We first looked at the Moderno located at 12th and U back in September but it wasn’t quite completed yet so I thought it was worth another look. I think it turned out pretty well. What do you think about the big windows?
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U Street
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Thanks to a reader for alerting me to this info. Proposed image of the hotel courtesy of the developer, JBG. The Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association has lots of info:
The JBG Companies are currently working on a project proposal to develop a transit oriented, LEED Silver certified mixed-use hotel to be built at the corner of 13th and U Street, NW, replacing the existing building at this corner. This proposal, named by JBG as the “U Street Hotel,” has been the focus of much discussion in the neighborhood; JBG has provided information to CSNA about the current status of this project.
According to JBG, plans call for an approximate 4-Star hotel, best described as boutique and independently managed. The hotel will consist of as many as 250 guestrooms, 4,500 square feet of meeting space and 23,000 square feet of retail space. The hotel will include a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar and swimming pool and a proposed rotating art exhibit which will all be open to the public.
Holy cow a roftop bar and swimming pool sounds beyond cool. Do you think a hotel would be successful at this location? What do you think of the rendering?
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Selam is located at 1524 U St. NW. I once had drinks there and it was a great experience. There was a very international cafe type feel. Doing a quick search I saw that the Post did a feature on them a couple of years ago highlighting their music scene:
“In the past year, though, Selam has been growing under the radar, luring DJs from some of the city’s better-known clubs and dance parties to spin in the intimate basement space, whether for one night or for a monthly residency.”
So any fans of the music scene and/or the food?
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Ruff & Ready on 14th Street north of T Street always has some cool items out front. You can read about this classic spot here.
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As mentioned on Saturday a taxi cab crashed through the front window of Solly’s located at 11th and U. 6 folks were hurt but fortunately none seriously. Credit to Solly’s for patching up the window the very next day and even having a bit of a sense of humor about it. Just to clear the record I spoke with Solly on Sunday and though DCist had reported that Solly was upstairs at the time of the accident he was actually in Kansas City and immediately flew back the next morning. A small silver lining from this ordeal is that Solly told me the new window they put in will open up onto the patio (previously the windows didn’t open). Once again, props to Solly’s for opening so quickly.
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photo by BecksAtFlickr
DCist is reporting some terrible news this morning:
At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, a taxi driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Solly’s Tavern at 11th and U Streets NW, injuring at least six people.
“The building shook,” said bar owner John “Solly” Solomon, who was upstairs when the cab collided with the east side of the building. “The tires were spinning because the driver’s foot was still on the pedal, and it kicked up smoke into the bar.”
This is terribly frightening. And I also feel super bad for Solly who is one of the nicest proprietors in town. This past summer I was sitting with friends on the porch when a car, that must’ve been going over 90 miles an hour, flew by us and eventually crashed into the Children’s hospital building further north on 11th. I wonder if 11th street is particularly susceptible to insane drivers? Thank God no one was killed in either incident. I’ll try and find out when Solly’s will be able to reopen.
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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.
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This is by far my new favorite name for a restaurant. I found it on U Street east of 13th Street.
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“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?
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I’ve come to appreciate Seafood & Things but Seafood & Crab just seems a bit redundant… This is from 14th Street south of U near my beloved Taco Bell.