U Street

U Street Scuttlebutt: Cafe Nema and Momo’s Sports Bar Could be Closing Next Tuesday?

By Prince Of Petworth

Cafe Nema and Momo’s Sports bar (located upstairs from Nema) are located at 1334 U St, NW. And let me say in advance that ever since they opened in late ’07 (and Cafe Nema opened many years before that) Momo’s Sports bar has been one of my favorites in the city. So I certainly hope that they are around for many more years.

Now some may, rather some morally and ethically superior beings will call me irresponsible for posting this scuttlebutt before getting triple confirmation and a glossy press release from a reputable PR firm (especially after nearby Creme Cafe fired its management team and their Web site was hacked and announced they were closing which turned out to be false), nevertheless I will go forward with my alleged irresponsible behavior because, because I’m a fracking blogger not Edward R. Murrow.

I actually did go down to Cafe Nema on Tues. afternoon and while I couldn’t get anyone to confirm, let’s just say there were curious meetings going on at the time of my visit. But the real reason I am willing to share this scuttlebutt is because I got this tip from multiple different readers. They all had a basic time frame but most recently one has said they will close next Tuesday. It is not clear if the restaurant and/or sports bar will close completely or will simply change ownership/management. All this seems to be up in the air. But something is definitely going on here.

A year ago, we learned that there were some tax problems with Cafe Nema but they quickly reopened.

More details if/when they become available.

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Dupont/U St. (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This house (mansion) is located at 15th and S St, NW.

The Craigslist ad says:

“Rent’s $1350 per month, plus utilities (roughly about 75 extra).

You would take over a month-to-month lease, so you can leave whenever you want. Also, would just need $1500 for security deposit upfront.

House includes an amazing roof deck, cleaning service, and 8 friendly, successful house mates. Also, your room has its own full private bathroom with a large shower.

Rooms in this house go quick, so let me know asap. Sorry, though we already have a dog in the house, the landlord doesn’t allow us any more pets.”

I’m pretty sure this was once a “good deal or not” edition but I can’t seem to find it. You can see a virtual tour here.

The reader writes:

“A room in this incredible group house mansion rents for $1350. I am dying to know what the story is here!”

Does $1350 for a room in this house sound reasonable?

Rendering for Building at 14th and W St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in the middle of Sept. a reader asked about this building and while a permit suggested it was being built to support a restaurant a commenter told us:

“The previously abandoned building is being completely renovated and expanded with the intention of attracting a new restaurant tenant. The design, by Bonstra Haresign Architects, received ANC support and HPO approval for the renovated facade, which will retain the minimal historically significant details that remained (existing cornice and existing openings on the right side) while creating a new double height opening with street-level bay on the left side, which had been significantly altered from it’s original form at some point in the past. The resultant design is intended to be sensitive to the historic context through the thoughtful insertion of contemporary interventions within the facade. The renovated space will feature two levels of seating, a semi-private dining area at the upper street face, and outdoor terrace off the second floor.”

At the time we didn’t see a rendering but recently one has been added to the sign:

Washington Post Says Creme Cafe Not Closing!!!

By Prince Of Petworth

This morning I passed on the word from Creme’s Web site saying that they had closed. Turns out it was a hoax of sorts. Thanks to a reader for sending this link:

The restaurant’s management team, which has been running the location for 6 years, was dismissed and their last day was Thursday. For the time being, Crème Café and current chef, Orlando Hitzig, will continue normal operations, though there may be changes on the horizon. “The chef is going to stay on for now,” Alewa says, “We might make a change and go back to our original style of menu. Though it will be very similar.”

Which, of course, is a far cry from shuttering its doors.

Check Out Martha’s Outfitters Support Martha’s Table

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Martha’s Outfitters is unique among DC thrift stores because we serve such a wide variety of people in the community and all the proceeds from our sales go to support our various programs – food, clothing and children!”

From Martha’s Table Mission:

“Martha’s Table finds solutions to poverty in the short term with food and clothing programs and in the long term by breaking the cycle of poverty with education and family strengthening programs.

Martha’s Table’s mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in our community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.”

Martha’s Outfitters is located at 2114 14th St, NW.

Creme Cafe Still Open at 1322 U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for the heads up. Creme’s Web site confirms:

“When we opened Creme Cafe almost 6 years ago, we had no idea the lasting impact it would have on our lives. We’ve made great friends, started lifelong relationships – and above all, created a restaurant where everyone was truly welcome – and able to call it their own.

Unfortunately, for Creme, the time has come that we must close… Our staff – both past and present – have accomplished every goal we set when we opened Creme. We are proud of the place we forged in our community as a locally owned, independent business where friends and family came together to share a meal. To all the regulars, friends, guests who came in the front door and to all the staff, purveyors and vendors who came in the back door, THANK YOU!!!!.”

We spoke about their brunch back in May ’08. Will you miss them?

Good Deal or Not? “office with a Murphy bed” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 1111 V St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Welcome to this spectacular renovated home with grand open spaces. The living room has a beautiful bay window and a gas FP, separate dining area, wonderful gourmet kitchen with SS appl. , granite counter tops and a small breakfast area. There is a master bedroom suite, a 2nd bedroom/office with a Murphy bed and a W/ D. It has been freshly painted inside & out and new carpet just installed.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I’m an admitted sucker for bay windows but what do you think of the house itself? It was originally going for $639,900 but is now on the market for $599,900. Does that sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath?

Martin’s Restaurant & Lounge Coming to 1919 9th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up on this one. The liquor application license says:

“New restaurant & lounge with a variety of food types. Live jazz, rhythm & blues bands along with light music for entertainment. Occupancy load is 50.”

Sounds promising. I’ll be sure to update when they open up.

Good Deal or Not? “HOT TUB & GRILL” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1830 11th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“REDUCED 30K! SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSE, SUNFILLED & AIRY W/ 10+’ CEILINGS & 3 EXPOSURES, GORGEOUS HWF THRUOUT, AMAZING ROOF DECK W/ MONUMENT VIEWS, HOT TUB & GRILL! QUALITY KITCHEN & BATHS, SUB ZERO, JENNAIR, BOSCH. WIRED FOR SOUND, ELECTRONICS & HDTV CONVEY! DEN TOO! DEEDED PARKING, STEPS TO METRO & RESTAURANTS YET TOTALLY QUIET & PRIVATE! SQ FT PER BLDR SPECS.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

What do you think of the condo itself? Does the 30K price reduction make the current asking price of $869,500 ($304.46 condo fee) more realistic?

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