And they seem to be doing it damn successfully. Dang, I can’t even grow a tomato. Much respect. So if you are like me and can’t grow it you can some wicked fresh corn at the U Street Farmer’s market at 14th and U. (more…)
|
U Street
|
Don’t know how I missed this but there was a great story last week in Bisnow reporting that the new Ben’s Chili Bowl project will be called Ben’s Next Door. They say:
“Brothers Kamal and Nizam Ali don’t want to change the original Bowl, which was opened by their parents, Ben and Virginia in August ’58. The 1213 U Street, NW, eatery is staying the same, but the bros will be opening Ben’s Next Door, where patrons “can finally get a chili dog and a beer.” They say the new space, coming in August, will be the “Bowl version of a bar” and offer a more upscale ambiance than the original.”
This is super cool. So from the picture above do you think they’ll be ready by August. Do you think an upscale version of Ben’s with a bar will work?
|
What’s the word here? This store has always stuck out on U Street for obvious reasons. It seems deserted now. Any patrons know the scoop?
|
This is a good looking little house located at 1438 T Street. The pamphlet says:
“This Dupont/Logan townhouse is perfect for city living. The first floor has an open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors. The renovated kitchen has granite countertops, a chef”s island plus great built-ins. There are 2 bedrooms + 2 full baths and a screened balcony on the second floor, along with laundry. The finished lower level has a third full bath and is great for work, play and study. Central air, abundant storage and parking.”
Asking price – $769,000 Good Deal or Not?
By the by, saying a “townhouse is perfect for city living” is a bit goofy, yeah?
|
Run by Smith Farm this super cool gallery opened on May 9th and is located at 1632 U Street. The Smith Farm Center is a really terrific center that “serves individuals, families and communities affected by cancer and other serious illness.” In addition to the art gallery other programs featured include Yoga, Book Clubs, Drumming Circles, Healthy Cooking and more. The current show at the art gallery features works by Elizabeth Berger but you have to hurry if you want to check it out because it closes June 27th. Fear not though the next exhibition begins July 11th – August 28 featuring the art of Billy Colbert, Paul Andrew Wandless and Michael Janis. The opening reception is July 11th from 5:30 – 8 PM. Definitely check out their Web site if you want to learn more about this amazing Center. A couple of photos after the jump. (more…)
|
My quest to feature every single shop on U Street continues! Junction Village, located at 1510 U Street, has been open for almost five years and is owned by Shannon Fales. I spoke with sales associate Megan. Megan describes Junction Village as a small vintage store that is very well edited. She explained that they pick their pieces locally and occassionally on trips from all over the country. They generally go shopping on Monday and Tuesday so that new products are in the store on Wednesday. The store features men’s and women’s clothing as well as jewelry, accessories, and some luggage. The clothing is a mixture of thrift and higher quality vintage. All the clothing is cleaned and repaired before it is placed for sale. Dresses range from $30-$50, skirts from $20-$30 and men’s shirts from $20-$30. Of course high end designers are a bit pricier. The store is closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wed. from 3-7 pm, Thurs – Sat. 12-7 pm and Sun. 12-5 pm. If you are into vintage this a very cool place to check out. Check out some more photos after the jump. (more…)
|
Who doesn’t like Home Made Sweet Potatoe Pie! Echoes of Dan Quayle? Check out some more signs from this shop after the jump. (more…)
|
This week’s snap shots come from U Street.
Name: Erik
Age: 31
Streets: 13th and U
Name: Rob
Age: 31
Streets: 13th and U
1. When did you move to DC and from where? What was the reason you moved?
Erik: I grew up in DC.
Rob: … as I did …
Erik: I’ve lived in New York and Chicago before though. I also actually grew up in Bethesda.
Rob: Yeah, we both grew up on the western border of DC.
2. How does DC compare to your hometown?
Erik: Well, as far as New York and Chicago are concerned, DC has just as much of a thriving artistic community, despite what some people may say. Here you have to seek it out, though, which makes it that much more gratifying when you do. Here you have to find your niche – you have to work to find it – that’s part of what makes DC so rich.
Rob: I think, as you said, its hard to find people who live in DC who actually grew up here, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It creates a richer tapestry of people – people are here from all over the world, all over the country. It makes less of a provincial feel, and adds a worldly element to this city.
3. As far as neighborhoods go, how does U street compare to other DC neighborhoods?
Rob: I think U street is awesome. I find U street to be very vibrant and has lots of good energy. Its more teeming than Dupont in my opinion, just because Dupont is more established. Things are still changing here, and it makes it really exciting.
Erik: I would have to say the same. I can have my whole social structure here. My friends all live around here, and I can meet people in this neighborhood and never really venture out.
4. If you could change anything about your neighborhood, what would it be? What do you like or dislike about it?
Rob: U street could definitely use a bagel store – a good New York bagel store. It could also use more good roof decks.
Erik: I really wish there was a way to bring back all the original store owners and residents. I wish there was a way they could all live and have their businesses here still. Its hard to see all these places go up and be part of that, and have people who were originally in these areas not be included. I don’t want Target to be Target – I would prefer mom and pop places to Target, any day. I mean, you can’t get vinyl at Traget like you can at that store on 14th street.
5. With neighborhoods in DC changing so much, what would it take to unite the people, old and new, young and old?
Erik: I think it would be great if there was some way to get people, residents old and new to talk and communicate.
Rob: Yeah, maybe something like that Caribbean festival that goes on out on Georgia. It would be cool to have one on U street through Adams Morgan or something.
Erik: Yeah, that’s a good idea! Something like Mount Pleasant day or something.
Rob: People should be allowed to bring whatever they wanted to the table, though – it should be a celebration of all people, not just one designated ethnicity.
Snap shots continue after the jump. (more…)
|
I’ve never realized just how many shops have sprouted up on U Street. But Habitat Live & Wear located at 1510 U Street has actually been around for 8 years. The shop is run by Gustavo Dinucci. As you can see from the photos it features jewelry, handbags, and home accessories. Although walking around the store it seemed to display mostly jewelery and handbags. The jewelry runs from $40-$500 and averages around $80. The handbags average around $100. Looks like another great spot to pick up gifts. (more…)
|
The great chicken place Chix located at 2019 11th Street, NW is also applying for outdoor seating. It has an awesome space that is definitely going to enhance the atmosphere of 11th Street. The hearing will be the second week of July so we may have to wait until August before we get to enjoy it but it is still great news. If you haven’t checked it out yet you should definitely stop by. They now have a new lunch special which sounds pretty good. From 11:30 – 4pm M-F you can get 1/4 chicken 1 side (noodles&cheese, side salad, or sweet potatoes) and 1 soda/bottled water for $7.49. Or you can get 1/4 chicken 1 side (noodles&cheeseor sweet potatoes), 1 small green salad and 1 soda/bottled water for $7.99.