Petworth

Reader Request: Tina Visits Philips Shoe Repair

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. note: If you have a shop/restaurant/spot anywhere in DC that you’d like to see profiled send me an email at [email protected]

Of the countless shoe repair shops in DC where you can have the heel on your stiletto recapped, the sole of your boot replaced, or just get your shoes shined and generally spiffed up, I’ll bet that you’d be hard pressed to find a place quite like Philip’s Shoe Repair in Petworth.

Since 1924 folks have been getting their shoes fixed up at 808 Upshur Street, and in all that time there have only been two owners. Up until 1966 Philip Calabro was living in Italy and working as a specialty orthopedic shoe maker. When he came to the U.S. he worked, sponsored by Mr. Dominic Cicala (the original owner), in the shop for 2 or 3 years until Cicala was ready to retire and Philip bought him out and became the owner himself.

Over the past 42 years Philip, and his shop, has become a fixture in the Petworth Community. He and his wife, who usually sticks around the store all afternoon to keep him company, have developed close relationships with almost all of their customers as well as the neighboring business owners. “Our customers are like family to me,” he says. He rarely gives out order tickets, since he knows almost everyone by name or by face – including Mayor Fenty! Mrs. Calabro told me that not only do they love their customers, but the customers love them too. “They look out for us,” she says, as she told me about a day when Philip had a doctor appointment so she agreed to run the shop for the afternoon while he was gone. A regular customer came in and upon seeing that she was alone in the store, insisted on staying with her until she closed up shop and went home for the evening.

The Calabro’s relationship with the neighborhood is clearly a result of their good natured, friendly attitude towards the people of Petworth, but Philip was sure to tell me that Mr. Cicala was a well liked and respected business owner as well. He was especially proud to point out that in 84 years the glass window and door of the shop have never once been damaged. Ed. Note: Knock wood, knock wood. Continues after the jump. (more…)

Sneak Peek: New Restaurant, Fusion, Opens on Georgia Ave.

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in September we spoke about Fusion. I’m happy to report that they have now opened. As you can see from the photo above they are located at 4815 Georgia Avenue (two storefronts from Moroni’s excellent pizza.) I spoke briefly with the owner, Barry, who described the food as “refined Indian”. The restaurant will seat upto 50 people and will feature a full bar. Though, make no mistake this spot is most definitely a proper restaurant. Barry had previously worked in managerial positions in the very well respected Indian Restaurants – Rasika and Bombay Club. I believe that bodes very well for us. I happen to be a big fan of the Bombay Club. It’s exciting to potentially get a spot of the same caliber up in Petworth. I asked Barry, 35, how he decided on this particular location and he explained it simply – “I live around the corner”. In addition to serving lunch and dinner (when they get their liquor license) Sundays will feature a three course brunch.

I’m especially excited about this restaurant because Barry exhibited such enthusiasm for the neighborhood. He also said on a number of occasions that he is “in it for the long haul”. And it was very nice to hear indeed. Be sure to check them out.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Huge News For The Park Place Project Going Up Above The Petworth Metro!

By Prince Of Petworth

Chef Gillian Clark formerly of Colorado Kitchen has signed a letter of intent to open up a restaurant in one of the spots! I think this is phenomenal news. The restaurant will be called the Meeting Place and will feature “classically southern” food. Oh man, this is going to be sweet! From a press release:

Washington, DC – December 8, 2008 – Asadoorian Retail Solutions announced today that local celebrity chef Gillian Clark has signed a letter of intent for 4,000 square feet at Park Place. This will be the 4th location operated by Clark in the Greater Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.

Under development by Donatelli Development and scheduled for delivery in 2009, Park Place is a mixed-use development with 161 residential condominiums and 15,000 square feet of retail space. Located atop the Petworth Metro Station, at the intersection of Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues, NW, Park Place anchors the gateway to Petworth, an energetic community that is on the rise with many new developments underway. “Our goal is to develop a destination shopping and dining environment that offers high-quality and unique retail choices for the neighborhood.” states Chris Donatelli, President of Donatelli Development. “We have received a positive response from the market on our plans and securing the interest of Gillian creates a great anchor for the project.”

No stranger to the Petworth area, Clark is a ten year resident of the neighborhood. Coupled with a resume of seven restaurant openings under her belt, she knows food and she knows the neighborhood. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to open a restaurant at Park Place. It is an exciting project in a dynamite location.” states Clark. “I understand what food means to people, and I know what is missing in this area. The menu of the new restaurant will be classically southern, illustrating the trend to environmentally friendly cooking, a characteristic of the Southern food way. It will be a celebration of food in its simple forms and traditional cooking methods that make simple ingredients sublime. We’re going to breathe life into a food tradition that has been not given its full due in these parts and I think there is a great population of folks that are going to appreciate that.” Continues after the jump. (more…)

Worst Name For A Restaurant Also Gets Closer To Opening – Seafood & Things

By Prince Of Petworth

Ugh, this sign on the 800 block of Upshur kills me every time I see it. We spoke about it back in June. I thought you’d be eager to know that they’re looking to higher hire a pizza man and fry cook.

