Columbia Heights

The Heights is Hopping

By Prince Of Petworth

I can’t believe I haven’t read more about this. The Heights is located at 3115 14th St., NW right in the heart of Columbia Heights. I remember this area so well before it was built up and all I can say upon encountering the Heights was that it was like a mirage. It also reminded me a bit of Europe with the cool Stella Artois umbrellas and relaxed atmosphere. And the food was fantastic.

I had a mustard crusted tuna with mashed potatoes that was pretty killer. One of the unique features of this place is that you can get a glass of wine or a glass and half of wine. I’d never seen that before. Also before they take your order they ask if you are allergic to anything that I also thought was pretty wild. I wanted to tell them that I was allergic to bee stings but I didn’t see how that concerned them. So one of these days I am bound to give a bad review but the Heights was absolutely fantastic. I’d say the service needs to speed up a tiny bit but our waitress was lovely and very attentive. (Although for some reason she did clear the bread plates very quickly.) But I am quibbling.

I was grinning ear to ear the whole time I was eating because I just couldn’t believe how fantastic this place was…and it was right in Columbia Heights. Just a few years ago I would have had to drive downtown or crosstown to experience anything like this. You know I had been hearing that we were going to get places like this for so long, it is almost surreal to me that they actually exist now. It is a bit pricier than Red Rocks but not super expensive. So next time you feel like living up it like our friends with a 35 hour work week and 12 weeks of holiday and you want some super good food (or are tired of pizza) head on over to The Heights, you will not be disappointed.

Beloved Warehouse Theater to Open in Columbian Heights, Hopefully!

By Prince Of Petworth

Breaking news: a well placed tipster has just informed me that the recently closed Warehouse Theater is currently in negotiations to open up in a new spot in Columbia Heights. For those of you who are excited about the new Red Rocks Pizzeria, get ready to get a little more excited: The prime spot across the street in the old supermarket on 11th and Park Road is set to become the new home of Warehouse Theater. Additionally I hear the new headquarters of Rock the Vote are also in negotiations to open up in that location. Rumors, rumors but hopefully it is true. Great news for Petworth and Columbia Heights! Let’s hope the negotiations go well…

11th St. Deli…Delicious

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m not sure if this picture does it any justice but the bacon and eggs at 11 St. Deli are terrific. I asked for eggs over medium and they did it perfectly despite the fact that I broke the yoke when I opened the container upside down. But I think the coolest find from this shop is that they have southern sweet tea and free refills on them. Plus it only cost five bucks.

Columbia Heights "Prison Door" Condo Update

By Prince Of Petworth

CH Condo update, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Looks like renting may be a better option than selling. Seriously, why don’t they get some proper doors?

Sophisticated Vandals

By Prince Of Petworth

This is a renovation going on in Columbia Heights. The vandals must really hate that financing company…

I love it when you call me big P.o.P.pa

By Prince Of Petworth

So as I was walking down 13th Street yesterday in Columbia Heights when I encountered, depending on your perspective, a neat or not so neat neighborhood find. I have spoken about these little zip lock bags before but I had never encountered a full one. I always thought I’d find a really small peanut butter and jelly sandwich inside but alas my eyes have finally been opened. Fortunately, I didn’t see the proprietor drop his stash but if I did should I have said, “excuse me sir, I think you dropped your stash?”. So anyway, I sold it for $20 bucks so that’s not so bad. (I’m just kidding mom.) To make a long story short, I smoked it. (I’m just kidding mom.) I threw it away. What would you have done with this neat find?

I Shed a Tear of Joy Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

All the hype is true! Red Rocks Pizzeria opened tonight and I wept like a baby I was so happy. Before I get to the restaurant let me just say that I think RedRocks represents all that is good and positive about development in Columbia Heights and Petworth. I sat outside and witnessed true diversity. There were Latinos, Whites, Blacks, young and old(er) and plenty of babies. I even spotted Petworth’s very own Bill Crandall and family. It almost felt like a community get together. You could just sense how happy everyone was. Like they had been waiting so long for something like this to come along. And it didn’t disappoint. Of course, there were some minor issues that need to be worked out but on opening night it is to be expected and overall I felt that the experience was sublime.

I started off with a delicious glass of Chimay beer which tasted like what I can only imagine beer tastes like in heaven. I ordered the Napoli pizza which came with anchovies, basil and all the good stuff. For 10 bucks it was delicious and plenty filling. But I think it is the combination of great food and great atmosphere that made the experience so pleasant. I honestly feel like that is the type of restaurant people have been dreaming about. And for the first time in a long time our dreams have finally come true. It is simple but classy, cheap but delicious. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Damn you Columbia Heights, Make Up Your Mind Already!

By Prince Of Petworth

If Petworth is the love of my life, Columbia Heights is my mistress. I love the stability of Petworth but Columbia Heights has so much excitement. But I think Columbia Heights is going through a bit of an identity crisis. I altered my walk home today so I could take a picture of the new Dunkin Donuts (see photo down below – sniffle, sniffle). I have to say the walk up 14th Street past Florida is less than pleasant. At first there was simply an uncomfortable vibe in the air. And then there was spit in the air. You remember the expression if looks could kill? Crossing Harvard a young woman looked me straight in the eye and spit at my feet. What the hell? I was stunned. I had my ipod on and I was grooving to the Drive by Truckers minding my own business. Would she have spit at anyone’s feet at that particular moment? As I have learned, it is often wiser to simply keep on walking. Which is what I did. Not two blocks later an older guy in his 40s yells at me: “yo baby, give me some of that water.” I had a bottle of water with me as it was approximately 1000 degrees today. “Yo baby, give me some of that water.” What the hell is that? Then of course I pass the gorgeous Dunkin Donuts. A few moments after that I pass the lovely Starbucks and the super cool Heights of Columbia Restaurant. So, Columbia Heights what are you? Are you just a hateful place or are you the hub of cool that I always tell everyone you are? Are you just playing mind games with me? I think we are old enough to be straight with each other. I think you are really good looking with your awesome rowhouses, sweet bars, and of course plentiful coffee shops (both chain and independent). So where do we go from here?

So close yet so far away…

By Prince Of Petworth

Of course Columbia Heights has a Dunkin Donuts that is about to open on 14th St. just south of Harvard. Man, they know how to taunt me. I promise this is my last Donkin Donuts post for a while. Thanks to Chris for the heads up.

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