Thanks to a reader for sending an update on Al Forno Pizza coming to 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW by Chef Geoff’s. It will now be called La Forchetta. The reader writes:

“Apparently someone claimed they were already using Il Forno as a name.

The ANC struck a deal on liquor permit, and they’re supposed to open in March.”

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new (to me) firebox conversion. This one is from Tenleytown on Wisconsin Ave.

On a side note I’m also hearing some wild rumors that DC could be getting new streetcars…

4912 Thai Cuisine is located at 4912 Wisconsin Ave, NW.

I’ve never seen an outpouring of support like this:

Lil Omm has opened its new studio in Tenleytown at 4708 Wisconsin Ave NW. A press release said:

The 1400-sq. ft. space will continue to feature specialty classes geared towards parents and children. Class offerings include prenatal and postnatal yoga, barre fusion fitness classes, movers and preschoolers yoga and Itsy Bitsy Yoga®, designed for parents and babies kids, teens, and varying levels of adult yoga with childcare.

Silicki initially founded lil omm in 2008 in Georgetown while pregnant with her daughter and was unable to find a community committed to mindful, positive parenting and healthy living. The first studio was located in the Palisades until its closing late last spring.

Lil omm will be open seven days a week, and all drop-in classes will be $20.00. This cost includes mats, water, and snacks, plus an additional fee for childcare.

Photo by flickr user Drewdlecam

From MPD Listserv:

Resident asks:

“What was the weapon used in the 021144405: 20-OCT-11 – 2325 4500 BLK OF WISCONSIN AVENUE NW, arrest?”

MPD responds:

“The suspect was armed with a set of Martial arts style Knumchucks that were silver in color.”

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Stitch DC was formerly located at 731 8th Street SE in Barracks Row. They’re now located across from the Tenleytown metro. From their Web site:

“Stitch DC offers the most unique knitting, crochet, and quilting classes in the Washington, DC area. Take classes in our new Tenley Town location. Other classes can be taken at inspiring locations around town.

Learn to knit, crochet, purl, make your first scarf, socks, shawl, lace, blanket, hat and so much more with Stitch DC experts.

located just across the street from the Tenley Town Metro (Red Line)

4000 Albemarle Street NW, Suite 409/410″

Looks like the new office building next to the Dancing Crab at 4613 Wisconsin Ave. NW is nearly completed. Thumbs up or down?

Thanks to a few readers for sending word and photos. One sends an update from the American University newsletter:

“A new Italian trattoria, Al Forno, will open this fall at 3201 New Mexico Avenue in the former Balducci’s location. The restaurant will feature pasta, a wood-burning oven for Neapolitan pizza, and other Italian fare. You also can enjoy meals outside on the terrace. Work on the restaurant is under way and we’ll keep you posted as they move closer to the opening date. The new owner, who also plans to live in the neighborhood, is excited about Al Forno being located in the community.”

Unfortunately one notes, they’ve already got a stop work order. But we’ll def. revisit to judge the pizza when they open.

Chanya Thai restaurant is located at 4237 Wisconsin Ave NW.

Photo by PoPville flickr user hellomarkers!

“Dear PoPville,

I know we have talked about seafood places a few times, but I have some friends coming in for the 4th and they really want crabs. I know you can get them at the waterfront to go, but is there any place in the city to sit down and eat them? I don’t want to have to go to Maryland.”

You can get them at the Dancing Crab at 4611 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Any other good spots in the city?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

This rental is located at Brandywine St NW at 47th Street NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Charming 3BR, 1.5BA California bungalow in Tenley/American University Park. Great Neighborhood. Minutes from American University, Tenley Metro station, Bus lines, Wisconsin Ave shops/restaurants/bars, Whole Foods, Janney School, etc. Front porch, spacious layout with light-filled rooms, hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen with gas range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher. 16′ x 20′ Sun Room, 40′ x 125′ backyard with patio, Large Master bedroom, plenty of storage, washer/dryer, A/C.”