I should be more hopeful because I suppose it’s possible that the pizza will be good. I come from the NY point of view which holds that the more pizza places there are the better. And God knows there are some great pizza spots in NYC with horrible signage. I’ll gladly take that trade. So I’m gonna pray that this place is good and I’ll give them mad props if the pizza is quality, hell I’ll give them mad props if the “things” are good…

Tom Sietsema Selects Best Breakfast Spots in DC – Picks Domku!

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in August I asked where one can find the best breakfast in DC? and got many great responses. The Post’s Tom Sietsema takes a crack at the question this past weekend. In addition to Domku, he also lists Johnny’s Half Shell, Leopold’s Kafe & Konditorei and Old Ebbitt Grill. I totally agree with his take on Domku:

“Another reason I like to visit this funky Petworth storefront, particularly at breakfast, is to fill up on one of the best versions of hash around. Based on diced carrots, potatoes and bits of salmon, the small mound of peppery hash shows up with a perfect poached egg draped in an assertive mustard sauce and garnished with bright red roe. Easy on the eyes and easy on the palate, the dish is a complete meal in a bowl for only $8.”

What do you think about his other three choices?

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 139 Varnum St, NW.


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The flier says:

“What a deal!! Almost everything in this fully renovated home is BRAND NEW! HUGE corner unit w/ parking in rear! Renovations include new central HVAC, 1/2 BA & hrdwd floors added to main lvl, carpet on upper lvl, ceramic in all bthrms, nw cabinets, c-tops, appliances, all nw electrical wiring, plumbing, windows, roof, int & ext paint, lights (recessed in ktchen), vanities, ext doors & more.”

More info and photos found here.

The reader writes, “I hate the fact that it looks like they may have gutted all the original features that make Petworth rowhouses so great, but $330k for a renovated end unit rowhouse within a mile of the metro has to be a good deal, right?”.

I think there are some people in the community that may have a little more insight on this house than I do. Hopefully they’ll write in. But from what we know does $329,900 seem reasonable?

Super Sneak Peek of Coffee Shop (Fresh Off The Roast) Coming To Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

I noted earlier in the week that Petworth was getting a new coffee spot on Georgia Ave. near the metro. While the previous post had a floor plan these pictures can help you visualize the space a bit better. There’s still a bit of work to be done but I’m glad to know it’s actually coming to a designated spot and not just in the planning stages. I’ll post more photos and the address as they become available.

Welcome to my Petworth Inauguration Package by Eric Nuzum

By Prince Of Petworth

PoP contributor Eric Nuzum wonders what it will take to rent his home for the inauguration.

Several of my friends are aflutter over the inauguration. It has nothing to do with “change,” lack of “change,” or the likelihood that “change” will amount to anything actually changing. They are obsessed with a different kind of “change”: the type that will be jingling in their pockets once they rent their home or apartment to those who find no room at the inn for the Obama coronation on January 20th.

Even though hotels are not completely sold out yet (and that is true, they aren’t), urban tales are spreading through the city of people renting out their homes for tens of thousands of dollars. And my friends and co-workers have dollar signs in their eyes.

Perhaps I’ll eventually eat my words, but I generally operate under the principal that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

“What could go wrong?” my people ask. Well, let’s not go there. However I’m willing to bet real actual cash (you know, the kind I already have) that people willing to shell out thousands a night aren’t going to be a bunch of old lady spinsters from Iowa who go to bed at 7:30. Call me crazy, but even $20k won’t wash away the vision of some Fortune 500 executive screwing a coked-up hooker in my bed. Continues after the jump. (more…)

Holy Awesome: Petworth Getting A New Coffee Shop

By Prince Of Petworth

This is phenomenal news. I am so psyched to announce that Fresh off the Roast Coffee will be opening up a brick and mortar shop on Georgia Avenue! The exact address can’t be announced yet because it is still undergoing the permitting process but it will be close to the metro. The owner, Joel, expects the store to open as early as mid-December but more likely in January. I’ll obviously keep everyone updated. Above you can find a layout of what the store will look like. I’ll also post pictures as they become available. Finally a proper coffee shop!

Ed. Note: Full disclosure Fresh off the Roast is a PoP advertiser. By the by do you want me to continue to add this disclosure every time I post news about a spot that is a PoP advertiser?

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