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Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the Hill

February 8th, 2010 by Kyra Deblaker-Gebhard · Capitol Hill

Originally Uploaded to flickr by Marit&Toomas Hinnosaar

Originally Uploaded to flickr by Marit&Toomas Hinnosaar

It’s that time of year. Pink hearts, red roses and dark chocolate are on the minds of many as Valentine’s Day approaches. And while there are few things I actually like about Valentine’s Day—a day that can bring out the cynic in even me—the one thing I look forward to every Valentine’s Day is a great dinner courtesy of my loving husband. So if you are like me and long for a great meal at a local restaurant on Valentine’s day, check out these special Valentine’s Day offerings on the Hill.

Art and Soul
Art and Soul is offering patrons soft lighting, private nooks and a romantic three-course meal. Call or visit Open Table for Reservations.

B.Smiths
Find a Weekend of Love at this local spot tucked away in the East Hall of Union Station. B.Smiths is offering a four-course prix-fixe dinner Friday through Sunday is $69 a person. If a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t your thing, be sure to try their Sunday Lovers’ Brunch Buffet, which will feature live jazz music, is $40 a person. Call or visit Open Table for Reservations.

Belga Café
Chef Vandaele will prepare an exclusive “Red, Hot & Naughty” Belgian feast for patrons this Valentine’s Day. The four-course meal, complete with champagne, is $69.69 a person. Call or visit Open Table for Reservations.

Bistro Cacao
This new addition to Capitol Hill is offering patrons romance and roses along with a four-course prix-fixe menu featuring their fabulous French cuisine. Call or visit Open Table for Reservations.

Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
It is Valentine’s Day all weekend at Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar where patrons can choose from three course options for dinner: three-courses at $50 per person, four-courses at $65 per person or 5 courses at $80 per person. Don’t forget the wine. Call or visit Open Table for Reservations.

Toscana Café and Catering
This great neighborhood Italian restaurant will be open this Valentine’s Day. Sunday’s prix-fixe menu features a Prosecco Sparkling Adami toast, a three-course meal and dessert at two seating times: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. If dining out isn’t on the menu, call and order take-out. Toscana Café asks that you please order at least one day in advance. E-mail toscanacafedc@gmail.com or call (202) 525-2693 to reserve a table or place your take-out order.

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Lost Capitol Hill: The Knickerbocker Storm

February 8th, 2010 by Robert Pohl · Capitol Hill

I was going to write about yet another boarding house that used to be on the Hill, but then another storm came along, one that has drawn many comparisons to the Knickerbocker storm of 1922, so it would behoove me to write today about that storm.

[Read more →]

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Open Amidst the Snowmageddon

February 6th, 2010 by Kate McFadden · Capitol Hill

Here’s a list of some of the local businesses and restaurants open and welcoming customers today. Reward yourself for digging round #3 (of 10?) with a hot lunch out or a little shopping for your valentine! Many thanks to Julia Christian of CHAMPS for the list.

P&C Market
The Pug (at 12:30)
Results gym
Young’s Market
CVS at 7th
Hill’s Kitchen
Frager’s
Harris Teeter
The Family room (12-4pm)
Matchbox
Tunnicliff’s
Capitol Lounge
The Argonaut
Peregrine
Le Pain Quotidien (but their full kitchen staff is not there yet)
Marvelous Market
Art and Soul
SOVA
YES (has milk/no eggs)
Motts (12th + C SE – fully stocked)

UPDATED to add:

Belga Cafe
Granville Moore’s
Pour House
18th Amendment
Trusty’s (open at 5pm)
Lounge 201
Union Pub

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Where Every Gardener Knows Your Name

February 5th, 2010 by Maria Carey · Capitol Hill

Photo from Green East Community blog/Google images

Gardeners are a great group of people.  Being a gardener myself means I get to bask in my own compliment; but I don’t think that’s so bad because speaking recently to Colleen Cancio and Tom Kavanagh, leaders of the happy effort over at the Green East Community garden, I have even more solid proof of this fact.

