Swimming in Quicksand

Ward 2 (Georgetown) Ranks #2 For DC Marijuana-Smoking

FROM WASHINGTONIAN: HAVE YOU USED WEED IN THE LAST MONTH?

The marijuana cover story in Washingtonian does have the town buzzing. One of the more interesting graphs shows where in the city the most marijuana is smoked. Ward 1 is first at 11.4% and Ward 2, including Georgetown, comes in second at 10.7%. This is not a surprise at all. At least not in my experience among friends and neighbors. It's just there, a fact of private and social life. If you have not yet read the cover, it is now online and well worth your time: High Society: Washington's Love Affair with Marijuana. It also includes background on the coming dispensaries that will sell medical weed. 

What's Up With The Georgetown Park Mall?

Of the questions I'm most often asked about Georgetown, way out in front is, "What's up with the Georgetown Park mall?" Beats me. It's a ghost mall, and with very little street talk about anything happening of significance. Rumors, yes, but nothing real. The fact the owners call the dinosaur "The Shops at Georgetown Park" is first of all a good laugh and, second, an indication of their total absence of self-awareness. Shops? Shops? It wouldn't surprise me if Vornado is trying to sell the whole damned thing. 

What else do people ask? Let's see. "When is Good Stuff Eatery opening?" Dunno. Haven't heard a peep. Sure would like it to happen, though. "Does the city give out parking tickets 24/7 in Georgetown?" Sure feels like it. Just wait until you read the March issue of Washingtonian. More about that later.

Many times the question is, "Where's a good place to eat in Georgetown?" I have my favorites and list them, but there's no question we need more. I'm looking forward to Bandolero, which has the potential to fill a huge Mex void (as in good Mex).

"Are there any coffee shops?" Nope, not since Furin's closed. And by that I mean old school bacon & eggs places, not Baked & Wired, which is exemplary for coffee and bagels and coffee cakes. (Do not come back at me with Daily Grill, which is in a hotel and kind of dreary). There are murmurs of a new coffee shop on O Street, among the possible tenant's in Antiques of Georgetown which, sadly, will close at the end of the month. Georgetown Dinette is just that, more lunch than breakfast, and home to the best egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches in the village. 

Note: I did get to the new Unum on Friday evening. It's where Mendocino Grill used to be and feels much the same - happily - and even the menu feels similar. The chef was with Todd Gray at Equinox. If you have one thing, have the spicy eggplant. I look forward to returning. 

I am asked about Georgetown real estate. "Are prices going back up?" Not that I've heard. Still sort of wobbling around, but everyone is hoping for a vibrant spring. 

Bonnie McElveen Hunter Saves The Day

BONNIE MCELVEEN HUNTER WELCOMES HER GUESTS ON A RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGETOWN
It's a long story, and I tell it in full on washingtonian.com on Monday, but for right now suffice it to say that Bonnie McElveen Hunter warmed friends this evening with a late afternoon wine and champagne party that featured a very nice vocal performance.

GUESTS LISTEN TO SAMANTHA MCELHANEY 
The singer was Samantha McElhaney, who appeared in the Washington Opera's "Porgy and Bess." On this cold and rainy winter evening it was encouraging to hear her sing "Summertime." 

HERE AND BELOW SAMANTHA MCELHANEY SINGS "SUMMERTIME"

The Truth About Weather

The truth about weather is that there is no absolute truth, only speculation. Yes, based on science but not definitive. Nonetheless, the pic above is Georgetown's favorite sledding hill in Montrose Park, where children of all ages have zoomed straight down and done their best to avoid that tree. A friend lost her big fat diamond ring there years ago, in 5-6 inches of snow, when it flew off her finger as she and her daughter rode a toboggan over a bump. We went back to look for it, but no luck.

The local TV news tonight teased with threats of snow this weekend, but the actual forecasts - later in the broadcasts - pulled back to say "maybe" to the north some "spotty" snowfall. Of course they could be wrong. That's the point. Remember the evening of the all-night rush hour? That was last year and no one saw it coming.

Today, no snow but still handsome. Do you see a diamond sparkling in the brown?

Georgetown Dinner Party (for a cause) vs NFL Play-Offs (for a title)

TABLE FOR 22

Dinner tonight at the Nixon's on N Street. Barton Seaver was the executive chef, with major support from Teddy Diggs of Home Port on Martha's Vineyard, for a private dinner on behalf of DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table. A lot of needed funds were raised. But it did require master chefs to keep the table seated. Several of the guests kept slipping away to the adjacent den to watch the Giants-49ers game. The rest talked life, politics, family and about the dire ice storm warnings coming across cell phones. Read the full story here: Sunday Suppers for a Cause.

COOKS IN THE KITCHEN. KOJO NNAMDI IN THE FOREGROUND, WATCHING THE GAME

JUST BEFORE DINNER, CHEFS TEDDY DIGGS, KOJO NNAMDI AND BARTON SEAVER

THE TABLE BEFORE THE GUESTS SAT DOWN

STRIPED BASS WITH GRAINS

POPCORN COOKER LAMB

NOT AWESOMELY PHOTOGENIC BUT DELICIOUS DESSERT OF PEAR, ALMOND FRANGIPANE AND CHOCOLATE SORBET.

Pretty Party For The Sackler

ASIAN CANAPES AT THE PILLSBURYS

Cocktails and buffet dinner this evening at the Georgetown home of Michael and Susan Pillsbury. It was on behalf of the Freer-Sackler Museum and its upcoming 25th anniversary. There will be a full story tomorrow on washingtonian.com, but for now here are some photos I shot at the party:

LYCHEE MARTINIS FROM DESIGN CUISINE

THE BUFFET

THE PILLSBURYS ARE COLLECTORS OF RARE ASIAN ART AND ARTIFACTS

WILLEE LEWIS DIPS INTO A LYCHEE MARTINI

SUSHI TOWER IN THE KITCHEN

THE KITCHEN BAR

ORCHIDS AND CONVERSATION

SHE BLOCKED THE STAIRS! (HEH HEH HEH), BEAUTIFULLY

THE (GENTLE, LOVELY) ENTERTAINMENT

Pie Sisters, 3423 M Street, Georgetown

NOT CUPCAKES, BUT PIES OF ALL SIZES AT PIE SISTERS ON M STREET

Today I stopped in the brand new Georgetown pastry shop, Pie Sisters, which is at the far western end of M Street, 3423, just  beyond the running shop and the bike shops and across from Key Bridge. I'll be honest, I'm not much into pies (with the notable exception of Key Lime) but what they had on display was hugely tempting. They even had savory Chicken Pot Pie. Also, the little shop is very pretty and welcoming. (Note: I've since returned and tried a Chicken Pot Pie. One makes a perfect light lunch, two would make an ideal dinner, and an excellent option for a spontaneous dinner party with salad from nearby Sweetgreen).

CHICKEN POT PIES

In addition to big, regular sized pies they offer personal sized pies, basically what pies would be if pies were cupcakes, and maybe that's the point. For crust fiends, this is a bonanza. 

AT THE COUNTER AT PIE SISTERS

My colleague at Washingtonian, Anna Spiegel, who writes the useful, interesting and delish "Best Bites" blog, has more on Pie Sisters.

This is an opportunity to remind you to please check washingtonian.com daily, twice daily, thrice daily, because since we've assembled a crack Web unit (haha, Web Crack), there's so much to feast upon. Modestly, I say we become more engaging every day.

A WIDE LOOK AT THE SHOP FROM THE COUNTER

The "sisters" in "Pie Sisters" are Allison, Erin and Catherine Blakely. While they grew up in Northern Virginia, Georgetown Patch says they attended St. John's Church here in Georgetown. They learned baking from Mom, of course.

ISN'T THAT PRETTY? THE FRONT WINDOW AT PIE SISTERS

AND FROM THE OTHER SIDE:

I refuse to fall into the trap of pitting them against the other wonderful sisters, Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne, who created and own Georgetown Cupcake only a few blocks up on M. Way too easy. Pies aren't cupcakes. I'm simply delighted they chose to open in my neighborhood, which is becoming Washington's nexus of sweets; the above mentioned plus beloved Baked & Wired, Patisserie Poupon, J. Chocolatier, Leopold's, Dolcezza, Thomas Sweet (and also chains such as Dean & Deluca, Pinkberry and Ben & Jerry's). I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. After all, there are rockin' donuts at Safeway. The  village's new motto should be: You Wanna Get Fat? Come to Georgetown.

Pie Sisters is open every day at 11 am; closed on Mondays.

The Hamilton Brings Life Back to 14th and F Streets

THE HAMILTON HAS A FULL SUSHI BAR OFFERING A LOT OF CHOICES

If you are a fan of Clyde's and Old Ebbitt Grill you'll waste no time getting over to 14th and F Streets to check out the new Clyde's Restaurant Group enterprise, The Hamilton. It is a 24-hour extravaganza of food and music. It's epic in ambition and scope. I stopped in the other night and was impressed with the attention to detail, a Clyde's standard. The next day I did an interview with CRG CEO John Laytham for washingtonian.com. Please give it a read: A Q&A With John Laytham. 

THE HAMILTON'S COSMO, WITH TEXAS VODKA

I remember when that space was Garfinckels department store, a wonderful emporium that was Washington's answer to Bergdorf-Goodman. As a teenager I thought it was the most elegant place and still remember the first time I had birthday money to burn there, and did, and loved every minute. 

A GLIMPSE OF HALF OF THE "AFTER MIDNIGHT" MENU, AVAILABLE UNTIL DAWN

Georgetown's Hottest Holiday Shopping Spot?

LINED UP AT SPORT ZONE, JUST AFTER DAWN, ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS EVE

Which Georgetown store had the longest line this holiday, with shoppers lined up pre-dawn? The winner is: The Sport Zone. In the wee hours of this morning, people started to line up, wanting to get the early chance at a pair of new Michael Jordan athletic shoes, the XI Retro "Concord" for $175. (btw, they are good looking.)

Apple is the only other Georgetown store that gets this kind of action.

LINED UP ON M: SKIPPING BREAKFAST FOR A PAIR OF JORDANS INSTEAD

The new Jordan dropped at midnight, but Georgetown being Georgetown, Sport Zone didn't do that Walmart kind of thing of opening all hours. Fortunately for kicks fans, the rain was gone and the air was mild. Happy last full day of shopping.

Spotted on 31st Street: Somebody Had Some Fun

THIS IS NOT A PAINT JOB. IT'S MUD, AND I DON'T THINK IT WAS ACQUIRED IN GEORGETOWN. LOOKS LIKE SOMEBODY HAD SOME FUN, AND HAS A STORY TO TELL.

Spotted In Georgetown: Kathleen and Chris Matthews

CHRISTMAS BROWSING AT BROOKS BROTHERS: CHRIS AND KATHLEEN MATTHEWS

Like so many others this weekend, Kathleen and Chris Matthews spent some time walking around Georgetown. I ran into them Saturday at the Brooks Brothers store, where we had a nice catch up. Chris, as you might expect, was very entertaining as he talked about nutty Donald Trump and his failing debate. How long before he decides to call it off? I asked. "About two hours," the political expert said. Kathleen added, "you should have Chris do another Q&A." There's no question he's an audience pleaser, but I said, "it's exhausting. We spend so much time fighting each other for the wheel." They both laughed, Kathleen knowingly. Chris has appeared on the show four times and, I would gladly have him back anytime. He's my favorite sparring partner.

Kathleen, who runs communications for Marriott Corp., talked enthusiastically about the new hotel going up in Austin. Since I'm mad for Austin, that's good news. She also recalled a Christmas story she did for WJLA, when she was anchor there, about a group of young people who were basically squatting in the ruins of the old Georgetown factory incinerator smokestack on South Street. Now it is part of the Marriott family as the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown.

We talked for about 20 minutes, as various customers stopped by to meet Chris, make a comment about "Hardball" or his new book, "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero."

On washingtonian.com: Are Irish Travelers Targeting Georgetown?

SUNRISE FRIDAY VIEWED FROM THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT PARK

On washingtonian.com I have a report about Georgetown shops that may be the target of the "Irish Travelers." The owners and managers describe chaotic episodes. Please read the story here: capital comment. 

B&N Becomes Nike? The Continued Ruin of M Street

THE RACKS, THE BOOKS AND THE DAYS ARE DWINDLING AT GEORGETOWN'S B&N

If you stop in the Georgetown Barnes & Noble these last days of the year you will notice a big sale and fewer books and book racks. It's all coming to an end. I remember being upset about the demise of Francis Scott Key Books, and railed against B&N and other chains for being the cause. Now I'm mourning the loss of B&N. During the summer we lost Bartleby's. There's still tiny Bridge Street, but the owner has hinted he hopes to move to New York. What kind of neighborhood doesn't have a book store? Or, put another way, what kind of neighborhood has more athletic shoe stores than book stores?

The rumor is that Nike will go into the B&N space. If this were 2000 that would be cool. It would be new and fresh, but now a Nike store is very a decade ago and, besides, we already have shoes. We have the very good The Running Company, an indie, and then okay but not great chains, City Sports and Sports Zone. Do we need a multi-story emporium of athletic shoes? No. But if we have to have it here why can't it be in the mall? There's a simple reason. I don't think any of these mall stores want to be in malls anymore. They want to be back out on the street, in the air, among the foot traffic. Malls are the Pac Man of shopping, and the mall owners are stuck with that fact.

Just the same, I will miss B&N. I used it in so many different ways. First, of course, to buy books and magazines and CD's, and similar last century stuff. Before a trip I loved to go in there to find books that would help me plot my course. And maps! It was good for a cup of coffee. It was good as a place to meet someone. When my son was younger we loved spending idle time there, wandering and shopping, and enjoying the story-telling time in the children's section. That's quite sentimental for me.

Woe be Georgetown. I know in the commercial corridor it feels bigger in its britches than ever before, but the britches are polyester and don't match the rest of the outfit. Yes, polyester lasts forever, but it goes out of fashion and gets discarded quickly. Good luck. 

PAUL Brings Sweet and Savory to Wisconsin and M

OUTSIDE PAUL AT WISCONSIN AND M STREETS

Purely as a residential snob, I think it is unfortunate that Paul opened at Wisconsin and M rather than further up Wisconsin or one of the wings of M Street. The intersection is the least appealing part of Georgetown. But that said, Paul is impressive, and will surely be a treat for the tourists. It is quite appealing on the inside and out. I stopped by and snapped some pics. I'll confess, I've not eaten any of their food, yet. My first choice would probably be one of the pretty salads. Great place to buy a picnic lunch for the waterfront park. Paul, like Pain Quotidien, is a chain. The test will be if it can successfully compete against Georgetown's terrific indie bakery/coffee shops: Baked & Wired and Patisserie Poupon.

LOOKING FROM THE BACK OF THE SHOP TO THE FRONT

On my Facebook page, these various reader comments came in about Paul:

Claudia Taskier: "They have been all over London for a number of years and the food is consistently good." 

Maggie Moffett: "Walked by the South Beach one today. Ate there a while back and remember it being delish."

A VARIETY OF SALADS

Clarrissa Bonde: "I arrived to change planes in Paris at 6:30 Thursday morning and was delighted to see Pauls. A hot chocolate and lovely chocolate croissant got me to the next flight."

Terry Birkel: "We ate in his place in Antwerp. Addictive."

Mat Hastings: "There is also one at 801 Penna Ave. The coffee is so-so. The pastries are overpriced and, frankly, rather dull."

HANDSOME BAGUETTE SANDWICHES

EACH QUICHE IS ENOUGH TO SERVE TWO

CROISSANTS AND BUNS

GAUFRE AND CANALE

DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHEN IT ALL LOOKS SO GOOD

Dinner at 1789

1789, FRIDAY NIGHT

I love the pub room at 1789. It is one of the prettiest, coziest and most comfortable dining rooms in Washington. Dinner there tonight with my pal Hugh Jacobsen. Absolutely a great way to end the week. He started with salad, I had Nantucket Bay sccallops. My entree was Black Bass, his was steak. My "dessert" was a cheese course, his was chocolate ice cream. All of this on a white tablecloth, by candlelight, with good service. Seriously - after a long work week, why not?

DINNER FOR TWO AT 1789

I love the pub room because of its intimate size, and because it has such a charming little bar. Once upon a time that was a stand-up bar, because it was not legal to sit and have a drink in Washington. Times have changed, and even if you aren't having dinner, it's a pretty cool place to stop in for a drink.

THE BAR IN THE PUB ROOM AT 1789

I shot these pics with the Black Keys film of the HipSta App on my iPhone 4S. I'm quite loving that particular app, having used it the other night at Cafe Bonaparte. It would be fun to shoot every groovy eatery in Georgetown, with "groovy" being the operative word.

HUGH JACOBSEN, ARCHITECT

So, as we begin the holiday season, do by all means consider choosing local, as in eating in and shopping in your own neighborhood. 

Dinner in Georgetown: Cafe Bonaparte

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 2011, 8 PM, CAFE BONAPARTE

Well, what else does one do on the eve of a MASSIVE post-holiday detox than to go out to eat and drink? So, with friends, it was off to Cafe Bonaparte tonight. Not only is it a delicious place to spend time having mussels, steak frites, incredible salads, crepes, but it is also quite photogenic. So, I'll let the photos tell the story.

 

Thanksgiving Building Collapse in Georgetown

WISCONSIN AVENUE IN GEORGETOWN, 3PM, THANKSGIVING DAY

On the way home from a delicious Thanksgiving luncheon at 1789 Restaurant we came upon a mess of cop cars and fire engines in the block of Wisconsin Avenue that's just above Dumbarton Avenue. The cops told us it was a gas explosion. Later we heard it was a "building collapse." Honestly, in that block, neither would surprise me. We just carried on with a lovely Thanksgiving afternoon walk home.

THE BUILDINGS WHERE WHATEVER HAPPENED SUPPOSEDLY HAPPENED

There are few sketchier blocks of Washington DC real estate than that stretch of Wisconsin above Dumbarton and below Q. Who knows what goes on in most of those buildings. Once upon a time The Washington Post was fairly on top of it, and even did an expose of the tenants, but those days of media scrutiny in DC are long, long gone.

At 7:30 p.m. Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown was still closed to traffic. It reopened shortly before 9 o'clock.

Halcyon House - Who Bought It And How The News Broke

Late today the news broke in The Georgetowner about who bought Halcyon House. There's an equally interesting story within the story about how the news got out. I have it all here: Halcyon House Sold To...

Also today I posted a story about The Perils of Thanksgiving Travel and how to avoid them. Please give it a read, too. 

Spotted In Georgetown, But Who Is This Gorgeous Creature?

NOT A ROUTINE BIRD SIGHTING IN GEORGETOWN, BUT WHAT IS THE SPECIES?

I may be bird nerd, but my expertise does not go much beyond Conure parrots, Pigeons, Doves and the little fellers who perch on my fence. So, I'm asking any bird afficianadoes out there to please help identify this gorgeous creature spotted this morning on the edge of the Georgetown University campus, overlooking the Potomac River. Very still. Not much bothered by me and my camera. 

LATER: More than a few readers report it is a Peregrine Falcon and may have lived in Georgetown for 4 years. Could there be more than one? Also, I've heard from readers who say it is a hawk. If you recognize this bird, please let us know: caroljoynt. 

Here's the bird's view. Can't really blame him/her for just sitting and staring. So nice to have the sun up early. This was 7:30 a.m. and the camera used was the iP4s w/ the Dynamic Light app.

DSK's Other Offense

FOOL'S REAL ESTATE? THE DSK HOME ON DUMBARTON STREET IN GEORGETOWN

You may think Dominique Strauss-Kahn's crime is his alleged inapporpriate treatment of women, but how about this for hubris in home sales? For some weeks now DSK and his wife, Ann Sinclair, have had their 2720 Dumbarton Street home on the market - privately, quietly. Washington Fine Properties realtors have showed it to a select few, but everyone on the block knew it was on the market when the furniture went out the door. Anyway, now the sale is public, plus the $5 million+ price tag. Sure, it's a nice house and I'm told by those who have jumped the fence and played in it that the pool is swell. 

Here's the offense: no parking! I repeat: NO PARKING.  What's Georgetown real estate come to when a buyer has to pay $5 million to park his/her Mercedes-Jaguar-Range Rover at the curb, get hit with periodic tickets from the grim parking enforcement storm troopers, and drive around endlessly on weekends trying to find even a half-legal space. There should be law! Any home over $5 million should be required to have parking (and a pool)!'

Not so long ago the rule was a Georgetown seller couldn't ask more than $2million without having parking included. Clearly, those days are over.

The DSK home will get sold, the buyer's name will be made public, but there will be this lasting stink: fool's real estate. 

On the plus side, if it does sell for the asking price we will know that Georgetown real estate's recent flat period is over. 

 

Memo to Georgetown: Check Out Foggy Bottom

 FOGGY BOTTOM'S VERY COOL NEW BLOCK, WHICH SHOULD MAKE GEORGETOWN A LITTLE ENVIOUS

Have you walked over to Foggy Bottom lately? To the block that once was George Washington Hospital, then a hole in the ground, and now apartments, offices, and a quite cool collection of bistros, markets and, especially, an innovative Whole Foods Market. As I wandered the amazing new Whole Foods I wondered, "why isn't this in Georgetown? Why isn't this in Georgetown Park?" It makes Glover Park Whole Foods feel out of date. How? All kinds of new ways to shop, a lot more self-serve, and food concessions -- almost like food halls, but better -- with everything from Kaz Sushi Bistro to made-to-order grilled burgers. The only thing missing is self check-out. The check-out system is a little controlling, but still functional, like Trader Joe's.

Here are some pics:

 







The store has two levels. I didn't get downstairs, because the main level has everything I'm after -- lots of fresh food, ready to go. They also have a parking garage. The garage entrance is on 22nd Street. You go through one gate, down to the 3rd level, and through another gate, which is two too many gates, but you get 90 minutes free parking (with a receipt) and after you've gone through the drill once you'll have the system mastered. 

 INSIDE "BURGER, TAP & SHAKE," WHERE THE BURGERS START AT $6, THE SHAKES AT $5 AND THE FRIES AT $3

Out the door and around the corner are other interesting places to explore, and the folks at Vornado should take a look, if they haven't already. Why not fill Georgetown Park mall with a range of interesting eating places? Chelsea Market is the prototype. Georgetown is so needy in this regard. We have Dean & Deluca, which too often feels a day away from closing, but we are behind the curve in the restaurant scene, and if we're not careful we'll become known as a mecca of tourist traps and unchallenged group ownership. 

This one block has Burger, Tap and Shake, a bar and burger joint; Devon & Blakely, which appears to be a hip sandwich and salad concept, but a little weird up in the gills about photos being taken ("No, No. Take your camera out of here. No photos. No photos!") ...not exactly modern in a cell camera world. Later I inquired with the manager, who said it was due to fer the look would be copied somewhere else. (I think I saw "this look" 5 yrs ago in LA, but whatevs). But moving on, there's Circa, with an all day menu, and Mediterranean Roti. Lots of outside seating. Also a Sweetgreen, with seating.

These places are easy walking distance from Georgetown, but I wish they were all in Georgetown.

Across the street (on K between 22nd and 21st, north side) is a great new burger place, Bobby Flay's Bobby's Burger Palace. I say "great" and "new" based on one visit, but my burger was delicious, cooked just the way I like it, with some crunchy char on the meat, and the lettuce, tomato and onions tasted freshly cut. My strawberry milkshake was very good, not too thick, not too sweet; the french fries -- sweet potato -- were still hot and crispy, not soggy. I hate cold/soggy fries, but get served them all too often. 

AL FRESO DINING AT ROTI

 WHITE TABLE CLOTHS AT CIRCA FOGGY BOTTOM

Face it, 95 per cent of the time you order fries in a restaurant they are frozen. There are exceptions. But most restaurants serve frozen fries, just as they serve frozen fish, lobster meat that arrived at the restaurant in a plastic bag, not alive and in its shell, and burger patties that come pre-cut. Budgets robbed restaurants of freshness. But there are ways of dealing with frozen fries that maintain their integrity, ways of cooking them, especially using fresh oil - not oil that's been around all day and also used for the calamari. Better yet, cook them twice! (I always ask for well done). If you order a lobster dish, ask your server. "Is the lobster meat from a fresh steamed lobster in your kitchen or from lobster in a bag?" 

But I digress.

Check out Foggy Bottom. I hope Vornado will, too. I also hope Vornado will consider immersing itself in the community a little more. Come to the events. Speak to CAG and the ANC, make yourselves available, get to know people, have an intimate lunch with the local bloggers like Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metropolitan, Beth Solomon at Georgetown Dish, Shaun Courtney at Georgetown Patch. Maybe have lunch in Foggy Bottom. hahaha.

Scheele's Market Wins A Reprieve

 THE SUN SHINES ON SCHEELE'S MARKET FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE

I stopped into Scheele's today to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Lee about their meeting last night that was to focus on whether the store would close or stay open. They both had big smiles, and Mrs. Lee gave me a big hug. She said all the issues were worked out, they have a new agreement, and Scheele's will remain open for the foreseeable future. They said they met with "the committee," which sounds like something out of "24," but this is Washington, after all. Whatever works. 

So, we still have a corner market at 29th and Dumbarton, the area workers still have Mrs. Lee's sandwiches, we still have Georgetown Bagelry bagels on weekend mornings, and on and on. And you can buy a signed copy of my book there, too! How's that for a full service market? 

Mrs. Lee said my Sunday post helped. Who knows? But we should all patronize and speak up on behalf of our sole-proprietor neighborhood businesses. That's how we keep them healthy. For example, do you get your prescriptions filled at CVS or Morgan's Pharmacy? Please switch to Morgan's. They work with doctors, take insurance, keep track of your history, and deliver to your doorstep. It's very personal service, and a terrific neighborhood haunt. The best kind. Like Scheele's.

Scheele's Market to Close, But May Have Reprieve

 OPEN? NOT MUCH LONGER

TUESDAY UPDATE: If you read my post of today you'll learn the good news that the Lee's got a reprieve and Scheele's will remain open. 

MONDAY UPDATE: I stopped by Scheele's this morning to talk to the Lee's. Apparently, subsequent to their "closing" sign being posted and my item below, the landlord phoned them and said she does not want them to close, and both parties are having a meeting tonight to "try to work it out." Fingers crossed.

EARLIER: This is news I don't want to report. It's too depressing. "Another brick in the wall..." At Scheele's Market -- which has operated continuously as a Georgetown neighborhood market for more than 100 years -- Kye Lee has posted a sign that says she and her husband will have a closing sale soon. When I asked what that meant, Oscar, the weekend clerk, said the market would close at the end of November. Damn. The bell has rung for Scheele's several times in the recent past, but I gather this time it is for real.

For up to date history, here's something from Scheele's Facebook page:

Scheele’s Market, a venerable Georgetown landmark throughout the latter part of the 19th century, all of the 20th century and continues in operation today, is located in one of the most exclusive Georgetown neighborhoods known as the “East Village”. Scheele’s Market was originally located on 28th Street having been started by David Francis “Dave” Scheele. The market moved to 29th Street, its present location, in 1895. Following Dave’s death in 1922 the market was purchased by his brother, George Scheele, Sr. In 1970 George Sr. passed away and ownership of the market passed on to his son, George Jr. who ran the market until 1983 when he retired. He continued owning the property and leased the business to several people with the last being the Lees who continue running the business today. After 118 years, on February 7th, 2011, the property was sold by the Scheele heirs to Jordan O’Neill.

When Scheele's closes that means we will be down to one neighborhood market in the East Village, if you don't count 7/11 and CVS, and I def don't. The one remaining market is Sarah's, which changed ownership in the last year and, in my opinion, has declined. Maybe with Scheele's closing they will see an upturn in business. Maybe they will step it up. Maybe Sarah's will sell Georgetown Bagelry bagels, as Scheele's does on weekends. That would be a good step. And bring back the Black Jewel popcorn, please.

Here's what a Scheele's fan posted on Yelp: 

I feel funny ranking Scheele's on Yelp, because it feels so personal. It's that dependable convenience store that every neighborhood should have. It's the reason you move to the city, so you can walk two blocks for approximately 93% of your cooking needs. A far better selection than anything in the vicinity, Scheele's makes optimum use of its small space. And Mr. Lee is awesome, friendly guy. Just to illustrate how well stocked they are, here are a few features you'd be surprised to find in a small convenience store, smaller than most 7-11s: 

-An impressive beer and wine selection 
-An array of fresh produce 
-An array of cheeses and meats 
-An array of virtually anything you need in the spice rack or pantry, it's halfway between a grocery store and a convenience store. Maybe I'm hyping it up to much...I can't help it, I love this place! 

NOTE: It actually stands in stark contrast to the nearby 7-11 which has one of the worst selections I've ever seen from the chain.

We need our neighborhood markets, but it's up to the neighbors - and benevolent landlords - to keep them alive. 

Stachowski Charcuterie to Move In to Old Griffin Market

 LONG-EMPTY GRIFFIN MARKET WILL SOON HAVE NEW TENANT: JAMIE STACHOWSKI

Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metropolitan broke this news to me a week or so ago, and it was confirmed today by Missy Frederick in Washington Business Journal: Jamie Stachowski, the sausage-maker well known locally for his presence at area farmers markets, will take over Griffin Market. An opening date has not been announced, but the realtor involved confirmed the lease. Reportedly the new market will sell all sorts of sausages, of course, but also provide butcher-cut meat.

I hope he expands to sides so it will be possible to pick up a whole meal, as we were able to do when it was the Griffin Market of yore, when Laura Bonino prepared home-cooked meals. I assume the wine and beer license is still active. Regardless, it will be nice to have the space filled with a home-made food operation.

In the WBJ, Missy writes: The chef is a well-known name around D.C. Before his sausage business, which operates under the name, Stachowski Brand Charcuterie, he was the opening chef for the sports bar/Eastern European restaurant Thirsty Bernie's in Arlington. He was also the chef behind the now-shuttered Restaurant Kolumbia and worked for D.C. legend Jean-Louis Palladin. Plus, he stars in the "Meat America" special on The History Channel.

Should he offer Anthony Weiner the counter job? Synergy.

Georgetown Waterfront Park: Fountain Fun

They need to 86 the planters that box it in, or maybe that's on purpose to create more of a "swimming pool" feel, but the new Georgetown Waterfront park fountain is - as expected - a hit with children. This evening they were splashing in it while wearing street clothes, pajamas and even diapers. Some barefoot, some not. A few parents jumped in, too. Here are some pics. I apologize for the quality, but all I had was the Blackberry:

Vornado, You Need New Mojo, and Fast

 INSIDE THE MOSTLY EMPTY GEORGETOWN PARK MALL

The dreary saga of the Georgetown Park Mall rolls on, with weekly, and sometimes daily updates on its supposed future path. I don't have any inside track of information. I read and hear the same things as everyone else, but based on that, and based on a long background as a journalist, I feel on firm footing stating that Vornado needs new mojo. If they believe they are successfully communicating with Washington, helping us to get to know them, helping us to understand their goals, they are delusional. So far it is a communications fail.

Vornado is the property manager for the mall, representing owners Angelo, Gordon & Co. This puts Vornado out in front.

The latest spate of bad press, yesterday and today, focuses on the way they are treating tenants. Now, maybe they are adhering to the letter of the law in myriad leases, but it's coming across as hapless shop owners getting tossed in the street by big bad Vornado and Angelo, Gordon, whose executives appear for all intents and purposes like characters who morphed "Transformers" with "Goodfellas." There's not been a single favorable piece of media about these companies, at least not that I've seen. 

What makes Georgetown hyper sensitive on this subject is a prevailing feeling that the community's commercial corridor no longer belongs to the community, but to suited up, anonymous money grubbers who live in other cities. The developers of yore, people like Anthony Lanier and Herb Miller, lived in the community and spread lots and lots and lots of money around to good causes, and showed up at all the fundraisers, all the pet projects of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, etc., hosted some of them at their homes, and focused on continuous outreach. Apparently this is not Vornado's method, even though they have a Washington "division." They appear to operate behind a phalanx of lawyers, when what they need are relationship counselors and good crisis communications advice. If not "boots on the ground," at least good "PR on the ground."

Yesterday's and today's Vornado news has been faithfully reported on The Georgetown Metropolitan - a good source for tracking this story - and I consider both items as laughs of the day, especially yesterday's that included this choice bit: Vornado is “working closely with local agencies and community groups on a plan [for the Georgetown Park mall] that reinvigorates the neighborhood.” As a boardmember of one of those community groups, GM can say that’s simply not true.

I believe GM.

Bottom line is that most people in Georgetown, and beyond our borders, would like to see something positive happen with Georgetown Park. It has been a community burden for years, operating successfully only for a very short time at the beginning. While personally I'd like to see it torn down and replaced by a community square, a village center, I know that's unrealistic and won't happen. I'm not keen about the space being overtaken by down-market discount and big box stores. My reasons aren't cultural but because the core customers for those stores won't come to Georgetown to do bulk shopping. You need a car to shop big box and the parking tickets in Georgetown are a plague. So, unless Vornado can co-opt Parking Enforcement, that big box customer gets scared away at the outset.

Also, big box is a 20th century solution to a 21st century problem (which is, psssst, the malls are dying).

UPDATE ON 9/14 ON GEORGETOWN METROPOLITAN: GM heard some rumors about the mall: Target is pulling out, and now Vornado is targeting Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom’s, and/or Jeffrey’s. 

Vornado has a critical communications problem, which makes it appear that they have an inherent management and organization problem and, in the end, don't have any idea what they are doing here. They may consider themselves masters of the universe, but the Emperor thought he had new clothes, too. That's bad for Vornado and bad for Georgetown.

 

Griffin Market By The Sea

 GRIFFIN MARKET, GEORGETOWN, IN THE GOOD OLE DAYS

At least a few times a week, when contemplating what to have for dinner, I have a sense memory of the ease of life when Griffin Market was open at 28th and P Streets. I'd call up the menu on my Blackberry, email owner Riccardo Bonino with my order, and swing by and pick it up. Voila. Excellent dinner on the table a few moments later. It was even better when entertaining a friend, because the food always impressed. 

So, while the news of their closing was sad for the hand made food lovers of Georgetown, for Riccardo and Laura and it has brought a good turn of events. They have happily relocated to charming Beaufort, SC., where they will open Griffin Market By The Sea in October. Hooray for them. Laura wrote, "Our restaurant space here is nice, about 40 seats, 60 with the patio. It needs just a little renovation and is in a great spot in Beaufort." She also said rent is "25 - 30% of DC prices." Do they miss us? Yes, she said. "As much as we love it (we) miss everybody."

I keep hoping some clever food entrepreneur will see the opportunity at that empty corner, and that the landlords will see the opportunity of a nurturing rent for a tenant who fills a niche. 

Nonetheless, it was great while we had Griffin and I wish heaps of success on Griffin Market By The Sea. I wonder if they deliver? 

LATER: I got my answer. Riccardo will ship wine and cheese, which is good news. Follow him on their website here. Their street address is: 

Griffin Market by the Sea

403 Carteret St Beaufort SC 29902

Washington's Shaky, Soggy Week on NYSD Today

M STREET IN GEORGETOWN AT 7 AM SUNDAY, AS IRENE LEFT TOWN

Washington was lucky. The earthquake that began the week, while scary, was not horrible. Hurricane Irene, ending the week, while a threat, did not cause widespread damage. ON New York Social Diary  today I wrap-up my experiences with pictures. Read it here. 

Several inches of rain fell in a short time. My curiosity now is whether the run-off from up north will cause Potomac flooding downstream in Georgetown and Alexandria?

The New M Street?

We know commercial M Street is going through changes, trending toward more mall stores. Still, I burst out laughing at the sight of this mannequin in the window at Calvin Klein. The Georgetown of Dorcas Hardin is gone, baby, gone.  Is this what the rebranding campaign means with the slogan, "Come out and play in Georgetown?" Hahaha. More hahaha. The complete package? An Anthony Weiner homage? CK's bf? Wishful thinking? 

Better be careful, it could scare the little children (and some adults).

The Morning After...Irene

An early morning tour of Georgetown showed the neighborhood survived Hurricane Irene with minimal damage, at least in terms of fallen trees. Most streets were clear, but not all. There were several trees down, notably this one on Dent Place. Also, a big tree came down at Georgetown University, crashing through the iron fence.

There were the inevitable trees-fallen-on-cars. I feel for owners who park their cars under these vulnerable DC street trees in any kind of weather, perhaps not knowing it's a gamble. DC weather veterans know that in wind or snow it is best to park away from the street trees. Unlike in the parks or gardens, they have no place for their roots to grow. Again, look the pic up top. Note how small the root base is in relation to the tree. Here's another look, along with a few other photos shot between 7 and 7:30 Sunday morning: