Monthly Archives: August 2009

The Features, Where We Live
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Where We Live: Shaw

Photo courtesy of
‘so d.c.’
courtesy of ‘NCinDC’

Welcome to the latest edition of Where We Live.  This week we’ll be covering a DC neighborhood with a storied history– Shaw!  Shaw and the surrounding neighborhoods of Eckington and Bloomingdale have seen a great deal of reinvestment over the last decade, and many people are discovering the charm and history in this beautiful urban neighborhood.

History: Now this is a neighborhood with a great history.  Shaw was named after Civil War Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, and originally started as a freed slave encampment just outside the original Washington City.  The neighborhood thrived in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a center of black culture.  Howard University opened in the area in 1866.  The area was the hotbed of jazz in the 1920s and 1930s, with its most famous resident Duke Ellington. In the 1960s, the area was hit hard by the riots, and hit again in the 1990s by the crack epidemic.  But new residents started moving in in the 1990s, drawn by its central location and reasonable housing prices, and the area began to redevelop.  Today, Shaw is one of the District’s most-loved neighborhoods, with beautiful housing, a great location, and civically-engaged residents.

Continue reading →

Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed, The District
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The Bridges Over The Canal C&O

Photo courtesy of
‘New Year’s Day Sunshine’
courtesy of ‘Karon’
This past Monday, August 24, marked the beginning of Operation: Remove, Restore and Replace Georgetown’s C&O Canal Bridges.  The project’s three targets, the 29th Street, 30th Street and Thomas Jefferson Street development bridges will be undergoing some serious work over the next 36 months.  Yup. That’s right. According to the DDOT, each bridge will take one full year to complete and DDOT is conducting the work on one bridge at a time.

The first on the docket is the 30th Street bridge, which as of Monday, will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic until July 2010.  Thomas Jefferson Street and 29th Street are the designated detour routes, the “open” part of 30th Street has two-way traffic, and the closure does not limit access to the business and residences located along 30th Street. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, WMATA, WTF?!
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It’s Like Metro, With Charm

Photo courtesy of
‘BART in San Francico’
courtesy of ‘Nick Bastian Tempe, AZ’

They say that no two subways are alike. Wait, that’s snowflakes, but it’s mostly true for transit systems as well. If you look at the Metro and BART on scaled maps, for comparison, they’re fairly similar in size. More so, due to the concurrent construction dates, they use similar cars and similar farecards and fare structures. But, BART’s got it over WMATA in a few ways: Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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NMAI Gets Its Dance On

Photo courtesy of
‘38768-35’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’

If you feel the need to groove this Saturday, I remind you that the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is presenting the 6th annual Dance DC Festival. While there will be several free performances of folk and traditional dances held around town between Friday and Sunday, two of particular interest are being hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian at noon on Saturday:

CapoeiraDC is performing the art of capoeira, a unique blend of martial art, dance, and music that evolved from a vibrant Afro-Brazillian culture.

Hui O Ka Pua `Ilima is performing both traditional and contemporary dances of Hawai`i, Tahiti, and New Zealand in an informative and interactive format.

You don’t need to have a sense of rhythm to enjoy these performances, so get out and enjoy the groove! Call the Dance DC Festival for more information at 202.724.5613.

The Daily Feed
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Awesome air guitar shots

Photo courtesy of
‘Announcement of the National Champ’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

Local shooter Melissa Golden just put up pictures she took at the 2009 US Air Guitar Championships at the 930 Club three weeks ago. They are, to damn them with faint praise, f-ing metal d00d!

I don’t have her permission to use them here so just go to the above link and check them out. ‘Specially the belt buckle. That shot is intimidating. I mean scary. I mean… just go look.

