Thanks to a few readers for sending word and photos. One sends an update from the American University newsletter:

“A new Italian trattoria, Al Forno, will open this fall at 3201 New Mexico Avenue in the former Balducci’s location. The restaurant will feature pasta, a wood-burning oven for Neapolitan pizza, and other Italian fare. You also can enjoy meals outside on the terrace. Work on the restaurant is under way and we’ll keep you posted as they move closer to the opening date. The new owner, who also plans to live in the neighborhood, is excited about Al Forno being located in the community.”

Unfortunately one notes, they’ve already got a stop work order. But we’ll def. revisit to judge the pizza when they open.



Photo by PoPville flickr user hellomarkers!

“Dear PoPville,

I know we have talked about seafood places a few times, but I have some friends coming in for the 4th and they really want crabs. I know you can get them at the waterfront to go, but is there any place in the city to sit down and eat them? I don’t want to have to go to Maryland.”

You can get them at the Dancing Crab at 4611 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Any other good spots in the city?


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC


This rental is located at Brandywine St NW at 47th Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Charming 3BR, 1.5BA California bungalow in Tenley/American University Park. Great Neighborhood. Minutes from American University, Tenley Metro station, Bus lines, Wisconsin Ave shops/restaurants/bars, Whole Foods, Janney School, etc. Front porch, spacious layout with light-filled rooms, hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen with gas range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher. 16′ x 20′ Sun Room, 40′ x 125′ backyard with patio, Large Master bedroom, plenty of storage, washer/dryer, A/C.”

$3600 sound right for this 3 bedroom?

Good group house possibility or too far from metro?


Thanks to a few sharp readers (and Anna in particular for sending the photos) for letting us know about the new Panera coming to 4501 Wisconsin Ave, NW right next to Payless and the Tenleytown metro. Panera is listed on the building permit:

Panera opened its first DC store in Dupont (also by the metro) back in Nov. ’10. We’ve also heard they are opening a spot in Columbia Heights (in DC USA) near IHOP. If I were a betting man, I’d say keep your eyes peeled for more near metro stations…


I got a very tempting tweet saying:

“owner of steak&eggs in tenlytown is vying for a 2nd location in old rug store at intersection of connecticut and calvert by the bridges”

Osman & Joe’s Steak’n Egg Kitchen currently has a DC location in Tenleytown at 4700 Wisconsin Ave NW. You can see their menu here. When we discussed their murals back in Feb. ’10 there were a few fans.

The rug store that the tipster is referring to was Jamshid’s Antique and New Oriental Rugs located at 2313 Calvert St, NW which closed in March ’11. Another reader had heard that CVS would be moving into that space. But the mere fact that Steak’n Egg is looking for a 2nd location is good news. Do you think a 2nd location in the Woodley/Adams Morgan area would do well?

I’ll be sure to follow up on this particular location or whichever is ultimately chosen. Stay tuned. And pray that it is true!



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From the MPD 2D listserv:

This event was published on today’s Daily Crime Report. The event is listed as a Robbery, 4500 block of Wisconsin Ave.

On yesterdays date, at approximately 4:30 pm, a couple had completed their shopping at the Best Buy retail store. They where entering their car that was parked in the parking garage when they were approached from behind by two suspects. These suspects began to punch the male and female knocking them to the ground. After a brief struggle, one of the suspects was able to remove property from the male victim and both suspects were able to flee out of the garage.

The lookout for the two individuals is:

Suspect #1 Black Male, 5′ 8″ – 5′ 9″, “Skinny” wearing dark clothing, dark skull cap
Suspect #2 Black Male, 5′ 8″ – 5′ 9″, “Skinny” wearing dark clothing

As noted in the posting below, there were citizens that possibly observed these suspects prior to and after the incident. MPD units arrived on the scene and did detain a third individual for an interview in reference to the assault. This is an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Command Information Center of the Metropolitan Police Department on 202 727-9099.

Original note:

Please be careful! Keep your situational awareness up at all times!!! If you use the parking garage at Best Buy/Hardware store please ask for an escort to your car if you don’t feel comfortable.

I was the 1st witness to a violent mugging of two elderly people in the garage below Best Buy at the corner of Wisc Ave and Albemarle. The two young males fled as I got out of my truck to assist and one was inches from my grasp.

Unfortunately, I witnessed the entire thing, it happened so fast I couldn’t stop them even though I did block their escape for a minute with my truck. But since I was wearing my crocs (floppy soft rubber shoes) on my feet I could not pursue.

I had noticed the the two young male(s) in the Best Buy acting odd, just didn’t seem right, something off. They had apparently stalked their prey and watched them buy an iPad followed them to the garage and when the old man was putting the bag into the back seat the thugs grabbed the old lady and threw her to ground (so hard she split her head and was bleeding) and pushed the old man into the car ripping the bag with the iPad in it so hard they tore his thumb and dislocated it. A third kid was acting as look out and they seem to have caught him.


“Dear PoP,

I am not sure if you have ever covered Sullivan’s Toy Store. It is a great little place on 3412 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Seems mom and popish – has a good art section, toys, books, costumes, etc. I spend way too much money there…..

Well I was in there last week and they are having sales because they are moving into the space vacated by the temporary Tenley Library – near VanNess and Wisconsin. [4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW]

It is a nice place, funky folks working there, must be successful if they are moving into a bigger space – right?”


4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW


I’ve always liked this cool building located at 5207 Wisconsin Ave, NW and I’m also a huge fan of the Paul’s liquor store sign. But it seems a bit more coolness is coming – from liquor license application:

“School to teach consumers and industry professionals about the world of wines. Topics will
include wine production, grapes, regions and tasting techniques. Serving wine will only be to illustrate types and styles discussed; students are encouraged not to swallow to minimize consumption. Seating capacity is 30 seats. Total occupancy load is 30.”

You can find more info about the Capital Wine School here. Anyone ever take a class before?



4918 Wisconsin Ave, NW Closed

About two weeks ago – Kultura’s Tenleytown/Friendship Heights location closed at 4918 Wisconsin Ave, NW. It looks like it will be replaced by Hadeed Carpet Cleaning. I stopped by the Dupont location at 1726 Connecticut Ave, NW to make sure they were still open and indeed they are and have no plans of going anywhere.

Kultura’s:

is a general secondhand, out of print and rare books store specializing in Art, Architecture, Photography, Film, and modern 1st editions. We also carry fine literature for all ages, a fairly deep selection of global area studies, inclusive of United States history, Political and Economic theory, as well as Poetry, Philosophy, Music, Science, Psychology, Travel, Cooking and Gardening books. We attempt to carry just about any foreign language to English dictionaries we can get our hands on and boast a very, very good selection of books in French and Spanish. Our paperback fiction collection is extensive and generally priced at 50% off publisher’s price.

We buy books for store trade and are happy to look at and consider any books you bring us with the exceptions of computer, self help, romance, westerns, and text books

Clothing consignments are done by appointment


1726 Connecticut Ave, NW Remains Open


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