Columbia Heights

Dear PoP – An Article Featured A Building You Discussed a While Back

By Prince Of Petworth

“PoP – wanted to bring to your attention this article in today’s Examiner. http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/010709-DC_puts_off_Columbia_Heights_building_buy.html

A few months ago PoP featured this building and there was some discussion about it. I live down the street and Jim Graham called me earlier this week to tell me pretty much the same info that is in this article.”

Yup, we discussed this building located at 1483 Newton St, NW back in April. According to the Examiner:

“The District agreed to pay triple the assessed value for a dilapidated apartment building in Columbia Heights that the government plans to preserve as affordable housing, infuriating one D.C. leader who described the structure as little more than a shell.

But Neil Albert, D.C.’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, put a temporary, last-second hold on the deal Tuesday after The Examiner raised questions about the price tag.

“We’re taking a closer look in the office to make sure that the price and the appraisal adds up, given the current market conditions,” said Sean Madigan, Albert’s spokesman.

The Department of Housing and Community Development struck a deal to pay $3.1 million for a vacant 32-unit building at 1483 Newton St. NW that was recently valued by the city’s tax office at nearly $1.1 million. Another appraisal, this one performed for DHCD, put the market value at roughly $2.9 million.”

Now I have a crazy opinion here. I think this building has been vacant and an eyesore for so long that, well, frankly, spend $3.1 million for it! I know, we shouldn’t waste our valuable taxpayer money. But you know what sometimes it worth it to just get the ball rolling. It sucks being taken advantage of but hell we lose money all the time (just think about the huge DC real estate tax scandal). And if I lived across the street from this building I’d be so tired of the stagnation. I know this is not going to be a popular opinion. Dang, this isn’t a very compelling argument. I haven’t even convinced myself. I’m just frustrated. I know the city shouldn’t throw money away and I’m glad they’re looking into the matter. But dang it would be nice to see this side of Newton fixed up. That’s all I’m saying.

In Defense of Ruby’s Salad Bar by Robyn

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: A long time ago I too admitted my love for Ruby Tuesday. I’m glad to have some company.

There is a Columbia Heights delicacy that’s located at the corner of 14th and Monroe. No it’s not a torta, huevos rancheros, or anything off the fresh fruit stand around that area. It’s “Mayonnaise Broccoli.” Or at least that’s what I call it. Its broccoli, soaked in mayonnaise, and mixed with shredded cheese and bacon. In other words, it’s amazing. Where can you find this – and other delicious offerings? At the Ruby Tuesday salad bar, the severely underrated and underappreciated food fare – that I can attest is rather tasty.

Yes I said it. I am a big fan of the Ruby Tuesday salad bar. I write about food and review restaurants for publications, check the DC food blogs on a daily basis, reference the Washington Post food critic by his first name (and I’ve never met Tom), and follow the DC restaurant scene as if it’s celebrity gossip. And still I’m not afraid to profess my love for the inexpensive, immediately gratifying, and tasty salad bar from Ruby Tuesday. I call all PoP readers to give it at least one try before you judge.

Why? Besides for having all of your necessary vegetables, Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar also has some creative additions. Not only does it feature the adored Mayonnaise Broccoli, there’s also slightly-goopy-but-very-edible Potato Salad and some pickled veggie concoction that isn’t bad. Secondly, it’s instant food. A very good plus for anyone who’s braved the Columbia Heights crowded lunch and dinner scene on the weekends. The service at Ruby Tuesday is always nice, efficient, never pushy, and doesn’t furrow their brow when I ask for a 6th refill on my diet coke. Personally I think good weekend brunch/lunch service is hard to find in the area.

And lastly – there are 65 things you can put on your salad. SIXTY FIVE. Paving the way for some incredible salad creativity. My favorite? Not exactly what the doctor ordered. Spinach salad with chickpeas, carrots, too much blue cheese, even more bacon, drowned in honey mustard dressing and topped with enough croutons to make a loaf of bread. And of course a separate plate for the Mayonnaise Broccoli.

So don’t knock it till you try it. Next time the there’s a wait at The Heights or Tonic, give Ruby a try. Who’s with me?

