Some Thoughts About Giant

Today I offer three thoughts about the Columbia Heights Giant.

Thought 1: Why am I such a sucker for bonus card savings? Bags of shredded cheese are on sale 2 for $5... do I really need 2? No. But they are on sale... One still costs just $2.50... but they are 2 for $5. Of course... I get 2. Anyone want to come over for cheese and crackers? Nachos maybe?

Thought 2: Today I checked out in lane number 10 which is designated as "family-friendly." I guess this means it's not covered in candy as the sign said something about "good choices." It was, however, still full of gum, the same magazines, and had cookies locate precisely at the child eye level. I call BS.

Thought 3: Remember how Giant represented at Columbia Heights Day, sending over members of their team all day long and dishing out their delicious soft cookies? That was awesome.

Sunny Saturday Perfect for Columbia Heights Day

I knew Columbia Heights Day was going to be big this year, I just didn't know it was going to be this big. The new Harriet Tubman Elementary Field was a great addition, as was the separate performance area with bleacher seating. And there were plenty of things to do, especially for families. But what I liked best was that much of the soccer field was open so people could just hang out. Or play with hula-hoops, which was my favorite.

The festival seemed to be a boon to local businesses, as well. As activities were winding down on the field, I stopped by Red Rocks, Room 11, and the Wonderland -- all of which were packed. And I have heard the same about The Heights (before they closed) and Pete's Apizza.

Check out our photos from Columbia Heights Day below. And did you hear a sheep escaped from the petting zoo? Someone caught it on video.



Sheep on the loose!


Also, we and a few others were tweeting from the festivities.



How did the after-dark events go? Let us know in the comments below.

Columbia Heights Day Schedule Revealed

We have talked about it and talked about it. And now Columbia Heights Day is just seven days away. What are you going to do next Saturday? Take some morning yoga. Get your face painted with the DC flag. Take full advantage of all-day happy hours. Check out the schedule below to plot your day.

Columbia Heights Day
Saturday, August 29
Harriet Tubman Elementary School
11th and Kenyon streets, NW

Mainstage
11:00-11:30 am Greg Roth & the Bargains
12:15-12:45 pm Buster Brown
1:30-2:00 pm Clube do Samba
2:45-3:15 pm Imperial China
4:15-4:45 pm Lucky Dub
5:30-6:00 pm Flex Mathews with the Crimestoppers

Second Stage
10:00-10:30 am Free Yoga by Quiet Mind Yoga
10:30-11:00 am Best Pet Show
11:45-12:15 pm Capoeira performance by the International Capoeira Angola Foundation
1:00-1:30 pm Mixed Martial Arts demonstration by the Beta Academy
2:45-3:00 pm Jam Session
3:45-4:00 pm Cupcake Eating Contest by Sticky Finger’s Bakery
4:45-5:00 pm Belly Dancers

Here are the important items--food and drink specials:

• Wonderland Ballroom: Happy Hour all day
• Red Rocks Pizzeria: Happy Hour all day
• CommonWealth Gastropub: $5 Columbia Heights Cocktail & Food Sampling on the field
• Tonic: $4 Yeungling & $0.50 wings (minimum 6)
• Pete’s Apizza: $5 Pint & Slice
• Room 11: Food Sampling on the field & Frozen Drinks on the patio
• Rita’s Water Ice: Buy One Get One Free
• Tivoli North: A sampling of taquerias and papuserias on the field

There's also an after-party event with even more drink specials throughout the neighborhood. Click here for more information.

Room 11 is Ready to Open its Doors

Room 11 held a preview night Thursday evening and The Heights Life checked out the new spot at 11th and Lamont streets. The wine and dessert bar opens to the public on Monday, August 10.

As the photos illustrate, the place is quite small. I don't know if I have ever been in such an intimate bar in DC. The owners -- Dan Searing, Paul Ruppert, Nick Pimentel, and Ben Gilligan -- are extremely enthusiastic about their new business and are glad to be part of the Columbia Heights community.

In the slide show below you can see its choice menu of meats and cheeses, paninis, small bites and desserts, as well as a solid selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. It's great to see Paisley Fig's awesome goat cheese cheesecake on the menu.

