Did FLOTUS hit up 14th Street for a little cycling last night? Possibly.
A PoPville reader spotted several police cars and a black SUV outside of the gym at 1935 14th St. NW around 7:30 p.m. last night, leading some to speculate that Michelle Obama was inside.
When reached by phone this morning, an employee at the SoulCycle wouldn’t say if Obama had stopped in or why the security detail was there. The employee added, however, that the location often has security present for important guests.
Other Twitter users reported seeing the First Lady walking into a SoulCycle last night:
Walking out of soul cycle as Michelle Obama walks in #daymade
— Kelley yessuH (@husseyfest) February 17, 2016
Known for her love of SoulCycle, FLOTUS has also been spotted at the West End SoulCycle, where she reportedly attends private classes.
Photo via Facebook / 14th Street Soul Cycle
The Farm to Street Party was Saturday on the 1300 block of V Street NW. It wrapped up Eat Local First Week, which was sponsored by the local business organization, Think Local First DC. The roasted lambs were prepared by Local 16 and owner Aman Ayoubi is pictured in the middle row at left. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Mike Kohn. Got some news for Mike? Drop him an email or find him on Twitter @mike_kohn.
You Say Goodbye…
A few days ago, ANC2B Commissioner Kevin O’Connor tweeted: “Post Office (14th & T) withdraws ABRA [Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration] application. May be a problem related to ownership of business. #ANC2B.” Back in May ANC2B voted to protest the license application as a step toward securing a voluntary agreeement. So it looks like Post Office will not be adding to the massive restaurant descent on 14th Street NW. Luckily we have plenty of others that will soon be joining us.
Another one bites the dust: Borderstan has been unable to get additional details, but it looked like moving day on Monday for Ruff & Ready at 1908 14th Street NW. Taylor Gourmet is slated to go in the spot this fall following renovations. The street was once home to several resale shops. (Luis Gomez Photos)
By Michelle Lancaster. You can follow her and let her know your news on Twitter @MichLancaster.
New Openings: Blackbyrd Warehouse & Boqueria
Urban Daddy brings word of another oyster option in Borderstan, called Blackbyrd Warehouse at the intersection of 14th Street and U Street. It will boast six kind of oysters, crab legs and more when it opens (planned opening is Friday, July 15).Washington City Paper had the story on Boqueria, a Barcelona inspired tapas bar by way of New York. Boqueria Washington, D.C. will be located on the corner of M Street and 19th Street and has an opening date of “Fall 2011”.
Parking Lots Transform Into Condos
Yes, more condos are coming to the neighborhood. No, it’s not a Michael Bay production. The former Dunbar Apartments parking lot is being developed into 96 units, which I’m not so sure is welcome. DC Metrocentric has details (and Tom Hay reported on it last week as well). Do you agree with the blog that incorporating the nearby church design would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood, or do you like the design as is? Do you just hate more condos?
UPDATE: NBC has video.
Motorcades we get by the handfuls in this neighborhood: the president, the vice president (“Hey, Joe!”) and visiting heads of state. But a presidential visit to a 17th Street restaurant is still news, and tonight President Mrs. Obama ate dinner at Komi. Located at 1509 17th Street NW (just north of P Street), Komi is often mentioned as one of DC’s best eateries.
So, here is a little info on the 1.0-mile trip (says Google Maps) from 1600 Pennsylvania up to Borderstan, courtesy of the White House press pool:
At 6.58 the motorcade departed the White House en route to Komi, where the Obamas are having a date night. People gathered on a few corners near WH on foot and on Segways (sp?) Observed as we turned up 16th Street. As we rolled up 16th-no sirens and stopping for lights-most pedestrians ignored us but on some faces you could see the fact that it was an Obama motorcade registering.
Arrived at restaurant at about 7:08. (more…)
Jan. 20, 2009–The Obamas at the Neighborhood Ball at the D.C. Convention Center. (Photo: Luis Gomez, One Photograph A Day.)
Happy post-Inauguration, Borderstanians. The hordes have left town and today I felt an eerie calm descend on the city. After gonig to the National Mall for the Inaugural ceremony, we had the good fortune to attend the Neighborhood Ball at the D.C. Convention Center last night. It was televised live by ABC and was an “official” ball… the first of 10 balls that President and Mrs. Obama attended.
