“Dear PoPville,

It finally happened – after 10 years of a leaking building collapsing around them, Ruff ‘N Ready finally has to move from 14th & T St, NW. They finally got a 3 month notice a couple of weeks ago. I would love to see them come to Columbia Heights or Petworth! For those 2 or 3 people unfamiliar – this is the most fun, funky second hand/treasure/junk shop anywhere. When they moved from Adams Morgan to 14th St. many years ago, they completely pioneered and revitalized that corner – easing the way for Saint Ex and all the other development in that area.

I know that after 25+ years, the owner isn’t really interested in trailblazing another tough neighborhood, but a second-hand shop also needs decently low rent, plenty of space, and a place for trucks to unload.

Any ideas?”

Back in the beginning of June we learned that a Taylor’s Gourmet would be opening a fifth location at 1910 14th St, NW. At that time the fact that Ruff N Ready would be moving/closing got lost in the excitement.

Some have already expressed sadness about the impending departure of Ruff N Ready from 14th and T St, NW but we never discussed if it will close for good or look for a new location. So for the Friday Question of the Day – per the OP’s letter above – where do you think Ruff N Ready can realistically move to where the rent will be cheap but they’ll still be able to attract enough customers (currently they are only open Sat-Sun 11 am – 6 pm)? Do you think Ruff N Ready should look for a new location?

Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

Congrats to tapes with:

“Burger King’s lobbyists are getting younger and younger.”

Runner up to anonymous with:

“RECALL MAYOR MCCHEESE!”

From outside the church at 16th and P St, NW.

Another interesting one from Spring Valley. Kinda hard to see through the trees but the photo below will give you a better taste:

From an email:

“It was one year ago this Thursday that Meridian Pint finally opened it’s doors to the Columbia Heights community and since then 11th Street has never been the same. Bringing such a wonderful blend of great food and craft beer to this area has been an amazing experience that we have all cherished. It is with great pleasure that I announce our 1st Anniversary Celebration this Thursday, June 31, 2011. Please join us in celebrating this milestone on Thursday as we offer all DC Brau beers for $3 all night long as well as tap their first ever cask.

I am proud to have been able to impact this community in such a positive way and I look forward to many more years as a member of this great neighborhood. Thank you for all your continued support and I look forward to seeing you soon.”

Meridian Pint, a PoP advertiser, is located at 11th and Park Rd, NW in Columbia Heights. Congrats!

Since we spoke about the Black and Orange location coming to 1931 14th St, NW, I’ve gotten some inquiries asking when the Dupont location will reopen. Black and Orange, formerly Rogue States, in Dupont opens today at 1300 Connecticut Ave NW.

You can see their menu here.

I’m surprised it’s still undergoing renovations at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Last we checked back in Nov. ’09 it looked pretty similar.

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.

“Alice Kat will eat your homework.”

A few folks have been sending photos of the two guys above from Columbia Heights. We once talked about them a few years ago and though it might not look it, apparently they are pretty content.

“Meatball from Columbia Heights!”

This rental is located at Park Pl NW at Kenyon NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Folks, I am going out of town today. If you can view this property and decide this morning, I will take $100 of the rent per month! That’s right, $2700/mo for the gorgeous open space below!

Extraordinary townhouse. Very open, bright, spacious and relaxing. Exposed brick, terra cotta tile roof, arched windows. Totally gut renovated 2007; updated since w filtration systems, security system, gas fireplaces, 2nd washer/dryer, studio kitchenette, beautiful patio & gardens, pergola, backsplash, porch tile.

Large master br with bath, medium and small other brs and hall bath.”

$2700 sound right for this 3 bedroom?

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if anyone knows when the tennis courts at UDC were closed to the public. I’ve taken a long break from tennis but went to play at the courts at UDC, which in the past were open to the public, on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and all of the other courts around there were full. The courts at UDC were empty and the sign said they were reserved for UDC faculty, students, employees and a tennis team. But there was no one on them. It seems like kind of a waste for a beautiful Sunday afternoon.”

Anyone know if the UDC courts are permanently closed to the public? I know there are some relatively nearby courts at 32nd St NW & Brandywine St NW that you can check out as well.
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Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist

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

Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

Thanks to everyone for sending links to yesterday’s WTOP story:

The earliest any streetcar will roll through the streets of the District is now expected to be 2013 — and late 2013 at that, WTOP has learned.

“2013 is what we are telling people now,” John Lisle, spokesperson for the D.C. Department of Transportation, tells WTOP. “We’re probably looking at the fall of 2013.”

A source also tells WTOP that the Anacostia segment of the streetcar system — which was supposed to be the first segment running — has now moved in back of H Street. An environmental review process is currently underway on the Anacostia line segment, and service on that line now isn’t likely until somewhere nearer 2014, or possibly even later.

So I guess that makes 2033 for Georgia Ave…

This condo is located at 1118 Monroe St, NW:

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The flier says:

“Welcome to this amazing 2 Level – 3 Bedroom & 2.5 Bath condo in the heart of Columbia Heights! This gorgeous 1,550sf home offers Gourmet Kitchen, Wood Floors, lots of closet space, Opt. gas fireplace, Deck, W/ D & parking for 2-3 Cars! Steps to Target, Restaurants, Metro & Shops!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$579,900 ($150 monthly condo fee) sound right for this 3 bed/2.5 bath?

Photo by PoPville flickr user thehfo

“Dear PoPville,

Yesterday’s discussion about bottomless Bloody Marys got me feeling all brunch-y. My cousin is coming to visit next Thursday evening, and I have Friday off. Can you recommend any places that serve brunch on a Friday? I live in Logan Circle and would prefer somewhere we could walk to (Logan-Dupont-U Street, Chinatown, etc.). I’m not too picky, just looking for a decent Bloody Mary and some eggs.”

Hmm, this is a tough one. Founding Farmers has lunch starting at 11am on Friday and Tabard Inn serves breakfast on Friday from 7-10am but starts lunch at 11:30am.

Anyone know where you can get a proper brunch with a bloody mary on Friday?