Boundary Stone Tavern/Pub
Well Scott Roberts has
a much better description of the proposed pub for Bloomingdale because the man knows what questions to ask. All I asked about was noise, because the rear of the location backs up to several residential bedrooms. I was told that they expect to keep the noise on Rhode Island Ave., not a quiet street mind you.
You can ask what the heck is this photo I have attached here. Well, it is the cool looking tin ceiling that is hidden behind the dropped ceiling at 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW/Boundary Stone. What the owners would like to do (provided they get approved for the liquor license) is put in a mezzanine as there is about 10-11 extra feet in some spots. The building housing this proposed pub is in the former Sylvan Theater and the landlord for this building seems to be amenable to improving and adding value to his property (as opposed to some other commercial landowners who are crazy).
The pub owners are hopeful about when they may be able to make this come to life. But before any of that there is the ABC liquor dance between the ANC, the neighbors and the owners. The ANC will (regardless of support) protest the license, the owners will agree to a voluntary agreement, someone will go on and on about how there will be drunkards in the streets and that we don't need more liquor in our neighborhood.
PoP also has
a post on this too.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business, food/dining
Big Bear Beer II
Sometime after all the youth/school related stuff at the BACA meeting, about an hour into it, we finally got to Big Bear and their general ideas of pursuing an ABC liquor license. There were two persons from Bog Bear, one being Matt Sellers, the other guy a blond barista... now if it is a guy do you call them baristas? Not baristos?
Anyway. Big Bear is aiming for a
CR license. For those of you unfamiliar with the wonderful world of ABC licenses, a class C Restaurant license is one for places where at least 45% of revenues come from food sales. It is different from the class of licenses for bars or corner markets. The was one objection mentioned, coming from a Baptist minister, presenting his concerns about people getting drunk and hanging out in the park. This was countered by the Episcopalian church secretary reminding him of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana, turning water into wine.
There were questions about Big Bear expanding and the space they have. The bear is kind of landlocked and the space above is leased to tenants, so in the near future, nope. Maybe, years down the road. Another question was the issue of vagrants/ neighbor characters. Characters do drop by to get a glass of water and to use the bathroom and for the most part they don't cause a problem.
The idea is Big Bear has a vibe as a cafe, hang out and they have no intention of becoming a bar, they just want to expand their food service options. I asked the barista (m) if the idea is to offer something like Teaism, and he answered in the affirmative. As far as I can tell despite having a small park area and a restaurant/bar across the street, the Penn Quarter Teaism fails to produce drunkards rolling out of its doors.
Labels: BACA, Bloomingdale/Eckington, food/dining
A few things revisited
a grocery store in neOn the Eckington listserv there is all this back and forth about the old Safeway and hoped for replacement. Please take the Harris Teeter off the list. According to an
old press release HT is scheduled to open Winter 2010/2011. According to a recent
DCMUD post (hat tip
eckington blog), that date could be November 2010.
Honestly Eckington/Edgewood area, I don't see what that area has to attract the kind of store y'all think you deserve. The two favorites according to Debbie Smith's poll were Trader Joe's (which tends to like small spaces with hidden parking) and Wegmans. What no
Balducci's? I left the Logan Circle are a few months after the Whole Foods opened, and from what I remember the civic authorities of that area showed how the population of Logan/Shaw (and Dupont) could support a Whole Foods. The Soviet Safeway, the O Street Giant, and the no-name grocery in the area were no competition for the kind of shopper that would support WF. If y'all can prove that a national or regional grocery chain can thrive there despite a Giant nearby that happens to be very convenient to a metro station with many buses, go for it.
and regarding sidewalks and the problems for those in wheelchairs (from Scott Roberts list)See this 2/17/2010 message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:
Bloomingdale does it again: another resident is helped!
Once again, Bloomingdale residents have shown their concern for their neighbors and done it with more than just words. This past weekend I heard from Angela xxxxxxx who uses a motorized wheelchair to get to and from college in Rockville, MD. She makes that daily trip using Metro. That trip is long and difficult on the best of days (Angela has some hairy stories of having to drive her wheelchair down Michigan Avenue from the Brookland Metro Station when the buses have not run), her trip became impossible after the snow storm because she could travel barely 20 feet from her property before the sidewalk became impassable for her wheelchair.
After meeting with Angela and hearing her situation and what she needs to go back to school, I called on a number of residents for a major operation: get Angela from her home in the xxxx block of Flagler Place to the bus stop at North Capitol and W Street, about a third of mile. And once again Bloomingdale responded. Many, many thanks to Sara Kaufman and Mike McNeil of the Unit block of W Street, and Dodd Naiser, Alastair Pakiam, and Brandon Skall of Flagler Place for joining me to widen the path on the sidewalk and for chopping out a lot of ice so that Angela could make her way safely to the bus stop and back. We went with her on a test drive back and forth. She couldn't believe that people would do so much to help her.
Thanks everyone!
Please clear the sidewalks.
Labels: ADA, Bloomingdale/Eckington, development, weather
Timor, Timor, How We Love Timor
There is an
article (PDF) out on the greatness that is Timor Bodega. Don't let the closed gate fool you, he's open. The article mentions Timor owner Kim Wee's winter veggie box program and the Union Street soaps. Last I looked he was out of Black Tea and Sage which is an awesome soap. The tea embedded in the soap give you some scrubby action in the shower, and bonus is you get to rub yourself with caffine in the morning. I also have the oatmeal, which is more nubbly than scrubby, not as great as the black tea. There is a Cinnamon Orange bar that smells wonderful and keeps my bathroom smelling great hours after I've showered.
