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).