Midcity DC Magazine August 2014 by Capital Community News

An Urban Lifestyle Magazine

MIDCITY AUGUST 2014

Midcity DC | August 2014 u 3

CONTENTS AUGUST 10

MIDCITY

08 GO SEE DO 10 Calendar out and about

Insatiable • Jonathan Bardzik

Retail Therapy • Mariessa Terrell

Let’s Get Physical • Jazelle Hunt

your neighborhood 24

Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner

Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann

Bloomingdale Bites • Jazzy Wright

Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson

ANC 6E • Steve Holton

kids and family See 2014 Education Supplement

at home 34

Changing Hands • Don Denton

38 Classifieds

COVER: Children Lying in Clover With Heads Together © iofoto

Midcity DC | August 2014 u 5

Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com

Look for Next Issue of MCDC on SEPTEMBER 6th Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Food Editor: Annette Nielsen • annette@hillrag.com

KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com General Assignment: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Marissa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

Homes & Gardens Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com General Assignment Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal • stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Linda Samuel • lindabsamuel@yahoo.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com

Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Dave Kletzkin, 202.543.8300 X22 • Dave@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Billing: Sara Walder, 202.400.3511 • sara@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@ hillrag.com. 6 u midcitydcnews.com

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Charlotte Hall Farmers’ Market and Auction

The Charlotte Hall market is a place for farmers to sell and for farmers to buy--produce, junk, antique furniture, livestock, things that fell off trucks, picture frames and corn dogs. It is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays (no exact times but longer, earlier hours in summer) and sellers operate off tables, under sheds and in make-shift buildings on the property. Take Branch Avenue south, continue on and make a left onto route 5 into St. Mary’s County. Watch for the market after about 40 miles out of DC on the left. RIGHT: Goats, along with chickens, pigs and rabbits, are for sale at the market. Photo: Kathleen Donner

Overture 1812 Concert at Fort Myer

This year, the United States Army Band performs its big summer concert on Saturday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. at Fort Myer in Arlington. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s spirited “Overture 1812” complete with the cannons of The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). This annual must-see musical extravaganza offers a musical program of traditional band music with vocal highlights and Herald Trumpet fanfare. This free performance will be held on Fort Myer’s Summerall Field. No tickets required. You must present a valid photo ID at the Hatfield Gate located on Washington Blvd (Rt. 27) and Second St. If you do not have a DOD ID, your vehicle will be searched upon entry. IDs will also be checked for walk-on patrons. usarmyband.com LEFT: Lt. Col. Andrew Esch conducting Tchaikovsky’s Overture 1812. Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Army Band

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Capital Dragon Boat Regatta

The DC Dragon Boat Club is hosting a Capital Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Gangplank Marina in SW. Races are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a beer garden and a 17 ft jumbo screen from which to view the races. Read more at capitaldragonboat.com. The sport of dragon boating is more than 2000 years old, but attracts more and more people across the globe each year including approximately 90,000 paddlers in the U.S. and Canada according to the International Dragon Boat Federation. The emphasis on teamwork is a highlight of dragon boating, challenging 22 people to work in unison to compete in races of 200 meters to 2 kilometers in length. The DC Dragon Boat Club promotes individual and community participation in the sport of dragon boating. They encourage awareness and stewardship of the area’s waterways through programs that foster physical fitness, camaraderie, and leadership skills. dcdragonboat.org.

Symbols of Honor: Heraldry and Family History in Shakespeare’s England at the Folger

Discover the colorful world of heralds and their rivals, all competing to profit from the craze for coats of arms that seized England during the reign of Elizabeth I. In this show you will see pedigrees and family trees, books explaining heraldry’s complex rules, manuscripts illustrating actual coats of arms, and documents written by professional heralds seeking to regulate heraldic practise in a fast-changing society. Exceptional treasures include the original drafts of William Shakespeare’s own coat of arms. At the Folger Shakespeare Library through Oct. 26. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. folger.edu RIGHT: William Smith. Alphabet or blazon of arms. Manuscript, 1597. Image: Courtesy of Folger Shakespeare Library

Phillips After 5

Phillips after 5 is a lively mix of art and entertainment, including live music, food, and cash bar, on the first Thursday evening of every month, 5-8:30 p.m. On Aug. 7, American summer at the Phillips continues with classic American cuisine through a moveable feast of food trucks, live Bluegrass music, and a bourbon tasting. On Sept. 4, celebrate the art of slowing down. Reservations are strongly advised for this popular event but tickets are also available at the door. Tickets are $12 ($10 for students and seniors). 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org LEFT: Phillips after 5, first Thursdays at The Phillips Collection. Photo: The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC

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H H H

calendar

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AUGUST

Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Band

nAVy BAnD “concertS on tHe AVenue.” tuesdays, 7:30 PM. uS navy Memorial. the united States navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. 7th and Penn. Ave. nw. 202-737-2300. www.navymemorial.org

SPeciAL eVentS Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings through Aug 29 (no parade July 4). Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw. usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), 8th and I sts. SE. 202-¬433¬-4073. 2014 Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer. Wednesdays through Aug 20 , 7:00 PM with pre¬ceremony pageantry starting at 6:45 PM. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hour¬long sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial

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Photo: Courtesy of Lucky Strike Bowling

Lucky Strike Bowling Sunday-Thursday, noon-1:00 AM; Friday-Saturday, noon-2:00 AM. DC’s only bowling alley, Lucky Strike DC is a 21,000 sq ft venue located in Gallery Place on the second floor. It features 14 state-of-the-art lanes, three tournament-quality billiard tables and a 50-foot bar. After 8:00 PM, you must be 21 or older. Have ID. Gallery Place, 701 7th St, NW. 202-347-1021. www.bowlluckystrike.com

times to the soldier of the future. Summerall Field on historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. twilight.mdw. army.mil The BIG Maze at the National Building Museum. Through Sept 1. The Museum, in partnership with BIG¬Bjarke Ingels Group, will create a never¬before¬seen large¬scale maze for the Museum’s historic home. Soaring 18 feet high and measuring 61 feet by 61 feet, the birch plywood structure will boast a series of twists and turns for visitors to weave through and explore. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202¬-272¬-2448. nbm.org Post Game Fireworks at Nat’s Park. Aug 15. Watch from inside the park or anywhere you can see the top of the park. washington.nationals.mlb.com Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week. Aug 15-24. 60+ restaurants throughout Alexandria, VA, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle and the West End offer $35 three-course meals or $35 dinners for two. 703-7463301. AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com Library of Congress National Book Festival. Aug 30, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM. This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions well

www.bjonsax.tv Also available at:

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into the evening. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, enjoy special entertainment, and stay up late for special new graphic novel, poetry and film programs. Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

OUTDOOR MUSIC AND MOVIES Rock and Roll Hotel Rooftop Movies. Sundays, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Join them on their rooftop deck for Sunday night movies shown on their massive projection screen. Happy hour specials all throughout the night, including on our frozen drinks and wings. The rooftop deck has plenty of seating available, but feel free to bring a beach chair and settle in. Free popcorn. rockandrollhoteldc.com NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays through Aug 20. Movies start at dark and are screened with subtitles. Aug 13, The Sandlot; Aug 20, rain date movie. Movies shown at the field at 2nd and L Sts. NE. Coolers, children and friendly (leashed) dogs are welcome. nomasummerscreen.org Fort Dupont Summer Concert. Aug 9, 7:00-¬9:00 PM, park opens at 4:00 PM. Lawn seating. The main driving entrances to the park are Fort Davis Dr. and Ridge Rd.; Fort Davis Dr. and Massachusetts Ave.; and Randle Circle and Fort Dupont Dr. nps.gov/fodu Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Weekdays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays and Thursdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Canal Park Outdoor Film Series. Thursday nights (movies begin at sundownaround 8:45 PM). 2014 theme is “It’s a Whole New Ballgame,” and includes sports¬related movies of all kinds. Aug

