944 Florida Ave, NW, (at W Street by 9:30 Club) home to Darnell’s Bar in the evenings, is getting a pop up coffee house called The Blind Dog Cafe. They have soft opened this week but officially open Feb. 12th at 2pm.

Co-Owner Noah Karesh (other partners are Jonas Singer and Cullen Gilchrist) tells me:

The Blind Dog is a pop-up cafe located in the heart of Washington DC. We love espresso, good conversations, and building a community. We will be serving great coffee, delicious sandwiches and salads, and an assortment of other homemade goodies.

Our standard hours are from 7AM-4PM 7 days a week. In the evening the place turns back to Darnell’s Bar

In general our menu is focused on simple ingredients prepared in a delicious and authentic manner. Most of our food is either local and or home made. Some highlight from the food side are the fresh baked Croissant and other assorted backed goods which come from Black Strap Bakery (@BlackStrapCo) (a local startup bakery, who bake out of our kitchen). We are making our own roast beef and turkey for the sandwiches as well as all of our finishing salts, aiolis , pickles, granola. The list can go on. On the drink side beside one of a small few places in DC serving PTs Coffee, we are doing a pour over bar ( i think the only one in DC). We are serving the amazing Rishi teas and finally we are making our own home-sodas (flavors include Vanilla, Lemon, Lime, Blood Orange, Passion Fruit).

Check out the menu after the jump. (more…)

From an email:

Mark your calendar: On the evening of February 8, 2012, six notable Shaw galleries are staying open late and the Walter E. Washington Convention is opening its doors for a rare evening tour of its extensive art collection.

The Convention Center tour will start from the Mount Vernon Square entrance to the Convention Center and will last approximately one hour. The tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Convention Center at 6:15 p.m.

Participating galleries include Civilian Art Projects (1019 7th St., NW), Contemporary Wing (1250 9th St., NW), Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., NW), Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW), Maruka Gallery and Boutique (1300 9th St., NW), and Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). Galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. for the Shaw Art Walk. Maps and descriptions of the galleries’ shows will be available at each gallery and at the conclusion of the Convention Center tour.

Following the art walk at 9 p.m., participants are encouraged to enjoy the art of the cocktail at The Passenger which is located at 1021 7th St., NW.

For more information and to view the press release, visit the Shaw Main Streets website:http://www.shawmainstreets.org/events/shaw_art_walk

To RSVP to the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/176021592502645/

This rental is located at 1532 Marion St, NW:

The listing says:

“Sensational location for this charming home on lovely 2-block of Marion Street. Featuring 2BR 1.5BA with open floor plan. Stainless Steel Appliances, HW floors on main level. Large fenced private and cozy rear yard. Central HVAC, Gas FP, 2 blocks to Metro. You are in the center of the city, walking distance to tennis & basket courts, shopping, parks & nightlife. Community garden on the same block.”

This 2 bed/1.5 bath is going for $2,475/Mo.

Back in Oct. 2011 we spoke about El Sol Mexican restaurant closing at 1930 9th St, NW (just south of U St.) I had noticed construction for the last few months but they’ve recently applied for a liquor license which says it’ll become a:

“New Tavern with an occupancy load of 122. Requesting an Entertainment Endorsement to include dancing and cover charge.”

More info as it becomes available.

From an email:

DC music lovers,
Join us for the documentary “Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune” on Wednesday, February 8, 7-9pm. Folksinger “Phil Ochs is a figure both glorious and tragic who haunts the history of the 1960s” (allmusic.com). “An unbelievable story of a true believer… one of the greatest the most passionate voices of the 1960′s was the first to be forgotten” (philochsthemovie.com).

Unlike the artists we’ve studied in our previous Salons, Ochs’ connection to DC is more tenuous — but this film’s incredible telling of his singular talent and tragic life make it essential viewing. As late as 1964, Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs were considered by many to be equals; Dylan famously chose rock ‘n’ roll, while Ochs stayed the narrow path of protest music. Sadly, Ochs has been largely been written out of history, but his music and spirit live in the countless artists and activists he inspired. This great documentary helps explain why. And we’ll go one step further in discussion before and after as we’ll be joined by Ochs expert Jeff Place — archivist for the Smithsonian Folklife Collections, Grammy winner and producer/writer of “Anthology of American Folk Music” and “Best of Broadside.”

Jeff’s full bio here, http://www.folkways.si.edu/about_us/staff.aspx
Film trailer here, http://philochsthemovie.com/

Wednesday, February 8 – Phil Ochs, from 7-9pm at the beautiful Watha T. Daniel Library in Shaw, 1630 7th St NW. Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/events/167593300003919/, is the best way to learn more about DC Music Salon and upcoming events.

More info from the Friends of Bundy Park.

View Larger Map

Thanks to a reader for sending an update from the Ledroit Park Listserv. We learned initial details about the plans for All Souls after speaking with owner David Batista on Jan. 12th. All Souls hopes to come to the vacant space at 725 T St, NW.

Details in the Voluntary Agreement from All Souls’ lawyer via Commissioner Moss:

-to allay concerns about the exposure of schoolchildren to the business, the application would be amended such that the establishment would not open until 5 p.m., at the earliest

-the patio will be relocated such that it is at least 10 feet from the property line of the closest neighbor north of the property

-to ameliorate potential noise from the patio, applicant shall erect a wall perpendicular to the street, on the north side of the patio seating area. The wall will incorporate materials that are sound absorbent, subject to approval of the public space committee

-Patio service shall cease, and all patrons off the patio at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight Friday and Saturday

-No recyclables shall be emptied after midnight

In response to a question on the listserv Commissioner Moss answers:

The commission supports the compromise however we are suggesting additional provisions no music on the patio no recyclables after 10 pm patio seating in front of business not on the side signage inside establishment informing residents they are in a residential neighborhood, patio hours 10pm Sun – Thurs 11pm Fri Sat I did not state our position because provisions needed to be discussed with residents and the commission.

