rat_summit_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user DC@rt

From Council Member Jim Graham:

“I want to address a host of complaints I hear from neighbors of the increased activity of rats in Ward One. From Columbia Heights to U St. to Adams Morgan to Mt. Pleasant, the reports I receive span residential areas, commercial areas and especially where commercial establishments and homes are in close proximity. Doubtless all of the construction that is occurring throughout the Ward is unsettling rat burrows. The problem is acerbated by littering that provides a source of food to rodents. Clearly the warm winter last year did not help.

But this is not a problem that we can leave to Mother Nature alone. We need knowledge, city resources and working together to get in front of this increasing infestation. So please join us,

CM Jim Graham and the District Department of Health Invite You To

WARD ONE RAT SUMMIT

Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Columbia Heights Community Center
1480 Girard St., NW

This program will feature,

Dr. Robert Corrigan, published author on the subject of rodent control
William Howland, Director, District Department of Public Works
Nicholas Majett, Director, District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Gerard Brown, Program Manager, Department of Health”


el_chucho
3313 11th Street, NW

From an email:

“El Chucho Cocina Superior in Columbia Heights has a new four-item brunch menu that will debut this Saturday November 9 when doors open at 11:30 a.m. The menu will feature a spin on traditional Chilaquiles (braised black beans, ranchero salsa, queso fresco inside a crispy tortilla); Buttermilk Masa Pancakes served with cinnamon butter, agave-maple syrup and fresh grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe and honeydew; Green Eggs and Ham (two poached eggs, ham and black beans served on top of crispy huaraches and topped with a chimichurri hollandaise); and Rum Raisin Tamales (two cream cheese tamales topped with rum raisin sauce and served with fresh fruit).

All brunch items are under $10, and El Chucho will also be serving brunch cocktails including red or green bloody marys, mimosas, and french press coffee.”


chickass_3533_14th_ch
3533 14th Street, NW

Chickass first opened up back in 2011. Looks like they’re expanding next door into the former Second Hand Retail Shop at 3531 14th Street, NW. They were closed when I walked by but I suppose it’s possible they could be doing a retail shuffle like Pan Lourdes did a bit further south. I’ll update when more Chickass information becomes available.

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Behold the new Chickass sign:

chickass_sign


columbia_heights_giant_long_lines

“We apologize for the long waits that some of you have experienced, especially over the weekend and continuing through today. We are experiencing intermittent technical issues, causing periodic delays at the check-out. We are working diligently to correct the problem and hope to have it resolved as quickly as possible. We appreciate being a part of your community and regret any inconvenience this has caused. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this matter.

Eileen Katz
Manager, Consumer Affairs
Giant Food Landover, MD”


bike_thief_belt_buckle

From MPD:

“On November 4, 2013, at approximately 11:30PM while at 14th and Oak Street, Northwest, the complainant reported he was riding his bicycle northbound when the suspect brandished a belt buckle and struck the complainant with the buckle and took the complainant’s bicycle. The complainant chased the defendant and recovered the bicycle when the defendant fell off it. The complainant flagged down Fourth District officers and advised them of the assault and theft. A canvass was conducted and officers were able to arrest the suspect. The suspect was charged with Robbery Force and Violence. The complainant suffered minor injuries.”


giant_columbia_heights

“Dear PoPville,

I remember you covered the crazy lines at Giant in Columbia Heights at one point and they promised to keep all lines open at the busy times. But I’m here now, and it’s packed, not all lines are open, and most don’t have baggers.”

Were you there between 4-8pm?

Update thanks to a commenter for sharing a photo of the line Sunday at 6pm:

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3224-3226 11th Street, NW

A couple of months ago we learned a Filipino restaurant from one of the owners of Room 11 was going to take over the former El Rinconcito Deportivo space a few storefronts down from Room 11 at 3226 11th Street, NW. Walking by the other day I noticed there was some action at the vacant space next door at 3224 11th Street so I inquired with owner Nick Pimentel who tells me that he holds the lease for both spaces and is still figuring out whether to double the Filipino restaurant’s space or open a completely new concept there. Either way this is awesome news!

For those that don’t recall – plans for the Filipino restaurant are to:

“serve a range of iconic Filipino dishes, snacks and comfort food alongside a thoughtfully curated beverage program.”

Updates as construction progresses.

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11th Street looking north towards Lamont and Room 11


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3115 14th Street, NW

Earlier in the month we learned The Heights would be briefly closing to “revamp” the space. Following is an update:

“The Heights will reopen following its brief renovation on Friday, November 1 at 5:00 p.m. Starting on that day, The Heights will launch new late night hours, offering a “Late Nite” menu featuring items such as blistered shishito peppers, fried oysters, sweet & spicy popcorn, and crispy chickpeas, all priced between $4-$5. The Late Nite bar and menu options will be offered on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 PM, and Fridays & Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:00 PM.

In addition, the opening on Friday, November 1 will reveal the new look of The Heights, and launch the new food and beverage menus. An all-night Happy Hour at the bar and in the new lounge area will occur until closing. The celebration will continue all weekend with a “Beer & Wine Garden Party” on the 80-seat patio. The event takes place from 2:00 p.m. until close on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, featuring half price beer and wine. Some of the new additions include more TV for better game viewing, a tiered pricing on the wine list and handmade flat breads.

The inside will divided in a way that creates a more intimate experience. For example, one change is there will be a row of booths down the center of the main room, which will break up the space a bit more. The bar will remain in the same location but the front window (which was booths/tables) will be expanded to create a lounge area.”

The Heights New Dinner Menu (PDF)

The Heights Late Nite Menu (PDF)

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11th and Clifton St, NW

“Dear PoPville,

The renovated Cardozo High School has a playground on the east side at Clifton and 11th. But it’s gated off. Is it for a daycare center within the school for children of faculty? Or is it supposed to be a neighborhood playground?”

and

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone ever frequented the fitness center at the Columbia Heights Recreation Center (1480 Girard Street, NW)? Good, bad, hit or miss? Not too many reviews online. Also, if I’m a resident of a different ward, would I still be able to use the facility?”


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