In case you missed our earlier post on the Green East Community Garden, it’s one of the newer gardens on the Hill.  It got its start back in the fall of 2008 with a determined group of neighbors and a vast, seemingly abandoned parking lot behind their houses.  Thanks to the help of gardening and legal-minded neighbors, the residents from the 1700 block between D and E streets, SE, were able to obtain this land. The lot in question had been tied up, as many properties in large metropolitan areas can be, in some legal mumbo jumbo, which was sorted out so that everyone in the neighborhood could benefit from a beautiful garden in progress.  Once the land was secured, the garden came together thanks to the kindness of the community: the plans were drawn up by the neighbors at Fowler Architects; the fence was built in one single day by the impressive crew sent along by P&P Construction; the mulch, that essential gardener’s gold, was donated and conveyed in an enormous 18-wheeler that handyman Paul Mudd helped get into the alley by dismantling and rebuilding a neighbor’s fence. The beds were built with salvaged lumber from Community Forklift, and everything was done in just four days and with lots of neighbors coming out and enjoying the newly green space and each other’s company. [Read more →]

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Shovels & Salt by the Truckload; Donate at the Register

February 5th, 2010 by Kate McFadden · Capitol Hill

So, at 7:45 a.m. there was a line (only) 15 deep in Frager’s Garden Center for shovels and salt. The shovels were going fast, but there was still a half crate of salt left, but it was the paw-friendly expensive stuff. The firewood, however, was plentiful. How I wish my fireplace hadn’t been filled in mid-century.

The sales staff did assure me that they’ll be in receipt of several shipments of salt and shovels today, and expect several freight deliveries that will fill the store with “thousands” of shovels. That’s a lot of shovels, but now hearing that there may be 24 inches headed our way, get them while they’re hot. In fact, you may just want to get two. I’m just hoping our handy 10-year old metal one holds out with that kind of snowy heft.

Since you’ll be stopping by Frager’s, take advantage of their Haiti Donation Drive. Here’s what they’re saying to promote their matching gifts to contributions made at the counter:
“Frager’s Hardware is committed to helping those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. We will
match up to $5000 of contributions made by our patrons through February 15th. Simply drop your donation into the designated paint cans located throughout the store.

Additionally, the True Value Company will match our store’s contributions, dollar for dollar, so your individual donation will
have triple the impact. Our contribution, on behalf of our customers, will be donated through Habitat for Humanity, to further the rebuilding process of Haiti.

Thank you for considering a donation to this humanitarian effort.

Sincerely, from the whole Frager’s crew,

John Weintraub, Owner
Ed Copenhaver, Owner
Nick Kaplanis, General Manager”

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Charter School at International Graduate University – More Questions than Answers

February 5th, 2010 by Tim Krepp · Capitol Hill, Hill East

photo by Kate McFadden

As we reported last November, representatives of University High Public Charter School are pushing forward with their plan to open a charter school at the site of the Buchanan School on 13th and D ST SE. This Tuesday, a DC Public Charter School Board press release announced University High Public Charter School as one of 13 applications for new charter schools for the 2011 school year. The site is well known as the location of the mysterious and reclusive International Graduate University. So far, all that is really known of the proposed charter school is a two page Executive Summary (pdf), which fails to really illuminate the educators’ expertise for managing the large institution or what the school will offer that other charter and traditional public schools don’t already.

The relationship between the now defunct IGU and UHPCS is murky, although there clearly is more than a casual connection. Mr. Terry Shelton, a representative of University High, insists that they are “an autonomous unit, with no connection to the International Graduate University,” although that denial was somewhat tempered by the fact that I called him at that facility and he answered the phone “IGU.” Very little is known about who makes up the “Founding Group” of University High Public Charter School, and they have not publicly identified themselves. Mr. Shelton, who represented the school in its meeting with ANC-6B last October, indicated recently that it was comprised of twenty members, some of whom were retired DCPS Principals. However, he “was not at liberty to say” who they were, but assured me the information would be forthcoming. [Read more →]

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Snow Emergency Declared

February 4th, 2010 by Claudia Holwill · Capitol Hill

Yes, folks, we’ve got another weekend snow storm planned, and the Washington Post is saying that this one is “likely to be historic.”  If things keep up DC may finally get enough practice to get good at dealing with snow!  Okay, maybe not but I think it’s safe to say that the rest of us are starting to figure out the drill.  Step 1: Panic. Step 2: swarm the nearest grocery store. Step 3: build a snowman and remember that the snow is fun. Step 4: post awesome pictures to the THIH Flickr Pool.

And in anticipation of a storm that could bring even more snow than the snOMG! storm in December, DDOT has declared a snow emergency as they prepare to deal with “Super Snow Bowl.” (I think they missed the memo on what we’re calling this one, cause that’s just lame.).  Anyway, the point is, move your car by 9:30 am on Friday if you are parked on a snow emergency route or face a $250 fine and additional fees for towing and storage at an impound lot.

If you are not sure what streets are snow emergency routes, this PDF map highlights them all.  DC also has a snow and ice control web site with some helpful information.  And if you didn’t move your car and think it was towed, call 202-541-6083.

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SNOMG 2: Electric Bugaloo Drink Specials on H Street

February 4th, 2010 by Nichole Remmert · Capitol Hill

Originally Uploaded to flickr by mush2274

So, anyone who knows me knows that I can’t stand snow.  I’m a jaded northerner who cites “better weather” as one of the reasons I moved to DC 17 years ago.  Snow is a messy inconvenience, and it can kiss my butt.  You can keep your Winter Wonderland; I’m staying home and getting drunk on my couch.

However, my dear drink-slinging friends on H Street may have finally enticed me to bundle up and drink at their places for Kaiser Snowze. (And believe me, if this happens, you’re going to want to follow my twitter feed (@nicholeaileen) to stay abreast of my exploits)  So here’s the deal, via Going Out Gurus:

Beginning Friday night at 6pm, six H Street area bars (Little Miss Whiskey’s, Jimmy Valentine’s, the Red & the Black, Sticky Rice, the Pug, and the Palace of Wonders) will take $1 off every drink you order for every 6″ of snow that falls. The special runs through Friday and Saturday, with drink prices capped at $2/drink.  H Street Great Street’s awesome clarification of how it might work goes like this:

To be clear, the cheapest any beverage would get is $2 per drink, so you could get $3 off for 18 inches of snow, so long as you were buying something that cost $5 or more to begin with. Or you could get $4 off for 24 inches, if your beverage was regularly priced at $6 or above. But you aren’t getting your PBR for $1 and they aren’t paying you to drink Stroh’s no matter how much it snows!

So, there you have it folks.  I expect to see you all on H Street this weekend.  I’ll be the one slurring muttering obscenities at the snow while throwing back $2 shots of Powers.

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Update on Kingsman Field Dog Park

February 4th, 2010 by Nichole Remmert · Capitol Hill

Gratuitous photo of my dog Ramona courtesy of Kathy Fox

Full Disclosure:  I’m a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee of Hill Hounds, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is the official partner of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation on the Kingsman Field Dog Park project.

I’m pleased to report that after many delays, DPR is in the process of selecting a contractor to (finally!) begin construction on the Kingsman Field Dog Park.  With any luck, construction will begin in late March, and we can expect to have a beautiful, enclosed park for our pups to frolic and play in by the end of June.  (Of course, we can’t control the weather, and March is historically rather rainy, so let’s hope for construction to begin in April!)

You can see the current design concept here.  I can say with near certainty that the surface will be K-9 grass, like the park near Dupont Circle, at 17th Street, S Street and New Hampshire Ave. NW.  That surface has proven to be the most cost-effective and easy to maintain.  I’ll admit, I was skeptical of the puppy Astroturf at first, but have since become a convert after taking my girl Ramona to Dupont.  Hill Hounds is conducting a final fundraising drive to raise another $5,000 before March 1.  You can donate online, buy a brick, or sponsor a bench here.  In case you were wondering how the park is funded, DPR pays for the basics – original construction (minus “fancy” extras like benches), a water source, fencing etc. Hill Hounds is responsible for ongoing care, cleaning and maintenance, benches, shade treatments and any extras, like providing treat vending, poop bags etc.  I know there’s been a lot of chatter around the listservs recently about some unfortunate encounters between kids and dogs at Lincoln Park.  Supporting Hill Hounds and the Kingsman Field Park is a great way to minimize those sorts of encounters by helping to give Hill dogs a separate place to run and play.

Dogs will be required to have both DC dog licenses and DC park tags to use the park.  We expect to have sign up events in the park’s opening days to make sure that your pup is legal and all set for romping!

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To Do List

February 4th, 2010 by Sharee Lawler · Capitol Hill

Uploaded to flickr by Imagined Reality.

Well, I can guess what most people will be doing, or preparing for, this weekend.  If you still have some energy after that big shopping trip to pick up wings, chips and beer, here are some ideas for filling your time.  Thinking about watching at a local bar or restaurant?  You’ll want to check this out first.

All Weekend
Nobody does drama like the Greeks, and the house of Atreus provides some particularly colorful material.  In its opening weekend at Folger Theater, Orestes, A Tragic Romp, gives us adultery, betrayal, madness, vengeance — all the hallmarks of a big, fat, dysfunctional Greek family.

Thursday
Don’t miss the last day of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s 4th Annual Photography Exhibit.  Comprised of 32 works from 16 photographers, this open call photo show is a great way to get to know some new works.

The Duluth, MN trio Retribution Gospel Choir is at Rock & Roll Hotel.  They’ll be playing songs from their newest album, 2, released January 26th.

This month’s installment of Modern Underground at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse features Dean Fields and Ellen Cherry from 7:30pm-10pm and is, as always, hosted by the lovely Laura Tsaggaris.

Friday
Corner Store is hosting a free gallery opening from 6 to 9 PM for Mixed Media Reflections: Featuring the Works of Twelve African American Artists in Honor of Black History Month.

Taylor Carson will be at Ebenezer’s for a special acoustic performance of his newest album Defending The Name, due out March 9th. A local, from Arlington, VA, Carson’s latest project “presents the trials and triumphs of a real American family. Inside every song is a story and every story is a chance for redemption.”

“Some of NYC’s finest burlesque beauties” will be at the Palace of Wonders when Sugar Shack Burlesque presents The Love Shack. “Life has never been so sweet!”

Saturday
You’re not afraid of a little snow, are you? Then check out Rattler at Rock & Roll Hotel.  This is the makeup for a missed show at Christmas, so “rain, snow, sleet, unicorns, rainbows, lucky charms or shine, the show will go on!”

Is your plan for the day to not have any plans?  Then The Fridge’s newest exhibit is for you. “‘Empty Time’ reflects upon the loveliness of banality – the exquisite pointlessness of moments filled with nothing but idle contemplation.” Indulge at the opening reception, from 8-11PM.  If the mood strikes, while you’re there you can sign up for Sunday’s figure painting class with Chanel Compton.

If its the first Saturday of the month, then its time for The Skullduggery & Skin Show at Palace of Wonders.  Join Albert Cadabra, Gal Friday, Ruby the Wonder Dog and special guest performers for “a new and exciting show of amazing magical illusions, superb sleight-of-hand, shocking sideshow stunts, vivacious variety acts and a healthy dose of classic burlesque & striptease!”

Sunday
Celebrate Mozart’s 254th birthday (a little belated, but never mind that) with WAM!, the story of this great composer’s “childhood and the glorious explosion of his music.” At the Atlas Theater in conjunction with the Washington Ballet’s Studio Co.

Still looking for the perfect wine to go with your award-winning seven layer dip? Head over to P&C Market before the game! From 3-5 PM, they’ll have three wines and some cheeses available for tasting.

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