Members of the ANC that covers parts of U Street, Shaw, Columbia Heights and LeDroit Park threw its support behind a plan for a hotly anticipated development at 965 Florida Ave. NW.
ANC 1B unanimously voted last night to “support the request for flexibility from zoning regulations and the community benefits” for developer MRP Realty’s plan to build a 10-story mixed-use development at 965 Florida Ave. NW, which would include more than 50,000 square feet of space devoted to a Whole Foods grocery store.
The developer is seeking flexibility from D.C. zoning regulations for its ground level open space, loading zone, penthouse, lot occupancy, residential parking and a waiver of inclusionary zoning requirements.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau at an event on Saturday meant to drum up support for a planned mixed-use development near the 9:30 Club.
Developers MRP Realty, Ellis Development and JBG Companies are set to begin construction on the building soon, provided that the D.C. Council gives its approval during a vote tomorrow. If constructed, the building would bring 106 affordable housing units, retail space and a new Whole Foods to a long-debated parcel of land just north of the U Street corridor at 965 Florida Avenue NW.
Dozens of local residents and several ANC 1B and 2F commissioners flocked to the empty lot before noon for free coffee, breakfast sandwiches from Whole Foods and tunes from local band Brass Connection.
Nadeau took the microphone to voice support for the forthcoming development.
“It’s taken a while to get this through the council,” Nadeau said. “You don’t have to write to me and say to vote for it because I’m going to vote for it.”
“This mayor has been fighting for this parcel since she got into office,” Nadeau added. “She took a good deal and she made it better. Because of her, this site is going to have more affordable housing than it did in the original plan.”
Nadeau said that squabbling among councilmembers was to blame for the delay in approval.
“The reason this deal hasn’t moved forward as quickly as we’ve wanted it to is not because of your mayor, it’s not because of your councilmember, it’s because of some other dissent on that council,” Nadeau said.
Mayor Bowser focused on the forthcoming development’s affordable housing units in her speech.
“Because we work very hard, we’re able to make sure that this project will not only include Whole Foods, but it will have 106 units of affordable housing,” Bowser said. “I look forward to not only breaking ground, but also cutting the ribbon on this very exciting project.”
The developers behind a planded building that would house a Whole Foods near the 9:30 Club will preview the forthcoming store with free sandwiches and music from a local brass band this weekend.
MRP Realty, along with Ellis Development and JBG Companies, will host the free event at the proposed future site of a mixed-use development at 965 Florida Avenue NW on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
During the event, which will feature appearances from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Fresh FM’s Tommy McFly, attendees will be able to dine on free breakfast sandwiches from future tenant Whole Foods and listen to live music from local brass band Brass Connection.
Despite the pomp and circumstance slated for Saturday, plans for the new store looked murky as recently as July. An MRP spokesperson said the D.C. Council will vote on whether to approve the plan to build next Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of MRP Realty
From Laetitia Brock. Email her at laetitia[AT]borderstan.com. You can follow her at @FrenchTwistDC and on her own blog, French Twist DC.
The Whole Foods on P Street NW has a “Game of Thrones” beer on tap. (Laetitia Brock)
Okay, I’m probably a week late with this post, but better late than never right?
I was on the hunt for a bottle of the seasonal Cherry Blossom Capital Kombucha. I thought it would be a good topic for this column, and I thought I might be able to find a bottle at Whole Foods Market on P Street.
I didn’t. But I did find something else pretty exciting: “Game of Thrones” beer on tap at the store’s bar. So, drink a Lannister!
Upstate New York brewery Ommegang announced earlier this year that it was teaming up with HBO’s popular fantasy franchise to create a series “Game of Thrones” beers. The first one, a 6.5 percent ABV blonde called Iron Throne Blonde Ale came out just in time for the March 31st season’s premiere of the show.
You can grab a 16-oz pint tonight with some friends and drink while discussing last night’s episode. Or, you can purchase a growler and have friends over next Sunday to watch the latest episode.
The Whole Foods growlers come in two sizes: 32 oz and 64 oz. Each retail (empty) for $4.99 and then it’s an additional $12 for a small fill of “Game of Thrones” beer and $24 for the bigger one.Oh, and if you’re wondering about Capital Kombucha’s Cherry Blossom drink, I did end up finding it at Pleasant Pops.