Food and Drink, The Features, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Mid City Caffe

Mocha, Mid City Caffe

"Mocha, Mid City Caffe" by Jenn Larsen, on Flickr

Within an hour of finishing a mocha at Mid City Caffe, I’d sped through the end of a dense Turkish mystery, sent some twenty frantic texts, moved mountains, healed the sick, and dropped way too much decor dough at Miss Pixie’s downstairs, lifting a huge wool rug effortlessly above my head the several blocks home. I did almost everything after that divine cup of chocolate and coffee except leap tall buildings in a single bound. And was already dreaming of my return to try a morning cappuccino or drift away a whole afternoon with a french press. Now that’s prime bean.

Mid City may be a small bare bones cafe, but it’s already popular with the Logan Circle crowd salivating over the prospects of a regular coffee stop. This is an area long bemoaning the death of Sparky’s, 14U, Mocha Hut – we want a basic place to lounge with high-quality java that isn’t Starbucks or Caribou, simple as that. I’d argue the ‘hood needs more cafe-type joints – sure I’m super excited about restaurants like Masa 14 opening but really, we’re an underserved area for just plain – basic – good. 

Up the stairs you’ll find a cafe divided into two small rooms – one with the friendly bar serving espresso drinks and french press coffee, pastries and a few goodies like cinnamon raisin brioche toast with a choice of spreads (like nutella… drooool). Continue reading →

Petworth, The Daily Feed
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Amen, Ezra

Photo courtesy of
‘Tree Death in DC’
courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’

It won’t win him any points with Remy but it’s raised him up in my estimation. During his Post chat today, Ezra “all health care all the time” Klein fielded a question outside his normal beat: where to live in the area.

Adam – Zurich, Switzerland: A bit off topic, but maybe you could throw this in at the end of your chat session. My wife and I are moving to the DC area, where would you recommend living for an urban 30-something couple? If you had to choose between Clarendon, Rosslyn or Ballston, which would it be?

Ezra Klein: None of them! I recommend living in DC if you can, particularly the Mt. Pleasant or Columbia Heights area. Petworth is getting better fast, and it’s comparatively affordable, and some interesting stuff is happening down in the 5th and K area.

Kudos for the D.C. love, Ezra, and for encouraging newcomers to actually live in the city.

The Daily Feed
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Man Versus Wild Crabs

Photo courtesy of
‘Melvin’
courtesy of ‘Amberture’

In an effort to help solve the problem of declining blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland attempted to buy back 2,000 crabbing licences – asking the crabber to name his/her own price. However, Maryland recently abandoned the plan, citing the few bids they received were too high (one offered his $50 license for $425 million – an obvious “protest bid”).

As it turns out, many license-holders haven’t actually crabbed in years, so why do they want to keep their licenses? Some see the license as a part of their identity and a connection to a past livelihood on the Chesapeake.

So you have to give it to Maryland for trying to save those little yummy crabs that we all want to have around forever, but it looks like the state may have to tackle the problem from another angle for now.

The Features, We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends: August 29-30

Photo courtesy of
‘Very hot and still the air was…………’
courtesy of ‘LaTur’

It’s the last weekend of August- are you trying to fit in just that last little bit of summer before Labor Day? Here’s how we’re making the most of our time this weekend.

Kirk:  This is my birthday weekend, so I’ll be out an about and not on my own dime.  My parents are taking me to Cava Mezze in Capitol Hill on Friday for some delicious Mediterranean food. My Saturday will feature some as of yet undetermined party spots, and then Sunday will be all about Freefest.  I’ve still not nailed down my lineup, but I’m definitely going to fit in Blink 182, just to say that I saw them.

Katie: I’m moving apartments this weekend, so the entire thing will be taken up with trips to Ikea, the Crate & Barrel outlet in Alexandria and Target. Doesn’t that sound fun? No? Yeah, no. If I were going to be frolicking freely around the city instead of unpacking coffee mugs and arranging my closet, I’d do all kinds of things out in the sun, as I’m feeling crunch time as the summer season dwindles. (AH! Say it ain’t so!) I might take a nice water taxi ride from Alexandria over to the National Harbor and check out Ashton Kutcher’s celebrity eatery Ketchup just for kicks and giggles. I also hear fun things about Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar over in those parts, who doesn’t love Jay-Z on the piano? Sunday I’d probably find a key lounging spot with some iced coffee – maybe say a stop by Tryst on my way to Meridian Hill Park. That sounds perfect. Too bad I’ll be wrangling boxes, packing peanuts and clothing hangers instead.

