U Street

“What is going on at Bohemian Caverns?”

By Prince Of Petworth


11th and U Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I was so sad when Bohemian Caverns shut down and was really hoping someone with an understanding of how special that place is would buy and revamp it. Since closing in 2016, it sat with paper blocking the windows and the victim of tasteless graffiti. In the past few weeks, however, there has been signs of life to that building. Someone is clearly testing paint colors on its exterior and the paper has been removed from the windows. There is even an old desk in the window advertising for sale (although no info on how to buy it). Anyone know what is going on with the building? Would love to get it back!!”

Cafe Saint-Ex Scores Executive Chef Joel Hatton, formerly of 1905 & Leopold Kafe

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and T Street, NW

From a press release:

“Cafe Saint-Ex is starting 2018 with a fresh slate. The 14th Street restaurant and bar, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, recently underwent a facelift in the main dining room with bigger changes behind the pass, naming Joel Hatton its new executive chef.

“We’ve been long-time fans of Chef Hatton and his Southern-style comfort food,” says co-owner Jonathan Fain. “14th Street has changed a lot since we started, and we’re excited to grow and change with the neighborhood to continue to be a destination people seek out to have a fun night out with delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Chef Hatton joined the Saint-Ex team just before the new year having most recently headed up the kitchen at the recently shuttered 1905 Restaurant & Bar. Prior to that, he was the opening chef at Shaw’s Tavern and the long-time executive chef at Leopold’s Kafe in Georgetown. A native of North Carolina, his menus have a definite Southern flair with all the flavors of home. (more…)

MINT Studios Gym Now Open at Manhattan Laundry Building off 14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth


1346 Florida Ave, NW

From an email:

“MINT Clubs & Studios announced the opening of its new facility, MINT Studios at historic Manhattan Laundry. MINT Studios features its expanded Power Playground and Coach by Color Cycling classes.

MINT Studios offers you more explosive classes, less drama in state of the art facilities. The new studio is equipped with showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, keyless lockers, and the usual amenities at MINT.”


looking east towards La Colombe and Maydan

Ian and Eric Hilton + Joe Reza = Gaslight Tavern Opening in “a few weeks” near 9:30 Club

By Prince Of Petworth


2012 9th Street, NW

I took 24 photos of the light fixtures alone. And this was just a pre-preview but I couldn’t stop marveling. Folks familiar and who were fans of the OG Chez Billy (RIP) on Georgia Ave in Petworth will be very, very pleased. Gaslight reminds me a lot of how Chez Billy looked like when they first opened. Not exactly of course, here we have a serious 1920s Art Deco vibe.

Before we get to all the photos, which really don’t do the space justice but will give you a taste, a few details. The Hilton brothers, most know by now, are the crew behind Marvin, Gibson, El Rey, Satellite Room, Brixton and more. Joe Reza is the force behind American Ice Company (and more.) So you know the place is gonna look good. But I spoke to Joe briefly yesterday who was actually most excited about the food. The chef will be Brendan L’Etoile from Chez Billy Sud and he’s excited about oysters. I am excited that he is excited about oysters. Joe says there won’t be reservations but it’ll be like the first floor of Bar Pilar when they first opened. You find a seat and you’ll get good service. It’s casual but not too casual and both the food and service are expected to be “exceptional” according to Joe. Ed. Note: I’ll be posting the menus in full as soon as I get them. Anyway, they’ll be opening in “a few weeks” so as I said, this is just a pre-preview – stay tuned for proper preview photos and an exact opening date soon. In the meantime:

23 light fixtures and lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

“I’m hoping someone else in the neighborhood might have some information on if everything is okay with her and her family”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user buoscio nworks

“Dear PoPville,

This may be a shot in the dark…I live in the U street – Cardozo area and have had the same woman, Isabel, come by once a month to clean my house for almost 3 years. She always comes the first Wednesday of the month and her daughter always sends a reminder text the day before Isabel comes. There was no word from her last week, which was odd but I figured it might have been related to the holidays, but I texted the daughter to check if Isabel was coming this week and the text bounced / came back as undelivered, which is very strange. I know Isabel cleans for a number of houses in the surrounding blocks because I’ve seen her in the neighborhood over the years. I feel terrible that I don’t know Isabel’s last name or have any more details about her, but I’m hoping someone else in the neighborhood might read this and have some information on if everything is okay with her and her family. I’m really concerned!”

Heads Up. Parts of U Street have a Water Outage and parts of SW Waterfront and Navy Yard have a power outage

By Prince Of Petworth

From Alert DC just before noon:

“DC Water reports a water outage in the area of U St NW between 17th St and Florida St NW affecting 40 homes. Estimated time of restoration is 10-12 hours. Please take all needed precautions.”

and

“Pepco reports a power outage in the Navy Yard and Southwest Waterfront neighborhoods affecting approximately 1240 customers. Estimated time of restoration is 8 pm. Please take all needed precautions.”

Update: 1:15pm

“Pepco reports a power outage in the Mount Vernon Square & Logan Circle/ Shaw neighborhoods affecting approximately 1600 customers. At this time, a restoration time is pending assessment.”

“Black Cat is Closed for Repairs Until January 28”

By Prince Of Petworth

The Black Cat reports:

“The Black Cat will start off the new year by making some upgrades to our Mainstage concert room over the first few weeks of January. We’ll be enhancing the Mainstage, making a repair or two, and preparing for some long-term renovations that will continue over the course of 2018. The club will be open again in time for some great shows in late January. With our 25th anniversary around the corner, we’re using this time as a chance to build upon our legacy as a place of independent community and music — while also looking toward the future.”


1811 14th Street, NW

Authenics Fitness Studio Opens at 14th and T St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


1843 14th Street, NW

Not sure if this is new to everyone or just me but Authenics’ website says:

“Authenics creates detailed fitness programs for clients of all ages and fitness levels. The owner and head programmer has helped many Washingtonians reach their desired goals whether being weight loss, building lean muscle, facilitating rehabilitation, improving performance, increasing strength, reducing stress through personal training and fitness classes.

Authenics creates a world class environment for our clients. As some of our clients’ have stated, we offer “concierge fitness” to Washingtonians. We want you to feel empowered by the time you walk out, knowing you had an amazing, energizing yet challenging workout!”

Right above Som Records:

Nothing Will Deter Us From Waiting in Lines

By Prince Of Petworth


1914 14th Street, NW

Nothing.

Thanks to Captain Easychord for sending last night around 6pm:

“Currently a line to get in to the hottest club of 2018: Trader Joe’s. They have a “bouncer” working the door, letting people in one at a time… Just need a velvet rope to be official, I think…”

Ed. Note: I support the enthusiasm and would also wait in lines through fire and ice for my delicious, delicious mini tacos.

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