$3600 sound right for this 3 bedroom?

Good group house possibility or too far from metro?

Thanks to a few sharp readers (and Anna in particular for sending the photos) for letting us know about the new Panera coming to 4501 Wisconsin Ave, NW right next to Payless and the Tenleytown metro. Panera is listed on the building permit:

Panera opened its first DC store in Dupont (also by the metro) back in Nov. ’10. We’ve also heard they are opening a spot in Columbia Heights (in DC USA) near IHOP. If I were a betting man, I’d say keep your eyes peeled for more near metro stations…

Photo from MUDSUGAR

I got a very tempting tweet saying:

“owner of steak&eggs in tenlytown is vying for a 2nd location in old rug store at intersection of connecticut and calvert by the bridges”

Osman & Joe’s Steak’n Egg Kitchen currently has a DC location in Tenleytown at 4700 Wisconsin Ave NW. You can see their menu here. When we discussed their murals back in Feb. ’10 there were a few fans.

The rug store that the tipster is referring to was Jamshid’s Antique and New Oriental Rugs located at 2313 Calvert St, NW which closed in March ’11. Another reader had heard that CVS would be moving into that space. But the mere fact that Steak’n Egg is looking for a 2nd location is good news. Do you think a 2nd location in the Woodley/Adams Morgan area would do well?

I’ll be sure to follow up on this particular location or whichever is ultimately chosen. Stay tuned. And pray that it is true!

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From the MPD 2D listserv:

This event was published on today’s Daily Crime Report. The event is listed as a Robbery, 4500 block of Wisconsin Ave.

On yesterdays date, at approximately 4:30 pm, a couple had completed their shopping at the Best Buy retail store. They where entering their car that was parked in the parking garage when they were approached from behind by two suspects. These suspects began to punch the male and female knocking them to the ground. After a brief struggle, one of the suspects was able to remove property from the male victim and both suspects were able to flee out of the garage.

The lookout for the two individuals is:

Suspect #1 Black Male, 5′ 8″ – 5′ 9″, “Skinny” wearing dark clothing, dark skull cap
Suspect #2 Black Male, 5′ 8″ – 5′ 9″, “Skinny” wearing dark clothing

As noted in the posting below, there were citizens that possibly observed these suspects prior to and after the incident. MPD units arrived on the scene and did detain a third individual for an interview in reference to the assault. This is an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Command Information Center of the Metropolitan Police Department on 202 727-9099.

Original note:

Please be careful! Keep your situational awareness up at all times!!! If you use the parking garage at Best Buy/Hardware store please ask for an escort to your car if you don’t feel comfortable.

I was the 1st witness to a violent mugging of two elderly people in the garage below Best Buy at the corner of Wisc Ave and Albemarle. The two young males fled as I got out of my truck to assist and one was inches from my grasp.

Unfortunately, I witnessed the entire thing, it happened so fast I couldn’t stop them even though I did block their escape for a minute with my truck. But since I was wearing my crocs (floppy soft rubber shoes) on my feet I could not pursue.

I had noticed the the two young male(s) in the Best Buy acting odd, just didn’t seem right, something off. They had apparently stalked their prey and watched them buy an iPad followed them to the garage and when the old man was putting the bag into the back seat the thugs grabbed the old lady and threw her to ground (so hard she split her head and was bleeding) and pushed the old man into the car ripping the bag with the iPad in it so hard they tore his thumb and dislocated it. A third kid was acting as look out and they seem to have caught him.

“Dear PoP,

I am not sure if you have ever covered Sullivan’s Toy Store. It is a great little place on 3412 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Seems mom and popish – has a good art section, toys, books, costumes, etc. I spend way too much money there…..

Well I was in there last week and they are having sales because they are moving into the space vacated by the temporary Tenley Library – near VanNess and Wisconsin. [4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW]

It is a nice place, funky folks working there, must be successful if they are moving into a bigger space – right?”

4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW