By Maria Helena Carey

Let me start by saying that I am not out to prove that any one city can be better than another city. Rather, I came to realize something on a recent trip, and I have a forum — this blog and specifically the “Things We Take for Granted” column — in which I can share my thoughts.

I have a love-hate relationship with New York City. My husband loves to take quick trips up north to see a show, and I hate to get off the train at Penn Station. Sure, New York has some redeeming qualities, like the proliferation of pizza places. Oh, how I love pizza. But the sidewalks and streets, the potholes and the broken curbs that take me from one pizza place to the next, they make me long for a walk to my beloved Eastern Market on our brick sidewalks lined with granite curbs, connected with well marked cross walks that get us from point a to point b with rarely a stumble. Sure, our brick sidewalks can have their moments and our streets can and have crumbled in places, but generally our sidewalks and streets are more aesthetically pleasing than the concrete sidewalks and broken roads of New York City.

The New Yorkers reading this will surely say things like the District is younger. And one might even say federal dollars make it all possible. But I feel that we’ve got something good here when it comes down to the basics. And I’m here to tell you that you take them for granted!

So New York City can think she is the best at everything, but I know when I see something good! And with one trip to New York City you’ll agree, the streets and sidewalks of Capitol Hill are pretty great!

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 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.

Photo by María Helena Carey.

It was almost a year ago to the day that The Hill is Home sat down to its first taste of Ba Bay’s savory Bok Choy while sipping at a frothy Saigon Mule.

But, the Vietnamese-style restaurant has abruptly closed its doors, according to reports from The Washington Post.

In an email statement to the Post, owner Denise Nguyen said:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the last day of service was Friday, November 18, 2011. It was a pleasure to serve Washington D.C., and especially the Capitol Hill and Eastern Market neighborhood. Ba Bay is eternally grateful for the support of its guests, friends, colleagues and staff who all made this last year so special.”

Ba Bay opened near Eastern Market and Barracks Row to much excitement. The dark and intimate space popped up in place of the former Locanda, at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Earlier this afternoon, Ba Bay tweeted its thanks to the Capitol Hill community. It’s still unclear why the restaurant closed abruptly, and owners have not said whether they will reopen or relocate.

ReadysetDC fashion modelista, photo courtesy Ben Droz.

It is an evening affair, a Full Length Runway Show, with full model strut and Anna Wintour clicking her heels in the front row, with the Olsen twins nearby, dwarfed by their handbags.–if they can even get in.

No, we aren’t doing New York this fall, with the tall Hunter green rubber boots and short skirts, or even adult tutus, which I have now seen at Farragut North, but we will have featured designers Artaya, Cote Minou, DeNada Design, Derringer Friday, Durkl, Espion, Ginger Root Design, Hugh & Crye, SaintCHIC and Sika.

Derringer Friday sounds a little edgy and dangerous, just what Washington needs heading into a long winter.

All of the designers have some connection to the DC area. This means they are either from here originally or live and work out of the area, said Jordan Culberson, editor-in-chief of ReadysetDC.

General admission is $40 and includes OPEN BAR. And there’s swag!  The first 100 to purchase tickets receive a gift bag!

“The great thing about the event is that the designs are of the current season and totally attainable,” Culberson told THIH. “Most of the designer’s pieces are well below the $100 mark.”

All items purchased at the shops go back to the designers to support their businesses moving forward.

ReadysetDC’s Fashion District is a twice a year show that aims to put a spotlight on influential and innovative designers and local boutiques, and started in the spring of 2010.  ReadysetDC is a D.C. arts and culture focused online magazine and creative services agency comprised of writers, photographers, videographers and graphic designers.

Doors open at 8:30, show at 10pm,  Eastern Market North Hall, 225 7th Street, S.E. Purchase tickets here:http://readysetdc.com/fd.

uploaded to flickr.com by the Official U.S. Navy Imagery

If you’re like me, you’ve spent this past Saturday afternoon and evening at home avoiding the downpours and strong winds of Hurricane Irene.  That time was mostly spent trying to find productive things to do, peppered with worry over losing power and just a hint of “please don’t let that limb fall on my car.”  Yes, many a Facebook friend and Twitterer posted updates of the heavy drinking that apparently occurred area-wide in preparation for, and coping with, forced family time; and a number of folks noted how difficult their pets were being with respect to relieving themselves outside in the storm.

I drove home at 4:00 p.m. and most of the Hill was a ghost town: few people on the sidewalks, few cars, and no one eating outside at Banana Cafe.  The Atlas Performing Arts Center canceled an evening comedy show; Arena Stage canceled performances; and all network television was pre-empted for “live coverage.”  (Yes, it’s still raining. Send the poor reporter inside, please.) Where was everyone?  Online, it seemed.  Multiple posts from businesses and neighbors on Facebook, Twitter, and web sites noting early closings, runs on supplies, or in some entertaining cases, opportunities to get out of the house:

From the Argonaut, at 6:33 p.m.: “6:33. Still open. Even some hardcore outdoor bar customers!”

