5505 Colorado Ave, NW has come under new management and is renamed Colorado Cafe (as of a week ago.) Management remains super nice and have expanded their hours. They are now open Mon. – Fri. 7-7 , Sat. 8-7, and Sun. 8-4. Good news for North Country.

And remember the great restaurant, Colorado Kitchen? This is what the space looks like now. Crazy! Of course the owner of the former Colorado Kitchen, Gillian Clark, will be opening a new spot in the Donatelli building at the Petworth Metro.

Colorado Kitchen (Inventory?) For Sale!

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Chris

Sometimes I hate it when my Scuttlebutt turns out to be true. Thanks to an eagle eyed reader who spotted this auction sale announcement. Rasmus Auctioneers is calling this sale “Super Short Notice” and will be auctioning off “inventory”, exclusively on the internet, Monday, July 7th, 2008 at 11:00am. The site says: “Colorado Kitchen a popular DC eatery has come to the end of its lease and the building is slated for redevelopment. Complete inventory posted next Tuesday”. This is really sad news. Located at 5515 Colorado Ave NW, Colorado Kitchen was one of the greatest spots up in North Country. Some people have voiced complaints about the owner/chef but I think there is almost universal agreement that the food was spectacular. Colorado Kitchen – you will be missed. Thank you for your many years of great food.

Bad News From Up In North Country

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to the many readers who sent me this sad news. Meridian Restaurant up in Brightwood has closed. It was a beautiful space so I hope something nice goes in and of course I wish the folks behind Meridian Restaurant the best of luck.

Here’s the note that was sent out:

“To all our patrons and friends,

Last night we closed Meridian Restaurant and Bar. My partners and I have concluded this is not the right restaurant for this location at this time. We are obviously disappointed. We have worked and planned and worked to put Meridian together for years. Clearly, the limping economy is hurting restaurants, especially start-ups. Please know that many people, including the city, are committed to keeping a quality sit down restaurant in Brightwood. We are in negotiations with another local restaurant operator to move into the space with a different concept that, we hope, will be more appealing to the neighborhood. We hope that you support that venture as you supported us. Our target is to have a new restaurant open in Meridian’s space by September.

Thank you for sharing our adventure, however brief.

Rodney English”

Upper Georgia Ave. Represent Represent

By Prince Of Petworth

The Express reported today that a new restaurant is opening in the Brightwood neighborhood. The article states: “A new restaurant opening next Tuesday, however, will give Brightwood and adjacent neighborhoods in Ward 4 a gathering place close to home. The place is Meridian Restaurant and Bar, which will be a ground-level anchor for the new Brightwood Lofts.” Read the rest of the article here.