It’s been a while since I checked in on the progress of the soon to be Porter Street Residences located on Porter east of Connecticut toward Rock Creek Park. Looks like the finished product will match the rendering. Does anyone remember if these are going to be condos or apartments? I feel like someone said previously that they were going to be residences for the Chinese Embassy? Is that right?
“Dear PoP,
Looks like Cleveland Park Liquors cancelled the big theme wine tasting scheduled for Oct. 28th I mentioned to you a while back. Instead they are having it on October, 21. They changed the theme from Portuguese wines to “ world value.” October 21 from 5:30 – 8:30pm.
Also, looks like they are doing 20% off cases (mixed or solid) of still wines until Thursday. They usually have this big sale once a month with little notice to keep you guessing.
I can’t help but wonder if the moving of the wine tasting from next week to this week is in response to Weygandt’s opening (also today). And the horse race begins! Here’s hoping that when it is all over the neighborhood finds a way to support both stores. I worry they will be back to filling a vacant store front soon enough though.”
When a reader inquired about Thai X-ing last week folks were mentioning other good Thai places that they liked. I noticed Paragon Thai was located at 3507 Connecticut Ave, NW in the strip with the new Weygandt Wines. I know this spot used to be a restaurant previously but I forget the name. Anyone know if Paragon Thai is a new spot? Is it any good?
We learned of this spot located at 3519 Connecticut Ave., NW back in March. I was lucky enough to chat with the owners and wine consultants on Saturday. Weygandt Wines is owned by Peter Weygandt and Todd Ross:
Todd Ross to the left and Peter Weygandt to the right
Peter Weygandt has been an importer of wines for 20 years with Weygandt Metzler Importing based out of Pennsylvania. Peter and Todd chose DC for their first brick and mortar store because “DC is filled with educated, sophisticated people who like to drink wine”. I couldn’t agree more. The store will be unique in that it will have a tasting bar much like you may see at a vineyard. They will be offering wines from 120-130 different producers (nine of whom are photographed on the walls). If you have a tough time deciding which wines to purchase you can be guided by their two wine consultants, Tim O’Rourke and Matthew Stintz. Tim and Matthew are a bit unique in that they were both formerly chefs. Tim at Citronelle (among others) and Matthew at Terra (in St. Helena, California).
Tim O’Rourke left, Matthew Stintz right.
The store was still being stocked but this’ll give you an idea of the size of the space (formerly Blockbuster video store):
You can see where the tasting spot will be in the back right corner of the photo. Speaking of tasting – their Web site says they’ll be having “Our first tasting: The wines of F.X. Pichler
Saturday, October 24th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm”. Though, they mentioned that tastings will not only be reserved for special events.
So if you wanted to check out a store devoted exclusively to wine – check out their grand opening Wed. starting at 10am!
“Dear PoP,
Businesses ransacked in Cleveland Park. Not sure if you heard, but sometime this morning [Thursday] Zoo Bar, Nam Viet and Byblos were broken into and trashed. They all appear to be back open for business. Must have been a quiet morning over in CP for that kind of shit to happen. Front door window of Palena got smashed as well, but that was it. I rode by all the places on the way home and it looked like they had cleaned everything up. Front door at Palena was replaced before 5pm and Nam Viet neon sign said “open”. Word on the street is that the goons started at Zoo Bar (allegedly tore the place up) then Nam Viet, then Byblos (broke into their register) and then Palena.”
There is a report in the Washington Post here.
I’m surprised they were able to do so much damage without attracting more attention. Glad the stores were able to make the repairs so quickly.
In happier news the City Paper reports that Palena is in the process of trying to expand into the now vacant space next door (formerly housing Magruder’s):
“If everything falls into place for Ruta, Palena will look nothing like its current incarnation. It will add 60 seats to the dining room as well as a summer garden with seating for another 36 diners. Ruta would also add more kitchen space.”
We previously judged Palena here.
And we’ve come full circle back to Cleveland Park for this beauty.
This beauty is from Cleveland Park on Newark Street. I love the windows and the lines on this house. Plus the wrap around porch is pretty sick. Man, when my trust fund kicks in…
I love the stone on this house from Cleveland Park.
This building is located on Wisconsin Ave between Macomb and Newark. I’ve always liked the painting on the old C.C. Murphy Building. Many have heard that a new Giant will be anchoring this spot. Here’s a rendering of what it could look like in the future:
There’s lots of info at the Wisconsin Avenue Giant Web site.
This house is located at 3087 Ordway Street, NW:
The flier says:
“Classic Federal-style facade opens to stunning interior & the latest comforts. 2-story LR w/ dramatic brick fpl & 20 ft of windows overlooking trees & hills. Lg sunny kit w/ breakfast bar. Master ste w/ fpl & steam shower. Beautiful roof-top deck w/ long vistas. 3 addl BRs, each w/ full BAs. Elevator, garage. Easy walk to Metro. Seller reserves right to acc/rej any offer.”
More info found here and a virtual tour found here.
This home is rather deceiving from the outside. On the inside it is gigantic. What do you think of the house itself? The price has dropped from $1,795,000 to $1,595,000. Is it time to pounce?