H Street Bakes returns to The Big Board Sunday, March 4, noon til 3 pm

H Street Bakes returns this Sunday, March 4, from noon until 3 pm upstairs at The Big Board (421 H St).  Stock up on delicious treats, like cheesecake, bacon cinnamon rolls and more.

Support neighborhood effort to engage proposed XClusive lounge in negotiations to mediate impact on nearby homes

Apparently, the owners of the new proposed Xclusive Lounge (707 H St) have been unwilling to negotiate an agreement to mitigate their impact on their nearby residential neighbors.  Every other liquor license holder on H Street has a voluntary agreement of some sort, so this is of some understandable concern to the nearby neighbors.  Read the neighbors updates below and consider signing their petition.

URGENT Update and Call to Action - Xclusive Hearing scheduled for March 28!

H & Pizza coming this spring to 1118 H St

H Street has been waiting patiently for a gourmet pizza spot for a while now and while some places have been proposed that have not panned out, H & Pizza is on track to open at 1118 H Street -- the building next door to Taylor Gourmet, which previously housed Birdand -- later this Spring.

H & Pizza's owner Steve Salis is keeping his cards close to his chest for now, but he's excited to bring quality pizza to H Street and promises gourmet ingredients and a first rate product.  H & Pizza will offer three types of crusts -- regular, whole wheat and nine grain and will also provide a variety of options for vegans, lactose intolerant and is working on developing a gluten free crust as well. Salis comes to DC from New York where he was involved in the restaurant business and has chosen H Street for his first outpost.  H & Pizza is something of a fast-casual pizza concept, offering customizable made to order personal gourmet pizzas, made with top quality fresh ingredients. They will not offer pizza by the slice or delivery, but will be available for dine in and will do some carry out business as well.  H & Pizza is renovated the building now in hopes of a late Spring opening.

New owners of Murry's site purchasing H Street Storage site aswell with plans for new large mixed use buildings

Back in November we reported that the Insight Property Group had purchased the Murry's site at the corner of 6th & H Street NE and had planned to develop the site with a mixed use building to replace the grocery store, parking lot, and a couple small retail bays that currently occupy this large parcel.  With Murry's slated for redevelopment and the Autozone site sold for development last year that left the H Street Storage site next door to Murry's on the north side of the 600 block of H Street as the sole remaining large urban blemish in need of redevelopment plans on H Street.  The wait is over -- Insight Property Group has a contract on the H Street Storage site as well and is expected to close on the property this year and to include it in their plans to redevelop the Murry's site. 

Few details have emerged thus far about the developers' grand plans, but you can bet that Insight is thinking big having obtained two of the largest parcels on H Street.  The new development will be directly across the street from another mixed use development project from another mixed use development from Jair Lynch, which is expected to break ground this summer.  Rapport Companies, owned by Gary Rappaport -- who also has terrific plans to redevelop the H Street Connection site on H between 8th & 10th Streets  -- is handling the leasing for the mixed use site to be.  We expect Insight has grand plans for the space and plans to land premier tenants for what is likely to go from perhaps the worst block on H Street to arguably one of its best when the two new developments are complete.

H Street Performance Parking meeting w/ DDOT & Tommy Wells Thurs. 2/16, 6:30 pm at Sherwood Rec Center

***PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE***
Councilmember Tommy Wells and DDOT Will Co-Host a Public Meeting About Performance Based Parking on H Street

Councilmember Tommy Wells and representatives from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) are co-hosting a public meeting on February 16 to discuss the Performance Based Parking program that is planned for the H Street corridor in northeast Washington.  The program has two main goals: 1) improve the availability of customer parking on H Street, and 2) reduce parking spillover into adjacent residential streets.  The program is scheduled to start in March 2012 and will apply to H Street, NE from 3rd to 15th Streets.

At the meeting, DDOT will present a proposal for implementing performance based parking on the H Street, NE for public review and comment.

Community members are encouraged to participate in this meeting to help shape the implementation plan for this program.

