This addition reminded me a bit of the one we looked at from Catholic University over the summer. The Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 3401 Nebraska Ave, NW. Do you think the addition fits well with the older structure to the right of the photo?

The following is a guest post written by Columbia Heights resident, Jimmy.

Walking west on Columbia Rd, between 14th and 15th streets, I followed the modest sign tucked behind a chain link fence that read “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Thai Boxing [this way]” to the basement level of Casa del Pueblo. Here I met Nakapan Phungephorn. If ever there was a guy I did not want to meet in a dark alley, Nakapan (or “Nak” for short) was him – and here I was, walking down that dark alley to meet him.

Nak holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a brown belt in Judo, is one of the DC area’s few certified Muay Thai instructors, and has fought successfully at the national and international levels in both Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts as an amateur and professional. Fortunately for me, Nak is as nice and welcoming as he is decorated.

Nakapan is the founder and one of several highly trained instructors at the BETA Academy Martial Arts studio. Tired of trekking out to Virginia for training, Nak and his wife, Melanie (both DC residents), chose to open their own studio in Columbia Heights for its proximity to metro and bus lines as well as its high level of foot traffic. Their primary vision is for BETA Academy to become the “go to” center for Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts training in the District. The move is paying off, as business is clearly booming.

Additionally, Nak recognizes the public concern regarding at-risk youth in the neighborhood. Not one to sit on the sidelines, Nak says, “Our ultimate goal is to develop a government funded youth program targeting local at-risk youth. The hope is to get kids off the street and channel their energy into a constructive activity while at the same time instilling character building values such as self-discipline, respect, and self confidence. These values are the core of our growing kids program which we currently offer to the general public at a discounted rate.” Continues after the jump. (more…)

“Dear PoP,

Anyone have a good recommendation for Free-range, blissful, guilt-free turkeys (who willingly offer themselves for Thanksgiving dinner)? Last year I got two from Whole Foods, one was delicious, one was not. (Brined and cooked the same – no idea why, but a big difference in flavor and texture.)

Just need one this year, and would rather not take a 50/50 chance on goodness!”

Do they have any good Turkeys at any of the farmers markets?

Rukasu1 got some great shots “buying fish” (and crabs “before and after”).

Submit your photos via email or to the PoPville flickr pool here.

This home is located at 1838 Monroe Street, NW:

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The flier says:

“Historic integrity joins tasteful updates in this 1915 classic row on quiet strt. 3BR, 1.5BA (. 5Ba on main flr), covered fr prch, inlaid prqt flrs, wd brng frpl, pkt drs, updated kit w/ granite cntrs/new gas range & d/w, brkfst rm at rear, new bath w/ dbl vanity. Reces lts, 2nd flr balc/deck, full bsmnt frnt & rear entrs, fenced rear garden. Sold “as is” but w/ HMS Warranty”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

I think the folks who like old school details are gonna love this one. Like a few other recent GDoN posts this one also has some sweet floors. One of the few negatives I can see folks bringing up is the fact that it only has 1.5 bathrooms. So do you think $599,000 sounds reasonable?

The Well Dressed Burrito is located at 1220 19th St, NW in Dupont Circle. I can’t believe I’ve never noticed this spot before. It definitely does have a bit of an odd location in an alley. They do catering and have a carry out menu but does anyone know if you can dine in? And most importantly – how are the burritos?

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch Special Victims Unit have announced that an arrest has been made in the shooting death of 9-year-old Oscar Fuentes which occurred on Saturday, November 14, 2009, in the 1400 block of Columbia Road, NW. At approximately 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 26-year-old Josue Pena of no fixed address was arrested in Hyattsville, Maryland by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. Mr. Pena has been charged with First Degree Murder While Armed in the homicide of Oscar Fuentes.

On Saturday, November 14, 2009, at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers from Third District were called to an apartment building in the 1400 block of Columbia Road, NW, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a juvenile male inside suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, who was identified as 9-year-old Oscar Fuentes of the above address, was transported by personnel from the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to an area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.”

Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. This week features “a beautiful day of walking with my friend Valentina….from Mt Pleasant to Chinatown”. Néstor says, “Images are around, the secret is to catch them at the right moment and with the right light…

Two more photos after the jump. (more…)

IMG_0607, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I received a great email last night. It’s great timing because I saw a worker on the roof and was wondering if something new was going into this spot. A reader writes:

“I just ran into the owner of a new Coffee House located at Florida & W st. NW. The building has long sent empty and had a nice awning and sign saying “Mocha Lounge”. Since the sign still looks good, he’s going to keep it! He says he’s got a permit for outdoor seating in the good whether and his family has an old western wooden wagon he’s going to keep on the premises. He’s rehabbed the inside and has restored the tin ceiling, and told me he plans to Open in 3-4 weeks. Should be a fun place to hangout!”

Photo from PoPville Flickr user annejuliet

Thanks to @FrenchTwistDC for the newest cupcake news. New York based Crumbs Bake Shop is coming to multiple DC area locations. Neighborhoods include Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Cleveland Park & Rockville, MD. Exact locations have not been picked yet but as that info becomes available I’ll be sure to update. From their Web site:

Crumbs Bake Shop first opened its doors in March of 2003 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan by Mia & Jason Bauer. The menu is an irresistible blend of comfort-oriented classics and elegant baked goods, but the specialty of the house is the Crumbs Signature size cupcakes! With our more than 50 varieties baked fresh daily and a new cupcake of the week every Monday, each Crumbs Bake Shop is an oasis of wall to wall deliciousness. And now you can enjoy your favorite Crumbs treats in the comfort of your own home – just like Mom used to bake. Delivered straight to your front door, perfect for any occasion, without needing an occasion at all.

Photo from PoPville flickr user cacophony76

Thanks to a reader for the heads up. Sadly these incidents are all too common of late. From a WMATA press release:

The McPherson Square Metrorail station is closed temporarily while Metro Transit Police conduct an investigation into a fatality on the tracks. Free shuttle buses are taking customers around the incident at Federal Triangle, Metro Center and Farragut West Metrorail stations. Trains are going through the station without stopping to pick up or discharge customers. McPherson Square serves both the Blue and Orange Lines.

The preliminary police investigation indicates that at 8:35 p.m. (November 16) a man intentionally placed himself into the path of an oncoming Blue Line train that was headed in the direction of Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station. He was struck by the train and died of his injuries.

Police officials are continuing their investigation. The station is expected to reopen later tonight and will be open for regular service on Tuesday morning.

This is most definitely the most gigantic community garden I’ve come across on my walks. It’s located at 42nd Street and Edmund. It’s the Glover Park Community Garden.

I’m not sure the pictures quite do justice to just how large the area is (right off Glover Park).

IMG_0763, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I actually found this one a bit disturbing.

IMG_0688, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This one really struck me as super cool (from 7th Street near the Convention Center).

IMG_0757, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

While I like the door itself, this one is really all about the door knocker.