I just noticed how this spot on Vermont Ave has an awesome median filled with flowers and trees. It is amazing what a difference it makes over just a concrete median? Does anyone know if there are plans for these types of street beautification to come to Georgia Ave. or 14th St.?
If you walked by 14th and U Street this weekend you may have seen some activity going on in the 14U cafe. I had reported back on May 1st that 14U had temporarily closed so I was surprised to see some activity. I was also a bit confused when I saw some bags in the front of the store. So as I’m peeking into the store one of the owners pops out and invites me in. The owners, Marlene and Kyle Shaw were super nice and explained to me what was going on. It turns out there are some pretty significant changes going on. In order to make the spot profitable they’re going to turn the spot into a cafe and boutique. And as you can see from the window the boutique will be very heavily focussed on hand bags as well as custom made jewelry. But there will also be coffee, smoothies and other drinks. Unfortunately, the layout of the store will change as there will be less seating to accommodate more display space. I have to admit I find the change to be a bit disappointing but I understand the need to be profitable. And given the fact that the owners were so nice I certainly do wish them luck. Also, the fact that they were considering turning the spot into a dentist office makes me appreciate the Cafe and Boutique choice much more. (Interestingly, Marlene is a also a dentist but she has a “passion for fashion”.) And on another potentially good note they may apply for outdoor seating which would make up for the limited seating inside.
If you have questions you can email the owners at [email protected]
So, what do you think of the new plans?
A photo of owners Marlene and Kyle Shaw and some of their bags after the jump. (more…)
Go Mama Go located at 1809 14th Street can only be described as eclectic. I spoke with co-owner Jonathan who told me that the store has been open since August of 2001 after starting on a smaller scale in Eastern Market in 2000. The owners looked all up and down 14th Street but ultimately chose this location because the price was right and its next door neighbor Home Rule were already open and bringing in foot traffic to this area. The wares offered range from dinnerware to candles to tsochtkes to art to basically, you name it. Jonathan explained that they are always looking for pieces that are “beautiful and useful in everyday life”. Prices vary but the bulk of their goods sell between $25-$100. Store hours are Monday – Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-5. Lots of photos of the interior after the jump. (more…)
I have heard people rave about this spot. So tell me two things – is this the best Ethiopian restaurant in DC? What makes it stand out from all the others? I’m personally not a huge fan of Ethiopian restaurants in general and I don’t mean to sound ignorant or uncultured but in DC people seem to go bananas over Ethiopian food and I just don’t get it. So, secondly, tell me what is the great appeal? Is it the communal eating or is it something specific about the particular dishes, flavor, spices, etc.? Alright, I recognize I might sound like a lout but I’m seriously curious.
It so saddens me that often the sweetest city signs are for stores/restaurants now defunct. I have no doubt that Red’s Fish & Chicken was once a spot not to be reckoned with…
Greater Goods at 1626 U Street has a couple of awesome green roofs over its two bay windows. Ed. Note: I plan on doing a post on green roofs in the near future so stay tuned for more details. But in the meantime I thought these were worth noting. Can anyone explain the benefits? Check out another photo after the jump. (more…)
I noticed this application for a liquor license this past weekend. It is located at 1013 U Street and the application lists the bar as “Lounge of Three” a new tavern with entertainment including live music and/or Karaoke. It’s hearing date is listed as June 25th. Looks like the building will need some serious renovations, which is good news that another run down storefront on U Street will be brought back to life. And how can you not love karaoke?
Speaking of U Street’s revival: I saw in today’s Post that Mr. Jeffrey Koenreich recently passed away. The Post says, “M. Jeffrey Koenreich, 54, who helped organize the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association and led efforts to revitalize Washington’s U Street corridor in the 1980s and 1990s, died May 1 at his home in Miami after a heart attack.” Read the full obituary here. I think it’s important to remember those who have made positive contributions to our neighborhoods.
Thanks to a reader for sending the news:
“I just wanted to send a note your way about a new restaurant at 14th & Florida. I believe it’s called LZ Restaurant, and it’s a nice little locally-owned spot. There is no decor to speak of (we’re talking white walls), but the quality of the food and the hospitality of the owners more than makes up for that. They serve Middle Eastern food, and it’s DELICIOUS. The owners even gave us a free serving of one of their appetizers. It seems to be owned by a husband and wife who do everything there. It’s a hard spot to have a business (several others have failed in recent years), and I would love to see them succeed.”
I went to check out the new LZ Restaurant today but for some reason, oh yeah – I’m a jackass, I had already eaten. Nevertheless like the reader suggests this seems like it is going to be a super cool spot. It is very unassuming but of course it is the unassuming places that often have the best food. I briefly spoke with coowner Ms Mahgouba from Morocco. The store opened last week and is located at 1406 Florida Ave. and you can call ahead for pick up. It is a bit spartan on the inside but Ms Mahgouba was super nice. Prices seem very reasonable: appetizers from $1.25 – $5.00, Kabobs from $10.99 – $13.99, Shawarma and gyro sandwiches from $5.99 – $6.99, and Shawarma platters from $8.00 -$9.00 and yes they also have a vegetarian platter of hummus, tabouleh, grape leaves, spinach pie, cheese pie, falafel and pita bread for $9.00. So I look forward to hearing more reports after you guys check it out. I’ll be sure to report back when I next visit…hungry. Photo of the inside after the jump. (more…)
So a colleague of mine told me about this place a while ago but I still haven’t had a chance to check it out yet. She says it pretty fresh in a very unpretentious way. I can’t remember the name but that doesn’t matter because there is no signage only this red marking. It is located on 14th Street north of U Street a few storefronts down from Marvin’s. So I’m dying to know about this place. I’ll be checking it out soon but was wondering if any folks have already been?
Lots of people I’ve spoken to have been pretty passionate about Creme located on U Street between 13th and 14th. And it certainly always seems to be jam packed. Actually it usually so crowded that I haven’t had a chance to eat there yet. So what’s the scoop is it great homestyle cooking? How’s the brunch?