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Looking for someone who can do gas stove repairs.

Looking for an apartment to rent for $700 or less.

Very friendly dog found at 13th & Quebec ST NW.

Looking to buy a sewing machine.

Where can I get a leather bag repaired near Dupont or Georgetown?

You can find all the forum topics here and items for sale in the classifieds here.

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Tim Prendergast is a Certified Cicerone® and the Assistant Beer Director and Cellarman at Meridian Pint. Read Tim’s previous column on B.W. Rye #2 here.

It’s often a little difficult to explain to people exactly what it is that I do for a living. My title is Assistant Beer Director/Cellarman and when I tell people that, it is usually and understandably met with blank stares and statements like “Wait I had no idea there was such thing as a Beer Director, let alone Assistant Beer Director.” I often think that the first thought that many people have is to equate me with Dwight Schrute, “Wait is that like Assistant TO the Regional Manager?” Without delving into the details that are sure to bore most people, I usually find it most accurate to say that my job is to help ensure that beer gets to your glass exactly how the brewer intended.

This may seem like a relatively easy task, but there are many many details that need to be tended to and monitored on a consistent basis in order to serve beer exactly as it was intended to be served. This is especially true of draft beer. I’ll be the first to admit it’s not rocket science, but it’s also not easy as pie. Draft beer is a finicky thing. If a keg is as little as 1 degree too warm it can start to pour foamy. If the beer is served at a pressure that is one PSI too high or too low it can become overcarbonated or undercarbonated and start to pour foamy. That means the brewer of that beer is annoyed that their beer isn’t being served as it they intended it to be, the customer is annoyed because they have to wait longer for that beer to pour, the bartenders are DEFINITELY annoyed at you for slowing them up and the bar owner is angry because they never like seeing foam (read: money) being poured down the drain. I like my job and if I want to keep it and if I don’t want to irritate bartenders (never a good idea) it’s in my best interest to make sure the beer is pouring properly.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Unfortunately another disturbing crime on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). A reader sends a report from the MBT Yahoo group:

“From Commander Solberg (via ANC Commissioner Tim Clark) last night:

It appears to be a robbery involving three suspects. A shot was fired at the victim, and he was grazed but thankfully not seriously injured. It happened at 3rd and T Sts. about 6:15.

We have not made any arrests.”

Subsequent messages are unclear as to whether the actual incident took place on the trail or at 3rd and T St, NE.

UPDATE from MPD:

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at approximately 6:15 pm, an area resident was walking on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail in the area of 3rd & R Street, Northeast, when he was accosted by three individuals. One subject produced a weapon and demanded the victim’s possessions. After complying and without provocation, the victim was punched in the face. The victim then attempted to flee from the scene and sustained a graze gunshot wound to the hip area after the suspect fired his weapon.

All three suspects then fled on foot. The victim received treatment for his injuries and an area hospital. The Metropolitan Police Department continues its investigation into the identity of these three individuals.

To ensure this area remains safe for all, the bike trail will be monitored and patrolled by officers on a regular basis.

Capt. Jeff Brown

This house is located at 5301 13th St, NW:

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The listing says:

“LARGE HOME IN A HIGHLY DESIRABLE LOCATION THAT NEEDS EXTENSIVE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR REHAB TO SHINE AGAIN. SOLD IN STRICTLY “AS IS”…NO EXCEPTIONS. REQUIRES CASH, REHAB LOAN, OR PVT FINANCING ONLY!!! EASY COMMUTE TO TO DOWNTOWN DC, MAJOR THOROUGHFARES, AND SHOPPING DISTRICTS. THIS ONE HAS TONS OF POTENTIAL. A LITTLE WORK WILL YIELD GREAT RETURNS!!”

More info and photos here.

This 3 bed/3 bath is going for $349,900.

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From MPD:

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at approximately 11:30 pm, the victim responded to the Third District Police station to report a sexual assault and robbery which occurred in the 400 block of Q Street, NW. The victim reported walking in the 400 block of Q Street, NW, at approximately 11:00 pm, when she was approached from behind by a male subject. The subject forced her in a nearby alley. While in the alley, the subject who was armed with a handgun sexually assaulted and robbed the victim. After the crime, the subject fled the area on foot.

The suspect is described as a black male, medium build, 24-25 years old, wearing a black leather jacket, checkered scarf, black hat and dark pants.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746). Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

A reader writes:

Dear PoPville,

Please make sure to spread the word about this horrifying incident that happened in Shaw earlier this week. The police were very responsive and have increased patrols in the area, but it’s so hard to predict random attacks on what are otherwise quiet streets. There are some really sick people out there, and it’s all too easy for an innocent person to fall victim. My heart goes out to this young woman, and I hope we all take extra precautions until this creep gets the punishment he deserves.

From Pound The Hill (621 Pennsylvania Ave, SE):

Pound The Hill is finally launching our new bistro & wine bar concept in the evenings starting Thursday, at 5pm. It’s the same space but we’ve reworked it for the evenings, altered the atmosphere for an upscale casual bistro, hired a fantastic chef (Jonathan Taub) who was previously the sous chef at Art & Soul and Station 4 and hails from Philly, and have worked with several local boutique wine distributors and beverage directors to develop a really strong and unique craft beer and wine program.

Our food concept takes what we’ve always done for breakfast and lunch and applies it to dinner while taking it up several notches – food inspired by our favorite cuisines around the world. Our menu is meant to be kept compact and will feature changing specials from various regions of the globe frequently.

While we using the same space and will be maintaining the same neighborhood vibe, this new concept is significantly different from our current daytime concept and requires us to close for 1 hour for transition. Pound The Hill’s cafe closes at 4pm each day and the bistro opens at 5pm.

Our new bistro hours are Sunday through Thursday 5pm to 10pm and Friday & Saturday 5pm to 11pm (bar open until 12am).

You can see their new dinner and drink menus below:

Pound The Hill Menu

621 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

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!

From the folks at Chez Billy:

Chez Billy Preview Part Deux

Make reservations to preview a Four-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings from soon to open Petworth Restaurant.

After overwhelming responses, Chez Billy returns to Montserrat House on Thursday, February 2nd, with a preview of its menu for its Petworth neighbors. The new four-course dinner features seafood paired with French wines, offers seating at 630pm and 9pm and is priced at $75 per person including tax and gratuity.

You can make reservations here. Here’s what the menu looks like:

Rouget
Mediterranean Red Mullet with Baby Beets and Turnips,
Parsley Puree , and Sauce Vin Blanc

Soupe de Poisson
Traditional Provencal Fish Soup with Monkfish, Prawns,
Baby Squid, and Rouille

Maquereau
Pan Roasted Spanish Mackerel with Smoked Cauliflower
and Truffled Pommes Parisiennes

Fromage
“Selles Sur Cher” Goat Cheese with Homemade Walnut
Raisin Toast and Local Honey

Wine Pairings Included

Chef Brendan L’Etoile

Chez Billy is coming to 3815 Georgia Ave, NW (hopefully in March.) I went to the first pop up and thought it was awesome. Unfortunately I can’t make this one but I’m super eager to hear what folks think of the seafood options. Some folks were curious about the last meal. I’ll say the charcuterie was freaking amazing and the wine pairings were also ridiculously good. If anyone else went – what’d you think?

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…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks. I’ll open this thread every morning at 10am.

Rant: From MPD this morning, “Pedestrian struck 10th Street & Spring Road NW. Crossing Guard struck by Vehicle. Minor injuries”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Barbara.K

From WMATA:

Metro is advising Red Line customers to allow additional travel time during this morning’s commute due to a cracked rail outside Tenleytown Station on the inbound track.

Trains are single tracking between Friendship Heights and Van Ness with delays in both directions. The disruption is expected to last throughout the morning commute.

Every other Red Line train will turn back to Silver Spring at Farragut North.

Metro personnel are en route to begin repairs.

For alternate bus options along the Red Line, click here select your station and look for “bus maps.”

Last week I mentioned that a new dry cleaners had opened up at 3903 Georgia Ave, NW by Qualia coffee. Speaking with the owner the other day revealed a couple of interesting potential plans for the second floor. He is considering leasing the space to a yoga studio or possibly opening up a Chipotle style restaurant. Which would you rather have? If you think a Yoga studio do you think two yoga studios could survive since one just opened up at 4804 Georgia Ave, NW.

Be careful if you’re on a metal bike because there is a large magnet ahead?

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…