Rogue 24 to Host Ten Star Chefs

While Chef RJ Cooper is out for heart surgery for ten weeks starting in January, ten amazing chefs will take the helm of Rogue 24's kitchen for a series of "Rogue Sessions."  Sounds like a great concept -- sign me up!

Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery to Chef Cooper.

Rogue 24

922 N Street, NW (Rear/Blagden Alley)
202.408.9724

Rent Me: 818 Rhode Island Avenue

Work continues full steam ahead at the once notoriously vacant properties at the intersection of Ninth, Q and Rhode Island (check out my previous post about the property here).  The awesome gut-renovation seems to be nearing the final stretch, and it looks like they're getting the structure ready for a fantastic and detailed new exterior paint scheme (if you walk by, take note of the intricate paint scheme that's begun on the cornice on Q Street frontage).

Recently, banners went up advertising for lease the retail component of the project.  

Here's to hoping something great fills the highly visible corner spot in the heart of Shaw!

Redevelopment of 1109 M Street

On my walk to work this morning, I noticed construction activity at the former Laogai Museum at 1109 M Street, NW. 

After doing a little digging, I learned that the property is being redeveloped by the CAS Riegler real estate development company (the firm behind such great projects as The Flatiron of Bloomingdale and Lionel Lofts on Fourteenth Street). 

According to the project website, the all-residential project will deliver in Summer 2012.  It will have eleven unique units, all featuring private outdoor space.  To be known as "Standard Eleven," its rendering indicates that the bright red/orange facade of the former museum will be replaced by a less jarring, more appealing aesthetic:

Early Look at JBG's Florida Avenue Development

The City Paper has an early look at JBG's impressive plans for its Florida Avenue parcels (acquired from WMATA this summer).  Check it out here!

From SMS: Fun with Festive Flowers at Convention Floral Saturday

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 17) from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Convention Floral will host a "Fun with Festive Flowers" open house.  A Facebook event page has been set up here.

Shaw Main Streets forwarded details of the event:

Convention Floral is transforming the shop into a winter wonderland and they want to help you do the same in your home!

Sit with Nubia, the owner of Convention Floral, and learn to create your own beautiful centerpiece for a personal touch to your holiday decor.

They'll provide the flowers and supplies plus light refreshments—just bring yourself and some holiday cheer. This is a fun way to kick off the season and your finished arrangement will be even more special because you made it yourself. Plus, Nubia will share extra tidbits on easy but eye-catching ways to decorate every room of your home.

The cost to participate will be 40% off the store value of your arrangement. This covers the sitting fee, cost of supplies, and refreshments. You can have your arrangement delivered anywhere in DC for an additional $11.95, or you can simply take it home with you.

Session times are 12:30, 2, 4, and 5:30. Each session will last about an hour. SEATING IS LIMITED; they can only accomodate 10 participants per session. Please call 202-939-0510 if you have any questions.

Convention Floral
1920 Ninth Street, NW
202.939.0510

From SMS: Tasting at Chatman's on Sunday!

This Sunday (December 18) from 1pm to 4pm, Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe will host a "Holiday Treats Tasting."  Check out the Facebook event page here. 

From Shaw Main Streets comes word of this great seasonal gathering:

You are cordially invited to Chatman's Holiday Treats Tasting this Sunday, December 18th! The shop will be open especially for you to taste-test Chatman's biggest holiday sellers:

• Coconut-Pineapple Cake
• Banana Pudding Cake
• Egg Nog Pound Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Apple-Gingerbread Crisp

The event is FREE and open to all. It's a great opportunity to chat with owner Debra Chatman and your neighbors, and try a few d'vine treats you may not have had before. There will be music, refreshments, and fellowship.

Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe
1239 Ninth Street, NW
202.290.3681

Week In Review

I spent the past week in Austria (as evidenced above, Austrians go all out for the season), so I haven’t had much of a chance to post about the happenings of our great neighborhood. It seems I missed a lot of posts about Shaw while away, including:

• Shaw’s Tavern has new owners (Prince of Petworth) 
• The Wonderbread Factory continues to spark interest (InShaw)
• Changes in the neighborhood’s demographics have been the subject of thought and comparison (Urban Turf)
• The Carter G. Woodson Site continues to inch toward renovation.(NPS) 

Exciting stuff!

Go Caroling This Sunday

This Sunday (December 11), ANC 2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro invites all ANC2C residents to join her for an evening of caroling!  Meet in front of Good Libations (1201 Fifth Street, NW, at the intersection of Fifth and M Streets) for an evening of caroling around the area.

Contact the Commissioner with questions at 202.670.1732, on Facebook at nigroanc2c@gmail.com, on facebook.com/votenigro, or on Twitter at @nigroanc2c.

From SMS: Holiday Party Monday!

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder about its annual holiday party, which will take place on Monday:

It's that time of year, once again. Shaw Main Streets and the businesses of central Shaw invite you to celebrate the season at the annual SMS Holiday Party, featuring food and beverages from neighborhood businesses.

This year's party will take place on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th Street, NW, in the private party room.

Come enjoy food, wine and beer from new businesses and old favorites, meet neighbors, business owners, developers, and others who are helping to transform Shaw, and dance the Electric Slide, Shaw's official party dance.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. No reservations are required.

Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party 2011
Monday, December 5
7PM to 9PM
Old Dominion Brew House
1219 Ninth Street, NW

Maruka Presents Michael J. Singletary



"Chocolate Mess 2," Michael Singletary

 The Maruka Gallery is currently exhibiting the prolific genius of New York City's cultural provacateur, Michael J. Singletary, with his Chocolate Series. His Chocolate Series is an unapologetic romp through our romance and decadence of this addiction. Through the visual metaphor of chocolate, Michael draws upon generational culture, using acrylics and collage in collision with abstract realism to define a new artistic medium for the millenium.

Tonight (December 1, 2011), Maruka will host an artist's reception for the show from 6 - 9 pm. Meet the artist, enjoy his creativity, and explore his motivation with this addicting pleasure.   Refreshments will be served.

For mor details, visit Maruka's website or contact them at 202.745.1881 or info@marukadc.com.


Maruka Gallery
1300 Ninth Streeet, NW
202.745.1881