From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Pearl Dive at 1612 14th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Jeff Black’s oyster hotspot, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, is hosting its first crawfish boil of the season this Saturday, April 6. The restaurant is at 1612 14th Street NW.

On the menu is the following:

• Louisiana crawfish
• Whole-roasted, sustainably raised suckling pig
• Cornbread
• Peel and eat shrimp
• House-made Andouille sausage
• A selection of Southern-inspired sides and desserts from pastry chef Carri-Anne Hamer

And don’t worry, there will be plenty of beer to go with that — straight from Louisiana’s Abita Brewing Company.

Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased online. For more information, visit Pearl Dive’s website.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

The best places in Borderstan to brunch. (HarrisQ from the Borderstan flickr pool)

A few years ago, we polled our contributors to find out where they loved to spend a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning brunching with friends.

Since then, several more restaurants have joined the neighborhood, so we thought it was time to update the Borderstan Brunch List. Of course there are other great places to brunch in the neighborhood — tell us your favorites!

Oldies, but Goodies 

• Cafe Saint-Ex, 1847 14th Street NW. On the menu: Fried Green Tomato and Ham Benedict.
• Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW. On the menu: Filet ‘Oscar’ & Eggs Benedict, Berry Berry Berry Pancakes.
• Bar Pilar, 1833 14th Street NW. On the menu:  Bulls-Eye Toast.
• Commissary, 1443 P Street NW. On the menu: Potato Pancakes w/ Eggs, Smoked Salmon, Sour Cream & Toast.
• Darlington House, 1610 20th Street NW. On the menu: Red Flannel Hash.
• Scion, 2100 P Street NW. On the menu: Bottomless Beermosa. Need we say more?
• Florida Avenue Grill, 1100 Florida Avenue NW. On the menu: World Famous Hot Cakes.

Newish Spots 

• Maddy’s Taproom, 1100 13th Street NW. On the menu: Huevos Rancheros with Refried Beans.
• Drafting Table, 1529 14th Street NW. On the menu: Sexy Egg Sandwich.
• Matchbox, 1901 14th Street NW. On the menu: Bloody Mary Burger.
• The Pig, 1320 14th Street NW. On the menu: Gruyère & Smoked Ham Waffle.
• DGS Delicatessen, 1317 Connecticut Avenue, NW. On the menu: DGS Pastrami Hash.
• Brixton, 901 U Street NW. On the menu: Indian Papaya Curry

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter. 

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Bier Baron will offer more than just beer. (Photo credit: Brian Hussein Stanton)

Bier Baron (1523 22nd Street NW) is well-known throughout the area for its impressive collection of beer. But now the Dupont Circle watering hole is adding another accomplishment to its list: live entertainment.

Bier Baron’s entertainment section seats 240 customers and has a stage that can accommodate a variety of acts, such as live music, theater and burlesque.

However, the new venue especially hopes to “fill a gap in DC metro area by offering a priority for local bands,” and the tavern plans to book a variety of musical acts, including americana, acoustic, latino alternative, jazz, blues and rock.

For a list of already scheduled events, visit the Bier Baron website.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

GBD expected to open Friday at 1323 Connecticut Avenue NW. (Rachel Nania)

On Tuesday night, GBD gave a little preview of things to come. And let me just tell you: Dupont, it was worth the wait. The Luther, alone, people… The Luther, alone.

Opening this Friday at 1323 Connecticut Avenue NW, GBD will offer doughnuts and Mad Cap coffee in the morning, fried chicken for lunch and and additional appetizers, paired with a bar menu, in the evening. (And since GBD is affiliated with Neighborhood Restaurant Group, you know the bar menu will be stellar.)

The place is being run by Chef Kyle Bailey and Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIssac, both from Logan Circle’s Birch & Barley. And the team is bringing in the expertise of DC beer guru Greg Engert.

Don’t miss:

• The chocolate filled brioche doughnut  (with milk chocolate glaze with Cocoa Krispies)
• The coffee cake doughnut (with spice glaze, oatmeal streusel and vanilla icing)
• The Luther (doughnut buns, fried chicken in the middle, bacon)
• Any of the fried chicken selections

GBD is expected to open on Friday, April 5. See you there.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

The Howard Theatre at 620 T Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

It’s that time of year again — time to get it (your Marvin Gaye appreciation) on.

On Wednesday, April 3, the African American Music Association (AAMA) will hold its 29th Annual Marvin Gaye Day Celebration at the Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW). The celebration, which began in 1984, honors the life and legacy of Marvin Gaye.

The event begins at 8 pm (doors open at 6 pm) and lasts until 10:30 pm.

Attendees can expect a hand dance presentation, a music tribute to Marvin Gaye, guest speakers, a presentation of the Outstanding Community Service Award to Beverly Lindsay-Johnson (producer of the Emmy Award winning documentary, “Dance Party: The Teenarama Story”) and music from DJ Dr. Nick of WPFW 89.3.

The event also promises “a special cameo appearance by a surprise celebrity artist.” Tickets to the event are $25 and can be purchased on the Howard Theatre’s website.

Gaye was born and raised in DC, living in several different neighborhoods, and attended Cardozo High School at 13th and Clifton Streets NW while growing up in Deanwood.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Black Whiskey is already black at 1410 14th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Black Whiskey is matching its facade to its name. Construction on the restaurant, coming soon to 1410 14th Street NW, is progressing as the anticipated opening date quickly approaches.

Washingtonian reports the two-story space will be a hybrid whiskey bar/restaurant and mixed-use art gallery from Kushi’s chef and owner, Darren Lee Norris.

According to Washingtonian’s interview, Norris plans to serve strong, small-batch cocktails and traditional Scottish bar food.

In addition to providing a rotating art space, Norris also plans to provide outdoor patio space for the warmer days ahead.

According to the last update, Black Whiskey aimed to open in March. We’re crossing our fingers for an announcement soon!

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

A new soccer field is coming to the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center. (Luis Gomez Photos)

This afternoon, the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center will break ground on its new, state-of-the-art soccer field.

The field is a gift to the community from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy and the English Premier League team Manchester City Football Club’s City Soccer in the Community program.

A ground-breaking event will take place at 3 pm at the Center (2200 Champlain Street NW). The afternoon celebration will include appearances by the UAE Ambassador to the United States, the US Ambassador to the UAE and Gary Hopkins from Manchester City Football Club, among others.

Parents, kids and community members are also welcome and encouraged to attend the event.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Corner of 11th and M Streets NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Plans for a potential mixed-use development for a building on 11th and M Street NW in Logan Circle are advancing.

Elevation Media reports that a vote for the concept of a 78,000-square-foot development at 1011 – 1015 M Street and 1201 – 1207 11th Street NW were supported in a recent ANC 2F meeting. The presentation to the ANC in March was to gain support from the Historical Preservation Review Board.

The developer on the project is Community Three Development LLC; Torti Gallas and Partners is the architect on the potential development.

“11th Street hasn’t seen the same pace of development that 14th, 9th or even 7th Street has seen, and I think the Community Three Development project will serve as a catalyst for greater growth along the 11th Street corridor,” ANC 2F commissioner Walt Cain told Borderstan.

“The Community Development Committee (CDC) and ANC were very impressed with the thoughtfulness of the design and the level of research put into making the architecture harmonious with other buildings in the neighborhood,” said Cain.

According to Elevation Media, the new development will actually be two distinct buildings (one will be six floors and the second will be nine floors) that will have 87 residential units, ground-floor retail space and underground parking.

Cain said that as of Community Three’s last presentation to ANC 2F, there are no firm plans for the retail space.

“The developers indicated to the ANC that they are interested in hearing ideas from local residents as to what kind of retail would make the most sense in the space and for the community,” Cain explained.

Community Three Development also renovated the historic 1316 9th Street NW building in Shaw that will soon be home to Thally, a contemporary American restaurant.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

Your weekend in Borderstan. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, then look no further. We have your list of the food, music and cultural events going on in (and around) Borderstan March 29, 30 and 31.

Friday, March 29

• Punk Rock Karaoke: You know you like karaoke. And you definitely like punk. On Friday night at the Black Cat, you can combine the two, while benefiting DC Books to Prisons. Tickets are $8; doors open at 9 pm.
• The Good Thing at Tropicalia: It’s time to get funky. From 8 to 10 pm, The Good Thing will play, complete with a three piece horn section. Tickets are $10; doors open at 7 pm.
• Cherry Blossom Lantern Walk: In case you didn’t know (insert sarcasm), it’s cherry blossom time in D.C. Why not skip the crowds and experience the blossoms and monuments by moonlight? National Park Service is offering a Lantern Walk on March 29 from 8 to 10 pm. Call 202-426-6841 for more information.

Saturday, March 30

• Blossom Kite Festival: The weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 60s on Saturday, so take a kite and some friends down to the National Mall for the city’s annual kite festival. If you don’t have a kite (or don’t want a kite), it’s a great place to people watch and catch some fresh, spring air. The festival runs from 10 am until 4:30 pm.
• New York City Ballet at the Kennedy Center: Accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the New York City Ballet’s DC performance includes two signature mixed repertory programs.

Sunday, March 31

• Drumming Classes at BloomBars: Learn some skills so you can finally join that drum circle you’ve been watching in the park. Join Kristen Arant and Kweku Owusu for lessons at 1 pm at BloomBars (3222 11th Street NW).
• Gospel Brunch at the Howard Theatre: This week’s soulful brunch features Ayana McDonald. There is an 11 am brunch and a 2 pm brunch this weekend. 

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.

From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

March 30 on the National Mall: Fly a kite. (Luis Gomez Photos)

A few years ago, my good friend invited me to tag along with her and some coworkers for a day of picnicking downtown. I am not one to turn down a baguette, some early spring sunshine and some good company. So I went.

What I expected from the day was some hummus, some cheese, some light day drinking and some small talk. But what I ended up doing completely surprised me. I flew a kite.

Yes, you heard me correctly. I know. I am such a rebel. But I must admit, growing up, I didn’t exactly pack my schedule with kite flying. (Mostly it was packed with singing along to Mary Poppins and her tune on flying kites.) So there I was, full of hummus and flying a kite on the National Mall with hundreds of children. And it was a blast.

The Annual Blossom Kite Festival is upon us. The day-long celebration — which is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival — takes place this Saturday, March 30, on the National Mall. The free event runs from 10 am until 4:30 pm.

So pack a picnic, a kite and some extra string. I’ll see you on the mall, kite fans.

Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.