U Street

Great Photography Exhibit at Caramel

By Prince Of Petworth

I just noticed the great clothing store, Caramel is hosting a pretty sweet photography exhibit. Sadly, we missed the opening reception but it’s still definitely worth stopping by to check out the photos. Caramel is located at 1603 U Street right across the street from Stetsons and Local 16.

The Space Between
A Selection of Photos by Sherry L. Brukbacher (www.brukbacher.com)
January 23rd – March 15th

The work in this exhibit represents Sherry’s desire to go beyond capturing a moment. She strives to do what photographers she admires have done – to somehow be alive inside the moment – to be at once voyeur and participant transporting the viewer into the space between lens and subject. For more than a decade Sherry has been pursuing photography professionally and as fine art. She studied at Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts and currently works for National Geographic Magazine.

Dear PoP – New Restaurant on U Street?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hi There, I was standing in line at Ben’s yesterday and looked across the street to see a new restaurant (next the Ulah Bistro). I can’t remember the name, but I remember thinking it sounded like Indian food. It seemed to have gone up over night. Do you know anything about it?”

I think you’re referring to Indulj which is located at 1208 U St, NW. According to a review on Yelp:

“This place used to be Duke City and has been remodeled. It’s more modern looking now. The food and drinks are good and they have a great live jazz band a few nights week. It’s a few steps from all the rest of the nightlife on U street, so it’s worth checking out.”

Has anyone checked it out?

Ben’s Gets New Sign

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, anyone who has been to U Street over this inauguration week has noticed how insanely crowded Ben’s has been. And wouldn’t you know it, I’ve never craved chili cheese fries more… Ah, the beauty of living in the area! But anyway, I just noticed that they got a new sign. And Ben’s next door is a fanatastic new/bar for the neighborhood. Anyone lucky enough to get into Ben’s Next Door?

Didn’t anyone notice this new (temporary) addition as well?

Indy ATMs Popping Up All Over The U Street Area

By Prince Of Petworth

In one of the comments earlier in the week a reader noted this proliferation of independent ATMs around U Street. Back in Sep. 2007 I wondered why there were no Chevy Chase Bank ATMs in Petworth, Columbia Heights and U Street. (Turned out Columbia Heights has one but Petworth and inexplicable U Street metro doesn’t have one.) It still seems crazy to me that the U Street metro doesn’t have a Chevy Chase ATM. Who’s with me on that? I suppose that contributes to the indy ATMs around U Street but also as U Street becomes a huge nightlife spot, I suppose people need their cash. Do you think the U Street metro will get a Chevy Chase ATM anytime soon? (If Chevy Chase doesn’t go out of business that is.)

New York Times Focuses on DC Restaurants: “Chefs Settle Down in ‘the Real D.C.’”

By Prince Of Petworth

The New York Times just published an article called Chefs Settle Down in ‘the Real D.C.’. They focus on Petworth, Columbia Heights, U Street and H Street, NE. They say:

“In Petworth, Columbia Heights, the U Street district and even the dicier parts of North Capital Hill, a little restaurant revival is under way. Washington neighborhoods that for years were considered too dangerous or too poor for a viable sit-down restaurant are suddenly entertaining quite a few.”

You can read the full article here.

New Building At 14th and U Completed and For Lease

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for alerting me to the “For Lease” sign on the new building at 14th and U. I think the building came out pretty well. Nothing to crazy but I dig it. I wonder if a restaurant or bar will take that spot. A part of me wishes some other type of retail would go in – you know to keep the nice mix of restaurant/bars/furniture etc. Do you have a preference if you’d rather see a restaurant/bar or something else go in there?

Obama Visits Ben’s Chili Bowl

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by David

Thanks to all who sent me notes about this historic visit. Sadly, I was in the area about half an hour earlier and had no idea what was about to happen. The Huffington Post reports:

“Barack Obama dropped in Saturday afternoon for a bite to eat with Washington’s mayor, Adrian Fenty, at Ben’s Chili Bowl, the venerable diner in Washington’s U Street district.

Obama said it was his first time visiting Ben’s Chili Bowl and “it was terrific.” The expectation is that Obama _ already at ease in big cities from his time in Chicago _ will venture into town more than President George W. Bush, who rarely made forays into unofficial Washington.”

Was anyone there Sat. afternoon? For other genuine tastes of DC where would recommend Obama visit for a bite to eat? I’d recommend the Hitching Post or the Florida Grill.

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