Shannon: This weekend I’m going to take advantage of the final days of Restaurant Week (though if you can’t make it this weekend, many restaurants are extending the promotion).  And I’m also going to take advantage of the final days of summer (sigh) by spending an entire day at the pool with some sweet tea vodka, my summer drink of choice.  I’d also like to stop by my favorite nearby winery, Three Fox Vineyards, for a day of wine tours and lounging around in a hammock.  Because what says summer better than laziness and drinking? Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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No Way, Dude

Abide

I love me some Lebowski, so the arrival of the Lebowski Fest in D.C. is cause for celebration… mostly.

I’m a little put off by the bowling portion of the two-day event being held at Strike! Bethesda. My darling wife would argue that bowling is bowling and no matter where you go you have to put your fingers in grody never-cleaned balls and wear rented shoes.

She has issues.

However I have a hard time imagining The Dude at Strike! That place is way too upscale for him, even if the neon really brings the room together.

The Daily Feed
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Morning Prostitutes Causing a Ruckus

Photo courtesy of
’13th & U’
courtesy of ‘N.S.’

While the prostitution is not exactly a new problem in the 11th and K and Street area, Fox 5 ran a story late last night describing how the prostitutes have changed to morning shifts. Starting around 6:00 a.m., the prostitutes are dodging their usual schedules to stay out of trouble.

But a prostitute in broad daylight can cause some discomfort, to say the least. While this corner is occasionally on my morning commute, I’m happy to say I wasn’t witness to this offense: Continue reading →

Downtown, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Let Me Go Get My Fraulein Maiden Outfit

Photo courtesy of
‘St. Pauli Girl (Hair-Down Label)’
courtesy of ‘drewesque’

The other day WLDC author Acacia and I were talking about her recent trip to New York City. I got jealous during our conversation cause while in the big apple, Acacia visited a legit beer garden. Together we were wistfully wishing DC had a hardcore actual German beer garden, complete with spilling pints and bratwursts.

Enter: news via Frozen Tropics, someone has heard our cry. Frozen Tropics reports, “Aaron McGovern of the Dupont Circle restaurant Russia House recently began work on his latest project. He intends to bring a large German restaurant and beer garden to 1355 H Street.”

Now excuse me while I go strap on my bodice and grab pint glasses to slosh together.

The Daily Feed
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Tommy Hilfiger Loves DC

Photo courtesy of
‘wall of polos, tommy hilfiger outlet, south edmonton common’
courtesy of ‘PinkMoose’

Apparently, Tommy Hilfiger is DC’s newest fan. The city and its “new energy” was his inspiration for the new clothing line, and he has a flashy new website to share his favorite parts of the city with you. I like the way it’s organized, but that’s about it. The picks are pretty freaking random, making me wonder how much time he has actually spent here. He does give a shout out to our fave bar, Science Club, but recommends the Kreeger Museum for High Art. Say what?

Dupont Circle, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed, The District
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Mayor Fenty: King of Parks


Dog Park Turf by Max Cook

It seems as though Mayor Fenty is making a name for himself in this town by sprucing up or completely rebuilding some of our parks, and not without controversy.  These parks aren’t just getting some new grass and a drinking fountain.  They’re getting new landscaping done by the gold coast landscaper team, artificial turf, benches, fencing, ornate stone walkways, and additional lighting.  Oh, and drinking fountains.  Dog drinking fountains.

Continue reading →

Interviews, The Features
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Why I Love DC: Corinne

Meridian Hill Drum Circle IMG_9449

Meridian Hill Drum Circle by Corinne Whiting

I admittedly love DC, first and foremost, because it feels partly mine. I picnicked in its triangular parks as a wee one (our downtown visits allowing my dad an excuse for an office reprieve); I’ve played tourist around its sites on countless field trips with classmates and relatives; I’ve frolicked along its brick sidewalks as a college student for the first time unleashed, unsupervised, in a big urban world. So, yes, it is familiar and yes, some of my favorite people of all time still call this place home. DC is indelibly etched into the story of what makes me me.

