U Street

Compass Rose Opens to the Public Wed. April 16th

By Prince Of Petworth

Compass_Rose
1346 T Street, NW next to St. Ex

They were hoping for the 12th and while you might see some activity starting tomorrow, those’ll be some friends and family events – but the good news is – Compass Rose opens to the public on Wednesday:

“will officially open our doors to the public on Wed, the 16th!! I’m so excited. After a 7 month liquor license battle, a government shut down, something like 10 snow days and 2 polar vortexes-we are ready to roll.”

If you missed the sneak peek – you can have a look inside here.

Wild – Stetson’s used to be Alfred’s Steak House in the 40s/50s – Awesome Old Photo

By Prince Of Petworth

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Not a proper Streets of Washington like the awesome one from earlier this week but this photo from the collection of John DeFerrari is so freaking cool. John is the author of Historic Restaurants of Washington, D.C.: Capital Eats

I had no idea that:

“The storefront at 1610 U Street NW supposedly housed a speakeasy in Prohibition days. In the 1940s and 1950s it was Alfred’s Steak House, prominently located at the western end of the “Black Broadway” of U Street. According to Stetson’s web site, Alfred’s customers included Duke Ellington, Pearl Bailey, Nat King Cole, Count Basle, and Sarah Vaughn. Stetson’s Bar and Grill opened on the site in 1980.”

I also had no idea that Stetson’s has been open since 1980!?!…

stetsons
1610 U Street, NW today

Dear PoPville – Why Does the New Trader Joe’s Open at 9am and not 8am Like all the other Locations?

By Prince Of Petworth

trader_joes_hours_u_street
1916 14th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Why does the Trader Joe’s on 14th Street open at 9AM instead of 8AM? There are so many people who live near by who could stop by on the way to work for fruit, prepared lunch items, etc.

A review of their website shows that every other Trader Joe’s in the Washington, DC area opens at 8AM.

I had hoped these hours might be temporary, however the sign on the window seems pretty permanent.”

PoPville Preview: Compass Rose Hoping to Open April 12th at 14th and T St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_5892
1346 T Street, NW next to St. Ex

We’ve been waiting a long time to see how Compass Rose turned out in the former Collage Cafe space on T Street next door to St. Ex and though I feel like I say this a lot – this one was definitely worth the wait.  At least from the looks.  This is one of the nicest transformations of a space I’ve seen since Rose’s Luxury on Barracks Row.  Though not affiliated there’s gotta be something to having Rose in the name… This one’s a bit smaller but equally as sweet.

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You can see some background and what Rose’s Compass used to look like here.  This was the spot that had a vision to give the space the feel of an outdoor market place.  Stay tuned for an April 12th (5pm) opening – and here’s a boatload of photos to whet your whistle:

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Tons more photos after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoPville – Anyone Know the Dancing Guy at 9th and U Street/Florida Ave, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

dancerguy

“Dear PoPville,

Anyone know the guy that dances in front of the DC Housing Finance Agency (815 Florida Ave NW)?

Curious if he has a story– Has he discovered the friendliest way of protesting, ever? Is he just an avid dancer and likes the reflective doors so he can critique his dance moves? Does he dance on this corner because the surrounding bars already have music playing so his car’s music doesn’t really cause any additional disturbance to the neighborhood?

Almost every time I pass by on the weekend he is blasting music from his car and having a personal dance party. Always seems happy.

Wondering if anyone knows what the story is?”

Ed. Note: For those who are going to say, why don’t you just ask him, well not everyone feels comfortable doing that. Period. No need to debate. There we got that out of the way. But some people do feel comfortable interacting with strangers doing unusual/fun/interesting things, so for those folks – anyone ever chat him?

In Other Patio Opening News – Vinoteca’s also Opens with new Spring Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

vinoteca
1940 11th Street, NW

And since we’re finally getting good weather – from a press release:

“One of U Street’s favorite outdoor gathering spots, Vinoteca has just opened its lively front patio and charming backyard Plaza Bar for Washingtonians looking to enjoy the beautiful coming spring weather. Al fresco diners can enjoy an expanded new Grill Menu of housemade hot dogs, burgers and other grilled snacks, sip new spring cocktails, play a round of bocce or enjoy a brunch in the sun at Vinoteca.

