Design Notes + Photos

We just got back from Casa Oaxaca and, wow, I just have to show you. From the perfection of the guacamole to the churros w/ cinnamon, I am beyond excited to have visited this restaurant in 2009 ;). Thanks for the surprise, Dawn, you look beautiful! Happy New Year everyone!

See the ReadysetDC post from this morning--including the menu!--before visiting tonight's official opening! My who's who in just a bit.

One of reasons why we love U Street corridor. We stopped by the 14th Street Farmers' Market to find a costume contest, for both kids and adults, organized by a collection of DC food bloggers (see the invite: Adventures in Shaw). Among the prizes: Biago Chocolate and Saint Ex gift certificates. Fun!

Around the Blogosphere

• Adventures in Shaw: DC Food Bloggers Spooktacular Bake Sale
• Prince Of Petworth: Halloween Picks!
• ModernDomestic: Don’t Miss the Spooktacular Food Blogger Bake Sale This Saturday!
• Macheesmo: Around the Internet Kitchen: DC Food Blogger Spooktacular Bake Sale
• Borderstan: 14th & Farmers’ Market Halloween Costume Contest
• State Dinner: Food Bloggers Spooktacular Bake Sale!

"Two shots of espresso with chocolate topped with whip cream and an orange peel" - a great way to start Halloween! The Busboys staff made my morning--wearing really unique costumes! Tonight, a costume contest at 8pm -- good prizes, check it out! :).

Today, U Street Cafe launches their Facebook fan page. Become one of their first fans!

I want you to love U Street Cafe as much as I do. Here are three reasons why you should become a fan of this local coffee shop, a recent addition to U Street.

1. You Like Free Wi-Fi Today, You Want Free Coffee Tomorrow!

You didn't hear it from me. Rumor has it that U Street Cafe is considering a coffee loyalty program. By becoming a fan, you will be the first to know about this and other programs the coffee shop plans to offer, such as happy hours and events.

2. You Enjoy Seeing Joel Bergner's New Mural

For the last few weeks, I've been documenting the progress that Joel Bergner has made at U Street Cafe. The mural strikes anyone coming in. It is inviting and warm. See photos of Joel's mural on 14th and U Streets.

3. You Want a Delicious Waffle without Having to Wait

My visit to Creme, just across the street, made me consider why I waited so long (half an hour to be seated) for a waffle that U Street Cafe could have made for me within minutes.

The Most Important Reason: You Want to Participate in the Growth of a New Local Business

This week, bloggers discussed the issue of vacant U Street storefronts. Plus, times are tough. I invite you to support local non-branch businesses like U Street Cafe because they are aware of the market and want to succeed. What sets them apart? They want to succeed with you in mind. They are listening.

You are invited to make this creative space social. Start by become a fan!

U Street Cafe is located at 1301 U Street NW. See their menu here.

iPhone snapshots of the progress made by Joel Bergner at U Street Cafe.

Additional photos: before the mural and early stages.

See the progress of mural artist Joel Bergner here. I can't wait to see the final result!

Sent from my iPhone

I'm at U Street Cafe for the first time. I need the energy! I'm working all day, today and tomorrow, on freelance projects. I don't want clients ringing my neck on Monday ;). Ran into art bloggers Philippa and Becky-- delighted to see Becky back in DC!

Sent from my iPhone

(Photo by Aaron Landry)

My birthday celebration is an experiment, friends, because I'm writing at 12:50 a.m. to invite you to a dinner that I would like to have today, at 6:30 p.m. Embarrassed to send such last minute details! Initially, I was going to push to Saturday for a Marvin happy hour, because my girlfriend is at school this evening. Now, I'm thinking that I don't want to spend my birthday by myself (not that there's anything wrong with that!). If just one of you shows up to have a bite & drink with me I will probably remember you forever... the impact you'll be making on this little guy! :)

Details! My friend Jeff first suggested Matchbox DC, in Chinatown, and I quickly fell in love with the place via pictures. The food looks delicious! Gentlemen and glenteladies, the place is also environmentally responsible ;) --  see their green initiatives.

Your company is cordially requested for
Vincenzo's 25th Birthday Dinner
Matchbox DC Chinatown
Thursday, July 23, 2009
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

713 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(between N 7th St & N 8th St)

Please RSVP by twitter or text message (see profile for phone #).

If I miss you tomorrow, I still want to keep up with you, and want to see you soon.

(Photo by Aaron Landry)

(photo by cstein96)

Dear Chi-Cha Lounge:

Oh, neighborhood gem of mine, what's happened to you?

I am the first one to recommend you to my friends. After all, you are attractive for your hookas, atmosphere, and happy hour prices. I even accept your loudness with the after-work crowd, and that your drinks are, well, just OK at times. But you crushed my heart last night with your new working menu!

Your new tapas-style dishes are simply not as tasty or memorable as my old favorites. Your long-served "platos fuertes" were outstanding. My mom visited from NYC in March and agreed. She happily enjoys your Andes/Latino-inspired flavors, a woman who prides herself on making authentic Ecuadorian dishes. Your favorite, "Mauricio's favorite," was my favorite -- mmm, the pork loin and sweet plantains truly reminding me of home. The Lomo Saltado -- your Peruvian-style beef with onions/tomatoes + rice and fries: phenomenal and filling.

Maybe I'm too old school, but your tapas yesterday were boring. I understand you are following a trend, and that your dishes are a work in progress, but the quality of your food has gone down. What's happened to your ceviche, for instance? I want the old ceviche back. The ceviche sampler I had last night tried to do too much within its small four or so compartments.

As a U Street corridor favorite, I will always come back to you. Your music is appealing to those with ears for the obscure. And yet you also retain a good balance of the lively, popular, and familiar. Your have a unique, beautiful inside space. Your deep reds, patterns, and paintings elicit ideas of warmth-- ranging from the exotic (some of your parties can be crazy), to the romantic (sometimes a little too much PDA), to the peaceful.

Thanks to buddies Pete and Claire for coming to enjoy with me!

Drinks and dinner at Raku in Dupont. Dawn had a Tokyo dashi with egg noodle and shrimp tempura; Laura had some eel thing (eek!); I had the shrimp tempura and salmon avocado rolls. Raku always a good bet.
 
Sent from my iPhone