Christmas Trees and Holiday Cheer From Old City Green

Yesterday, we bought our Christmas Tree at Old City Green. They had tons of trees in an assortment of varieties and sizes. We decided to get an eight foot Frasier fir. Long View Gallery acquired their stunning ten foot (!!) tree from Old City Green this weekend also -- it's definitely worth checking out. Old City Green also sells paperwhites, wreaths and garland, so it's a one-stop-shop for your holiday trimmings.

In addition to greenery, Old City Green offers up holiday cheer: they've usually got a crackling fire and cookies, cider, and marshmallows for patrons (Frank encourages you to bring your own graham crackers and chocolate for s'mores!).

Old City Green is open seven days a week through Christmas Eve. Their holiday hours are Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Old City Green
Corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest
202.412.2489

Good Libations Offers Thanksgiving Pairings

Good Libations offers an array of great wines to enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal, and they're even open until 3pm on Thanksgiving for those in need of a gift for a host or for last minute feast supplement! They send the following insight on wines appropriate for Thanksgiving:

With all the different spices and flavors of Thanksgiving, what wines to pair with dinner? My two recommendations are:

Pinot Noir (Red) and Gewurztraminer (White)

Pinot Noir fits right in and adds its own unique appeal. Generally light in body, with soft texture as a counterpoint to its lovely aroma, Pinot Noir is easy to love, especially among the many flavors of Thanksgiving.

Gewurztraminer tends to have the aromatic gusto and spicy palate appeal that give it a solid standing with turkey and gravy, bringing out the best in both.

Other wines to consider are: Shira/Syrah, Sparkling Wines and Rose

Now, it really comes down to your taste, so buy something you like and enjoy the Holidays.

Good Libations also has some great specials through the end of the month, so be sure to stop by soon!


Good Libations
1201 Fifth Street, Northwest
202.347.1006

Veranda Open for Thanksgiving and Offers Black Friday Deal

Still lacking plans for this year's day of thanks? Have no fear! Veranda is open on Thanksgiving from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a delicious sounding, $30 fixed price menu for the day:

Thanksgiving Menu

1st Course:
Choice of:
Aleks’ Salad (Mixed Greens tossed with diced Tomatoes, Cucumber, Green Pepper, Red Onions served with Lemon Olive Oil Dressing)

Avgolemono Soup (Chicken Egg-lemon and Rice Soup)

Imam Bayildi (Baked Eggplant stuffed with Ratatouille, Onions and Pine Nuts)

2nd Course
Choice of:
Traditional Turkey Dinner (Homemade Roasted Turkey served with Sweet Potatoes, Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce and Homemade Stuffing)

Rack of Lamb (Rosemary Crusted Lamb Chops, served with oven Roasted Red Potatoes and baked Asparagus in Olive oil and Mediterranean Herbs)

Salmon Filet (Oven Roasted Filet of Salmon served with Sweet Potatoes, Vegetables and Hollandaise Sauce)

Vegetable Lasagna (Spinach, Black Bean, Yellow Squash and Tomato Sauce)

3rd Course
Choice of:
Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie ala Mode

Yum!

Also, on Friday, after a long day of spending, Veranda offers a very good deal: you will receive half off the price of the food portion of your check!


Veranda
1100 P Street Northwest
202.234.6870

Vegetate Leaving 1414 Ninth

The depressing news has hit the Shaw blogosphere that my friends Jennifer and Dominic Redd are closing the current location of Vegetate. Their lease term ends next month, but in order to allow time to move out, they will only be in business for the remainder of this month. They are currently looking for a new location, and we all collectively wish them the absolute best (and hope they stay nearby!).

Vegetate has been very good to and for our neighborhood. I've written about them a lot -- praising their delicious cocktails (RIP Vegetate's Spicy Thai Bloody Mary, Ninth Street Iced Tea, etc.), amazing food (from their mouthwatering curried butternut squash soup to their cashew cream sauce to their risotto croquettes) and awesome atmosphere (DJ Dredd spinning in the dimly lit upstairs). They've added a draw and a cache to Ninth Street that will be impossible to replace. I loved walking by Vegetate en route home from work and waiving at familiar faces working and dining inside.

Although Vegetate is irreplaceable, here's to hoping another unique and cool restaurant soon occupies 1414 Ninth Street. Fortunately no one else will have to endure the struggle Vegetate did to obtain a liquor license now that the law has changed.

Image courtesy of Washingtonian Magazine.

A Pie from Chatman's for Thanksgiving

Chatman's Divine Bakery is a great resource for delicious pies. The clock is ticking, though, if you want one for Thanksgiving. She will take orders through tomorrow (November 21, 2009), and supplies are limited...

Chatman's D'Vine Bakery & Cafe
1239 Ninth Street, Northwest
02.249.3258

Tasty Preview: Mandalay Restaurant

We were in Silver Spring on Tuesday night and decided, while there, to try out Mandalay Restaurant and Cafe. As you may recall, Mandalay is set to occupy the ground floor of a new mixed use (residential/retail) development coming to the corner of Ninth and P Streets, Northwest (see rendering of same here). Unfortunately the waitstaff did not have any specific information on the new location in Shaw.

