U Street

New Parking Signs around U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoPville,

I was happy to see that DC started putting up signs on 11th Street (between W and U, at least) that restrict parking to certain times — which in theory should make it easier for residents to park during peak times. But I was confused/surprised by the times that are covered by the restrictions (see attached pic):

Monday thru Friday, 7am-8:30pm.

Having lived at 11/V for 4 years, the hardest times to find parking is weekday and Saturday evenings from 7p-midnight (nightlife), and Sunday from 11a-5p (church). These times are barely covered by the new regulations, per the signs. (Also, side-note: the church-goers tend to double park, park in bike lanes, park at bus stops, etc — and I’ve NEVER seen DC parking enforcement come around on a Sunday.)

Do you know what is up with this?

DDOT issued a press release that says:

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to complete the implementation of the Enhanced Residential Permit Parking (ERPP) program in Ward 1 over the next few weeks. The ERPP program protects parking for neighborhood residents by designating one side of the street resident only parking from 7 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

New signage for the ERPP program will be posted on blocks with traditional Residential Permit Parking (RPP) restrictions in ANCs 1A, 1B and 1C (ANC 1D opted out of the ERPP program). One side of the street will have RPP restrictions, and the other side will have enhanced restrictions.

RPP provides residents, with a residential parking permit, the ability to park on streets in their permitted area. Non permit holders may park in these areas for a maximum of two hours. By contrast, only residents may park on a curb with ERPP restrictions during the posted hours of enforcement, and an ERPP violation is a towable offence.

DDOT is implementing legislation sponsored by Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham and passed by the DC Council earlier this year. Crews will be working on an accelerated schedule to install about 2,500 new signs on approximately 550 neighborhood blocks included in the program. The installation will begin on or about November 17.

Anyone else think the program should be extended through the weekends?

“Upscale Grocer” Coming to 14th and Belmont St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and Belmont St, NW

A reader sends huge news about the retail spaces in the new Capitol View building from the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association:

Capitol View on 14th, 2420 14th Street, NW, planned uses for retail space – George Levin of UDR and Chris Wilkinson of commercial broker JBG Rosenfeld Realty reported that the building is nearing completion, has eight retail spaces totaling 16,110 SF ranging from 1,008 SF to 3,977 SF, some of which can be consolidated to larger units at build-out, and 225 residential units; UDR is close to signing a lease with an upscale grocer for a 4,952 SF space on the corner of 14th and Belmont Streets; for spaces north of the residential entrance on 14th Street they are in discussions with a bank and drycleaner; and a mid/high-end restaurant has expressed interest in the commercial unit at the corner of 14th and Chapin Street and the space at the corner of 14th and Florida Avenue in the View 14 building across the street, which is also owned by UDR.

Any guesses on who the “upscale grocer” could be? Maybe something like Dean & Deluca?

New Restaurant from Owner of Thai X-ing Coming to 2020 9th Street, NW Hopes to Open in January

By Prince Of Petworth


2020 9th Street, NW

Back in May we learned that a new restaurant from the owner of Thai X-ing was coming to 2020 9th St, NW across the street from the 9:30 Club. At the time the name was listed under Thai-ger but a recent liquor license application lists the name as To Be Determined. It says:

“New Thai Restaurant specializing in Eastern and Western combined into something uniquely Thai with a total of 99 seats. Occupancy load of 99.”

Washingtonian shares a few more details:

“Vigsittaboot said he hopes to open the new place—which he says will share the same dishes and informal approach as Thai X-ing—by the beginning or end of January, and that he will temporarily close the Florida Avenue location in order to get the new spot up and running.”

I’m still hoping he keeps the name Thai-ger. Stay tuned.

Solly’s Starts Serving Food This Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth


11th and U St, NW

Solly’s kitchen helmed by Cuzn Mike finally opens at 1pm this Sunday. Unfortunately the expansion into the former Madjet Ethiopian space will not be ready (still finalizing a few issues) but you’ll now be able to order from the “regular” bar. Here’s a little sample of what you’ll be able to get:

“Chicken parm” chicken cutlet, roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, prosciutto

Shrimp po boy. Dressed I.e. lettuce tomato mayo pickle

Roast beef on sourdough. Lettuce tomato. Pickled red onion. Tiger sauce

Homemade potato chips

After Sunday their kitchen hours will be from 4 pm until 11pm the rest of the week.

