By Ben H. Rome
‘Pedicab’ courtesy of ‘Washington Area Bicyclist Association’
Need some summer work that’ll help keep you fit, cruise downtown, and is environmentally friendly?
Well, I just got word that Capitol Pedicabs is looking for drivers.
Experience in verbal fencing with Park Police not necessary.
By Katie
‘Hillwood Museum’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’
Hidden up in Van Ness, Hillwood Museum and Gardens is a few acres of green, colorful, luxe heaven. The tagline for the museum is “where fabulous lives” and I think that is the best possible way to sum up the place.
You drive up to the gates (yes, it is gated, they also recommend you have reservations to visit the grounds, though that is not required, we did not) and a guard lets you in. You drive up a windy, steep azalea-lined road, and are directed to the visitors center where you check in. The suggested donation is $12, and not particularly suggested, much more mandatory. But well worth it. After you are given a map and the lay of the land by guides, you’re set free to roam the house and the gardens.
There are many, many gardens to explore at Hillwood. There is the french parterre, the rose garden, a putting green, a Japanese-style garden, a lunar lawn, and a cutting garden. But I think it might be easier to show you, than tell you what those are like. Continue reading
By Katie
‘BUUUUUUUURP!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
I was out frolicking in Rehoboth last weekend, so this is an extended edition of foodie round-up. Without further ado, all the news fit to eat in the district for the past two weeks, including wine dinners, cooking cruises, cooking classes, and more. Continue reading
By AcaciaO
‘mr cube cubes’
courtesy of ‘dret’
Start flexing your booze-disguising muscles and port-a-picnic over to the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden tonight for Free Jazz nights. Starting tonight, from 5-8:30 p.m. you can enjoy live jazz music and the company of far too many strangers. Put this on your weekly calendar, but maybe contemplate sneaking out of work 15 minutes early and getting there as soon as possible. After 6 p.m. there is nary a green patch to put your bum on, honest. If you do get there early, you can also pop in line for a delicious pitcher of sangria before everyone and their mother joins you.
‘Time Lapse: Crowds of Tourists at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History’
courtesy of ‘brownpau’
The Post has an interesting article today covering something I had been wondering about. How will “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” actually benefit our beloved Smithsonian? In several different ways, it turns out.
The first “Night at the Museum” turned into a 20% increase in attendance for the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and that movie only used exterior shots of that museum. So the Smithsonian has a bump in attendance to look forward to, and it has already been paid licensing fees for the use of its name not only in the movie, but on the merchandising tie-ins to promote it. There were location fees for the four days of local filming, it gets a cut of movie-related merchandise sales in museum stores, and if the movie does well and hits certain box-office targets, there will be additional payments to the Smithsonian.
The first movie, while not exactly Oscar-grade material, was a fun romp that I caught on cable. So I’ll go see this one in theaters- maybe even at the Smithsonian’s IMAX- and enjoy picking apart the geographic accuracy of the movie. But affectionately, this time.
By Kirk
‘Adams Morgan’
courtesy of ‘N.S.’
Ah, Adams Morgan: quaint, bustling, and completely impossible to park in. The lack of a metro stop and the narrow streets has long been the bane of DC drivers out for a night on the town. Apparently, this problem doesn’t extend only to non-residents. The popularity of Adams Morgan is making it difficult for locals to find parking near their homes. WUSA reports that Councilman Jim Graham is proposing a solution: Enhanced Residential Parking. He plans to introduce legislation that would designate one side of each street for residential parking only. While this may be a welcome development for people that live in Adams Morgan, it is going to make the area much less accessible to outsiders. Hopefully the draw of the nightlife will be enough to induce people to walk long distances for it.
By shannon
‘The Shape of Colors in DC’
courtesy of ‘Gen Jones (Gen-esis Photography)’
This week we’ll be looking at the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This neighborhood could probably be called the largest in DC, since essentially anything east of the Capitol, north/west of the Anacostia River, and south of Union Station is generally known as Capitol Hill. The area is home to so many great places, from Eastern Market to Barracks Row to Union Station, and it also has some of the best historic architecture in the city.
History: The hill that the Capitol sits on was originally called Jenkins Hill (or was it?). Pierre L’Enfant decided that it would be a good location for the “Congress House”, and before you knew it, it became the center of residential development in our fair city. Because it was so close to the Capitol, congressmen lived in Capitol Hill boarding houses, and because it was so close to the Navy Yard, it was also home to craftsmen and laborers. The neighborhood continued to grow throughout the nineteenth century, and many historic rowhouses in the area date from this era. It was mostly a mixed-income neighborhood for the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, the fringes of Capitol Hill were hit hard by drugs in the 1980s, and as recently as 2000 crime was out of control in Hill East (if you get a chance, check out Jim Myers’ description of that time in The Atlantic). Most of the area has bounced back, and Capitol Hill is now the city’s largest historic district and one of the city’s greatest neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Character: The neighborhood is certainly one of the District’s most diverse. You’ve got empty-nesters, long-time residents, recent college grads, families with small children, and Hill staffers all mixed together in a few square miles. Hill East resident Shaun says, “My fiance and I live in a condo that’s home to Georgetown law students, Hill staffers and a retired woman who’s lived at our intersection for so long, she remembers when the new condo around the corner was a crack house.” Historic rowhouses make up the majority of the housing in the area, with a few apartment buildings and condominiums throughout the area. Commercial development is mostly located along Pennsylvania Avenue, 8th Street SE (Barracks Row), and around Metro stations. The area is quite pleasant to walk around, with brick sidewalks and mature trees and beautiful views of the Capitol.
By Tom Bridge
‘Crying baby’
courtesy of ‘_Nezemnaya_’
There’s a story going round this morning about the Evil Evil White House and the Evil Evil Steelers that ran off a kindergarten class from a White House Tour because they were 15 minutes late. Interestingly enough, all of the media mentions from one family, the Stines.
More interesting was the second half of that same story that says they weren’t just 15 minutes late, they were an hour late, and the White House told them their window would end at 30 minutes.
Folks, if you don’t plan ahead for traffic in the DC area, there’s not a whole lot you can expect in the way of sympathy. While it’s definitely a huge bummer for the kids, and they’re certainly not responsible for the lateness, they do get to pay the price because their parents, and the bus company they hired, couldn’t plan ahead. Actions have consequences. Turn this into a teachable moment about the responsibility of being on time, not an excuse for entitled whining.
By Ben H. Rome
‘The result of a Maryland driver’ courtesy of ‘terabithia4’
The results of the National Driver’s Test for 2009 have been released and guess what? We have proof once again that Maryland drivers are indeed worse than Virginians. But worst of all are those who live in the District.
The test measures basic knowledge of driving laws and how much we know about safe driving. And the fact is, we all suck. (Just that some states suck worse than others.) GMAC stated in their press release that they “found that 20.1 percent of licensed Americans – roughly 41 million drivers – would not pass a written driver’s exam if taken today.” Sobering thought.
The District is the 8th worst on the list, followed by Maryland at 11th and Virginia at 31st. The worst? No surprise there: New York.
By Don
‘Jerk City’
courtesy of ‘Smath.’
If you’d like to call and tell them what you think, the delightful gentlemens’ names and numbers follow.
Rep. Tom Price. (202) 225-4501
Rep. Jim Jordan (202) 225-2676
Rep. Dan Boren (202) 225-2701
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (202) 225-5629
thanks to DCist for alerting us to this one.
By Kirk
‘Lady of the Archives’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’
The Washington Post reports that in the wake this weekend’s “Post Hunt 2,” the National Archives is getting in on some scavenger hunt action of its own. Just, instead of innocuous puzzles, NARA employees are attempting to solve the disappearance of a hard drive containing, among other things, Secret Service operating procedures and the social security numbers of Al Gore’s daughters. The prize for the person who finds it: the possibility of not serving a lengthy jail sentence.
The hard drive contains around a terabyte of information from the Clinton presidency and was a part of a project to digitize the National Archives’ collection. The FBI has opened a criminal investigation but has no firm leads, as of yet. So, if you see an important looking hard drive lying around, the NARA would appreciate it if you would return it to them without looking at the contents.
‘Little champion’
courtesy of ‘Stoichiometry’
So the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (I know it’s been 6 times, but saying that still never gets old) are in town today, having been invited to the White House to meet the President, as is traditional.
But one of them is missing. 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, whose 100-yard return was the longest Superbowl play in history, is staying in Pittsburgh. Why?
He’s afraid of flying. This huge guy who throws himself at OTHER huge guys for a living can’t stand to fly. Continue reading
By Katie
‘Polish Embassy Beer’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Young & Hungry’s beer aficionado’s the Lagerheads rounded up a glorious schedule of beer events surrounding Savor, the beer and food event at the National Building Museum on May 30. Apparently, with all those beer crafters in town, other events (that you don’t need tickets for) have sprung up.
The highlights, in my mind, at least? Thursday, May 28th: Flying Dog “Meet the Brewers” at RFD and Bourbon, H Street Beer Bar Tour beginning at The Red and the Black and Palace of Wonders, Dogfish Head Cooking Class at CulinAeri. Friday, May 29th: Magic Hat Tasting at Dixie Liquors, Meet the Brewers Roundtable at Birreria Paradiso. Tuesday, June 2nd: Beer and Chocolate Collaboration at Brasserie Beck.
