PSA: Parking meters in effect on H Street

Free parking on H Street is coming to an end.  The good news is the meters allow 3.5 hours of parking starting at 6:30 and are only $.75 per hour, so if you want a space from 6:30 until the end of a long night, it'll only cost $3.  You can pay with coins, credit card, or by phone.  The full announcement from construction contractor AMEC's terrific community relations specialist Margaret Gentry follows.

Improving the pocket park at 8th & K

Kudos to neighborhood resident Cody Parker on trying to bring some improvements to the pocket park at 8th & K.  He's reached out to DPR and is now reaching out to other neighbors with a public blog.  He's seeking input on the best use of the space and donations and volunteers to help improve it.  Do you think there should be a public art installation in the middle?  Trees?  Can you help fund, find donations, or care for the space?  DPR has a very limited budget for their parks and improvements will likely come only through neighbohrood support.  Let Cody know what you think and if you can help over at http://www.kstreettriangle.org/
We've enjoyed participating in a similar project at the Sherwood Recreation Center with the Sherwood Neighborhood Volunteers. 

I've started talking with DC Parks and Recreation about improving a small park they own at the intersection of West Virginia Ave and 8th / K Streets NE. I wanted to reach out to the community to solicit input about what people would like to see in this spot. As part of this effort, I've created a blog at www.kstreettriangle.org. I know many of your readers live in the area and I'd like to get the word out about this blog to generate a meaningful discussion.
Thanks!

Cody Parker
7th and K Streets NE

Link roundup

Washingtonian's Best Bites Blog talks to former Queen Vic Chef Adam Stein who says he's helping launch Big Board -- the gourmet burger spot that's slated to open later this year at 421 H St (old Toyland space).  That's good news for Big Board, as the burger (and most everything else we've had to eat) at Queen Vic have been terrific. 

Tom Sietsema liked Tru Orleans (400 H St) as a good looking place for a drink ("its fanciful black iron railing ... seduces you before you're even stepped inside.") but was less happy with what he had to eat.  He loves Ethiopic (401 H St) though, so maybe he'll be happy doing what we did recently and have a drink at Tru Orleans before dinner at Ethiopic.  Sietsema also had tough words for Watershed in NOMA.  We've only been once, but really enjoyed our visit and wonder if he had bad luck.  Most reviews of Watershed have been much more favorable than his.

Lydia DePillis reports at Housing Complex about streetcars and the H Street line's western connection to a metro station.  We think F Street could be a decent connection to Union Station if done well, but are eager to see the connection finalized regardless of whether it is there, at the New York Ave metro, or otherwise.
Fruit Bat (1236 H St) launched brunch on Sunday and is now open for lunch daily.  We've always like the food there.

Express Night Out talked up Smith Commons' (1245 H St) ginger and jalapeno gelatos.  We haven't tried either yet, but will have to make it back to the dining room for dinner some time soon.
The City Paper ran a big feature on Capitol Hill schools and the progress they've made over years thanks for community involvement by neighborhood residents like Suzanne Wells.  We're always impressed and proud of the contributions our neighbors make to improving the community and DC overall.

H Street Festival coming up Saturday, September 17, Noon - 7 pm

It's hard to believe, but the 2011 H Street Festival is three weeks from today. 

Once again, H Street between 8th to 14th Streets and the parking lots by the Autozone (12th St) and the H Street Connection (8th-10th St) will be home to DC's best street festival.  There'll be lots of details of the fun rolling out between now and then, but in short there will be:

Multiple stages for live music
Lots of activities for kids
A dance floor from the Atlas Performing Arts Center and Joy Of Motion
A host of cool art cars & Baltimore Rock Opera
Summer garden seating from all your favorite bars & restaurants
Some coming soon restaurants & shops will show what they will be brining to H Street next year
Some food trucks & other nonlocal vendors too
A shuttle from Eastern Market
Bike parking at each end of the Festival

So be sure to save the date: Saturday, September 17, starting at noon. 

Impala bringing back tacos & authentic N. Mexican food to 1358 H St next year

Tacos Impala was wildly popular during its all to brief winter operating out of the carryout window that is home to Philadelphia Water Ice.  Troy Hickman -- one of the partners involved in Tacos Impala -- is now working to bring Impala to 1358 H Street.  Impala will be a sit down Mexican restaurant featuring the same tacos on homemade tortillas that Hickman & Toki Underground Chef Erik Yang sold this winter as well as other authentic North Mexican cuisine and various tequilas. 

