From a press release:

“Ripple is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Reed as pastry chef of the 120-seat modern American Cleveland Park restaurant. Reed, who served as pastry chef at Cafe St. Ex for four years, will assume her new position on January 1, 2012.

“Alison is an exceptionally talented pastry chef, and we are thrilled to have her join our team,” said owner Roger Marmet. “Her desserts not only compliment Chef Logan Cox’s inventive culinary style, but they also showcase the same dedication to house-made products and grower connections that Cox demonstrates in his savory fare.”

Reed’s appointment will allow the restaurant to significantly expand and evolve its offerings. In addition to providing a greater selection of seasonal dessert options on a nightly basis, Reed will be responsible for all bread and ice cream production, both of which will come in handy when Ripple opens its retail market in the first quarter of 2012.

“Alison and I share a similar passion for supporting our local farm community and her appointment brings us to our goal of offering guests a broad, full selection of desserts and breads made exclusively in-house using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients,” said Cox.

Prior to Reed’s tenure at Cafe St. Ex, she served as a pastry cook at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC, where she assisted with development and creation of all pastries for the 400 room luxury hotel, Cafe Mozu, the Empress Lounge, and in-room dining. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Reed dedicates a large portion of her time to charity and volunteer work, teaching Ross Elementary School students healthy eating habits, and participating in numerous fundraising events, including the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s annual “Women Chefs Turn up the Heat” event, and Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation” event.

Ripple is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue, NW”


“Dear PoPville,

Have you received any news on Cacao in Cleveland Park possibly closing? I was in the area running errands and was looking forward to some mediocre macarons but when I arrived at the shop it was completely dark and almost bare. I was just curious if you knew anything about their situation.”

Back in July ’10 the Cacao chocolate shop announced it was coming to the old Cold Stone Creamery space at at 3508 Connecticut Ave, NW in Cleveland Park. The store has been closed for a couple of weeks now and there was some chatter on the CP listserv that they were just gonna replace some kitchen equipment. However, keeping my eye on the space the last couple of weeks, I’m thinking that is not very likely. They’ve removed everything from the shop (see photo below) and also removed the menu from their front window. Additionally their Web site has been taken down “to perform site maintenance”. But maybe that’s a good sign that the Web site has not disappeared completely. I’ve sent an inquiry to try and get more info.

Were there any fans?


This house is located at 2609 Klingle Rd, NW:


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The flier says:

“Spacious (3630 sf) & open det contemp in priv enclave of 6 homes perched high above Rock Creek Pk. Sunken LR w/ cath ceil, FP & wd fls, DR, renov kit w/ cath ceil, high end appl, concrete counters, wd fls & walls of glass w/ fab park views, open Fam Rm, 3 BR, 3FB, study (easily converted to 4th BR), loft/den, tons of closets, 2-car gar, large brick terr w/ south exposure, close to Clev Park Metro.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

How ’bout that view from the kitchen? This 3 bed/3 bath is yours for $1,495,000.


This is one of the main reasons I love Cleveland Park. I’ve probably passed this house over 100 times and it still makes stop to marvel at it.


This house has received House of the Day honors in the past. I freaking love it. It’s on Newark St, NW. I wonder how much the color of the copper will continue to change? Any other fans?

And nice sculptures to boot:


This rental is located at 2911 Newark St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Right on Connecticut Avenue, Red Line accessible, the Cleveland Park Metro is only one block north. Luxury in its everyday conveniences like in-home washers / dryers, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens and central HVAC. Beauty in its stainless appliances, espresso wood cabinetry, granite counter tops, ceramic tile in kitchen and baths, granite vanities and restored original heart pine wood flooring. No amenity was spared in this architecturally tasteful renovation.”

This studio is going for $1650.


This may take a little sting out of yesterday’s post that Java Green is for sale. Hawthorne Homemade Organic Juice Bar & Market will be located in the former River House space at 3706 Macomb St, NW. Their Web site says:

“Raw-Live Cuisine, Grab-n-Go Prepared Foods, Seasonal Cleanses, Fair Trade Coffee & Tea Infusions Local, Organic & Seasonal Produce

Our Organic Juice Bar features a delicious menu of seasonal vegetable juice cocktails, green smoothies, tea infusions, fair trade coffee, raw wraps, dehydrated chips & crackers, soups, salads, wholesome meals & raw desserts.

We work with local farmers to secure the freshest produce and we always use local, organic & seasonal ingredients whenever possible. In addition, we grow our own wheatgrass, baby greens, sprouts, and medicinal herbs that flavor and enhance our nutritious foods.

Our health supportive chef prepares both live and lightly cooked foods and follows the philosophy of using food as medicine and medicine as food. Dishes are designed with food combining in mind to optimize the digestive tract’s ability to nourish and cleanse the body naturally.

Combining living foods with proper rest, physical activity, and a positive attitude, allows one to strengthen the mind, body & spirit.

Our ”no frills” Eco Market offers fine foods for local residents. We support and feature merchandise from local artisans, farmers and vendors.

We offer farm fresh organic produce, freshly baked bread, a variety of olives, artisan cheese, raw sauerkraut, natural fresh pressed beverages, nuts, grains, aromatic flowers, handmade soaps, candles, spa products, hand-crafted items and other natural necessities.

We use biodegradable packaging and we compost our wheatgrass mats, juice pulp, paper bags, cardboard boxes and other natural waste to lighten our “carbon footprint” on the earth. Whatever we cannot compost we will recycle. Our motto: Reuse, Rethink, Recycle.

Hawthorne Homemade, our food line will make you think of nourishing foods prepared with tender loving care by “grandma” in her cozy kitchen where everyone gathered to share a heart felt meal.

Hawthorne Express: We also deliver within the neighborhood.”


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