From an email:

Halloween Fiesta at The Passenger
Saturday, October 30th – 7 P.M. to Close
1021 7th Street, NW. Washington DC, 20009.

Join us for an evening of tacos, Tiki and terror, as we explore the mythic origins of the El Zombie cocktail, an evil combination of Mezcal, overproof rum and infierno*. We will roast a whole pig and turn it into tacos all night. Our drink specials include El Zombie served in a secret room designed to recreate Dr. Duran’s laboratorio, along with El Bastardo Sufriente, Mezcalaritas and Flaming Escorpión Bowls at the front bar. We will also be joined by a Mariachi band and pay for the bar tab of one lucky costume contest winner. $10 entrance fee at the door.

*While the famous Tiki cocktail, the Zombie, was created by Tiki founder Donn the Beachcomber, El Zombie’s origins are a little more murky. Some say that Donn bought his recipe from Dr J. Duran, a master chemist working in a secret lab for the Mexican government. When his potent potion, designed to resurrect the dead did the exact opposite and turned the living into zombies, Duran was forced to leave the country and landed in California. Donn the Beachcomber secretly purchased the recipe from Dr. Duran but not before the doctor changed a few elements to keep hell from taking over. We now have the original, brought to us through an old manuscript discovered by our chef, Dr. Duran’s great grandnephew. For one night, we will serve it from a haunted recreation of Dr. Duran’s lab. Guests will have to undertake stress tests before administering the secret potion. God save the District!


This rental is located at 1125 11th St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Available December 1st. Luxury Condo, no more than 4 units/floor. Contemporary design & layout: European tile baths, wood floors, gas fireplace, energy star appliances, dual-flush toilets and balcony. Convenient to Logan Circle, Downtown, Chinatown, and U Street. It is only 2 blocks from the Mt. Vernon Metro (green/yellow), about six blocks from McPherson (orange/blue) and about six blocks from Metro Center (red). On bus line that runs up and down 11th St. and close to a bus line that runs up and down 14th. The house is in walking distance of Whole Foods, Safeway and Giant, as well as all the bars and restaurants of Logan Circle, 14th street, Chinatown and U Street. Dry cleaners, convenience store right next door. Day time concierge service. Telephone entry/security system. Off-street parking available.”

This 1 bed/1 bath is yours for $2055.


There have been lots of reader reports that the Chipotle has opened up in Union Station. And while it was only scuttlebutt in August, The Mt. Vernon Triangle Fall Newsletter says that “Chipotle will be moving into the The K sales center at CityVista along 5th Street, NW.”

In the same scuttlebutt post I mentioned that Ray’s of Ray’s the Steaks would be coming to City Vista as well. That also turned out to be true so stay tuned for more updates on Ray’s plans for City Vista.


The Columbia Room is located in the back of the Passenger located at 1021 7th St. NW. Thanks to a reader for sending. GQ lists them as number 18:

“Derek Brown honed his craft in Japan, home of the world’s most precise bartenders. Using a cleaver, he breaks down large chunks of ice and stores the cubes in a basket, where they melt as slowly as glaciers. Ask him nicely and he might carve one into a diamond. The private, narrow space is open just three nights a week. Your reward for getting in: the best martini in America. The process entails gin stored in a medical freezer, a crystal glass, and a thermometer (thirty-one degrees is optimal). It’s an expensive privilege to drink here. But just like in Tokyo, the receipt is prettier than a college diploma.”

The best martini in America? Nice. Congrats.


This rental is located at 1126 11th St NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Fantastic efficiency located on the 3rd floor available now! Walking distance from Mt. Vermont Sq 7th St – Convention Center (Green and Yellow lines), McPherson Square Station (Blue and Orange lines), Logan Circle. Chinatown and near cross-town/downtown buses; Latin American Restaurant across the street, and more! Unit was recently renovated and has wood floors.”

Does $1200 sound reasonable for an efficiency at this locatoin?


Thanks to two readers who’ve been keeping particularly close eyes on this development. Back in late August we learned that Results Gym was closing and Vida Fitness will likely be moving into the recently closed space in the City Vista building. Vida Fitness is announcing via Facebook and a new Web site, CityVista Fitness that they are coming soon. I had actually heard that multiple gyms are interested in this space and I’m hearing negotiations are on going so stay tuned for more info when it becomes available.


I can’t remember if we’ve ever spoken about this wild sight. It is not one of those paper things but is actually built into the concrete. It’s located in what’s now a parking lot across from the Convention Center. Presumably this was some sort of club back in the day? Anyone know for sure?

Whenever this lot is developed, it’d be cool if they were able to preserve the vestige from a previous era.


This rental is located at 1117 10th St. NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“-4 years new luxury condo with 1 bedroom and den (can be used as bedroom, 10′ x 8’10”) and 2 full bath
-1,040 sq ft on 7th floor at Quincy Court, 1117 10th St. NW, Washington DC
-One reserved underground garage parking included
-All utilities included (Gas heating, Gas cooking, water and garbage disposal) except electric
-Free access on-site fitness center
-Washer/Dryer in the unit
-Dishwasher, Microwave, Granite countertop in the kitchen with a breakfast bar
-Hardwood floor in whole living area
-Spacious walk-in closet
-Floor-to-ceiling glass and balcony
-Front deck security with key card access only
-Pre-wired for high speed Internet plus digital cable and satellite in each room
-Environmentally conscious green roof-top deck with great view of DC
-1 mile to White House and 1.5 mile to Capital Hill
-Close to 4 metro stops (Mt. Vernon Sq/Convention Center, Metro Center, McPherson Sq, and Galley Pl./ChinaTown)
-CVS and a delicious cafe are located in the building
-One month rental deposit
-One time $500 for moving-in and moving-out fee charged by building management
-Available 10/1″

I’ve been curious about this building. Glad to take a peek inside. Does $2800 sound reasonable for a 1 bed (with den)/2 bath?


This rental is located at 440 L Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Stunning new two bedroom condo in CityVista. The chic kitchen sports espresso cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. An island bar is perfect for impromptu cocktails! Hardwood floors flow from the kitchen to the spacious living room, flooded by light with floor-to-ceiling windows. The tenth floor views are incredible! The carpeted bedrooms each have huge closets and private tiled baths with gorgeous large vanities. The building features a concierge, community room, and rooftop deck & pool.”

Given all the talk about City Vista I thought it’d be cool to look inside. I’m not gonna lie, I am a bit jealous of this one. But do you think it is worth $2800 (2 bed/2bath)?


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