Photo courtesy of Pound the Hill.

Picture this:

You’re walking down that wide, tree-lined boulevard we call Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s spring, and you see children walk by in strollers and dogs and their owners briskly sauntering by. The sun starts to set dramatically over the Capitol. In the air, the unmistakeable scent of apple blossoms mingles with Moroccan lentils, or perhaps Coq au Vin dumplings. There is certainly a distinct Nutella note in that bouquet, as well! Your step picks up and you arrive at the newest destination for upscale bistro fare on the Hill, Pound! Catch your breath while you scarf down a plate of crispy Cuban chicharrones paired with just the perfect Malbec –  unless you get there after I do, in which case both the chicharrones and the Malbec may be gone.

Owner Karl Johnson and Chef Jonathan Taub unveiled the new direction for Pound the Hill this last Thursday: a wine and beer bar married to light, delicious fare from different parts of the world. A quick look through the menu may have you thinking less about that work proposal and more about just how hungry this whole “work” thing makes you, and just how much you need to have a beer or some good wine and food pairing when it’s over, right?

The opening of the bistro means that Pound’s afternoon hours have changed: the coffeeshop will be closing at 4 pm and the bistro will open at 5 pm. Pound’s bistro hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5pm to 10pm and Friday & Saturday, 5pm to 11pm.

(However, the bar stays open until 12am, so that’s an extra hour for you and me to have some Malbec).

Pound the Hill is located at 621 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

Originally uploaded to flickr by blue2likeyou

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]]> http://www.thehillishome.com/2012/02/its-survey-time/feed/ 0 http://www.thehillishome.com/2012/01/share-your-opinion-on-the-hine-school-development/ http://www.thehillishome.com/2012/01/share-your-opinion-on-the-hine-school-development/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:27 +0000 Claudia Holwill http://www.thehillishome.com/?p=24956

Uploaded to Flickr by Bill on Capitol Hill

The ANC Subcommittee on the Hine School Development is asking for the community to share its opinions on a number of aspects of the Hine School development project.  While this survey is open until February 10, the subcommittee is meeting tonight and will start discussing the feedback.  If you would like to attend the subcommittee meeting to give comments in person, it will be held tonight at 7pm at Brent Elementary School, located at 301 North Carolina Avenue, SE.

In an email to neighbors, ANC6B Commissioner Ivan Frishberg explained, “This is an important time to tell us what you think because this is a place where our opinions really make a difference… Together we make the Hill a great place to live.  This is an important opportunity to shape the place we live for the better.  Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts on the project.”

The Subcommittee has also created a website to share information about the project and the Subcommittee’s work.  Visit hineschoolpud.wordpress.com to get caught up to date and learn more about how to get involved.  Feel free to also spend some time reading our archived posts on this issue for some history on the project.

Originally uploaded to flickr by Jo Naylor

I don’t know about anyone else, but for me, this feels like the first week of the year where the holidays are really over and I’m finally getting my life back in order. So, now that you’re (hopefully) back to your regular routine, you’ll need a few Hill-centric things to do in the coming days.

As Kate mentioned last week, CHAW’s “40 Free Events in 40 Days” continues as part of their anniversary celebration.  Pre registration is required, and registrants will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $50 CHAW gift certificate.

Restaurant Week may officially be over, but Smith Commons is extending their offer of a three course dinner and special drink options for $35.12 through Friday.

The Wanted and Justin Trawick are playing at Rock and Roll Hotel on Friday night. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm and tickets are $15 each. More info here.

We’re in that awful lull where the sugary treats from Christmas are long gone, and the Valentine’s day chocolates have not yet arrived. Well, unless you go to CVS, where its been Valentine’s Day for at least two weeks now. But more to the point: H Street Bakes will be taking place at The Big Board on H Street, starting this Sunday at noon.

Photo by María Helena Carey

To say that Xavier Cervera has been busy is an understatement.

On Friday, Cervera will open his fifth restaurant on Capitol Hill, Boxcar Tavern, located directly across the street from Eastern Market. The opening marks the end of a busy year for the Capitol Hill restaurateur, and it will usher in another busy one, filled with construction projects, closeout inspections and staff and kitchen preparations.

In approximately four months, Cervera will open Pacifico, serving Latin American tapas on Barracks Row. Meanwhile, at the Southeast Waterfront he is planning to open two new outposts, Park Tavern and Willie’s Brew and Que. Add to that the heavy construction and renovations taking place at the Hawk ‘n’ Dove, and you can already predict he won’t have much downtime in 2012. (We talked to Xavier back in September about some of those plans, and the comments got just a little out of hand.–ed)

But one day before the opening of Boxcar Tavern, a $1.1 million project completed in the last six months, Cervera appears to be calm, cool and collected.

Click on the jump to see a sneak peak tour of Boxcar Tavern

“This one went fairly smoothly. When we open tomorrow, we will be the first gastropub on the Hill serving affordable food to people,” he said

Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or some pâté, Cervera said he tried to put something on the menu for everyone, and the food is moderately priced. One of the higher priced items, a steak, will run a little more than $20.00.

Executive chef Brian Klein is running the kitchen. Klein helped Cervera open Senart’s Oyster and Chophouse earlier this year, and previously worked as executive sous-chef at Brasserie Beck. The menu includes salads and sandwiches, as well as entrée and dinner meals. Diners can expect a brunch menu and late night options too.

At the bar there are 12 beers on-tap, featuring a mix of local and premium drafts, like Flying Dog and Fat Tire, and there are 16 wines, offered by the glass. The bar will be open Fridays and Saturdays until 3 a.m. and until 2 a.m. all other days.

What makes Boxcar Tavern unique from some of Cervera’s other dining establishments on Capitol Hill, he says, is the location and concept.

“I live on this side of Pennsylvania Avenue and we’ve had very few choices for dining and drinking on this side of the Hill. A lot of people don’t want to walk far to grab a drink, so we are offering them a place to come, open at most times of the day.”

Diners who visit will immediately recognize some of the designs that went into the tavern. Two signs from the old Hawk ‘n’ Dove, including the storefront sign, hang in the rear of the restaurant. And, a sign from Finn Mac Cool’s, the former bar that is now Molly Malone’s on 8th Street, hangs by the front door.  Cervera also commissioned an artist to paint a large portrait of Eastern Market, and he has collected a number of tavern signs from historical pubs in Britain, Scotland and France.

The tavern’s name comes from the look and feel of the space, Cervera said. The tavern is housed within a former sandwich shop, Petit Gourmet, which was narrow and small. Cervera knocked out the back wall of the building and more than doubled the space, expanding back to the rear alley. But there was no way to get around the narrow layout. Instead, Cervera arranged tables in a row and created an elongated space that can hold 60 diners at any time.

“The feel of the place is long and narrow, like a boxcar, and the design work has Arts and Crafts trim and a Stickley design.”

The tavern is decorated in wood trim and rich fabrics. Cervera opted to use furniture instead of booths because it fit within the Arts and Crafts theme. He has also placed four flat-screen mirrored televisions for game watching. When the televisions are turned off, they blend into the restaurant and appear as barback mirrors, helping to make the space feel more open and wide. Cervera hopes the bar will attract crowds on game day.

“We are trying to appeal to as many people in the neighborhood as possible. And we’ve worked to offer them something unique to try.”

Boxcar Tavern opens tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 30th at 224 7th St, SE, across the street from Eastern Market.

Photo slideshow courtesy of Tim Ebner for TheHillisHome.com

Originally uploaded to flickr by SarahInDisguise

Newsflash! New Year’s Eve is this weekend. That, coupled with what is arguably one of the slowest weeks in Washington (second only to the August mass exodus, perhaps?) makes this week’s To Do list all about the last night of the year. So, do you love it? Hate it? Is it just another (Saturday) night? Either way, the Hill has plenty of options for ushering in 2012. Unless your idea of an ideal NYE is takeout and a movie, in which case you already have the number of your favorite delivery place.

Little ones in tow? The Family Room will be having a modified ringing in of the new year at the child-friendly time of 6pm.

For those of you looking to ditch your kids, your inhibitions, etc…

H Street Country Club is having a party that will feature an open bar, including their award-winning margaritas, as well as appetizers, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $75 in advance, $89 at the door.

Matchbox is offering a special 3 course menu in addition to à la carte dining on the 31^st. Reservations accepted. You can check out the menu here.

Montmarte will have its regular menu this weekend, a good option for those who don’t want prix fixe choices.

Don’t feel like dressing up? There’s no dress code for Rock and Roll Hotel’s party. Admission is $50 for cash bar, $80 for open bar.

