Chinatown

Scuttlebutt: Indoor Rock Climbing Wall Possibly Coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

On Friday I headed down to Penn Quarter to follow up on a reader tip about a new Panini place coming to town. And indeed Amorini Panini is coming to 906 F Street NW.

But I also happened to stop into the storefront next door, 908 F St, NW, announcing an antique sale:

At first it looks like a standard store front but when you walk to the back (see first photo) you can see it is gigantic. The guy running the antique sale said that a group from California had recently visited the space to determine if it would be a good spot for a gym including a huge indoor climbing wall. I think an indoor climbing wall in this huge location would be fantastic. What do you guys think – would it be successful at this location?

I’ll be sure to update when/if a deal is signed at this location (and of course, when the panini place opens.)

Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Rental Porn

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 750 3rd Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“With sleek architecture and a discreet presence, Ashton offers 49 exclusive one, two and three bedroom penthouse style residences; all of which have an open concept design and go up to 2,700 square feet in size. Unique in its kind, our three bedroom residences offer wall to wall floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the DC skyline and Capitol, a master suite with his and her walk-in closets as well as a luxurious bath with double stand alone shower, oversized soaking tub and double sinks/vanity area. All of our residences feature world class finishes, including natural hardwood, stainless steel appliances, custom European cabinetry, travertine tile and sleek granite countertops just to name a few.”

This one is for the penthouse and is going for a whopping $8181. Well it’s fun to look at the photos…

Dear PoP – 7th St, NW Penn Quarter News

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Carmine’s of NYC is coming to 7th St NW between D and E and Gifford’s ice cream on 1000 block of E St NW has been closed for health violations.”

Any fans of Carmine’s? I remember seeing signs that they’ll also have some significant sidewalk seating.

Pitango Gelato Opens at 413 7th St, NW in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

413 7th St NW – know anything about it? Looks like it just opened, maybe even today.”

Yes, Pitango Gelato just opened up last weekend in Penn Quarter (they also have a location in Logan Circle at 1451 P St, NW). I stopped in for a taste and couldn’t believe all the flavors:

It is def. delicious. And just when I converted to Frozen Yogurt…

Coming to 915 F St, NW – Museum of Arts and Sciences

By Prince Of Petworth

Woah, I don’t know how I missed this one but it sounds very promising:

The application says:

“NATURE OF OPERATION
Educational setting featuring exhibits of artwork on wall, artistic performances, music, dancing,
a cover charge and serving some food. The establishment will be a social/networking venue that
allows customers/clients to meet and interact with one another. No nude performances. Three
dance floors of approximately 40’x40’, 34’x20’ and 30’x10’. Total Occupancy load 1300.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES
Sunday 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Thursday 8 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday
8 am – 3 am “

DDOT to Debut Barnes Dance at 7th and H Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This sounds pretty wild, from a press release:

“The District Department of Transportation is launching a new pilot program aimed at providing safer crossings for pedestrians at one of the District’s most traversed intersections: 7th and H streets, NW in Chinatown. The new traffic pattern, commonly called a “Barnes Dance,” allows pedestrians to cross in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time while vehicles on all four sides of the intersection are stopped at a red signal. The change is scheduled to be implemented on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 am.

Continues with some history after the jump. (more…)

Coming to Chinatown(ish) – Cuba Libre

By Prince Of Petworth

Cuba Libre will be located at 9th and H Streets, NW across from the old Convention Center. They have a few locations in other cities and describe themselves:

“The tantalizing tastes of Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar are based upon the culinary traditions of this storied island paradise. Inspired by the cuisines of various Latin regions, Cuban cuisine offers a mix of robust and soul-satisfying dishes. Cuba Libre’s carefully created menu combines beef, poultry, pork and seafood with exotic fruits and vegetables, herbs and seasonings. The contemporary cuisine is flavorful and savory, but only occasionally spicy. In keeping with the gracious social character of Cuba, some dishes are designed for sharing. Concept Chef Guillermo Pernot regularly updates the menus, making seasonal changes while maintaining signature items.”

The are opening in Spring 2010. Think they’ll succeed at this location?

New Food Experience and Gelato Coming to 413 7th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Does anyone know what restaurant is going into the space next to the (soon to be) Pitango Gelato place in Penn Quarter? They put some signage in the window as a tease. Next door the Pitango looks fairly close to opening:

Judging Restaurants – Jaleo and Oyamel

By Prince Of Petworth

Jaleo is located at 480 7th Street, NW (with two other locations in Bethesda and Crystal City). The Web site says:

“Under the direction world-reknowned chef José Andrés, Jaleo’s menu offers diners an extensive selection of more than 60 different hot and cold tapas, little dishes, reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine. The bar boasts a wide variety of Spanish red, white and rosé wines, available by the glass, as well as a selection of sherries.”

Since Oyamel is so nearby (401 7th Street, NW) and also owned by the same group that owns Jaleo, I thought I’d ask which folks like better. I realize that Jaleo is Spanish and Oyamel is Mexican but if you had to choose between the two, which would you say is better or are they equally good?

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