Logan Circle

Scuttlebutt Confirmed: Dolcezza Gelato Coming to former Mid City Deli space in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and P St, NW

Back in October I shared some scuttlebutt about a Dolcezza Gelato taking over the once planned for unknown Taylor Gourmet themed spot in the former Mid City Deli space at the corner of 14th and P St, NW. Ed. Note: I’m aware the previous sentence is a long one and quite possible a run on. Apologies. In January we noted major demo had started. Though Dolcezza denied plans for a new space at the time, CityPaper says its for real:

“Unlike Dolcezza’s other outposts, this location will have a to-go window that allows people to order gelato and coffee from the street.”

Clover Food Lab’s Search for Locations in DC by Ayr Muir – What do you think about the old Central Union Mission Site in Logan Circle?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Is it OK to open in a former homeless shelter?

INTRO

Hi, my name is Ayr, I run Clover Food Lab, a rapidly growing fast food company in Boston. We’re trying to make better tasting food available to everybody.

I wrote a post about the Newsom building on H St. NW the other day that was picked up by PoPville and others and the resulting comments have been amazingly helpful. Thanks everybody.

So I reached out to Dan (Prince of Petworth) to ask if we could post regularly on PoPville during the course of our real estate search. I offer an outsider’s view of DC paired with an inside view of a DC real estate search.

I’m hoping you all can help us sort through this search to find the best locations ever. I don’t know much about this market and you, collectively, know the most. And I’m hoping by the time we open we’ve already made some friends who will help us get off to a great start.

LAST VISIT: NEW DEVELOPMENT

I admit, I left this past trip to DC feeling a bit confused. But that’s good, right? Clarity follows the cloud of confusion. Right?

Based in no small part on the comments of the loyal readers of PoPville and our own website (cloverfoodlab.com). I made a spreadsheet summarizing your input and targeted new sites. I asked Gary, my realtor, to focus on more developed sites this past trip to DC. We looked at a place I didn’t like at all across from the Verizon center. Great location, but no character, step down, no venting. Not the place where DC meets Clover.

We looked at some new developments. This is foreign to me. In Boston we don’t have these.

I’m even learning of stories where landlords are buying out tenants so that they can upgrade to better operators. I’ve never heard of that in Boston. And they seem to take a real interest in creating a good mix of different uses. Overall it’s a really sophisticated approach to development and pretty exciting for an operator like Clover. We love the idea of being a part of a well curated mix of retail that’s constantly picked and pruned.

We visited a development on 14th St. NW near R st. (I added the NW this time, see, I’m learning.) From what I understand this development used to be a homeless shelter that was relocated. I don’t know how that’s seen here. I can’t imagine that being done in Boston, it would be very controversial. Is that why we don’t see new developments in Boston?

There are 2 buildings, one that used to be 3 town houses, and another that’s slightly larger. There is going to be retail at the street and 160 condos above. The building is beautiful. We would be looking at one of the smaller “town houses.” The developer clearly cares about the aesthetics, and making adjustments that are historically accurate. I’m told these are going to regain bay windows, that were removed when the first floors was converted to garages for cars.

The ceilings are high. Light is beautiful. We’re looking at a space that I believe is 1,500 sq ft. We’d be paying a lot, something like $80/ square foot. That comes out to about $330/ day rent, which means we’d need about $3.5k/ day sales, which for us means 600 customers (our prices are low). Any chance of that here?

We had a great cup of coffee at Peregrine across the street (I recognize them from a visit to Union Market, and we know the folks at Counter Culture well, dating back to a visit there in 2011). What do you all think of 14th NW? Would we have a lunch business?

Proposed Temporary Fire Station at 10th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

I received a flyer in my mailbox informing us that the District government is proposing to erect a temporary fire station at 10th Street NW and Rhode Island Avenue, NW (adjacent to the Shaw Rec Center basketball courts and next to Old City Guild). The engines and ambulances from the station on 13th St NW (between K and L Streets) will be temporarily relocated to this location while the existing fire station undergoes renovations. The emergency vehicles will be required to use their lights and sirens when exiting the temporary 2,730 foot structure and will be on call 24-hours-per-day. The temporary fire station is expected to be in operation for 14 months (from July 2014-September 2015).

This area of Shaw/Logan is primarily residential and quiet, and the sirens will be extremely disruptive both to nearby residents and students at Seaton Elementary directly across the street. If any of your readers have any opinions either way, they should send an email to ANC Commissioner Alexander Padro ([email protected]). The relocation will be discussed at tonight’s ANC 6E public meeting, 6:30 pm at the Northwest One Library (155 L Street NW, at NJ Avenue) and he will voice any concerns at that time.”

2nd Sign of Spring – Garden District, Formerly Standard, Re-Opens Sat. March 1st in Logan

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and S Street, NW

From an email:

“just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we are firing up the smoker for our reopening on saturday, march 1st at noon. judging by the weather forecast, we can guarantee that the liters will be ice cold…but we’ll have the patio heaters turned up for you.

in march we’ll have our usual hours but will be closed on monday’s ’till the weather warms up in april. be sure to drop us a follow on twitter @gardendstrct to keep up with the inevitable weather-related closings and to stay on top of our donut robot operating status.”

B Too Adding Late Night Eats Option this Thursday in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

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1324 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Starting February 20, 2014 Chef Bart Vandaele’s B Too will be the go-to spot for night owls looking for mussels and beer, and guests looking to snag a first rate midnight snack in Logan circle. Thursday through Saturday, Chef Bart is raising the bar of the fourth meal with his Late Night menu of crave worthy dishes served alongside a selection of drink specials.

