LeDroit Park

Lots More info on Howard Theatre’s Opening in April

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week we learned that Wanda Sykes would be headlining at the newly reopened Howard Theatre in April. Now comes many more details (and awesome old photos) from a press release:

The Howard Theatre, the historic arts landmark that launched the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, announces their grand re-opening after a $29 million renovation with a star-studded opening gala and lineup of top-tier events. The Howard Theatre will re-open the week of April 9th with performances by Wale, The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Meshell Ndegeocello, Bad Brains, Chuck Brown and comedienne Wanda Sykes.

On April 12th, the new venue will host a Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser presenting performers from the Howard Theatre’s past and future including Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, Madeleine Peyroux, Savion Glover and many more. The event will honor famed Motown Records founder and producer Berry Gordy, who will be in attendance. A full slate of wide-ranging performances in the 12,000 square foot, 650 seat (1,100-standing room) theatre will continue with a lineup that includes Chuck Berry, Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding, Jack Bruce, Boyz II Men and a weekly Sunday Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. The scheduled lineup is listed at the end of this release.

The Howard Theatre will be operated by Blue Note Entertainment Group, the owners and operators of clubs and theaters around the world which include the Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club and The Highline Ballroom in New York.

An Old Theatre Steeped in New Design and Technology

The Howard Theatre features a regal windowed façade, originally incorporated into the structure in 1941, and combines elements of Beaux Arts, Italian Renaissance and neoclassical design.

The balconied interior is built with flexibility including supper club-style seating for approximately 650, which can be quickly removed through elevated hydraulic platforms to allow standing room for 1,100. The new configuration, with black walnut walls, oak floors and Brazilian granite bars on each level, features a $2 million state-of-the-art acoustic system, 10’ video screens and recording capabilities allowing The Howard to retain the intimate feel of its former 1,200-seat space, while appealing to both traditional and digital-age audiences, be it for a live performance, a private gala or a political fundraiser. A deeper stage, basement and additional wing space provides for enhanced set preparation, gourmet kitchen and administrative office space. A 600-square-foot museum and gift shop will showcase memorabilia, photos and videos of the astounding array of artists and guests who graced The Howard in years past. 100 dedicated parking spaces will be available at the neighboring mixed-use development, Progression Place.

A Washington Dining Destination

In addition to first-rate entertainment, the Howard Theatre will feature a full dining menu designed by consulting chef, Marcus Samuelsson , the youngest chef to ever receive two three-star ratings from The New York Times . In addition to designing the dinner and brunch menus, Marcus and his team from the Marcus Samuelsson Group will assist in the appointment of the Theatre’s executive chef and develop the training program for the culinary staff.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoPville – Power Outage in Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user FrenchTwistDC

Dear PoPville,

For the second time this week, power has inexplicably gone out in Ledroit Park, affecting my home and nearly 400 other Pepco customers. The first time this happened, it was already about 10pm and the power was restored sometime during the night. Today, the power went out this morning around 7:30am, and they are currently predicting that it won’t be restored until 8:00pm tonight (although every time I check, it gets later).

There is no explanation whatsoever on the Pepco website for this outage. I was wondering if any of my fellow residents know what could be causing these outages, so I know where to direct my anger at having to take an ice cold shower this morning while 8 months pregnant, because I really needed to be more uncomfortable than I already am.

I was also wondering whether I am still paying for electricity even though I have none? I have read elsewhere about people paying for power during blackouts.

Thanks,
Pregnant Lady Freezing in Ledroit Park

Shaw’s Tavern, Still Waiting on Liquor License, Reopens Today for Breakfast, Lunch and Brunch on Weekends

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending this note from the Shaw’s Tavern Facebook page:

“Dear Friends,

As we are patiently waiting for our liquor license to be issued we have decided to open our doors for business. Shaw’s Tavern will serve a light breakfast and lunch menu for weekdays from 7am to 6pm and a brunch menu on weekends from 9am to 4pm. Please stop by as we would love the opportunity to meet our neighbors.”

Shaw’s Tavern is located at 520 Florida Ave, NW.

After the jump see their Brunch and Lunch Menus (more…)

Italy Pizza now Serving Coffee in Shaw/Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoPville,

Italy Pizza at 634 Florida Ave, NW in Shaw/Ledroit Park is excited to begin serving coffee in the mornings and throughout the day. The pizza shop will continue to serve their regular menu. You might have seen some signs go up and we are displaying coffee bags in the window.

The week of Feb 12th will be our soft opening. We will be serving coffee and espresso beverages starting at 7am including regular drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.

We are planning to sell bagels and other breakfast items starting next week.

We are proud to feature Gimme! Coffee, a small-batch roasting company with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and upstate NY. To our knowledge no other place in DC carries their coffee. We’ll be using their “Leftist Espresso” and are in the process of sampling their single origin coffees.

We are committed to providing high quality, well-prepared drinks and will be keeping prices very reasonable– less than $2 for a 12 oz drip coffee and less than $3 for a 12 oz latte.

Vicious Burglary and Assault in Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

Thanks to everyone who sent emails about this horrifying incident. I apologize for the delay in posting.

From MPD Jan. 27th:

There was a burglary last in the 500 block of T Street, Northwest, at approximately 3:30 am.

A female knocked on the victim’s front door and acted as if she was crying. When the victim opened the door 2 male suspects forced their way in to the house.

Please be aware of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Don’t answer the door for anyone you do not know especially at late night, early morning hours.

The lookout for the suspects is as follows:

Black female, 17-18 years of age, 5’00”, slim approximately 120 lbs, dark complexion, wearing eyeglasses, hair at shoulder length and in a pony tail with bangs that come down to the eyes and wearing dark colored clothes.

Black male, 20’s years of age, round nose, round face, 5’07”-5’08”, 160 lbs, medium – dark complexion, short curly style hair, dark clothes and armed with a black in color semi automatic handgun.

Black Male 30’s years of age, 509″-5’10”, 165 lbs, brown complexion with very bad black acne, shoulder length dreads wearing black clothes and armed with a black in color semi automatic handgun.

From WJLA7:

“Elizabeth Samuel’s eye is bloody, her face is swollen, her head aches all over. She doesn’t even know how many times she was hit with a gun.

Her wrists and ankles are covered in bruises from where she was tied up and kept hostage in her own home.”

From Fox5:

“After enduring a half-hour of terror, her husband came home and fought the attackers who were armed with pistols. He took on the attackers armed with a wine bottle. Unfortunately he was pistol whipped from behind knocking him to the ground rendering him out of commission.

The suspects spent the next 30 minutes drinking and smoking inside the house before leaving with numerous items.”

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1838 4th St, NW:


View Larger Map

The listing says:

“SPACIOUS 1BR 1 BA Basement apt. w/oversize rooms in LeDroit Park. W/W carpet, eff. Kitchen, walk-in closet in BR. Laundry room in hallway. Close to everything, walk to Metro, “U” Street Coridore, Howard Univ. Plenty of restaurants & Night Life. Local food market next block. PETS: if accepted increase rent & sec deposit. $25.00 per month per animal. All funds must be certified funds.”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $900/Mo.

SnitchEye Wine Bar Looking for New Locations

By Prince Of Petworth

A couple of weeks ago we learned that SnitchEye Wine Bar was negotiating a lease at 3rd and Florida Ave, NW. Thanks to a twitter follower BlasianSays for alerting me to their new facebook update:

“The not so good news… negotiations are not looking so great for the property we had in mind and we have started looking at other properties in the case that this one does not work out. We need your input. Where would you like SnitchEye Wine Bar to be located? Do you know of any properties for lease or sale for retail use?”

More Info on Bistro Bohem Coming to 6th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday a couple readers wrote in with a quick update on Bistro Bohem coming to 6th and Florida Ave, NW. Lots more great info and photos can be found on their Facebook page:

And their Website says:

Introducing the dining experience you’ve been waiting for! Bistro Bohem, Washington, DC’s newest and most lively hangout, is located in the Historic U Street Shaw Neighborhood, just a mile north of the White House. We’re unique to the area, offering flavorful Eastern European small plates in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

Relax in our charming restaurant and chat with friends (or make new ones) while enjoying mouthwatering meats, delectable sides and irresistible desserts. From sausages to beer, you’ll love the modern twists we’ve added to these traditional Old World favorites. To complement your meal, indulge in our full bar, including beer, wine and specialty drinks.

Whether you’re a regular or just visiting, Bistro Bohem offers outstanding food and an enticing atmosphere that brings you back again and again.

Team:

Bistro Bohem is owned and operated by Jarek Mika and his team of friends. The Bistro Bohem crew all present a passion for food, design and desire to create a uniquely comfortable hangout to the U St Area. Bistro Bohem reflects Jarek’s, Czechoslovakian heritage, his culinary experience, and his strong sense of commitment to the community.

Awesome!

Bistro Bohem Coming to 6th and Florida Ave, NW Hopes to Open Late Feb.

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Any news on the new bistro at 6th and Florida NW? I took a picture tonight (above), they have changed the door frame and added a few flags, looks like US, Euro, and DC. Anything you can tell us would be great! Shaw’s Tavern is across 6th Street.”

Back in April 2011 we learned that Bistro Bohem would be taking over the space. Their liquor license application said:

“New Restaurant serving European Bistro full range of full meals and light fare. Background music will be provided, no live entertainment. With a Sidewalk Café. Seating – 50, Total Occupancy Load – 65, Sidewalk Café – 24.”

Another reader writes:

“Walking home today, I saw renovations at 600 Florida, right across the street from Shaw’s Tavern. There’s going to be a new restaurant/bar there called Bistro Bohem. I spoke with one of the guys in the photo below, Daniel, who turned out to be one of the operators of the place. He said he hoped it would be up and running by the end of Feb.”

Awesome! I’ll be sure to update when an exact opening date is announced. And as a PoPville twitter follower asked – who do you think will open first – Shaw’s Tavern or Bistro Bohem? I’m now taking bets.

Pizzarro (Pizza?) Cafe Coming to 467 Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoP,

This building at the intersection of New Jersey Ave and Florida Ave NW, quietly went from looking like the other houses on this block to having a glass front window and over the weekend an awning proclaiming Pizarro. Sure looks like a restaurant inside, fingers crossed! Any ideas on the who/what/when/where of this spot?

I actually stopped by Sat. afternoon before the awning went up at 467 Florida Ave, NW:

It’s funny – I received a tip that this space was going to become a cafe over a year ago. I kept my eye on it and just thought it was mistaken info. Then, like you said, all of a sudden massive progress was made. (Thanks to others who sent emails as well that something was going on.) I spoke with one of the residents of the building who said that the landlord told them a cafe with pizza could be coming. At first I thought it was going to more of a coffee cafe but with the name Pizzarro, clearly, there will be a bigger pizza angle. Stay tuned for more info when it becomes available.

View More Stories