Some potentially good, some potentially not so good.

Disclaimer: The following is scuttlebutt, rumor, things I’ve heard. Take it with a grain of salt. Although I have a 95% success rate with these rumors turning out to be true, nevertheless there is always a possibility the following could fall in the 5% false category.

The last retail space in the strip of new retail on Irving Street will be… A Mocha Hut! So now Columbia Heights will officially be a coffee lover’s haven. You’ve got Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Mayorga, Columbia Heights Coffee and now Mocha Hut. So what do you think – a good addition?

Now for the not so good – I’m hearing that the new Yes! Organic Market that is coming to Georgia Ave. is facing some difficulties. What are the difficulties? Well, apparently there is a moratorium on liquor licenses and they may not be able to get one. This would be very bad for their business. And for us. So start whatever grassroots action you can to make sure that the Yes! Organic Market gets a liquor license. Of course I have no idea how that happens. So do you think the Yes! Organic Market should be allowed to have a liquor license?

IMG_8237, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I spotted this mirror on the outside of a door and freaking loved it. I’m just picturing a John Travolta type character from Staying Alive. You know when he’s like “don’t touch my hair, I spend a lot time on my hair…”. Right, someone is fixing their hair saying to themselves – damn I look good- and then entering then home. Awesome, simply awesome.

IMG_8231, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I really liked the “meet the neighbors” sign. There were some bands, face painting for the kids, art and just a good old chill time. Did anyone check it out?

Speaking of Mt. Pleasant this Saturday is the return of the farmers market.

IMG_8136, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Straight up flower edition.

IMG_8251, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Check out the floor of this deli? It is sand with shells. But it’s not a beach themed restaurant. A bit bizarre but bizarre is good I suppose.

IMG_8180, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

IMG_8235, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This is a pretty good one. Do you fill the whole thing with dirt?

IMG_8206, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

With all the dazzle you’d think they’d put in a door knob as well. Nevertheless, it’s pretty fresh.

IMG_8239, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Crazy roof, yeah? What do you think of the windows?

That’s pretty wild, yeah? What’s the purpose? Was added on to an extension? But there’s no windows? I’m confused. Does it add to the stability? Has anyone seen something like this before?

Thanks to all who sent me emails about the giant trucks on Webster Street. And thanks to a reader for sending the above photo as well. One reader described in an email how it felt like a scene out of ET. I had the chance to walk by the home today and snap a few photos. Interestingly, there was an inspector there to check to see if the home was on the up and up. I think this is very interesting. I’ve never seen a prefab home assembled before. Aside from it being cheaper, I assume, are there any other benefits to prefab homes? How long will they last? I’m dying to see what the final product looks like. But for those who have seen them assembled do they look good? Check out some more photos after the jump. (more…)

I’ll admit that when I first moved to Mount Pleasant I was a little intimidated by the grocery options available to me. I spent far too much effort and time trekking over to Giant, but one day late last summer I was in no mood to carry my groceries farther than 4 blocks and decided to check out what was going on inside of Bestway. At first, I was unimpressed. I hated navigating the tiny aisles, I was dubious about the freshness of the produce section, and the aroma of the fish counter in the back corner was a bit overwhelming. In time though, I have come to love it. The staff is friendly, the shelves are usually pretty well stocked, the prices are decent, and there is always some upbeat Latin music playing on the radio. Save for some trips to Giant when I have a big grocery list (or access to a car), or a schlep to the Whole Foods when a craving for the olive bar hits, I’ve been a pretty loyal Bestway shopper.

The time has come though, for me to branch out and explore some of the other, more ethnic, markets lining the main drag. This week I checked out The International Progresso Market at 3158 Mount Pleasant Street. You might remember from PoP’s post a couple weeks ago – this is the joint that offers up goat leg, along with a whole host of other exotic treats. I was surprised to find that this place is even smaller and more jam-packed full of goodies than Bestway is. For real, they’ve got just about every kind of spice you can think of, and a bean selection to rival any other. There’s a pretty sweet butcher in the back too, with a great selection of meats and fish. And judging by how fast everything was flying over the counter (including what I’m pretty sure was, in fact, a whole goat leg) I’d be willing to bet that whatever you get there is going to be fresh.

My grocery excursion has left me with a new found appreciation for the offerings in Mount Pleasant and a desire to test my skills in Latin American Cuisine. I think my first experiment will be Pacaya Root. Has anyone ever cooked/eaten this stuff. It looks kind of scary, but I’m so intrigued, and I always get this close to putting a jar in my basket. So, readers in Mount Pleasant and beyond, Do you love Giant? Do you only shop at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s? Or have you, like me, been charmed by the neighborhood joints?

Ed. note: Following, Karen does a wonderful write up of Columbia Heights’ newest pizza option. As I am a fanatical pizza devotee I will be writing a smaller post with my own impressions shortly.

Tonight I went to Pete’s (www.petesapizza.com) for a slice of pizza from this new New Haven-influenced Italian eatery located right outside of the Columbia Heights metro (southbound), which just opened Monday. It might be tempting at first to compare Pete’s to Red Rocks–and, of course, heh, that’s exactly what I’m going to do–but even though the main attraction of both places is pizza I would put the two restaurants in completely different categories. While Red Rocks is a sit-down restaurant with individual tables and a bar, Pete’s is set up for quick service–you order at the front of the restaurant and await your meal among the snazzy cafeteria-style tables and either eat there or take your pie to go. And given the fact that Pete’s has almost a similar buzz to a coffee shop or cafe–a single room with bright light and colors, soaring ceilings, and immense photographs of Italian scenes (taken by Alicia’s twin brother Michael Wilkinson, who is a professional photographer based in Columbia Heights ) donning the walls–I’d be much more inclined to head there to read a book or do the crosswords with friends as I eat a slice than I would at Red Rocks, where the more intimate and dark atmosphere makes it very much a serious dining affair.

However, despite Pete’s cafeteria-style set-up, this pizza is anything but cafeteria-quality, and I think does a good job holding its own against Red Rocks’ brilliant Sicilian-style, individual-sized pizza. Pete’s goes back to American pizza basics with the pies large enough to feed a family. And more pizza means more goodness. According to co-owner Alicia Mehr, who I had the opportunity to chat with, Pete’s tries to use ingredients that for the most part are local and organic. But the most amazing thing about this pizza is the crust. Oh, good lord, the crust. Crispy, crunch delight that is augmented even more by the fact that you aren’t expecting it. When I was there I tried the sausage and mushroom and was absolutely wowed. Story continues along with more photos after the jump. (more…)

IMG_8250, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This photograph captures a Library of Congress campaign at the Gallery Place Metro Station. [Incidentally, I wonder if they'll ever change the name of the metro station to Penn Quarter?] But back to the point, as you can see there is a gigantic portrait of Lincoln on the floor. I always try and walk around it but you know at hockey games and rush hour people are tromping all over Lincoln’s head. I think Saddam Hussein made a big deal out of painting a huge portrait of George H.W. Bush on the floor so that people had to walk all over him. I’m just saying, might not be the most respectful thing for one of greatest Presidents. Am I being too sensitive or is it a bit weird to walk over Lincoln’s head every morning?

Featuring the great Ra Ra Rasputin! Drink and listen to great music for a great cause tonight.