While I enjoyed trying it out and absolutely love the beautifully label (designed by Torie Partridge of the appropriately named Cherry Blossom Creative, I must say I’m still not sold on kombucha, overall. So I might stick to the “Game of Thrones” beer for now.
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Whole Foods’ 14-Day Challenge. (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.
Sometimes, we all need a little help and guidance when it comes to sticking with New Year’s resolutions. Thankfully, the Whole Foods at 1440 P Street NW is providing just that. The store’s 14-day challenge offers healthy eating and living education and activities from Saturday, January 12 through Saturday, January 26.
For more information, see the schedule below, call 202-332-4300 or contact elizabeth.johnson[AT]wholefoods.com.
Whole Foods 14-Day Challenge Schedule
Healthy Eating and Moving Challenge Orientation, Saturday January 12, 10 am until noon. Whole Foods Market P Street Mezzanine Level. This is your opportunity to learn more about what this challenge is about on your plate, through your movement and for your Spirit. Find out the benefits of the challenge expectations and how you can increase your chances of winning a gift card to Whole Foods Market. Watch an oil- free cooking demo. Taste Samples.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Flow Yoga Center, Monday January 14, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Registration required by January 13. Send an email to makeyoga_notwar[AT]yahoo.com. Vinyasa Yoga follows the flow of breath through sequences of interweaving asanas (postures) that change from class to class. Vinyasa Yoga (also called “Flow” or “Power”) is a popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, your practice with your daily life.
Mindful Eating 101, Tuesday January 15, 6-8 pm, Whole Foods Market P Street Mezzanine Level. Mindful eating is a non-diet approach to managing your eating and health that allows you to eat the foods you love and savor every moment. Here’s your chance to end toxic relationships with food, maintain healthy weight and identify foods sensitivities. The workshop includes interactive exercises and samples.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Flow Yoga Center, Wednesday January 16, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Registration required by January 15. Send an email to makeyoga_notwar[AT]yahoo.com.
Vinyasa Yoga follows the flow of breath through sequences of interweaving asanas (postures) that change from class to class. Vinyasa Yoga (also called “Flow” or “Power”) is a popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, your practice with your daily life.
Not Milk?, Saturday January 19, 10 to 11:30 am, Whole Foods Market P street Mezzanine Level.
Learn about non-dairy options that boost your calcium intake deliciously. Find out how to easily replace common dairy staples (like yogurt and milk on your cereal) in your diet.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Flow Yoga Center, Monday January 21, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Registration required by January 20. Send an email to makeyoga_notwar[AT]yahoo.com.
Vinyasa Yoga follows the flow of breath through sequences of interweaving asanas (postures) that change from class to class. Vinyasa Yoga (also called “Flow” or “Power”) is a popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, your practice with your daily life.
Cleansing Foods, Tuesday January 22, 6 to 8 pm, Whole Foods Market P street Mezzanine Level.
Some foods are known for their ability to detox and revitalize your body and mind and leave you feeling your best. Find out which ones and taste these delicious foods and learn to incorporate them into your regular diet easily and simply.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Flow Yoga Center, Wednesday January 23, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Registration required by January 22. Send an email to makeyoga_notwar[AT]yahoo.com.
Vinyasa Yoga follows the flow of breath through sequences of interweaving asanas (postures) that change from class to class. Vinyasa Yoga (also called “Flow” or “Power”) is a popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, your practice with your daily life.
Goal Setting Lab with Lululemon, Saturday January 26, 4:15-6:15 pm at Flow Yoga Center. This workshop helps you set goals to take what you’ve learned in the last two weeks beyond the challenge end date and into your daily life. This interactive experience is one you’ll also be able to use in other aspects of your life.
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Taste the top 10 wines and cheeses at Whole Foods on November 14. (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.
Things are getting tipsy at the Logan Circle Whole Foods (1440 P Street NW) this Wednesday.
On November 14, Whole Foods will host the experts from the store’s top 10 wine vendors, who will sample wines paired with the store’s best cheese from its specialty department. And if that isn’t enough to entice you, a few more than 10 wines may be poured…
The featured wines of the evening include a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Chardonnay, a Garnacha, a Malbec and Pinot Noir, among others.
The free event takes place from 5:30 until 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Daniel.Thaeler[AT]wholefoods.com.
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From Ashley Lusk. Check out her blog, Metropoetrylis. Find her on Twitter @arlusk or email her at ashley[AT]borderstan.com.