Check the whole schedule to see if I missed something you would love.
By Katie
‘Pret lunch…’
courtesy of ‘Matt Seppings’
So… I joined Twitter. I know, right? I did it in the name of research for this story, and have liked it so much I think I’ll stay for good. (That may or may not be a hint for you to start following me, cause that makes me feel important and fuzzy and stuff.) So I come at this with an outsider-turned-quasi-insider perspective.
It seems recently all the DC food blogs I follow have gotten on Twitter, and are busy building a little community for themselves (ourselves?) complete with a list of the who-is-who. But us internet-types are always early arrivals, so the other half of my story is who else in the DC food scene, namely DC restaurants and more namely, which DC Chefs, are on Twitter. And then I’ll muse a bit about what twitter can do, and what others hope it can do, for the DC food scene and the betterment of our local food offerings. Ready? Let’s do it. Continue reading
‘bigger blue water pipes 04.17.09 [107]’
courtesy of ‘timlewisnm’
So, remember that huge, motorist-stranding flood caused by the water main break on River Rd. last December? The one where they had to rescue people from their cars with helicopters?
Turns out it was caused because when the pipe was first installed in 1965, the contract0r installed it AGAINST A BIG JAGGED BOULDER. Okay, look, I Am Not A Plumber, but I’m pretty sure installing a 66-inch water pipe against something that could TEAR A HOLE IN IT is a bad idea. I mean, what could go wrong? Oh right…
Maybe that contractor is related to the architect who screwed over Capital City Diner?
By Don
‘A day with Erin 009’
courtesy of ‘novemberwolf’
WTOP brings the bad news for any of you planning on hitting the pool in Montgomery County this coming weekend: delays in bringing the pools into compliance with new safety standards is holding up opening for a few locations. Bethesda Outdoor Pool, Germantown Pool, and Wheaton/Glenmont Pool will be have partial closures. Check the article for full details and addresses.
By Donna C.
‘Sharing the Road’
Last Friday, more people participated in DC’s Bike to Work Day than ever before — about 8,000. Even U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu took part, riding in on his $5,000 bike and speaking to the crowd. Now, my bike cost just a wee bit less than that and works just fine, but kudos to him for bucking the Secret Service and commuting carbon-free.
Perhaps by now you’re jazzed to commute by bike, or you’ve pulled out your spiffy fuschia spandex and are ready to zip along the city streets for kicks and giggles.
What do you know about playing in traffic? Anything?
Luckily for you, folks are willing to teach you the rules of the road — and you might be surprised by what you learn.
Continue reading
By AcaciaO
‘Michael Jackson’s star’
courtesy of ‘[MC]’
Black Cat just wants your extra time and your…THRILLERRRRR. You’re confused, I can see it in your face. Let me explain: Black Cat hosts DJ Dredd on Sunday night, spinning an 80s showdown: “PRINCE vs. MICHAEL JACKSON vs. MADONNA Dance Party.” This means a battle of Final Countdown-epic proportions and dance-a-rama to some of the greatest hits of all time. Break out that one glove you have because you lost the other one and head over — doors open at 9 p.m. Sunday, cover is $13. It’s memorial day and we’re gonna party like its 2009/Celebrate! Holiday!
By Katie
New Fugly Metro Cars
Originally uploaded by needlessspaces
I stepped onto the red line this morning and did a double take, overwhelmed by this color and pattern.
AH, the ugliness! The new cloth seats, the non-carpet black and white flooring, no Metro, please no…
By Jenn Larsen
"Wealthy Missionary cocktail, Wisdom" by Jenn Larsen, on Flickr
When Wisdom owner Erik Holzherr’s Tortoise and the Bare cocktail won the 2009 Artini competition, it took a lot of people by surprise (as in, who is this guy and where exactly is his bar??). I knew I had to get over to sample his concoctions as quickly as I could get someone to venture into the wilds of Pennsylvania Avenue SE with me.
Inside Wisdom’s shopworn exterior is an enveloping dark and shabbily elegant space, with cosy curtained nooks featuring tin ceiling plates on the walls. Moroccan glass lanterns abound. It’s all very Victorian professor’s idea of a medieval tower by way of the harem.
First up to try was the Wealthy Missionary – with a name like that, how could it not be? It turned out to be a luscious mix of Surreal Ginger Peach Vodka and Stone’s Original Ginger. My metaphors went into overdrive – “it’s a southern summer, a debutante’s ball!” Seriously, this cocktail is off the charts good.
But then I had a sip of my friend’s Pears of Wisdom and couldn’t decide which I liked better. This cocktail, featuring vodka and pear cognac (they make pear cognac??) with elderflower, was just like slipping on a vintage French silk slip and lolling around in a field of flowers…
I warned you about my metaphor overdrive. Continue reading
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