Columbia Heights

Some Good Scuttlebutt For Ya

By Prince Of Petworth

Some potentially good, some potentially not so good.

Disclaimer: The following is scuttlebutt, rumor, things I’ve heard. Take it with a grain of salt. Although I have a 95% success rate with these rumors turning out to be true, nevertheless there is always a possibility the following could fall in the 5% false category.

The last retail space in the strip of new retail on Irving Street will be… A Mocha Hut! So now Columbia Heights will officially be a coffee lover’s haven. You’ve got Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Mayorga, Columbia Heights Coffee and now Mocha Hut. So what do you think – a good addition?

Now for the not so good – I’m hearing that the new Yes! Organic Market that is coming to Georgia Ave. is facing some difficulties. What are the difficulties? Well, apparently there is a moratorium on liquor licenses and they may not be able to get one. This would be very bad for their business. And for us. So start whatever grassroots action you can to make sure that the Yes! Organic Market gets a liquor license. Of course I have no idea how that happens. So do you think the Yes! Organic Market should be allowed to have a liquor license?

Our Intern in CH, Karen, Checks Out Pete’s Apizza

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. note: Following, Karen does a wonderful write up of Columbia Heights’ newest pizza option. As I am a fanatical pizza devotee I will be writing a smaller post with my own impressions shortly.

Tonight I went to Pete’s (www.petesapizza.com) for a slice of pizza from this new New Haven-influenced Italian eatery located right outside of the Columbia Heights metro (southbound), which just opened Monday. It might be tempting at first to compare Pete’s to Red Rocks–and, of course, heh, that’s exactly what I’m going to do–but even though the main attraction of both places is pizza I would put the two restaurants in completely different categories. While Red Rocks is a sit-down restaurant with individual tables and a bar, Pete’s is set up for quick service–you order at the front of the restaurant and await your meal among the snazzy cafeteria-style tables and either eat there or take your pie to go. And given the fact that Pete’s has almost a similar buzz to a coffee shop or cafe–a single room with bright light and colors, soaring ceilings, and immense photographs of Italian scenes (taken by Alicia’s twin brother Michael Wilkinson, who is a professional photographer based in Columbia Heights ) donning the walls–I’d be much more inclined to head there to read a book or do the crosswords with friends as I eat a slice than I would at Red Rocks, where the more intimate and dark atmosphere makes it very much a serious dining affair.

However, despite Pete’s cafeteria-style set-up, this pizza is anything but cafeteria-quality, and I think does a good job holding its own against Red Rocks’ brilliant Sicilian-style, individual-sized pizza. Pete’s goes back to American pizza basics with the pies large enough to feed a family. And more pizza means more goodness. According to co-owner Alicia Mehr, who I had the opportunity to chat with, Pete’s tries to use ingredients that for the most part are local and organic. But the most amazing thing about this pizza is the crust. Oh, good lord, the crust. Crispy, crunch delight that is augmented even more by the fact that you aren’t expecting it. When I was there I tried the sausage and mushroom and was absolutely wowed. Story continues along with more photos after the jump. (more…)

Did You Know Sat. was Global National Youth Service Day?

By Prince Of Petworth

I didn’t but as I was walking past Tubman Elementary school on 13th Street in Columbia Heights I saw tons of folks working on beautification projects. They were planting gardens, cleaning up and painting murals. It was a great sight to see, that’s for sure. Check out another mural in action after the jump. (more…)

Prime 11th Street Real Estate

By Prince Of Petworth

So I can’t remember what the deal is with this property. But every time I got to Columbia Heights Coffee I wonder what will be. The possibility seems incredible. Yet, it’s been like this for as long as I can remember. So what happened, a contractor ran away with the money or something like that? But isn’t this property prime enough that something is bound to go in? Does anyone know what the current plans are? It seems prime for housing on the top and retail on the first floor, no?

How’s The Automatic Pickup at OXXO Drycleaners?

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve talked about dry cleaners from time to time. I’m a devotee of OXXO’s neighbor in Columbia Heights, Georgetown Dry Cleaners both across from the Giant on Park Rd. But I have to say I’m always mesmerized by the automatic pickup machine at the OXXO. Does it work well? How are the prices?

And what do you think Kwame Brown had to do to get his sign in the window?

Wonderland Gets More Outdoor Seating

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve always been a huge fan of the beer garden at Wonderland and still am. But get there late on a beautiful day and it is smashed crowded. So I was psyched to see that they have opened up more outdoor seating options with individual tables. The perfect spot for Happy Hour drinking and eating but mostly drinking. Has anyone sat at the new outdoor space? Like it?

Great Renovations of Homes Damaged by Fire (Mostly)

By Prince Of Petworth

A few months back I posted about some homes on Kenyon between 11th and Shepherd Sherman that were damaged by fire. Well, a reader wrote me today telling me of the great work done on 2 out of 3. Sadly, the scuttlebutt on the third home is that the owner did not have insurance and will have to sell. I thought all homes had to have insurance? At any rate that is a very sad situation. But on a happier note it is really nice to see how quickly and more importantly how nicely the first two home were fixed up. Here’s what it looked like back in February.

Now That You’ve Discovered Dessert Head to The Gym, Soon.

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to the good folks at The Heights Life for tipping me off to their investigation of Columbia Heights Retail. This is what they found out about the Washington Sports Club: “The doors are open and the machines are lined up, but the sweat will have to wait. I was told WSC would open on Monday, but that’s only to sign up new members. Workouts won’t begin for “another few weeks.”

3DG Has Ceremonial Groundbreaking at former Bi-Rite in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

I unfortunately missed the actual ceremony but I was able to catch the celebrations afterward. Pictured above is James O’Brien, owner of Red Rocks, John Andrade, owner of Asylum and the upcoming Meridian Pint, and Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham. I also spoke with 3DG owner, John Goldman (photo after the jump) who told me that a fence will go up around the old Bi-Rite building and demolition will take place in less than two weeks. By the end of the summer Mr. Goldman hopes to move 3DG headquarters into the second floor offices. Mr. Andrade hopes to have the restaurant/bar Meridian Pint open by December. Sounds pretty ambitious but I’m certainly looking forward to it.
And now for the exciting but somewhat unrelated news from Councilmember Jim Graham. Graham hopes to work with Metro to convert the little park (owned by Metro) directly across the street from Red Rocks on the southwest corner of 11th and Park into a dog park! Graham asked O’Brien and Andrade if they supported the idea and they were 100% behind it. Stay tuned for more info on that front.

More photos and info on the 3DG building after the jump. (more…)

As Promised – Red Derby Brunch Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m told the menu is still being tweaked a bit but it looks great to me. And just for the record I sat outside for over two hours Sat. night and did not encounter any unpleasantness, save for my own boring stories. The outdoor seating option is terrific. And remember for those that are fearful, there is a bouncer sitting right at the door should anything untoward happen. Now for the brunch options: Ed. note: mmm, tater tots and Red Derby is located at 14th and Quincy.

Derby Brunch:
Multigrain Egg Sandwich with tater tots
Breakfast Burrito
Whole Wheat French toast sticks with maple syrup
Morning Burger (our burger served with a sunny side over fried egg) and tater tots
BLT on multigrain served with tater tots
Bagel, cream cheese & lox
Veggie bagel
Seasonal fruit basket
Assortment of mini-muffins
Southern-style biscuits with honey butter
Derby Libations:
Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s & Harvey Wallbangers – $2 with brunch, $4 without food

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