The yogurt is the best. I've been spoiled by the yogurt there, as I got some yogurt at Giant and found it watery in comparision.
When my cousin returns to eat me out of house and home, she will get the sourdough bread hiding in one of Kim's freezers. She raves about it. Sometimes she won't wait till the loaf is completely defrosted that she starts picking at it and eating it. It makes for a good ingredient for my french toast, too.
Timor is very unique not because of what it has (or doesn't have, which at times can be frustrating) but because of the atmosphere created.
Remember back two years ago when Kim opened Timor, he had the dairy case and just one low aisle of shelf stable items. Now as he's past his second year anniversary with us, he seems to have found some sort of system, balance, method (whatever) that works, and the shelves are taller and there is more stuff, but you still have to ask him if he has X, because it might be in season and it is in the back, in a hidden freezer, or something. In that back and forth in figuring out what works, and what doesn't something wonderful was created. And in that two years we have pointed to Timor as a neighborhood asset. Yes, it's in Bloomingdale, but close enough to the border to be enjoyed by Shaw people.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
News from other blogs or Friday Misc.
Over in Bloomingdale The Yoga District is having a mommy & me, but with a more inclusive title of
Family Yoga and Community Playtime.
The Great Scott Roberts also mentioned some
tasty info he got from a Bloomingdale restaurant hopefully to come at NJ & R.
According to WashBiz Journal, Beau Thai, a carry out, is due to open in March, hopefully, maybe, fingers crossed.
Speaking of restaurants on R, anyone know what's going on with 6th and R for the proposed
Toque Cafe? I've noticed a change of windows and the application of paper over the windows, so I hope there is something good going on behind the paper.
Over here in the TC, the
BACA blog tells that there will be a grand opening of the
Eckstine and Ellington Theatre at the Dorothy I Height Community Academy Public Charter Schools (CAPCS)school, also known as Armstrong, this weekend.
have a great weekend y'all.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business, development, events, food/dining, kids
Quirky Business
I went to
Thai X-ing, and it has been a while for me as I've been making more of my own meals and cooking up ingredients from the Bloomingdale Farmers Market. Since opening
back in 2005 getting your food isn't measured in hours any more. Taw has gotten help, made some changes, and if I order early enough, I get my food around the estimated time. In time some of us have learned to tolerate/love Thai X-ing's quirks. With those quirks, others, have managed to work with Taw's flexible, if not super easygoing nature, to transform the little hole in the wall eatery. It isn't like your average Thai restaurant or carryout. I've been in it at times when the best description is 'your friend's friend's basement apartment living room that happens to have a guy cooking Thai food in the back.'
Timor Bodega is another quirky business, and it's been open for about a year and a half and is still figuring itself out. It's not like your usual quickie mart, in that it lacks cigarettes, Lotto, and 5 kinds of MD 20/20, the big money makers. Nor is it a chi-chi wine and cheese shop, mainly because of the minimal amount of cheese, which may or may not change. I hung out with the owner this past weekend and learned a bit about the Timor and its quirks. Kim, the owner, does some small scale coffee roasting for customers, but doesn't heavily promote this service. The store does experiment with various new products, like the duck eggs (good for when you're aiming for thickness). I guess I can't avoid mentioning the least popular quirk, the post-robbery closed gate during business hours thing. Kim's reasoning on doing this has less to do with the crime (where they only got $50, and sadly there was another sort-of attempt by some 15 yr olds) and more to do with business being slow on beautiful days. Besides he's usually 15-20 seconds away. But there are things about Timor that make it a neighborhood jewel. For me it is and always has been the milk and the rich cream. It is also the local eggs, the granola, and the wines, of which Kim can talk about, if you ask him. It will be interesting to see what Timor will look like in a year and what it will be carrying. Maybe more cheese and cured meats?
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
Crap Today Must Be Truxton Circle Day
Prince of Petworth has
"Reader Finds Remnants of Truxton Circle."and though posted yesterday, but the
comments are from today...
BACA Blog asks
What's in a Name? particularly the name Truxton Circle.
And during my lunch hour I created this bibliography thing about the TC and the WP. Click comment to see it all.
History of the term “Truxton Circle” in the Washington Post
[Method search “Truxton Circle” in ProQuest looking for articles only prior to 01/01/1940 in the Washington Post, which includes the Washington Star. Not all articles are cited.]
THE DISTRICT SURVEYOR.; Recommendations About the Preservation of Plats and Records. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Aug 1, 1891. p. 5 (1 page)- regarding surveys for proposed circles. This is the earliest mention of the TC found.
ASKS DISTRICT TO PAY; Dog Catchers Caused Injury to a Bicycle. CHASED BULLDOG, BROKE A WHEEL Animal in Attempting to Escape the Net Ran Into the Bicycle of P.J. Nee, Who Claims Damages -- District Auditor Approved Application and Recommends Payment -- Plants from Mount Vernon Square to Decorate Other Reservations. The Washington Post. Mar 15, 1900. p. 12 (1 page) – Shrubbery for the circle. No mention of the Knights who say shrubbery.
AFFAIRS OF ECKINGTON.; Mr. Macfarland Opposed to Citizens' Associations' Candidate for School Board. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Jun 26, 1900. p. 2 (1 page)- Mentions moving a fountain at Pennsylvania, M and 26th to “Truxton Circle in Eckington.” Citizens associations tended to be white, and the Eckington Citizen Association I’ve noticed stuck their noses in the affairs of things south of Florida Avenue to about New York Avenue. Prior to 1900 the TC wasn’t heavily populated, in 1880 there were less than 1,000 persons living in the area.