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Photo courtesy Art Enables

Art Enables Annual Inventory Sale Opening reception, Aug 9, 1:00-4:00 PM. Features 50% off selected art and 10% off new animal-themed works. Show and sale closes Sept 5. Art Enables is a studio and gallery for emerging artists with developmental disabilities. Their chance to make art comes through Art Enables. 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE. 202-554-9455. art-enables.org 14, A League of Their Own; Aug 21, The Blind Side; and Sept 4, Moneyball. Movies shown in northern block of Canal Park, 2nd and “Eye” Sts. SE. yardspark.org Lunchtime Music on the Mall. Tuesdays and Thursdays in summer, noon¬1:30 PM. Music performed on the National Mall by the Smithsonian Metro Station, at 12th St. and Jefferson Dr. SW. Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays, through Aug 29 (rain or shine, except July 4), 5:00¬-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas¬style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202¬-289¬3360. nga.gov Friday Night Live at National Harbor. Fridays through Sept 19, 6:00¬-9:00 PM. Performances include local and nationally¬touring bands playing a variety of genres: pop, rock, soul, funk, blues, country and jazz. nationalharbor.com Free Summer Outdoor Concerts at Strathmore. Wednesdays, through Aug 20, 7:00 PM. Parking is in the Metro garage for $5 with Metro SmarTrip card or ma-

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jor credit card; enter off Tuckerman Lane. Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. strathmore.org

MUSIC Music at 9:30. Aug 9, The Deadmen and Vandaveer; Aug 13, Agnes Obel; Aug 15, Feed Me’s Psychedelic Journey With Teeth; Aug 19, The Strypes; Aug 22, Hot In Herre: 2000’s Dance Party with DJ’s Will Eastman and Brian Billion of No Scrubs; Aug 23, Big Star’s Third: An Orchestrated Live Performance of the Legendary Album; Aug 24, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic; Aug 30, M.H. & His Orchestra, The Walking Sticks and Black Masala; Sept 4, Heffron Drive; Aug 5, Jamie XX; Aug 6, Bob Mould. 815 V St. NW. 877¬435¬-9849. 930.com Music at Ebenezers. Aug 9, Arsena Schroeder; Aug 10, Adam Burrows; Aug 14, Kirsten Arian, Rob Williams, Tom Bertram; Aug 16, Matt Wheeler; Aug 21, Ryan Aderrey, Elle Carpenter, John Schmitt; Aug 23, Chris Monaghan; Aug 29, Kwesi K and Michael Coleman. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-¬558-¬6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Music at The Howard. Aug 9, Project Pat &The Backyard Band; Aug 10, Ed Motta; Aig 14, RnB Revue; Aug 15-16, Eric Roberson; Aug 17, A Drag Salute to the Divas 2nd Anniversary Show; Aug 20, Maxi Priest; Aug 21, Dave Weckl Acoustic Band; Aug 22, Chuck Brown Band; Aug 23-25, Savion Glover; Aug 26, Third World; Sept 5, Mary Mary.

Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-¬803¬-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Music at Black Cat. Aug 14, Beverly; Aug 15, Delorean; Aug 16, Right Round; Aug 17, Kill Lincoln; Aug 19, GNGR; Aug 20, X; Aug 21, Sahbazz Palaces; Aug 22, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars; Aug 23 Bishop Allen; Aug 24, Dead Gaze; Aug 27, Windhand; Aug 28, The Polyphonic Spree; Aug 30, Eighties Mayhem; Aug 31, Spoonboy; Sept 3, Pree; Sept 4, Buzzcocks. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com HR 57 Weekly Jam Sessions. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 PM¬midnight. Friday and Saturdays, 9:00 PM¬-1:00 AM, featured performances. BYOB on Wednesday and Thursday only. Since 1993 HR¬57 has provided a place where aspiring musicians gather to learn the history and cultures of the genres of jazz and blues. It’s a venue for the exchange of ideas and information between aspiring and professional musicians, students, aficionados and the general public. $8. 1007 H St. NE. 202-253-0044. hr57.org Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but a free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202¬-347¬-2635. epiphanydc.org Sunday Gospel Brunch Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. Every Sunday, 12:30¬-2:00 PM. $30-¬$45. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202¬-803-¬2899. thehowardtheatre.com

Aug 19-¬31. Each summer, the Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a series of free Shakespeare performances. shakespearetheatre.org Yentl at Theater J. Aug 28-Oct 5. As a girl in 19th Century Eastern Europe, Yentl is forbidden to pursue her dream of studying Talmud. Unwilling to accept her fate, she disguises herself as a man. But when she falls in love, Yentl must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her identity. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494-¬8497.

SPORTS AND FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball. Aug 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Games at Nat’s Park. Tickets, $10, up. washington.nationals.mlb.com Washington Mystics Basketball. Aug 13 and 16. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com/mystics DC United at RFK. Aug 17, 8:00 PM vs. Colorado; Aug 20, 8:00 PM vs. Waterhouse FC; Aug 31, 2:30 PM vs. New York. RFK Stadium. dcunited.com Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month at noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703¬-505¬-3567. dcroadrunners.org Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Oct 5. Registration now open. 703¬-587--4321. wilsonbridgehalf.com

THEATER Stupid Fucking Bird at Woolly. Through Aug 17. An aspiring young director rampages against the art created by his mother’s generation. A nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be. Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net

Marine Corps Marathon Registration. Register online at marinemarathon.com. Marathon is Sunday, Oct 26.

SALES AND MARKETS Bloomingdale Farmers Market. Sundays, 9:00 AM¬1:00 PM. First and R Sts. NW.

The Fall of the House of Usher: A New Musical. Through Aug 24. $20, $15 for students. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. pallastheatre.org

CityCenter DC Farmers Market. Tuesdays through Oct 28, 11:00 AM-2:30 PM. Located at The Park at CityCenter at the corner of 10th and I Sts. NW.

Scena Theater’s Shining City at the Atlas. Aug 9-Sept 21. Dubliner John is convinced he sees his dead wife. He visits Ian, a fledgling therapist with his own troubles. Shining City examines the impulsive choices we make and their haunting effects on our lives. Atlas performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202¬-399¬-7993. atlasarts.org

Randall Community Center Yard Sales. Aug 16, 10:00 AM¬-4:00 PM. Table space is free. Call 202¬-554-¬6973. Randall is at So. Capitol and I Sts. SW.

Rorschach Theatre’s She Kills Monsters at the Atlas. Aug 15-Sept 14. It’s the 1990s in suburban Ohio and Tilly lives among the most fearsome creatures known to man: American high school students. Atlas performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-¬399¬-7993. atlasarts.org Sunday in the Park with George at Signature. Aug 15Sept 21. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. off I¬395 at the Shirlington exit (#6). signature-theatre.org Shakespeare Theatre Free For All “The Winter’s Tale”.

