H Street Main Street launches Wednesday evening Farmers Market at Starburst Plaza (15th & H/Benning/Bladensburg) tonight

H Street NE to Launch 2016 Farmers Market Today

Farmers market will offer residents after work sustainable grocery shopping from a variety of local vendors 

Washington, DC—The H Street NE Corridor’s inaugural 2016 Farmers Market will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Starburst Plaza Intersection. Organized by H Street Main Street, the weekly market will feature 8 to 10 local vendors offering fresh, locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, additional food and food-related products, artisanal pet treats, skin care products and other merchandise.

Stop by and browse the food offerings, including delectable desserts and savory, sampler-sized, portable portions from area restaurants. Beverages will also be available to sip and stroll, while shopping inside the event area.

In recent years, the rising demand for fresh and local produce and sustainable grocery practices have caused farmers markets to pop up all over the nation. Their latest evolution takes advantage of the fact that for many people, the evening hours are the best time for a shopping expedition. Nighttime farmers markets are blurring the lines between grocery shopping and entertainment—a fun night out that speaks to urban citizens of every age. And with summer temperatures soaring across the country, these markets are catching on at just the right time.

The H Street Farmers Market will take place every Wednesday from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. starting this Wednesday, July 20 through October 26 at the Starburst Plaza Intersection, where H Street NE, Bladensburg Road NE, Benning Road NE, Maryland Ave. NE and Florida Ave. NE meet (1500 block of H Street NE). 

There’s even more to look forward to this summer at the Starburst Plaza! The Farmers Market is just the first taste of all the exciting programming planned for the intersection this summer. In the coming weeks, area residents can look forward to the launch of a weekend entertainment series, night movies and new landscaping at the Starburst Plaza. 

For more information, please visit www.hstreet.org. 

A list of vendors is below:

Clayton Farms - We are a local small-scale sustainable farm in the Baltimore and Carroll County area of Maryland. We want to provide our community with access to healthy, organically grown produce in the hope that we all may live longer healthier lives. This is our passion, and it goes beyond selling high quality produce. We implement efficient, sustainable, and regenerative growing techniques that maintain healthy soil and encourage biodiversity. We want future generations to have access to non-toxic, healthy food, and we want communities to be Food-Independent and self-sufficient ensuring our enduring liberty. Clayton Farms is a Certified Naturally Grown Produce Farm with locations in Baltimore County and Carroll County. We DO NOT use any synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or GMOs. CNG is an independent program and are a grassroots alternative to the USDA National Organic Program. We are proud to be a CNG grower and we want our community to thrive by eating fresh, natural, locally grown produce.

Ryan’s Fruit Market – A 6^th generation family owned and operated small business.  We are the largest peach farmer in VA on 100 acres.  Also known for excellent apples, apple butter, cherries, cider and more.  `We have 15 to 20 varieties of apples to choose from at Ryan's Fruit Market. One of the oldest orchards in the state of Virginia, our historic farm has all the fresh fruits and vegetables you could ever want. We are one of the oldest orchards in the state of Virginia.

Georges Botanique Aromatiques – Handmade vegan soaps and skin care products. Goals and Mission: Develop partnerships with like-minded individuals who know an eco-friendly, environmentally conscious approach to living is a necessity to health and wellness.  Identify individuals engaged in knowing; who, what and why natural, handmade vegan soaps and skin care products are healthier for your skin. Educate the community that store-bought generic skin care products and soaps are mass produced with misleading product labels.  Inform consumers that cost and quantity of cosmetic products is mutually exclusive for being “good for you”.

PinUp Preserves - PinUp Preserves is the brainchild of Rayna C. Richardson, an entrepreneur and artist who currently resides in the Washington, D.C., metro area. She grew up in a house that was always filled with homemade meals where you could taste the love and care in each bite. Keeping those traditions alive, Rayna started making preserves to share with friends and test her own culinary skills. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a delicious and high-demand endeavor. Now, Rayna is bringing her unique brand of preserves to you! PinUp Preserves is produced out of Union Kitchen in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. They use organic and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.  You will soon be able to purchase our products online and at select retail locations.

Senzu Juicery – Farm fresh ingredients from family-run businesses.  Many cold-pressed juices to choose from change up your order to fit your diet our juices are low in sugar and start at just 70 calories a serving.  Ingredients are locally sourced from family owned farms. Specialty produce that is fresher than the supermarket.  Sustainability-grown produce helps preserve soil and reduce erosion. 

Capitol Kettle Corn - Capitol Kettle Corn is a family owned operation located in Maryland. With a business model dedicated to offering customer quality, valued customer service, and of course the delectable and always deliciously sweet/salty treat. Kettle Corn is considered by far one of the very best tasting fresh treats. Using all natural ingredients: local popping corn, 100% Corn Oil, granulated sugar, and salt. A healthy source of carbohydrates, one of the body's main sources of energy, excellent source of fiber, and a snack preferred over most processed candy."

Eat170 – Locally owned and operated. Home of the “Dooney Roll”. Featuring handcrafted meatballs (turkey & beef) w/ sauces to choose from (Jerk, Jack Daniels, Sweet & Sour and Mumbo.  And Chicken Wings – Jerk, Old Bay, Teriyaki, Garlic & Herb

Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweet Treats - Located in Washington, D.C., Ruby Scoops is a local and online retailer of premium small batch ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and desserts, all handcrafted and scratch made in Union Kitchen by Chef & Owner, Rabia Kamara. 

Spoil Me Rotten Dog Biscuits – An artisan dog biscuit bakery specializing in healthy, gourmet treats. Oven baked in small batches, they are sure to make your dog’s tail wag with delight. Flaxseed, Omega 3, No Soy, No Corn, No Wheat – Be overwhelmed with Flavor!

Dea Silver & Women’s Accouterments – A local minority family-owned and operated small business offering a host of silver jewelry, purses and more.  They conduct business at the State Department four times a year.  

#Ludlow-Taylor Taste for the Arts fundraising auction - online auction open now, gala event June 4 @AtlasPACDC

Join the Ludlow-Taylor community at our first Taste for the Arts Party and Auction taking place on Saturday, June 4 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St). It will be a fun evening with food and drinks from local businesses, including the Argonaut,  Liberty Tree, Tortilla Cafe, Micho’s and Schneider’s of Capitol Hill.  Come join our parents, teachers and community to raise money for our fabulous students and teachers in all grade levels!  Live auction items include a bicycle from the Daily Rider, a golden ticket to skip the line to enjoy a reservation for dinner at Rose's Luxury, tickets to see Peter Gabriel and Sting, and more.  Ludl0w-Taylor is the neighborhood DC Public School for residents who live south of H Street.  Tickets to the event can be purchased here (early bird rate available through May 31). 

Ludlow-Taylor's online auction is now open and runs through June 4. The auction can be accessed by going to http://www.biddingowl.com/ ludlowtaylor  Check out all the fun items available including amazing sports tickets, restaurant gift cards, vacation getaways, fitness memberships, art from local artists, and so much more.  Some highlights include Nats tickets, a 12 person tour of Port City Brewery in Alexandria with unlimited beer, 6 week bootcamp at Old City Crossfit, and a pizza making party at 7th Hill.  All proceeds benefit the students, teachers and staff at Ludlow-Taylor.  Please feel free to share the link with family and friends.  Bid early and often!

 

Sherwood Neighborhood Volunteers annual Spring cleanup this Saturday, May 21

Join the Sherwood Neighborhood Volunteers this Saturday, May 21, for their annual Spring cleanup at the Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th St NE).  This year, the group will target the playground area for cleanup, gardening, and laying of mulch.  It should be a fun community gathering with snacks courtesy of the Argonaut.  See you there!

