Downtown

“Funk Music Megastar”, George Clinton, coming to MLK Library Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

From DCPL:

“Who: George Clinton, singer, songwriter, bandleader, music producer and architect of Funk.

What: Shares memories and life stories from his new autobiography “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?”

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library;
901 G St. NW

George Clinton dominated the soul charts with a new sound, a diaper-clad guitarist, and a spaceship onstage during concerts. How George Clinton became a funk music megastar is a story for the ages. His autobiography, “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?,” provides insight into how he changed America’s music industry with wit, humor, and candor.

Also at Friday’s event, African Ancestry Inc. will reveal George Clinton’s ancestral DNA.

Due to expected high attendance registration for this event is required, and pre-purchase of the book is strongly recommended. To register and pre-purchase a book, visit here.”

Next Up in New Banners – Golden Triangle Streets Downtown

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo courtesy Golden Triangle BID

From a press release:

“The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, the 43-blocks area that connects the White House to Dupont Circle, is getting a fresh look that will help visitors, shoppers and workers better find their way around the neighborhood.

The Golden Triangle is replacing its traditional banners on 200 light poles in the area with new signs that use bold graphic design to help people find their way around while adding color and design to the central business district. The new signs feature clearly identifiable street names on them in a variety of colors and patterns.

“These signs are for everyone who has ever stood in the middle of a downtown street or exited a Metro stop not quite sure what street they’re on,” said Leona Agouridis, executive director, Golden Triangle BID. Each day, more than 60,000 people exit Farragut North, Farragut West, and Dupont South, the three Metro stops in the Golden Triangle area. “Even though many people now rely on smartphones with GPS for directions, you can still get confused or unsure if you are actually where you want to be. These banners are a convenient way for people to validate where they are as they try to get from point A to point B,” said Agouridis.

Installation will occur in the evenings, 8 p.m.–5:00 a.m. from Wed., Oct. 22–Fri., Oct. 24.”

More info on new Thai Restaurant, Mango Tree, coming to CityCenter this December

By Prince Of Petworth

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929 H Street, NW

From a press release:

“Founder and CEO Pitaya Phanphensophon of Mango Tree, the global restaurant group behind a revolution in modern Thai dining hotspot, is partnering with acclaimed Chef/Owner Richard Sandoval of Richard Sandoval Restaurants to bring his innovative Thai restaurant to Washington, DC. Mango Tree DC will open this December at 929 H Street, within the cutting edge, new mixed-use development CityCenterDC. The restaurant will offer contemporary Thai cuisine with a bold new twist, along with authentic essential classics. Those dining at this welcoming, upscale restaurant will enjoy the second floor 140-seat main dining room and the 24-seat seasonal outdoor terrace. Mango Tree will also have a vibrant first floor 45-seat bar and lounge for those looking forward to sipping classic cocktails and innovative libations while listening to expertly curated music. (more…)

SKWR Kabobline “offering kabobs and chutneys” coming to 14th and K Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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Anticipated opening at 14th and K St, NW is Spring 2015

From a coming soon flyer via email:

“SKWR is brought to you by 3 friends offering kabobs and chutneys, a medley of sauces, spreads and appetizers, all house-made. Among the choices: olivieh, an exotic spin on a potato salad; chicken and lamb kabobs seasoned with simple old world spices. An open kitchen will put fresh preparation methods on full display while drawing diners’ attention to fiery grills and spinning meats. The design will promote history both recent and ancient, both local and faraway. All of this will be brought together by attentive service, making SKWR the next go-to eatery in the capital.”

Giant Chalk Art at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photos courtesy Golden Triangle BID

From the Golden Triangle BID (and thanks to the others who tweeted me):

“The chalk art mural will be drawn by Whitney Waller — a local artist from the Corcoran School of Arts & Design — who will transform the sidewalk in front of 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue into an artistic canvas for commuters, office workers, and tourists to enjoy.

“This chalk art project is part of the BID’s ongoing effort to capture the vitality of the city,” said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Golden Triangle BID. “West of the White House, Pennsylvania Avenue links the world to powerful economic institutions, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Creating art at on one of the most influential and well-known streets in the world is another way we are connecting commuters and local residents to this neighborhood.”

The chalk art mural plays a role in the BID’s larger vision to make Pennsylvania Avenue, west of the White House, a grand urban boulevard. The Golden Triangle BID has begun working with stakeholders on the collective vision of Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and 21st Street NW. The BID and its partners on the project are exploring temporary and permanent uses of public space that will help make the corridor more vibrant and attractive for area workers and visitors.

While the chalk art project is only temporary for a few days (if the weather permits), the Golden Triangle BID has other public art displays that have made the central business district one of the city’s most vibrant commercial areas. The BID has created wall murals, painted historic call boxes, and installed six artistic bike racks, including one made of recycled parking meters.”

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Chipotle or Native Foods Cafe to take over former Casa Blanca space Dowtown?

By Prince Of Petworth

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1014 Vermont Ave, NW just north of K Street

Some interesting scuttlebutt from a reader after hearing of Casa Blanca’s recent closure:

“Chipotle and Native Foods were vying for the retail space in the building (which recently had a $10 million renovation, hence the removal of the granite on the facade.)… seemed to indicate they preferred Chipotle.”

Recently we learned a new Chipotle would likely be taking over the former Mixtec space in Adams Morgan and Native Foods Cafe just opened their first DC location at 18th and M St, NW. Updates when we learn the new tenant here.

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