In addition Chef Bart’s signature savory waffles and frites, the Late Night menu includes treats like the Prosciutto Waffle stuffed with Italian aged ham and parmesan. Topped with a roasted tomato, this waffle takes traditional late night pizza flavors to a whole new level. Comfort food gets a funky Belgian twist with the Vol-Au-Vent, crispy frites with chicken stew and sautéed mushrooms, and Chef Bart’s breaded and fried take on a Bucket of Baby Back Ribs served with spiced avocado and house made mayonnaise.

WHEN: Thursday 10pm – 12pm
Friday-Saturday 11pm – 1am

COST: $7.50 – $18.00 Small Plates and Dishes
$5 Beer Specials
$7 Drink Specials
½ Off Big Bottles of Beer
$25 Bottles of Wine”

Dear PoPville – “Ridiculous and Disgusting”

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Took a walk this morning and came across an odd display. The astro-turf yard of the newly remodeled building in Logan Circle is strewn with dog sh*t – literally dozens and dozens of piles of dog sh*t. There must be a few weeks worth of sh*t. It’s a really nice house, probably worth in the high six digits if not a million.”

We’ve spoken about the astro turf a few times in the past. My question is – since this is a private yard – should we mind our business about the dog crap or because it is visible and on a corner we should expect the yard to be cleaned up?

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Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Logan Circle (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

1321 Rhode Island Ave, Nw

This rental is located at 1321 Rhode Island Ave, NW:

logan_rental

The listing says:

“THIS IS AN AMAZING LOCATION! WALK TO EVERYTHING YOU COULD NEED! Beautiful, newly renovated, extremely spacious 1BR/1BA English Basement in the HEART of Logan Circle! W/D in the unit! Enjoy high ceilings and plenty of light. New floors, new walls, new kitchen, new bathroom! Be the first to enjoy this spectacular and spacious apartment.”

You can see more photos here.

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $2,050/Mo.

Lots More Info on Red Light Cocktails & Dessert Bar Coming to the former Bar di Bari space in April

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and R St, NW

Earlier in the week we noted Red Light coming soon signs had been posted in the former Bar di Bari space at 14th and R St, NW. Props to our tipster who seems to have gotten most of the details correct on Red Light.

From a press release:

“Partners Aaron Gordon, Robert Underwood, and brothers Ari and Micah Wilder are joining forces to open Red Light, Cocktails & Dessert Bar at 1401 R St. NW. The name gives a playful nod to 14 Street’s colorful past as a red light district in the nation’s capital. Those wishing to visit this libation haven, which will also have a show-stopping dessert menu, can anticipate an April, 2014 opening. The collaborative efforts will also result in imaginative sweets with potent spirits, taking ‘boozy desserts’ to a new level. Red Light will serve nightly and also feature weekend brunch, a perfect date spot and to gather with friends.

“Distinctive craft cocktails and inspired desserts in a fun, relaxed bar will be the ideal complement to 14th St. – DC’s top restaurant destination, explains Aaron Gordon. “Who doesn’t love delicious chocolate and Champagne?”

Gordon tapped Robert Underwood as executive chef for Red Light. Underwood was previously the head pastry chef at award-winning Komi and Marcel’s in Washington, DC. His menu at Red Light will offer ten desserts changing daily, reflecting the season, and a featured soufflé. Opening selections planned include Soufflé of the Moment– white chocolate Grand Marnier; Pistachio Tea Cakes – with local strawberry jam and lavender gelato; Abuelita’s Tres Leches – with toasted coconut cake and Zapaca rum; Black & Tan Donuts – ale batter beignets with a chocolate stout filling; and a Quinoa BrûléePudding – with caramelized bananas and spicy candied cashews. Dessert choices will be priced from $8 to $10. A pre-fixe menu, complete with a cocktail or wine pairing, will also be available for $16 to $20 per person.

The cocktail menu and wine list is being developed by the talented Wilder brothers, who will serve as Red Light’s beverage directors. Since 2008, when they founded Wilder Bros LLC, they have created over a dozen successful cocktail programs and opened Fed Restaurant in May, 2013. Their innovative list for Red Light will include a selection of eight to 12 specialty drinks, as well as ‘adult’ desserts that combine cocktail and dessert ingredients for a spirited treat. Red Light’s upcoming list will include the Riverstone Slush –ice wine with seasonal nectar, shaved river stone ice and winter fruit; the Double Down –Buffalo Trace Bourbon, rose bitters, B grade maple syrup, Ruby Red grapefruit and lime; andthe Cake Shake –Red Velvet cupcake, homemade ice cream, Atlantico dark rum, Velvet Felernum and cocoa bitters. The menu will also offer a boutique wine selection as well as eight to ten Champagnes by-the-glass, including four Champagnes on-tap.

Design studio SwatchRoom is responsible for the scheme for Red Light. The intimate 27-seat interior will have ‘love-nest’ seating options of red leather banquettes and club chairs for lingering plus a sprinkling of two and four top tables. Guest can grab a stool at the dramatic concrete 18-person bar and see the chefs in action at the display pastry bar. The seasonal 44-seat outdoor patio will be the destination gathering place with its warm and inviting environment featuring communal, cocktail and lounge seating.

“The contemporary design for Red Light will call back to the dangerous and salacious history of 14th Street, a dessert lounge and a place where the edge of rock & roll is juxtaposed to classic romance through color palette, found objects, and sensual textures,” states Warren Weixler, co-owner of SwatchRoom. “The design will illuminate the natural allure of voyeurism and the intoxicating art of the performance; specifically preparing craft cocktails and delectable desserts.”

Red Light Cocktails & Dessert Bar is located at 1401 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20007, and will operate Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to close, Friday and Saturday from 12 Noon to 2 AM and Sunday from 12 Noon to 10 PM.”

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