“Dear PoP,

I previously wrote to you in July, 2009 seeking the advice of your readers on where to open a vintage furniture store. I am happy to announce that I opened Modern Mobler Saturday, 05/08 at 7313 Georgia Ave NW, in the Takoma (Park) area of DC, just north of Walter Reed near Silver Spring, MD.

The 1700 sq ft store will feature select items of Vintage and Mid Century / Danish Modern furnishings from my vast collection of over 4000 sq ft of current inventory. To start, Modern Mobler will be open Thursday through Sunday 11am – 7pm. I plan to take consignments in addition to purchasing furniture. I have already established a wide network of collectors, dealers and suppliers who will keep my inventory fresh & ever changing. Delivery will also be available.

Modern Mobler is very pleased to be part of the revitalization of Takoma Park & Georgia Ave. I want to thank you & your readers for their support. Please stop by and I look for forward to seeing everyone.

I plan to also be open this Wednesday from 11-7 for those who want to get a sneak-peak. The store sits between Angelico pizzeria and the Washington Humane Society. Of note, I will also be working with several local upholsterers to support more of a local ‘full-service’ green retail furnishings destination.”

Sounds great, best of luck to you!



Photo courtesy of Meghan Taylor

From a press release:

The Electric Maid, the popular local hang out spot with deep roots in the Takoma Park community, is celebrating its grand re-opening with an all-day party on May 1. The new space aims to be an outstanding place for the community to hear live music and hold events with its new features:

* A vibrant new mural by local artist Meghan Taylor decorates the interior space. The mural provides a luminous fantasy-scape to the new space, giving a visually enticing accompaniment to the many local performances and activities the venue hosts. The mural unveiling will take place at 1 pm.

* The Electric Maid’s vintage neon sign will light up for first time in over 20 years on May 1, in commemoration of this community fixture’s revival, at 8 pm.

On May 1, from noon – 3 PM, enjoy family oriented activities. And from 3 PM into the night hours, come out for the reception and gala featuring live musical entertainment by local bands including Funk U.

The Electric Maid is located at 268 Carroll St NW, Washington DC (near Takoma Park Metro Station).”


“Dear PoP,

Just had to give a local business two thumbs up. I found them because of a recommendation one of your readers gave some time ago. D’Carlo Upholstery at 7327 Georgia Ave, NW just repaired some leather cushion covers for me and did a fantastic job at a reasonable price. The workmanship was impeccable and they literally left me with a better product than I had originally purchased. In addition, the owner, Carlo, was extremely amiable (as were the employees). He’s had the shop for 35 years as an immigrant from El Salvador.”

Great to hear. If anyone else has a local (preferably a bit beneath the radar) business that deserves some props, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.


This home is located at 413 Circle Ave, Takoma Park, MD:


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The flier says:

“A 2003 renovation and expansion created this wonderful cape cod in Takoma Park less than 1 mile to metro, with front porch charm, a dramatic open floor plan and light filled contemporary spaces. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and open stairway to the loft level bedroom. One wall features a wood burning fireplace. The living room opens to a cozy dining area and large kitchen. French doors lead to the side yard. There is a separate office off the dining room. The lovely kitchen features granite counters and maple cabinets. Two main level bedrooms and a full bath complete the first floor. The lower level is finished, with new carpet, a second full bath and room for family,exercise,play space. Driveway leads to carport. 0.8mile to Metro.”

You can find more info and photos here. (Click on the first listing “FRONT PORCH CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY OPEN SPACE!!!
Takoma Park, MD”)

I know I don’t usually stray outside the district but I was intrigued by this home. Full disclosure: a friend of mine is selling it. But I’m curious what you guys think of the renovation and location. Does $499,000 sound reasonable?


From an email:

“Currently operating out of the Brookland Tavern in Washington, DC and online, Capital City Cheesecakes is moving to the vibrant and eclectic community of Takoma Park, MD to open its first restaurant in the Spring of 2010.

The new bakery will include current favorites – miniature and petite-sized cheesecakes that offer just enough to satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth without breaking the calorie bank. When small is not enough, the large-sized cheesecakes fit the bill instead. Owners and sisters, Caitlin and Meaghan Murphy, will be expanding this current line of cheesecakes to now include baked goods and coffees during the week and more extensive breakfast offerings on weekend mornings. These former teachers, with a passion for both painting and teaching art, also plan to create an interactive bakery setting that offers activities for all ages, including cooking classes for adults, edible art parties for children and internships for teenagers who want to pursue a career in the food industry.”

They are taking over the old Savory Cafe at 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD



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Thanks to a reader for forwarding the news:

“Please join us this coming weekend as we welcome the long-awaited addition to the Culture Shop community: The Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar.

Under construction for over three months, the Tavern promises a venue for stimulating conversation, tantalizing cuisine, and a wide representation of your favorite beverages. In addition, The Culture Shop will continue to celebrate world-class shopping via a unique selection of eco-chic accessories, personal care items, clothing, housewares, foodstuff, and much more.

As a space-warming gift, we invite all our visitors to bring a can of food or make a financial donation this weekend (and each weekend throughout November) to be donated to a local charity – in support of our less fortunate neighbors.

Help us usher in the Season of Thanksgiving by celebrating all that is good and right in our global community.”

The Culture Shop is located at 341 Cedar Street, NW.