Danny Harris is a DC-based photographer, DJ, and collector of stories. In September, he launched People’s District, a blog that tells a people’s history of DC by sharing the stories and images of its residents. Every day, People’s District presents a different Washingtonian sharing his or her insights on everything from Go Go music to homelessness to fashion to politics. You can read his previous columns here.

Be sure to check out the newly relaunched and updated People’s District Web site.

“For me, the only way to eat corned beef is on rye bread with mustard. Maybe put coleslaw or Russian dressing, but that is already pushing it. Now, the shvartzes will walk in here and ask for corned beef with bacon, lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese, and mayonaise on white bread. It don’t make no sense to me, but I make it.

“I got my first job working in a Jewish deli 37 years ago. I was 16 when I moved to D.C. from Saint Mary’s County, Maryland. We were 21 kids and I am the oldest girl. My Mom was 15 when she had her first and 42 when she had her last. I moved out because my parents were alcoholics and I couldn’t live with my family anymore. I had an aunt in D.C. who let me stay with her while I tried to get on my feet.

“The first job I applied for was at the Baltimore Delicatessen on Bladensburg Road. There were two Jewish guys working there and I asked if they were hiring. It was 8:30 in the morning and they told me to start that minute. I came from the country and knew nothing about no Jewish or corned beef and gefilte fish. On my first day, I messed up everything. At the end of the day, they said, ‘You don’t know nothing from nothing, so we are going to have to teach you everything.’

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Anyone check out the Folk Festival this year on the Mall? This year features Asian Pacific American culture, the country of Mexico and the occupational traditions of workers at the Smithsonian. For those that have – how does it compare to other years? You can still catch it July 1–5, 2010.

DC-Inspired Recipes are by Laura from Lauralicious in DC.

What’s better than wine and quickly-grilled sandwiches for dinner? More wine? More sandwiches? I don’t know either. This particular sandwich, with Turkey, Swiss, and Sun-Dried Tomato, is similar to one featured at Veritas, a wine bar in Dupont.

Ingredients:
Bread of your choice
Sliced turkey
Swiss cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes – see below on how to make your own
Whole-grain mustard ( such as this recipe that was featured earlier on PoP)

Assemble the sandwiches and grill them in the method you prefer (grill pan/Foreman/grill/etc). Slice into 4 triangles and serve with wine.

Make your own sun-dried tomatoes (an activity to be reserved for those days when you have no wine):
1. Slice 1 lb. of tomatoes
2. Season with salt (lightly!).
3. Heat the tomatoes in oil.
4. Once hot, add herbs of your choosing, a thorough sprinkling of sugar, and enough water to keep them moist.
5. Heat until caramelized.

What are your favorite wine bars in DC? Got any favorite dishes to order with wine?

Photo by PoPville flickr user District Shots

“Dear PoP,

I am starting a new group for all types of artists to collaborate with each other for diverse new projects in DC. I announced the effort via craigslist yesterday, and have already received emails from 15 interested artists. I need some help from community bloggers to communicate to a wider audience.”

Full details after the jump. (more…)

Or do others find the above sight terrifying as well?

Fortunately this porch decoration from not too far away calmed me down:

Thanks to flickr user Scenic Artisan, Sean, for uploading these cool photos.

And nearby on the 3900 Block of Legation St, NW is this cool little building. Sean writes:

“It was apparently from the national mall. i’m still awaiting the story how it got there.”

One of my favorite tree boxes from 10th St, NW north of Monroe.

This building used to be a terrible eyesore on the 600 block of Irving St, NW. I recently walked by and was psyched to see it in such fine form.

Carmines located on 7th St, NW between D and E will be opening Aug. 3rd! I took a peek inside and it is huge. They’ll be training for a month and will be immediately ready to roll on Aug. 3rd. Menus are on the wall:

Sadly nearby at 410 7th Street, NW there doesn’t seem to be much movement on the bbq place Hill Country. The alcohol permit application has been removed from the window so I assume that’s not a good sign.

However there is some movement next door (where Apartment Therapy used to be):

I saw something about a theater on one of the permits but it wasn’t very clear. Anyone know what’s coming to this space?

“Dear PoP,

Poppy the kitten has settled in quite well with Miss Moneypenny (and looks like she could be named Miss Minipenny). They often play, run around, and groom each other. Since she was rescued at the beginning of the month, she has gained back some weight and is almost done with her shots. Thanks to the readers who helped rescue her, get her to a vet, and help get her to a safe home!”

It’s nice to get good news from time to time!

This rental is located at 11st & Maryland Ave NE:

View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“This boutique-like 2 story 1 bedroom 1 bathroom Capitol Hill Row home is located one block from Maryland Avenue NE and 1.5 blocks from the H Street Entertainment district and is perfect for the professional working on/near Capitol Hill (15 minute walk) who enjoys the conveniences of work and play nearby!

The row home is historic in architecture with wooden and carpeted floors, a combination of exposed brick walls and an operating wood fireplace. Wood floors recently refinished, look like new! Newly bricked back patio, great area to enjoy an afternoon in the sun or an outdoor BBQ. Patio furniture included.

The large upstairs bedroom has an open floor plan with a skylight which allows easy access and a large amount of sunlight to filter in.

The house is pet friendly (we had a dog there ourselves!). The rent includes an ADT security system which is monitored 24/7 by ADT. Other utilities are extra.

The H Street Entertainment District is less than two blocks away and features unique restaurants and other entertainment venues, perfect for young professionals!”

Personally I think saying “H Street Entertainment District” is a bit too formal… What do you guys think – does $2045 sound reasonable for this 1 bed row house?

“Dear PoP,

Columbia Heights metro is shut down by police. No further details but thought you might know more/be interested.”

MPD just sent out an alert saying:

“The Third District is investigating a suspicious package at 14th and Irving St. NW. There is a lot of police activity along 14th street.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user jimbographer

“Dear PoP,

We live in an old row house in Columbia Heights and need some of our brick repointed. Do you or any of your readers have any good recommendations on a company (or persons) that do this type of work?”

and

“Dear PoP,

Would you please ask your loyal followers if they would recommend a particular surgeon or center for LASIK or PRK?”

Photo by PoPville flickr user melissa.suzanne

Submit your photos to the PoPville flickr pool here. Follow PoPville on twitter here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user julianne’s

Thanks to a reader for sending this info from CM Jim Graham:

“Dear Friends, Here is the Target hiring announcement for those seeking employment. We have also been informed that Target will open some 100 positions in the near future. Target is opening a full grocery store in July and extra staff is required.”

I wonder what they’ll add?

I’m still waiting for the mariachi band to return: