mpd_abuse_of_power
Photo by PoPville flickr user afagen

“Dear PoPville,

My boyfriend and I left Nellie’s tonight [Friday] around 6pm and were walking back to our condo in Bloomingdale. We passed by the 9:30 Club and there was a ten year old BMW parked across the sidewalk. My boyfriend is a BMW-phile, so as a joke, I softly bumped him into the rear quarter panel and said something to the effect of “you’re going to buy this car for me?” We giggled and kept walking when suddenly this guy with a badge called us back to the car. He was an MPD officer and claimed we’d damaged his car somehow. He demanded our identification and threatened to arrest us.

He took my driver’s license and wrote down my information. I asked him to go look for actual damage on his car and he refused. My boyfriend initially refused to give him his name and our address, but as a lawyer I told him he should just cooperate with the cops, even when they’re being irrational d*cks. My boyfriend told him to go look for damage on his car, since he was detaining us, and again he refused. My boyfriend gave his information but then asked the cop if he was detaining us because we are gay, and the cop suddenly stammered and gave our licenses back and told us to be on our way. I asked him for a card and he told me to look at his badge to get his name, and refused to give us his badge number…so this is my chance to say that Officer, you cannot use your badge to “protect” your personal property, you homophobe.”


ella_condo
1013 V Street, NW

Well we’ve certainly looked at the outside enough, time to get a peek at the inside – check out some photos here.

From the brokers:

“These stylish condominiums are flooded with light & feature all steel new construction, high ceilings, hardwood floors, gas & heat cooking, outdoor space, low condo fees, parking & sweeping city views. The Ella is located one block from the metro & close to the bars & restaurants of vibrant 14th Street.”


IMG_1273
917 U Street, NW

Earlier in the week I mentioned that the Taqueria coming next to Dodge City (from the Hilton bothers) would be opening in late December. Here’s more good news – it will have a huge retractable roof:

10840790696_76f8267971_z

I took a peek inside and while there is obviously still work to be done, you can tell there will also be multiple bars on either side of the space.

photo 2

photo 4

I’m loving this trend of retractable roofs – first Red Rocks on H Street, then word of plans for Ivy and Coney and now this – sweet.

IMG_1272


IMG_1276
2100 Vermont Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word that this Horse’s Ass Award nominee has applied for a raze permit. Rumors abound as to what will happen to the space. Those in the know tell me they hear plans of a restaurant/bar or possibly a small condo building as the lot behind the building goes with it as well. But these are just rumors at the moment. Updates as we learn more.

IMG_1275

Application after the jump. (more…)


IMG_1273
917 U Street, NW

Ed. Note: The Taqueria from the Hilton Brothers opening next door to Dodge City is looking at a late Dec. opening. Stay tuned for more info on that front soon.

From an email:

“After an overwhelmingly positive response, Dodge City is happy to say that the Bandido is back! Beginning November 11 Tortas Bandido will once again take over our grill for the next four weeks. Chef Paul Challan has been hard at work crafting recipes for the season. He brings a brand new menu of Mexican sandwiches available every Mon.-Wed. 6-10 PM. Get there early and enjoy a torta and a spicy soup to keep you toasty this fall!

TORTAS
Roasted turkey breast, turkey skin chicharron, lettuce, avocado, pickled jalapenos, mayo, black beans, green salsa

Beer braised beef short ribs, caramelized onions, Muenster cheese, pickled jalapenos, black beans, red salsa

Muenster cheese, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, pico de gallo, black bean, lettuce, red salsa (vegetarian)

SOUPS
Tortilla Soup: Vegetable-tomato broth, tortilla strips, Muenster cheese, avocado, chiles (vegetarian)
Pozole: Mexican pork stew, hominy, lettuce, avocado”


Smith Center building yarn bomb

Thanks to the folks from Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery for sending these great photos:

Against the BiasOpening Reception – Nov. 8, 7-9pm, running through Dec. 21st (Gallery Hours Wed-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm) Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery – 1632 U St. NW

Gallery & Sign yarn-bomb


IMG_0934
To be located on 14th Street just north of T Street

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if you know what the status of the Trader Joe’s that is supposed to come to the Louis at 14 complex? Previous reporting said the end of the year but I walk by that place often and it doesn’t look close to complete. With winter approaching I wonder if it will be pushed back to next year.”

Great news from the folks at Louis at 14th – they tell me that Trader Joe’s has begun their build out of the space. If all goes well they will most likely open up in February. Trader Joe’s will be located in the space right next to Taylor Gourmet (in photo above) and will incorporate the old El Paraiso restaurant facade into their store. I’m also told they will use some of the old bricks for an exposed brick wall in the northern part of the store. February can’t come soon enough!

IMG_0933
14th and U Street, NW


View More Stories