Brookland

Coming Soon to DC Micro (Nano) Brewery – Chocolate City Beer

By Prince Of Petworth


Chocolate City Beer Headquarters in Brookland

There’s been a bit of chatter about a new DC Microbrewery. Many have heard of DC Brau but there is a second slightly smaller Brewery that is also poised to hit DC. They are called Chocolate City Beer. I sat down for a chat with two of the three partners at Looking Glass Lounge last week.


Ben Matz (left) Jay Irizarry (right) third partner not pictured is Brian Flanagan

Ed. Note: Sorry for the cell phone pic. Many may recognize Jay Irizarry as a Manager and Bartender from Wonderland and Looking Glass Lounge. Matz and Irizarry have been friends for years and have had a passion for brewing beers for just as long. What started as just a backyard experiment has turned into a legitimate brewery after lots of planning and a bit of luck. Both couldn’t understand why DC didn’t have a micro brewery (DC last had an active brewery in approx. 1958). Not only was DC missing an active brewery but they also noted nearby Philadelphia had around 20 successful ones. So why not DC?

While it is a passion for both, Matz, 28 has professional experience and has been a brewer for Gordon Biersch and Wild Goose Brewery up in Baltimore. Matz has perfected a few recipes while experimenting at Jay’s Capitol Hill home. To start, Chocolate City Beer will be offering two varieties to about 15 different bars/restaurants around town. They will be offering an IPA and are deciding between Dussledorf Altbier or ESB for their second variety. In the beginning they will only be offering these two types in kegs but expect to expand gradually over time.

They have recently secured a HQ in Brookland (see photo above). Their HQ is about 1300 square feet and will produce around 150 kegs a month in the beginning. They hope to start distributing their kegs around late Dec. pending permit approvals. For those who share a passion for brewing and want to start their own microbrewery, in addition to expertise, start up costs can easily run up to $200,000. But they welcome the competition, believing DC will see 4 or 5 more microbreweries pop up in the coming months.

Now for the name – Chocolate City Beer. It is an homage to the District of Columbia based on DC’s nickname from back in the day. Furthermore, their first IPA is going to be called Big Chair IPA in tribute to the Big Chair in Anacostia. They almost had the HQ in Anacostia but the spaces were too large. The recipe for Big Chair IPA was developed over a two and a half year period.

I’ll be sure to update when distribution gets started for one of DC’s first new microbrews. I know I’m looking forward to tasting a Big Chair IPA.

Lots more photos of Chocolate City Beer HQ after the jump. You can see a few touch ups are needed… (more…)

Good Deal or Not? “Expansive wrap-around deck” edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 3300 13th St, NE:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Lovely renovated home on a corner lot located just 5 blocks to the Brookland METRO. A beautiful kitchen w/ Stainless Steel Appliances. Dining area with office nook/built-in storage. Generous living room w/ wood-burning fireplace. 2 BRs upstairs, Spacious master bedroom on main level. 2 full baths. Expansive wrap-around deck. Landscaped yard. Driveway parking. Closets, closets, closets!”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Wow, I think they did a great job on this one. That deck is pretty killer. Do you like the reno? Does $434,555 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/2 bath?

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Brookland (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1240 Evarts St NE:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Immediate occupancy. It’s Home! First Floor: Living room: high ceilings, half bath extra large kitchen, back yard and the breakfast room (bay windows and EXCELLENT natural light). Second Floor: The Master Bedroom (Jacuzzi with marble tile throughout). Second bedroom, full bath and Den/home office. Hardwood floors throughout!
Attic: EXCELLENT storage space!!!
Basement: Another great storage space and is where the full size washer & dryer are located.”

The reader writes:

“I’d be curious to see what readers think about the neighborhood (Brookland, basically, but closer to RI Ave). Looks like a very pretty street, but I don’t know the neighborhood first-hand. The house looks spacious and nicely finished, but the price is maybe a bit high for the area?”

What do you guys think of this area – does $2375 sound reasonable for a whole house here?