U Street Flea. Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-¬5:00 PM. The U Street Flea features a diverse mix of art, crafts, fashion, jewelry, imports, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and more. The market is in the parking lot, next to Nellie’s Sports Bar (three blocks east of U Street Metro), at 912 U St. NW. ustreetflea.com Clarendon Night Market. Alternate Saturdays, May 17¬Oct 25, 3:00¬-9:00 PM. It features a diverse mix of art, crafts, fashion, jewelry, imports, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and more. Bistro lights will be strung among the tents creating a festive evening shopping bazaar. It is in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, 3140 N. Washington Blvd. at the intersection of Washington, Wilson and

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Clarendon Blvds in North Arlington, VA. ClarendonMarket.com Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays. Set up (depending on the weather) after 10:00 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD Union Market. Tuesday¬-Friday, 11:00 AM¬-8:00 PM; Saturday¬Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, yearround food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 5th St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-¬7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM¬-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-¬5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM¬-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202¬-698-¬5253. easternmarketdc.com Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM¬-1:00 PM. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202¬-362¬-8889. freshfarmmarket.org

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out and about

+ Dining

by Jonathan Bardzik

DC Al Fresco in an Uncommonly Cool Summer

t the risk of insensitivity to the very real issues in the world, the most talked about news in DC this summer is the weather. My husband Jason recently elbowed me in the ribs, asking, “Did I just hear someone say, ‘I need a light jacket tonight? In July?’” These weeks of temperate days, and nights spent sleeping with the windows open have produced a Washington, DC miracle. Jason, who usually condemns me to sitting out DC’s finest weather in the dark, air-conditioned corners of restaurants, has finally emerged to sit in the open air on patios and rooftops.

Impala:

Go for the Corn, Stay for the Pulled Pork

We recently crossed H Street, after a drink or two on the roof of the Rock ’n’ Roll Hotel, to the recently opened Impala (1358 H St. NE). Before reaching the door, we bumped into four friends walking out, each of whom said, “Try the corn.” Sold. Walking out onto Impala’s cozy side patio, we bumped into owner Troy Hickman. “What should we order?” I asked. “Make sure you get the corn,” he replied. 18 u midcitydcnews.com

You know what? We got the corn

You may have had elote before, grilled corn rolled in chile powder and cotija - Mexico’s mild version of feta. It’s the perfect street food and Impala’s got it right. Grilled with just a bit of char, clean, sharp heat and rich, creamy cheese. The other thing we noticed was how fresh the cilantro tasted. In fact, dish after dish, all four of us at the table commented on the freshness of ingredient after ingredient from the perfectly citrus “cured” fish in the ceviche, and the pickled onion and veggies on the Jason’s amazing pulled pork sandwich. Whoever is sourcing ingredients for Impala is working overtime and it’s paying off in a big way. What to order? The shrimp tacos started sweet and delivered a beautiful, slow build to spicy heat. The chicken enchiladas were tender and rich with delicate corn tortillas that could only be handmade. The Margaritas, made classically with freshsqueezed lime juice, tequila and triple-sec are light and refreshing without the typical sugary hit you know will deliver tomorrow morning’s headache. The one fail? Tofu tacos. This could be my fault. I just don’t like tofu, unless it’s fried. But I’ll raise a

Owners Fiona Lewis and Ben Friedman opened District Fishwife at Union Market to offer fellow Northeast residents the quality seafood they themselves had struggled to find. Fishmonger and 30-year commercial fishing veteran Peter Martone sending home happy, seafood-laden customers from Union Market’s District Fishwife.

glass to any restaurant that offers multiple vegetarian and vegan options that go beyond throwing some undercooked vegetables over pasta.

Steel Plate:

Go for the Wings Stay for the Duck Tacos

While the upstairs deck at Steel Plate (3523 12th St NE) doesn’t open until this fall, I con-

Ethiopian spiced Doro Wat wings at Brookland’s Steel Plate are so tender the meat starts falling off the bone as you grab them from the plate.

Brookland’s Steel Plate makes Kosher cool with potato “tots” served up with horseradish, dill cream.

vinced Jason to sit on a sidewalk bench while we waited for friends. On a cool, summer night, Brookland’s 12th Street retail district feels like a small town, including friendly greetings from neighbors and a steady flow in and out of its growing community of restaurants. Once inside, I was tempted by almost everything on the menu, an experience I have not had in a long time. Our friends had eaten at Steel Plate twice in the last week. I took their word that the fried chicken and dumplings was amazing, and we set out to cover new territory. An entire table of food later we had a good feel for the restaurant. Order the Doro Wat chicken wings. The spice blend is mellow yet complex with warm cinnamon, that still lets the chicken shine through. They are so tender that the meat begins to fall from the bones as you try to pick them up. Jason’s grilled cheese with Jarlsberg was crisply pan-fried and comforting, the cheese delivering just the right bite. Our waiter’s suggestion to “add the bacon” was dead on. In fact, add their applewood smoked bacon to everything! The “tots” were a bit of surprise, dense with a super crisp exterior, served with a horseradish-dill cream. I tweeted “Kosher just got hip” as we quickly downed the entire delicious plate of latkes. Biting into the duck tacos we “highfived” Steel Plate’s decision to use crisp, fried corn taco shells. The duck was rich and tender and the toppings - crème fraïche and jicama were cool and refreshing.

My Back Yard:

Cme for the Company, Stay for Fresh Seafood from District Fishwife

This past Thursday night, my backyard was the place to be. The grill was hot, the weather was cool and the beers were cheap. Most importantly, I had a beautiful, thick, meaty piece of snakehead on the grill. It arrived there at the recommendation of Fiona Lewis, the owner of Union Market’s (unionmarketdc.com, 1309 5th St NE) new fish counter, The District Fishwife (thedistrictfishwife.com). An Australian native, Fiona grew up fishing with her dad. After a ten year stint in Asia, she moved to Afghanistan working for USAID, where she met her husband, and business partner, Ben Friedman. “There wasn’t much fresh fish there, as you can imagine,” Fiona chuckles. Planning their move to DC, Ben said “there should be plenty of good fish, we’re close enough to the coast.” When they arrived, Fiona found that good, fresh fish, while available, was not easy to come by and certainly not in Northeast DC. A visit to Union Market set her plan in motion and

ultimately delivered a piece of incredibly fresh, bow and arrow hunted, snakehead fish to my backyard. Fiona’s case, with fish cleaned and cut by fishmonger and 30-year-veteran commercial fisherman Peter Martone, is beautiful. The fish is fresh, moist and bright, and while her top-grade tuna will cost you as much as a good steak, it’s amazing and worth every penny. There are plenty of “weeknight budget” options like blue catfish and snakehead. Blue catfish, Fiona tells me, is the most predatory of the species and caught wild for a cleaner flavor than the bottom-feeding, farm-raised fish we’re used to from the grocery store. How did the snakehead come out? Fiona said, “Usually with white fish, it’s so delicate that I sear the skin and move it off the coals to finish cooking the flesh, but snakehead is meaty enough to throw right on the grate.” She was right. It was firm, and simply seasoned with salt, pepper and a light rub of olive oil. On the table, again at Fiona’s suggestion, I sprinkled it with chopped thyme. Dead on delicious!