The Atlas Room is closed. Stay tuned for details of a new spot from Chef Matt Cordes to replace it coming soon.

When the Atlas Room (1015 H St NE) opened its doors in 2010, it quickly became the best restaurant on H Street NE or anywhere nearby. 

At the time, we said, "the Atlas Room is a fantastic addition to H Street, offering an ambitious menu, diverse wine list, and excellent craft cocktails.  It is already H Street's best restaurant and its opening continues a trend of nicer restaurants opening on H Street ."  The critics quickly agreed with Tom Sietsema stating that "The most ambitious kitchen on H Street NE deserves a full house every night" and including the Atlas Room in his Fall Dining Guide.  Don Rockwell also touted the Atlas Room as  "not only the best restaurant in the Atlas District, but it's also the best restaurant in all of Northeast or Southeast DC, including everything on Capitol Hill."  The Washingtonian followed suit and included it on its 100 Best Restaurants list.

The Atlas Room's opening and initial success raised the bar for dining on H Street and across Capitol Hill.  Sadly, it closed its doors for the last time on Saturday night. 

The good news is that Chef-owner Matt Cordes is hard at work to reopen a new venture at 1015 H St NE in the near future.  We'll have more details soon, but in the meantime, we want to thank Matt and the many terrific folks who put the Atlas Room on the map and elevated dining expectations on H Street and nearby, including Mark Medley, Bobby Beard, Chris Surrusco and Karim Soumah who contributed greatly to some terrific years at the Atlas Room.

MayorBowser & DDOT lauch DC Streetcar tomorrow @ 10; H Street celebrates w/specials running all day & passport promotion

Streetcar services kicks off tomorrow 10 am, H Street celebrates opening with passport promotion & specials

 

Streetcar service will launch tomorrow at 10 am.  Mayor Bowser, DDOT Director Dormsjo, Councilmember Allen and many more will be on hand to celebrate the opening and enjoy passenger service along H Street tomorrow at 10 am.  The kickoff event begins at 13th & H Street.  It's an exciting day and we're looking forward to celebrating all that the streetcar has brought to our community and the promise it holds for providing an important additional means of transit for our ever-growing community. 

 

In celebration of the grand opening of the Streetcar, H Street Main Street will host a H Street Passport Program starting this Saturday, Feb. 27 – March 17, 2016!

 

Participants who get their passport stamped at seven or more of the 20+ H Street establishments taking part can enter to win one of 14 awesome prizes. Businesses will also offer reduced-price merchandise, food and drinks during the contest.

 

Numerous other businesses, including the Argonaut, DC Harvest and Ocopa are hosting other specials tomorrow in celebration of the arrival of streetcar service. 

 

Here’s how it works!

 

1. Pick up a free H Street Passport at the DC Streetcar Launch Ceremony (Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at the corner of 13 and H) or one of the passport pick up locations listed below Saturday, Feb. 27 – Thursday, March 17.

2. Visit participating H Street stores, restaurants or other businesses Feb. 27 – March 17 and collect at least 7 stamps on your passport.

 

3. Drop off your finished passport at Ben’s Chili Bowl (1001 H Street NE) on or before Thursday, March 17 for a chance to win a brand new REI Bike or one of the 13 other prizes. Drawing will be held on Friday, March 18.

4. Please see below for a list of participating businesses and check out www.hstreet.org and our Facebook and Twitter accounts for daily updates. 

 

5. Use #HSTShopSmall! to help promote the event.

 

Prizes at March 18 Drawing

 

·      REI Bicycle

·      $100 DC Harvest Gift Card

·      $50 Khepra’s Raw Food Juice Bar Gift Card

·      2 - $50 Le Grenier Gift Cards

·      $50 Smith Commons Gift Card

·      $30 Biergarten Haus Gift Card

·      3 - $25 Manny and Olga’s Gift Cards

·      $20 7-11 Gift Card

·      Lunch or Dinner for Two at Ben’s Upstairs

·      Lunch or Dinner for Two at Ben’s Chili Bowl

·      The Escape Lounge on H Street - Escape the Classroom for a Family of 5 Valued at $125 (this game is for kids)!

 

Participating Businesses and Promotions

Offers are in place Feb. 27 – March 17 unless otherwise specified.

Offers only valid for those who either pick up (at specified locations) or have H Street Passports. 

 

Atlas Performing Arts Center – 1333 H St NE (Passport pick up location)

10% off tickets to INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016 (Feb. 26 – March 6)

 

Ben’s Chili Bowl / Ben’s Upstairs – 1001 H St NE (Passport pick up location)
10% off entire bill

 

Catwalk Boutique – 1404 H St NE (Passport pick up location)
30% off entire purchase

 

DC Harvest – 517 H St NE (Passport pick up location) 

20% off total bill

 

Euro Style – 1342 H St NE (Passport pick up location)

20% off entire purchase

 

H Street Country Club – 1335 H St NE (Passport pick up location)

Free mini golf passes with a passport

 

Khepra’s Raw Food Juice Bar – 402 H St NE (Passport pick up location)

10% off entire purchase

 

Manny and Olga's Pizza ­– 1409 H St NE (Passport pick up location)
20% off entire bill

MetroMutts – 508 H St NE (Passport pick up location)

25% off first two dog walking or cat sitting visits

10% off first week of regular recurring midday dog walks. (Expires April 30, 2016)

 

Smith Commons – 1245 H St NE (Passport pick up location)
10% off entire bill

 

7-11 – 957 H St NE
7-11 will give a coupon for a free Slurpee, Fountain or Coffee to customers who stop by to have their passport stamped.  

 

Biergarten Haus – 1355 H St NE

15% total bill (Not to be used in combination with any other specials) 

 

Escape Lounge on H Street – 1322B H St NE
20% off entire purchase

Flex Office Space – 1411 H St NE
One-month discount for the first time signing ups

Integrity of Self Movement Arts – 1361 H St NE
Register for 1 month of toddler or kids Movement Classes, get a 2nd month of classes FREE

 

Le Grenier – 502 H St NE

Complimentary glass of champagne 

NOMAD HOOKAH BAR – 1200 H St NE
10% off total bill

 

Ocopa Restaurant – 1324 H St NE

One large anticucho platter (skewers), two Peruvian sides and one Incajito cocktail for $25

Red Rocks – 1348 H St NE

20% off total bill

Christopher’s Grooming Lounge and Christopher’s Grooming Lounge for Her Hair Salon – 705 H St NE
$20 off entire service
Contact: Olivia Lang (773) 573-9098 or www.styleseat.com/1olivialang

Barber Shop – 705 H St NE
$10 off $35 Haircuts
$10 off $45 Haircuts and Shaves (combo)

$5 off $25 Shaves
Contact: (240) 432-9688 or www.StyleSeat.com/thebarber

Discounted dog walking and cat sitting via @MetroMutts (508 H St NE)

Did you know Metro Mutts (508 H St) not only provides food and toys for local pets, but also cares for and walks them?  They're now offering new deals for dog walking and cat sitting for new clients in the H Street area.  Details below. 

25% Off for New Dog Walking and Cat Sitting Clients! Use code "FIRST25"

We have been passionate about your Capitol Hill canines and kitties since 2010, and are up for Best of DC! To celebrate, we're offering 25% off of the first two scheduled visits for new Metro Mutts Pet Services clients. Simply type in the code "FIRST25" when making a reservation through our online scheduling system. New clients only. Please note, a consultation and billing method are required before we can confirm service. 

10% Off for First Week of Ongoing Dog Walks! Use code "NEW10"

And for new regular weekly walk clients... 10% off of your first week of regular midday walk service (3 days or more recurring days a week). Simply type in the code "NEW10" on your first week of regular walks. For new regular weekly clients only.

Winter Grill Out at Ocopa

This Saturday, February 20 Ocopa (1324 H St NE) will host a Winter Grill Out on H Street.  For $35 you'll enjoy unlimited anticuchos, Incajito cocktails (Chef Yuki Nakandakari's popular Chefs Behind Bars drink entry), and select sides.

Anticuchos are Peruvian-style grilled skewers.  There will be vegetarian and pescatarian options available as well as various meats.  Ocopa's patio is completely covered and heated, so winter weather (which is actually supposed to be very warm this weekend) will not be an issue. 

 

 

Saturday is #PiscoSourDay at Ocopa

Ocopa is celebrating ‪#‎PiscoSourDay‬ on Saturday, February 6th. In Peru, first Saturday of every February is the official Día del Pisco Sour (Pisco Sour Day).

Guests will be able to enjoy half-priced Pisco Sours ALL DAY, plus $25 Pisco Sour Pitchers and a $25 Pisco Flight!

 

Drinks include:

TRADITIONAL PISCO SOUR
La Caravedo / Pressed Lime / Hierba Luisa / Angostura Bitters / Egg White $6

LAVANDULA
Porton / Lavender / Elderflower Liqueur / Pressed Lime / Egg White $6.50

CHIEF’S
Porton / Aji Amarillo / Smoked Pineapple / Cointreau / Mezcal / Egg white $7

MATE
Porton / Smoked Honey / Yerba Mate / Bonal / Egg White $7

WEST INDIAN

Porton / Chicha Morada / Allspice Dram/ Egg White 6.50

They will also have Infusions/Macerados (house made La Caravedo Pisco infused with fruits and herbs for a full flavored cocktail). Flavors are grapefruit, watermelon pomegranate, kiwi, yerba mate, and mango.

Chef Teddy Folkman & Maison Dixon's Adam Cox to take over Vendetta & open brewpub with southern food this year

Big news today!  Vendetta is being acquired in part by Chef Teddy Folkman (of Granville Moore's and Food Network fame) and Chef Adam Cox of Maison Dixon Hot Chicken (a popular Nashville style hot chicken and southern cuisine that's been popping up lately) who will revamp the menu and eventually convert Vendetta to a brew-pub.  This is great news for food lovers and reportedly will bring Chef Teddy back to the kitchen on H Street where he's been missing largely since opening BAROAK Cookhouse and Taproom in Annapolis. 

The conversion of Vendetta to a brewpub and the incorporation of the Maison Dixon menu will take some time, but look for Chef Teddy to launch a revamped menu of “Long Island Red Sauce” dishes later this week. 

More details as we have this, but this is an exciting development for H Street to not only bring Chef Teddy back, but to also become home to a new cuisine in Maison Dixon's southern fare. 

#FoieFest returns January 13-20

A dozen restaurants located on H Street and Capitol Hill are participating in the Winter Foie Festival January 13th-20, 2016. The event aims to educate diners about foie gras and celebrate the culinary delicacy.
#FoieFest is a friendly competition amongst neighborhood restaurants to see who can take home the Golden Duck trophy for the best foie-centric dish.  Diners select the winner by casting their ballots through an online poll.  The event also seeks to educate the public about foie gras and celebrate the farmers who engage in responsible practices associated with it's production.  

 The Foie Festival is the reincarnation of Foie La La, the annual foie gras event established three years ago by Brad Walker, co-owner of Boundary Road.  This is the first year that restaurants beyond H Street will participate in the event. Also new this year: support from D'Artagnan, the company that supplies premium Hudson Valley foie gras products to restaurants across the United States.

We'll share the full list of Foie Festival participants and more information about what they're offering soon.  One item we're definitely not going to miss the chance to try: Boundary Road's Chai-rubbed foie with smoked pear French toast, pomegranate-poached persimmon, pickled ramps, and duck cracklin'