From Zest Bistro, around 4:30 p.m.: “We’re open – come join us for Pan seared sea scallops on crab risotto with grilled peach, tomato and chili pepper relish! Eat that, Irene!”

Wisdom Bar tweeted a few specials for such a special weather day, which included new “hurriquake” cocktails and calling mother nature a whore.  Channel that anger, bartenders.

And probably my favorite Irene drink special of the weekend, from Capital City Diner: “Watching @myfoxdc coverage of #dcirene. Every time @brianbolter says #seafoam, take shot on the house. Offer good til we’re out of whiskey.”  I’m guessing they ran out.

"Summer Fun" uploaded to flickr.com by kthypryn

So, this weekend may be your last chance for fun in the sun before the Labor Day long weekend, or it may be a soggy windy mess if Hurricane Irene decides to pay us a visit.  Either way, you’ll probably have some free time and want to spend it indoors.  Take advantage of your neighborhood while Congress is still out of town with some of these events and programs.

If your kids haven’t started school yet, take them to Eastern Market’s North Hall on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for Bridgette with Dawn on Bongo.  Enjoy air-conditioned comfort while listening to warm island-inspired songs, and then perhaps pop into the food hall for some lunch.

Thursday night you can catch the Nationals in their last home game for a week or so.  They take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:05 p.m.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center continues its movie series on Thursday with “Outrage” at 8:00 p.m. Friday night at 8:00 enjoy “The Wizard of Oz” with your family, or save the movie for a (possibly) rainy Saturday afternoon with “Labrynth” at 5:00 p.m.  Sunday at 4:00 p.m. catch “Do the Right Thing” if you need to get some additional film time in (and the out-of-doors is still wet and windy).

The Yards Park concert series continues this Friday at 6:30 p.m. with an encore performance from Grand Theft Auto. As always food vendors will be available, and the splash fountains should be on (but check the website for updates).  After the concert, stick around for the Swinging Summer Show at the Trapeze School of New York.  For $5 you can watch some the dedicated students and staff of the TSNY fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

The H Street FRESHFARM Market continues its Saturday appearance this coming weekend from 9:00 a.m. to noon at 625 H Street NE.  Stop by for some fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, and other treats.

What else to do on a Saturday night on Capitol Hill but take in a burlesque show?  The Red Palace presents Sugar Shack Burlesque at 10:00 p.m. for only $10.

If striptease isn’t your thing, the DC United will most likely keep their clothes on as they take on the Portland Timbers at RFK Stadium Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, head over to Eastern Market to catch Mich Mash Productions “Dancing In the Streets”, a free outdoor dance performance from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Funded in part by a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the goal of the “Dancing” project is to bring dance to public spaces for all to enjoy.

Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy some time outside if the weather cooperates, and stay dry if it doesn’t!

Photo by María Helena Carey

Today I had the pleasure of buying plums from a gentleman who had just gathered them from his yard not two miles away. They’re juicy and green, the size of small garlic bulbs, and called sineguelas. Granted, I’m presently in rural Spain, but this very fresh, very local food for cash pleasure could be coming to the Hill soon. Get ready to line up people, the fig bounty on Capitol Hill promises to be enormous this year.

Ok, that might be a bit premature, but in his blog, Brian Pate, ANC 6B05 chair, updates us about new efforts to gauge interest among the community and local farmers to have a weekday line at the market to sell goods grown nearby. And he does mean nearby. Say, the Virginia Avenue Community gardens. Pate says the produce from local plots would highlight the hyperlocal foodshed, highlight healthy food and community involvement, and hopefully raise some funds to support the infrastructure of local community garden plots. It’s an ad-hoc group of Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) doing the asking. Contact Pate on his blog for more info.

Along with your thoughts and leads on local growers and their delicious harvests, take the time to give your input about your likes and dislikes at the market in a new survey. Market management team published this poll last week to gather feedback on how locals use the market and what they’re still looking for in the experience. Be ready to give specifics, and dream big on the ‘what you’d like to see’ part.

Photo by Tim Ebner

After six years in business, Jon Wye and his belts are a mainstay at Eastern Market and chances are good that you might recognize them or his signature skull-and-crossbones chef logo.

However, there are few who know the full story behind this Capitol Hill native’s business, or why he chose Eastern Market as his primary retail location – a place he tried to avoid as a kid growing up.

Since setting up his vendor stall, Wye has grown the product line to include leather wallets, guitar straps and dog collars, as well as custom t-shirts. More, including video, after the jump…

When The Hill is Home first interviewed him in 2009, he was operating his business out of his parents’ garage a few blocks from Eastern Market. In our latest audio/photo interview, THIH visits Wye at his new artist workshop in Northeast DC.

The business has changed in a number of ways. Wye has a business partner and staff to help fill a growing number of online and retail orders. And while he can be found at Eastern Market on most weekends, he also spends time traveling to design trade shows in cities like San Francisco and New York.

Wye plans to continue growing the business and brand beyond DC, but says he remains committed to Capitol Hill as the neighborhood which launched and carried his business forward.

Hear from Jon Wye and his business partner Jeff Ball in an exclusive visit to their workshop: 

A Visit to Wye’s Workshop from TheHillisHome.com