Montmartre:

Come for the Patio Stay for the Corn Soup

It’s my favorite sidewalk patio in DC with a menu that always delivers an amazing meal. Montmartre (montmartredc.com, 327 7th St SE), just down the block from Eastern Market on 7th St SE is a true treasure. Their menu is seasonal and delivers perfectly prepared French provincial food meal after meal, year after year. This week, on a July day in the high 70’s, I tasted their summer corn soup, garnished with shrimp and rich as a bowl of ice cream. The texture was delicate and the flavor incredible. Find a reason, any reason, and go. Happy Summer! I’m not ready to place bets on this weather continuing through August, but until the heat returns, I will take every chance I get to sit outside for one wonderful DC meal after another. Happy summer! Jonathan Bardzik is a cook, storyteller and author living in Eckington. Known for his weekly, live cooking demos at Eastern Market (Saturdays from March to November), Jonathan loves cooking fresh ingredients as much as seeking them out in DC’s growing restaurant scene. His first cookbook, Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease is available now (and would make a wonderful gift!). Grab a copy and find out what Jonathan is cooking at www.jonathanbardzik.com or his Facebook page “What I Haven’t Cooked Yet.” Need some foodporn? Follow @JonathanBardzik on Twitter and Instagram. u Midcity DC | August 2014 u 19

out and about

+ Shopping

R ETAIL THER APY

by Mariessa Terrell

t’s HOT out there. Yet we remain stylishly undaunted. MidCity DC retailers as usual provide an anecdote for even the toughest fashion emergency. This month, we recommend a few novel ways to build a fashion arsenal, white out your worries and remain the coolest one in the room. Simone Butterfly to the rescue.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Metallic Grey Knit Sleeveless Pullover & Iridescent Nine West Strappy Sandals from Crossroads Trading Company.

STYLE UP

When Michaela Bercu appeared on the cover of American Vogue wearing a $10,000 bejeweled Christian Lacroix couture pullover and a pair of stone washed Guess blue jeans, fashion enthusiasts throughout the world let out a collective squeal. This remarkable photo styled by fashion editor, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, signaled the acceptance of a new “high/low” fashion movement. Today, 26 years later, real fashion credibility is earned not just by donning the latest designer ensemble, but by stylishly mashing up designer items with low cost or no cost pieces. Crossroads Trading Company, one of the newest resale clothing stores in MidCity makes it easy and affordable for any fashion leader to build a veri-

20 u midcitydcnews.com

table style arsenal. For the most urbane and surprising high/low fashion combinations, I recommend a strategy of “shopping now and styling later.” On a recent visit to Crossroads, I snagged a pair of strappy Nine West iridescent rainbow pumps along with a metallic knit pullover both for less than $40. By themselves they are marvelous. But, when paired with a pair of Vuitton 2015 Cruise collection high-waisted slightly flaring pink trousers, they are magic. Crossroads Trading Company, 2015 14th St. NW.

TIP OVER

Wearing a bold nail is an easy and affordable way to modernize the most staid of looks. It is not surprising then that beauty leaders like MAC Cosmetics are expanding their nail game to include textured, smoky and even crystal infused lacquers. As shown on the Spring/

Inky ModGirl French Tip Manicure at Blu Nail Spa. Frozen Strawberry Swirl Margarita for Slow Sipping at Lauriol Plaza. All photos by Kristopher Johnson, restyling by Alexander McSwain, Reachaven.

Summer 2014 runways, there are a number of ways to wear “embellished white,” the hot (non) color of the moment. Kate Spade prefers her models in milky stiletto nails featuring a band of sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. Whereas Charlotte Ronson favors evenly spaced black polka dots over two coats of french tip polish. A self proclaimed #modgirl, I likewise embrace the “white out” going on around me. But still I remain loyal to my fav, the YSL Black Tuxedo polish launched for Holiday 2011. As a result my August nail candy compromise created by Jane at Blue Nail Spa pairs an OPI Alpine White base with a Black Onyx tip for an inky reverse french manicure. With another pair of strip lashes, I could almost be Polly Magool. Blue Nail Spa, 1339 14th Street, NW.

COOL OFF

Fashion veterans prefer not to simply survive August in DC. Instead we want to “slay” by consistently arriving perfectly coifed despite the heat index. Being the cool spot in the room requires some planning though. Obviously natural fibers help. But frosty libations imbibed just prior to wilting ensures that the 8 a.m. you is till recognizable way past 10 p.m. Whenever you’re hot and in MidCity, consider slow sipping a frozen strawberry swirl margarita: tequila back optional. Lauriol Plaza, 1835 18th St NW. Fashion attorney Mariessa Terrell, aka Simone Butterfly, Fashion Investigator, does her sleuthing at www.simonebutterfly.com and @ SimoneBtrfly. Special thanks to Kristopher Johnson, photographer and Senior Associate Editor, Raine magazine and Alexander McSwain of Reachaven for their assistance. u Midcity DC | August 2014 u 21

out and about

+ Fitness

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Ballet =

Subtle, Yet Strong

by Jazelle Hunt

Arabesque offers ample leg work. Photo: Jazelle Hunt. 22 u midcitydcnews.com

he Epic Yoga DC studio feels like someone’s home. For starters, the spaces are basically a collection of empty living rooms and dens with fireplaces, wall-to-wall hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls. But there’s something calm about the space–genuinely, not in that contrived, Buddha-décor way. With the high ceilings, daylight falling in from floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights every few feet, and gently diffused scent of vanilla, I found it easy to clear my mind. The class quickly filled to capacity with 18 women in their mid twenties and thirties. None seemed to be yoga gurus or professional dancers. Few brought their own mat. There were a handful of first-timers. As I stretched on my own, I noticed how tight my legs were, and I also noticed the sounds of a bar event below–but I would soon forget all about these concerns. Epic Yoga’s Yoga Centre Barre class is a stimulating blend of power yoga and ballet that reveals every weak muscle with simple, but challenging moves. Interestingly, we did not use the barre at all. “I purposefully call it ‘Centre Barre Yoga’ because my intention is to offer a yoga practice. So I rarely use the barre, “ says Emma Saal, instructor and studio director (and co-founder). “If too many students are moving back and forth from barre to mat, it changes the flow of the class.” Yoga is definitely the cornerstone–class begins with Child’s pose and moves through a modified Sun Salutation, among other mainstays. There’s the ballet layer–there’s lots of arabesque and relevé (standing on tiptoe), for example. And then there’s the cardio and strengthening layer–the flow is robust and incrementally difficult. This is where the class gets you, as the repetitive series build upon themselves. Take the aforementioned Sun Salutation, for example. In the middle of it, there was a transition from plank to Downward

Dog. After the second rep, side planks were thrown in between them. The next time introduced the Flip Dog. It’s supposed to look something like the Wheel pose (which I described as a doubledover Slinky in the March issue); except, Flip Dog largely relies on one hand and foot for support. My attempt looked more like unfortunate break dancing. And still, the next rep exchanged the Flip Dog for a Tree pose-side plank. These side plank shenanigans were not my forte. And by the end of class, I exactly knew which of my muscles needed the most work. “You have to take your time–I think the class builds,” says Natalia Wilson, an Arlington resident and Epic Yoga regular. “If you start out a little too tough on yourself, you’ll really feel it.” Priya Guar, another regular who lives in Columbia Heights agrees. “That build can be challenging. By the last set it’s really hard, in terms of strength,” she says. “But Emma’s so down-to-earth and friendly, I can be at ease in her class, and I don’t feel I have to be better at yoga than I am. She’s very come-as-you-are.” Saal seems to take a very communal approach as an instructor. Instead of cooing orders from the front of the room or walking around correcting postures, she fully participates alongside participants. If not for her steady stream of instruction and strong, graceful precision, it would be hard to tell, at a glance, who was leading the class–except for last year, when she instructed while pregnant. (Her son is now 7 months old, and she’s back in step with everyone). Participants do not need a dance or yoga background, but a bit of yoga experience is helpful since the transitions are seamless. Even so, Saal does acknowledge newcomers and inquire about their experience levels at the outset. It is worth noting that this class may be tough on knees and ankles, but modifications are available to avoid joint stress—and Saal asks about physical limitations as well. “I really love [this class]. It’s a great way to connect to the community,” she says, adding that she believes the ballet element adds fun and artistry. “It’s a graceful practice, and it turns into performance because we’re all here, side by side working together. There’s a sense of closeness.” Speaking of community and closeness—have you ever been part of a class

full of people doing Kegels in unison? Yeah, that happened. Participants can expect other benefits in addition to a strong pelvic floor. Saal says Center Barre targets the core and lower body, but can also improve balance, strength, tone, flexibility, and posture over time. Guar says, “I’ve been coming on and off since March. I definitely feel more toned, and my yoga practice has improved.” Wilson has found additional value in the classes, which she joined to manage residual tension from a major car accident. Her primary physician suggested yoga, so she purchased a class package from a deal site. “I never used to exercise before buying that 10-pack, and it took me

, ,

, .

r h n

Instructor and studio director, Emma Saal and her son after class. Photo: Jazelle Hunt.

a while to complete it. But I find [Center Barre] has had huge benefits. It really did help,” she says. “I feel a whole lot better when I leave.” I can relate. Saal’s class was challenging enough to make me sore in several places for the next two days, yet tame enough to make me appreciate the painan epic feat indeed. Center Barre Yoga—one of four yoga barre classes at this studio—is at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Mondays at Epic Yoga DC (1323 Connecticut Ave. NW). The class is $18 to drop in; $150 for a 10-class pack; or $365 for a 30-class pack. Monthly memberships (with and without contract) are available; and first-time guests can try an unlimited weeklong membership for $20, or an unlimited month for $50. Visit www. epicyogadc.com or call 202-833-5914 for more information. u Midcity DC | August 2014 u 23

your neighborhood

+ Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Streetcars Moved to H/Benning and Enforcement Begins

WeWork Wonder Bread Factory Building. Photo: Monica Buitrago

Latino Economic Development Center Moves to Shaw

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will relocate its DC office at 2316 18th St. NW to the WeWork Wonder Bread Factory in the Shaw neighborhood at 641 S St. NW. LEDC’s mission is to drive the economic and social advancement of low- to moderate-income Latinos and other D.C. area residents by equipping them with the skills and tools to achieve financial independence. In February of this year, WeWork established their first location in Chinatown and launched their second location in a repurposed Wonder Bread Factory, in March. The two DC locations are accompanied by 17 additional locations in New York City, SanFrancisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Boston. WeWork is a community for creators, transforming buildings into collaborative workspaces that provide infrastructure, services, events and technology so members can focus on growing their businesses. The move to the WeWork Wonder Bread Factory location is on trend with DC’s recent initiatives on creating and fostering collaborative work spaces.

DDOT has moved four streetcars to the H St. and Benning Rd. NE corridor. At no time prior have four vehicles been on the corridor at once. These vehicles will now continue System Integration Testing and operator training in advance of passenger service, which is expected later this year. Pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists are advised to use caution as they travel through the corridor during testing and training activities. DPW has begun ticketing and towing vehicles that are parked in such a way as to impede the path of the streetcar, including cars parked outside of the white lines and illegally double-parked vehicles. The fine for vehicles blocking the path of the streetcar is $100. At DPW’s discretion, vehicles may also be towed to clear the streetcar’s path and then relocated within the immediate neighborhood. For more information about DC Streetcar, please visit dcstreetcar.com.

August’s Books & Bars

Join DC Public Library librarians on the third Wednesday of each month at a neighborhood bar for a modern¬-day book club. Books & Bars is a book club that promises great food, drinks, a comfortable atmosphere, and great discussion on today’s most intriguing books. On Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Books & Bars will be discussing The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson at Bistro D’oc, 518 10th St. NW across Ford’s Theater. Arrive early at 6:30 p.m. for socializing; book discussion will begin at 7 p.m. To ensure seating for all, let the organizers know to expect you. For further information and to RSVP, contact Kari Mitchell at kari.mitchell@dc.gov.

“Crossroads” Mural Dedicated

On July 26, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and Words Beats & Life hosted a ded24 u midcitydcnews.com

Midcity DC | August 2014 u 25

President and CEO of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership speaks on the subject of market trends of DC restaurants at last year’s forum.

DCRA Entree Food and Drink Forum

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Small Business Resource Center will host its second “Entrée Food & Drink Forum” on Aug. 25, 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This year’s event will include breakout sessions devoted to catering, vending, delis, bakeries, and restaurants to offer support to a broader array of stakeholders. District government subject-matters experts will be on hand to provide overviews of the regulatory process in areas like for business licensure, zoning, sidewalk cafes, and alcohol and beverage licensure and to answer any questions attendees might have. To register, go to entreedc.com. For additional assistance, call 202-442-4538.

ication for the recently finished “Crossroads” mural. The mural is at 1876 4th St. NE. The “Crossroads” mural, by Coby Kennedy, Daniel Hopkins, and Cita Sadeli, is a collaborative project between the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities and is the inaugural mural for the Red Line Mural Project, an initiative of Words Beats & Life. To create the mural, three master artists worked with nine young apprentices, ages 12-23, from the Words Beats & Life arts and management program, Fine Lines. “Crossroads” runs along the Metro Branch Trail along the Red WMATA Metrorail line.

DPR Alerts

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is offering text/email message alert updates to include facility closures, field updates, weather updates, etc. Fill out the form at dpr.dc.gov/page/dpralerts.

DPW Suspends Residential Street Sweeping in Bloomingdale on Certain Blocks

Weekly mechanical sweeping of certain residential blocks in Bloomingdale will be suspended through the end of residential street sweeping season, Oct. 31, while DC Water’s First Street Tunnel construction project is underway. As a result, DPW also will 26 u midcitydcnews.com

not issue parking tickets to vehicles that remain parked in these blocks during posted street sweeping days. The affected area encompasses the northern half of Bloomingdale bounded by and including the unit block of Channing St. NW on the far north, the 2000-2400 blocks of No. Capitol St. NW on the east, the unit and 100 blocks of Rhode Island Ave. NW on the south, the 1900-2200 blocks of 2nd St. NW on the west, the 100 block of Bryant St. NW on the north, and the 2400 block of First St. NW connecting back to Channing. Other blocks within that perimeter that will be affected include the 100 block of Thomas, the unit and 100 blocks of U, V, W, Adams, and Bryant, the 1900-2300 block of First, and the 2000 to 2200 blocks of Flagler Place.

New Photography Exhibit by Anthony Palliparambil, Jr.

The NoMa BID and the Washington Project for the Arts present a new photography exhibition by Anthony Palliparambil, Jr. in the Lobby Project at 1200 First St. NE, through the end of August. In this exhibit From the Archives, Anthony Palliparambil, Jr. uses images from his personal archive of photographs and edits them using only software and applications on an iPad. The idea is that in a matter of seconds,

you can take a photograph, apply a vintage-effect filter, and post it for millions to view. Interested in exploring this approach to “fast art” in an original way, Palliparambil regularly shares the images on various social media platforms to encourage feedback from an international audience, and invites his followers to submit photographs from their own archives to be transformed into new works – creating art from art. From the Archives features 280 works created from the collective archives of Anthony Palliparambil, Jr., and his followers. Palliparambil is a painter and photographer from Bowie, Md.

DIY Network Casting Homes in DC

The DIY Network TV show ‘I Want That’ which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. is casting in the DC/ MD/VA area. They are looking for attractive men, women, and families. Participation is simple and free. They need your address and contact information, photos of you and your family, photos of your home (interior and exterior) and your availablity in August. Email iwtcasting@gmail.com with submissions or questions.

New Permit Allows On-Premise Consumption at DC Breweries

A permit is now available to District brewer-

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directly after the 5k race. You won’t want to miss this historic 5k amongst the graves of many of the key players in the War of 1812. Registration is $40 and includes a t-shirt. The untimed kids fun run is $10. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.

ies that will allow customers to purchase and drink the brewery’s beer while visiting the facility. The new law is a provision of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2014 that took effect July 15. Under the Manufacturer Tasting Permit Emergency Amendment Act of 2014, a brewery can apply for an on-site sales and consumption permit with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. The permit would allow customers to purchase and consume beer-brewed at the brewery--while on the licensed premises from 1-9 p.m., seven days a week. The annual fee for the permit is $1,000. ABRA is now accepting and processing permit applications.

Connect.DC Technology Scavenger Hunt

Digital Drop in at MLK Library

Every Tuesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m., the MLK Library services staff offer digital tips and lunchtime demonstrations of the new devices and step-by-step instructions on how to download books, music and movies from the library’s website. You can bring your own device or take a look at theirs. Got an issue with technology? Let them troubleshoot. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk

Flee the British 5k and Kids Fun Run

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the burning of Washington, Congressional Cemetery is hosting the Flee the British 5k on Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 a.m. Chase Dolley Madison as she rescues the famed portrait of George Washington from the flames, and feel what it’s like to have the British on your heels as you scurry to the finish line. Bring the family and join them for a 2k Kids Run that begins 28 u midcitydcnews.com

Bicycle air pump outside NoMa/Gallaudet Metro Station, M Street side. Photo: Kathleen Donner

NoMa BID Installs New Bike Repair Facility and Pumps

To serve cycling traffic from the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the new cycle track on First St. NE, the NoMa BID has installed a bright orange FIXIT station, an outdoor, tamper-resistant repair station that includes all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. The FIXIT station is located just off the Metropolitan Branch Trail ramp on M St. NE, under the underpass and across from the M St. entrance to the NoMa/Gallaudet U Metro station. The NoMa BID has also installed five, tamper-resistant, bright orange air pumps at the following locations: 1st and M Sts. NE, northwest corner of the intersection; M St. NE, off the Met Branch Trail ramp next to the new Fixit Station; 3rd and L Sts. NE, southeast corner of the intersection; 1st St. NE, just south of K St. NE, adjacent to the Burnham Wall; and No. Capitol at H St. NE, adjacent to UDC. An additional location is in the works north of Florida Ave. The BID began installing the air pumps several years ago, and has sought a more weather-hardy and tamper-resistant option for these new pumps.

Join the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer and community partners on Saturday, Aug. 16 for the Connect. DC Technology Scavenger Hunt, a free Amazing Racestyle dash through the Benning/Marshall Heights and Anacostia/Hillsdale/Barry Farm areas. Although speed isn’t the main factor, participants must use technology, complete activities and plot the best route to get ahead of the pack. At the kick off and finish lines (OCTO Headquarters, 200 I St. SE / Canal Park) participants and other DC residents can engage and interact with citywide partners in the vendor area to learn about other digital citizenship-related services in the District. They’ll have entertainment, music, food and face painting. Participants must be DC residents to join the fun and be eligible for prizes. Not competing? You can still join the fun at OCTO headquarters. Read more at scavengerhunt@dc.gov

Dance Place Grand Re-Opening Community Open House

On Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.10 p.m., join them to celebrate the new and improved Dance Place. There will be free classes, performances and tours throughout the day at locations up and down 8th St NE in Brookland at Dance Place, Brookland Artspace Lofts, Edgewood Arts Center, Studio 21 and the Arts Walk at

Monroe St. Market. End the night with an energetic dance party at Dance Place led by DC Casineros. Visit danceplace.org for event schedule. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m., there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony as Dance Place officially inaugurates its renovated space and celebrates 28 years as a cultural anchor in Brookland. On Saturday, Sept. 13, 6:30-11 p.m., they celebrate their re-opening with a party and performance featuring Baakari Wilder with live jazz by Herb Spice & the Cinnamonstix, Coyaba Women & Youth Drum Ensemble, PEARSONWIDRIG DANCETHEATER and a collaborative piece choreographed by Shannon Quinn and Sylvia Soumah for ReVision dance company and Coyaba Dance Theater. There will be a new commissioned work choreographed by Dance Place’s Co-Director Deborah Riley in honor of Howard and Geraldine Polinger. Tickets are $150 ($125 tax deductible donation). Dance Place is at 3225 8th St. NE. 202-2691608. danceplace.org

“The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom” Exhibition Opens

The Library of Congress will open “The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom” on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The exhibition will highlight the legal and legislative challenges and victories leading to its passage, shedding light on the individuals--both prominent leaders and private citizen--who participated in the decades-long campaign for equality. Located in the Southwest Gallery on the second level of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE, the year-long exhibition is free and open to the public Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. It closes on Sept. 12, 2015. u

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your neighborhood

Shaw Streets by Pleasant Mann

Dacha Beer Garden Expands

Proprietors Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin of Dacha Beer Garden (1600 Seventh St. NW ) announced that they are entering into a 10-year lease on the building next door. The building (1602 Seventh St. NW ) is currently occupied by the China Express carryout. By acquiring the building, Dacha will be able to drop its earlier plans to construct a permanent structure on its existing site to support restrooms and

SwatchRoom-Designed Chaplin Interior. Photo: Pleasant Mann

Dacha Beer Garden and Future Expansion Space. Photo: Pleasant Mann

beer garden operations, allowing more outdoor space on a lot that frequently reaches capacity nowadays. The building will also provide Dacha the possibility of having all-weather, yearround operations.

Chaplin, Al Crostino Restaurants Open

Brothers Ari and Micah Wilder, who have gained a reputation for conceptualizing and opening a number of hip bars in the District, now finally have one in Shaw, on the same block where they used to live. Chaplin, which is taking over the space of the former Mandalay restaurant (1501 Ninth St. NW) opened with a commitment to interesting food and drink. The interior of the restaurant has been entirely redone with a design from Shaw’s SwatchRoom, which just happens to be located on the same block. The theme evokes old Hollywood, with a faded movie poster as a background and old-style cinema lamps lighting up the bar. The cocktails, which are all named for Charlie Chaplin films, have a wide variety of ingredients, including cryogenic helium used to make one titled “Laughing Gas.” The menu, which consists of dumplings, noodle salads and various ramen and broths, uses spices and staples from all over Asia. The upper level of the restaurant, designated the Opium Room, will be devoted to the serious drinking of exotic craft cocktails. Al Crostino, an Italian restaurant owned by the Nicolai fam30 u midcitydcnews.com

ily, previously located on U Street, has moved to Shaw (1926 Ninth St. NW). Led by Neapolitan mother Juliana in the kitchen and managed by her daughter Lina and assisted by the chef ’s sons Valentino and David, Al Crostino has an established a reputation as the place to go for the Italian equivalent of down-home cooking, featuring family recipes and pastas, sauces and desserts made in house. It joins Dino’s Grotto as the second Italian restaurant on the block.

