Have you seen Booth? (Photo courtesy of owner)

Update, Saturday March 9: Booth was found Saturday morning at Oak Hill Cemetery near 27th and Q Streets NW. Read the details on his blog.

Update: Booth was spotted Friday in Rock Creek Park on the path near 27th and Q Streets NW. Keep an eye out for him the neighborhood!

Have you seen Booth in the neighborhood? He is a Shetland Sheep Dog, or “Sheltie,” who went missing from DC’s Glover Park neighborhood on Tuesday.

While Glover Park is two to three miles northwest of Dupont Circle, Booth has been seen in adjoining neighborhoods — and dogs can travel substantial distances, especially when lost.

Booth, has been lost since Tuesday night when he ran away from his Glover Park home. He is two-years-old and very timid, according to his owner, Kristi. He came from Kentucky, “so he is very new to the area.”

Booth is black with tan and white markings, about 14-inches tall and 17 pounds. He was wearing a bright neon green and green polka dot harness. Booth is not wearing tags nor does he have an implanted microchip.

“If you see Booth, approach very slowly. Do not chase. He will run. The best way to get him to come is by kneeling down and lightly tapping your hand to your leg,” Kristi said.

If you have information about Booth, call 859-608-8002 or send an email to  kristi.martin[AT]gmail.com. There is also a blog and a Facebook page, “Find Booth,” to keep people informed.

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Looking north up 14th Street NW and over Thomas Circle: Enjoy the view from the Donovan House. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Laetitia Brock. Email her at laetitia[AT]borderstan.com. You can follow her at @FrenchTwistDC and on her own blog, French twist DC.

Virginia is for lovers, Maryland is for crabs and DC is, well, not a state. At least not according to the folks at Flip Collective, who failed to include DC on its list of how autocorrect describes each of the states in the nation. DCist, however, is going with “broken.”

Broken or not, the District just recently landed on top of another list – one for unexpectedly romantic cities. So, Virginia may be for lovers, but DC is for romantics!

What makes DC a romantic city? For starters, it’s hard to beat those pink cherry blossoms. Walking around the Mall at dusk when the tourists are gone and the monuments bask in an aura of artificial light is very lovely, too.

And yes, there’s Georgetown. Its cobblestone streets and “up-and-coming restaurant scene which provides plenty of options for dinning for two” get a mention in the article. Our little part of town doesn’t get much love, but I think there’s no shortage of romance right here in Borderstan.

Starting with the restaurant scene; if Georgetown’s restaurant scene is “up-and-coming,” then Borderstan’s is blossoming like the pinkish trees that line the tidal basin every spring.

Favorite Spots in the Neighborhood

But restaurants aren’t the only spots with romance. Here are some of my favorite romantic spots around the neighborhood.

• The Lounge at Tabard Inn, especially in the winter when you can share freshly fried doughnuts during brunch or sip cocktails by the fireplace while listening to live jazz every Sunday.
• Those a little more adventurous than doughnuts and jazz can escape to 1920s Paris over Absinthe at one of 1905’s window booths.
• If you’re more of a nature person, what’s more romantic than a picnic in the park? Grab a sandwich at SunDeVich and relax on the grass at Logan Circle. Or just fake it by getting cozy on the swing at Firefly underneath its signature “tree.”
• Georgetown’s cobblestone streets are lovely, yes, but I find the Spanish steps in Kalorama just as romantic. And the cascading pools of water at the Italian inspired fountain at Malcom X/Meridien Hill Park are romantic enough for one of our own contributors to use them as the backdrop for her wedding.

There’s something to be said, as well, for the choice views of the Washington Monument from the 12-acres park, which sits on a hill overlooking all of downtown. That’s another thing Borderstan residents find charming about this part of town: the view.

While in my humble, Parisian opinion nothing beats the view of Parisian rooftops, the DC skyline is lovely, as well, especially when paired with cocktails at Donovan House.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, where do you go to find romance in Borderstan?

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Want to write about your neighborhood? Borderstan.com is looking for contributors interested in volunteering some of their time (note that this is not a paid position). We are especially looking for general news writers. Are you in and about Borderstan — the Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods?

Interested in Food? Fashion? Shops? Neighborhood Politics? Development? Music? Sports? ANC’s? Learn more about our site in this July article in the Washington Post Local Living section, “D.C. bloggers work to stand out in a crowded pool of news sources.”

In 2009 Washingtonian magazine named Borderstan as one of the best neighborhood blogs in the metro area. In 2011 readers of the Washington Blade voted Borderstan “Best Local Blog.” In 2012, Borderstan made the ballot of Top 5 Local Blogs in the Blade‘s reader poll. In the Washington Post’s Express Night Out’s Best of DC 2012, Borderstan made the ballot of Top 5 Neighborhood blogs, and finished third.

Borderstan.com was nominated two years in a row (2010 and 2011) in The Washington Post‘s D.C. Tweeps contest in the Favorite DC-area blogger category (@borderstan). Borderstan Food Editor Alejandra Owens (@frijolita) was also nominated the last two years as favorite DC-area food blogger.

Interested in being one of our contributors? Shoot me an email at luis[AT]borderstan.com.

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The plans and groundbreaking for the Louis apartment-residential complex at 14th and U NW was one of the most popular stories of 2012. (Luis Gomez Photos)

It’s that time again… a look back before we start 2013.

All week, we have been counting down with the most popular stories of the year in each one of Borderstan’s content categories. Today, however, we present to you, the Top 25 most popular stories (overall) that appeared on Borderstan.com in 2012.

The web is forever, so they say. Posted stories continue to get hits a long time after originally going up on the site. As a result, some of the most-read stories for the year were sometimes published the year before — especially if they were published late the year before.

The Top 25 Most Popular Stories of 2012:

1. Meet Julie Mason, White House Correspondent, Neighbor (Michelle Lancaster)
2. Hank’s Forced to Shut Half of Patio; Owner Seeks Community Support (Borderstan)
3. 6:30 PM Monday Gun Robbery, 1400 Block of P Street NW (Cody Telep)
4. Man Shot in Vicinity 17th and Corcoran NW Saturday Afternoon (Luis Gomez)
5. How to Succeed at Chipotle Without Really Crying (Scott Thompson)
6. Stabbing at Tabaq Bistro Early Saturday Leads to Temporary Closure (Cody Telep)
7. Plans Unveiled for the Louis at 14th/U; Will Remake Famous Corner (Matt Rhoades and Luis Gomez)
8. Food and Development: The Italians are Coming! (Luis Gomez)
9. 10 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Graduated From College (Scott Thompson)
10. Police Tips: Protect Yourself From Robbery, Assault (Borderstan)
11. Batch 13 Liquor Store Coming to 14th Street (Borderstan)
12. Why Do Ginkgo Tree Berries Smell Like Dog Poo? (Borderstan)
13. Weather Closings, Delays Listed at WTOP.com (Borderstan)
14. Bethesda Bagels: We are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Like, Ever. (Melanie Hudson)
15. Where is DC’s Gay Neighborhood in 2012? The Winner is… (Borderstan)
16. Update on 17th and Corcoran Shooting: Second Suspect Sought (Cody Telep)
17. The Story Behind Bakehouse, Coming Soon to 14th and T (Rachel Nania)
18. The Coffee Bar: Borderstan’s Newest Cafe (Jonathan Riethmaier)
19. Beyond Neverland: The Art of (Finally) Growing Up in Washington, DC (Scott Thompson)
20. Fire at Mid City Deli Building, 14th and P NW (Luis Gomez)
21. 10:15 PM Shooting on Saturday, 1400 Block of R Street NW (Borderstan)
22. Meridian Hill Park Getting a Face Lift (Luis Gomez)
23. Update on Early Saturday Morning Shooting, 1100 Block U Street NW (Borderstan)
24. 2 Victims in Early Sunday Morning Stabbing at 14th and U NW (Borderstan)
25. New Citizens’ Organization Seeks Different Path for 14th and U (Borderstan)

We’re counting our blessings today, and you are among them. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Hello Borderstan! We just want to take a minute to wish all of you a very happy holiday. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, we hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful winter day with warm food and loved ones.

This time of year often has us counting our blessings and reflecting on all of the things for which we are grateful. Here at Borderstan, we are grateful for so many things. Here’s a list of things we are especially grateful for this time of year.

We are grateful for our neighborhood’s strong sense of community, and for those who work tirelessly to improve the area.

