1346 Florida Ave, NW

From an email:

MINT Clubs & Studios announced the opening of its new facility, MINT Studios at historic Manhattan Laundry. MINT Studios features its expanded Power Playground and Coach by Color Cycling classes.

MINT Studios offers you more explosive classes, less drama in state of the art facilities. The new studio is equipped with showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, keyless lockers, and the usual amenities at MINT.”


looking east towards La Colombe and Maydan



2012 9th Street, NW

I took 24 photos of the light fixtures alone. And this was just a pre-preview but I couldn’t stop marveling. Folks familiar and who were fans of the OG Chez Billy (RIP) on Georgia Ave in Petworth will be very, very pleased. Gaslight reminds me a lot of how Chez Billy looked like when they first opened. Not exactly of course, here we have a serious 1920s Art Deco vibe.

Before we get to all the photos, which really don’t do the space justice but will give you a taste, a few details. The Hilton brothers, most know by now, are the crew behind Marvin, Gibson, El Rey, Satellite Room, Brixton and more. Joe Reza is the force behind American Ice Company (and more.) So you know the place is gonna look good. But I spoke to Joe briefly yesterday who was actually most excited about the food. The chef will be Brendan L’Etoile from Chez Billy Sud and he’s excited about oysters. I am excited that he is excited about oysters. Joe says there won’t be reservations but it’ll be like the first floor of Bar Pilar when they first opened. You find a seat and you’ll get good service. It’s casual but not too casual and both the food and service are expected to be “exceptional” according to Joe. Ed. Note: I’ll be posting the menus in full as soon as I get them. Anyway, they’ll be opening in “a few weeks” so as I said, this is just a pre-preview – stay tuned for proper preview photos and an exact opening date soon. In the meantime:

23 light fixtures and lots more photos after the jump. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user buoscio nworks

“Dear PoPville,

This may be a shot in the dark…I live in the U street – Cardozo area and have had the same woman, Isabel, come by once a month to clean my house for almost 3 years. She always comes the first Wednesday of the month and her daughter always sends a reminder text the day before Isabel comes. There was no word from her last week, which was odd but I figured it might have been related to the holidays, but I texted the daughter to check if Isabel was coming this week and the text bounced / came back as undelivered, which is very strange. I know Isabel cleans for a number of houses in the surrounding blocks because I’ve seen her in the neighborhood over the years. I feel terrible that I don’t know Isabel’s last name or have any more details about her, but I’m hoping someone else in the neighborhood might read this and have some information on if everything is okay with her and her family. I’m really concerned!”


From Alert DC just before noon:

“DC Water reports a water outage in the area of U St NW between 17th St and Florida St NW affecting 40 homes. Estimated time of restoration is 10-12 hours. Please take all needed precautions.”

and

“Pepco reports a power outage in the Navy Yard and Southwest Waterfront neighborhoods affecting approximately 1240 customers. Estimated time of restoration is 8 pm. Please take all needed precautions.”

Update: 1:15pm

“Pepco reports a power outage in the Mount Vernon Square & Logan Circle/ Shaw neighborhoods affecting approximately 1600 customers. At this time, a restoration time is pending assessment.”


The Black Cat reports:

“The Black Cat will start off the new year by making some upgrades to our Mainstage concert room over the first few weeks of January. We’ll be enhancing the Mainstage, making a repair or two, and preparing for some long-term renovations that will continue over the course of 2018. The club will be open again in time for some great shows in late January. With our 25th anniversary around the corner, we’re using this time as a chance to build upon our legacy as a place of independent community and music — while also looking toward the future.”


1811 14th Street, NW



1843 14th Street, NW

Not sure if this is new to everyone or just me but Authenics’ website says:

“Authenics creates detailed fitness programs for clients of all ages and fitness levels. The owner and head programmer has helped many Washingtonians reach their desired goals whether being weight loss, building lean muscle, facilitating rehabilitation, improving performance, increasing strength, reducing stress through personal training and fitness classes.

Authenics creates a world class environment for our clients. As some of our clients’ have stated, we offer “concierge fitness” to Washingtonians. We want you to feel empowered by the time you walk out, knowing you had an amazing, energizing yet challenging workout!”

Right above Som Records:



1914 14th Street, NW

Nothing.

Thanks to Captain Easychord for sending last night around 6pm:

“Currently a line to get in to the hottest club of 2018: Trader Joe’s. They have a “bouncer” working the door, letting people in one at a time… Just need a velvet rope to be official, I think…”

Ed. Note: I support the enthusiasm and would also wait in lines through fire and ice for my delicious, delicious mini tacos.



1346 Florida Ave, NW

Thanks to AH for sending over the weekend:

“Pictured is a long line of people waiting for Maydan to open on this very frigid night. What’s interesting is that you can actually make reservations at Maydan… I guess people like the food so much they are hoping to still get seated without a rez.”

Maydan’s website says:

“We want you to have a different approach to dining: one that’s about the food, but also the love, respect, and traditions that go into each dish. Our food tells the story of our own travels, from Tangier to Tehran and Batumi to Beirut, but it also tells the stories of voices that often go unheard. We were invited to sit and break bread with strangers, listening to stories and learning tried and true techniques. We felt welcomed, embraced, and valued, quickly becoming part of their families. We want you to feel that every time you visit.

When you enter our town square–our “Maydān”–we want you to feel a sense of wonder. We want you to forget what you know and be ready to explore. And we’ll be there with you for every bite. You’ll feel like you’ve met new friends–a new family–who will guide you through the square to a table full of dishes. Dips, spreads, salads, condiments, roasted and grilled meats, and seafood coming together in unison. Just remember, there is no wrong way to go about this.

The centerpiece of every table is the bread, which we make to order in Maydān’s clay ovens. It is an accumulation of everything we love about the regions we focus on: bread brings the meal together and bread brings people together. We want you to use your hands, making the bread your utensil. Share with your neighbor, break bread with your family and friends.

See you in our Maydān soon. We’ll be waiting.”

You can see their menu here.

Ed. Note: I support the enthusiasm. The early word on Maydan is very, very, very good.


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