NEW SPRING GRILL MENU

Equipped with a full outdoor grill, Chef Lonnie Zoeller has amped up his grill offerings with an expanded menu of housemade hot dogs and burgers just for the spring season. Chef Zoeller began making his own housemade hot dogs last year, and has added several new varieties including the Who Dat Doggy, a boudin pork dog with grilled red onions and remoulade, and the Barbie Dog, chicken dog with BBQ, cheddar and apple. These join the classic Plaza Dog topped with ketchup/mustard/relish, the Frankfurter topped with homemade sauerkraut and caraway mustard, anda spiced-up veggie dog. All dogs are $7, and $6 at happy hour.

Burger lovers now have three juicy, grilled-to-order choices: the O.G. Bocce, a local beef burger topped with basil aioli, fresh mozzarella, grilled red onions, lettuce and tomato; the Holy Mother of Pork topped with fig & bacon jam, gruyere and frisee; and for veggie lovers, the Ciao Fungo, a portobella mushroom burger topped with roasted red pepper, feta and arugula. The O.G. Bocce and Holy Mother of Pork burgers are $9 ($8 at happy hour), and the Ciao Fungo is $7 ($6 at happy hour).

Other simple yet flavorful snacks coming off the grill include Beef Skewers with chimichurri, onions and queso fresco, Chicken Skewers with honey, lime, garlic and cashews, and Grilled Cauliflower with Asiago cheese and chives.

SPRING COCKTAILS (more…)

Big Police Presence at 11th and U Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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Just after 12pm @DCPoliceDept tweeted that U Street was closed between 11th and Vermont. The reader who sends the photo above notes “The group on corner is all cops.” Anyone happen to know what’s up?

UPDATE: MPD says that it was a training drill.

Ed. Note: Whew.

First Set of Venues hosting Bands for the DC Funk Parade Music Festival, May 3

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“The DC Department of Funk announced the first set of U Street neighborhood venues who will be hosting the DC Funk Parade Music Festival, planned for May 3, 2014. While more will be announced in the coming weeks, the beginning line-up includes:

U Street Music Hall (1115 U St NW)
Tropicalia (2001 14th St. NW)
Solly’s (1942 11th St. NW)
DC9 (1940 9th St. NW)
Jojo Restaurant and Bar (1518 U St. NW)

These venues will feature Free, Live and Local DC Funk inspired bands from 7pm-10pm on Saturday, May 3, immediately following the Funk Parade occurring on V St. NW.

Band lineups will be announced in the coming weeks.

The DC Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind parade, street fair, and music festival to celebrate U Street, the District and the spirit of funk. It is hosted and sponsored largely by neighborhood businesses. This event is free to the public all day so we rely on the community for support, please donate here. Each donation comes with an amazing set of perks donated by some of our favorite U Street businesses.”

2014 Marvin Gaye Day is April 2nd, featuring a performance by Gaye’s original band, The Marquees

By Prince Of Petworth

marvin_gaye_75th_birthday_celebration_dc

From a press release:

“Marvin, the Washington D.C. bistro and bar inspired by the transformative time D.C. native Marvin Gaye spent in Belgium, announces it’s 2014 Marvin Gaye Day celebration, marking what would have been the 75th birthday of the legendary singer.

The 7th annual Marvin Gaye Day celebration begins at 4pm on Wednesday, April 2nd with a performance by Gaye’s original band, The Marquees, a Marvin tradition since 2008. Joining them are soul singers Martin Luther and Maimouna Youssef, who will perform a rousing tribute to Gaye and Tammi Terrell — Gaye’s duet partner on seven Top 40 singles including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need To Get By”. Gordon “Guitar” Banks, Gaye’s music director, the Savoy-Ellingtons, children of musical great Duke Ellington, and a roster of local artists will all pay tribute with musical performances throughout the day.

Washington D.C. based indie rock band, U.S. Royalty, joins the line-up this year showing how Marvin’s influence transcends not only time, but also genre. Additionally, neighboring vinyl shop, Som Records will host a “Hitsville Pop-up Shop” at Marvin selling the best vinyl from the 1960s to the early 1980s from 4pm-close.

In keeping with tradition, all proceeds from the day’s events will benefit The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the beneficiary chosen by the Gaye family, and given in Marvin Gaye’s name.”

Marvin is located at 2007 14th Street, NW just north of U Street.

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