MR. MACFARLAND THEIR GUEST.; Commends Interest of Citizens' Association in Public Affairs. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: May 28, 1901. p. 8 (1 page)- Mentions the Eckington and North Capitol Citizen Associations, and them thanking the city for the fountain at Truxton Circle.
SALE OF SIX HOMES SHOW PRICES HIGH The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Apr 27, 1919. p. R6 (1 page)- 51 Q Street NE (modern Eckington) being described as near Truxton Circle. In same article Dupont Circle is described as a neighborhood. TC not described as such.
$110,500 IN SALES OF HOMES IN CITY; Houses Fetch $17,500 Disposed by Hartung & Gibbons. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 7, 1920. p. 34 (1 page). 149 Bates Street sold and described as being near North Capitol and Truxton Circle. In same article, Bloomingdale described as ‘an attractive area’.
RYAN QUITS CENTRAL CITIZENS' PRESIDENCY; Will Head Movement to Form Another Association in Same Territory. SECTION CALLED TOO BIG The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Apr 26, 1925. p. 2 (1 page)- Mr. Francis J. Ryan proposes a new citizens association that would have borders from NY Ave, Truxton Circle, and New Jersey Avenue……
AUTO SIGNAL LIGHTS TO BE READY DEC. 15; Sixteenth Street Crossings and Truxton Circle to Be Equipped. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 14, 1925. p. 20 (1 page)- Truxton Circle gets a traffic light.
Girl Drives with Arm Around Poodle; Fined. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Jul 9, 1926. p. 22 (1 page)- In sub article, people are skinny-dipping in the Truxton Circle fountain.
$15,000 Asked in Suit For Alleged Injury. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Aug 13, 1926. p. 20 (1 page)- Woman Sues streetcar company because of injury in a car at the TC.
NOTES OF DEPARTMENTAL PERSONNEL; News of Departments
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Jun 19, 1927. p. S10 (2 pages)- Mention of Truxton Circle Station Post Office. The post office will out live the circle.
400 CARRIERS NAMED FOR CHRISTMAS MAIL; Postmaster to Appoint Equal Number of Clerks for the Holiday Rush. BARGAIN DAYS ANNOUNCED
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Dec 11, 1927. p. 2 (1 page)- Post office. Other post offices mentioned are U Street and Petworth.
$25,000 Asked for Injuries. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Jul 11, 1928. p. 8 (1 page)- Did they have a phone and if so, did they have a lawyer? Lawsuit regarding traffic accident at Truxton Circle.
Washington's Fountains Temper Summer's Heat; Increased Supply of Water Due to the New Filtration Plant on Conduit Road Enables the City to Keep Fountains Going More Regularly Than in the Past -- Boon to Children and Other Stay-at-Homes. Washington's Fountains Temper Summer Heat, by Victoria Faber Stevenson.. The Washington Post (1877. Jul 29, 1928. p. SM3 (2 pages)- Mentions how the Truxton fountain in Truxton Circle was becoming a landmark.
MAN DIES TWO HURT IN MOTOR MISHAPS; Driver of Truck Is Instantly Killed When Crushed Against Radiator. LAD PAINFULLY INJURED. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Dec 17, 1929. p. 5 (1 page)- First noted traffic death at the circle. The problem was truck was overloaded with granite and crushed driver.
Bandit Pair Robs 2 Filling Stations; First and H and Wisconsin and Q Gasoline Depots Are Victimized. The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Dec 27, 1932. p. 14 (1 page)- First noted robbery of Truxton Circle post office at 17 Florida Ave NE.
[article search 1940-1999]
Post Office Bandits Get $500 Here, The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973). Washington, D.C.: Jul 24, 1965. p. A3 (1 page)- Last mention of Truxton Circle post office getting robbed.
Subsidy Program's Nuts and Bolts, The Washington Post (1974-Current file). Washington, D.C.: Aug 2, 1984. p. A15 (1 page)- Truxton Circle first mentioned as a neighborhood as a target area for mortgage subsidies.
D.C. Cable Firm Unveils Wiring Schedule, Seeks More Concessions; D.C. Cable Firm Tells 5-Year Plan, Seeks Concessions , by Marcia Slacum Greene Washington Post Staff Writer. The Washington Post (1974-Current file). Washington, D.C.: Sep 4, 1985. p. C1 (2 pages)- Another article mention of Truxton Circle in listing of neighborhoods to get cable.
Community Outcry Wins Reprieve for Lenny's; Bank Delays Evicting Popular Neighborhood Store Until Buyer for Building Is Found by Elizabeth Wiener Special to The Washington Post. The Washington Post (1974-Current file). Oct 31, 1991. p. DC2 (1 page)- Quote” I understand the position Riggs [National Bank] is in – they just want to download the property, and they’re within their rights, “ said Kathy Glynn, chairman of the Truxton Circle Coalition, an umbrella group for civic associations in the area. “But we’re really getting tired of the constant destabilization of businesses moving out because of crime and real estate turnovers. This is a store people rely on.”Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, neighborhood history, Truxton Circle
BFM on NPR's Morning Edition
This morning I awoke to the sound of thunder and went back to sleep. Then the clock radio clicked on, and I tried fighting not going back to sleep, and then a story caught my groggy attention. Listen to local resident and NPR reporter, Neda Ulaby's
report about our dear Bloomingdale Farmer's Market. You'll hear the voices of other locals Ted Mcginn, Robin Schuster, and Scott Roberts.