But sweep all that personal history to the side, and I can see this magnificent city as if through the eyes of a visitor (in fact, my job insists that I do). I recognize its allure for tourists and locals alike, and I’m grateful to have roots in a city that keeps me coming back for more.

Perhaps, more than anything, I love that a city stroll can take me on a global walkabout. A challenging game of name-that-flag along Embassy Row sends me past an exquisite tiled mosque, distinctive ambassadorial residences and multilingual, wide-eyed diplomats exploring their new ‘hood. In Mount Pleasant, with Mana playing on my iPod, I pass chatting men on overturned crates as impromptu vendors sell tamales nearby, and the sights, sounds and smells temporarily transport me to Latin America. Within a fifteen-minute bubble of my home, I can eat amazing Ethiopian food cooked by Ethiopian chefs, Thai cooked by the Thai, Peruvian cooked by Peruvians. Authenticity rules our culinary scene. And I love that, at certain dinner parties, I might meet new friends who’ve come from or lived in countries like Bulgaria and Brazil, Martinique and Morocco.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Senator Kennedy Being Buried at Arlington

Photo courtesy of
‘Senator Edward Kennedy 1932-2009’
courtesy of ‘Muffet’

WaPo has the whole story, but it’s worth noting that Senator Edward Kennedy, who passed away last night, will be buried on Saturday at Arlington National Cemetery. He will be laid to rest near his brothers, Robert and John.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday morning at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston; his burial at Arlington will be at 5 p.m.

The Daily Feed
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Try a Tri

Photo courtesy of
‘Nation’s Triathlon’
courtesy of ‘noahdevereaux’

The Examiner has a great article out today about cheap triathlon opportunities put on in the DC area. Triathlons are notoriously expensive, but the DC Tri Club puts on $5 training triathlons (about the distance of a sprint triathlon) throughout the summer at Hains Point. It’s a great way to try out the sport and see if you want to commit to a USAT-sanctioned triathlon.

I’m a member of the DC Tri Club and a recent graduate of their fantastic New Triathlete Program, and after finishing my first triathlon last month, I’m hooked. I’m gearing up for DC’s own Nation’s Triathlon in just a few weeks, which brings 6,000 triathletes to swim (the Potomac River), bike (Rock Creek Park), and run (Hains Point and the Mall). Apparently DC is becoming a major triathlon city, so why not give it a shot?

The Daily Feed
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A bad plan

Photo courtesy of
‘Booted beetle’
courtesy of ‘°Florian’

I know, it seems like once someone attaches something to your car without your permission that you should be free to remove it however you like. The government doesn’t agree, however, at least not when it’s them doing to attaching. A man over in the Crystal City area discovered this the hard way.

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY-ARREST 08/20/09, 1500 block of S. Fern Street. On August 20 at 11 am, a man attempted to remove a county boot from his vehicle by cutting it with a saw blade. Donnie Eason, 53, of Arlington, was charged with Destruction of Property. He was held on a $2,500 bond.

I’d wager that he was on the hook for less money before. If you’re going to try these kind of shenanigans you should at least spend 9 seconds on the internet – I found a half-dozen quicker and less obvious ways to remove a parking boot than the highly visible and slow handsaw method.

The Daily Feed
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Watching the Caterpillar

The Hungry Caterpillar

from the Eric Carle museum of picture-book art

Thanks to a post from the Prince of Petworth I now know one thing I’ll be doing this week: checking out an exhibit of art from Eric Carle, the man who brought us  The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It packs up on September 1 so this is the last few days before it’s gone.

I’ll confess I’d be more excited about Richard Scary but we can’t always have our favorites, can we now?

Show’s at the Stanford in Washington Gallery over by the zoo. WaPo has the details and hours.