Shaw Business Buzz Breakfasts Launched

Mayor Vincent Gray, along with interim Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Jeff Miller, came to Colombo Bank (1301 Ninth St. NW) on July 29 to headline the first Shaw Business Buzz Breakfast. The breakfast was sponsored by Shaw Main Streets to encourage neighborhood businesses and leaders to get together to discuss current neighborhood development issues and exchange information. In front of an audience of about 50 people, the Mayor described how he has tried to encourage the economic development of the District and the Shaw neighborhood. He noted the importance of creating a five-year economic development plan for the District that outlined industries to focus on and develop metrics to track the progress of the plan. For example, the

Owners Ari and Micah Wilder. Photo: Alexander Padro

District’s One City, One Job hiring program has recently surpassed its goal of 10,000 new hires. The Mayor also noted how much economic development Shaw has seen in recent years. In just the past year, he wielded the giant scissors in a series of marathon ribbon-cuttings for three new Shaw restaurants in September, then participated in the opening of five new ones in December, culminating in the recent celebration of seven new Shaw businesses in June. The recent Microsoft event at the Washington Convention Center drew 10,000 people to Shaw. City programs, such as the drive to provide EB-5 visas to foreign investors, has helped to bring millions to projects such as Shaw’s City Market at O. In his comments to the group, Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alex Padro noted that the Shaw area saw a gain of 700 new jobs in just one quarter, largely due to the opening of the Marriot Marquis and Cambria Suites ho-

Mayor Vincent Gray at the Shaw Business Buzz Breakfast. Photo: Alexander Padro

c n s e f t n o o

n d s f -

tels. At the end of the event, the Mayor suggested that the group hold a Shaw Business Breakfast Buzz every quarter.

Watha T. Daniel Library Hosts WordsOut

On Sunday afternoon, June 29, the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library hosted the first WordsOut, an event devoted to the literature and culture of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (GLBTQ) community. While the DC Public Library (DCPL) makes an effort to celebrate GLBTQ pride every year during the month of June, WordsOut was intended to focus on the current state of GLBTQ literature. Councilmember David Catania gave the opening remarks at the event, while noted novelist Manil Suri, whose works include the GLBTQ novel The City of Devi, a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, was the keynote speaker. DCPL staff also outlined how the community archives, library system databases and the Digital Commons could help participants in doing GLBTQ research and publishing. Plans are to make WordsOut an annual DCPL event. u

Bloomingdale Bites by Jazzy Wright

City Lays Out Parking Plans

The first phase of construction on the underground cistern known as the “First Street Tunnel” began this summer, and neighbors are getting adjusted to new rules for driving and parking in the area. For the next coming years, DC Water will work to mitigate floodwater as part of the 20-year Clean Rivers sewage project. Construction workers will build drop shafts that connect the First Street Tunnel to the city’s existing sewer system, and when the tunnel is completed in the spring of 2016, it will hold eight million gallons of waste and stormwater from heavy rainstorms. According to DC Water, the tunnel development will take place in several phases, the first of which will include construction on the intersection of First and V Streets NW. DC Water will temporarily remove several parking spaces and, at one point, close the intersection for two months. Next, the city will reopen the First Street roadway as a one-way street for the next following three months. DC Water plans to remove the planter tree boxes east side of the street during construction phases three and four. While Bloomingdale residents will have to change their driving habits to account for the tunnel construction, they may not have to worry too much about parking their cars in the neighborhood—DC Water established a private parking area on Bryant Street NW. Additionally, the city offers a shuttle service that takes nearby residents to and from the alternative parking lot.

DC Moves on Vacant Properties

After years of inaction, District officials are making attempts to develop blighted and vacant properties dispersed throughout the city. In July, the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development released solicitations for offers for nearly 30 abandoned properties and vacant lots located in Wards 1, 5, 7 and 8. According to a statement from the housing agency, the solicitations are an attempt to support development projects that that “promote vibrant, walkable, mixed use and income neighborhoods.” The city is seeking development offers for a cluster of seven vacant lots located near the busy North Capitol corridor, at the intersection of Florida and Q Streets NW. In the solicitation offer, the city doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that the property cluster is prime real estate: The housing agency cites that private developers have invested more than $5 billion in the 35-block area within the NoMa business improvement district boundary in the past few years. “This is a very proud moment for DHCD,” said Michael P. Kelly, DHCD Director. “When these properties and lots are developed it will eliminate blight, revitalize neighborhoods, increase tax revenue into the local economy, create jobs and housing for residents and families of all income levels suitably bolstering mixed use, vibrant and diverse communities throughout the District.” The zoning for the cluster site is split-zoned—lots 806 and 825 are zoned R-4 for low to moderate density residential development, while the remainder of the lots are zoned C-2-A, which allows residential multi-family and limited commercial development. All housing development offers will have

Mayor Gray with DC Water’s George Hawkins at a McMillan groundbreaking ceremony in June. Photo: DC Water.

to conform to housing affordability rules, which require that at least fifty-one percent of housing units in the be sold or rented to persons with annual household incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of the area median household income. The deadline for submitting proposal applications to the Department of Housing is October 10, 2014.

Bloomingdale Group Asks to Reopen Zoning Record

In July, the Bloomingdale Civic Association requested that the D.C. Zoning Commission re-open the planned unit development record related to the McMillan Sand Filtration site development, citing concerns that developer Vision McMillan Partners submitted substantial information to the Commission after the record officially closed. In comments submitted to the Zoning Commission, the Bloomingdale Civic Association lists a number of concerns they have with the developer’s Community Benefits Agreement, namely, traffic concerns, cost estimates and affordable housing issues. The civic association wrote: “From its inception, the McMillan development process has been characterized by a strategy marked by a lack of transparency in pursuit of maximum profit regardless of community input to the contrary, ‘insider’ partnerships, disregard and marginalization of legitimate community interests and concerns, and vestment of nearly all control and decision-making with the Applicants.” The Bloomingdale Civic Association asks that the Zoning Commission defer all decisions related to the McMillan planned unit development until the Community Benefits Agreement is renegotiated. u Midcity DC | July 2014 u 31

your neighborhood

Logan Circles article and photos by Mark F. Johnson

Dog Days of Summer Return

Dog Days of Summer Sales on 14th Street, NW

32 u midcitydcnews.com

August in Washington, DC these days isn’t necessarily a time when folks hibernate from the heat. From continuing outdoor film festivals, to the rush of tourists getting their last visits to historic sites and museums in and to local elementary, secondary and college students returning to school, there’s a rush of activity in town. But it wasn’t always that way! There was a time not too long ago when August was probably the quietest month of the year, in addition to being among the hottest. After all, Congress was, and still is, in recess during that month, the flow of traffic in the Metro area is certainly much easier and, quite honestly, the streets just aren’t as busy. That was the reason that Mid City Dog Days started 15 years ago as a sales gimmick to prop up cash registers at14th Street businesses that had been sagging from withering summer receipts. But these days, the population has grown as has the amount of things one can do here in town. “Stay-cations” among those with disposable travel income have increased and often people take shorter trips away from town, leaving them around more in search of fun things to do in the city. Over the years, Dog Days has turned into a sort of street party with music, an occasional dancing Chinese dragon, dunking booths, food concessions and basically an overall summer-fair-like atmosphere. And yes, the two days of discounts are still a hallmark of the Dog Days event as they were at the outset. This year’s event occurring August 2 and 3 offered discounts

from businesses including Urban Essentials, Cork, and Junction Vintage. There was also a Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) pet adoption outside City Paws and Logan Hardware on P Street. But, as U/14 has become much more filled with restaurants and bars, the retail discounts that first attracted shoppers in earlier years are not as many as they used to be, in part because many of the newer retail stores are chains and not locally-owned.

Logan Hardware to Close in Mid-August for Move

By now, many know that Logan Hardware on P Street is closing its shop near Whole Foods after years at that location. They are moving to 1734/1736 14th Street near the intersection with S, that practically doubles their former space. This means they will now be able to carry items that they were not able to carry previously like live plants, patio furniture and outdoor grills. But such a big move takes time! According to staff, the store will be closed for about a month in mid-August to prepare for the move to the new space on 14th. They plan to open in the new location by mid-September. The store’s lease at 1416 P Street has reportedly expired and there was fear that the store would close for good but then the 14th Street space popped up and I suppose you could say, Logan Hardware owners “hit the nail on the head” in deciding to move the business a few blocks around the corner and up the street.

“Controversy” Over what to do with Reeves Building Continues

To swap or not to swap, that is the question that city leaders are continuing to grapple with regarding the Reeves Municipal Center at the corner of 14th and U. Recently, neighboring residents got the opportunity to speak on it at a DC Council hearing. Mayor Vincent Gray has offered to swap land at Buzzard Point owned by developer

Akridge, for the Reeves Center, built as a municipal center for District government offices in the mid 1980s. The city would then offer the Buzzard Point property to DC United, the area’s professional soccer team, and Akridge would be free to develop the large parcel at the crossroads of U/.14 into luxury apartments and retail space on the ground level. City officials have also suggested that office space or a hotel might be included in the development. Under the deal, DC United would pay to build the stadium, but the city, similar to the set up that brought Nationals Stadium to the Southwest Waterfront seven years ago, would provide infrastructure plus tax breaks to the soccer team. The land alone is valued at about $150 million. On the other side of town, Akridge would pay the city $38 million as part of the deal to secure the Reeves Building, in addition to handing over title to the Buzzard Point land. Akridge has said they will build about 500 units of luxury apartments on the Reeves site, much in keeping with other high-end residential/retail development in the area, including Louis 14 directly across the street as well as the new construction on the east side of 14th between Wallach Pl and T Street, that houses Universal Gear and Matchbox restaurant among other, smaller retail. The 14th and U Farmers Market which occupies the corner from Memorial Day until just before Thanksgiving, has announced that it will stay at that location for at least another season.

Home Rule: All Things for the Home

In the July issue of this column, I inadvertently wrote that Home Rule, that fabulous purveyor of all things for the home, had closed when I meant to refer to its neighbor, Pulp. I regret the mistake and apologize for any confusion that the mix up might have caused. Home Rule is in fact going strong as the photos from Mid City Dog Days attest to. They are located at1807 14th St NW, DC, 202-797-5544. www.homerule.com u

July ANC6E by Steve Holton

Zoning Request Denied

Newton Street Development 3, LLC appeared before the ANC 6E Commission’s July meeting to request zoning relief to allow renovation to an existing building for residential use located at 1740 New Jersey Ave. NW. Due to long term vacancy the structure has had its challenges with water infiltrating over a foot into the building and roof damage. The current owner has proposed to develop the parcel into an eight-unit condominium. Floor plans propose a four story building with two residential units on each level. To help alleviate parking concerns the development group noted that a nearby condo unit has designated four parking spaces for potential tenants and metro and bike share discount cards will be made available to encourage occupants to use public transportation. Visitor parking will also be restricted to anyone who occupies the building. ANC 6E02 Commissioner Kevin Chapple said that area residents are against such a project that will produce dense residential occupancy to what used to be a single family home and that parking in the area is already horrendous. “I believe the property is too small of a footprint for that many residents,” said Chapple. Chapple also mentioned that parking granted by the nearby condo unit is a month-tomonth lease and there is no guarantee that parking will still be available for potential tenants in the future. The commission voted in favor of not supporting the zoning request when taken before the city and encouraged the development group to continue to work with the community to resolve the parking issue and possibly down scale the project to four or six residential units. “This is a very unusual

set of circumstances and the level of increased density that is represented by those eight units is a deal breaker,” said ANC 6E01 Chairman Alexander Padro. Representatives of Newton Street Development agreed to revise their plans and work with the commission and area residents.

Parcel 23 Project

A short list of four developers presented their plans before the commission on their respective development projects on a parcel of land located at the Southwest corner of Eight and O St. NW. Plans for each group are as follows in alphabetical order: 1) ANR Companies: Project will enhance community and family look by having a retail operation on the O St. side and community outdoor space for events and public art on the Eighth St. portion. A parking deck of 90 spaces will be constructed and 25 will be dedicated to the Immaculate Conception Church located across the street. 2) Four Points Development: 172 residential unit project with 17 units being dedicated to affordable housing. There will be a parking deck with 135 spaces with 25 of them reserved for the church. There will be two floors of retail space totaling 20,000-squarefeet. Retail space plans calls for a full service gym on the second floor a large room for community use that can also be used in partnership with the church. 3) Madison Investments: Plans call for a condominium unit with a two level parking garage with 59 spaces for residents and 25 for the church on the second level. The structure will house 71 condo units with 21 of them being a part of affordable housing. Retail space will be 8,400-square-feet with dining, bak-

ery, and coffee shop options. There are also streetscape plans to highlight the retail portion. 4) Roadside Development: Residential units will be constructed on the Eight St. side with commercial use on O St. Retail structures will emulate the existing neighborhood and residential plans will contain a set amount of affordable housing units. The commission voted to communicate support of the plan set forth by Four Points Development to the Deputy Mayors Office of Planning and Economic Development who will ultimately make the final decision on the Parcel 23 Project.

Expression of Interest

A representative from the Deputy Mayors Office was on hand to announce redevelopment plans for two parcels of land located at Second and H St. NW which is just north of Capitol Crossing. The city representative solicited feedback and comments from the commission to see what community needs are and what residents would like to see at this site. The “Expression Of Interest” period goes until the end of August at which point they will short list recommendations and issue a Request For Proposal to potential developers. The site is currently a gravel parking lot.

Shaw Crime Watch

DCPD Officials spoke before the commission and gave a monthly crime report for the area. Extra manpower has been deployed to increase presence in the area for the summer months. Auto and bicycle theft has risen since this time last year and an increased foot-beat should help decrease the problem. A majority of auto theft has been concentrated on vehicles with out of state plates and

officials encourage residents with visitors to urge their guests to lock personal valuables in their trunk before arriving at their destination. Residents with bikes and scooters are strongly advised to lock them whenever unattended.

Third Street Tunnel Update

Representatives from Property Group Partners were present to give details on the transportation impact of the Third Street Tunnel Construction Project located at the 200-300 blocks of Massachusetts Ave. NW. Construction will take up to 15 months and a water line and high voltage transmission line will have to be relocated in order to complete the project. Highway ramps and other structures will be shifted around but no traffic lanes will be lost. The plan is to construct a tunnel or portal that will run under Massachusetts Ave. and onto the highway. Visit www.thirdstreettunnel.com to see complete details on the project.