Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

“Dear PoP,

My friend found a green Cole Haan wallet and a white umbrella in a cab today. The wallet belongs to a Angelica Rodriguez who lives on Capitol Hill. The wallet not only contains credit cards and cash but also important documents like a social security card and health insurance cards. Would it be possible for you to make a post to help locate the owner? You could have Angelica e-mail me the street address on her driver’s license and I could go drop it off.”

If Angelica is reading this or someone knows Angelica please have her email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail and I’ll put her in touch with the reader.

Khan’s Bar and Grill is located at 1125 H St, NE. Ever since I posted a Food Friday (2nd pic) I’ve been curious what folks think. While they’ve only been open a short time – I’m super curious about this “Mongolian Asian Fusion”. Their Facebook page says:

“Interactive Mongolian grill experience. Great lunchtime destination and meeting place, with a very wide variety of Asian delights. In addition a great place to watch almost any game on one of our 10 L.E.D. 1080P HDTV’s, or our super huge 110″ HD Projector and amazing sound!”

Anyone check them out yet? What was the interactive Mongolian grill experience like?

Sounds like this could also be a good place to watch the NFL draft tonight.

“Dear PoP,

A couple of weeks ago you posted a discussion concerning some heat that came out of an ANC meeting concerning moving a loading zone in front of Haydee’s.  There’s been a lot of chat on the Mt P forum lately.  Some background on this issue:

Haydee’s wanted the creation of a loading zone in front on their restaurant on Mt P Street.  This would eliminate the loading zone on the western corner of Irving Street and move the bus stop to the other side of the block.

The ANC did not necessarily see this as a bad idea but wanted to “move ahead cautiously” to make sure the neighboring businesses were aware and OK with this change.  A couple of other neighborhood organizations agreed with this approach.

However, Haydee and Mario, the proprietors, felt gravely insulted that they couldn’t get what they wanted right away (and thus the shouting match at the ANC meeting).  After all, as seen in the past, anyone standing in their way has been deemed anti-Latino business.  The zoning committee obviously had to be anti-Latino when rejected the outdoor seating request.  It had nothing to do with the required 10-foot clearance ordinance, but was of course clear racism according to Haydee (of course to accept this conclusion forget about Don Juan’s outdoor seating).

I believe this issue is no longer about just a loading zone.  Personally, I think it’s a good idea and more businesses on this stretch would benefit for the relocation.  The issue is the way Haydee thinks she can behave, avoiding legal means to achieve her goals, and throwing out the race card to anyone standing in her way.

My question to the readers is: is it finally time to stop patronizing an establishment like this?  When is a cheap(er) margarita just not worth it?  Or should I just chalk this up to “its just business” and continue enjoying the food disregarding their methods?”

We judged Haydee’s, located at 3102 Mount Pleasant Street, NW, back in March ’09. Previously controversy erupted over the removal of a tree out front, which resulted in a new tree being planted. Haydee’s has also been the host to numerous fundraisers for those in need.

“Dear PoP,

Just wanted to give you a heads up on the Boundary Stone. There’s a portapotty and dumpster out front. I took the second photo through the window, where you can see scaffolding and such. So it looks like they’re finally working on it again.”

Back in Feb. ’10 we we first go word that another new bar would be heading to Bloomingdale. And in March ’10 the , to be named Boundary Stone gave a talk to the community about the new space coming to 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW. And then – nothing. Presumably there have been delays in permitting or other such matters but it looks like things could be back on track. If memory serves, I believe they already were granted their liquor license so it’s not likely that will cause a delay. I’ll be sure to update as construction progresses.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

“Dear PoP,

On Wednesday night, April 27, my dad, my boyfriend, and I were walking from Wonderland to my apartment. Walking down 11th st around 11:30 PM, two African -American men, in their twenties in dark clothes followed us for a while. Once we were crossing Monroe on 11th, they walked away from us toward 13th street so we ignored our odd feelings about them following us too close. As we crossed Monroe to continue down 11th to Otis Pl, they hurried up behind us and the taller one pulled his hood over his head and came behind my boyfriend, while the smaller one (about 5’10″) came up in front of my father and me and took out a gun, telling us to give them our wallets and phones. At no point did they yell or curse, they really drew very little attention to themselves except pointing a gun at my stomach and at my father. They took our wallets and phones, and my father’s keys, and patted down my boyfriend looking for anything he had. They then turned around and ran in the opposite direction (toward Monroe, away from Otis), and when my dad hollered at them asking for his keys so he could get home, they threw them down on the pavement as they ran. It was an odd and frightening experience, and we called the police. Just wanted to let people know what was going on in case anyone can use the information to protect themselves.”

and

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to pass on a pretty scary occurrence from Saturday night/Sunday morning. I’m sure at least one commenter will make a comment about drinking/being aware of your surroundings, but that’s ok. I mean this more as a PSA regarding safety in our city.

I was walking home from a bar on 18th street at a little after 2 on Sunday morning. I know Ontario/Champlain/Kalorama streets are notoriously dangerous late at night, so I opted for a different route, cutting down Florida, up 16th, and took left onto Belmont. From my recollection, I encountered a group of teens halfway up the hill. They did not ask for any money, etc, but just started punching. I did not fight back, and they eventually stopped hitting me, took my keys, cash, and cell phone and took off.

I went to the ER yesterday morning and was really lucky – no bleeding in the brain, no broken bones. Just a really badly bruised face, and some stitches in an ear. A police report has been filed, and I’m sure they will step up patrols of the area.