Brookland Also Getting New Development

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday we learned that the Rhode Island Ave metro was getting some development. Today I just found some old emails announcing Brookland’s newest development (a reader also sent word last week).

From a press release:

Chancellor’s Row is a new townhome community located just four blocks from Brookland/CUA Metro station (three stops from Union Station on the red line). Situated on a beautiful 10-acre parcel of the St. Paul’s College, the new neighborhood will offer gorgeous views of century-old DC landmarks – all within walking distance to countless shops & restaurants, and the theater, fitness and cultural amenities of Trinity University and Catholic University.

New townhome designs at Chancellor’s Row complement the classic rowhome architecture DC is known for. Brick exteriors are accented by front porches, historic paint colors and cornice detailing. Inside, the homes will be built to the nation’s most comprehensive green building program – LEED for Homes. ENERGY STAR labeling of the homes also contributes to energy savings and a more comfortable indoor environment for homeowners.

New home buyers at Chancellor’s Row will enjoy such included features as rooftop terraces, garage parking, gourmet kitchens and expansive community open spaces. Home prices start at $469,900.

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Brookland

By Prince Of Petworth

This apartment is located at 400 Taylor Street, NE:


View Larger Map

The Craiglist ad says:

“RENTAL FEATURES
– Air conditioning – Central heat – Walk-in closet
– Tile floor – Living room – Dining room
– Breakfast nook – Dishwasher – Refrigerator
– Stove/Oven – Microwave – Washer
– Dryer – Cable-ready – High-speed internet”

I’m very curious to know what you guys think because I think the price seems really good for a 2 bedroom with parking. Or do you think it is too far from the metro? The 2 bed/1.5bath with parking is going for $1585.

Dear PoP – Great Brookland Yard Sale Saturday May 8th from 10am-2pm

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of Brookland Avenue

Brookland Avenue sends in the word:

“The Great Brookland Yard Sale (GBYS) is a multi-household extravaganza located in our neighborhood of Brookland. It’s a great event where the community comes out to show why Brookland is a great neighborhood. Its also a great reason to walk around Brookland and reconnect with neighbors that you may not see on a regular basis and possible find that hidden treasure that you have been looking for.”


View Great Brookland Yard Sale 2010 in a larger map

Good Deal or Not? Former Judging Homes Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1250 KEARNEY St, NE:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Got modern?. move to Brookland, Washington DC Elegant modern house built in 2005 by architect-owner. Lots of natural light, loft-like open spaces, eco-friendly, solar heating, polished concrete floors and hardwoods. Best block in Brookland, close to Metro and stores, close to Capitol Hill and Logan Circle. Great privacy, front concrete patio and huge lawn backyard with treehouse and custom shed.”

You can find more info and a few photos here.

We judged this house here.

Lots of readers have been sending me this link. It is def. a cool looking house. Think they can get the asking price of $879,000?

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option

By Prince Of Petworth

This basement apartment is located in Brookland, NE:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Brookland, NE DC. Wonderful 600 sq/ft basement studio apt. unfurnished now available. Carpeted, open living space, kitchen with all amenities, wlk/in closet, own w/d and a/c unit. 1/2 blk to bus, 6-7 blks to redline Metro. Near Catholic University, Turkey Thicket rec center, YES organic food market, Giant & Home Depot shopping center. Very convenient to Capitol Hill or Downtown DC. Non-smoker, no pets, references. $675 + utilities.”

I wanted to post this one because it seemed so reasonable. What do you guys think about $675 for a basement studio in Brookland?

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request – Brookland Editions

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

This home is located at 1815 Jackson Street, NE:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Don’t miss this one! Very livable detached farmhouse on wonderful tree-lined block. Property shows well but needs work. Large rooms, beautiful wood floors, decorative fpcl in LR + huge finished attic! Property has CAC but no compressor. Property sold in Strictly “AS IS CONDITION”

You can find more info here and a mouse on house tour here.

A reader is thinking of putting in a bid so do you think $249,000 sounds reasonable?

And for comparison another reader requests 331 Bryant St, NE which is going for $415,000. (You can see a virtual tour here)

View More Stories