The New Anthony Bowen YMCA Looking Good at 14th and W St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user dullshick

dullshick snaps a great photo of the progress at 14th and W St, NW. From YMCA:

“This state-of-the-art mixed-use development in the vibrant U Street Corridor, will honor 160 years of impact while laying the foundation for the community’s future. The new 44,000 sq. ft. facility will feature a 6-lane indoor pool, 3 group exercise studios, a Wi-Fi café, a rooftop terrace, a youth development center, a demonstration kitchen and space for our life-changing wellness programs.”

Check out what it looked like in Jan. 2011 here.

And don’t forget a Sweetgreen and a Greek restaurant are coming here too.

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending this one from Craigslist:

Few neighborhoods in Washington DC have the abundance of first-rate dining, shopping, arts, music and culture that locals enjoy along the trendy and vibrant 14th and U Streets.
Spend some time here and live like a local in this cool and modern studio apt. in our neighborhood, minutes away from the U Street metro. The apartment is fully furnished.

It features
• open floor
• a beautiful and functional kitchen with Granite Island,
• and 55 inches TV

1 block away from the lively Meridian Hill Park
(Outdoor free jungle beat performance at night, and free yoga class in the park on Sundays)
Rental Bikes down the street
Steps Away from U Street
2 blocks from Columbia Heights (Target, Giant and the rest)
25 min walk to Dupont Circle
The nightly rate is $150

I am trying to get rent it out from the 17th of November, 2012 to the 25th of November 2012. Dates can be arranged for longer or shorter stays according to various offers. I have a full bed, and an extra queen air mattress bed if needed. The apartment is ideal for a couple. Walk down the street to the neighborhood restaurants in the city, cafes, best musical venues Black Cat, 9:30, farmer’s market and everything you need is located within a block. Check our guide, to help you navigate all that the area has to offer.

AC, Internet and Cable included
I hope you will choose our place and have a fabulous stay!

The reader notes the “Outdoor free jungle beat performance at night” – don’t think I’ve ever seen the Malcolm X/Meridian Park Drum Circle used as a rental advertising point before…

Judging Restaurants – The Mediterranean Spot

By Prince Of Petworth


1501 U Street, NW

The Mediterranean Spot (formerly 24/Seven located at 14th and U) opened in August in the former Love Cafe space at the corner of 15th and U St, NW. For those who’ve been – is it exactly the same as 24/Seven? Any must order items? I’m digging the new sign.


15th and U St, NW

Hanoi House Vietnamese Restaurant and Pho House Opening Nov. 25th in Former Blackbyrd Space – Have a Look at the Menu

By Prince Of Petworth


2005 14th St, NW

In mid-October we learned that Blackbyrd was going to become a Vietnamese Restaurant and Pho house. They’re going to open up on Nov. 25th and will likely be called the Hanoi House. Here’s a sneak peek at the menu created by Executive Chef James Claudio and his Vietnamese grandmother, Lap Claudio:

Apps

Cha Gio
crispy pork and shrimp spring rolls with dipping fish sauce

Cha Gio Chay
crispy vegetarian spring rolls with dipping sauce

Goi Cuon
fresh garden roll with shrimp and vegetables, hoisin-peanut dipping sauce

Goi Cuon Chay
vegetarian garden roll with crispy tofu, hoisin-peanut dipping sauce

Goi Du Du Kho Bo
green papaya salad with beef jerky, fresh herbs, peanuts, spicy soy dressing

Banh Mi –
-Cha Lua – Vietnamese pork sausage
-Thit Ga – grilled chicken
-Thit Bo – grilled beef
-Thit Heo – grilled pork

-Vermicelli Rice Noodle Bowls

Bun Voi Rau Thom (Vegetarian)
vermicelli salad, fried tofu, fresh herbs, vegetables, roasted peanuts

Bun Tom Nuong
char grilled Shrimp with Vermicelli Salad, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts

Bun Thit Nuong
char grilled pork with vermicelli Salad, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts

Bun Bo Xao
char grilled beef and lemongrass with vermicelli salad, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts

Pho

Pho Chay
Vietnamese vegetarian noodle soup

Pho Ga
Vietnamese chicken noodle soup

Pho Bo
Vietnamese beef noodle soup, beef round eye, tendon
-add ons – beef brisket, beef meatballs, tripe

Dac Biet/Specials

Com Chien
Combination fried rice – chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, green peas, garlic, onion, carrots, fish sauce, cilantro

Banh Xeo
crisp rice flour crepe, shrimp, onions, bean sprouts, fresh herbs and lettuce

Banh Xeo Chay
crisp rice flour crepe, shiitake mushroom and tofu, fresh herbs and lettuce

Trang Mieng/essert

Chuoi Chien Dot Ruou
banana fritters flambé, caramel sauce

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