It is amazing how the area (though not in the TC I'm claiming it) got this wonderful market. It's got kids and dogs and so far so good with that. I've said it before the market has a great atmosphere, that I haven't experienced at some of the other DC markets. Dupont has a lot of great stuff, but OMG is it crowded. I ran into one in Georgetown it was rinky-dink, but then again it was closing down when I showed up. and the farmer's market (this was a while ago so it may have changed) near the Department of Ag, felt lacking. And Penn Quarter's farmers market, where I'm heading to after work, is good, but not the same.
I'm still loving the strawberries that are in season. I still have some waiting for turning into a strawberry spread, loosely based on
Copper Pot's recipe
seen on Fox 5. I halved all the ingredients, including the time but except the vanilla, and use the spread to make strawberry ice cream. The jellies Stefano Frigerio (Mr. Copper Pot) sells is firmer, more jell-y. Didn't see him last week at BFM, so I'll be keeping an eye out for him this weekend as his pasta sauces are wonderful.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets, food/dining, media
BFM and a teaspoon of Rolling Thunder
Besides the bikes that a few of my neighbors have, I figured the rumbling I'd hear would be limited to them and a few of their friends. Nope.
Sunday at the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market, where I wandered over to get pasta and strawberries, I saw a parade of motorcycles lead by the police. This is not a good picture, but back on Florida Ave is where a small portion of the bikes can be seen. It was a good bunch, men, predominately Afro-American, on shiny big bikes, waving to the people and honking their horns. Traffic was blocked for several minutes and it went on long enough to make me wonder if I could get back to the other side of Florida.
The mini parade went on long enough that as they were passing my attention went back to buying things. I really like the
Copper Pot's pasta sauces and meat filled pastas. I'll admit, I'm not that big of a fan of the spaghetti, but I like very, very, very thin noodles. Last night I had the lamb angelico(?), the lamb stuffed pasta,with a cream sauce I made from cream, white wine, garlic, a bit of lemon juice and some sage growing out in the yard. OMG that's good. The week before I had the rabbit pasta, which is very delicate and requires a delicate sauce. So far the lamb is my favorite.
And there were two vendors selling strawberries. Last week I made strawberry frozen yogurt with those strawberries and that very smooth yogurt found at Timor's. That was very good and no I didn't give any of that away, like I normally do with a lot of my ice creams. So this week, I bought some more strawberries, from both vendors and once again made strawberry frozen yogurt, and pina colada sorbet. Both have booze in them so that limits who I can give them away to.
Unlike store bought strawberries, these in season, local kind, don't have that tasteless white center I often find. The farmer's market strawberries are tasty throughout.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, events, farmers markets, food/dining
Bloomingdale Farmers Market Starts
The Bloomingdale Blog has the long
description of all the old and new vendors coming to my favorite little stretch of R St NW this Sunday. I'm excited. Aren't you?
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
Armstrong, New York Ave, and neighborhood charity
Those two have nothing to do with each other except they are the emails I have flagged in my inbox.
First Armstrong. I guess I'm on the mailing list for this subject because I attended the BACA meeting that covered it and I guess this is the 'getting back with the community' part of that discussion. Anyway here was the notice that was sent out:
Dear Community,
On Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Armstrong School, Kent Amos, founder of the CAPCS education campus, will met with community for follow up discussion on his recent decision permitting Metropolitan Baptist Church use of the school for Sunday services. Senior Pastor Beecher Hicks also plans to attend. Please make every effort to come out and bring your questions and alternative ideas for addressing this community dilemma.
Light refreshments will be available. For further information, please contact me at 55O-O619* or by e-mail at adbonds g mail com*.
I'm looking forward to seeing you,
Anita Bonds
There have been a couple of 'reply all' emails concerning the upcoming meeting. One, going on the separation of church and state thread is a fruitless one. The relationship between the charter school and the church is that of landlord and tenant and not unusual. My best friend's church rents out a PG County high school gym while they wait for their building to be done. Difference? High schools have way more parking than middle and elementary schools. And it is the parking that has raised the immediate resident's ire. Second, sticking to the point of the matter, parking, and using the threat of strong parking enforcement may prove fruitful.
This weekend being so nice I rode my bike to church, taking my old route by the old location of Metropolitan Baptist. I could see the difference. When Metropolitan was on R Street, the streets were congested and there was almost ALWAYS someone blocking the bike lane. And the Washington Post newspaper vendor dude used to be on the corner. But no more. The streets around 13th and R were 'normal', no more crowded than 9th and R.
New York Avenue. It is websites like
Stimulus Watch that make me think that the net was made for democracy. Apparently, the
intersection at Florida and New York Avenue is to take up 8 millllllllyon dallahs. There is another New York Ave project also included but no detail of what NY Ave bridge. Anyway, I need someone to define 'shovel ready.' Seriously there must be a treeful of paper of studies on New York Avenue NE and NW and it's various intersections that have never gotten past 'oh look we have a study.' After looking at the guts of some road studies (not New York Ave but other DC roads), the info in them goes bad quicker than a gallon of milk, which means after a few years...... you do another study (and the contractors who do studies say yay!). Seriously define 'shovel ready' because if it involves a study and community buy in and the other things that take up time and effort, it's only shovelin' manure.
Lastly, something good from the Eckington listserv:
Hi Neighbors,
Thank You!!! When members of our community were in need of support their neighbors stepped up to help out. The Stancil family has found an apartment to live in until repairs to their home are completed. Our efforts to raise funds and provide clothing was a great success. The community members, area churches and strangers that happened to read about the Stancil family at the Big Bear Cafe contributed $2,000 in cash, checks and gift cards. I had to make daily trips from the Big Bear to Emery with my Outback stuffed full of clothing donations. The Stancils were overwhelmed by the out pouring of support when they needed it the most. Any clothing the family can't use will go to area clothing banks. We all face uncertainties with the economic crisis yet this community opened their hearts to help. Thank You!
we all work together, ted
*I made changes here.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, charity, churches, schools, transportation
Help Bloomingdale's Fire Vicitims
The following was from Stu Davenport on the Eckington Listserv Wednesday:
Neighbors-
This morning there were 2 large fires in our neighborhood where the families lost almost everything.
