Mid City DC Magazine – February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2024

NEXT ISSUE: MARCH 9TH

special issue

16

R A T S! 05 what’s on washington

ON THE COVER:

22

Washington National Opera’s Songbird at the KC (The hungriest bird sings the sweetest song.)

16

Black History Calendar

18

Insatiable • Celeste McCall

20

Business Briefs • Sarah Payne

your neighborhood 22 24 25

Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann ANC 1B • Pleasant Mann ANC 2G • Pleasant Mann

26

Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner

at home 33

26

kids and family 34

Notebook • Kathleen Donner

38 classifieds Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of:

Capital Community News, Inc. • Est. 1976 PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.midcitynews.com Copyright © 2024 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

Changing Hands • Don Denton

MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew.hillrag@gmail.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Carolina Lopez • carolina.hillrag@gmail.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words.

Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

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R S A T ! special issue

FE B R U A RY 2024 05

WHAT’S ON rts a WASHINGTON n o i t i ed

Ain’t Too Proud– The Life and Times of The Temptations Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 top-ten hits with 14 reaching number one. The show features such iconic hits as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many more. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud tells the story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. At the Kennedy Center Opera House from Feb. 13 to 18. Tickets are $45 to $179. Recommended for age 12, up. kennedy-center.org.

(L–R) Harrell Holmes Jr., Jalen Harris, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, E. Clayton Cornelious, Michael Andreaus from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud.

Photo: © 2023 Emilio Madrid

Frederick Douglass and the Arts Tours In celebration of the National Black History Theme for 2024: “African Americans and the Arts”, join National Park Service rangers for a special tour of Frederick Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, wherein visitors can learn about some of the art on display in the home and Douglass’s love for human creative skill and imagination. This tour is offered every Saturday in February at 9:30 a.m. and reservations are required. The Frederick Douglass House is at 1411 W St. SE. Make reservations at nps.gov/frdo/planyourvisit/calendar.

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Romeo & Juliet at Synetic Set amidst the whirring gears of a giant clock, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers unfolds as a bitter family feud sends the pair on a race against an ill-fated destiny.

With masterful physicality and choreography, Synetic Theater’s Romeo and Juliet presents a unique and stunningly visual interpretation of a classic story, capturing emotion with every movement. Nominated for six Helen Hayes Awards, Synetic’s wordless adaptation captures the beauty, passion, and heartbreak of Shakespeare’s greatest love story. Romeo & Juliet is at Crystal City’s Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, from Feb. 9 to March 24. Tickets are $35 to $65.

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Sweet Home Café’s Chef’s Table at NMAAHC During the month of February, the Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture brings people together to celebrate African American history and culture through food and hospitality. Every Friday from noon to 3 p.m., and extending into the weekends, Sweet Home Café features special menu takeovers by select chefs from across the country. These chefs will tell stories from their heritage through the exquisite menus they curate and execute in the Sweet Home Café kitchen. nmaahc.si.edu.

Executive Chef Ramin Coles

Madeline Sayet in Where We Belong at Philadelphia Theatre Company. Photo: Mark Garvin

Where We Belong at the Folger In 2015, Mohegan theater-maker Madeline Sayet travels to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, where she finds a country that refuses to acknowledge its ongoing role in colonialism, just as the Brexit vote threatens to further disengage the UK from the wider world. In this stirring solo piece, Madeline echoes a journey to England braved by her Native ancestors in the 1700s following treaty betrayals—and forces us to consider what it means to belong in an increasingly globalized world. Where We Belong, presented by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and the Folger Shakespeare Library, is at the Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE, from Feb. 15 to March 10. Tickets are $20 to $58. folger.edu.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s National Theater’s Live Screenings Cole Chaney at DC 9 Cole Chaney is sure to be the next big thing coming out of Kentucky. At only 21 years old, Chaney’s catalog may be small, but he already boasts an absolute masterpiece of an album in which he proves wise beyond his years. Mercy, his debut album released in 2021, is a 12-song showcase of Eastern Kentucky, blue collar anthems highlighted by Chaney’s deft lyricism and storytelling. An unknown musician prior to the album’s release, Chaney has since experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. At DC9 Nightclub, 1940 Ninth St. NW, on Friday, Feb. 23, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). Admission is $17 to $20. dc9.club.

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Through March 3, filmed live from Britain’s most exciting stages, National Theatre Live brings you the thrill of drama, the joy of romantic comedies, and the excitement of sold-out award-winning productions with your fellow theatre lovers in STC’s Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. Kicking off the month of screenings is Romeo & Juliet, directed by STC’s own artistic director Simon Godwin, and featuring Jessie Buckley and Josh O’Connor. The lineup also includes Good with David Tennant, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, Vanya with Andrew Scott, and a one-day-only screening of King Lear with Ian McKellen. In addition to the five NT Live titles, the 10th anniversary production of Titanic the Musical, filmed on the West End, will be screened. Tickets are $20. shakespearetheatre.org.

FE B R U A RY 2024 09

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. They are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to the many facets of our humanity. INTERSECTIONS is as early as Feb. 18 and as late as April 27. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is at 1333 H St. NE. Find the schedule at atlasarts.org.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC On Saturday, Feb. 17, get a taste of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC and its small ensembles in an immersive evening of art, music, and dance. Stroll through multiple performances on a guided tour featuring GMCW, Seasons of Love, Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance. Songs include “The Rainbow Connection,” “The Times They are A-Changin’,” “Sanctuary,” and “Sunday ” (from Sunday in the Park with George.) Timed entry between 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, DC. Tickets and info at GMCW.org

Curling & Cocktails at The Wharf Capitol City Symphony: Battles Within, on Feb. 24, 7 p.m., is an emotionally charged concert portraying the journey of veterans’ post-conflict as they navigate the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.

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On Wednesdays, Feb. 14 and 21, 7 to 10 p.m., join in the fun for a free, friendly game of curling at the Wharf Ice Rink on Transit Pier. Curling marries hockey and shuffleboard for a low-pressure evening on the ice—no skates needed. Games begin at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. You will be outside for the duration of the event, so dress appropriately and wear flat soled shoes—sneakers are best. Participants must be registered at wharfdc.com. Each registration is for you and up to three teammates (four of you total). If space and time allow, they will accommodate walk ups.

Registration is free and anyone can watch. wharfdc.com.

The Lehman Trilogy at STC From Feb. 22 to March 24, meet the Lehman brothers—immigrants building an American dream that crumbles into a chaotic nightmare for future generations. With a cast of three actors covering 160 years of family struggles, achievements, and missteps, this winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Play is a powerhouse cautionary narrative for our times. Heralded by The New York Times as a “captivating…feat of storytelling,” The Lehman Trilogy examines the double-edged sword of capitalism and personal choices that created the largest financial crisis in US history so far. Tickets are $54 to $119. Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org.

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Photo: Karli Cadel

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

The Kooks, The Vaccines and Daisy the Great at The Anthem The Kooks are an English pop-rock band formed in 2004 in Brighton. Their music is influenced by the 1960s British Invasion movement and post-punk revival of the new millennium. The Vaccines are an English indie rock band, formed in London in 2010.

As Daisy the Great, Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker make folk-inflected indie rock that spans a multitude of moods, capable of being clever, devastating, or both simultaneously, spanning harmonyladen pop to powerhouse balladry. The Kooks, The Vaccines and Daisy the Great are at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on March 13, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) Tickets are $45 to $75. theanthemdc.com.

Washington National Opera’s Songbird at the KC (The hungriest bird sings the sweetest song.)

The carefree Parisian nightlife of Offenbach’s La Périchole finds its match—Prohibition-Era New Orleans—in this reimagined, jazz-infused comedy. New Orleans in the 1920s is roaring with decadence, but singers and lovers Songbird and Piquillo are down on hard times. As Mardi Gras arrives, the Mayor disguises himself and lures Songbird to be his mistress with the promise of food and lodging. Now Songbird must choose between financial security and true love. What’s a hungry artist to do? Songbird is at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater from March 9 to 23. Tickets are $69 to $185. kennedy-center.org.

