DCUSA Readies for Holiday Shoppers

The holiday shopping season has arrived at DCUSA. Snowflake lights cascade over the escalators; a small stereo plays Christmas music on the lower level (but whatever was playing at 7 am this morning, it was quite depressing); and Port-a-Johns are coming for Black Friday shoppers. Brags Councilman Jim Graham:

I worked with Metro/WMATA to secure the early opening of Metro on Friday at 4 a.m. instead of the usual time of 5 a.m. Other plans include store specific lines for early bird shoppers, access to restrooms before stores open and street entertainers.

 
DCist has more info.

Circulator Bus Stop Coming to the Neighborhood?

The Examiner has a small article about Metro and Councilman Jim Graham’s proposal to eliminate the 98 bus that runs from Woodley Park to U Street. Its replacement would be a Circulator bus—similar to what runs along K Street between Union Station and Georgetown—that would connect Woodley Park and McPherson Square. According to the article, the route would have stops in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and the U Street Corridor. DCist has a few thoughts on it, too.

When I lived in Adams Morgan, I was a fan of the 98 bus because it cost only $.25 however oftentimes it was easier just to walk to U Street because traffic was so bad on 18th Street. While there is no final decision on the Circulator route or start date, below are my ideas for where the bus should provide service.


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The Heights - New Menu for Trying Times

I just got an email alert from the Heights letting me know that their menu, like my wallet, understands this crap economy.

They cut their prices, expanded the options, and are claiming a "recession-proof" happy hour.

You can view their menus on their website.

I checked on my favorite item - the steak salad. It used to be $13.95 at dinner and it's now going for $10.95, though I didn't notice much of a change in the lunchtime price - $10.50. Some things didn't change - like the bloody mary - but they make up for it by opening at 9AM for brunch.

Public Art comes to Columbia Heights this Weekend

The developers of the old Bi-Rite building on 11^th Street and Park Road are bring public art to the neighborhood this Sunday with a community-based art installation.

Who: Tim CON (DC), Dave AREK (MD), Decoy (DC), Billy Mode (MD), VJ (DC), Gaia (MD), Leon Rainbow (NJ), Will Kasso (NJ), Peter Krsko / Albus Cavus (DC) and other local artists.

When: Sunday, November 9, 2008, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The completed installation will remain on exhibit until early 2009.

Where: 3400 11th Street NW, Washington DC (intersection of 11th Street NW and Park Road)

For more information about the artists visit http://www.albuscav.us/index.html.

Also be sure to read the Washington Post's positive profile of BloomBars.

DC Now Part of Google Street View

Google Maps has finally introduced street view for DC. I already found my apartment and car, but the most interesting view is that of 14th and Irving streets. Set your view in the middle of the intersection and it is a fairly recent picture, but start heading east or west on Irving and it flashes back to over a year ago. Check it out for yourself.


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Pete's Apizza Now Serving Breakfast

Great news courtesy of the Prince of Petworth:

Starting Monday [Ed note: today], Pete's Apizza (right outside of the Columbia Heights metro) will open at 7AM for folks to grab a cup of Illy Caffe (espresso drinks and regular coffee), as well as breakfast pastries.

I plan on stopping by before voting tomorrow morning, but did anyone check it out today?