I chatted with Ben Gilligan about preparing the menu. He is really proud of the salami selection, all U.S. purveyors, and he noted that Room 11 is on the waiting list for Seattle's famed Salumi. The cheese selection will focus on local farms and will be available not only on the cheese plate but incorporated into the rotating panini choices, as well. In fact, the words "wine and grilled cheese" were actually used when describing the initial spark behind the menu. Keeping in mind the limited space, all menu items are designed to be eaten with a fork at most. No steaks here.

Some people may know bar manager Dan Searing from his days at Temperance Hall or Warehouse Theatre's Punch Club series. In this video he previews what you can expect from Room 11's bar, with a unique, seasonal selection of wines and equally impressive cocktails among its highlights. And I was especially excited to hear that Punch Club will be revived once the place is up and running. Happy hours specials have not been announced yet but they are in the works.

So about that space? That's what Paul Ruppert and Nick Pimentel share in their videos below. Paul notes that they will be adding heat lamps in the cooler months so patrons can enjoy the outdoor patio. And Nick talks about the pine tile flooring and the gothic bathrooms. Five words: vampire bats and venus fly-traps.

Fourth of July Leftovers

An unfortunate traffic jam was not the only thing I encountered at Giant on Saturday .... behold, cupcake creations! Yes, there really are cupcakes under the pounds of frosting and food coloring.

What Are You Waiting For? Thai Tanic / Uptowner Edition

Eventually, they will come. Social, Room 11, Meridian Pint...

And also these two. First, Thai Tanic. The sign still promises Summer 2009, so they've got three months minus three days to make it happen. Clock starts now.

Thai Tanic was the only notable sign up in the Allegro. I've got no insight into their retail space, but most of it still had "lease me" signs in the windows.

I'm also wondering what the deal is with Uptowner Cafe. Any tips? The "Coming Soon" sign has been up for ages, the interior does not appear ready, but now there is a column covered in a menu sign, too.

I am not a CH luncher, so I doubt I'll even notice this place. Email theheightslife@gmail.com if you see any action there.

Chipotle Goes Public

The Countdown to Chipotle Begins

Less than 120 days until you can get your burrito and burrito bowl fix in Columbia Heights! The Prince of Petworth is reporting that Chipotle officially signed its lease with Donatelli Development to open in Kenyon Square. Build out should take about three to four months before we receive some sweet, sweet burrito-y goodness.

Sign Goes up for Chicken and Steak

Before grabbing lunch at Pho 14 Sunday, we noticed the sign for Desi's Chicken & Steak is now up. There is a lot of work going on inside, but it still looks a few months away. There has been only bits of news about the restaurant but luckily the Google came through with some more information. An interview with the owners was in the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights newsletter last year:

 

The Camacuari's have been in business for over 16 years and own three other Peruvian eateries in Maryland and Virginia. Their success is credited to their recipe and motto "to bring back the best of Fine Peruvian Cuisine; creating innovative dishes with incomparable Peruvian flavors." Dishes like their Aguadito de Pollo (chicken soup made in the traditional Peruvian style) and their Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) fits the bill.

 

And reviewers on Yelp are liking the Falls Church location.

Sake Club is DEAD! Does that mean Nori lives?

H/T to the Prince of Petworth for noticing something we certainly didn't on our walk around the neighborhood. Sake Club is apparently NO MORE.

For shame I say! The replacement just maybe could be a bar with pool and ping pong, and that certainly sounds useful for those nights when the Wonderland decides to have a line. However, this leaves us with only one Columbia Heights sushi option.

And here at The Heights Life, we have long predicted the death of Nori. I know, some people don't agree that it sucks. But I'm telling you, mediocre sushi and crap service can't last, and that space deserves better!

Outdoor Brunching in Columbia Heights

Finally, it's warm and should stay that way. So today, in honor of the sunlight and springtime, The Heights Life takes you on a tour of outdoor brunching in the neighborhood.

The Heights, 14th and Kenyon

Patio: The Heights patio is at the center of the Columbia Heights retail community. The good news: the patio is large and comes with umbrellas. The bad news: 14th Street traffic is omnipresent.

Food: Brunch-time offers anything from a burger to a steak salad to poached eggs on potato pancakes to a full dinner entree, and with their recently enacted recession prices you can expect to pay $8 - $15 for your food. Click here for the menu.

Drink: It's all about the Bloody Mary. Sure, the mimosas are good and the summer drinks are fruity, but the "design your own Bloody Mary" menu can't be beat. Try adding some vinegar. All basic combos will cost you $7.95.

Hours: Opens at 9AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Red Rocks, 11th and Park

Patio: The Red Rocks patio has had some ups and downs - including the attempt at a wintertime tent. The good news: the patio is elevated off the street and pretty big. The bad news: bench seating doesn't make for comfy lounging.

Food: Breakfast pizza, omelets shaped like pizza, and then just some regular pizza. The brunch menu at Red Rocks isn't offered online, but you can read a good review of the food here. The eggs could definitely be better, but at $9-$13 for a meal, the prices aren't bad. Click here for the regular menu.

Drink: Cough up a mere $9 and you can have as many mimosas as you want. The bubbly isn't high quality, but you can drink so many that you won't notice.

Hours: Opens at 11AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Commonwealth, Between 14th & 15th on Irving

Patio: The Commonwealth patio is tucked off the wide sidewalk on the south side of Irving Street. The good news: big tables for groups, small tables for two. The bad news: nothing much to look at but empty retail space.

Food: I will confess to never having sampled their brunch, and if they have a separate menu - it's not online. Commonwealth is certainly the priciest option in the neighborhood. Their "Butcher Breakfast" of poached eggs, bacon, black pudding, Surrey ham and pork and beans costs $17. For the menu, click here.

Drink: It doesn't matter what meal you're having at Commonwealth, just get a beer. It's not the cheapest beer in town, but the selection is certainly interesting.

Hours: Opens at 11AM on Saturday and Sunday.

The Wonderland Ballroom, 11th and Kenyon

Patio: The Wonderland beer garden is The Height Life's favorite weekend hangout and they frequently have live music. The good news: One can spend hours there drinking beer and meeting the neighbors. The bad news: It's a total dive.

Food: They don't offer a brunch, their website describes it as lunch. But, if your hangover requires some greasy bar food - then head here. The chili cheese fries are exactly what you'd expect. Check out the menu.

Drink: The beer garden is perfect for judgment free afternoon boozing. Beer, whiskey shots, whatever - it's all OK at the Wonderland.

Hours: Opens at 12PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Other Options: Red Derby has outdoor space and weekend food. Rumberos has a few seats. Sticky Fingers has some tables out front. Starbucks crams in a couple of chairs on the outside. Potbelly's and Pete's put up tables behind the Metro entrance. And coming soon, Room 11 - they have patio chairs!

Tynan's Coming Soon Tease?

Just beyond the Five Guys is a sign that's been teasing us for a while. "Coming Soon / Tynan Coffee &Tea."

We took a peak in the windows this afternoon and can say that the sign tease appears it will last a while longer. From the street view, Tynan remains a work with little progress. Maybe more has been done in the back. The good news is a wad of white paper means something might be afoot... like... origami?

Room 11 Has Patio Chairs!

We're still anxiously awaiting opening day, but according to Room 11's "Coming Soon" blog, it looks like they're making mad progress!

You can check out their blog here. The patio chairs are definitely a good sign. Moreover, they look pretty comfortable as far as outdoor seating goes.

The dessert and wine bar opening at 11th and Lamont will be home to a familiar face from Looking Glass Lounge, Mr. Dan Searing. The desserts will be done by Paisley Fig, the same place that does Cork's to-die-for sweets. And the food will be small plates, cured meats, soups, salad, sandwiches and cheese.

Pho Virgin Becomes Pho Convert

So, until four hours ago, I was a pho virgin. I don't do Northern Virginia, and I'm from a pho-free place in Middle America. Alas, no real opportunities for delicious noodle soup with beef and bean sprouts.

But today, after previous trial and failure, I succeeded in becoming a pho connoisseur (ok... maybe not connoisseur yet, but I'll get there).

The reviews from around my table: thumbs up, five stars, seven spoons... whatever, it was super good. Two of us had the pho, and my friend Ben went for the bun. We also tried both the egg and spring rolls, and I can safely say that a trip to Pho 14 isn't complete without at least one or the other. The sauces that came with everything were delicious, the food came out fast and hot, and I really don't know much about pho, but I know that this was good. I can also say that for $9.50, you could get a large take-out pho and get at least three meals out of it.

I've read reviews saying the service was spotty during the dinner rush, but our waiter (Jack) was fantastic, attentive, and made great recommendations. He informed us that they are working on the table configuration, and he offered up advice to his managers as he negotiated the small space.

He also said that pretty much every night, the rush comes after 6PM and lasts until after 9PM. If you're eager to try it, I'd suggest a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for a late lunch or early dinner.

Pho Fail

Don't worry, the pho didn't fail, the Heights Life just suffered a pho fail.

I jogged by Pho 14 on Sunday afternoon, circa 5PM, and there were plenty of tables. Alas, I can't jog and eat pho at the same time, so I delayed my pho consumption. ArtBart and I decided that we should try it out tonight.

And that's when the pho fail happened. 7:30PM on Monday night and at least a dozen people were crowded and crammed into the Pho 14 entry, every last table full.

Impatience and a new episode of Greek on ABC Family (I swear to god that show is EXCELLENT) forced us home.

I know pho isn't sushi or anything... but I wonder if this place will finally send Nori do it's death?

The Allegro's PR Firm Knows How to use a Thesaurus

I’ll get to the ridiculousness of the “Desire” opening gala in a minute, but check out the phrases used in a press release about the new Allegro apartments on 14th and Newton.

• urban residential sanctuary
• cosmopolitan-inspired residences
• dramatic 297-unit ultra luxury apartment building

The developers think it takes this much superfluous language to sell a new rental apartment building? Apparently it also needs a gala grand opening celebration. A DJ, the “Velvet Allegro Cocktail Competition,” and more, is all yours to experience on April 22. There’s even a cheesy [read: strikingly evocative sensual milk-product] website at http://www.allegrospaces.com/desire/

Hidden in all this is the real news—Thai Tanic one of my favorite Thai restaurants is opening up Thai Tanic II in one of Allegro’s retail spaces.

Get your burrito fix in Columbia Heights

Interesting news from the Prince of Petworth this morning: It looks like a Chipotle is going to occupy the empty retail space next to The Heights in Kenyon Square. (Y'know, the one that was supposed to be Royal Blue for nearly 18 months.) While no lease has even been signed yet, I am sure many will have an opinion on this. Do Columbia Heights developments need more national fast food chains? Are you excited for enough-food-for-two-plus meals burritos and burrito bowls? Personally, I wish a Booeymonger would open up in the neighborhood. There are some days I just want a good chicken salad sandwich.

Is is so hard to serve a $3 Italian ice?

It's almost 9:30 pm on a Sunday night in Columbia Heights. You are searching for something sweet. What do you do?

1. Ritas - Trash cans may be outside but the lights are off and the door is locked. 10 pm closing does not apply to Sundays.

2. Potbellys - Forget about the grabbing an oatmeal chocolate chip cooke or milkshake. Closes at 9 pm.

3. Petes - Success. Gelato may be off the menu for now but hot (somewhat) chocolate, Italian desserts, and fresh-baked cookies are available.

Alert: WE HAVE PHO!

Pho 14 is open for business! 1436 Park Road, NW.

Has anyone tried it yet? Give us a report!

UPDATE: Looks like the restaurant will officially be open for business by the end of the week.

Rita's is OPEN! Plus: Pho Watch

I just had a Rita's Gelati. Why? Because I can. Rita's is OPEN for the season. They unlocked the doors yesterday.

In addition to the Pretzel Blendini's we mentioned, they also have a "light" menu on the door. And, next Friday for the first day of Spring, Rita's will be offering their traditional celebratory free ice.

Also, ReadysetDC.com has us on Pho 14 watch. If anyone sees this place open in the coming days, let us know (theheightslife at gmail dot com). The new restaurant is opening on Park Road on the backside of DCUSA.

While we love the influx of new places, The Heights Life thinks we need more places that stay open late on weekends. Right now the only option for late night food is getting some mac and cheese from CVS and cooking it yourself (note: mac and cheese is delicious, especially at 1AM).