Mosaic’s Nancy at the Atlas

The Kooks. courtesy The Anthem.

It’s 1985 in Washington, DC and two women are trying to steer their futures—Nancy Reagan from the White House, orchestrating her husband “Ronnie’s” political career according to daily astrological trends, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother advocating for her community. Their worlds converge over an unbelievable discovery—Nancy has a direct familial connection to Pocahontas.

Strange history collides with 80s nostalgia in this epic story that cuts through the veneer of shoulder pads, neon, and Van Halen with irreverent heart and deep empathy.

Award-winning playwright Rhiana Yazzie makes her East Coast premiere with a very DC play about ancestry and ambition. Nancy is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from March 28 to April 21.

Tickets are $53 to $70. atlasarts. org/events/mosaic-nancy-2023.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Strathmore Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music is rooted in the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions. Their a cappella performances have touched audiences for over 50 years, earning them extensive praise around the world. The group’s rich harmonies gained global recognition after their collaboration with Paul Simon on his album Graceland. However, the group was already extremely well-known in South Africa, where they were recognized as cultural ambassadors to the world by Nelson Mandela.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo spreads a message of peace, hope, and love at every concert through melody and dance. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is at the Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD, on Friday, March 9, 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 to $78. strathmore.org.

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Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place A special installation & guided tour Feb 6 - April 21 | Tuesday - Sunday

1644 31st Street, NW | www.tudorplace.org

FE B R U A RY 2024 13

Pierre Bonnard, Dining Room on the Garden, 1934–35, Oil on canvas, 50 x 53 1/4 in.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift © 2023 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Bonnard’s Worlds at the Phillips From March 2 to June 2, Bonnard’s Worlds reunites some of Pierre Bonnard’s most celebrated works spanning his entire career from museums across Europe and the United States, as well as many less-exhibited works drawn from private collections worldwide.

Governed neither by chronology nor geography, but by measures of intimacy, the exhibition transports the visitor from the larger realms in which Bonnard lived—the landscapes of Paris, Normandy, and the south of France—to the most intimate interior spaces of his dwellings and his thoughts. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, is open daily, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission for adults is $20; seniors, $15; military, $12; free for 18 and under. phillipscollection.org.

Unknown Soldier at Arena Cleaning out her grandmother’s home, Ellen Rabinowitz discovers the photograph of an anonymous soldier tucked away in a box of keepsakes. And so begins Unknown Soldier, a sweeping, elegiac musical from Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman on a woman’s journey to unearth the secrets of her family’s past... and which will chart her

Webster’s Bitch at Keegan When their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using some unexpected profanity, the employees of Webster’s Dictionary find themselves at the center of an internet uprising over gender and obscenity in the age of social media.

As office politics collide with ambition, morality, and lexicography, the future of the English language hangs in the balance. Webster’s Bitch, a dark comedy about vulgar words and the people who define them, is at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from April 6 to May 5. Tickets are $50. keegantheatre.org.

Hester Street at Theater J future. Unknown Soldier is at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from March 29 to May 5. Tickets are $56 to $95. arenastage.org.

Illustration by Loveis Wise

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The world premiere of Hester Street—the theatrical adaptation of the beloved 1975 film

by Joan Micklin Silver—marks the largest production Theater J’s stage has seen in years.

Hester Street depicts the uplifting journey of Gitl, a young Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, who arrives with her son to meet her husband Jake in the tumult of the late-19th century Lower East Side. Separated from his wife and the provincial limitations of his upbringing, Jake has fully embraced his new American life—one that has little in common with Gitl’s old-time ways. Hester Street is an unforgettable show, awash in the humor, heartbreak and hope essential to the Jewish immigrant experience. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from March 27 to April 21.

Tickets are $69.99 to $90.99. edcjcc.org/theater-j.

FE B R U A RY 2024 15

Black History calendar Georges Adeahbo’s Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America

Billy Dee Williams

The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art partnered with President Lincoln’s Cottage in 2022 to commission an installation by Beninois artist Georges Adéagbo. Created with the goal that the artwork might join the museum’s collection, this installation is Adéagbo’s vision for us. With Create to Free Yourselves at the National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW, Adéagbo invites each of us to consider our individual reflections of Abraham Lincoln and the unfinished journey toward emancipation for all. africa.si.edu.

Black History Month at Miracle Theatre

Feb. 6, “Selma”; Feb. 11, “Hidden Figures”; Feb. 15, “Loving”; Feb. 20, “Summer of Soul”; Feb. 25, “Harriet”. Miracle Theatre is at 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

Tudor Place Tells the Stories of Enslaved Individuals

From Feb. 6 to April 21, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden presents Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place, a special installation and guided tour that explores the lives of individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked at Tudor Place. Tudor Place has been reimagined to show the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these individuals found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. tudorplace.org.

Live! at the Library: Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr.

Feb. 15, 7 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. comes to the Library to showcase his deep love for traditional African American and American music within his live performances that interweave timeless stories with original and traditional songs.

Thomas Jefferson Building Coolidge Auditorium, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.

“What Have We Here?” with Billy Dee Williams

Feb. 15, 7 p.m. At this Black History Month talk at MLK Library, the iconic Billy Dee Williams will discuss his life and new memoir “What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life”. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

US Capitol Heroes of Civil Rights Tours

Every day except Sundays at 3 p.m.

What do Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Charles Sumner have in common? They all fought for an end to slavery and the equality and freedom of all Americans. Hear about their extraordinary lives and how they shaped the path from slavery to civil rights. The tour includes Emancipation Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. Duration: 45 minutes. visitthecapitol.gov.

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree in the later 1790’s, was an American abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights, women’s rights, and alcohol temperance. Truth was born into slavery but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. After going to court to recover her son in 1828, she became the first Black woman to win such a case against a White man.

The Basics. Artis Lane, Bronze. 2009 Emancipation Hall, U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Courtesy Architect of the Capitol

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Live! at the Library: Major Jackson with Ron Charles

Feb. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m. In celebration of Black History Month, Major Jackson, the prizewinning author of “Razzle Dazzle: New & Selected Poems” and host of “The Slowdown” podcast, will talk with Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles about his work. Thomas Jefferson Building LJ119, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.

Tempestuous Elements at Arena

Feb. 16 to March 17. Born into slavery in North Carolina, Anna Julia Cooper was a visionary Black feminist and educator in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, and only the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree. Tempestuous Elements shines a light on Cooper’s tumultuous tenure as principal of Washington, DC’s historic M Street School where she fought to keep Black education alive, despite the racism, gossip and sexism that threatened to consign her efforts to obscurity. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Walk with Dr. Woodson: A DC Tradition

Feb. 17, 11 a.m. Walk in the footsteps of the creator of Black History Month Dr. Carter G. Woodson from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS through the Logan Circle and Shaw neighborhoods. Actor Darius Wallace portrays Dr. Woodson and highlights noted figures and landmarks relating to Black History on the tour. The program concludes with a short performance at Shiloh Baptist Church. (90 min, outdoor portion: 30 min).

The distance is about ½ mile. The walk starts at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, 1318 Vermont Ave. N.W. nps.gov/mamc.

Black History Month Trivia Night

Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join other participants in the New Books area at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library for trivia night. Teams of 1, 2, or 3 players will tackle a total of 9 topics and 45 questions over 3 rounds. The team with the highest point total at the end of the night will take home a prize. No registration required. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

Live! at the Library: An Evening with Kerri Greenidge

Feb. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will be in conversation with leading historian Kerri Greenidge about her new book, “The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family.” Thomas Jefferson Building LJ119, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.

Black History Revealed: Uncovering Black History in Your Family Tree

Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join library staff for a three-part genealogy workshop series, designed to guide you on how to start building your family tree, apply advanced research strategies, and uncover the lives of your ancestors. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org. ◆

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OUT AND ABOUT

Insatiable

by Celeste McCall the menu. Chicken and fish figure prix fixe repast is $150 per person. An à la carte vegprominently. I chose deep-fried calgie menu is in the works. For now, Mita serves dinamari. The crispy squid rings were ner only. If the name sounds familiar, Mita was born accompanied by a forest of scallions, as a plant-based pop-up in the La Cosecha Latino red onions and tiny red firecrackermarketplace. For updates and more information, hot peppers. Peter sipped kang gai, visit www.mitadc.com. a tummy warming chicken soup, replete with white meat and redolent Logan Lowdown of cilantro. He also ordered crispy After a decade downtown, MXDC Cocina Mexrice salad with red onion, scallions, icana is relocating to 1610 14th St. NW. You’ll cilantro and find celebrity chef Todd tasty Asian English’s Latino transplant sausage. Othin Logan Circle’s old Dolce ers in our group Vita space. For updates, visit went for poh www.mxdcrestaurant.com. pia (vegetarian In NoMa, Laos in Town sports a charming décor and exotically delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. spring rolls), New on U chicken and Laos in NoMA Enigma Cocktail Lounge and rice. Extra-spicy dishes are It had been a couple of years since Peter and I last Wine Vault, 1330 U St. NW, labeled “phet.” dined at Laos in Town, 250 K St. NE, a NoMa has slid into the former FaintDesserts—displayed in hot spot. Laotian cuisine is similar to the cooking ing Goat space. The latest cua case out front—include of neighboring Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. linary venture from the CLH feather-light sponge cakes But there are differences. For example, Laotian hospitality group, Enigma’s with fanciful garnishes, inchefs showcase khao niaw (sticky rice with varichef Marcel Chehaieb concluding a tiny daisy. Lunch ous toppings), herbs and spices, while Vietnam cocts fries cooked in duck fat for two, including a glass of and other nations employ rice with a balance of served with harissa ketchup; sauvignon blanc and Peter’s sweet and salty flavors. Moreover, Vietnam incor“sculpted” chicken ballotine guava juice, came to $76 inporates chicken or beef in its signature soups— (deboned thigh or leg) with In Laos in Town’s kitchen, a chef prepares the cluding the 20 percent serincluding pho--while Laos often relies on pork. scallions and wilted spinrestaurant’s signature khao niaw--sticky rice. vice charge. Service, Also Laotians usually eat with ach; charred (grilled) octorendered by forks instead of chopsticks. pus. “Experimental” cocktails Lane, was excellent, especially I’d forgotten how atmatch the creative cuisine: “Flamboyant” (Scotch, since she had a large group to tractive the Laos in Town pomegranate, honey) and “Smoldering,” similar to feed. For more information, interior is. Guests are an Old Fashioned. Plus, beaucoup wines. For more visit www.laosintown.com. greeted by a small, colorinformation, visit www.enigmadc.com. ful retail market, which hawks baskets, dainty New in Shaw Big Apple Spinoff teacups, spices, cookies, In Shaw, Mita has arrived Coming soon—if not already--to Mount Vernon even t-shirts and tote at 804 V St. NW. CreTriangle: H&H Bagels, 601 K St. NW, in the AC bags. Brightly decorated ated by co-owners Miguel Hotel. The first Washington outpost of the New fish traps dangle from the Guerra (who comes from York mainstay, H&H will be joined by a “speakeasy” ceiling. Another wall is lined Venezuela) and Tatiana Mora, in the hotel’s lower level. In true Big Apple fashion, with what resembles birch the sprightly newcomer the newcomer will dispense bagels (plain, cinnamon tree trunks. Although pork showcases a South Amerraisin, poppy seed and “everything)” smeared with is popular in Laos, we saw ican-influenced vegetarian cream cheese, and flourishes like jalapeno cheddar, only one porcine entrée on tasting menu. The 14-course Asiago cheese, avocado, capers. Heartier H&H op-

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tions include bacon and eggs, Nova Scotia salmon. For updates and more information visit www.hhbagels.com.

Also in Mount Vernon Triangle, 2Fifty BBQ has brought its Texasstyle barbecue to 414 K St. NW, where Toscana Market used to be. Created by owners Debby Portillo Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzales, the awardwinning eatery is based in Riverdale, Maryland. For hours and more information, visit www.2fiftybbq.com.

Nearby, dLeña, 475 K St. NW, is celebrating Carnaval (Mardi Gras in New Orleans), with live music, dancing and festive menus for two weekends: Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 1617. For hours and more information, visit www.dlenadc.com. dLeña is also marking Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, with a five-course menu. Guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling rose before savoring grilled oysters, short rib, duck carnitas and more. Price: $150 per person; wine pairings are $95 extra.

For reservations and more information, visit www.dlenadc.com.

And FRESHFARM MVT Winter Market is up and running.

Located at the corner of Fifth and I Streets NW, FreshFarm is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., regardless of rain, sleet, snow, whatever.

For a list of market vendors (some are new) and more information, visit www.freshfarm.org.

Pizza and More (soon)….

On the way to the Angelika popup theatre to see “The Color Purple,” we checked out Parachute Pizza, 1309 Fifth St. NE (in Union Market).

Customers order electronically at the kiosk, pay, find a seat and await their food and drinks. At this writing, Parachute Pizza, which opened late last year, sells only pizza--deep dish Sicilian style—available whole or by the slice. Soon, if not already, diners can expect salads, oysters, garlic knots and other dishes. I chose a slice of “New Haven or Bust,” white pizza (sans tomato) crowned with clams, parsley, grated Grana Padano (similar to parmesan) and sprinkled with red chili

flakes. Peter chose “I’m a Fungi,” loaded with roasted mushrooms, red onion and cheese. Among other options are classico (tomato, basil, mozzarella), cacio e pepe (white sauce, provolone, herbs). No frills here; cups and utensils are plastic, plates and napkins are paper. There’s also beer and wine.

Parachute Pizza is open daily. For updates and more information, visit www.parachutepizzadc.com.

Egging On

Nearby in Union Market, Egg Yaki opened recently, showcasing Japanese inspired, three-egg omelettes and small plates. Options include “Heart & Seoul,” made with house made kimchi and yuzu mayo; fried sweet potatoes; crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce. Egg Yaki’s creator is chef Nicholas Joseph Martino, who also operates neighboring Aboveground, which dispenses such British standbys as fish-and-chips, shepherd’s pie and sausage rolls. For more information, visit eggyakidc.com or www.abovegrounddc.com.

Greek to Me

And coming soon to NoMa: Greco Truly Greek, 1285 Fourth St. NE. Don’t rush over right away, the second local outpost of the quick-service, Boston based eatery is not slated to arrive until spring or summer. For updates, visit www.grecotrulygreek.com.

Gone

The Owl Room, 2007 14th NW, the two story cocktail lounge/hot spot that replaced Marvin’s last March, called it quits late last year…and next door, the Gibson, 2009 14th St. NW, poured its last champagne on New Year’s Eve.

Ciao for Now

As always, Peter and I will be spending the month of February in the warm and sunny (we hope!) climes of Florida. Therefore, I will not be submitting an Insatiable column in March. See you in April! ◆

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FE B R U A RY 2024 19

OUT AND ABOUT

Business Briefs

by Sarah Payne

Urban Grape owners Hadley and TJ Douglas have expanded their business from Boston to the Shaw neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of The Urban Grape.

Explore BIPOC Wines and More at The Urban Grape

T

he award-winning wine store The Urban Grape opened its first store outside Boston in Shaw at 1301 Ninth St. NW in January 2024. Urban Grape is the nation’s largest certified Black-owned alcoholic beverage retailer.

Since the pair opened their first storefront in Boston, founders TJ and Hadley Douglas have worked to “build a community around our tasting table.” Their goal is to take the intimidation out of wine pairing to make the experience more inviting and relaxing for vinophiles. At their new location, they plan to “build community through beverage.”