Smith Commons will have two seatings for their $60 NYE menu (6-7:30pm and 9-10:30pm) The Public House on levels two and three will have live music from the Bob Butta Quartet. Complimentary champagne will be handed out at midnight.

Sonoma is throwing a Prohibition Party with options to fit your price point. $65 will get you the first seating from 5-6:30p and its $95 after 7pm.

There are other things going on in the city of course. But stay close to home, where you can travel on foot. I know I’m not the only one with their mother’s voice in their head reminding them that New Year’s Eve can be “amateur night” for drinkers and drivers on the roads.  Be safe!

uploaded to flickr.com by "clairity"

What an eventful year on Capitol Hill – and I’m not even talking about the warped and wishy-washy politics that went on in the big white domed building.  We here at The Hill Is Home attempted to bring you timely coverage of our neighborhood politics, cultural events, developing stories and (probably more than anything else) food options. So we realized as a staff we like to eat. And drink. Judging by the number of restaurants opening in our area the whole neighborhood likes to eat too. And drink.

So let’s take a look back at some of the highlights of food and drink in 2011 on Capitol Hill. 

H Street NE has blossomed into a destination where you can easily find a lovely dinner, head out to a bar and dance the night away, and then find an eatery for fourth meal.  The year opened with the opening of Church and State, the cheeky second floor bar from the owners of Fruit Bat and Wisdom.  Toki Underground opened a few months later.  Who knew a tiny second-floor eatery calling itself “underground” would become one of the hottest tables to snag in DC?  We also welcomed Shawafel, The Big Board, Khan’s Bar & Grill, the Queen Vic, and TruOrleans to the diverse array of restaurants already calling H Street home.

Over in Southeast we gained Senart’s Oyster & Chophouse and Lavagna as night-out dinner options, and many specialty food shops including 32 Below, the Sweet Lobby, Spring Mill Bakery, and Pitango Gelato. Do Hill residents have an addiction to baked goods?  Or just a more acute sweet tooth?  We added to our coffee options with Pound (and were introduced to the sinfully delightful Nutella latte), while teas and juices now abound at the B Spot.

The Tune Inn reopened in 2011 after a massive fire damaged or destroyed most of the interior.  I’m not sure if a completely remodeled and fully-sprinklered bar counts as a dive anymore, but I am sure the Tune Inn will do its best to live up to its reputation.

And near the Southeast Riverfront options are starting to multiply.  Justin’s Café and Lot 38 Espresso opened for the hungry masses heading to ball games or moving into new high-rises.

Also in Southeast, the DC food truck frenzy created a cult phenomenon known as Truckeroo.  One Friday a month the food trucks circle up in “Das Bullpen” right by Nationals Park like some sort of technicolor, aroma-ed caravan making camp.  Live music and beer added to the festive atmosphere, and urban foodies could sample the wares of many mobile kitchens.  I would imagine this tradition will continue in the warmer months of 2012.

We lost a few establishments along the way too.  Sadly we said bye-bye to Ba Bay; whatever the reasons for its closure, we lost our Vietnamese option on the Hill.  We also said so-long to the Hawk & Dove, though with major renovations already underway we may be able to say hello to it in a different reincarnation next year.

Speaking of next year, 2012 brings us even more options for dining and drinking on the Hill.  We expect Boxcar to open across the street from Eastern Market, and construction is moving swiftly on Chipotle on Barracks Row.  We also expect Ima Pizza to open on 8^th Street SE in the spring.  I know multiple dining and drinking options are in the works on H Street, including Sweet Charleston’s restaurant/lounge/bar/live entertainment venue (wondering if they might have a gift shop too?).  Maybe, just maybe, Crepes on the Corner will open on 15^th Street SE (a neighbor can dream, can’t he?).

Originally uploaded to flickr by Voxtheory

With just days to go, let’s cut right to the chase. Here are some suggestions for those left on your list. All to be found within the comfy confines of Capitol Hill!

Hill’s Kitchen has a wide variety of gifts for the homemaker. Kudos if you can actually go there and not end up buying something for yourself as well. The cookie cutters in the shapes of each state are a favorite of mine.

