I dig these brick sidewalks but seem to recall folks saying they were hard to maintain. I also recall a photo I took of some weeds growing out of the cracks of a brick sidewalk this past Summer. Is the sand supposed to prevent that or does it just make the walk even? Also if this is more expensive than regular concrete sidewalks who pays for it? So any fans of brick sidewalks out there?
The first time I went into Solly’s I had a couple of beers and the bartender asked me if I’d like a glass of Power’s Irish Whiskey. At that moment I knew I had found a new bar to add to my favorites. Solly’s is also one of the few bars in town where there are zero pretensions. It is a true neighborhood bar. It resides in a very popular neighborhood at the corner of 11th and U. Last Friday I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Solly’s namesake – John “Solly” Solomon.
Solly, 39, can look quite intimidating at first glance but when you sit down and talk with him he could not be nicer. He grew up in Colorado but has lived in DC for 21 years. He moved to the U Street area 10 years ago and lives right around the corner from his tavern. It is amazing what we take for granted in this particular area – Solly remarked how monumental it was when the 7 Eleven opened up on U Street. When I walk by the 7 Eleven today I find it hard to believe that it hasn’t always been there.
Prior to opening up the bar Solly worked at the Old Dominion Brewing Company in Ashburn where he did almost everything “from brewing beer to being the general manager of the brew pub.” He was able to snag this great spot at 11th and U when the previous owner of U-Turn was looking to move back to Ethiopia. Solly was able to purchase the business which already had a tavern license. Solly describes his bar as “a neighborhood bar, a place where anyone would feel comfortable.” While there are tvs around the bar to watch sporting events there are intentionally only two downstairs so they don’t overwhelm conversation. Continues after the jump. (more…)
I’ve always been a fan of the music at Bohemian Caverns located at the corner of 11th and U but I’ve never eaten at the restaurant. Is it any good?
The Islander Caribbean Restaurant is located at 1201 U Street, NW. It always seems to be pretty crowded when I walk by but I haven’t yet eaten there. Any fans out there? What do you recommend?
Back in June I had noticed some alcoholic beverage applications for this building at 1013 U Street. This past weekend I was able to chat with one of the owners. This is going to be a restaurant/bar serving “American” food. There is going to be a big bar downstairs and a smaller one upstairs. The owner hopes to be open by Jan. 1st. It’s nice to see the empty storefronts on this section of U Street get filled.
I was walking past the former neat neighborhood find, Healing Arts Gallery, located at 1632 U Street and I noticed they have a sweet National Geographic photography exhibit going on.
Their flier says:
“Visions of Paradise
Where…or what…is heaven on earth? Nine National Geographic contemporary masters answer the
question in a new gallery show. From the exuberance of a coming-of-age ritual to the boldness of a
wild creature’s gaze to the pride in catching the Big Fish, these images offer an exquisite sense of place
as they reveal an intimate state of mind. Visions of Paradise, part of the FotoWeekDC photography
festival, features master shooters William Albert Allard, Jodi Cobb, David Doubilet, Beverly Joubert,
Michael Nichols, Paul Nicklen, Randy Olson, Joel Sartore, and Michael Yamashita.”
The photographs are amazing. I spoke with gallery director, Sandy Rossi, who mentioned that there is a special reception Friday Dec. 5th from 5:30-8pm when the National Geographic’s Directory of Photography will host a Q&A session.
Sweet. The exhibit runs until Jan. 2, 2009.
Well this is super cool. From a reader:
“There is a new Japanese grocery store that seems to have recently opened, The name of the store is Hana, and it is at the corner of U and 17th (NW). I am very happy to have a Japanese store in our neighborhood. Before, we had to take a metro to Rockville (and walk along the Rockville Pike..) or to Bethesda to get Japanese groceries.
Good thing about this store is..It is small, but I can get things for everyday use, like curry roux, sauce, tofu, noodle, and snack. Also, they have ingredients for okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes, which I do not think many Japanese restaurants serve.”
I checked it out and it was phenomenal. Back in the day I was a reporter for a Japanese newspaper (Asahi Shimbun) and ever since then I have loved Japanese food. We used to work late all the time and got the greatest Japanese delivery. This looks like a great spot to fill the void I’ve been missing. The owner was super nice as well.
More photos after the jump. (more…)
You’d never find this place if you didn’t know it was there. Or if you don’t have a passion for doors…
Corte Salon is located at 1019 U Street, NW and opened at this location the first week of September. You can spot a little sign on the door but from the street you’d have no idea there was such a nice place upstairs.
Their Web site says:
“At CORTE Salon, we strive to create an exclusive experience for our guests that is as unique as they are. Our mission is to provide every client with an outstanding experience in an elegant, serene and sophisticated environment.
We appreciate all of our guests and work hard to maintain our relationships with each of them.
Serving both women and men, CORTE Salon will provide a full line of individually tailored services from a group of highly skilled and diverse professionals. With such a diverse staff, clients will easily find someone who compliments their own style, background, and personality.
At the beginning of every appointment, we will talk with you and help you decide upon the best look and appropriate treatments. CORTE Salon offer the highest quality professional hair products and our staff will personalize a daily routine for you based on your individual preferences.
Over the next several months as we continue to grow, we will be adding such services as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and massage.”
So if you’ve been looking for a Salon in the neighborhood you’ve now found it.
This sign is from the gas station located at 14th and W. I don’t know about you but the only food I’m buying at a gas station is a bag of chips and maybe a slim jim…
Is it just me or does it seem really wrong to buy fried chicken or Chinese food at a gas station?
“I’ve just learned Yes Organic has scheduled a private opening ceremony Monday, November 17th from 3PM.
In addition, CVS is also scheduled to open Monday at 8AM.”