The Urban Grape is also the number one seller of wine produced by people of color in New England. Now, its founders look forward to introducing underrepresented labels to DC residents.

“We grow with our community, our community grows with us and it’s just such an awesome feeling to be a part of something bigger than just your business,” TJ Douglas explained.

“When we say we want to build community through beverage, it’s not just the community that are our neighbors that are buying wine from us.

It’s also the community of other wine people and

2 0 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

brewers and distillers and farmers from around the world. We can really use our platform to help build their businesses and tell their story,” TJ Douglas added.

The Shaw location features a 20-foot-long tasting table, which facilitates large gatherings and community building. Urban Grape’s founders have developed a proprietary system of categorizing wine called The Progressive Scale. Rather than focus on regions or varietals, this spectrum categorizes wine based on its viscosity. Bottles are organized from light to medium to full body.

The Urban Grape is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 8 p.m.

Visit theurbangrapedc.com for more information about upcoming tastings, events and product availability.

Often asked how he classifies his cuisine, Aradom admits his pies are not traditional. “We want to do unique things,” he said. “The taste is spicy and other ingredients that we use are so healthy.”

While he notes that his toppings and sauce are unusual, most New Yorkers will recognize the traditional crust.

Try the “Asmarino,” a white pizza with prosciutto, shaved cheese and arugula.

More adventurous? Sample the “Amatere,” a pie topped with tilapia fish, mitmita spice, mozzarella and a honey buffalo sauce. Not in the mood for pizza? Order the fresh paninis, salads and wings. Get the order to go or have a quick bite at one of the establishment’s high tops.

Downstairs from the pizza shop is Aradom’s newest venture, a basement speakeasy called “Segreto DC” (“Secret DC” in ItalPizza with an ian.) The bar opened in East African January 2024. Guests can Twist at Minya’s enjoy specialty cocktails, hen Yoseif wine and beer with items Aradom Owner Yoseif Aradom named Minya’s Pizza in from the Minya’s menu. arrived in tribute to his mother. Photo courtesy of Minya’s Pizza.

Minya’s Pizza is open the DisSundays through Thurstrict from days, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays through SatEritrea, he had no plans to open a pizza shop. urdays, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Visit minyaspizza.com After working as a parking attendant, a janitorial for more information. For information on Segreto housekeeper and a food delivery driver, Aradom DC, visit segretodc.com. founded a commercial cleaning company. While

W

servicing a client in Shaw, he noticed a vacant storefront at 1932 Ninth St. NW. Years later, it became the venue for his next entrepreneurial venture, Minya’s Pizza.

Named for Aradom’s mother, the pies are as uniquely East African. Minya’s signature “spicy sauce” is crafted with Eritrean spices to create a savory flavor. Given his homeland’s colonial association with Italy, he decided to create a pizza with flavors from both countries resembling nothing else in the District. The pizzeria opened in September 2023.

Ana’s Market Offers Plant-Based Dairy

V

intage milk crates adorn the bright, airy space at Ana’s Market at 1314 ½ Ninth St. NW. However, there is no traditional cow’s milk on offer. The grab and go style cafe features a variety of plant-based milks, drinks and healthy bites crafted from homemade, organic ingredients.

Owner Alexia Ramos first discovered plant-

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based milk when her daughter, Ana, could not tolerate Similac or other milk products. She experimented in the kitchen with a plethora of alternatives until she found the perfect solution: her signature coconut hemp milk.

Alexia noticed that “all of her [daughter’s] issues went away” when she began drinking the homemade milk and found that it provided all essential nutrients needed for her daughter to grow. She quickly discovered that the benefits of the drink extended to the other members of her family as well.

While serving as a coach, Ramos’s husband found his wife’s creation’s electrolyte contents were the perfect pre- and post-workout recovery drink. Alexia herself also found the drink to be an aid in her weight loss journey. Finding their milk was popular among those seeking cleaner alternatives, they began experimenting with other types of plant-based drinks.

“We believe in a holistic approach when it comes to feeding your body, nutrients, herbs, vegetables and fruit,” Ramos said. The menu has now ex-

panded to a variety of milks, including young coconut, almond, oat and hemp milks.

After starting as a popup, the bricks and mortar Ana’s Market opened in November 2022. In addition to their plant-based milk offerings, Ana’s vegan and vegetarian menu includes a variety of cold pressed juices, smoothies, açaí and smoothie bowls, salads, toasts, soups and sandwiches. Their raw, homemade approach to cooking extends beyond beverages to their nut butters and spreads, maintaining their commitment to clean, healthy offerings.

Staying true to their brand’s lifestyle concept, the store also features handmade, all-natural beauty and skincare products, creating a “one stop shop” experience for the health conscious.

Ana’s Market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit anasmarket.com for more information or to place an order online.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com ◆

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FE B R U A RY 2024 21

NEIGHBORHOOD

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Station U & O Apartments Open

a working art shop that also plans to offer coffee service when it opens.

Station U & O Apartments, the new building at 1707 Shaw Still Seventh Street NW, offion Top of cially opened on the morning of January 18 with a Washingtonian’s dignitary-filled ribbon cut100 Best ting ceremony. Sitting on Restaurants a lot known as Parcel 42, Washingtonian Magazine which had been vacant for has just released its annual most of the 21st century, list of the area’s 100 Very the new building has been Best Restaurants and Shaw eagerly anticipated by the restaurants remain on top.

Shaw community as an adNumber One on the list dition to its stock of affordis Blagden Alley’s Causa, Cutting the ribbon at Station U & O Apartments. Photo by Jamaal McKenzie, Courtesy Dantes Partners and Dumas Collective. able housing. which has won national atThe ceremony was tention for its Peruvian cuiopened by Kivette Bouksine. Last July, Causa won stressed how important it was to have safe and stable night, a new resident in the building, who expressed the prestigious local RAMMY award for New Reshousing, thanked the public and private leaders that her excitement in moving to Shaw with its good taurant of the Year. The Dabney, last year’s Washingled to Station U & O’s completion. Christopher schools, available transportation and commercial tonian top restaurant, is still ranked Number Four on Donald, the Executive Director of the District’s and cultural activity. Mayor Muriel Bowser folthe list. The Shaw establishments on the unranked Housing Finance Agency, noted that the building is lowed by noting that ANC Commissioner Alexanportion of the list include All Purpose, Convivial, an important milestone in the historic Shaw comder Padro had told her that Shaw had been waiting Kinship, Metier, Nina May, Oyster Oyster, Petite munity. Senthil Sankaran of the Amazon Housing 25 years for this day to come. She celebrated the Cerise, Rumi’s Kitchen and Unconventional Diner.

Equity Fund, which helped with the financing of the 110 new apartments being delivered by Station U In other restaurant award news, the James Beard project, told the crowd that the Amazon fund to date & O, with 108 of them being affordable units.

Foundation has nominated Shaw’s Service Bar for has devoted $1.1 billion to preserve and create 8,000 Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who its Outstanding Bar award. Service Bar is owned affordable units in the DMV. Station U & O is one

by Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley, the proof the first new buildings completed in prietors of Causa. The James Beard Awards will be the region that the fund has supported. announced in June. Washington Post critic Tom SiBuwa Binitie, principal of Dantes etsema also put Jake’s Tavern and its New Orleans Partners, which built and will manage style cuisine on his list of favorite places to eat for the building, thanked all the people and the month of January. If you have ever wondered if institutions who had faith in his ability Shaw was a national destination for dining, consider to complete this much anticipated projthis: the Michelin Guide gives its much sought star ect. He noted that his involvement in the designations to five restaurants in Shaw, the same project has lasted as long as his daughters number of restaurants with Michelin stars in the enhave been on earth. He then called up his tire state of Colorado. daughters Uyi and Osai to the podium and announced that the building was beUrban Grape Opens in Shaw ing named Station U & O in their honor.