Dog owners will surely appreciate a toy or treat for their pup. No matter which side of the Hill you’re on, you’ll find something at Metro Mutts on H Street or 8th St SE or Chateau Animaux. Even in chilly weather, I’ve found my pup adores the frozen treat cups at Metro Mutts. And a sturdy Kong toy will withstand abuse from even the most aggressive chewer.

The coffee lover in your life will enjoy complimentary coffee courtesy of Peregrine or Pound.  Who doesn’t love not having to pay for that morning cup of joe?

There isn’t anyone who couldn’t use a gift card or something from Frager’s. And if you are that someone please let me in on your secret because you must be the proud owner of the perfect Hill home.

You can’t ever go wrong by buying someone dinner or a sweet treat. A dozen cupcakes from Hello Cupcake? A gift card to Acqua al 2 or Matchbox or Senart’s?

For the little elves, head to Labyrinth. From puzzles to board games, there’s something for every tiny tot.

A nice bottle of champagne or wine is a great hostess gift and the fine folks at Schneider’s are always willing to help you find something that’s fits your bubbly budget.

Shop till you drop!

If you’re someone who braves the shopping mall this time of year, bravo. I try to avoid “the mall” at all costs around the holidays – the long lines, the reduced inventory, the fighting for the coveted parking spot closest to Macy’s, and so on. Why not save yourself the trouble this year? The Capitol Hill Art League is having a holiday sale for the art lover on your list. Opening on December 10 at 4pm, the exhibit will feature work from artists of the Capitol Hill Art League. Items will range from framed pieces to matted art and will be gift wrapped by CHAL members.

If you can’t make it this weekend, the exhibit runs through December 22^nd. For additional information, including gallery hours, visit their webpage. You can also check out a video previewing the event here.

uploaded to flickr.com by antijoe

Tis the season to fill our schedules, and the weekends on Capitol Hill are full of fun and festive events to get you in the holiday spirit, or just enjoy a spirited evening with friends. Need a break for all the holiday merriment? We’ve got diversions for you all over the ‘hood. Saturday in particular is packed with things to do that get you away from the tangled strings of lights and lumps of cookie dough.

Thursday night is Open Mike Night at the Star & Shamrock on H Street NE. Musicians and poets are welcome from 8:30 until 11:00 p.m.

The 13th Street Community Garden celebrates a year of accomplishments (and vegetables?) on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help ready the space for the next growing season. If you have time to lend a hand, please bring gardening and pruning tools. Holiday treats and hot cocoa will be provided.

Prepare for sugary holiday fun on Barracks Row this Saturday. Have you been naughty or nice? Tell Santa on Barracks Row from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. He’ll arrive courtesy of the Fire Department’s Engine 18, and will hang out at the corner of G and 8th Streets SE. Snacks will be provided by the newly-opened Spring Mill Bakery, and free photos courtesy of MotoPhoto. You can share the holiday spirit by bringing an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Prior to his arrival, grab some sprinkles and decorate a gingerbread cookie at Spring Mill Bakery across the street, starting at 12:00 noon. After you deliver your list to the Big Guy, head to Hello Cupcake and decorate your own cupcake from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., complete with a fondant figurine.

Saturday afternoon Capitol Hill Village hosts an open house at the new Hill Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Village residents, volunteers, and friends are welcome. RSVP by Friday, December 9 to the Village main office. More information can be found here.

Need to work off some pre-holiday energy? Spend some time cheering on the DC Rollergirls as they take on the DC DemoCats and the Cherry Blossom Bombshells in a double header at the DC Armory. Tickets are $12 in advance through Ticketmaster or at the door. First face-off is at 4:00 p.m. Nothing says the holiday like a little friendly body-checking, right?

This is your last weekend to catch “Beertown” at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. The play with audience participation has gotten great reviews, and tickets are only $15. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. nightly through Saturday. If you’re heading to the play on Saturday, get there early for the Adult Student Art Exhibition. Admission to the exhibit is free, and is open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday evening brings us more theatrical options with the Young Playwrights Dinner Theatre Showcase at 7:00 p.m. at St. Marks Episcopal Church. Eight short plays written by 12th grade students from the Duke Ellington School for the Arts will be performed by actors from the St. Mark’s Players and Art For Life. Tickets are just $20 for dinner and the show, or $15 for the show alone. Student tickets are $10, but note some themes may not be suitable for audience members under 14. More information and tickets can be found here.

Enjoy your weekend!