Impala will be located in the building next door to the Gallery O on H courtyard in a building owned by the Gallery O on H owners, Steve Hessler & Dolly Vehlow.    The building was previously slated to host Joe's Coal & Ice a beef restaurant from Joe Englert, but that concept & Vendetta, another Englert concept slated for a nearby building, have both been shelved.  Hickman is well known having done much of the work on the interiors at Toki Underground, Queen Vic, and Jimmy Valentine's, so you know he'll do a good job putting together an attractive space for his own restaurant.  Impala obtained demolition permits earlier this month, so with a little luck things will move along well and we can enjoy those terrific tacos again in the first half of 2012. 

Comedian Ari Shaffir at the Atlas Fri & Sat for only $12

DC area native comedian Ari Shaffir makes his return home this weekend at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St).  Shaffir will perform two shows each night at 8 and 10:30 with tickets only $12.  It will be his first performance in DC in over two years.  Local comedians Adrian Rodney and Lafayette Wright will open and MC the evening.

This is the second event organized by Hessman Entertainment (@EventsonH) and the first in their new Comedy on H Series.  His first event was the outstanding Stephane Wremble concert. 

For Tickets go to http://www.atlasarts.org/ or Call 202.399.799

Yoga District opening at 526 H St on September 1

Yoga District is opening an outpost at 526 H Street, 2nd fl on September 1.  The studio is being opened by neighborhood resident Hannah Allerdice.  Yoga District is a nonprofit, which offers low cost and donation only classes. 

Yoga District is located one building in from the NW corner of 6th & H, next door to Taste of Jamaica and above Lady's Nails.  This is the same block that is home to Nouveau Fleur (500 H St) and Metro Mutts (508 H St), and where Le Grenier is slated to open (502 H St).

Yoga District offers the following description of their studios on their website:

Yoga District, the highest-rated DC yoga studio on yelp.com for over a year, offers affordable and by-donation yoga classes in community-run yoga centers committed to eco-friendly practices. Why not join us?
Our laid back community of diverse students and dedicated teachers are exploring yoga for fun, health, peace, and a variety of other reasons. Our teachers are trained in a wide range of unique yoga traditions, so please try classes with a few different teachers using our intro-pass for new students to find the style you’re looking for.

Link roundup

The H Street Retail grant program regulatory scheme is out and Tommy Wells has posted the Notice of Funding Availability. The program provides grants of up to $85,000 to those who open a new retail business of at least 1200 square feet on H Street. Applications are available beginning Monday, September 12 and due by Wednesday, October 12. An informational session is being held at Smith Commons (1245 H St) on Wednesday, September 21, at 5:30 pm. There will also be a second round of applications in early January.

Shawafel opened at 1322 H St.  The Lebanese restaurant specializing in shwarma and falafel is open  daily at 11 am and will be open til 9 pm on week nights, and until 3 am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Thrillist, Frozen Tropics, and District Cuisine all dropped by.  Thrillist has a snapshot of the menu.  We haven't been yet, but have heard mostly favorable reviews thus far.  The chef is an alum of Jose Andres's Think Food Group, which includes Jaleo, Minibar, Cafe Atlantico, Oyamel, and Zaytinya.  Young & Hungry tried out their french fry sandwich.

Tru Orleans (400 H St) added morning hours to their weekday schedule.  They're now open daily at 7 am for coffee and beignets.  They're also open for weekday lunch and Sunday brunch.  We've heard good things about the po boys.  And they now have a nightly happy hour called Trois -- featuring $3 Abitas, $3 Cruzan Rum & $3 off all appetizers Monday-Thursday 4 - 7 pm.

Queen Vic (1206 H St) parted ways with Chef Adam Stein.  Eater reports that the new chef will be Ian Reves, recently of North London's Bull & Last gastropub.  We hope that ensures that the kitchen remains strong. As good of a place to grab a beer as it is, Queen Vic has been an equally good place for dinner with one of the best fish n chips renditions around. 

Frozen Tropics reports that the Pug (1234 H St) is now open daily for lunch starting at noon.

DDOT is solicing bids to operate and maintain the streetcar system on H Street.  DDOT has this press release out as well, which touts mid-2013 for streetcars running down H Street.  While the less than two years from now time frame is positive, the release also suggests they still have not figured out how to complete the Union Station connection at the western terminus.  One possibility may be connecting to the New York Ave metro station instead. 

CHAMPS is now accepting nominations for their annual HILLY Awards, which doles out a series of awards to local businesses.  Be sure to nominate all your H Street and Capitol Hill favorites.  The HILLY Awards will be on H Street this year, on Sunday, November 13, at the Atlas (1333 H St).

DC Urban Turf's top new listings, includes the last unpurchased unit at the Station (525 9th St).

H Street Runners -- neighborhood running club

Interested in running with others and/or getting in better shape? 

There is a new running club on H Street.  The group calls themselves "H Street Runners" and meets at the corner of 11th & H on Tuesday nights at 7pm.  They typically run between 3-5 miles and all paces are welcome.  Interested runners can find out more information by checking out meetup.com page.  Our motto is "Every great neighborhood has a running club."

Link roundup

DCentric reported on the retail funding grant program that is designed to assist growing retail business on H Street.  Final rules for the process are still being finalized, but we'll be sure to help spread the word when they are.  It should be a good program and in the meantime the story is the first to break the news that a quality bike shop is looking to open up on H Street.

DC Beer Week is underway.  There are lots of great events on H Street with the Argonaut, Liberty Tree, Little Miss Whiskeys, Red Palace, Granville Moore's, Smith Commons, H Street Country Club, and Star and Shamrock all participating.

Housing Complex reported that Ben's Chili Bowl nearly purchased (1001 H St), which is the current home to George's Place.  The building is listed for sale at $1.4 Million.  The building across the street at 1000 H St now has a for lease sign up as well.

Shawafel opened at 1322 H St. 

Capitol Hill Cupcakes opened a bakery with weekend only hours south of H Street on 18th St NE near D St.  The owners are the same as Cafe Roma, which previously used the space for a cafe with good sweets.

Fruit Bat (1236 H St) and Tru Orleans (400 H St) are now open for lunch.  We've always liked the food at Fruit Bat and have heard good thing about to po' boys at Tru Orleans.

Shawafel opens today at 1322 H Street

Let there be Lebanese food!  Falafel, shawarma, tabouleh, fries, and more are now available with today's opening of Shawafel (1322 H St). 

Shawafel is the directly across the street from the Atlas theatre and is the first of a handful of new spots likely to open on the north side of the 1300 block of H Street over the next year or two.  The window coverings are down and the place looks pretty good with a handful of tables on the left and a bar for seating on the right as you approach the counter to order in the back of the restaurant.  

Shawafel will open daily at 11 am and will be open til 9 pm on week nights, and until 3 am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

DC Ink Tatoo outpost open at 1232 H Street

DC Ink brings another tatoo shop to H Street, and is now open next door to the Pug and Toki Underground, and above Powell's Babershop at 1232 H Street. 

DC Ink is H Street's second tatoo shop, British Ink operates by appointment at 508 H St (above Metro Mutts).  They're open til 9 pm, closed Sundays. 

Sam Adams Beer Dinner at Liberty Tree Thursday, August 18

This should be a good opportunity to enjoy the newly opened patio at Liberty Tree (1016 H St).  It looks like Chef Graig is cooking up some good stuff and they've landed a host of interesting, hard to find offerings from Sam Adams. 

Call 202 396 8733 or email info@libertytreedc.com for reservations ($65).

Watermelon Capsule- Fresh wasabi, whipped feta
Imperial White
French Onion Soup Dumpling- Charred gruyere
Octoberfest
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Cherrystone Clam- Pickled radish, cranberry mumbo
Irish Red
Grilled Watermelon “Scallop” - Feta, balsamic
Summer Ale
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Fresh Linguine-Poached quail egg, house pancetta, peas
Imperial Double Bock
Short Rib & Goat Cheese Ravioli
Black Lager
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Braised Pork Belly- Stewed white beans and tomatoes
Bonfire Rauchbier
Roasted Cod- Creamed corn, spinach, wild mushrooms
Harvest Pumpkin Ale
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Cheesecake – Dried cranberry coulis
Cherry Wheat
Espresso Bean Crème Brulee
Imperial Stout

H Street Chalk Walk: Saturday, September 10

First Ever Chalk Walk on H Street Corridor Saturday, September 10
Interactive & competitive sidewalk chalk art & a celebration of living, working, and buying locally

On Saturday, September 10, H Street Main Street and CHAMPS present the first ever Chalk Walk on H Street. The H Street Chalk Walk is a day-long event that will allow attendees to watch artists working live, in partnership with H Street businesses, to create sidewalk art with the theme, “My Neighborhood is My Business.”

The Chalk Walk will begin at 10 a.m. when artists start working on their creations. Visitors are encouraged to stroll the street and watch the artists work and will have an opportunity to leave their mark on a community mural at 3rd and H Streets, NE. Restaurants on the street will be taking part in a “Brunch Around,” and will be offering discounts and specials for this unique event.

The artists must complete their pieces by 3pm, and from 3pm until 6:30 p.m., their work will be on view to the public who will be able to vote on the pieces that they feel best embody the “My Neighborhood is My Business” theme. From 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., votes will be tallied and judges will deliberate to determine their favorites. The People’s Choice and the Judges’ Choices will be announced at 7:30 p.m. at Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar (1104 H St).

H Street Bakes returns this Sunday, at the Pug from 11 am - 3 pm

H Street Bakes returns this weekend at the Pug (1234 H St) on Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm.  Stop by to stock up on various delicous baked goods.  We particularly recommend Kim Moffat's oatmeal awesome pie, homemade nutella spread, and bacon cinamon rolls. 

Volunteer at DCPS Beautification Day: Saturday, Aug 20

Calling all volunteers!  DC Public School Beautification Day will be held this year on Saturday, August
20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This annual event was established in  2005 as a citywide “spruce up” of all DC public school buildings in  preparation for the first day of school. Beautification efforts will
include gardening, trash pick-up, light painting, indoor cleaning, and  other beautification efforts.

Join your neighbors, classmates, teachers and friends in helping to spruce up your local DCPS in preparation for the start of a new school year. Kids are welcome!

Sign up here to help beautify any of the area's schools including Peabody, Ludlow-Taylor, Stuart Hobson, Prospect Learning Center, Miner, Maury, J.O. Wilson or Eastern High.

Hikari Sushi & Sake Bar -- Coming Soon to 644 H Street

The building next to H Street Storage has been undergoing extensive renovation work for the past several months.  Rumors have long been that it would be a sushi restaurant and we can now confirm that Hikari Sushi & Sake Bar is planning to open at 644 H Street NE. 

The building has been empty for some time now and was previously home to a tax shop.  It's immediately east of H Street Storage and just a couple doors down from recently opened Inspire BBQ (650 H St) and Adobe Design (654 H St), near the NW corner of 7th & H. 

Music in the Couryard: Yamomenem at Gallery O on H this Saturday, Aug. 13

Music in the Courtyard continues at Gallery O on H (1354 H St) this Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Music in the Courtyard runs all summer on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.  This Saturday features popular New Orleans Jazz band Yamomenem  ($5 admission).

Link roundup

DMV Dining says the Atlas Room (1015 H St) is H Street's finest restaurant.  We made it back for our first meal there in a while and agree that it continues to quietly turn out terrific food and drink that would be worthy of praise in any neighborhood in town.

Liberty Tree (1016 H St) announced a Sam Adams Beer dinner (5 courses, 5 beers, $65) on August 18.   Reservations suggested 396-TREE or email info@libertytreedc.com

Washingtonian's Best Bites Blog welcomes Tru Orleans (400 H St) and has nice photos.  We've only been once and were impressed with the space more so than other aspects of the restaurant, but look forward to returning again soon on a nice evening. 

Tru Orleans is now doing Monday night specials with half priced Abita drafts ($3) and Red Beans n Rice w/ Andouille ($8).  They're also open for lunch and will be offering po boys during lunch service.

DC Mud has this update on plans for the Capital City Market on Florida Ave.  Sounds like bringing in the chef from Cafe Atlantico may pay immediate dividends with pop up restaurants on the way.

DC Urban Turf asks where a good neighborhood to buy your first home is and lots of folks suggest H Street neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, Rosedale, and Kingman Park,

DC NOMA reported that the Greyhound Bus Terminal at 1st & K NE has been purchased and is slated for redevelopment.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St) has a terrific new website.  They're also launching a new Jazz at the Atlas series (tickets go on sale 8/18).  The City Paper has some details on the new series, which will offer twice monthly shows beginning September 14.

DC Urban Turf's Deal of the Week is a three bedroom house on the 1400 block of G Street NE that is already under contract less than a week after it hit the market.

The Maia: New development planned for 14th & Maryland

The church property at the northwest corner of 14th & H is now under contract with plans for redevelopment after closing early this fall.  The property is pending sale to Valor Development (who recently launched a project at 3rd & L St NE).  Valor is partenering with Jeff Goins of Capitol Hill-based PGN Architechts (who also designed the Biergarten Haus and the ongoing renovation of the residential building at 315 G St NE) on a 49 unit residential development.  The property (1350 Maryland Ave NE) is currently home to vacant church buildings which will be razed and replaced by the larger residential building, The Maia. 

Updated design for The Maia (1350 Maryland Ave NE)

Earlier plans for the site considered feauturing ground level retail along the 14th St side of the property, but the building will be 100% residential.  Valor Development has been in contact with the local ANC and plans to fund a bikeshare station at the location and has also agreed to support extention of the Capitol Hill Historic District north up until H Street.  The building is across the street from the Pierce School Lofts (1375 Maryland Ave) and the recently renovated Engine House Condos (1341 Maryland Ave).

Animal Adoption event at Metro Mutts tomorrow, 12-2 pm

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue (all-breed dogs and cats) is having an adoption event at Metro Mutts (508 H St) this Saturday from 12-2pm. 

To see the cats and dogs who will be attending, click the links for Dogs and Cats.

Drop Electric music video on H Street, show tomorrow @ Rock N Roll Hotel

Drop Electric, recently made a music video around the H Street for their song, "Finding Color in the Ashes" off the album with the same name.  The video hits a number of H Street spots, including the Hopscotch Bridge, Capitol Fine Wine & Spirits (the liquor store next to Sidamo), and Little Miss Whiskeys, among others. It's a pretty cool to watch.

The band has a show at the Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H St) tomorrow, August 5 ($10).  They're based in DC and guitar player Sho Fujiwara lives near H Street as well.

Volunteer at Eastern High salad bar launch w/ Serve DC 8/29-9/2

Serve DC is recruiting volunteers to help DC Public Schools launch new salad bars in 11 high schools Aug. 29 – Sep. 2.  Our neighbor, Ward 6's only high school Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol St NE) is one of the schools and needs volunteers to staff the opening week's lunch shifts.    

If you are interested in participating, please email Jennifer.Calloway@DC.gov with your prefered lunch shift or register online. 

Link roundup

THIH has a nice love song about the H Street Farmers' Market (625 H St).  It's one of our favorite things in the neighborhood as well.  Saturday morning at the market with coffee from Sidamo, perhaps a swing through Metro Mutts and/or Nouveau Fleur is a great way to start the weekend no matter how long your week was.  The market runs each Saturday morning from 9-noon.

DC Curbed has some nice photos of progress at the Flats at Atlas development (1700 Maryland Ave).

The Washington Diplomat has this piece on the charms and terrific eats at the Queen Vic (1204 H St).

The Washington Post has this feature on Councilmember Tommy Wells and what's been going on his life lately.

Evolve Property Management says their lease to the owner of Carolina Kitchen to open another restaurant called Sweet Charlestown's has been signed and the restaurant should open at 1348 H St next year. This is the double wide building next to the newly renovated Evolve headquarters.

Tru Orleans (400 H St) said they plan to start lunch service next week.

Free Happy Hours @ Khans on Wed & @ Rock n Roll Hotel on Thurs via So Whats the Deal

So What's the Deal has two great FREE happy hours on H Street this week (registration required). 

On Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m. at Rock N Roll Hotel (1353 H St), you get a FREE flavored Stoli Drink and can take advantage of their other happy hour specials on Stolie & PBR (RSVP required)!


On Thursday, from 6-8 p.m. at Khan's (1125 H St), you get TWO FREE Miller Lites or PBRs when you sign up!