Urban Grape, the famed Boston wine shop, opened The ceremony ended when all the its new DC location in Shaw on January 25. The dignitaries to the event were lined up owners TJ and Hadley Douglas were joined in the and a long red ribbon was cut. Besides celebration by interim Director of the Department its 110 apartments, Station U & O will Developer Buwa Binitie announces that the Station U & O apartments of Small and Local Business Development Rosealso be the new home of Corinto Gallery, will be named after his daughters, Uyi and Osai. Photo: Pleasant Mann

2 2 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

mary Suggs Evans, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture Salah Czapary and Alexander Padro, Executive Director of Shaw Main Streets.

Evans assured the owners that Mayor Bowser and the District government would be along to support them on their journey as new small business owners. Padro noted how appropriate it was to have the nation’s largest Black-owned alcoholic bevShaw residents browse in the new Urban Grape store. erage retailer in the historic Photo: Pleasant Mann Shaw neighborhood. He also announced that Shaw Main Streets would give Urban Grape a grant for their new signage.

Then TJ Douglas took a bottle of champagne and sabered it, opening it with a sword, knocking the cork down the sidewalk to kick off the celebration. Inside the store, Douglas introduced the store’s all-female leadership team. Rick Wade, Senior Vice President at the US Chamber of Commerce Hadley and TJ Douglas, owners of Urban Grape. Photo: Pleasant Mann noted that Urban Grape had won the organization’s on program to prepare minorities and women “America’s Top Small Busito enter the international beverage industry. ness” award in 2021. Larry Webb, District Director at the US Small Business Administration and DC Nightlife Director Czapary also Other Shaw Openings offered their congratulations to the Douglases And there are new spots opening in Shaw on the opening of their DC shop. that might be the award winners of tomorrow.

Urban Grape DC, on the northeast corMita (804 V Street NW) is a vegan restauner of Ninth and N Streets, takes up a much rant with a Latin focus, offering plant-based larger space than its Boston sibling. There are versions of Western Hemisphere classics. At two large rooms of wine, organized by Urban Minya’s Pizza (1932 Ninth Street NW), a new Grape’s proprietary Progressive Scale, groupbar called Segreto DC is opening in the baseing wines by weight instead of varietal. Besides ment. In another basement, Jerimiah Langthe large Tasting Table in the main room of the horne and Alex Zink just announced that they store, there is also a separate Tasting Room for are reopening the Dabney Cellar (1222 Ninth special events.

Street NW), their popular and crowded wine Urban Grape will have a full schedule of bar with sophisticated snacks. Finally, Shaw’s tastings, largely focused on the wines and spirits streetscape will see an improvement with the of BIPOC, LGBT+ and women-owned proopening of Duccini’s Pizza (1537 Seventh ducers. The Douglases also hope to join with Street NW), taking up a long vacant and diHoward University to bring their internship lapidated ground floor space. u program to the DMV, an academic and hands-

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FE B R U A RY 2024 23

NEIGHBORHOOD

ANC 1B

A

dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B held its meeting for January on Jan. 4, 2024. The meeting was held as a virtual conference. The commissioners in attendance were Sabel Harris (1B08, Chair), Larry Handerhan (1B01, Vice Chair), Sean Holihan (1B02), Jamie Sycamore (1B03), Santiago Lakatos (1B04, Treasurer), Alan Kensek (1B05), Miguel Trindade Deramo (1B06), Ashleigh Fields (1B07) and Tucker Jones (1B09, Secretary). There was a quorum to conduct business.

Presentation: Councilmember Robert White

Sean Cuddihy from the office of At-Large Councilmember Robert White came to the ANC to outline the councilmember’s recent work. This year Councilmember White has become chairman of the Committee on Housing, which also has responsibility for some social service agencies, such as the Department of Human Services, as well as the Office of ANCs. He noted that the committee has tried to put more money into Emergency Rental Housing Assistance and rapid rehousing programs than was originally in the mayor’s budget.

Cuddihy noted that a bill was introduced by Councilmember Janesse Lewis George to set up a new agency to build social housing in the District. Social Housing has been used in other world cities, starting with Austria, to provide reasonably priced housing. Lewis George’s bill would create a new agency to purchase land and construct new housing that would be owned by the District but managed by private firms. The bill requires that newly built units have 30 percent devoted to lowincome tenants and 30 percent to moderate income tenants, with the remaining 40 percent of units allowed to be market rate. The hope is that the market rate rents would subsidize the operations of the entire building. The experience of Montgomery County, which has just established a social housing program, indicates that the cost

2 4 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

by Pleasant Mann per unit is similar to that in the District from its Housing Production Trust Fund.

Something must be done to expand the effort to create more reasonably priced housing in the District, Cuddihy said. Median incomes in the District went up 25 percent over the past ten years, while rents rose 45 percent over the same period.

Election of Officers

The commission elected the following officers: Chair: Sabel Harris; Vice Chair: Larry Handerhan:Treasurer: Santiago Lakatos; Secretary: Miguel Trindade Deramo.

The Standard Operating Procedures of ANC 1B call for nominations for the leadership of ANC committees be done in a two-week period.

Anyone can serve as a committee chair. Chairs are selected by a vote of the ANC in February.

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation (ABR) Committee

There was no committee meeting last month.

Commissioner Jones asked if the committee would be responsible for licensing for cannabis establishments. The committee chair confirmed that it would.

Public Safety and Community Engagement Committee

Commissioner Fields started by posting the current Office of ANCs (OANC) rules for ANC sponsorships.

Fields said that she would like to hire a Neighborhood and Marketing intern. She would also start a mentorship program with Cardozo High School.

In terms of crime, Fields said that there was only one homicide last month. Most recorded crimes involved theft. Commissioner Handerhan noted that the homicide was in LeDroit Park. A community meeting would be held the following Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Zoning, Preservation and Development Committee

1332 T Street NW. Applying for a variance to build a second story addition abutting an alley that would not be an additional living space. The committee supported both the application for zoning relief and the plan going before the Historic Preservation Review Board. Motions to support both the zoning variance and HPRB submission passed the commission by a vote of 8 yeses, 0 nos and 0 abstentions.

931 S Street NW. Asking for a Board of Zoning Adjustment exception to put an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on top of a garage. The block has a number of ADU additions already. The committee supported the application. Support for the exception passed, 8-0-0.

Economic Development Committee

Lindsay Hicks, Executive Director of U Street Main Streets, gave an update on the organization’s activities. Their Holiday Market in December was successful. Salah Czapary, Director of the Mayor’s Office for Nightlife and Culture, is planning to speak with the owners of U Street establishments.

A Zoning Commission hearing on the map amendment for 1617 U Street is scheduled for January 8 at 4:00 p.m. There is also a second hearing on January 18. The Office of Planning’s proposal for upzoning the site has been modified due to comments from the public. New setbacks to buildings on the site will now be required.

ANC 1B will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc1b.org for more information. ◆

ANC 2G

A

dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for January on Thursday evening, Jan. 11, 2024. The meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Anthony “Tony” Brown (2G01, Treasurer), Sranda Watkins (2G03), Steven McCarty (2G04, Secretary), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle Nigro (2G06, Vice Chair) were in attendance. The commission had a quorum to conduct business.

Election of Officers

The ANC eleced officers for the year. The election was conducted by former ANC commissioner Lydia Goring. Rachelle Nigro was elected Chair, Steven McCarty Vice Chair, Sranda Watkins Secretary and Anthony Brown Treasurer.

Third Police District Report

Lieutenant Christopher Vandenburg of the Third Police District started by noting crime for the month was slightly less than it was the year before.

There were only two violent incidents in December 2023, compared to 10 in 2022. The number of thefts from auto was up one, but motor vehicle thefts were down one.

