Chinatown

The Art of SpYn, Cycling and Yoga Studio, Coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s a good week for cycling studio news. The Art of SpYn is coming to 950 F St, NW. From an email:

The Art of SpYn features two studios, a patron’s lounge, high-end men’s and women’s locker facilities and a lifestyle retail boutique in over 4,000 square feet of space. The state of the art cycling studio and tranquil yoga studio create the perfect combination for the latest in fitness in a beautiful, modern setting.

The team at The Art of SpYn is committed to innovation and creation of forward-thinking classes that combine the best practices from different disciplines to give you the most effective workout.

LED billboards to Go Up at Verizon Center?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe in DC

Thanks to everyone who forwarded emails from Vida Fitness:

Dear VIDA Members,
DC City Council will soon consider Bill 19-0517, which would allow enormous full-motion Jumbotron billboards to be placed anywhere on the exterior of the Verizon Center. The bill will exempt these billboards from most of the regulations that apply to all other billboards in the city.

As a VIDA Member, you need to be aware that one of Verizon Center’s planned Jumbotrons would literally cover the vast majority of VIDA’s leased space. One of the important amenities that we offer is floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the natural light is very much a part of what makes VIDA so enjoyable. Many of you value the scenic views of downtown DC you enjoy while utilizing our cardio equipment or simply walking the 3rd Floor during your weight lifting routine. This visual reinforces that this is truly a neighborhood where people work, live and work out.

The proposed bill allows for LED billboards of unlimited size, including signs that could wrap around the Verizon Center and cast light 7 or 8 blocks down G Street, meaning they would be visible from the Treasury Building, which sits right next to the White House. The authorizing legislation allows up to 9 Jumbotrons of any size in any location. The Verizon Center plan does not respect the local community of residences, offices, businesses, museums, theatres, and restaurants.

The billboards may hamper the residential development that the city is actively trying to encourage in the area. A recent study showed that billboards negatively impact the value of neighboring residences and drive down property values. This, combined with a decline in tenants interested in having their bedrooms bathed in glowing LED lights, would ultimately discourage residential development and result in a loss of property taxes collected by the city.
The legislation will be heard before the City Council on Jan. 23 at 2:00 PM. Your input is very important. Please join us by filling out the petition form at www.scenic.org/verizon. You may also call or email the DC City Council directly.

If you want to speak at the hearing, you must sign up before Friday, January 20th.
Contact Melanie Williamson at (202) 741-2112 or email her at [email protected].

The hearing is Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM.
Room 123, John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

David von Storch
President & Founder
VIDA Fitness

Do you think the Verizon Center should be able to have LED billboards?

The 5pm Post – Dominoes Day at Hill Country

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user yostinator

From an email:

Whether it’s a game of 42 or Chickenfoot, Dominoes has long been a favorite past time in Texas (Willie Nelson & Woody Harrelson were just playing on CBS Sunday Morning this past weekend). Game-lovers are invited to come spend a quiet winter afternoon with us in the Boot Bar playing with the bones.

All skill levels are welcomed – we’ll have a few people there to teach beginners and more advanced players are welcomed to strike up a game, as well. We’ll have a few sets of dominoes for people to use, but please bring your own if you have a set.

There is no cover to participate, but there is a 2 item purchase requirement (either food or drink) per person. Open to everyone 18+.

What: Dominoes Day at Hill Country
When: Sunday, January 22nd – 1 to 4 PM
Where: Hill Country Barbecue Market – Downstairs in the Boot Bar; 410 7th Street, NW

YO Sushi!, Walgreens, Panera Bread Coming to Chinatown

By Prince Of Petworth

The Washington Post’s Jonathan O’Connell continues to share tons of great scoops. Yesterday he told us about the Nike Store taking over the Barnes & Nobles space in Georgetown. And I forgot to share his big retail news for Chinatown:

“One of the most visible strips of vacant storefronts in the District — beside the Chinese Friendship arch in Chinatown — will become a YO! Sushi restaurant, Walgreens pharmacy and Panera Bread bakery and restaurant.”

You think YO! Sushi, Panera and a Walgreens will do well at 7th and H St, NW?

Opening Soon – Latin Lounge at Zengo in Penn Quarter/Chinatown

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

EXPERIENCE THE NEW
LATIN LOUNGE AT ZENGO

DJ SERIES
Fri-Sat Nights | 7:30PM til late
Latin and Global Lounge Rhythms
Guest DJs

HAPPY HOUR
Daily | 5-8PM
$5 Cocktails | $5 Small Plates

HAND SELECTED LATIN SPIRITS
Personal Bottle Storage
Bottle-Shaker Service
Weekly Tastings

ZENGO DC is located at 781 7th St, NW. Their Facebook page says:

Zengo is an artful blend of Latin-Asian styles and flavors. Chef-owner Richard Sandoval, whose accolades include Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year and Mexico’s Toque d’Oro, spins regional ingredients into beautifully balanced dishes designed for sharing.

The beverage menu features innovative, hand-muddled cocktails as well as Latin wines, Japanese sakes and over 400 Tequilas. The vibrant décor fuses traditional and contemporary tastes, the perfect setting to savor Zengo’s acclaimed cuisine.

We previously judged Zengo back in July ’09.

Rosa Mexicano Gets New Chef in Residence, Launching New Thematic Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

Jonathan Waxman has joined acclaimed Rosa Mexicano as Chef-in-Residence, where the accomplished chef will curate its 2012 Flavors of Mexico series, seasonal celebrations that highlight the diversity of Mexican cuisine today, as well as lend inspiration to new menu items and invigorate some traditional favorites. As chef and owner of Barbuto in New York City, author of cookbooks “A Great American Cook” and “Italian My Way,” and a former contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, Waxman brings his expertise and inspired, market-fresh approach to the restaurant group with 12 locations nationwide.

Each season, Rosa Mexicano will offer a thematic menu created by Chef-in-Residence Waxman. The following previews Rosa Mexicano’s Flavors of Mexico 2012 series, available at its restaurants nationwide.

Winter: Eclectic Cuts (Feb-March)
Combat cold weather with hearty, lesser known cuts of slow-cooked meat such as Pork Cheek Casserole and Lamb Neck Enchiladas.

Spring: Mexican Passover (April)
Inspired by Mexico’s rich Jewish history dating back to the Spanish Inquisition, Waxman will celebrate the fusion of cultures and current culinary trends in Mexico City with dishes such as Matzo Chilaquiles, Red Snapper Gefilte Fish and Tecate Braised Brisket.

Summer: Foods of Baja (June)
With the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California on either side, this summer celebration of Baja will prominently feature seafood and refreshing coastal drinks to keep palates cool from coast to coast.

Fall: Day of the Dead (Oct-Nov)
Get in the spirit of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1-2) with Waxman’s personal take on traditional dishes, which will combine ancient mole and chile-laced recipes with the season’s best produce.

Rosa Mexicano is located at 575 7th St, NW in Penn Quarter and one is coming soon to Friendship Heights.

Whoa, Coolest Place to Work in the City?

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week we spoke about Living Social’s new building getting worked on at 7th and New York Ave, NW. But check out what I saw at one of their other awesome buildings in Penn Quarter (F St, NW). A liquor license on this beautiful building says:

The purpose of the establishment is to offer services and programming for Living Social members and employees. The establishment will provide an entertainment space that offers unique athletic, educational, artistic, and culinary classes with minimal focus on live musical entertainment.

Awesome.

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