U Street

Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Parlor Robbed On U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending me a link to this DCist post on the robbery that took place right in the middle of the day on U Street. It is well worth your while to read the comments. Personally, I could not possibly feel safer walking around U Street. I’m very sad that this robbery took place but I certainly don’t think it is an indictment of the neighborhood. But what do you think? Is U Street a dangerous neighborhood that would make you feel uncomfortable walking around, even during the day?

Neat Neighborhood Find for the Ladies: Fly Betty Boutique

By Prince Of Petworth

Located right across the street from Solly’s at 1935 11th Street NW Suite 2 is Fly Betty Boutique. I spoke with owner Melfi Penn this past weekend. She describes the very small boutique (although she may be moving to bigger quarters soon) as a “shop for the everyday woman”. It mostly features clothing, handbags, accessories and skin care. The clothing is priced reasonable from only $20-$100. Store hours: Sat 11-7pm, Sun 12-6pm, M-F by Appt. (more…)

Update on Marvin’s Expansion

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending in this update about Marvin’s expansion from the ANC1B Meeting:

“The Commission heard about the adjoining space on 14th Street being acquired by the owner of Marvin. The owner wishes to have a low-key wine, and hors d’oeuvres with a garden. It will have the same architecture as Marvin, and the garden will be on the ground floor with a masonry wall or wood fence. Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support the new license. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 10-0.”

Personally, I’m super psyched about the garden.

Sneak Peek: Ulah Bistro

By Prince Of Petworth

Located at 1214 U Street, Ulah Bistro is set to open this coming Sunday. I was able to take a sneak peek inside and talk with the General Manager – Andrew Rose. I had reported a rumor back in September that the owner of Tunnicliff’s Tavern was opening up a joint on U Street. And that rumor is now fact, as Mr. Rose explained to me that one of the owners of Tunnicliff’s Tavern of Capitol Hill and Stoney’s in Logan Circle, Med Lahlou, is behind the Ulah Bistro. Rose also explained that the menu is “an American style with a European influence”. Ulah Bistro is two floors and Rose describes the “downstairs as casual comfortable dining” while the upstairs has more of a “lounging feel.” And I have to say the place looks phenomenal. It is open and airy with lots of light and a spectacular layout. If the food is good, which I expect it to be since I love Tunnicliff, this place is going to be extremely popular. I imagine that this is going to be a great nightspot destination as well as a go to brunch establishment. After the jump you can check out the full menu plus the brunch menu and lots more photos including the upstairs lounging area. (more…)

“Shadow Boxing When I Heard You On The Radio”

By Prince Of Petworth

Alright, I unfortunately have another bizarre experience to recount and I’d like to know what you would have done in my place.  So on Sat. around 2ish I’m walking down 14th Street just north of U Street when I pause to write down some notes in my pad.  When I look up there is a kid probably around 15 or 16 who is shadow boxing right at me.  He is taking punches that are landing very close to my head and body.  I’m terribly confused at this point, so I’m looking quizzically at him trying to ascertain whether he is kidding around or just showing off for his friends.  But no, he is by himself and doesn’t make the slightest smile or give me any other indication that he is kidding.  So I continue to stare for a second, and he returns the stare with some more shadow punches and a very menacing look.  So finally, I decide just to keep walking.  But what I really wanted to do, was go right up in his face and say “What the fuck are you doing?” or “Do you have a problem with me?”  Or something like that.  But as usual, I grit my teeth and shake my head and just keep walking.  So what would you have done?

14th Street Just North of W

By Prince Of Petworth

So what’s the deal here with all these boarded store fronts. Isn’t this wicked prime property? Who’s got the scoop on this one? Personally, I think a book store would go in nicely…

Outstanding Graffiti/Art at 14th and T

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who alerted me to the wild graffiti (or do I just call it art?) all around the vacant building at 14th and T. When I walked by I found out that there was a whole list of Performance Week Activities inside inside sponsored by Meat Market Gallery. On Saturday I stumbled upon a screening of “Recognition” by Kathryn Cornelius. It was amazing. I’m not really a super sophisticated performance art connoisseur but even I could appreciate this. Additionally, inside the walls were covered in amazing graffiti/art. I’m not quite sure where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme came from but it is in full effect. I spoke with the owner of meat market gallery and hopefully he will email me about future events so I can alert you beforehand. Did anyone else catch any of the performances/lectures or go to the closing party? Check out lots more photos of the graffiti/art after the jump. (more…)

Emma Mae’s Gallery

By Prince Of Petworth

I know you have probably walked by this storefront dozens of times just north of the Reeves Center on 14th Street, but have you ever stopped to look at the posters/pictures? They are phenomenal. Check out my favorite one after the jump. (more…)

Palace Five: Skate Shop and Streetwear Boutique

By Prince Of Petworth

Palace Five located at 2216 14th Street just south of Florida is an unbelievably cool shop. And I don’t even skateboard. In 1986 I did have a sweet Kamikaze board but the greatest trick I ever learned was being able to turn. But fear not if you have no skateboarding skills you can still get some pretty fresh gear. And I don’t think it would be posing if you got a nice pair kicks that they offer at the shop. In addition to boards and sneakers, Palace Five also has a nice selection of clothing including t shirts. Palace Five’s designers come from all over including Los Angeles, New York, and London. And of course there are local designers as well. I saw some cool t shirts by local designer, DURKL. Open since July, Palace Five also sponsors many skateboarding events. The most recent one was in South East and was cosponsored by DGK. I was having a bit of trouble accessing their Web site at www.palace5ive.com. But when it is up and running you can sign up for their email list and be notified of future events as well as check out near gear coming soon to the store. Check out some more photos after the jump. There is a pretty impressive mural behind the cashier. (more…)

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