RSS FeedChuck Brown’s Downtown Lotto Appearance (video)
The urge to move is undeniable when seeing and hearing Chuck Brown in the latest string of DC Lottery commercials. The godfather of go-go music and a DC original, the man can get the crowd going with his booming voice and the band’s unmistakable bass, horns and rhythm signature. This writer remembers blasting “We Need Some Money” on his cassette Walkman while on the way to school.
We couldn’t find the latest commercial on YouTube but rest assured you will see it if you watch broadcast network television and you will see nothing but the Penn Quarter as a backdrop. The outside of Clyde’s, Proof and even the Downtown BID’s pedestrian friendly Sammys make an appearance. The clip posted below, an older one, gives you a flavor for the promotional campaign (you’ll see the Verizon Center in one shot).
Some say it is better to regulate a vice and generate revenue for DC’s general fund. Some say the lottery is a thoroughly regressive tax usually paid by those who can least afford it. For better or for worse, there’s little doubt that having Chuck Brown suggesting a “Hef lifestyle” (i.e. Playboy’s Hugh Hefner) to prospective lotto winners engenders a good, old fashioned, hometown, “buy me” feeling.
Retail Food Update: Dunkin Donuts & Panera
Ed. Note: The Dunkin Donuts IS open as of Sunday, January 27, 2008.
The Dunkin Donuts on 7th Street being finalized in the former Shimba Hills Coffee space should be open next Monday midday. We are told there will be no tables or seating so it’s grab your donuts and go (don’t forget to pay). That’s right. Mmm….donuts, PQ style. A help wanted banner is up if you want to take advantage of the employee discount.
Last October, we reported that Panera Bread would open at the corner of 10th and F Streets. Well, call it a dream deferred as it is at least six months away from opening. Apparently corporate only doles out opening dates that are six or fewer months away and no opening date means it’ll be at least another six months. Can’t wait to buy those fresh whole loaves that Panera sells. Can you say Sesame Semolina Miche? We’ll pass along further word when we know.
A hat tip goes to PQ Living reader Cheryl for the sleuthing.
Asia 9, Sei & Ray Restaurant Opening Updates
We have a few restaurant updates as follows:
- Asia 9, mentioned by PQ Living in late November, is supposed to open in the January/February timeframe on the ground floor of The Artisan condo at 915 E Street, NW. (Thai, Vietnamese & Japanese)
- Sei, mentioned by PQ Living in mid November, looks to open in the February/March timeframe at 444 7th Street, NW. (Japanese & sushi)
- Ray, mentioned by PQ Living in mid November, looks to open in the late spring of 2008 at 901 I Street, NW. (seafood & sushi)
Apparently, everyone in the Penn Quarter eats sushi…this writer included. Maybe Asia 9 will be the first in the PQ to offer karaoke?
Coming Soon: What’s Opening in 2008 [Zagat]
Erin’s Meal Plan for 2008 [WaPo]
A hat tip goes out to PQ Living reader Nicola for pointing us to the Zagat article.
Hannah Montana Concert Raises Questions About Verizon Center Policy and Parental Responsibility
On Monday night, I was riding the train home from work when I noticed a group of little girls near the rear of the car. The five girls were dressed from head-to-toe in Hannah Montana regalia, and sobbing their eyes out. Seeing no adult in sight, I approached the girls and asked if I could help.
The eldest girl (who was 13) explained that they were on their way to the Hannah Montana concert at the Verizon Center and that they were lost. I offered to help them find their way, but demanded to know where their parents were. Apparently, tickets to the concert being scarce, their parents had bought them one way tickets on Metro and sent them to the concert unescorted.
I was shocked. What parent would send their sub-13-year-old daughters into Metro DC unsupervised? Surely, this had to be an aberration. But as I exited the Chinatown Metro to walk the girls toward Will Call, I saw several more groups of young girls trying to navigate the large crowd alone.
This got me wondering: What is the Verizon Center’s policy on unaccompanied minors? Continue Reading >>