I just spoke with Kim Stancil from 11 Randolph NW, and she and her 5 children (three of whom are students at Emery Elementary) were left with nothing but the clothing on their backs.
Most immediately Ms. Stancil and her family need clothes and funds to provide for essential needs.? They have housing for the next 3 days through the Red Cross, and she is working with Ted McGinn and Stacy Jackson from Emery to get local and government help. She is also reaching out to local churches and the Ecumenacle Council.
I am writing to ask for immediate help from the community.
1. Priority is Clothing
Boy 17 - Size 32W/30L pants, Med Shirt
Girl 15 - Size 16 Pants, 2XL Shirt
Girl 11 - Size 8 Pants, L Shirt
Boy 5 - Size 7 pants, Men's Med Shirt
Boy 4 - Size 6 pants, 6 shirt
2. Financial Assistance
Checks can be made payable to: Ms. Kim Stancil
All items can be left at the main office of Emery Elementary at 1720 1st Street, NE? (202)576-6034 or the Big Bear Cafe at 1700 1st Street, NW
Thank you all for your generosity and concern.
-Stuart
Stuart Davenport
Commissioner
ANC 5C-03
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, charity
There is something new at Timor
Okay, new to me, not so new to Kim, as he told me whatever I discovered had been at
Timor for about 3 weeks. New to me is the laundry soap and other soaps from
Union Street. The laundry soap is vegan (is that an issue?) and according to the instructions 2 tablespoons will do a load of laundry.
Thing #2 new to me is the clearance wine. Don't bother running over there now, but this morning, I and another woman bought all the $5 bottles of wine in the clearance section.
Thing #3, new to me, Port. Kim is carrying Dow's Fine Ruby Port. Okay, now I can stop drinking up my lemoncello.
Not new, but usually there, weekend morning coffee. Hang out with Kim, drink coffee, yak. Kim supplies the cups, you supply the yak.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
Florida and R
Sean over at the Bloomingdale Blog has
a post about this intersection. Sunday mornings when the BFM was in front of the Big Bear, I would cross. But any other time, Florida Ave has too much traffic and people don't seem to use their turn signals.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, transportation
4 a good time call Kim
Kim Wee at
Timor Bodega.
Kim wants me to let y'all know that you should feel free to call him if you need something or want to drop by the store during day hours when Timor isn't normally open. I put his number 202-210-1986 in my cell phone. But I also have Thai X-ing's number on my cell too.
During the day Timor doesn't open until 4:30pm. But if you're working from home or taking a mental health day and you've run out of milk or organic whatever give Kim a call and he'll accommodate you. Seriously, by letting him serve you, you're helping his business and his business is something I want in the neighborhood.
I don't know about you but I do have a couple of numbers on my cell that include businesses. Timor Bodega is now one. Thai X-ing was the first, when I realized that in the time it took me to get from my work detail location out in Suitland, back home to Shaw, my order would be ready.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
I really like the Bloomingdale Farmers Market
I don't care that it isn't in the TC. Nor do I care that it isn't in my single member district or whatever political or government designated boundary. All I know is that a 5 minute walk from the house brings me to a small collection of tents where I meet neighborhood friends and see familiar faces.
But you know what I really love about the market? The vibe. It is a vibe that everyone contributes to. The vendors give samples and talk about their produce and it isn't always busy so they can take the time. There are the visiting and occasional vendors mixed with the vendors that are there every week. There aren't that many vendors, and the market succeeds despite or because of it. At one point this year there may have been just 4 vendors, yesterday there ware about seven. The vendors, what they sell, where they sell, that can be planned.
What can't be planned is the turn out. That's you and me. People come from near by, from way over from central Shaw (in my lazy moments I consider 9th St far away), they bring pooches, or leave the can't play well with other pooches home, and kids. The toddlers aged kids are really entertaining. It's amazing how the 5 second rule gets applied with them.
In all this people come together. Dog owners chat with other dog owners. Maybe they've seen each other walking around but this is their first time to actually introduce themselves and say hi. Parents, sort of the same. I overheard some parents talking about pre-K and the process, one set was telling about their experience while the other set asked questions. The non-crowded-ness of the market allows the kids a little bit more free reign. Freer than what I've witnessed at Dupont, where a kid can easily be temporarily lost.
All this, and the adjacent Big Bear Cafe, contributes to a wonderful casual vibe.
Addendum- I couldn't figure where to put this above, but I need to mention a failed market in Eckington/Bloomingdale. Back in 2003 there was the short lived North Capital Farmers Market that operated at North Capitol St and Florida Ave in the unpaved dusty parking lot. There were like 2 vendors and the produce was sad and pitiful looking like something left in the refrigerator too long. It wasn't welcoming as I remember it. We learn from failure as well as success, and we need to remember that farmer's markets can fail too.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
OMG! CHEEEEEESE @ the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market
Scenic Artisan
has it up on the Bloomingdale Blog, but this Sunday.... rain or shine, cheese comes to the BFM. I'm so happy. What makes me even more happy? It's
Keswick Creamery. I love-luv-love their cheese. When at the super crowded
Dupont Circle Market, I would buy their yogurts and sometime the bovre. Love the bovre. Especially the bovre with herbs. I'm so happy I may burst. No, I'll just squeal in delight like an oversugared 2 year old.