Commissioner Berry said that she had mentioned that the police camera at Fifth and O Street was not working. Vandenburg said that was not sure of the camera’s status, but that he would bring the issue to Lieutenant Romeo’s attention.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee (ABC)

1541 Street NW, Play DC Restaurant and Lounge.

There was a settlement agreement proposed for the establishment, however some questions arose at the December 2023 meeting on whether neighbors to the business were aware of the provisions of the agreement. Doug Bunch, whose house is an abutting property to Play DC, and Leila Sidawy, who led a group of five residents protesting the license renewal, attended the January ANC meeting. They said that while the agreement was not perfect, it adequately addresses some issues. There is now a security plan that calls for the business to participate in the Dis-

by Pleasant Mann trict’s Reimbursable Detail Officer program.

Commissioner Nigro asked the protesters if there were still problems with Play DC. Sidawy said she had seen improvements, but there was still a loitering problem that was not easily addressed under District law. Nigro then asked Commissioner Watkins, in whose single member district Play DC is located, if she supported the settlement agreement.

Watkins said that she did. Nigro then said that she would support approving the agreement, but that she thought that Play DC would create trouble in the neighborhood in the future. A motion to approve the settlement agreement, ending the protest of the license, passed unanimously.

1126 Ninth Street NW, Don Fuego. A request for a new Medical Cannabis Retailer’s license. This is the first request for a cannabis license in the ANC 2G area, under the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) effort to legalize broad sales of marijuana in the District. There are two other stores on the block that operate as “I71” referendum-based establishments that attempt to get around the lack of regulations for the sale of marijuana. Those two stores have not yet applied to ABCA for legal status.

Don Fuego had been operating as an I-71 establishment since 2015, but the Ninth Street storefront has not yet opened. The operators have worked with Commissioner McCarty to develop a draft settlement agreement. McCarty noted that a licensed shop will actually reduce the saturation of marijuana purveyors in the area. McCarty motioned to support the cannabis license, which won a unanimous vote.

600 T, 600 T Street NW. Request to add a summer garden and also get a stipulated license. The owner had gotten approval for both requests from the ANC in the past, but a problem with the certificate of occupancy led ABCA to rescind the approval for a substantial change in operations. A motion to support the substantial change and the stipulated license was passed by the commission unanimously.

Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

901 Massachusetts Avenue NW, STK Steak House.

An application to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for a public space permit for a partially enclosed and unenclosed sidewalk café. The

space on the corner of 10th and Massachusetts Avenue had been previously occupied by another restaurant. Support for the public space permits was approved unanimously.

1100 - 1200 blocks of Fifth Street NW. Commissioner Nigro said that she wanted a resolution requesting the installation of speed bumps along the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fifth Street to deter drivers turning north and speeding from New York Avenue.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Intersection of Sixth and M Streets NW. Commissioner Nigro also wanted a resolution asking DDOT to conduct a traffic safety investigation at the intersection of Sixth and M Streets. She said that there was a problem of traffic crashes there from cars turning left trying to reach the I-395 entrance on Fourth Street. The resolution passed unanimously.

1000 - 1700 Ninth Street NW. Commissioner Berry said that the entire roadway and the traffic markings along Ninth Street from Mount Vernon Square up to Florida Avenue should be reviewed.

After the street was redone to accommodate protected bicycle lanes and incorporate supposed safety measures, there have been traffic tie-ups during deliveries and drivers have been forced to make sudden lane changes. She said that DDOT has to look at Ninth Street again to determine what is and what is not working. Berry’s motion to call for a DDOT traffic safety study of Ninth Street passed unanimously.

ANC Committee Elections

The ANC 2G Bylaws establish one-year terms for committee chairs. However, there were no volunteers for new chairs of the commission’s affected committees. Rachelle Nigro will continue to serve as chair of the Zoning, Planning and Historic Preservation Committee, while Alexander Padro will continue as Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee Chair until new committee chairs are appointed.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 8. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

FE B R U A RY 2024 25

NEIGHBORHOOD

BULLETIN BOARD New Stead Park Recreation Center Opens

On February 1, Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on the new Stead Park Recreation Center, 1625 P St. NW, the District’s first Net Zero Ready recreation center. As a Net Zero Ready building, the Stead Park Recreation Center will generate enough renewable energy to offset its annual energy consumption using solar panels and geothermal wells. This new rec center was developed through a partnership between the Department of General Services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Friends of Stead Park and features a new fitness center, multi-purpose rooms, demonstration kitchen, basketball court, playground, and spray park. dpr.dc.gov/page/ stead-park-recreation-center.

Photo: Courtesy of the DC Department General Services

Worst Date Ever: A Valentine’s Day Contest (Bad Dates Happen To Good People)

Story District has found a way to make Valentine’s a day for singles and dating fails fun.

On Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), for the sixth year in a row, local daters return to the Howard Theatre to share true stories about their wildest and worst dates. The audience will vote on whose date was the absolute worst.

The

very “worst” story, wins the Golden Plunger.

Last year’s audience had to decide if it was worse to have your date’s car infested with roaches or to have to jump out of a two-story window to avoid getting beaten up by an ex.

This year.... who knows. Worst Date Ever: A Valentine’s Day Contest is at Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. General admission tickets are $30. thehowardtheatre.com.

DC Downtown Winter Hiring Event

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DC4ME providesasmortgage assistance Qualified District homeowners can receive up to

with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME mortgage assistance optional years or provides older who have fallen behindwith on insurance down paymentisassistance totoD.C. government DC4ME offered current full- mortgage. and tax payments as a result of their reverse employees.

DC4ME is offered to current full-time DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with Qualified District homeowners can receive up to optional time District employees, District government employees, employees down paymentgovernment assistance including to D.C. government of District government-based instrumentalities, employees.

DC4ME is offered to current full-time including employees of District independent agencies, D.C.employees, Public Charter Schools,employees District government including and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's government-based instrumentalities, of District government-based instrumentalities, employer falls under the oversight of the Council of independent agencies, Publicwith Charter Schools, DC4ME provides mortgageD.C. assistance optional the District of Columbia. independent agencies, D.C. Public andpayment organizations, provided applicant/borrower's down assistance to D.C. the government employer falls under theorganizations, oversight the Council of employees.

DC4ME is offered to currentoffull-time Charter Schools, and the District of Columbia.

District government employees, including employees the applicant/borrower’s COVID-19 ofprovided District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance employer falls under the oversight ofto and organizations, those affected by the provided impacts ofthe theapplicant/borrower's COVID-19 employer falls under the oversight of pandemic.

Qualified can receive aCouncil loan of of COVID-19 the Council ofborrowers the District ofthe Columbia. thetoDC District ofCOVID-19 Columbia. up $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage MAP provides financial assistance to for up to six months.

those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage COVID-19 for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides financial assistance to those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified borrowers can receive a loan of Visit www.DCHFA.org up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage tomonths. apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. forhow up to six

Homebuyers Info Sessions are Back at DCHFA Register at bit.ly/dcopendoors VisitAVENUE, www.DCHFA.org 815 FLORIDA NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Visit www.DCHFA.org R U A RY 2024 27 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600FE•BWWW.DCHFA.ORG how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG

NEIGHBORHOOD

a winter hiring event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. Throughout the day, residents will be able to explore nearly 600 career opportunities. Participating District Government agencies, federal partners, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations provide on-the-spot job opportunities across sectors such as public safety, education, operations, legal, and public works.

Residents are able to connect with professional development opportunities and community resources, including resume and interview workshops, live professional coaching on engaging employers, translating transferable skills to meet position requirements, and help with navigating job fairs.

This event will also offer a multitude of community resources such as tax help and voter registration. careers.dc.gov.

DC tax benefits; 3) Provide opportunities for free tax preparation for qualified DC residents; and 4) Connect taxpayers with programs and services to improve financial stability. For more information, visit caab.org.

ment of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the DC Green Book serves as a onestop resource for small business owners, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The 140-page volume plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth of small businesses, promoting economic inclusion, and supporting the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the city. greenbookdc.com.