Just wanted everyone to know what happened and where to help keep others safe.”

And from the Brookland listserv last night under the heading armed robbery:

“Dear neighbors,
I got robbed at gunpoint this evening walking the 2 blocks from Brookland Metro to my house. Be careful out there …. and if you run across a big teal blue ratty looking shoulder bag, please let me know. Maybe they didn’t keep my library book.”

Thanks to a reader for sending word and photos. Back in May ’10 we learned that Sake Club had closed at 2635 Connecticut Ave, NW. There is a sign announcing a hearing for a Noodles & Company to occupy the space. You can see their menu here.

The reader writes succinctly, “that totally sucks”, what do you guys think – any fans of Noodles & Company?

And right next door at 2633 Connecticut Ave, NW the reader writes:

“Cafe International is closed. windows are covered in newspaper. didn’t love the place, but a nice alternative when open city is packed for a quick coffee.”

I’ll be sure to update when we find out who is moving into that space.

Photo by PoPville flickr user maria jpeg

“Dear PoP,

I have noticed a lot of cracking down on usual city annoyances lately in letters and here is another.. Due to hot humid weather it sometimes brings out the nasty in people and I mean that literally. Last night for two hours there was a couple parked in my little dead in corner having jack rabbit sex.

They were so close to my window (not to be obscene) I heard bodies smacking. Now I KNOW I wasn’t the only who heard them on our corner. Not because they were screaming and moaning but after an hour inside their car they decided to venture out on TOP of there car or some other car. I was petrified to shut my window because I did not want them to know they woke me up. My dog barked at them finally but to no avail. I did not sense it was a prostitute but I looked out my window only once and it looked like young kids 17-20? I just played the pacifist let them get on with it and got absolutely no sleep.

I do not think I would have even called the cops because that sounds a little extreme for me. Has anyone else had an experience like this and if so what did you do. Things like this remind me of how small of a city/community/living space we all live in and it does feel a bit too close for comfort at times.”

It’s at that point I’d play my radio pretty loudly – I think it’s ok if they know that they woke you up. I’d blast some The Story and see how they liked the smooth sound of host Dick Gordon.

I love the randomness of these signs, they make me smile every time I pass them. Above from H St, NE below, and my personal favorite, below from Capitol Hill. I always wonder what was promoted in the upper left square. I imagine something like Chesterfield cigarettes perhaps.

Another great example of a dividing garden – every year this one from Columbia Heights looks fantastic.

The gas porch lights have really begun to grow on me as well:

“Dear PoP,

Join us for DC’s first-ever-in-recorded-history (or at least the past 2 years) COFFEE BIKE CRAWL.

This is happening on MAY 8TH and you can bring your BICYCLE for a morning of local coffee superstars, sunshine (hopefully), and good company.

Here are the details:
…
8:30 – Meet at Qualia Coffee (3917 Georgia Ave NW, just north of Georgia Petworth Metro at Randolf St) Meet at Bike House in the alley that runs between Randolph and Shepard St.
9:00 – Head to Filter Coffeehouse (1726 20th Street NW, at S St)
9:45 – Head to Yola (1323 Connecticut Ave NW, enter from back entrance on 18th and N St.)
10:15 – Head to Big Bear (1700 1st Street NW)
11:00 – Head to Sova (1359 H Street NE)
11:45 – Head to Pound (621 Pennsylvania Ave SE, near Eastern Market Metro)

Check out the route here.

No need to register or anything, but you should rsvp to this invite to get updates via le facebook.

questions? email liz (oconnell.liz@gmail.com) or laura (laura.westman@gmail.com)

Coffee and Bike enthusiasts unite!”

Thanks to a reader for sending a heads up (and photos) of Bookhill Bistro which just opened up at 1639 Wisconsin Ave NW. It’s Web site says:

“Bookhill Bistro is a full service restaurant featuring globally influenced cusine. We have two levels of dining as well as a private room for parties and a back patio.”

You can see their menus here.

It’s been fun watching this building develop. You can see early stages here and here. Now that it’s all finished what do you think – thumbs up or down?

If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos please shoot me an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say what neighborhood you’re from or upload to the PoPville flickr pool with your pets name and neighborhood. I can’t guarantee I’ll get them all posted but I’ll do my best.

“Ramona from NE Capitol Hill patiently waiting for dinner.”

“Wally in Shenandoah National Park”

“My chihuahua Leo with his winter coat on from Metro Mutts. H st corridor/Atlas District”

This rental is located at Connecticut Ave. NW at Brandywine St. NW:

View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“WELCOME HOME! You will be right at home at The Chesapeake…. We have studio homes of your choice from 350 sq. ft – 550 sq. ft., you will surely call this home, with the larger spacious studio, features include; beautiful hardwood floors, new fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms and more…. The Chesapeake is located within walking distance to shops and restaurants, just 3 short blocks to the Van-Ness metro(red line) and offers a number of amenities and services to include:

* Resident Lounge with Wireless Internet
* Billiards Table
* 1800 Sq.Ft Fitness Center – 24 Hr.
* Full Service Business Center
* Courtyard – Garden Landscape with Tables and grills
* 24 Hr. Front Desk
* 24 Hr. Emergency Maintenance
* Guest Suite
* Dry Clean/Laundry Service
* Package Service
* On-site ATM
* On-site Zipcar”

$1295 sound right for a studio here?