Columbia Heights

Props to the Cops – Belt Buckle Brandishing Bike Thief Arrested

By Prince Of Petworth

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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.”

Dear PoPville – Crazy Long Lines Return to Columbia Heights Giant

By Prince Of Petworth

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“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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New Filipino Restaurant Coming to Columbia Heights Could Take Up Two Storefronts on 11th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

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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

The Heights Reopens in Columbia Heights Tomorrow, Check Out Their New Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

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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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Dear PoPville – Is the new Cardozo Playground Open to the Public? Anyone Use the Columbia Heights Rec Center Gym?

By Prince Of Petworth

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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?”

Fire at New Construction on 1400 Block of Meridian Place, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to a couple of readers for sending. One writes at 1pm:

“The brand new pop up on meridian in Columbia heights near 14th… Happening right now. Looks like they were able to put it out, but the flames were massive.”

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The other writes:

“The Scarface-style pop-up condos at 1429 Meridian Place just caught fire. DC ladder trucks responded and extinguished, but it looked like there may be pretty significant damage. The top unit is currently under contract. Combined total list price for the two units was 2,000,000.”

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Dear PoPville – I was Mugged at 15th and Harvard St, NW Last Night at 8:15pm

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Yesterday (Wednesday, 10/23) I was walking to a friend’s place in Mount Pleasant after work, at around 8.15 pm. At around the 1400 block of Harvard St NW (around the middle of the block, where there is a ‘For Sale’ sign outside a bunch of new condos), I took out my iPhone to text my friend back that I would meet her at her place. When I looked up from my phone, there were two teenage boys, both around 5’5″ (they were a bit shorter than me, and I’m 5’7”), about 10 feet in front of me. I put my phone in my pocket and kept walking. They called another boy out, who had been hiding in the alcove between the street and the gated entrance of the apartments (I couldn’t see that there was a third person from my angle walking towards 15th and Harvard, from 14th and Harvard). Then, one of them (skinny, low haircut, black male) forcefully bumped into me and told me to empty my pockets. I followed instructions, didn’t resist, handed over my phone, and they took a step away. Then they came back (I hadn’t had time to process or even move away) and asked me for my passcode. I gave it to them, and they walked away towards 14th and Harvard. Thankfully, I was not harmed and they didn’t show any interest in my purse or other belongings.

I say this as a follow-up to yesterday’s post on safety, especially in Columbia Heights. I thought this was worth sharing. No matter how safe you think you are being 99% of the time, that 1% of the time when you have your phone out on a quiet block with nobody else around could be the one time something bad happens. If I had seen them more than 10 feet in advance, loitering, I would have trusted my gut and walked on the other side of the street or just walked back and taken another route. It pays to be aware of your surroundings in the direction you’re walking. Trust your gut. (more…)

Kids Pumpkin Painting Saturday Morning, Fundraiser for Miriam’s Kitchen Saturday Night in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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“On Saturday the 27th Meridian Pint (11th and Park Rd, NW) is having our annual children’s pumpkin painting extravaganza from 10AM-1PM. We will be providing pumpkins and paint for the kids of the neighborhood to get into the Halloween spirit.

On Halloween night we will be having a costume contest in the basement. Judging starts at 11PM and 1st place wins a $250 gift certificate, 2nd place is a $100 gift certificate, and third place is a $50 gift certificate.”

Miriam’s Kitchen Chili Cook-Off:

“ The MK Chili Cook-off Returns: Saturday, October 26!

It’s time to spice things up at Miriam’s again! Bring your best chili recipe to the 5th Annual MK Chili Cook-off, and we’ll decide who gets the bragging rights for the year. Come show your support for MK, our volunteers and our cooks!

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring museum tickets, wine tastings, restaurant certificates and much more! This event sold out the past four years, so get your tickets today.

Dear PoPville – New To Columbia Heights – advice on safety?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user dullshick

“Dear PoPville,

I am a female professional in my mid-20’s who just moved to Columbia Heights (around 14th and Newton) and I love it so far but have heard conflicting things about the safety of the surrounding blocks and my area in general (even during broad daylight). Do you have any tips for young women living in the area in terms of safety? And areas/blocks to avoid in particular?”

Living anywhere in the city, it is important to have general street smarts. MPD (police) remind us over and over again not to use our smartphones distractedly (or even at all in public or on metro). But definitely don’t walk with your head down while texting etc. Also, don’t walk home by yourself, especially if you’ve been drinking, late at night. Basically try not to make yourself a target – be confident, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. Crime happens all over the District and it can happen even if you are aware of your surroundings but it is not likely. I also think it is important not to obsess over it either. Be smart and you’ll be fine. Have fun and enjoy the great neighborhood!

Do any women who live in the area have other advice to offer?

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