What do you think of the brick on the first floor and vinyl(?) up top? Looks like they may have also been able to fit more windows in up top too, yeah?
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Columbia Heights
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Story written and all photographs taken by the great Intangible Arts. Ed. note: This is my favorite one yet!
So here’s a few places you’d never expect to find me: At an NFL game, in a church, in a Turkish brothel, anywhere in Texas, uh… Disneyland or anywhere with loads of children, and in the audience at a beauty pageant.
But NO! Scratch that last one!
Last Thursday was the event to crown the new Mrs. District of Columbia and Mrs. Maryland America. The winners go on to represent their home turf in the national Mrs. America smackdown. And this ain’t no puny, teenage “Miss America” neither — this contest is for the married folk. The missus-es.
Mrs. Intangible and I had a fine reason to attend the event, since our neighbor was in the race, representing our fair neighborhood as Mrs. Columbia Heights. Who knew we lived next door to possible royalty?
Markette Smith-Sheppard, who worked her way through school and is developing a fine career in broadcast journalism, decided spontaneously a while ago to try the pageant scene. Why not? She’s fiercely intelligent and charming as hell. Destined for greatness! Story continues after the jump. (more…)
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It’s official – 11th Street is the coolest street in the city. Forget about Columbia Heights Coffee, Wonderland, Red Rocks and the soon to be Meridian Pint – First Bloom of Bloom – the new “spontaneous, underground, music, art and inspiration in the heart of Columbia Heights” is ridiculously awesome! I was sitting with a friend at Red Rocks drinking a couple of beers and relaxing after the Parade and a guy named Jon Chambers comes over to us to talk about his new spot. (And when I came home I had quite a few emails from folks also telling me about this new space.) Well, it is exactly like it sounds – art and music and lots of good vibes. I should say that this awesome spot is located at 3222 11th St, NW right between Wonderland and El Rinconcito. It is in one of those buildings that we’ve been wondering what will become of it. And I don’t think it would be possible for anything cooler than this to arrive.
I was given a tour during the day and got to see much of the cool art located on two levels. I then returned around 11:30 that evening to listen to some phenomenal music. The event was free although you could give a $5 donation but it wasn’t mandatory. I was a little hesitant when I heard a lot of talk about love and peace. The New Yorker in me came out and I thought I may have entered some sort of cult headquarters. But I couldn’t have been further off base. These folks are simply socially conscious people who are trying to bring the community together. The hope seems to be that all sorts of folks, white, black, latino, young, old, etc, will use this space as a community center. Pictured above is Jason Jasper who had an incredible voice and sang acapella. You can also see to the right of the photo that there was an artist painting a piece throughout the evening inspired by the music being played. Sat. night was the last night of a three night stand but I’ll be sure to post info for upcoming shows/events as they become available. I realized it was a super cool evening when famed WJLA anchor, Maureen Bunyan, arrived (see photo below). It seems like this space is really going to evolve into something great. Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
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Lots of good scuttlebutt to report. Firstly, I have been tipped by a very reliable source that within three to six weeks there will be a major announcement by the DC USA complex in Columbia Heights. That announcement is – Elwood Thompson’s grocery store will in fact be opening up! Secondly, it is likely that the Ross Dress For Less Store will no longer be coming to DC USA. Thirdly, and I think New Columbia Heights heard this rumor as well, REI is still very seriously considering opening a store in the DC USA complex. Holy sweet that would be awesome. Now I think it will be helpful if they receive encouragement via email. So definitely comment here if you’d like to see an REI but also make sure to contact REI directly here.
I had some false info about the Five Guys Opening last week (scuttlebutt accuracy down to 96%). But I am 99.9% sure they will be opening this Tuesday at 11am!
And sadly Colorado Kitchen has served its last dinner Sat. night and it’s last brunch on Sun.
But hey Elwood Thompson’s Grocery store is coming and with some luck so will REI!
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Did anyone catch the great music at the beer garden of Wonderland? Very cool set up.
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I learned that they are doing an environmentally friendly deconstruction. I’m told that they “are currently “deconstructing” the building as opposed to demolishing it, with the intent to recycle, reuse, or otherwise divert the debris from the landfill.” Pretty cool. It also means we are one step closer to John Andrade’s new bar – Meridian Pint. Sweet.
Thanks to a reader for sending the news that they spotted “The Childrens’ Place” in one of the DC USA storefronts yesterday. Is this just like a clothing store for kids or are there also toys? Who knows the story here?
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I’ve just been notified that the 5 Guys in Columbia Heights will be opening up this week. It will be located right above the metro on the western side of Irving (next to Pete’s Apizza). I peeked in the window and they look good to go. So what do you guys think about this? Psyched or Saddened? I guess it beckons the question: Who do you think offers the best burger in the city?
There was a little confusion last week as to whether Pete’s was having a happy hour or not. One of the owners, Mike Wilkinson, has cleared up the confusion in the following note:
“After a little bit of back and forth, Pete’s has decided to offer an “unadvertised special,” referenced a couple weeks ago on PoP, but not actually implemented in-store. My fault — I made the announcement prematurely to PoP, not realizing that the management team was still mulling it over.
Come on in between 4 and 6PM, through the month of July, for a pint of Peroni or Blue Moon and a slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza, for $5 plus tax. As the seasons change, we may mix it up. For now, we’re offering cold, wet summer brews on special. (We also have Anchor Steam and Dogfish Head 60-minute IPA on tap, and Magic Hat #9, Miller Light, Wolaver’s, Sam Adams Light, Woodchuck Amber Cider in the bottle, subject to availability).
You have to ask to get the special pricing. Consider it our little PoP secret, but don’t hesitate to tell your pals or come in with a big group to take advantage of it…
Sorry for the confusion over the past week or so.
We welcome your comments and feedback: [email protected]
Mike Wilkinson”
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Smash, originally uploaded by squidpants.
Thanks to Andrew from the New Columbia Heights blog for sending me an email about this insane pile up on the 13th Street. Andrew wrote: “I hope nobody here parked on the southbound side of 13th between Fairmont and Clifton – you may be in for a crummy morning. Somebody (drunk, I assume?) crashed their car tonight on almost every car on the southbound side of 13th Street.” Does anyone know if this accident, Monday evening,was the result of a drunk driver? Was he driving an 18 wheeler?