The information materials that will be presented at this meeting will also be made available online at http://1.usa.gov/AEw0fv under Related Documents following the February 16 meeting. 

Following this meeting, a 30-day review and comment period will be made available to community stakeholders before DDOT implements the program.  To review the implementation plan and submit comments please visit http://1.usa.gov/AEw0fv after February 16.

About Performance Based Parking
Performance based parking is a curbside management strategy that DDOT first introduced as a pilot in the Ballpark District of Ward 6 in March 2008.  Performance based parking works by adjusting the rates and/or the time restrictions on metered blocks while protecting the parking supply on surrounding residential and mixed used corridors through increased residential parking protections and enforcement.  For additional details please visit: http://1.usa.gov/AEw0fv.

What:              H Street Performance Based Parking Zone Public Meeting

When:             Thursday, February 16, 2012
                        6:30 pm – 8 pm

Where:            Sherwood Recreation Center
640 10th Street, NE

Just Tap @ Intersections Festival: March 11, at the Atlas

SOLE Defined
Who: Just Tap with special guests: Christylez Bacon, Lesina Martin, The
Akua Allrich Quartet, Dionte Lee as well as Ryan Johnson of STOMP.
Date: March 11, 2012
Time: 2pm
Place: Atlas Performing Arts Center; 1333 H St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Tickets: $15; $10 Student/Senior

Link roundup

Boundary Road (414 H St) officially opened last night after a few nights of soft openings.  Urban Daddy has a preview as does BisNow and The President Wears Prada.  We made it in during the soft opening and we're really pleased -- so far our high expectations for Boundary Road have been met -- excellent food and drink at a good price in a very attractive environment.  We had a very nice lamb entree, liked the perogies, and thought the Foie Grab PB & J was awesome.  Frozen Tropics has a few thoughts as well.
The Washingtonian has an amazing slideshow of Chinese New Year celebration at Toki Underground (1234 H St).  Color me totally green with envy of those who managed to snag a reservation in the four hours they were available before selling out.  Toki fans should set their DVRs to see them on the Cooking Channel's Unique Eats on February 26.

H Street Ritas (1014 H St) announced that they'll reopen on March 9.

DC Urban Turf posted about a house at 14th & F that went under contract almost right after hitting the market.  They say “anyone thinking of buying in 20002 should move quickly when they find the right home.”

Flats at Atlas is sharing their price points, so they must be close to leasing soon.  flatsatatlas@bozzuto.com

DDOT & Tommy Wells will host a meeting on H Street Performance Parking on Thursday, at 6:30 pm at the Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th St NE).  We're not fully up to speed on the latest here, but this generally involves variable pricing at metered spaces along H Street, expanded residential parking protection along the side streets, and some efforts to recapture the funds generated through the parking meters for use in the local community. 

Casbah applied for a liqour license to open at the corner of 12th & H. This is the Indian/Pakistania restaurant with a large side patio in the space that previously housed Naby's Island. 

The Hill is Home speaks very favorably of Shawafel (1322 H St).

Living Social has half off performances at the Intersections Festival, which is coming to the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St) in just over a week.

Kids Yoga at Yoga District (526 H St), Sundays 2/26-4/1

Kids Basic Yoga, 6-week Course with Jaedra at H Street

Every Sunday, 1:30 – 2:30pm

      February 26^th – April 1^st

6 classes: $60, $10 walk-in only

Kids aged 8-13*

Our youth yoga mission is to have fun in a safe environment while learning about kindness and physical as well as mental health by working together on basic yoga poses, songs, and relaxation in a non-competitive atmosphere. Classes include meditation and breathing exercises in addition to child friendly movements and poses.

The regular practice of vinyasas, standing postures, and seated exercises “will accelerate the development skills such as small controlled movements, whole-body coordination and control, and balance (NC School of Yoga).” Additionally, breathing exercises as well as sustained postures help develop patience and increase focus which lead to a calm sense of being and possibly even a better night’s sleep.

As with all bodies, asana and pranayama help prevent illness to even our youngest students. Movement and healthy breathing help provide fresh blood and move lymph through the entire body assisting your immune system to ward any lingering unwanted bacteria or viruses. Yoga asanas are particularly beneficial for growing bodies. As children’s bones are hardening and broadening and tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are settling into place children may experience discomfort. Gentle stretching will help with pain while strength-building postures will help with proper alignment and placement as the body parts settles into a permanent place.

*If your child is younger or older than this age range, and they would like to participate, please contact Hannah at: hannah@yogadistrict.org

Boundary Road opens Monday at 414 H Street

We've been telling you that we're excited about Boundary Road for a year now and our enthusiasm has only increased as we've shared drafts of their menu and beer, wine and cocktail lists over the past couple months.  Accordingly, we're thrilled to share that Boundary Road will open their doors to the public at 414 H Street on Monday, February 13. 

Boundary Road is a neighborhood American Bistro whose Chef Brad Walker has cooked at great restaurants including, Central, Proof, Cashion's and Fiola, while his partner and their GM Karlos Leopald's background includes popular Columbia Heights beer tavern Meridian Pint.  They've done a terrific job renovating 414 H Street, which you can get a taste of from these Washingtonian photos from a couple weeks back.  Boundary Road is going to be one of the most attractive spaces on H Street and their menus and Chef Brad's background suggest they'll be offering delicious food and drink to match. 

Plan on checking them out soon and follow them on facebook and twitter for more info in the meantime.

Link roundup

Eater has a nice piece on Smith Commons (1245 H St), which recently celebrated their first anniversary.  It's been a really good first year for them, though we're sorry to see their GM Sheldon Robinson go earlier this month.  Congrats to Jerome and Miles on a great first year and best wishes to Sheldon in New York!

DC's Office of Planning released their land use study on the streetcar line nad it bodes well for DC and for area property owners -- the system will produce great gains in property values and allow much of the cost of putting the system in motion to be offset by those gains.  Stories covering this ran in the Post, WBJ, Examiner, DCist, TBD, DCmud, City Paper, and on the website of CM Tommy Wells.  Unfortunately, a few neighbors are complaining about the streetcar barn, which will be located on Benning Road.  We're not sure that there's any legitimate reason why.

The Capitol Hill Speciality Hospital at 8th & Mass is looking to move from long vacant to residential use.  Curbed has a preview of the proposal.  ANC6A reviewed this recently with neighbors as well.

Stuart Hobson Middle School (between 4th & 5th and E & F Sts) is pending modernization.  Support the local Capitol Hill middle school by signing on.
Urban Land Institute says DOT's plans to consider the environmental impact of their funding decision is good news for DC streetcars.

The Pug (1234 H St) turns five next week and has a week of celebration planned.  

Toki Underground (1234 H St) is doing cooking classes with Living Social (deal now via Living Social) and is also accepting a small number of reservations weeknights prior to 6 pm through City Eats.  This is good news for anyone and everyone who has a hard time getting in there. 

Boundary Road (414 H St) is getting really close to opening.  And the place is gorgeous.  Trust us when we say you're going to love it.

Weekend East City Art Events Roundup

Weekend East City Event Round Up:  

All Events Take Place Saturday February 4, 2012

The Brentwood Arts Exchange at the Gateway Arts Center (4pm to 7pm)

The Brentwood Arts Exchange presents Rivers and Memories- the art of E. J. Montgomery and Lilian Thomas Burwell.  Timed to coincide with Black History Month, this visually engaging exhibition plays on a careful balance between fluid and static motion.  Also on display at the center are the works of ceramicist Susan O’Brien, an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. 

Brentwood Arts Exchange at the Gateway Arts Center is located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD

Conner Contemporary Art (6pm to 8pm)

Conner Contemporary starts off 2012 with Bodies and Soul by Patrcia Cronin.  Inspired by 19^th century American neo-classical sculpture, Cronin has created large bronze tombs to protest the Federal Government’s stance on gay marriage.  Cronin’s words explain it best “if I can’t have it in life, I’m going to have it in death.”

