What the Helen of Troy is This

“Dear PoPville,

These piles of sand appeared a few weeks ago on the sidewalk on my street (New Hampshire Avenue) in Columbia Heights. I think they have appeared in previous years as well. Any idea where they come from??”

Anyone else seeing random piles of sand around town. Anyone know why?!?! (Wrong answers only.) No. I will also accept right answers, I’ve just always wanted to try out a wrong answers only post. But I guess that’s basically a caption contest!! Anyway, what the hell?


What the Helen of Troy is This


1141 Connecticut Ave, NW previously home to Mari Vanna

“Darvish Kitchen DC
Driven by a deep love for sharing the warmth and flavors of Persian culture”

There is an incredibly lifelike mannequin in front of Darvish Kitchen and if it would’ve started talking to me I might have dropped dead right then and there. Some close ups: (more…)


Logan Circle


1401 R Street, NW via Papadopoulos Properties

BIG NEWS via email response to my query:

“Red Light is not closing. We are relocating!

After nearly two decades at the corner of 14th & R, Red Light has become a staple of the community.

Unfortunately, the realities of remaining in our current space no longer made sense for a small family owned restaurant/bar. Despite our commitment to the neighborhood and our efforts to find a sustainable path forward, it became clear that our future would be better served elsewhere.

The good news is that we’ve already found our new home on the corner of 14th & Florida. (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

4115 46th St NW
4115 46th St NW

Fall officially arrives on Monday, and DC is sending summer off with a full slate — 333+ open houses across the District this weekend. The light is getting golden, the humidity has finally packed up, and it’s about as pleasant as house hunting gets around here. Grab a coffee and make a loop. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

  • 4115 46th St NW — $2,249,000 — American University Park
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Debi Fox
    “Totally Reimagined and Expanded Home in AU Park. The Essence of Modern Luxury by Award-Winning Dilan Homes. The Newly Designed Home spans 3 Levels with 4218 square feet and backs to Turtle Park with alley access from the fenced-in backyard.”

  • 1840 Primrose Rd NW — $1,595,000 — Colonial Village
    Open Fri. 12-4PM & Sun. 11AM-1PM — Katherine Krevor
    “Welcome to a rare mid-century retreat on approximately one-third of an acre, surrounded by the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park. This thoughtfully updated 1958 residence retains the defining architectural elements that make mid-century homes so special—vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, clean lines, and a seamless connection between indoors and out. The main level alone spans more than 2,000 square feet, offering an exceptionally generous footprint that is increasingly difficult to find in Northwest DC.”

  • 1231 Wynton Pl NE — $815,000 — Brookland
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Thomas Doyle
    “At 1231 Wynton Pl you will find a beautifully maintained home on three levels with all the comforts and none of the hassle. Built in 2021, this Brookland townhome is one of the largest models in the neighborhood. Spread across three levels, the layout gives everyone room to breathe.”

  • 4523 Nebraska Ave NW — $1,500,000 — Wakefield
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Lina Criales-McAuliffe
    “The wait is over! Freshly painted 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home with attached garage and driveway for additional parking. This is an exceptional opportunity in one of Northwest D.C.’s most coveted neighborhoods, just moments from Tenleytown Metro and Jackson-Reed High School. Move right in and renovate over time, or collaborate with your architect to create a stunning custom residence.”

  • 14 S St NE #302 — $515,000 — Eckington
    Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4PM — Lorin Mones
    “Welcome to this immaculate top-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the heart of Eckington, offering 1,128 square feet of beautifully designed living space. The wide-open floor plan is filled with natural light and features gorgeous built-in cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, generous closet space, and a seamless flow ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.”

  • 2351 Champlain St NW #P4 — $1,284,900 — Adams Morgan
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — David Treanor
    “MODERN 3-LEVEL PENTHOUSE LOFT WITH MONUMENT VIEWS FROM PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE IN PRIME DC LOCATION! This bright and open penthouse unit features 1,800 sq ft of living space and over 800 sq ft of private outdoor space with two balconies and an amazing rooftop terrace with a hot tub, outdoor shower, inside top-level wet bar/ kitchen area with office nook, and stunning monument views.”

    (more…)


driving dangerously

Check out the latest stats from DC City Administrator Kevin Donahue:

“🚨 Update on scofflaw vehicle enforcement:
🪝FY26 YTD: @DCDPW
has impounded 5,209 cars with total of $27M in unpaid citations
📌 Of those, 2,301 were “high value scofflaws” (more than $3k in unpaid fines) that owed $23.4M in unpaid tickets”

Stay tuned.


Event

Join veteran Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey clown Jim Dandy and award-winning burlesque performer Delilah Dentata for a daytime burlesque and variety party that celebrates the funniest, strangest, and most delightful performers they can find.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed burlesque, clown, live music, flow arts, drag, mime, pole, puppets, and a few things we still don’t quite know how to describe … and we're bringing you another unique cast to kick off the beginning of October.


Capitol Hill


713 8th Street, SE previously home to Finn McCool’s/Molly Malone’s and, of course, Crazy Aunt Helen’s

“A World of Flavors,
One Plate at a Time!
Coming This Fall”

Thanks to G. for sending.

“Taki Taki transcends mere dining; it is the embodiment of legendary Indian hospitality fused with unparalleled culinary artistry. Here, we craft an exhilarating journey for the senses, showcasing the vibrant, freshest flavors of India’s diverse cuisine. Inspired by the profound cultural heritage of the subcontinent, (more…)


Silver Spring


courtesy Emma’s Torch

From a press release:

“Emma’s Torch, the nonprofit social enterprise that provides culinary training for refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking, empowering them to build culinary careers and achieve financial independence, will open its new 4,500-square-foot café and training center on June 12 in Silver Spring (1200 East-West Hwy.). The new café location – which will host a ribbon-cutting with officials and community members on June 11 at 10 am – allows Emma’s Torch to expand upon the training space and dining that drew fans to its Brookland location, which closed late last year to prepare for the move.

A new regional flagship, (more…)


coffee


photo by angela n.

From WMATA:

“Metro has executed a 10-year lease agreement with Dunkin’ to open at Metro’s headquarters building, expanding the list of eateries around L’Enfant Plaza and adding value to the Southwest D.C. neighborhood.

The coffee chain will be located on D Street SW between 6th and 7th streets SW, near the existing Potbelly and D.C. Housing Authority spaces. The shop is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. (more…)