Chinatown

Whoa, Coolest Place to Work in the City?

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week we spoke about Living Social’s new building getting worked on at 7th and New York Ave, NW. But check out what I saw at one of their other awesome buildings in Penn Quarter (F St, NW). A liquor license on this beautiful building says:

The purpose of the establishment is to offer services and programming for Living Social members and employees. The establishment will provide an entertainment space that offers unique athletic, educational, artistic, and culinary classes with minimal focus on live musical entertainment.

Awesome.

Friday Question of the Day: Talking Neighborhood Boundaries – What are the borders of Chinatown?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Blinkofanaye

A reader wrote in suggesting I reconsider the way I think of Chinatown and Penn Quarter. They suggest that the whole area except for H St, NW between 6th and 7th be identified as Penn Quarter.


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Most regulars of the site know that I’m not a strict adherent of specific neighborhood borders. It can drive people crazy but if I’m one block over from a neighborhood, I genuinely have no problem calling it either neighborhood’s name. I recognize that is upsetting to some people. I’m also comfortable with folks self identifying to a certain degree. For example if some one tells me they live in Columbia Heights but I know they are technically 1 block north – I have no problem accepting their identification with Columbia Heights.

Having said that, I do think the particular situation of Chinatown/Penn Quarter is worth exploring. And I’m sure one day we’ll debate Navy Yard/Capital Riverfront…

I know when I first moved to DC in 1997 I had never heard of Penn Quarter but I had heard of Chinatown. But I also realize that the streets/neighborhood I thought made up Chinatown have changed a lot over the years. If anything, as has been joked about before, there is now a China-block (if that.)

So I’m curious what you guys think are the proper borders of Chinatown? Do you think we should just call the whole area Penn Quarter? If so, what are the borders you would give to Penn Quarter? Ah, hell, and I know we’ve touched on it before – what happens when City Center is built where the old convention center used to be? What will that neighborhood be called?

And I’m not talking about city tax records or how wikipedia maps them out. I want to know what your impressions are. I realize that most people don’t obsess about this but for those that do – when you’re walking around 7th and F St, NW (for example) do you feel like you’re in Chinatown or Penn Quarter? Alright, I’m rambling now. Your turn.

Judging Restaurants – Z Pizza

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Oct. ’11 Z Pizza opened in the old Blimpie’s space at at 8th and H St, NW in Penn Quarter. You can see their menu here. Their Web site also says:

“We combine select ingredients using award-winning skim mozzarella from Wisconsin, certified organic tomato sauce, MSG-free pepperoni, additive-free sausage, and fresh produce. Our gourmet salads and sandwiches are just as delicious.”

Any fans?

Judging Restaurants – Paul Bakery

By Prince Of Petworth


801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Paul Bakery is located at 801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW in Penn Quarter and their Georgetown location at 1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW opens this week. Anyone try the Penn Quarter location yet? You can see their menu items here.


1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Ed. Note: The transformation at 1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW is pretty amazing. Below is what it looked like in Aug. ’10


1078 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Aug. 2010

The 5pm Post – Chinatown Coffee Showing Spinal Tap on Friday 7:30pm

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“In celebration of 11/11/11, Chinatown Coffee [475 H Street NW] will screen the acclaimed cult film Spinal Tap: The Movie on its newly acquired projection screen. In addition to Chinatown Coffee’s specialty espresso and coffee, the shop offers a selection of craft beers, deli sandwiches and a special 25% off absinthe to enhance the viewer’s experience. Celebrate 11/11 with a night of laughter, music, great drinks and a good time.”

Funxion Under New Management Temporarily Closes in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

Funxion is located at 1309 F Street NW. Their Facebook page says:

“Phase I of the FunXion launch has come to an end & Management has decided to cease operations of the Metro Center Location until the launch of FunXion Phase II.

Become a member at www.funxion.com to receive a private invite to the Grand Opening of Phase II.

FunXion Phase II will include a fully revamped menu with catering, delivery and grab-n-go functional products unlike any other restaurant around. From FunXion to DysFunXion to MalFunXion, Phase II will include the most advanced functional food & beverage on the planet.

Thank you all for you support in the past prototype year & please hold on to any gift certificates regardless of expiration date – we will honor those at FunXion Phase II.”

“Phase II will include the most advanced functional food & beverage on the planet.” Aim high!

Not clear if Phase II will include changes to the space or not…

Grand Trunk – South Asian American Fast Food – Coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Grand Trunk is coming to the old Artifactory space at 7th and Indiana Ave, NW (641 Indiana Ave, NW) between Penn Quarter Sports Tavern and Starbucks. And of course the real question is: What is South Asian American Fast Food? Has Shophouse (from the Chipotle folks) started a trend? But wait, wouldn’t that make them the World’s second South Asian American Fast Food Brand?

I’m def. intrigued. Has anyone ever heard of Grand Trunk before? More info as it becomes available as they come closer to opening this winter.


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