• Sunday: Shaw Dog Park Cleanup, Volunteers Needed
• The Second Annual Little Goblins Parade
• We Got Pics! The 26th Annual High Heel Race
• Mayor Gray Dines at Hank’s Oyster Bar, Shows Support for Restaurant
• A New Green Initiative for the 14th and U Corridor?

We are grateful for all of the wonderful restaurants that have recently opened, and we are grateful for the ones that will open soon after the New Year.

• A&D: Shaw’s Newest Neighborhood Bar
• Your New Hangout Place: A First Look at Drafting Table
• Pleasant Pops Opens at Florida and California NW
• The Story Behind Bakehouse, Coming Soon to 14th and T
• Food and Development: The Italians are Coming!

We are grateful for our amazing and talented local businesses, which bring unique products and personality to the neighborhood!

• 14 and U Farmers’ Market Joins MidCity Dog Days Celebration
• Gift Ideas: Give a Local Gift This Season
• 14th and U Becomes Go-To Place for Furniture, Home Décor
• 9th & Beats Opens This Week, An Art and Music Venue in Shaw
• Darryl Carter Will Open Design Store and Studio in Shaw

And most of all, we are grateful for all of you!

• Borderstan People: Khelan and Adam, Neighborhood D.J.s
• Borderstan People: Josh Kramer, Cartoonist and Journalist
• Borderstan People: Jay Newton-Small, Time Foreign Affairs Reporter
• Borderstan People: Jessica Zetzman of Border Springs Farms

Have fun doing what you are doing today – we’re sending big hugs your way.

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Want to write about your neighborhood? Borderstan.com is looking for contributors (this is not a paid position). We are especially looking for general news writers. Are you in and about Borderstan — the Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods?

Interested in Food? Fashion? Shops? Neighborhood Politics? Development? Music? Sports? ANC’s? Learn more about our site in this July article in the Washington Post Local Living section, “D.C. bloggers work to stand out in a crowded pool of news sources.”

In 2009 Washingtonian magazine named Borderstan as one of the best neighborhood blogs in the metro area. In 2011 readers of the Washington Blade voted Borderstan “Best Local Blog.” In 2012, Borderstan made the ballot of Top 5 Local Blogs in the Blade‘s reader poll. In the Washington Post’s Express Night Out’s Best of DC 2012, Borderstan made the ballot of Top 5 Neighborhood blogs, and finished third.

Borderstan.com was nominated two years in a row (2010 and 2011) in The Washington Post‘s D.C. Tweeps contest in the Favorite DC-area blogger category (@borderstan). Borderstan Food Editor Alejandra Owens (@frijolita) was also nominated the last two years as favorite DC-area food blogger.

Interested in being one of our contributors? Shoot me an email at luis[AT]borderstan.com.

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

Some of the Borderstan area gyms. (Luis Gomez Photos)

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

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Winter has arrived and the extra pounds can start to add up — so it is time to hit the gym and forget about staying home eating and watching TV. There’s no need to cover your self with sweaters and jackets during all the winter months to hide that extra weight — keep the pounds off!

Luckily, in Borderstan we have excellent options for staying fit during the season. Around the neighborhood you can join a full-service gym or hire a personal trainer at a more specialized facility.

Not so rigorous about machines and training by yourself at the gym? There are other kinds of workouts available in the neighborhood, such as Capoeira or Cross Fit that will keep you fit while having fun.

Neghborhood Gym Options

• Vida U Street, 1612 U Street
• Vida Metropole, 1517 15th Street NW
• Body Smith Training Gym, 1622 14 Street NW(undergoing expansion)
• Jewish Community Center Fitness Center, 1529 16th Street NW
• MPH CrossFit, 1469 Church Street NW
• Body Smith Training Gym, 1622 14 Street NW
• One World Fitness, 1738 14th Street NW
• Mint Health Club, 1724 California Street NW
• FIT Personal Training Gym, 1633 Q Street, NW
• Work It! Studio, 1020 U Street NW
• Capoeira DC, 636 Florida Avenue NW
• YMCA, 1711 Rhode Island Avenue NW
• YMCA, 14th and W Streets NW (scheduled to open early 2013)
• Washington Sports Clubs, with locations at 1211 and 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW

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News from DC’s Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods.

Washington is an overwhelmingly Democratic city, with 75% of voters registered as Democrats. Independents outnumber Republicans 17% to 6% and registered Statehood Green Party members are under 1%. But, in Ward 2 (Dupont-Logan), Republicans are 13% of registered voters and 5% in Ward 1, which includes the U Street corridor.

If DC were a state, it would be the most Democratic in the country — no other state (no, not even Massachusetts) would come in a close second. The only question about tomorrow’s presidential election in DC is, “What percentage of the vote will Obama get?”

In 2008, Obama got 92% of the vote in DC. Democrats John Kerry and Al Gore took home 89% and 85% of the vote, respectively, in 2004 and 2000. Since DC first got the right to vote in presidential elections in 1964, it’s 3 Electoral Votes have gone to the Democratic presidential candidate every time.

So, let’s see how Borderstan readers plan to vote tomorrow for president and how that will compare to Tuesday’s results. Are we more inclined to vote Democratic than the city as a whole, or less so?

BTW, on election night, you can get the DC voting results on the DC Board of Elections and Ethics website.

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

The Metropolitan Police Department announced arrests in three recent robberies in the Borderstan area. On Friday, October 26, 30-year old Tarius Guy was arrested for the robbery of Bill’s Cleaners in the 1300 block of Florida Avenue NW on the morning of September 26 (Police Seek Suspect in Florida Avenue Robbery).

Crime news from Dupont-Logan-U Street.

Guy was charged with armed robbery and is currently being held without bond in the D.C. jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 1. According to North Carolina Department of Public Safety records, Guy had previous robbery-related convictions in the Charlotte area in 2000 and 2003.

Police arrested an adult male for attempted robbery just after midnight Saturday, October 20 in the 2100 block of 9th Street NW. The suspect allegedly put on a mask, showed a gun, and tried to rob two victims in a parking lot.

Police also made a robbery arrest on the evening of Wednesday, October 24. The suspect allegedly took the victim’s bicycle at the intersection of 8th Street NW and R Street NW.

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Always keep on moving as you do a bar crawl. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. Email him at scott@borderstan.com.

One of the major advantages of living in a condensed city like good ol’ Washington, is the proximity from one activity to the next. Unlike many of our home towns where the restaurants and bars are located on two blocks next to each other and your selection is limited, in the Borderstan area we are spoiled to having a great selection of up-scale watering holes to first class dive bars. This type of set up leaves DC ripe for a time honored tradition of both college students and young professionals looking to lose an entire day; bar-crawls.

For those that have done one before, you know that a bar-crawl is no ordinary weekend plan. It takes preparation, execution, and a strong desire to make it to the next bar. I have participated in a few in my day, as well as attending last weekend’s Halloween Bar Craw around Dupont Circle. This one is a bit different as everyone is wearing costumes and tends to be a bit friendlier to people dressed as “50 Shades of Grey” or “Rockford Peaches.”

On November 10th, I will be attending the DC Beerathon and have much higher expectations as the locations are great and the beer deal is a good one. It is right in our hood and, to get you ready, here are some tried and true tips for getting the most out of any city bar-crawl

Prepare Wisely

Usually each crawl has a map and the deals available at each place. I recommend not making an exact travel plan but having a general idea in the direction you think you can do the most damage. The point of the crawl is to explore and walk around so go to areas with high concentrations of participating bars. Also if you want to pre-game, go on the lighter side, as you have a whole day to drink.

Mid-Way Fill Up

At some point you and your crew will get quite hungry and won’t be able to concentrate. For me last week, this hit my party right near Shake Shack and man did it hit the spot. Be warned though that if you fill up too much, it could dampen team morale and call for an early exit. I recommend something like Amsterdam Fries for the just right feeling.

One Hour, Tops

The point of the crawl is to go to as many places as you possibly can in one night. Don’t get stuck in a bar longer than hour. Keep the body moving and avoid learning any bartender’s name.

One last, small tip, always use the bathroom of the place you are in and don’t put it off for the next bar. You never know what could happen between locations. Again, the DC Beerathon is soon so gather your buddies, sign up, and prepare for what should be a very fun Saturday in Borderstan,

As I sit here watching the weather, hope everyone is doing well dealing with Sandy.

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• Some people are better at dealing with storms than others.
• Worried about your valuables? Get this.
• Washington Redskin’s DeAngelo Hall had issues controlling his anger Sunday. Enjoy.
• Congrats to the San Fransico Giants for winning the 2012 World Series by destroying the Detroit Tigers.

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