“Dear PoP,

I saw today that the (city?) has replaced the standard overhead street lamps with cool, old timey looking lamp posts with a black iron look.

Do you know how this came about? Is this a city wide rejuvenation project?”

Yeah, it’s def. city wide. We talked a bit about the new lamp posts back in March ’10. We’ve been enjoying the new lamp posts in Petworth, Shaw and H St, NE (among other spots) for a few months now. Glad to hear they also hit Cleveland Park. Have you noticed any other neighborhoods getting them as well?

But to be honest, in Cleveland Park, I was far more excited about seeing this sign:


“Dear PoP,

Have you heard any murmurs about the old Pesto Ristorante space on Connecticut, between Woodley Park and Connecticut? I constantly see people in there working on the space, but wasn’t sure if they had found a new tenant!”

Pesto, located at 2915 Connecticut Ave, NW, closed back in Sept. 10 (and before that was Mrs. Simpsons). I also noticed a bit of construction and a permit on the window a few weeks ago but I couldn’t tell then who was going in. But I think I finally have the answer – it looks like it’s going to be a coffee shop. Peering in the window I was able to make out a sign advertising Seattle’s Best Coffee.

Any fans of Seattle’s Best? Think they’ll be able to compete with Starbucks just up the block (3000 Connecticut Ave NW)?


Sorry for the bad photo but the sun wasn’t cooperating. Though if you squint a bit you can see a series of Seattle’s best coffee choices.



December ’10

Big news just released on the Cleveland Park Listserv:

“ANC3C has received notice from the Board of Zoning Adjustment that Chipotle Mexican Grill has filed for a Special Exception to occupy the former “Cereal Bowl” space at 3420 Connecticut Avenue. Chipotle Mexican Grill is classified as a “fast food restaurant” and is only permitted in a C-2-A zone, which is the zoning for this address, by Special Exception.

ANC3C would appreciate hearing the community’s thoughts on this application. Both positive and negative comments are welcome.”

Cereal Bowl closed back in Dec. and Starbucks closed back in Apr. ’09.

Do you think Chipotle will be a good fit for this space?


April ’09


“Dear PoP,

I am not sure if you have ever covered Sullivan’s Toy Store. It is a great little place on 3412 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Seems mom and popish – has a good art section, toys, books, costumes, etc. I spend way too much money there…..

Well I was in there last week and they are having sales because they are moving into the space vacated by the temporary Tenley Library – near VanNess and Wisconsin. [4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW]

It is a nice place, funky folks working there, must be successful if they are moving into a bigger space – right?”


4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW


This rental is located at 3614 Connecticut Ave NW:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“This studio is perfect for the city dweller, approx 390sq ft, hardwood floors, walk in closet, ceiling fan, kitchen with dishwasher, and available April 22nd.

On site laundry facilities, controlled access entry, 24hr emergency maintenance, and on site parking($120monthly).
Minutes from the metro, eateries, shops, banks, and much more.”

It’s def. small but I like the location. Does $1299 sound right for this studio?


“Dear PoP,

Have recently relocated to Cleveland Park and checked out Medium Rare on their official opening night on Monday. Loved it! Simple menus, clean interior, great music, insanely attentive staff… more importantly – best steak I’ve had in this city! Can’t wait to hear what you and all your readers think – here’s to a great new addition to the neighborhood!”

Medium Rare is located at 3500 Connecticut Ave, NW. The early word has been 100% positive. While I’m still sad that Yanni’s is now a trivia question – I can’t wait to try this place out given all the positive buzz. Though I’m a little frightened about one small sentence from their Web site: “Line starts forming at 5pm”…

While they’re open for brunch on Sat. and Sun. I hope they one day open for lunch during the week!

Anyone else have an early word?


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