Also coming will be humanely raised veal, some beef, 'shrooms, and eggs.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
Yoga may be the Christmas Present of Your Future
Right now I'm just posting on
whatever the Bloomingdale blogs are posting.
Anywho, the
Yoga District is hoping to open its Bloomingdale studio sometime in late October. I translate that to mean November or December as I don't underestimate the things that will get in the way (DCRA?).
The website for Yoga District is pretty good. You can reserve classes on-line and there are a variety of classes for different levels. The
fees seem reasonable and you can buy passes. Not really clear if you can buy passes for someone else and give them as a gift.
First Street NW is getting all nifty and stuff. There is Big Bear, and Windows (with its new fancy-schmancy menu), add the Yoga studio and you've got yerself something there. If you could throw in one vintage consignment clothing shop you will complete the hipster vibe.
Come on Bloomingdale, you know I love you.
PS- I'm not ignoring Baraki, I'm just not sure what vibe it's aiming for.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
Historic KFC closes
We're in danger of losing a bit of Eckington history as one of its businesses has shut it's doors and is possibly in danger of losing some classic late-20th century commercial architecture. The Bulletproof KFC, as one Bloomingdale/Eckington resident once called it, was a testament to a period in the neighborhood's life. It fed many a traveller and resident, overlooking the busy intersection of Florida and North Capitol.
Before this neighborhood landmark was, there was a church, Eckington Presbyterian, that sat there. According to a 1966 article in the Post [1] Eckington Presbyterian "rather than admit Negroes as members, the Church's White congregation disbanded 19 months ago. The 62 year old church building, at Florida Avenue and North Capitol street, has stood vacant ever since and will be torn down soon." Such a pity that a monument to racism was not preserved.
[1]"Clerics Find Prejudice Killed Church" The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973). Washington, D.C.: Oct 31, 1966. p. B4
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, neighborhood history
New Vendor at Bloomingdale Farmers Market
This is just too good to throw on the announcements page (from the BFM organizers):
I am VERY excited to tell you that we are adding a NEW vegetable
farmer to Bloomingdale Farmers Market starting THIS Sunday. I just came back from a farm visit where I saw all their fields including these tomatoes plants that are growing healthy and tall ( field -ripened tomatoes coming soon!)
Their Virginia fields are in a warm, sunny microclimate so their crops ripen early -- and they will add a LOT of variety to the market. (think sweet corn in late June)
This Sunday they will bring: quarts of mixed baby squash (zucchini, one ball, 8 ball, sunburst, pattypan, Kousa), mixed summer squash, squash blossoms, broccoli, baby new potatoes (red Pontiac and Yukon Gold), asparagus, vidalia-style sweet onions, spring onions, english peas (shelled and unshelled), sugar snaps, purple top turnips, Choggia beets, red beets, swiss Chard.....and the first raspberries
of the season (come early, they will go fast)
And Flowers,too. They will bring their field- grown flowers (lilies, yarrow, zinnia) and their beautiful hanging baskets on Sunday. (They will also have bedding plants and flowers.)
Please stop by and welcome Garner to the Bloomingdale Farmers Market.
They are very excited about becoming part of BFM!
Robin and Ted
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
This sunday
I ran into
Timor Sunday after getting a few things at the Bloomingdale Farmer's market because the line for the bacon was too long. Oh, and there weren't any eggs at the market. Too long, as in it was raining, and the line at the salad/ pork products tent was a little past the canopy. So it was just easier to walk over to Timor. While I was there I noticed Kim has some cleaning and other products from
Seventh Generation.
Anyway, the market was good to have back. I don't know what's going on with the seasons but the only fruit in abundance I saw were apples. I've noticed the same problem at the Penn Quarter market. The 7th Street Garden had one little pint of strawberries that got bought up while I was wandering around. I thought May was strawberry season. Well I'll wait for the cherries and berries that make the markets a joy.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
Bloomingdale Farmers Market Back This Sunday
Are you excited?
I'm excited.
This is the message from Ted from the other side of Florida Ave:
This Sunday May 18th the second season of the Bloomingdale Farmers Market will start at 10am on R street NW between First street NW and Florida Ave. (same location as last year)
The market will run from 10am till 2pm each Sunday rain or shine, May 18th through November 23rd.
We welcome Senior and WIC GET FRESH checks.
Our theme this year is act Green, lets try to have a plastic bag free market. Please bring reusable bags or recycled store bags to haul the bounty of the Good Earth home. Buying locally grown or raised foods will help to reduce your annual carbon footprint by 11%. Using your own bags will reduce that amount even further. Ask about the new line of compostable single use cups and plates that the Big Bear Cafe plans to use. We are going to start a demonstration composting project at Emery Elementary school using the post consumer waste from the Big Bear.
Reid will have herb plants for sale
Truck Patch will have free range Pork and great spring salad greens
Bread Line -Fresh baked breads
See you all there.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
Timor has more stuff now
Ran into the
Timor Bodega and noticed that the shelves are bigger and have more stuff on them. Kim Wee is carrying some basic spices, more cereals, ricemilk, soymilk, and a bunch more organic things. If you haven't ventured over there, give it a try. The weekday hours are short, 4PM to 9PM, but the weekend from 9:30AM to 8 (SAT) or 6 (SUN) is a better time.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
More on Timor Bodega
I've polished off my bottle of chocolate milk and I want more. However, I'm currently using the milk bottle as a vase. Once those flowers are dead, I'm getting more milk and popping the Lactaid. Until then, pretty picture of the milk case at the
Timor Bodega @ 200 Rhode Island Ave, NW.
