photo by DC Fire and EMS Department

A reader reports:

“There was a large house fire on the corner of 44th and Albemarle Street early morning. Around 330. I don’t think anyone was hurt but firefighters were there for a couple of hours crashing windows, using chainsaws, loudspeakers etc. Very sad and scary. Looks like investigators are there now.”

DC Fire and EMS Department first reported around 3:30am:

“Update Working Fire 4500 block 44th St NW. Had significant fire 1st & 2nd floor and attic 2 story detached wood frame house. Visible fire extinguished. 2 occupants safely self evacuated. Still hitting hotspots. No injuries.” (more…)


From MPD:

“Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith has announced the establishment of a Juvenile Curfew Zone in Southwest.

The Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 gives the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department the authority to order a Juvenile Curfew Zone in an area where large groups of youths are gathering or intend to gather in a manner that poses a risk of substantial harm to public safety.

The perimeter of the Southwest Juvenile Curfew Zone is as follows: (more…)



1802 14th Street, NW previously home to a Lou Lou Boutique

From an email:

“Pop-Ups with Pitango Gelato

In advance of their new store, coming soon to 14th Street, Pitango Gelato, the artisanal Italian gelateria, is celebrating summer with festive pop-ups with partners around DC and Maryland. Pitango’s new signature green cart, imported from Italy, will make appearances at iconic local businesses and organizations, including home and lifestyle boutique Salt & Sundry, neighborhood brewery Aslin Beer Company, the contemporary Glenstone Museum, and popular cocktail bar, Jane Jane. At the pop-ups scheduled throughout August and September, Pitango’s cart will sell both special collaborative flavors and classic Pitango sorbet and gelato flavors.

On Saturday, August 2nd, Pitango will join Salt & Sundry at their Logan Circle location at 2pm (more…)



500 New Jersey Ave, NW

Check out their menu here.

“Introducing Warka Coffee House in the heart of Capitol Hill, Washington, DC! Warka Coffee House is more than just a café it’s a space inspired by Ethiopian tradition and community, where coffee brings people together. Named after the iconic Warka tree, a symbol of shelter and connection in Ethiopia, our shop offers a curated selection of single-origin specialty coffees from around the world, with a strong emphasis on direct-sourced Ethiopian beans. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just looking for a cozy space to relax, Warka Coffee House invites you to sip, connect, and experience coffee in its purest form.”

Thanks to Graham for sending:

Warka Coffee had its grand opening Wednesday on Capitol Hill. (more…)



Coming to the former Up ‘n Smoke space at 2503 Champlain Street, NW next to Tiny Vinyl

Ending the day on a STRONG note with some spectacular scuttlebutt!!

I hear that Call Your Mother is coming to the former Up ‘n Smoke space on Champlain Street just off Columbia near the Line Hotel. I have this info from a very solid source so will put the accuracy rating of this scuttlebutt at 97% likely. Am trying to get official confirmation and will update as soon as I get it.

In the meantime a big week of Call Your Mother news continues. Standby.

Ed. Note: (more…)



Help Support Chef Omar’s Road to Recovery

Sad news out of Lapis (1847 Columbia Road, NW):

“We’re heartbroken to share that our friend and colleague, Chef Omar, recently suffered a severe stroke.

He’s been with us since day one and has shaped every kitchen he’s worked in—from Café Bonaparte to Lutèce.

Please consider donating to support his recovery. Every bit helps. (more…)


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