Not even Hurricane Sandy could stop the High Heel Race, only postpone it. (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.

Check out photos from 2011 festivities and High Heel Race on 17th Street.

In case you haven’t heard, due to Hurricane Sandy the 17th Street High Heel Race has been postponed to Thursday November 1. Thursday night will be the night that the neighborhood waits for every year… it’s the 26th Annual High Heel Race. The festive and highly competitive event will take start on 17th Street NW between P and R Streets at 9 pm sharp. Pre-race festivities (the parade of costumes leading up to the race — check out last year’s photos) begin around 6 pm.

Last year’s event boasted of more than 60,000 people, and not even a hurricane will stop DC’s die-hard divas and fans from racing and cheering this year. Remember ladies and gentlemen: Your heels must be at least 2 inches high or you will be ineligible to win. Registration will be in front of Cobalt (1639 R Street NW) starting at 6 pm.

The one thing that remains in schedule is the Cool-off  party at Cobalt for the official High Heel Race After Party turned into Pre-High Heel Race Party on Tuesday night. DJs Jason Royce and Madscience will provide the entertainment upstairs and in 30 Degrees. So get ready for the race and partying on Thursday night.

We hope to see you all OUT on Thursday!

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Tuesday, October 30: Get ready for the 2012 High Heel Race on 17th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Check out photos from 2011 festivities and High Heel Race on 17th Street.

Ladies, it’s time to put your heels on! The 26th Annual High Heel Race will take place on Tuesday, October 30 on 17th Street NW, between P and R Streets.

Last year, Borderstan neighbor, Stephen, came in a close second to winner, Craig Williams. But who will clench the title this year? It’s time to find out. Pre-race spectator fun (the parade of costumes leading up to the race - check out last year’s photos) starts as early as 6 pm; the race starts at 9 pm sharp.

The first event, held in 1986, drew a respectable crowd, which has grown steadily over the years. Recent races and pre-race festivities attracted tens of thousands of Washingtonians to 17th Street for the High Heel Race; last year’s event boasted of more than 60,000 people.

The event is sponsored by the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) program and JR’s Bar and Grill, the creator of DC’s traditional High Heel Race.

Here are some race details: As for those heels, they must be at least two-inches high or you will be ineligible to win. Registration will be in front of COBALT, 1639 R Street NW, starting at 6 pm.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

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Click for the photo album of Saturday’s 17th Street Festival 2012. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos

See the photos from Saturday’s 17th Street Festival: You can watch the slide show or look at the set and pick and choose.

The third annual 17th Street Festival was Saturday afternoon and this year’s festival has something for everyone: from local art, to live entertainment, and even activities for kids and pets. The free community event celebrates the 17th Street corridor from Riggs Place to P Street NW.

The weather was perfect and the six-hour event drew a steady stream of neighbors along with visitors from other DC neighborhoods and the suburbs.

“We are so proud of the our amazing staff and volunteers who selflessly planned for months and put on an event that celebrates a great neighborhood, businesses, residents and organizations. We look forward to continuing to grow the support and partnerships with our community to enhance the festival,” said Lee Granados, one of two co-chairs of the festival.

Unpaid Staff and Volunteers

Unlike many other festivals, the event’s co-chairs, Lee Granados and Stephen Rutgers are unpaid (along with all volunteers) and consider this event one of passion for the community. They bring in committed individuals to chair the zones. This year, City Dogs Rescue volunteers, Lee Stevens and Laura Pedro chaired the Pets zone. Tena Howell (Ross PTA) and Phil Liebson (Washington DC JCC) chaired the Kids Zone. Mark Rutstein, general manager of Level One/Cobalt, chaired the entertainment. Wes Mosser of Century 21 and Mandy Mills chaired the Arts Show.

Other chairs were brought in based on their previous experience and/or areas of expertise. Aaron Fischbach chaired the Green Initiative, Chris Patton was liaison and chaired city services and Nycole Klein chaired the volunteers.

Sponsorships, Donations, Proceeds

The 17th Street Festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Additional details are available on the organization’s website. All sponsorship proceeds from the festival cover costs for permits, staging, MPD and other event costs. You can still make a donation toward this year’s festival costs or toward the 2013 festival. You can donate online.

2012 Festival Sponsors

Gold Level Sponsors 

• DC Department of Small and Local Business
• Washington Blade
• Coldwell Banker Residential
• DC Jewish Community Center
• Ross Elementary School

Silver Level Sponsors

• Borderstan.com and Luis Gomez Photos
• Cobalt
• Level One
• Dupont Circle Business Incubator

Bronze Level Sponsors

• City Dogs Rescue
• Comcast
• Dupont Circle Citizens Association
• Councilmember Jack Evans, Ward 2
• Grubbs NW Specialty Pharmacy
• MarriageDC
• Pacers
• Pepco
• Safeway
• Stonewall Kickball
• TD Bank
• VIDA Fitness
• Whitman-Walker Health

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The 2011 17th Street Festival. (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.

The third annual 17th Street Festival is this weekend (Saturday, September 22), from noon until 6 pm. This year’s festival has something for everyone: from local art, to live entertainment, and even activities for kids and pets.

The free community event celebrates the 17th Street corridor from Riggs Place to P Street NW. Here are some more details on what you can expect to see this Saturday.

17th Street Festival Entertainment

Local musicians will take the stage from noon until 6 pm, with DJ Sean Morris scheduled between sets.

• Keyvibe, 1 pm.
• Gay Men’s Chorus, 2 pm.
• Deb Felz Band, 2:30 pm.
• The Morrison Brother’s Band, 3:15 pm.
• Divas of Town, 4:15 pm.
• Joey Salinas, 4:45 pm.
• The North Country, 5 pm.

17th Street Festival Art

• The yearly Art Show covers two street blocks and features the work of over 50 local artists. The collection of exhibited art ranges from pottery to photography and even body paint.
• Can’t wait until Saturday? Catch a sneak preview of the art this Friday, September 21 at Century 21 (17th and Q NW) with six artists, live music, and food from 6 to 9 pm.

17th Street Festival KID ZONE

• The KID ZONE will be located on R Street NW (between 17th and New Hampshire) and on the playground at Ross Elementary School (1730 R Street NW).
• The area will have free entertainment from Mr. Gabe, John Henry England and Imagination Stage, which will host interactive storytelling. Yoga, moon bounces, face painting, spin art, sack races and hula hoop competitions will also be available for the kids.

17th Street Festival PET ZONE

• Located on 17th Street NW (between R and S Streets NW), the PET ZONE will feature dog-friendly games, treats and the annual blessing of the animals.
• Adoptable dogs from City Dogs Rescue will be at the PET ZONE.
• The annual Walk-A-Dog-Athon will take place to support Charlie’s Place, a homeless outreach program at Saint Margaret’s Church that works to feed the homeless and place people in jobs and housing.

The festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Additional details are available on the organization’s website.

Borderstan.com is proud to be among this year’s festival sponsors — check out the list of 2012 sponsors.

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Brian Petro is one local artist exhibiting his work at this year’s 17th Street Festival this Saturday, September 22. (Rachel Nania)

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

One major component of this Saturday’s third annual 17th Street Festival is the festival’s yearly Art Show, which covers two street blocks and features the work of 50-plus local artists. The collection of exhibited art ranges from pottery to photography and even body paint.

There is even a sneak preview this Friday, September 21, at Century 21, 17th and Q NW —with six artists, live music and food from 6 to 9 pm. On Friday, September 21, catch the art work of Nataliya Andreyeva, Shaun Rabah, Dana Rene, Al Pellenberg, Jost Houk and Susanne Kasielke. Andrew Grossman will even be on-hand to provide live music to attendees.

The 17th Street Festival take place on Saturday, September 22 from noon until 6 pm. In addition to art, the festival includes musical performances, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.

The festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Additional details are available on the organization’s website.

Borderstan.com is proud to be among this year’s festival sponsors —check out the list of 2012 sponsors.

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(Courtesy 17th Street Festival)

Organizers of the 17th Street Festival on September 22 are looking for fun, friendly, hard-working people to spend the day volunteering at the third annual festival.

Volunteers are needed in many areas, including: assist vendors & artists, help out in Kids Zone, sell merchandise, keep the festival & surrounding area clean and green, and ensure a safe and secure environment. Organizers say hey “welcome groups and singles of any age and will find a “job” that fits your personality & abilities. T-shirts & food and a great time provided!”

You can sign up online.

The Details

• What: 3rd Annual 17th Street Festival
• When: Saturday, September 22, noon to 6 pm
• Where: The 17th Street corridor from Riggs Place to P Street NW
• Who: Over 10,000-plus participants, spectators and volunteers
• Why: Proceeds benefit the Urban Neighborhood Alliance, 501(c) (3), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. UNA seeks to create a livable and prosperous neighborhood by working to affect positive change in our dynamic downtown environment in which we have chosen to live. All money raised for the festival stays on 17th Street.

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Floriana at 17th and Q Streets NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Kim Vu. He also has his own food blog, DC Wrapped Dates. Follow him at@dcwrappeddates or email him at kim[AT]borderstan.com.

Conservatively, I must have walked by it hundreds of times with the same thought; oh, we should eat there soon. And yet, after eight years in the city, it was only a few weeks ago that we finally walked into the converted house that is Floriana.

The scene is thus new but strangely known: the wide open-air patio; the worn wooden floors; the overarching feeling of crimson throughout the restaurant’s color scheme like the awning above the front door. Where the outside is relaxed (and during Pride Parade weekend, colorful), the inside is more upscale, with cream crown moldings framing vermilion walls, and trim drapes adding to the dim light level.

Tables are stacked close and the inside is quite full, leading to quite an ample noise level. On some level, it feels much like what eating inside someone’s historic townhome dining room and living room would be like. Heck, our table was even next to the fireplace.

Decor Sets the Mood

The decor sets the mood and reflects the restaurant’s cuisine, similarly rustic and familiar yet refined. On this trip, my dinner companion and I indulged in a Restaurant Week extension, which helped us taste a number of the kitchen’s offerings. A bowl of little neck clams and pancetta was a hair salty (with capers on top of the meat), but was still a solid contrast of flavors with heirloom cherry tomatoes and the white wine sauce providing solid balance.

Gnocchi in a braised wild boar ragu are pillowy and submerged in a sharp sauce with pleasing gamey notes. And a scallop and shrimp risotto blends creamy mascarpone with sweet caramelized diver scallops and a immediate hint of white truffle oil; plus the chefs did us a solid by shelling and de-tailing the shrimp. And the tiramisu earns its descriptor, “one of the best in the city.” What’s more, service is warm and helpful: our waiter, recommending a delicious Four Graces pinot noir from Willamette for that Sunday’s half-off all wine special.

So, instead of walking by it one more time, head into Floriana on your next walk up 17th Street, and grab a half-off bottle of wine and some delicious pasta.

Floriana: The Details

• Where Am I Going: 1602 17th Street NW (at Q Street).
• When Am I Going: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 5 pm to 10:30 pm; Friday to Saturday 5 pm to 11:30 pm.
• Paycheck Pain: It will depend on what you have. But a delicious Scallop and Shrimp Risotto goes for $25.
• Say What? Could be a little bit loud inside at peak times.
• What You’ll Be Eating and Drinking: Great Italian fare.

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The body of  Narciso Neria Sanluis was found July 14 in the alley between P and Church  west of 17th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

The DC Police have released the name of the dead man who was found Saturday morning, July 14,  in the alley between P and Church Streets NW, on the west side of 17th Street NW. He was 50-year-old Narciso Neria Sanluis of Northeast DC. Police were unable to provide a cause of death at this point.

However, foul play does not appear to be a cause. Neria Sanluis was found fully clothed and near the side of a building.

Around 6:30 pm on July 14, the DC Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement sent the the following tweet: ”EOMONE‏@EOMONE1 @borderstan We hear man found this morning is considered a natural death. No foul play. Latino male. May or not been homeless.”

An online obituary for Neria Sanluis indicates his body was taken to Mexico for internment.

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“Cairo Dogs” is by lgomezphotos from the Borderstan Flickr pool.

Photos of the Day are pulled from the Borderstan Reader Photos pool on Flickr.

Today’s photo, “Cairo Dogs” was taken by lgomezphotos. The photo was taken in front of Cairo Wine & Liquor at 17th and Corcoran Streets NW.

If you don’t already have a Flickr account, you will need to sign up for one, and then join the Borderstan Reader Photos group. Already a Flickr member? Join the group! You can submit up to five photos per day in the Borderstan reader pool. We are looking for photos from DC’s Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods.

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From Cody Telep. Follow him on Twitter @codywt, email him at cody[AT]borderstan.com.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have provided additional information on the events surrounding the shooting Saturday afternoon, July 14, near the intersection and 17th Street NW and Corcoran Street NW. (See Man Shot in Vicinity 17th and Corcoran NW Saturday Afternoon and Update on 17th and Corcoran Shooting: Second Suspect Sought.)

Police provide details on July 14 robbery and shooting. (Luis Gomez Photos)

The following information came from the Police Service Area 301 meeting Wednesday night (see Wednesday: PSA 301 Public Safety Meeting). Due to some miscommunication on the meeting time and location, meeting attendance was fairly low. Attendees included Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2B Public Safety Liaisons Kishan Putta and Noah Smith. Putta also provided additional information based on a conversation he had about the case with Detective Jeffrey Bruce.

Attempted Robbery of Painters

According to the MPD, two juvenile suspects attempted to rob two men who were painting an apartment above Cairo Wine and Liquor store at 1618 17th Street NW. The robbery appears to be random as police have identified no prior relationship between the suspects and the painters.

Police believe the suspects saw the men carrying money on the street and followed them into the apartment. Police also think it is possible that the suspects thought the apartment contained liquor or other items of value from the liquor store below. Cairo Wine and Liquor was not involved in the robbery.

During the robbery attempt, there was a struggle between the painters and the suspects and one of the painters was shot twice in the leg. His injuries were not life-threatening and he was later taken to the hospital and released. The juveniles then fled the scene, leaving behind both guns.

The injured painter chased after the suspects with one of the guns and fired at least one shot either in the air or at one of the suspects. Police arrived quickly and arrested one of the suspects in a nearby building. The second suspect was able to flee the scene. Police also took a female juvenile into custody, but it does not appear she was charged in the incident.

One Arrest Made, Police Searching for Second Suspect

Because he is a juvenile, no further information is currently available on the arrested suspect, although confidentiality requirements would be waived if he is charged as an adult. The suspect is not a DC resident. He is being cooperative with police and police are hopeful they will be able to locate the second suspect. He is described as a black male 16- to 18-years-old and about 5’9” tall. During the robbery and shooting, he was wearing blue jeans, green underwear, a white T-shirt, and a black kufi cap. He may also have short dreadlocks, although witness reports were conflicting.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or Third District Detective Jeffrey Bruce at 202-673-6918.

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