I'm also enjoying the salad greens from the store. I got 1/2 a pound of mixed greens for $4. There are other fresh food items like yellow carrots, and blue potatoes. I also picked up a nice bottle of wine and the owner, Mr. Kim Wee, was nice enough to talk about the different white wines, the flavors, the dryness, and other wine descriptors.
I had asked Kim about the store and it's story and he said he's been open for about 2 months. The milk and cream pictured comes from Trickling Springs Creamery in Pennsylvania. The beef and chicken from the Emerald Farm Network, and the salad greens and pork from the Truck Patch Farm in Maryland.
Store hours are 4:30-8:30PM Monday thru Friday, 9:30AM-8:30PM Saturday, and 9:30AM-6PM Sunday. So early enough to grab a something on your commute to work if you pass by. The Timor Bodega takes credit cards.
Ask Kim about coffee. I don't drink the stuff, but he is quite interested in coffee.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
Stop. You had me at 'local dairy'
At this very moment I am enjoying something I thought I wouldn't have again since the dairy guy at the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market went out of business.... chocolate milk from a glass bottle.
I experienced a rush of complete joy when I wandered into
Timor at 200 Rhode Island Ave NW, in Bloomingdale after a booze run at Bloomingdale Liquors. There in the glass case was milk. Not just any milk, milk in glass bottles. Cream in glass bottles. If I didn't have milk already in the fridge I would have bought plain milk. Instead, I bought the chocolate milk.
There are some other like products in this little store that has recently opened. Meat supplied from a Dupont Circle Farmer's Market guy. Yellow carrots, vegetarian mushroom soup, "good" beer (I'll have to take the owner's word since I don't know beer), fresh fruit, smoked salmon, etc. I hope to have more info later.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
Seed swap sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY
Well the Bloomingdale Garden Club is having a seed swap, but sadly I'll be unavailable.
February 10th Garden Club Meeting
Novices take note: It’s not too soon to start thinking, planning, and doing something to make your spring gardening experience a cost-effective pleasure. Experienced gardeners hoping to keep the cost of gardening in check begin prepping now to grow their spring plants from seeds. So, to get the party started, the Greater Bloomingdale-Area Garden Club invites all gardeners to Windows Café & Market (1st & RI Ave NW) from 2:00-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 10th for a Spring Seed Exchange & Giveaway.
The Club will have loads of flower and vegetable seeds to give away. Members and others are invited to bring plant cuttings and any seeds they have to share. This is a golden opportunity to network with other gardening neighbors, give and get advice, and share your gardening war stories. I’ve got a few stories of my own to share, like the one where all of my house flowers died and… Shucks, gotta go. If you want to hear the end of that story I’ll see you at Windows on the 10th.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, gardening
Bloomingdale Farmers Market not a given for next year
RED ALERT! According to the Eckington Listserv there is some opposition from residents of the little section of the 100 block of R St to the market so, it is not a given for next year. I can't begin to describe the range of emotions I feel. This market is such a part of my week and a part of my life now. It's where I run into my neighbors, it's where I get my seasonal fruit and salad and eggs. The market make the Mari(e) happy, and my heart sinks at the idea of it not coming back in the Spring.
ANC commish Kris Hammond made the comment, "Naturally, residents adversely affected should be heeded; we should be open to alternatives that minimize the negatives." So people of Bloomingdale and Truxton I know we have the brain power to think of solutions to affected resident's parking woes. Please don't let the market be a one hit wonder.
Correction: Not 200 Blk but 100 blk.Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, farmers markets
Condo conversion suit
Read the following:
DCRA Announces Guilty Plea in Condominium Warranty Case
From DCRAs Communications Team
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Announces Guilty Plea in Condominium Warranty Case
(Washington, DC) Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director Linda K. Argo announced that on Oct. 5, Mudasir Khan plead guilty to one count of False Statements in a Condominium Registration Application and one count of Failure to Post a Bond or Letter of Credit for 45 R Street NW.
Under District law, condominium developers or building owners are required to warrant (or guarantee) their construction work with the Condominium and Cooperative Conversion and Sales Branch. They secure this obligation by posting warranty security. Several forms of security may be posted under the statute, including a letter of credit, bond or another form approved by the Condominium Branch.
[SNIP info on warranties]
Under the plea agreement, Khan must:
Pay a criminal fine of $15,000 on both counts - totaling $30,000.
Post a warranty security for $5,000 for 45 R Street NW.
Pay a $250.00 Victims Compensation Fund fine on each count - totaling $500.
Khan was sentenced to 30 days in jail on each count, to be served consecutively. The sentence was suspended and Khan was placed on one year of supervised probation for each count to run concurrently. Khan must report to his probation officer on October 23.
[more SNIPing]
"DHCD understands the critical mission served by the Rental Conversion and Sale Division," said DHCD Director Leila Finucane Edmonds. "We will also hold developers responsible for complying with District law and take strong and decisive action against those who do not."
Not having spent too much time paying attention to the structures on "historic" R St (they had banners saying so), I'm guessing this was a townhouse conversion. Correct me if I'm wrong. Townhouses converted into condos have always been a big question mark for me. But then again, I didn't want to be bothered with condos in any shape or form so I never paid that much attention. There are many town homes around Bloomingdale and Shaw, large town homes, converted into 2 or three condos. Is that a good thing? I don't know.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, condos, housing
Buncha Bloomingdale Stuff
Ya know there are like 2 or 3 Bloomingdale blogs.Farmers market still the neatest thing since sliced multi-grain bread. Every time I go there I think, damn, this/my neighborhood is so cool. Yes, technically in Bloomingdale, but right on the TC/Shaw border. It’s the vibe. You run into neighbors and people with kids, people with dogs, people with people. Some of the
vendors at the market take WIC so there is an income mix and fresh food goes to the people. The market goes on until sometime in November, so if you haven’t experienced it, go.