Conner Contemporary Art is located at 1358 Florida Avenue NE

G Fine Art (6pm to 8pm)

G Fine Art presents Ian Whitmore’s The Devil, a Shadow, the Notice of a Small Falling Leaf.  In this exhibition, three years in the making, Whitmore grapples with iconoclast Andreas Karlstadt’s anguish of believing paradoxically that religious iconography is blasphemous and should be destroyed while simultaneously fearing divine retribution for their destruction.

G Fine Art is located at 1350 Florida Avenue NE.

Open Studio dc (6-9pm)

Open Studio dc will present recent prints by Carolyn Hartmann and Pepa Leon.  Hartmann created Open Studio dc as a place both to showcase work and as a local center for printmaking and instruction.  For more information about the Open Studio dc including the exhibition and a class schedule, click here.

Open Studio DC is located at 1348 Florida Avenue NE

Tilted Torch Sweet Things at the Red Palace (Performance Starts at 10pm)

The fun never stops in the H Street corridor.  More naughty than nice, this pre-Valentines day show promises to tease, titillate and entertain! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  For additional details and to purchase tickets click here.

The Red Palace is located at 1212 H ST NE

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art.  You can get more information about East City Art on Facebook  or follow them on Twitter

Boundary Road (414 H St) is getting close & their beer, wine & cocktail list looks great

featured
COCKTAILS

Praha City Represent

Becherovka | Wodka Vodka | Lime |

Muddled Rosemary | Ginger Beer

El Luchador

Tequila | Jalapeño-Lemongrass Syrup | Lime |

OJ | Salt & Chipotle Powder Rim

Five & Dime

Root | Maple Syrup | Egg White | Black IPA

I’m Thinking About Getting a Vespa

Aperol | Cocchi Americano | Blood Orange |

Sparkling Wine

Seelbach

Bourbon | Cointreau | Sparkling Wine |

Peychaud’s & Angostura Bitters

Lion’s Tail

Rye | Allspice Dram | Lime | Simple Syrup |

Angostura Bitters

DRAFT BEER

Heavy Seas Loose Cannon Hop Ale, Baltimore, MD

A hoppy but beautifully balanced IPA from up the road in Baltimore.

IPA   ABV 7.2%

Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, Middlebury, VT

Full of dark, roasted flavors and perfect for a cold night.

PORTER   ABV 4.4%

Port City Optimal Wit, Alexandria, VA

An unfiltered wheat beer in the Belgian style from just

over the river. Notes of orange peel and coriander.
AmERICAn WHEAT   ABV 5.0%

Victory Yakima Glory, Downingtown, PA

A full-bodied mix of fresh Yakima Valley hops and dark
roasted malts.
BLACk IPA   ABV 8.7%

Founders Breakfast Stout, Grand Rapids, MI

Brewed with oats, chocolate, and coffee. A rich, smooth, and dark stout.

STOuT   ABV 8.3%

Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Cleveland, OH

A well-balanced golden lager. Clean and crisp.

DORTmunDER LAGER    ABV 5.8%

Allagash Curieux, Portland, ME

Aging this Belgian-style Tripel in Jim Beam barrels

smooths out the beer and adds complex notes of vanilla
and spice.
BARREL-AGED TRIPEL   ABV 11.0%

BOTTLED BEER

national Bohemian, Baltimore, MD

Natty Boh.
CHEAP PILSnER    ABV 4.3%

Wandering Aengus Bloom, Salem, OR

A cider with a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Sweet apple aroma and a clean finish.
CIDER   ABV 6.5%

Old Speckled Hen, Suffolk, UK

A malty but crisp English ale with a touch of sweetness.