Sarah Gordon and Sheila Fain The women behind Gordy’s. (Courtesy Gordy’s)
It’s really hard not to dig Gordy’s Pickle Jar. After all, it’s owned and operated by two kick-ass Borderstan women, and they make pickles using local sustainable ingredients. Even Esquire agrees.
The small batch artisanal pickling company (read: limited, so go pick up a jar immediately) began in October 2011, and is named after co-owner Sarah Gordon’s dad, with whom she shares a mutual love of pickles. Along with co-owner Sheila Fain, they produce four varieties of pickles in a community kitchen on 9th &V St.
- Signature sweet chips are bread and butter pickles with hints of garlic and ginger;
- Hot Chili Spears includes a spiked brine with chili peppers;
- Thai basil jalapeño pickle are brined in spices that balance the heat, including peppercorn and fennel;
- Sweet pepper relish a savory relish of cucumbers, peppers and onion, pickled together in their signature sweet brine.
“We love pickling because it allows us to preserve the season. We take a vegetable that’s currently in season and enjoy it year round,” said Sheila.
While the 16 oz jars of pickled products may cost a little more at $10 per jar, you’re getting organic cucumbers prepared using a pickling process that helps preserve the natural crunch of the vegetable. And you’re supporting two local women who have self-financed their own business.
“You make incredible personal sacrifices, work around the clock. It’s about growing carefully, even if that means growing a little slowly,” said Fain.
You can pick up Gordy’s Pickle products online and at more than forty retail locations across the country, including Whole Foods, Smucker Farms, Cork and Seasonal Pantry in our neighborhood. If you would like to meet the owners, head over to the Fresh Farm Market in Penn Quarter on Thursdays.
Oh, and their next pickled project? Okra. Just try and beat me to their booth.
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Catering, gifts and all you need to know for that special day. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Ashley Lusk. Check out her blog, Metropoetrylis. Find her on Twitter @arlusk or email her.
I’m getting married. Soon. In Borderstan. Because I love this neighborhood and I wanted to have a hyper-local wedding. And my gift to you, to this entire city, is to show you how almost your whole wedding can happen here. In case you missed it, my first piece was on the venue (see A Borderstan Bride’s Guide to the Big Day: First Step, Venue.)
As the countdown to our DC wedding moves into the territory of mere days, I’ve been thinking a lot about how happy I am to have worked with so many local vendors. Nearly all of our wedding is being sourced locally–from the favors, to the food, to even the bridesmaids gifts!
Catering
We knew instantly that we wanted to support Fresh Start Catering, the social enterprise project of DC Central Kitchen. Not only is the food delicious and locally sourced, but we also felt good about working with an organization that literally provides a fresh start for its culinary graduates.
If we hadn’t decided on Fresh Start, we would have asked Amit and Raj over at Spilled Milk Catering to be part of our big day. Friends, their food is legit; if you’re getting married in the District and want a fabulously bold dining experience, these are your guys. I still dream about their spicy tuna in wonton cones and lamb “lollypops.”
Bakeries and Sweets
Which brings me to dessert. If you’ve been to the 14th and U Street Farmer’s Market you already know Jenna from Whisked. What you may not know is that Jenna makes a mean wedding cake too. We picked three flavors to test with Jenna and although her carrot cake and red velvet were perfectly moist, we ultimately decided on an elegant chocolate ganache.
Our wedding favors symbolized one of my favorite things about DC: breakfast. We scooped coffee from Filter Coffeehouse into mini-paper bags and will pair that with a lovely lemon blueberry scone from our new friends at BakeHouse; guests now have instant breakfast or a really great midnight snack. Although BakeHouse will be opening their storefront at 14th and T later this fall, they’re presently taking catering orders and I’m excited to share that menu with you here.
Favors and Gifts
We used Etsy Weddings extensively–always turning on the local filters first to see if we could locate a vendor in the community. It wasn’t DC, but I ended up finding personalized handmade clutches for my bridesmaids from Emily Barron Gifts in Baltimore.
Flowers and Arrangements
One of the few things we are not getting locally are our flowers, but I had a great opportunity to chat with some of the area florists and am happy to share. I called Flowers on Fourteenth when our initial florist backed out at the last minute. Lisa asked me to send her pictures of the bouquets I had in mind and got back to me within hours with an estimate on cost. By DC standards, it was a great deal.
If you’re on a budget, consider visiting Whole Foods on P Street–you can walk through their floral department, make selections from their loose flowers and work with the team there to make your special day bouquets. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to DIY your bouquets, Trader Joe’s has a great selection of flowers from which to choose.
The one thing I won’t share publicly is the brilliant seamstress I discovered during this journey. If you’re serious about wanting to have your dress altered correctly and are willing to get in a car and drive, email me at [email protected] and I’ll give you the info of this coveted woman.
I’m really proud that our wedding will feature so many local flavors and in the end, it actually meant less work for me. We met with all of our vendors directly, and it allowed me to form relationships with people in my neighborhood that will last long after the last piece of wedding cake is gone.
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“Whole Food Fish” is by Jen Morrissey from the Borderstan flickr pool.
Photos of the Day are pulled from the Borderstan Reader Photos pool on Flickr.
Today’s photo, “Whole Foods Fish” was taken by Jen Morrissey on March 5.
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 D.C.’s Dupont, Logan and U Street neighborhoods.
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Five simple tips for a pleasant grocery store experience: yours and everyone else's, too. (Matty Rhoades)
From Mike Kohn. Got an urban etiquette ‘wrong’ that needs to be righted? Find Mike on Twitter @mike_kohn or drop him a line at [email protected].
The other day I was at 17th Street Safeway, waiting in the self-checkout line. Yes, I’m impatient sometimes — and with four stations, it does move quicker than the other lines, generally speaking. Someone decided they were too good for the medium-sized line and opted to stand directly next to the line. This is the aisle next to the one that all Safeway shoppers have come to understand is the one designated for self check-out, especially with the posted sign indicating it.
When the cashier who oversees self-checkout called her out and asked her to move to the back of the line, she had a slight temper tantrum. The woman complained to the cashier that the line was too long for her to wait, and then angrily muttered under her breath while forced to wait the extra 5 minutes.
I got to practice my eye rolling, so that was fun.
Grocery Shopping Etiquette Guide
So how should one act at the grocery store? It’s simple courtesy and manners, people. Here are five tips.
- Like other stores in our neighborhood, supermarket aisles aren’t massive like they might be in the burbs (and they’re virtually non-existent in the 17th Street Safeway), so stay compact, don’t make sudden turns and avoid stopping without warning. You’ll likely hit someone or have someone run into you.
- Pay attention. Obliviousness to everyone and everything else isn’t really helpful.
- Unless you’re using the self-checkout line, acknowledge whoever’s helping you and break free of the “Curtain of Silence.”
- To the above point, get off your cell phone when you’re checking out. Because lines can get so long and all you’re doing is waiting, I do find them to be awesome times for catching up with people, but it’s kind of rude to keep up the chatter while you’re wrapping up.
- Listen to and follow directions. Yes, I’m looking at you impatient self-checkout girl at Safeway. But this also applies to the express checkout at Whole Foods as well, and whatever else comes up.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street
This Wednesday, December 14 (that’s tomorrow!), your everyday grocery shopping can benefit local farmers’ markets! The Logan Circle (1440 P Street NW) and Glover Park locations of Whole Foods will donate 5% of all sales that day to double food stamp and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs at the Bloomingdale, Mount Pleasant, NoMA and 14 & U Farmers Markets for the 2012 season.
These programs give low-income DC residents access to healthy and local fruits and vegetables. To find out more, head over to the DC Greens website. Grab your reusable bags and head out to Whole Foods tomorrow to help make a difference!
The annual Ross School PTA Christmas Tree sale ends Saturday, December 10. They deliver! (Luis Gomez Photos)
If you’re finally ready to buy your Christmas Tree and wreath, you can get them at Ross School PTA’s annual Holiday Tree Sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 10.
Location is the Ross playground, 1730 R Street NW. Prices start at $45 and 50% of the price is tax deductible.. They are open for business from 9 am to 5 pm.
Due to extremely brisk sale of trees last weekend, the annual tree sale and fundraisers is ending early; Saturday is the last day! A Ross PTA spokesperson said they are completely out of 9-foot trees, but still have smaller trees.
Other sponsors of this year’s tree sale are OLD CITY green, BaseCamp and Borderstan.
Think Local First: Decorate Your Tree Top to Bottom (No Travel Required)
They Deliver: Trees at OLD CITY green
Local garden center OLD CITY green at 9th and N Streets NW is selling trees until they run out, according to owner Frank Asher. They are carrying trees, wreaths, garland, tree stands and mistletoe. They deliver, too.
Whole Foods
The Logan Circle Whole Foods on the 1400 block of P Street also carries Christmas Trees.
By Mike Kohn
From Near Collapse to Luxury Condos
Remember the mansion-turned-apartments at 16th and T NW that nearly collapsed in 2008? Not only did the residents have to evacuate, but the residents of some of the adjoining buildings had to temporarily leave their homes, too. The owners then decided to demolish the building, but after a protest to protect the historic structure, the city stepped in and saved the property. Now there are three luxury condo units in the building, with two still available. Jan Evans of Washington Fine Properties reports that “Unit W is two floors with private circular driveway… and the Penthouse comes with a rooftop garden.” Unit W is listed for $1.499 million while the penthouse price tag is $1.299 million.
16th and T Street NW: The building that was near collapse two-plus years ago is now three luxury condos. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Whole Foods to Bring on the Booze
The Whole Foods at 14th and P Streets NW has long been selling beer and wine. But now they’re about to become the first grocer in the District to serve alcohol to patrons stopping in for a bite to eat. TBD has the full report on how the upscale mart is taking advantage of a little-known amendment that the D.C. council passed back in 2008.
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Want to buy a tree close to home? Better hurry or you may have to drive outside the neighborhood. (Luis Gomez Photos)
It’s the week before Christmas and you still haven’t bought a Christmas Tree, a wreath or greenery to wrap around your porch railing. You’re probably safe when it comes to buying the smaller green stuff. But if you’re looking to buy a tree in the neighborhood, you best do it now.
Local tree sellers report extremely brisk sales this year — much better than last year. The Ross School PTA sale ended last weekend (one week early) because they were not able to get trees for this weekend. One local retailer is already out of trees and will not be getting more.
In the Neighborhood
Here are your close-to-home options in the Borderstan area for trees, wreaths and greenery.
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From Tom Hay
More Wine and Shorter Lines on P Street
The Logan Circle Whole Foods in the 1400 block of P Street NW announced that the renovation and expansion of the 10 year old store which we reported on in June is nearly complete. There will be an unveiling of the new mezzanine level cafe on October 1. Check out the store calendar for details on the kickoff which includes entertainment, refreshments and giveaways.
If you’ve been to the store in the last few weeks you may have noticed the expansion of the wine department and addition of a bunch of express checkout lanes along the P Street window wall. While I welcome shorter lines at the grocery store, the new checkout system feels a bit like a DMV queue. Plus it eliminates the window side seating which was great for people watching.
Overall the system is working and I think the changes will be a big hit, especially with football season underway and the holidays quickly approaching.
Tunnel… But No Love
The Washington City Paper Housing Complex Blog reported that construction is set to begin in late October on a gigantic 1,165-room Marriott Marquis at the Northwest corner of 9th and Massachusetts NW.
The saga of building of a large hotel in close proximity to the DC Convention Center has dragged on for years, and while the legal battles have ended, not everyone is happy. The estimated 42-month-long construction is sure to disrupt residents and business owners.
Plans call for the hotel to have several restaurants, cafes and a tunnel under 9th Street. Not good news for cafes and galleries north of the site who had hoped for increased foot traffic. The hotel will also be within the boundaries of the Arts District which is currently undertaking a branding and marketing effort.
Jogger Gets a Lesson in Safe Sex
Interesting Washington Post opinion piece by a female jogger whose run through the portion of Rock Creek Park known as P Street Beach became her introduction to the notorious hookup spot. After finding the area littered with condoms and condom wrappers, the writer contacted various law enforcement agencies for comment. Seems that patrolling of the area is somewhat lax because of jurisdictional issues between US Park Police and DC Police.
Proposed Metrobus Changes Would Create U Street-Dupont Bus Link
From Greater Greater Washington are some details on proposed changes to the 90-92-93 Metrobus lines that run from the Anancostia Station, along U Street NW, through Adams Morgan ending at the Ellington Bridge on Calvert Street. The recommendations by DDOT and WMATA call for the line to instead continue straight on westbound U Street to Florida Avenue NW, then left on Connecticut, continuing south toward Dupont Circle. The proposed change would create a direct bus link from the U Street Corridor to Dupont Circle.