Zoom Creative Writing at the DC Public Library

“This is My Story” is a DC Public Library program on alternating Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon, with the objective to: 1. Help people learn how to write; 2. Get people talking to each other; and 3. Develop community. Space is provided for people to meet and hopefully feel comfortable talking about themselves and listening.

The workshop has been ongoing for four years.

Register at dclibrary.libEITC Brings net.info/event/9975135.

Federal Dollars to “DC Writes” is a writLow-Income DC ers group that meets on alternating Wednesdays, Residents 6 to 7 p.m., made up of Capital Area Asset BuildThe Future of Orchids at the SAAM Kogod Courtyard people from a variety of ers (CAAB) announces Through April 28, escape the winter cold and step into a floral oasis with The Future of Orchids: backgrounds and writthe launch of the 2024 Conservation and Collaboration. The exhibition highlights the numerous challenges facing ing levels: beginners and DC EITC Campaign. wild orchids today and offers a glimpse into the work by scientists and conservationists to proveteran wordsmiths. They The #DCEITC Camtect the future of orchids. The exhibition, organized by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration write creative nonfiction, paign promotes economic with the United States Botanic Garden, includes living collections from both organizations as fiction, poetry and scripts. security and asset building well as a series of newly commissioned and loaned paintings and sculptures by contemporary Register at dclibrary.libfor low- and moderatemultimedia artist Phaan Howng. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, open daily 11:30 net.info/event/9971991. income individuals and a.m. to 7 p.m., is at Eighth and G streets, NW. americanart.si.edu.

“Writers Workshop” is families by providing acsimilar to DC Writes but cess to information on Just Published: DC’s 2024 meets on alternating Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Regthe Federal and DC Earned Income Tax Credit ister at dclibrary.libnet.info/event/9972015. If Small Business Opportunity Guide (EITC), free tax preparation services and finanyou’re an absolute beginner, or need a refresher cial capacity building opportunities throughout The Small Business Opportunity Guide, known as writing course, contact chris.stevenson@dc.gov to Washington, DC. The goals of CAAB’s #DCEITC the “DC Green Book,” is a valuable resource that discuss what DC Public Library offers and they Campaign are to: 1) Promote awareness of the Fedsupports local entrepreneurs and small business owncan get you into a program offered by one of their eral and DC Earned Income Tax Credit to ensure ers. This comprehensive guide, with its rich history, vendors that meets your goals. that eligible workers know how to claim the credits; has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of 2) Educate taxpayers about numerous Federal and small businesses in DC. Supported by the Depart-

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Join Discussions on Artists’ Pay

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This discussion is part of a new series called Social X Change. Through Social X Change, the organization will host conversations on community priorities and opportunities.

This ongoing series offers organizations and community members a space to connect, organize, and offer insight unique to the local arts and humanities sector. The virtual conversations occur on Thursday, Feb. 15, and Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. These round-table discussions are free to attend. Registration is required at dccollaborative.org.

Roller Derby New Skater Boot Camp!

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Habitat Restoration Workday at Kingman

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Artomatic Returns to Downtown

Celebrating 25 years of creative brilliance, Artomatic returns to the heart of DC on March 8 to April 28. Artomatic, the renowned unjuried arts festival that brings together a diverse array of visual artists, musicians, dancers, performers, and other creators, is set to make a triumphant return this spring in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood. Located at 2100 M St. NW, Artomatic presents a celebration of art that captivates audiences of all backgrounds. Artists interested in participating in Artomatic can now register by visiting artomatic.org. Spaces for 1000 or more artists are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more and register at artomatic. org/2024-pertinent-info.

FE B R U A RY 2024 29

NEIGHBORHOOD

DC Chinatown Celebrates the Year of the Dragon

On Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., the streets of DC Chinatown will fill will revelers and spectators as they celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade.

The community-based parade will include a range of cultural and community performers. The finale will feature a firecracker show in the middle of H Street. People born in the Year of the Dragon are charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful and they are naturally lucky and gifted. In everything that they do, they tend to do it to the best of their ability with high standards and are destined for good fortune and greatness. Find the parade participants listing and the parade route at dcparade.com.

History & Hops: 90th Anniversary of Prohibition Ending in DC

On March 1, 6 to 8 p.m., celebrate the 90th anniversary of the end of Prohibition in DC at Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, with a tour, tasting, and opportunity to meet the people that make DC’s local craft beverages. Take a tour of the historic home of brewmaster Christian Heurich while tasting the revival of his flagship brand, Senate Beer. The museum will share Prohibition-era breweriana, and stories of the people that worked in the historic home and brewery. Tickets are $35 and include three tastings, light snacks, and a tour of the museum. Pre-purchase tickets required. This is a 21 years plus event. heurichhouse.org.

3 0 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

Habitat Restoration Workday.

During this workday, volunteers will help with their invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. This event will likely involve lifting, bending, and walking. Volunteers will be expected to wear closed-toed shoes for the duration of the event. Registration required.

For more information before the event, contact Emily Castelli at ecastelli2@anacostiaws. org or call 301-699-6204 x103. anacostiaws.org.

The Annapolis Film Festival 2024 Shorts Challenge

The Annual Shorts Challenge, a live pitch competition before industry judges and a live audience, is a staple of the Annapolis

Film Festival. In the competition, five filmmaker finalists will vie to win a production package valued at more than $30,000 to assist them in making their short film. This year’s theme, “OUT OF THE BOX,” invites participants to explore new and unconventional approaches in concept, storytelling, technical presentation, or any unique element that sets their films apart from expectations. Unlike previous years, the 2024 Shorts Challenge seeks to broaden its theme encouraging filmmakers to think beyond traditional norms while still producing liveaction narrative or documentary films. The theme is designed to inspire originality, providing filmmakers with the freedom to explore the diverse possibilities of storytelling and filmmaking.

Filmmakers are encouraged to

Ice Yards with DC Polar Plunge at Yard’s Park

On Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 4 p.m., gather your friends and as many layers as possible to enjoy another installation of Ice Yards. This arctic experience is jam-packed with frosty fun including ax-throwing, live music, a photo booth, a snowboard simulator, glacial Instagrammable moments, live ice carving, and giveaways. Warm up at a toasty fire pit with snacks and beverages from participating neighborhood restaurants. The Yards and the Polar Bear Plunge are joining forces to benefit the Special Olympics District of Columbia. An above-ground swimming pool will be erected at The Yards Park, and participants “take the plunge” to the cheers of the crowd. To plunge, you pay $10 and raise/give a minimum of $100. College students pay $10 to register and raise/give a minimum of $50. Watch for free. Ice Yards is at Yards Park, 355 Water St. SW. give.specialolympicsdc.org/event/2024-dc-polar-plunge/e473979.

embrace the theme and submit their stories for consideration no later than Friday, Feb. 23. For more information on submission guidelines, visit annapolisfilmfestival.com/shorts-challenge.

Hypothermia Alerts

Hypothermia alerts are activated when the National Weather Service forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is fifty percent or greater. Transportation to

FE B R U A RY 2024 31

NEIGHBORHOOD

shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety call 911. When calling, include the time, the address or location of the sighting, and a description of the person’s appearance. u

Cupid’s Undie Run For Charity

Every February, thousands of undie runners in cities across the US come together, whether it be in-person or virtually, to support those affected by NF, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. DC’s run is on Saturday, Feb. 17, noon to 4 p.m. (run starts at 2 p.m.), at the Wharf ’s Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off with drinking and dancing, then participants jog it out with a mile(ish) run and end it all with an epic dance party. Registration is $42 for individuals. cupids.org/cupids-undie-run.

Old Town’s George Washington Birthday Parade

On Monday, Feb. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. Visit washingtonbirthday. com/20234-parade-route-copy for this year’s parade route. washingtonbirthday.com.

