
Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist
Nice find by Vileinist in Georgetown.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist
Nice find by Vileinist in Georgetown.

Photo courtesy of Serendipity3
From a press release:
“Serendipity3 sold their first $1000 Golden Opulence Sundae today to celebrate a boy’s 12th birthday. The Golden Opulence was presented to the boy this afternoon during his birthday party with his parents and 9 other friends. Interestingly enough, the boy’s mother also celebrated her 12th birthday at Serendipity3 in New York.
The Golden Opulence Sundae is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive Sundae priced at $1,000. The famous sundae was created in 2004 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the New York landmark location of Serendipity3.
The Golden Opulence Sundae is a big, luxurious and unique desert that is served in a Baccarat Harcourt Crystal goblet (which you get to keep after). The sundae is made with Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla that is covered in 23 carat edible gold leaf. The sundae has the most expensive chocolate in the world (Amedei Porceleana) drizzled over it and is covered with chunks of Chuao chocolate. It is topped with a small glass bowl of golden colored caviar and sweetened and infused with fresh orange, passion fruit and Armagnac. Other elements of the sundae include truffles, gold dipped French dragées, and marzipan fruits.
Serendipity3 opened their DC location in May 2011 in Georgetown. Serendipity3 is patronized by many famous people today and was regularly frequented by icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol and First Lady Jackie O.
Serendipity3 is located at 3150 M ST. NW”

801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Paul Bakery is located at 801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW in Penn Quarter and their Georgetown location at 1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW opens this week. Anyone try the Penn Quarter location yet? You can see their menu items here.

1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Ed. Note: The transformation at 1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW is pretty amazing. Below is what it looked like in Aug. ’10

1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Aug. 2010

Looks like some readers were right – Georgetown’s Tackle Box will not re-open Nov. 15th. The new sign that has gone up at 3245 M St, NW added an “ish” to manage expectations a bit better. Here’s what it looked like earlier in the week:



Photo of Hook, pre-fire, via Hookdc.com
From a press release:
“Chef Mike Isabella announces plans to open his second restaurant in Washington, D.C., in early 2012. Bandolero will open as a modern Mexican small-plates concept in the former Hook restaurant space in Georgetown (3241 M St. NW). Hook has been closed since June 29, 2011, due to a fire. The Bandolero space is owned by Jonathan Umble, restaurateur and proprietor of Hook and Tackle Box.
“My vision for Bandolero is a high-energy, high-volume restaurant to match the bustling vibe of the Georgetown neighborhood and feed the late-night appetite of its college students. The menu will change frequently with my twist on classic Mexican dishes and a large cocktail menu,” said Chef/Partner Mike Isabella. “Jose Garces has been one of the most influential chefs of my career. With Bandolero I’ll draw from my early culinary experience with him learning to create modern Latin American dishes.”
Much like Graffiato, the Bandolero menu will feature sections of small plates including salsas, guacamoles, ceviches, tacos, vegetables and more. Large-format “carbons,” Chef Isabella’s take on fajitas, will be available for the table. Untraditional fillings such as duck, goat and off-cuts of meat as well as surprising flavor combinations will keep the menu interesting and anything but traditional Mexican cuisine. The 5,000-square-foot space will be open for lunch and dinner seven day a week. After the kitchen closes, tacos and guacamole will be available through last call.
Chef Isabella will draw from the Graffiato talent pool to open Bandolero. Plans include moving James Horn, Graffiato General Manager, and mixologist Sam Babcock to the Georgetown restaurant.
The Bandolero beverage list will feature at least two dozen cocktails, including a section for margaritas and modern cocktails made with tequila or mezcal. While the wine list will be significantly smaller than Graffiato’s 60-plus bottles, Prosecco on tap will flow at Bandolero as well.”
Hook closed after a fire at 3241 M St. NW back in June ’11.

This rental is located at 2516 Q St NW:
The Craigslist ad says:
“The Absolute Best Two Bedroom 1.5 BA Location in DC – Georgetown & Dupont Combined in a Converted Historic Garage
Bedrooms: Two
Bathrooms: One and a Half Baths
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Kitchen: ALL BOSCH – Dishwasher, Gas Range/Oven, Above Stove Microwave Disposal, Refrigerator, Ice Maker and Freezer.
Laundry: W/D in Unit
Sq Ft: 1150
Application Fee: $40/Applicant
Deposit: Equal to One Month’s Rent
Move Fee: $250
Fireplace: None
Floors: Hardwood
A/C & Heat: Central A/C and Heat
Furnishings: Fully Furnished – Ethan Allan Contemporary Collection: L Shaped Couch, End Chair, Dining Room Set Table & Matching Chairs
Electronics: 42″Samsung 1080p, Dual Polk Surround Sound Speakers, Denon Receiver Amplifier, Panasonic Blu-Ray/DVD Player,
Closets/Storage: Walk In Closet w built ins, One Room closet & Desk built into closet in master.
Amenities: Secure Entry, Available Parking, Concierge M-F 9-5, Security System throughout building & in apartment,”
I’ve always been curious about these apartments. Glad to finally get a peek inside. This 2 bed is going for $4200.

Back in June ’11 there was a big fire that closed Hook and Tackle Box in the 3200 block of M St, NW in Georgetown. I was happy to see Tackle Box will be reopening soon:


Pie Sisters will be located at 3421 M St, NW by the entrance to the Key Bridge. Their Web site simply says coming soon but directs us to OBSweet which says:
“O’B.Sweet was created by us three sisters, Alli, Erin and Cat Blakely from Northern Virginia. Homemade pies are and have always been a staple in our family tradition. We grew up canning peaches and putting up fresh fruit pies. Baking was always something that brought everyone together.We learned from our mother at early ages the art of baking pies, using recipes old and new from family and friends. We also learned that anytime was pie time, morning, noon or night!
After living in different cities and pursuing separate careers, a bit of soul searching brought us all back to doing what we love most, baking. Each of us lends our own distinctive talent and touch making our product truly unique. We pride ourselves on our presentation and delicious pies.”
It’ll be fun to compare them to Dangerously Delicious Pies at 1339 H St, NE.

This cemetery near Dumbarton House has seen better days. The disrepair reminds me a bit of Holy Rood cemetery in Glover Park.

Though many moving headstones can still be found:


This Asian style house from Georgetown is one my favorites. I’ve seen about 4-5 times then I forget where it is and stumble upon it a few months later and am blown away every time.


And the light made the front door sculptures look even cooler than they usually do:

