RSS FeedJapanese Cocktail Bar Coming Under Fuel Pizza (6th and F St NW)
We now know what bar is planned for underneath the Fuel Pizza location at 6th and F St NW. Per the Washington CityPaper’s Young & Hungry blog, the co-owner of Sushiko, Daisuke Utagawa, plans to open a Japanese cocktail bar. Sushiko is the first sushi restaurant we ate at back in the day and it looks like this Japanese cocktail bar might be a first too. Along with the drinks, a menu of otsumami (also called sakana) will be offered. Sounds cozy!
All Hail the BBQ Champion
I love BBQ! Recently, a friend asked me one of those random questions you ask friends when you’re sitting around doing nothing, “If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?” Without a hesitation, my answer was “BBQ.” So, this weekend is definitely one of my favorite foodie events because I am such a fan of BBQ.
This Saturday and Sunday, DC (and Penn Quarter) once again plays host to the Annual Safeway BBQ Battle (Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets). Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, I expect one of DC’s largest food festivals will pack an even bigger punch than usual. Enjoy samplings from local BBQ places like Rocklands, Hill Country and Old Glory, and watch as teams battle it out for the titles of National BBQ Champion, National Pork Champion and America’s Best BBQ Sauce and more. Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Saturday, June 23 11am-10pm
Sunday, June 24 11am-7:30pm
Oh, and if you’re not that in to BBQ, there’s also live music, games, NBA Nation and other interactive experiences for all ages to enjoy.
Click here for all of the details and to purchase tickets.
Verizon Center Signage Hearing Is Tomorrow
This is a reminder that the Verizon Center signage bill (Verizon Center Graphics and Entertainment Act) is being heard by the Public Services and Consumer Affairs Committee (CM Yvette Alexander, Chair) tomorrow, on Wednesday, June 20 at Noon in Room 412 of the Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) and the public is welcome to attend. To remind, the Verizon Center is proposing an extensive remake of the electronic and fixed signage that is found on the exterior of the building. If you’d like to express your opinion, you can sign up to speak at the hearing by sending an email to Ed Fisher (efisher@dccouncil.us) or by calling 202-741-2112 by close of business today (June 19). If you can’t attend, you can send emails indicating your position to the following City Councilmembers:
- Phil Mendelson: pmendelson@dc.council.us
- Yvette Alexander: yalexander@dc.council.us
- Mary Cheh: mcheh@dccouncil.us
- Muriel Bowser: mbowser@dccouncil.us
- Jim Graham: jgraham@dccouncil.us
We think this signage proposal (PDF presentation) is an improvement over the original signage proposal from some months ago as it was modified to respond to residents’ and business’ concerns which we applaud. We also hear that some who live or work downtown are not satisfied. Some say that the area radiating out from 7th and H Street NW should be DC’s Times Square but we don’t necessarily agree with that notion. DC is not New York and New York is not DC providing an opportunity to craft a space and place that is uniquely our own. We’re glad to hear that the audio component has been removed. And, the design aesthetic is modern. Our reservation at this point is the brightness as we did not see any technical information exhibited (i.e. number of lumens emitted or sight line assessments) that demonstrates the signs will or will not be set to an appropriate level of brightness or disrupt business and residential life. “Trust us,” they say. “Show us, ” we say. If the signs are approved, the proof will need to be in the pudding.
We well remember the drive around the Beltway to Landover, Maryland, where the Capital Centre once stood and have great memories watching Wes Unseld, John Lucas, Mike Gartner, Rod Langway, The Police, and Rush all show off their talents. And, we gladly have traded the 45 minute drive for a three block walk. But, we also need a good neighbor and trust that the Verizon Center will continue to be that good neighbor as they move forward with any changes to their operation that affects neighbors, be it in the present or the future.
Ted Leonsis weighed in. The Washington Examiner weighed in. The Washington Post weighed in. What do you think about the signage at the Verizon Center?
Penn Quarter/DC Link Roundup: Heard In The ‘Hood
Photo: NYU building close to completion in the 1300 block of L St NW
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Here’s what we were reading recently about neighborhood news in DC. Have something to add? Leave it in the comments!
Tips? Send them in confidentiality to: pqliving [at] gmail.com
All Over DC – We do love rooftop bars and our town’s largest daily does a nice review of all the heavenly watering holes around town they like. [WaPo]
Penn Quarter – The Safeway Barbecue Battle takes place this upcoming weekend on Pennsylvania Avenue on June 23 and 24. As usual, there will be two music stages and lots of great BBQ. [Safeway BBQ]
Mount Vernon Triangle – Sweetgreen, the all natural fast casual cafe chain, is coming to CityVista on 5th St NW between K and L St. [The Triangle]
Near The White House – Will the Corcoran stay on 17th St NW or will it relocate? The President of the vaunted Washington institution opens the discussion. [WaPo]
Penn Quarter – If you haven’t eaten at America Eats Tavern on 8th St NW yet, then make your plans. The pop-up (ok…one year of operations may be a long time for a pop-up) is closing on July 4. [Washington CityPaper – Young and Hungry]
Thomas Circle – The sixth annual dog blessing took place at the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle. Woof! [WaPo]