Mediation hearing just completed. Residents and Commission (not Myla) provided a counter offer to applicants provisions. Applicant will review provisions proposed by residents and the Commission. Applicant will respond by Monday Feb. 6, 2012.

More info as it becomes available.

Update 1pm from Commisioner Moss:

the applicant has agreed to open @5pm, which is after schoolhours. The applicant is considering the ANC’s counter offer. The following is being considered by the applicant:

Opening @ 5pm

Patio seatng in front and not on the side of establishment

Close of patio seating 10 pm Sun -Thurs and 11pm Fri -Sat

No music on the patio

No recyclables shall be emptied after 10 pm

There will be a status hearing on Feb. 8 @ 9:30 pm the purpose of the status hearing will be to report the result of the 1/31/12 mediation hearing.

Thanks to a reader for sending the photos of Progression Place coming above the Shaw metro on 7th St, NW. They write, “Admittedly not too thrilling, but still a solid sign of progress!”

This property is gonna make for some extraordinary before/after photos.

Back in Oct. 2011 we noted that a serious roof deck was coming to the Brixton at 9th and U St, NW. A reader writes:

“I have been glad to see the building directly across U St from Nellie’s being fixed up with what looks like a new roof deck. I noticed this morning that sometime this past weekend their faux-stone façade was painted white. I don’t know why they didn’t just take that ugly stuff off, but it is what it is.”

Back in Nov. 2010 Cafe Eagle took over the old Vegetate space at 1414 9th St, NW. In Aug. 2011 Taqueria Mexicana took over the Cafe Eagle space. In Dec. 2011 Taqueria Mexicana closed despite positive reviews.

I spoke with the owners yesterday who said the space will become a Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant called The Eagle. It should open in the next few days.

I fear this space is going to rival 2450 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan.

A couple of weeks ago we learned that SnitchEye Wine Bar was negotiating a lease at 3rd and Florida Ave, NW. Thanks to a twitter follower BlasianSays for alerting me to their new facebook update:

“The not so good news… negotiations are not looking so great for the property we had in mind and we have started looking at other properties in the case that this one does not work out. We need your input. Where would you like SnitchEye Wine Bar to be located? Do you know of any properties for lease or sale for retail use?”

Yesterday a couple readers wrote in with a quick update on Bistro Bohem coming to 6th and Florida Ave, NW. Lots more great info and photos can be found on their Facebook page:

And their Website says:

Introducing the dining experience you’ve been waiting for! Bistro Bohem, Washington, DC’s newest and most lively hangout, is located in the Historic U Street Shaw Neighborhood, just a mile north of the White House. We’re unique to the area, offering flavorful Eastern European small plates in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

Relax in our charming restaurant and chat with friends (or make new ones) while enjoying mouthwatering meats, delectable sides and irresistible desserts. From sausages to beer, you’ll love the modern twists we’ve added to these traditional Old World favorites. To complement your meal, indulge in our full bar, including beer, wine and specialty drinks.

Whether you’re a regular or just visiting, Bistro Bohem offers outstanding food and an enticing atmosphere that brings you back again and again.

Team:

Bistro Bohem is owned and operated by Jarek Mika and his team of friends. The Bistro Bohem crew all present a passion for food, design and desire to create a uniquely comfortable hangout to the U St Area. Bistro Bohem reflects Jarek’s, Czechoslovakian heritage, his culinary experience, and his strong sense of commitment to the community.

Awesome!

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up that Tropicana Eatery has closed at 725 Florida Ave NW (just east of 9th and U St, NW). They heard that “they had been operating without a license and had received notice from the health inspector.” I know they had been open for a while at that location so I’m not sure what caused the abrupt the closure. Anyone else hear anything? The space has been completely emptied out:

Their Website still lists the Florida Ave location and a few others as well. They have another location in DC listed at 1333 Rhode Island Avenue, NE. But if you’re looking for Jamaican nearby you can still get jerked at 928 U St, NW. Other recommendations for Jamaican food were given here.

After the jump are some sweet Tropicana Eatery signs. (more…)

“Dear PoPville,

Any news on the new bistro at 6th and Florida NW? I took a picture tonight (above), they have changed the door frame and added a few flags, looks like US, Euro, and DC. Anything you can tell us would be great! Shaw’s Tavern is across 6th Street.”

Back in April 2011 we learned that Bistro Bohem would be taking over the space. Their liquor license application said:

“New Restaurant serving European Bistro full range of full meals and light fare. Background music will be provided, no live entertainment. With a Sidewalk Café. Seating – 50, Total Occupancy Load – 65, Sidewalk Café – 24.”

Another reader writes:

“Walking home today, I saw renovations at 600 Florida, right across the street from Shaw’s Tavern. There’s going to be a new restaurant/bar there called Bistro Bohem. I spoke with one of the guys in the photo below, Daniel, who turned out to be one of the operators of the place. He said he hoped it would be up and running by the end of Feb.”

Awesome! I’ll be sure to update when an exact opening date is announced. And as a PoPville twitter follower asked – who do you think will open first – Shaw’s Tavern or Bistro Bohem? I’m now taking bets.

Thanks to a couple readers for sending the great photos of the Howard Theater sign going up right now. Howard Theater is located at 7th and T St, NW and plans on reopening in April 2012. You can see what it looked like in Nov. 2011 here.