Cleveland Park

Dino Closing in Cleveland Park, Reopening in a New Location

By Prince Of Petworth

dino_cleveland_park
3435 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for passing on the email sent out by the owners of Dino:

“Ciao Amici

A sad e-mail for a change. After 8-1/2 years, we are going to close the doors at Dino. The closing date isn’t set yet, but it will be sooner rather than later. A matter of weeks and not several months. We have had a great run, and we go out being Washingtonian’s Best Restaurant and City Paper’s Best Italian in their Readers Poll. We simply are not doing the kind of business necessary to justify keeping our doors open. If you do want a last chance, or several, don’t wait. Come in now. Or come in several times while you can.

What’s Next?

We have fabulous location we are looking at, and we are working hard to make it a reality. But all the details are not yet signed sealed and delivered. To misquote a famous opera saying, “It’s not over ’til the circumferencely gifted lady sings {and her lawyers sends you their final bill!}” If you have an interest in being part of Dino’s future in a SubStantive fashion, drop us a line. By doing so, you will be keeping Dean busy, short of any free time to cause trouble, and off the streets of Washington DC {which is a good thing!}

During this end period, we will be offering all out specials as usual {holidays excepted!} And if you want to enjoy something really special from our wine cellar, any wine $150+ is 50% off {holidays excepted}.

In any case, Kay and I thank you for the fun times and we will let you know what’s in our future. We certainly hope you are included in that future.”

Ed. Note: In 2010 we heard they were looking to open in Columbia Heights. More info when it becomes available.

Cleveland Park Service Lane Battle Heats Up – Final Public Meeting Nov, 6th

By Prince Of Petworth

10583946034_699a7ea22a_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user thisisbossi

Last week we spoke about about the battle over the Cleveland Park Service Lane. Thanks to thisisbossi for uploading the sign above. From the Cleveland Park Transportation Study’s website:

“Final Public Meeting + Workshop planned for Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013

If you walk, drive, ride a bike or Metro to or around Cleveland Park, the Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to share your ideas about transportation, pedestrian safety, and public realm improvements throughout the commercial corridor.

When:
Wednesday November 6, 2013, 5:00-8:30pm (Drop-In / Open House)

Where:
Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library
3310 Connecticut Avenue, NW”

You can see the four service lane possibilities here.

I was also in Cleveland Park yesterday and saw tons of signs:

photo 5
Connecticut Avenue, NW between Macomb and Ordway

photo 1
Signs on nearly every store/restaurant.  Even Ripple had one.

Though my favorite sign from the service lane remains the ad for “Fresh” kosher cheese:

10610763523_85d61b3f32_z

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

3701 Connecticut Avenue Northwest

This rental is located at 3701 Connecticut Avenue, Northwest:

cleveland_park_rental

The listing says:

“enovated Studio in 2012. Hardwod floors, granite counters, stainless steel appliance. Gas FP, full bath. full Kitchen and dining area with plenty of storage and closet space. Furnished but willing to unfurnish upon request. 24 hr concierge. Great view of Rock Creek Park. Located a few blocks from National zoo, The Shops of Cleveland Park, Cleveland park Metro. All utilities included!”

You can see more photos here.

This studio is going for $1,625/Mo.

Palena Turning Cafe Space into a Coffee Shop in Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

palena_cleveland_park
3529 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Big Cleveland Park news from the Washington Post:

“Palena is turning its original, 30-seat cafe space into what chef-owner Frank Ruta is calling a “coffee shop.” Beginning as soon as Oct. 29, customers will be able to sit down for fresh croissants, bagels, scones and coffee beginning daily at 7 a.m.”

Palena’s cafe space is located in the former Magruder’s grocery store which opened back in 2010.

palena_coffee

Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Cleveland Park (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

2755 Ordway St_Nw

This rental is located at 2755 Ordway Street, NW:

cleveland_park_rental

The listing says:

“Thanksgiving Special! $1500/month if you sign a lease November 1st!!
This is a corner unit unfurnished studio with new hardwood floors. The building has been updated within the last three months and looks great inside and out! Cleveland Park is really great neighborhood and the unit is literally a two minute walk from the metro, some really good restaurants and CVS & Walgreens. If you do have a car or drive, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a parking spot- zoned parking has never failed me!

I’d like to get someone in the condo by November 1st. The credit check is $25, but that will come off your first months rent. There is also a mandatory move in fee that can be subtracted from the security deposit. I have lived here the past six years and have loved it, but life has unexpectedly taken me to the suburbs. If you would like to come take a look at the place or have any questions, please send me an email so we can set up an appointment.

Cheers, Daisy
[email protected]”

You can see more photos here.

This studio is going for $1500/month (if you sign Nov. 1st)

PoP-Ed. – Don’t Pave Over the Service Lane in Cleveland Park by Neal Gross

By Prince Of Petworth

cleveland_park_service_lane

Ed. Note: We previously discussed whether or not the service lane should be converted into a pedestrian boulevard back in 2011.

PoP-Ed. posts may be submitted via email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail please include PoP-Ed. in the subject line.

DDOT proposes to PAVE OVER the safety Service Lane in Cleveland Park:

Honestly, folks, this issue has been abundantly addressed and firmly rejected in the past by the neighbors, merchants, visitors and everyone who values safety from high-speed Conn Ave.

The proponents know well that elderly, disabled, infants, toddlers, and general citizens, be they CP residents or visitors, are safer, at less risk, with less anxiety and fear, and overall more conveniently served by this virtually essential Service Lane.

Safer: because we don’t have to exit a car adjacent to fast moving Connecticut Ave traffic, and likewise at less risk both on foot or in a car because while in the service lane we are protected by the mini-island, small as it is, but so advantageous. Has anyone tried to unload a wheelchair bound passenger from a car at the outside curb lane on Connecticut Ave, with traffic going by? And what about the driver’s safety just opening the door?

More conveniently served: because with nearly 30 parking spaces turning over regularly during the day and evening, and especially as the only source of parking during Rush Hours, what are the proponents of TOTAL PAVE OVER proposing we do if we choose to patronize the merchants during those hours? (more…)

Bistro Le Zinc Space Bought by Owners of Bistrot Lepic, Will Become La Piquette This Fall

By Prince Of Petworth

bistro_le_zinc
3714 Macomb Street, NW

In late July we learned that Bistro Le Zinc had closed at 3714 Macomb Street, NW just off Wisconsin Ave. Washington Business Journal reports on the new owners:

“The owners of Bistrot Lepic in Glover Park have purchased the business and plan to open La Piquette in the space later this fall.”

Any fans of Bistrot Lepic located at 1736 Wisconsin Ave, NW? You can see their menus here.

Next Up in Awesome Playground Renovations – Macomb Playground in Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

9710654538_81a9594408_z
3409 Macomb Street, NW

Last week we looked at the Takoma Park Playground. This week we have the Macomb Playground from DPR:

“The concept for Macomb links the two separated play spaces, relocates the shaded gazebo to create a more pronounced entry to the space, and includes a new water feature. New stairs and an incline with ropes for climbing connect the upper and lower play area, and new equipment is included throughout the site. A new bright, rubberized surface has a fun herringbone pattern.”

9707414261_75371da434_z

Uptown Tap House Temporarily Closes in Cleveland Park, Reopening with new Management and New Menu Sept. 3rd

By Prince Of Petworth

uptown_tap_house_cleveland_park
3412 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Uptown Tap House opened up in the former 4Ps space in Cleveland Park back in Sept. 2012. They’re already getting a refresh. I called the Tap House and was told they will be closed until September 3rd while new management takes over and a new menu is designed.

A member of the Cleveland Park Listserv also says:

“I have heard from one of the contractors that it is going to more “upscale” than it is now. Much more: better food, better atmosphere, etc. He stated hopefully it will be done by September 2.”

uptown_tap_house

View More Stories