Friday, North Capitol Main Streets had a beer and wine tasting at Bloomingdale Liquors. That was an interesting social experiment. ‘Cause you get a mix of people going in and out. There was a beer table and a wine table, and a big crowd. I only got one little cup of wine, and the merlot wasn’t that great, but I was told the other higher end but lower priced red was much better, Unfortunately, they were out of the better red by the time I made my way back to the table. The store seemed to be doing some fairly brisk business. Of course it was Friday night. Before I bought my tequila (for a great shrimp tequila cerviche dish) I was asked if I was going to bother reporting about the ‘secret meeting’ that occurred two days before. Not a secret meeting, because I posted it in the
announcements.
DC GOP hold meeting in back of the St. George's Episcopal church basement to meet with 3-4 Ward 5 Republicans and an Independent. The goal, as I’m remembering this off the top of my head, is to hear what the people want. Lower crime, lower taxes, and better support for small businesses, which this city seems so hostile to, seems to be desired.
And lastly, circling back to the market area, check out the
Big Bear if you haven't been there lately. There is a thing in the corner, which was supposed to be there till Oct 14th, was still there when I passed by Friday, so hopefully the Bear got the extention for this installation piece.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, events, farmers markets, politics
Wine tasting in Bloomingdale
I should have posted this earlier on the
announcements part of the blog. Anyway this Friday night there will be a wine tasting from 6-8 at the corner of 1st and RI NW. Gotta go there anyway, I'm running low on tequila.
Tonight: First-Ever Fall Wine Tasting at Bloomingdale Liquors from 6 pm to 8 pm
Wine tastings are popular because they override the limitations of sampling wine alone, at home. How many wines can you taste on your own (unless you don't mind throwing away nine-tenths of every bottle)? How many wines are you willing to buy on your own? And how much can you learn by tasting wine in isolation or with a friend whose expertise is no greater than yours?
At wine tastings, you can learn from your fellow tasters, as well as make new friends who share your interest in wine. Most importantly, you can taste wine in the company of some individuals who are more experienced than you, which is a real boon in training your palate.
NCMS invites you to come out to taste great wines and beers, mingle with neighbors and friends and get to know your neighborhood purveyor of Fine Wines and Spirits, Mr. Singh of Bloomingdale Liquors.
North Capitol Main Streets
First-Ever Fall Wine Tasting
Bloomingdale Liquors
1st and Rhode Island Avenue NW
Friday, October 19, 2007
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, events
The Washington Post finally gets it
Praise be to G-d, they lost the 'neighborhood change' template all the reporters keep reusing to describe places like Shaw and Bloomingdale. In today's Post there is an article by
DeNeen L. Brown "Change is Clear" in the Style section, page C1 about change in the Bloomingdale neighborhood centering around the image of Windows Cafe. The old template goes, setting black poor neighborhood, evil wealthy white people come in change things and displace the black people, tsk, tsk, tsk, and throw in the word 'gentrification' in a disparaging manner.
This article acknowledges that the changes have been made by both blacks and whites. Even better a black gay (okay I'm assuming gay) couple who restored a house are quoted. The whites in the story, have been in the hood for about 15 years, hard to call them newcomers. One of them, Scott Roberts, 52 year old SPF 10,000 guy, has some of the best quotes, which I may write about later. Really, those quotes are money, gems.
Good job all.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, gentrification, media
Restaurant Review: Windows Market & Deli
I'm going to try something, restaurant reviewing. I will attempt to go to places in eastern Shaw or on the border of Shaw in LeDriot, Bloomingdale, Eckington, or within a 4 block radius of my house. The general criteria is that there must be seating and cannot be a carry out. The list of places to go is very short.
Yesterday I wandered over to the corner of 1st and Rhode Island to the Windows Deli. It is a very new looking place. I was attracted to it by its big windows that looked out on to Rhode Island Avenue and it's bright interior. Inside the decor says Ethopian/ Swedish, mainly because I recognize the furniture being IKEA and the staff is pretty much Ethopian. In the corner there is a display case of tiny coffee cups and an African(?) vase. You have a choice of about 3 blonde wood tables to sit at or two other chairs sans table. The table near the window is good for people watching.
The menu is extremely limited. Basically you have coffee, tea, and cold sandwiches made to order. This is more coffee shop than restaurant. I had a tuna sandwich. The tuna was ok, a little heavy on the relishy ingredient and a bit more soupy than I am accustomed.
Looking around and thinking about it a bit more, the place seems very cabbie friendly. If your main thing is to sit, wait, get coffee, leave, then this is a suitable spot. Sunday, when I spotted this place, I noticed a decent mixed crowd sitting, reading the paper, drinking coffee.
Up the stairs (3 steps) is the market part of Windows, which is a quickie mart with drinkable wine and a few veggies. I saw tomatoes and onions. I didn't look too hard at the wine, but it wasn't Boones Farm or wino wine (that I can recognize easy). Not to be too out of place there were some ghetto drinks and single cans of beer for sale in the refrigerated cases.
I hope this business does well. It is good to have a big windowed people watching coffee shop so close. I wanna 'nother, closer to my house.
Next time I might try B&J or BJ's on 3rd and Rhode Island.
Labels: Bloomingdale/Eckington, business