Virgins to Burmese food (which is distinct from but influenced by the cuisine of China, India and Thailand), we asked our server to order for us, and we loved everything we tried. We split an order of spring rolls, a chicken dish (KyetThar ALoo Masala Hin), and a pork dish (WetThar ChoChin Gyaw). Others have since suggested additional must-haves from their menu, so we look forward to going back.

I have a feeling that the atmosphere of their new restaurant on Ninth Street will be a big upgrade from that of their Silver Spring location, which is in a a no-frills, kinda worn, and older looking building. I think Mandalay will be a favorite for many in our neighborhood, and can't wait for it to add to our dining options.

JBG Suit Blocking Convention Hotel Survives Motion to Dismiss

The Washington Business Journal reports that the judge denied the City's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. JBG's case challenges the contracting process, which JBG asserts was an “invalid sole source procurement.” With the lawsuit moving forward, it seems unlikely that the hotel will break ground this year or that the hotel will be complete in 2013.

PoP Previews The Passenger

. . . and our newest neighborhood destination looks AWESOME. Check out the preview here!

1600 Eighth Street: Sold!

According to this online listing, long-vacant 1600 Eighth Street, Northwest (MLS No. DC7146640) sold on October 31, 2009. The stated closing price is $415,000, $35,000 under asking. The new owner's name does not yet appear in the online Real Property Database. Here's to hoping we see a great renovation of this gorgeous, highly visible corner property soon!

Caddy-cornered 1543 Eighth Street, Northwest is still for sale (check out its listing here). I have my fingers crossed that someone will purchase 1543 soon, too, and thereby bring this entire intersection into a new era of viability and beauty!

Old City Green, A Year-ish Later

About a year ago, I was so excited to learn that a garden center would be opening up at the long-empty lot at the corner of Ninth and N Streets. Little did I know that Old City Green would become so much more than just a purveyor of plants, Christmas trees and pumpkins: it’s a neighborhood gathering spot (having hosted pig roasts and countless other events), a provider of holiday cheer (entertaining us with jazz Christmas carols last year, giving us warm fires and cider on cold days, providing flair to the street with sunflowers planted along the fence in the summer and spider webs adorning it at Halloween), a community partner (having sponsored and helped coordinate last month’s tulip planting and countless other community events), and a landscaping business. Old City Green has transformed what was once an eyesore of a fenced off, forgotten lot, into a flourishing green heart of our community.

I’m gushing over Old City Green because I don’t want us to take it (or any of our other small businesses) for granted. I was surprised to learn that Garden District on Fourteenth Street recently declared bankruptcy. Garden District’s demise might be tied to the expensive second indoor plant location they opened at Fourteenth and Church Street last year, but retailers generally haven’t had the greatest year ever. So I extend a big virtual hug to our wonderful garden center, Old City Green, and can’t wait to buy my Christmas tree there soon!

Old City Green still has plenty of flowers, shrubs, trees and bulbs still hoping to call our yards home this year. In fact, they're having another "Whacky Weekend Sale" this weekend -- selected shrubs, trees and perennials will be 20-50% off. It is not too late to plant. Stop by this weekend and take advantage of the gorgeous weather!


Old City Green
Corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest
202.412.2489

DCist Previews New Civilians Arts Gallery

DCist has a great preview of our neighborhood's newest gallery, Civilian Art Projects. The gallery celebrates its grand re-opening in the Warehouse Arts Complex on Seventh Street tonight from 7 to 9 pm. After tonight, Civilian Art Projects will be open Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday by appointment, Friday 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.

Civilian Art Projects
1019 Seventh Street, Northwest
202.607.3804

Three Years and Counting

Three years ago today, I wrote my first entry on this blog. Since that time, I’ve published about 750 posts relating to the renewal of our neighborhood. I’ve written on topics including developments (planned or underway), great neighborhood businesses, calls to action about a variety of issues (e.g., vacant property, liquor license support, meeting attendance, and volunteer opportunities), musings about what I think would be neat additions to the neighborhood, promotion of events, real estate for rent or sale, business deals and specials, and design.

Although I've remained somewhat anonymous behind my "Shaw Rez" moniker, this blog has gotten mentioned in print publications including the Washington Post, Express, CityPaper and Washingtonian Magazine. OutsideIn cited this blog in naming Shaw the second bloggiest neighborhood in America in 2007.

Here are a few of my favorite posts over the past three years:

* Why Development Hasn't and Isn’t Skipping Over Shaw

* Thinking About: Improving Shaw Recreation Field

* Long View Gallery’s Exciting New Space on Ninth Street

* A Great Day Planting Tulips

* Design: Backyard Renovation

Added to the above list could be any of the several posts about Vegetate's struggle to get a liquor license. I think wanting to see Vegetate, a true neighborhood gem, prevail in its liquor license struggle was one of the main motivators to my blogging in the beginning. I am so happy that they were triumphant in early 2007 and that they've done so well since then. I still adore the restaurant and lounge and appreciate greatly what it adds to Ninth Street -- from the delicious seasonal menu to the inventive cocktail menu to their cool vibe.

Three years ago, I probably could not have foreseen how much I would enjoy living in Shaw and getting to know the area through this forum. Thank you all for reading, commenting and saying "hi." I hope in some way it's helped contribute to the renewal of our great neighborhood.

All to say -- thanks so much for reading!

Exciting New Bar Coming to Seventh Street

The Going Out Gurus have the scoop on a cool new bar and bar concept, to be called The Passenger, which will soon transform and occupy the bar area of the Warehouse Theater (1021 Seventh Street, Northwest). According to the article, The Passenger "will combine a laid-back saloon with an upscale, reservations-suggested cocktail sanctuary." Of note, The Passenger will eventually feature a cocktail club and laboratory to be called The Columbia Room, which will offer a really unique and personal bartender experience. The Passenger should open this month, while the Columbia Room will follow in early 2010.

Weekend Mornings

I love a good, laid back back weekend morning, typically one involving copious amounts of caffeine and a non-calorie conscious meal. Our great neighborhood serves up Saturday and Sunday a.m.'s right. Depending on my mood, desire and ambition, here are my usual go-to's:

- Azi's Cafe, for a cup of coffee and a muffin to enjoy on its patio whilst reading the paper and people watching.
- Cozy Corner Cafe, usually to order one of their awesome paninis (my favorite is the turkey, bacon and swiss on sour dough) and a large fountain drink.
- First Cup Cafe, usually to grab a bacon egg and cheese croissant and a large coffee on the go.
- 1905 Restaurant, for a Bloody Mary (they have really delicious and unique Bloodies; my favorite brunch spot currently) and a breakfast scramble in their cozy atmosphere.

What is your favorite area destination on a weekend morning?

Rent Me: 1911 Ninth Street

Yesterday, I came across this Craigslist Posting advertising that the retail space in 1911 Ninth Street is for lease. 1911 Ninth formerly housed the wildly popular Lettie Gooch Boutique, which moved to a nearby space on U Street last year. Below is the full text of the listing, as well as a few of the listing's photographs:

$3200 / 1000ft² - U ST. 9TH/ONE BLOCK TO METRO (1911 9TH ST. NW WASH. DC 20001)

Great ground level store front or office space with good visibility and high traffic in great Shaw u street area.
High ceiling and exposed bricks with Hardwood floor and Central Air.
Previously was occupied by a apparel /boutique.
There is a basement and parking in the back.
Ready to move in.
To see Call 703/625-5032

I hope that a really neat and unique retail store (like a home goods/gift store or a nice consignment shop) or a cool gallery (like Transformer from P Street) opens in this spot. What do you think would work well there?

A Piece of My Heart in Historic Theater

The American Century Theater is bringing A Piece of My Heart, a celebration of women who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War, to Washington D.C. this November 6th - 21st. They are performing at the historic theater space of the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest.

About the play:

Shirley Lauro’s celebration of women who served and sacrificed in Vietnam has received an overwhelming emotional response from audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and the ensemble work by 7-member cast has garnered glowing reviews from critics and audiences.

For tickets and show times, click here.


A Piece of My Heart
Vernon Place United Methodist Church
900 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest
November 6th - 21st

Spirito di Vino Art Reception Tomorrow Night

"Spirito di Vino" is a series of bi-weekly receptions showcasing the works of young upcoming artists in the Washington metro area. Tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 4) is its second program. It will begin at 6:00 PM at La Carbonara Lounge (above La Carbonara Restaurant at 1826 Ninth Street,NW) and will feature the works of Washington-based Ethiopian artist Solomon Asfaw.

Spirito di Vino
Wednesday, November 4
La Carbonara Lounge
1826 Ninth Street, Northwest

Promo Video on Shaw

Check out this video entitled "Live in DC: Shaw". It's a great, fun and informative promotional video created by Long and Foster realtor Phil Di Ruggiero about why one should live in Shaw.

A Great Day Planting Tulips

Frank Asher of Old City Green and I extend a warm thanks to all who helped make yesterday's tulip bulb planting happen -- from the volunteers who got muddy and misted on in the gray Halloween morning, to the financial sponsors (Douglas Development, EFN Lounge, Independence Bank, Inle Development, Old City Green,Shiloh Baptist Church, The Nine), to the neighborhood businesses like Azi's Cafe (which provided delicious cider) and Chatman's D'vine Bakery (which provided awesome, fresh made muffins, sweet potato pie and bread), to the well-wishers passing by, it was a fun and productive day of community. In all, we planted roughly 800 tulips, supplemented the soil with nutrients, and mulched 32 tree boxes on Ninth Street between N and Rhode Island Avenue. About fifteen volunteers -- including Shaw business owners, residents and church parishioners -- came together to work on the project.

A great thanks is also due Shaw Main Streets and Alex Padro. The tulip project was facilitated through and in furtherance of the ongoing work of Shaw Main Streets, which, in 2007, brought us the iron tree box guards and loriope that line Ninth Street. Among other things, Alex helped raise money for Saturday's event, helped recruit volunteers, and provided general guidance on its execution.

Hopefully these tulips will bloom for many springs to come, and next fall we can turn our attention to another handful of blocks to receive bulbs!