U Street

Sneak Peek: Next Door (The New Spot From The Folks at Ben’s Chili Bowl)

By Prince Of Petworth

Last weekend I stopped into the new spot from the owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl located right next door (and aptly named ‘Next Door’) at 1213 U St NW. I spoke briefly with one of the owners, Nizam. He described the new spot as a place that everyone’s been asking for, primarily, the ability to get a half smoke and a beer. But it is much more than that. The space is very warm and comfortable and a bit more upscale than the original shop next door. Nizam was sure to explain that “we love Ben’s exactly like it is”. He explained that the new spot is “a chance for the second generation to do something ourselves while paying tribute to Ben’s and keeping Ben’s exactly the way it is.” He also emphasized that Next Door will be a comfortable spot with the same atmosphere as the original Ben’s. “It’s not going to be a trendy place it is going to be about service, friendliness and fun”, said Nizam. It is possible that the spot may host some live music or become a destination spot to watch “the game”. While the menu is not finalized, in addition to the traditional Ben’s fare, you’ll likely be able to find wings, nachos, bigger burgers, salads and the possibility of “getting some veggies”. Nizam explains, “we don’t want to be ‘bougie’ high end, everything at Ben’s is tasty we it to be the same thing here”.

I have to say I’m super excited about this development that is supposed to open before the New Year. The prospect of some chili cheese fries with a beer is nearly bringing tears of joy to my eyes. A couple more photos after the jump. (more…)

T Street Between 13th and 14th Gets New Brick Sidewalk

By Prince Of Petworth

I dig these brick sidewalks but seem to recall folks saying they were hard to maintain. I also recall a photo I took of some weeds growing out of the cracks of a brick sidewalk this past Summer. Is the sand supposed to prevent that or does it just make the walk even? Also if this is more expensive than regular concrete sidewalks who pays for it? So any fans of brick sidewalks out there?

PoP Profile: John “Solly” Solomon – Owner/Proprietor Solly’s Tavern

By Prince Of Petworth

The first time I went into Solly’s I had a couple of beers and the bartender asked me if I’d like a glass of Power’s Irish Whiskey. At that moment I knew I had found a new bar to add to my favorites. Solly’s is also one of the few bars in town where there are zero pretensions. It is a true neighborhood bar. It resides in a very popular neighborhood at the corner of 11th and U. Last Friday I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Solly’s namesake – John “Solly” Solomon.

Solly, 39, can look quite intimidating at first glance but when you sit down and talk with him he could not be nicer. He grew up in Colorado but has lived in DC for 21 years. He moved to the U Street area 10 years ago and lives right around the corner from his tavern. It is amazing what we take for granted in this particular area – Solly remarked how monumental it was when the 7 Eleven opened up on U Street. When I walk by the 7 Eleven today I find it hard to believe that it hasn’t always been there.

Prior to opening up the bar Solly worked at the Old Dominion Brewing Company in Ashburn where he did almost everything “from brewing beer to being the general manager of the brew pub.” He was able to snag this great spot at 11th and U when the previous owner of U-Turn was looking to move back to Ethiopia. Solly was able to purchase the business which already had a tavern license. Solly describes his bar as “a neighborhood bar, a place where anyone would feel comfortable.” While there are tvs around the bar to watch sporting events there are intentionally only two downstairs so they don’t overwhelm conversation. Continues after the jump. (more…)

New Restaurant/Bar – Lounge of Three – Coming To U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June I had noticed some alcoholic beverage applications for this building at 1013 U Street. This past weekend I was able to chat with one of the owners. This is going to be a restaurant/bar serving “American” food. There is going to be a big bar downstairs and a smaller one upstairs. The owner hopes to be open by Jan. 1st. It’s nice to see the empty storefronts on this section of U Street get filled.

Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center Presents “Visions of Paradise” – National Geographic Contemporary Masters

By Prince Of Petworth

I was walking past the former neat neighborhood find, Healing Arts Gallery, located at 1632 U Street and I noticed they have a sweet National Geographic photography exhibit going on.

Their flier says:

“Visions of Paradise

Where…or what…is heaven on earth? Nine National Geographic contemporary masters answer the
question in a new gallery show. From the exuberance of a coming-of-age ritual to the boldness of a
wild creature’s gaze to the pride in catching the Big Fish, these images offer an exquisite sense of place
as they reveal an intimate state of mind. Visions of Paradise, part of the FotoWeekDC photography
festival, features master shooters William Albert Allard, Jodi Cobb, David Doubilet, Beverly Joubert,
Michael Nichols, Paul Nicklen, Randy Olson, Joel Sartore, and Michael Yamashita.”

The photographs are amazing. I spoke with gallery director, Sandy Rossi, who mentioned that there is a special reception Friday Dec. 5th from 5:30-8pm when the National Geographic’s Directory of Photography will host a Q&A session.

Sweet. The exhibit runs until Jan. 2, 2009.

Hana Japanese Market Opens Up at 17th and U

By Prince Of Petworth

Well this is super cool. From a reader:

“There is a new Japanese grocery store that seems to have recently opened, The name of the store is Hana, and it is at the corner of U and 17th (NW). I am very happy to have a Japanese store in our neighborhood. Before, we had to take a metro to Rockville (and walk along the Rockville Pike..) or to Bethesda to get Japanese groceries.

Good thing about this store is..It is small, but I can get things for everyday use, like curry roux, sauce, tofu, noodle, and snack. Also, they have ingredients for okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes, which I do not think many Japanese restaurants serve.”

I checked it out and it was phenomenal. Back in the day I was a reporter for a Japanese newspaper (Asahi Shimbun) and ever since then I have loved Japanese food. We used to work late all the time and got the greatest Japanese delivery. This looks like a great spot to fill the void I’ve been missing. The owner was super nice as well.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Neat Neighborhood Find: Corte Salon

By Prince Of Petworth

You’d never find this place if you didn’t know it was there. Or if you don’t have a passion for doors…

Corte Salon is located at 1019 U Street, NW and opened at this location the first week of September. You can spot a little sign on the door but from the street you’d have no idea there was such a nice place upstairs.

Their Web site says:

“At CORTE Salon, we strive to create an exclusive experience for our guests that is as unique as they are. Our mission is to provide every client with an outstanding experience in an elegant, serene and sophisticated environment.

We appreciate all of our guests and work hard to maintain our relationships with each of them.

Serving both women and men, CORTE Salon will provide a full line of individually tailored services from a group of highly skilled and diverse professionals. With such a diverse staff, clients will easily find someone who compliments their own style, background, and personality.

At the beginning of every appointment, we will talk with you and help you decide upon the best look and appropriate treatments. CORTE Salon offer the highest quality professional hair products and our staff will personalize a daily routine for you based on your individual preferences.

Over the next several months as we continue to grow, we will be adding such services as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and massage.”

So if you’ve been looking for a Salon in the neighborhood you’ve now found it.

A Truly Diverse Gas Station

By Prince Of Petworth

This sign is from the gas station located at 14th and W. I don’t know about you but the only food I’m buying at a gas station is a bag of chips and maybe a slim jim…

Is it just me or does it seem really wrong to buy fried chicken or Chinese food at a gas station?

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