 

Cavalier Apartments at 3500 14th Street Get A Facelift

By Prince Of Petworth

Those who have walked up 14th Street on the way to the Red Derby have probably noticed the huge apartment building that has had scaffolding up for quite a while. Well, the scaffolding has finally come down, and I think they did a really nice job. Added some sweet balconies. Anyone remember what it looked like before the repairs? I really think they did a great job.

Judging Restaurants – El Rinconcito Deportivo

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to suggest a dumpy little restaurant that I enjoy as it seems that you have been previewing a fair amount of them lately. I really like El Reconcito Deportivo, a little Mexican/Salvadorian hole-in-the-wall on 11th Street right next to Bloombars. I live nearby and try to stop in there a few times a month. There are a few women who work there, and although I don’t know their names, there is a little bit older woman who works there midday and now that she knows me she treats me like gold, even letting me sample different items on the menu and even sneaking me little samples of other patron’s meals! I assume the food is akin to having somebody whipping up something in a Hispanic household…I would much rather have their tacos and burritos than hitting up one of the chain joints and the other things I have had (steak and eggs, breaded chicken, seafood soup) were also tasty. When talking with the owner, I was a little surprised when she told me when the restaurant had been opened for 11 years and…they live on 11th street just a block south of the restaurant so they are definitely a local business!”

I had written a small post back in Aug. 2007 but I’m curious to know if there are other fans out there? I really enjoy the atmosphere. They are definitely part of what makes that stretch of 11th Street great. So who digs the food? Any items you particularly recommend?

Making A Mockery of “Coming Soon” Signs

By Prince Of Petworth

Seriously this is insane. I could kinda see in the window from across the street and it still looked like there was tons of work to do. What’s the over under on opening in 2009 versus 2010?

Pan Lourdes Opens Up on 14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader sent me an email a few weeks ago alerting me to the opening but I totally forgot about it until I walked by it this weekend. It’s located on 14th Street just north of Monroe in Columbia Heights. Anyone check it out yet?

Three Kings Day Celebrated at Park and 14th on Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth

Here’s a little history about the event from the Examiner:

“The Three Wisemen who brought gifts to the baby Jesus are known as Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings) in the Spanish-speaking world. They still bring gifts, but in Spanish-speaking countries they also have their own day. They arrive the night before January 6, a day which is also known as Epiphany.”

For me, the best part was watching the kids react to the animals on display:

There were llamas, goats, rabbits, and a rooster that kept crowing. More photos after the jump. (more…)

Mural of the Day

By Prince Of Petworth

Dang this is a great one. It’s located on the side of rowhouse on Meridian west of 14th Street. Nicely done! More photos after the jump. (more…)

Has Cooper Hardware Closed For Good?

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader sent me word that they thought Cooper Hardware on 14th and Oak may have closed its doors. I went by on Friday and over the weekend and it was closed every time. Anyone know what’s up? Have they closed temporarily or for good?

Dear PoP – What’s Up With The Construction on Park Road?

By Prince Of Petworth

“What is going on on Park Road between 14th and 17th? They’ve been tearing up the road and it’s created quite a mess. I’ve been told it’s because they are laying pipe for water for a fountain at the park at the intersection of Kenyon, Park and 14th Street (in front of Julia’s Empanada’s and those businesses). Any truth to that? Seems odd to me they’d have to make such a mess on a road running east to west to get water to that site for a fountain. Perhaps you or some of your readers know?”

Ah, I received a press release about this and they’ve also created a nice Web site:

www.ColumbiaHeights-Streetscape.com

DDOT Begins Road Construction on Park Road, NW

Where: Park Road, NW from 17th St, NW to Hiatt Place, NW
When: 7:00 am—7:00 pm, Monday-Saturday

starting Monday, December 8, 2008 until February 2009
Purpose: Road construction work on Park Road, NW,

from 17th St, NW to Hiatt Place, NW.

One lane of traffic will be open at all times during construction.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) began road construction on Park Road NW on Monday, December 8, 2008. Construction of Park Road from Hiatt Place to 14th Street is estimated to begin in February 2009 with completion in June 2009, weather permitting. This road construction is part of the first phase of a major facelift for the Columbia Heights corridor. Continues after the jump. (more…)

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