EnGLISH PALE ALE   ABV 5.2%

Duchesse De Bourgogne, Vichte, Belgium

Sour ale with hints of dark fruits. Aged in oak barrels

for 18 months.
FLEmISH RED ALE   ABV 6.0%

St. Bernardus Witbier, Watou, Belgium

A classic Belgian witbier, unfiltered and bottle

conditioned.
BELGIAn WIT   ABV 5.5%

Westmalle Tripel, Westmalle, Belgium

Golden Trappist ale. Complex flavors of fruit, spice, honey,

and yeast.
TRIPEL   ABV 9.5%

Stillwater Autumnal, Baltimore, MD

Dry and light with earthy notes of spice and yeast.

SAISOn   ABV 6.6%

Firestone Walker Double Jack, Paso Robles, CA

Intense citrus hops, balanced by hefty malt.

DOuBLE IPA   ABV 9.5%

Straffe Hendrik Quad, Bruges, Belgium

Big and bold dark Belgian ale. Not as sweet

as many Quads.
QuADRuPEL   ABV 11.0%


RED WINE

Walden Cotes du Rousillon
2008, Languedoc-
Roussillon, France
Ripe red fruits balanced by smoky and earthy notes and a long finish.
GREnACHE/SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVEDRE

Clos de Noi Negre Samso

2009, Montsant, Spain
Rich red cherry and plum flavors balanced by a nice minerality and acidity.
CARIGNAN

Domaine Des Homs VDP Coteaux de Peyriac Rouge ‘Tersande’

2010, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Dark chocolate and spice. Organic.
SYRAH/GRENACHE

Mirabile Nero d’Avola

2009, Sicily, Italy
Fruit-forward, easy drinking wine from Sicily’s Mediterranean coast.
NERO D’AVOLA

Viña Ijalba Rioja Tinto Graciano

2009, Rioja, Spain
Full-bodied red made entirely from organic Graciano grapes.
Blackberry and spice, with firm tannins and some oak.
GRACIANO

Tenuto Grillo Pecoranera Monferrato Rosso

2003, Piemonte, Italy
A full-bodied and uniquely delicious wine. Funky, earthy, and a bit tart. Organic.
FREISA/BARBERA/DOLCETTO/MERLOT

Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso

2009, Tuscany, Italy
Elegantly balanced, with dark fruit
and a beautifully spicy finish.
SUPER-TUSCAN

Chateau Champ des Treilles Bordeaux Sainte-Foy Rouge ‘Grand Vin’

2006, Bordeaux, France
Merlot-dominated blend. Lush aroma followed by purple fruits, soft tannins, and a bit of leather. Biodynamic.
MERLOT/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC/PETITE VERDOT

WHITE WINE

Leth Gruner Veltliner

2010, Wagram, Austria
A bit of sweetness is balanced with a crisp acidity and minerality.
GRUNER VELTLINER

Catherine & Michel Langlois Coteaux de

Giennois Sauvignon
2010, Giennois, France
Green apple and pear with a nice acidic bite.
SAUVIGNON BLANC

Vinosia Falanghina

2010, Campania, Italy
Smooth and fat, with hints of tropical fruit and light acidity. A nice winter white.
FALANGHINA

Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier

2010, Languedoc, France
Some time in oak gives a smooth mouthfeel, but this wine remains bright and finishes cleanly.
VIOGNIER

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc

2010, Alsace, France
Soft sweetness of flowers and green fruit, balanced with an acidic bite.
PINOT BLANC

Catherine & Pierre Breton Vouvray Sec ‘La Dilettante’

2010, Loire Valley, France
Citrus mixes with minerality and smooth honey.
From a very small, biodynamic winery.
CHENIN BLANC

SPARKLING & DESSERT WINE

Fantinel Extra Dry Prosecco,

Friuli, Italy
A dry but fruity sparkling wine. Soft and crisp.
PROSECCO

La Stoppa Malvasia Dolce Frizzanti

2010,
Emilia, Italy
Sweet, light-bodied and refreshing.
MALVASIA