Photo: Tisara Photography

3 2 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

REAL ESTATE

CHANGING HANDS Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

Neighborhood Fee Simple

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 424 Newton Pl NW 1319 Taylor St NW 1404 Perry Pl NW 737 Gresham Pl NW 4116 13th St NW

Price

BR

$1,020,000 $750,000 $749,000 $630,000 $562,000

4 5 3 3 4

$2,500,000 $1,962,000

4 5

$900,000 $539,000

3 4

$8,200,000 $3,000,000 $1,825,000 $1,800,000

5 6 2 7

$1,555,000

5

$925,000

3

$685,000

2

$925,000

3

1518 Rear New Jersey Ave NW $750,000

1

DUPONT CIRCLE 1632 15th St NW 1745 Willard St NW

ECKINGTON

46 Quincy Pl NE 54 Rhode Island Ave NE

KALORAMA

2438 Belmont Rd NW 2117 Leroy Pl NW 2021 Allen Pl NW 1831 Mintwood Pl NW

MT VERNON TRIANGLE 219 Morgan St NW

NOMA

1171 Abbey Pl NE

OLD CITY #2 1613 5th St NW

PARK VIEW

507 Lamont St NW

TRUXTON CIRCLE CONDO

14TH STREET CORRIDOR 1314 W St NW #D

$475,000

2

$800,000 $254,500

2 0

$630,000

2

$1,380,000 $990,000 $645,000 $605,000 $280,000

2 2 2 2 0

1444 Belmont St NW #302 $1,250,000 1390 Kenyon St NW #324 $605,000 3319 11th St NW #5 $575,000 3573 Warder St NW #2 $549,000 1020 Fairmont St NW #2 $404,000 2656 15th St NW #203 $399,900 921 Randolph St NW #B $388,500 1457 Park Rd NW #208 $287,900 3701 9th St NW #2 $208,000

3 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2

ADAMS MORGAN

1654 Euclid St NW #301 1954 Columbia Rd NW #101

BLOOMINGDALE 45 R St NW #1

CENTRAL

920 I St NW #702 920 I St NW #910 631 D St NW #642 1150 K St NW #1402 2201 L St NW #710

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

DUPONT

1619 Swann St NW #3 $665,000 $295,000 1 Scott Cir NW #118 1518 Swann St NW #3 $960,000 $660,000 1401 17th St NW #212 1511 22nd St NW #31 $560,000 1545 18th St NW #522 $399,999 1601 18th St NW #707 $385,500

ECKINGTON

18 T St NE #2 1625 Eckington Pl NE #712

2 1 2 2 1 1 1

$760,000 $297,700

3 2

2138 California St NW #104 $625,000 1910 Kalorama Rd NW #104 $399,999 2410 20th St NW #302 $378,400

2 1 1

KALORAMA

LOGAN CIRCLE

1437 Rhode Island Ave NW #801-802 $1,900,000 3 27 Logan Cir NW #14 $ 1,570,000 3 1550 11th St NW #408 $790,000 3 1401 Church St NW #314 $685,000 1 1111 11th St NW #408 $625,000 2 1229 12th St NW #B5 $590,000 2 1404 11th St NW #202 $465,500 2 1125 12th St NW #23 $265,000 1

MT VERNON SQUARE 460 New York Ave NW #703 1101 L St NW #504

$535,000 $246,000

1 0

$1,660,000 $819,000 $581,100 $470,000 $429,000

2 2 2 2 1

616 E St NW #501 $462,000 616 E NW #221 $460,000 616 E St NW #802 $441,500 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW #1018 $370,000

1 1 1 1

OLD CITY #2

1451 S St NW #2 1529 14th St NW #604 2000 16th St NW #303 1615 Q St NW #608 1900 S St NW #401

PENN QUARTER

SHAW

440 R St NW #004 2120 Vermont Ave NW #301

TRUXTON CIRCLE 1539 4th St NW #2

U STREET CORRIDOR 2020 12th St NW #812 911 T St NW #1 929 Florida Ave NW #7005

$705,000 $540,000

2 1

$665,000

2

$945,000 $590,000 $580,000

2 2 2

$195,000

0

CoOp

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1415 Girard St NW #102 u

FE B R U A RY 2024 33

Kids & Family

Rendering: Courtesy Plus & Greater Than/National Building Museum

Building Stories at the National Building Museum

Building Stories brings kids and adults alike on an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books. It is geared toward an intergenerational audience, with special attention paid to children in grades Kindergarten to third and their parents and caregivers.

Curated by the nation’s leading expert on children’s literature Leonard Marcus, Building Stories is the first national exhibition to call attention to the built environment’s role as an important, and often overlooked, character in children’s literature. By activating these stories and their built worlds, and the early foundations for how we begin to understand our surroundings, Building Stories allows visitors to investigate the role the built environment plays in our own lives and communities—and how we can be agents of change for its more sustainable, equitable future.

The museum is open Thursdays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for kids and seniors. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

Lunar New Year Festival at the DAR

On Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Daughters of the American Revolution for their Lunar New Year Festival.

This free, family-friendly celebration of Lunar New Year tradition features games, activities and performances. It is presented in conjunction with the Vietnam Society, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office and the Fairfax High School Korean Club. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. The event will be on-going throughout the day and is a drop-in anytime experience. Free admission. The Daughters of the American Revolution is at 1776 D St. NW. dar.org.

Presidential Family Fun Day at the NPG

On Saturday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate Presidents’ Day at the National Portrait Gallery’s annual festival for all ages. Discover more about presidents during guided tours of the “America’s Presidents” exhibition, a presidential portraiture collage workshop, build the White House with blocks, story times, and art-making and writing activities. Free, no registration required. Last year approximately 2, 500 people were in attendance. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and G streets. NW. npg.si.edu.

3 4 MID C ITYDCN E WS.COM

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FE B R U A RY 2024 35

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale (bilingual)

DC Prep is accepting applications for SY24-25 beginning December 11th

What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. This is an Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. Best for ages five and older. Tickets start at $12. Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, from Feb. 15 to April 5. imaginationstage.org.

Contact us about how to apply

Call (202) 780-5126 for more information or visit: dcprep.org TOTAL

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Discovery Theater on the Mall

TUTORING ALL L TUTORINGFOR FOR ALL

TOTAL

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Work with experienced tutors one-on-one or in small groups to achieve your learning goals.

K-12 Subject Tutoring AP Test Prep SAT/ACT Test Prep College Counseling

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On Feb. 21 to 23, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., drummer Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant life of a West African village to the Discovery Theater stage though music, storytelling, and dance. Playing authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs and games to get audiences up on their feet in a vibrant exploration of African cultural traditions. For ages three to six.

On Feb. 28 and 29, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., both days, beauty magnate Madame C.J. Walker, agricultural chemist and “peanut man” George Washington Carver, education pioneer Booker T. Washington, and even cranky chef George Crum, who accidentally created the potato chip, all take center stage in this vibrant living-history production.

For ages seven to eleven. On March 7 and 8, 10:15 and 11:30., both days, the Science Guys of Baltimore explore what brings us together and what keeps us apart—what scientists call the laws of attraction and repulsion—through the force of electromagnetism. For ages six to eleven. Shows are $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Discovery

Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Watch and Build (with LEGOs) at MLK Library On the last Friday of each month, 3 to 5 p.m., join MLK staff in the Children’s Room to watch a movie and build with LEGOs. Build a creation on your own or collaborate with new friends. MLK Library is at 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

Augmented Reality Experience at the National Cathedral Tell your own story by designing your own stained-glass window. As part of their Racial Justice Windows by Kerry James Marshall project, the National Cathedral has introduced an augmented reality app for visitors to use in-person at the Cathedral. During your visit, grab a template from the Welcome Desk and sketch out your story. Then, head over to the window bay and use the app to “install your design” and share it. Check out youtube.com/ watch?v=KqZjJGv0TJ4 to help take you through the steps. cathedral.org. ◆

S U M M E R

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VEGETABLES in a way you have never seen before 1903 9TH STREET, NW I (202) 910-7114

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Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor.