Category Archives: Uncategorized

ANC6B & 6C at odds with Restoration Society over Folger addition

By Larry Janezich

The DC Preservation League – over the objections of the Folger Library itself – is seeking Historic Landmark designation for the 1983 Hartman Cox addition to the south side of the Library which has  been lauded in peer review.  The Library opposes the designation, claiming it will tie their hands regarding any future expansion as demand on the Library’s resources grows.   The original Folger Library, built in 1932, was designed by renowned architect Paul Cret and most of exterior and interior of the current structure is already Landmarked.

The League maintains treating the addition as a separate element minimizes the “magnificence of [the building’s] full conception,” and that it merits Landmark designation as being highly significant to the development of cultural institutions in DC, and further achieves significance under the criteria of Architecture and Urbanism, Artistry, and Work of a Master.

In a letter to the Historic Preservation Board – where the issue will be decided on July 25 – the Capitol Hill Restoration Society says, “The Hartman Cox addition masterfully carries on Paul Cret’s union of style and function and makes reference to his design without imitating it.   We agree the Hartman Cox addition meets National Register Criterion….We are sympathetic to Folger Library concerns.  If Hartman Cox addition is landmarked Folger will lose a chance to add to their building on approximately 20’ wide strip of land to the South….[But] The nomination makes a strong argument for preserving Hartman Cox addition, the argument we find convincing.”

ANC6B and ANC6C didn’t see it that way.  Both ANCs met this past week and considered the League’s request for support for Landmark designation and heard from both the League and from the Folger.

Tuesday night, ANC6B found fault with the exterior and interior of the addition on multiple grounds which amounted to a finding that it didn’t merit Landmark status.  Chairman Chander Jayaraman stated what may have been for many their best reason for not supporting the nomination, saying he has greater faith in the Folger’s ability to make decisions about its long term future and that he didn’t trust HPRB to handle it.  The Commission also found that the interior of the addition wouldn’t qualify for Landmark designation even if HPRB finds that the exterior qualifies.  The vote was 7 – 2.

Wednesday night, ANC6C Commissioner Christine Healy said the addition didn’t rise to Landmark status “because it is a subordinate part of the building;” Commissioner Joel Kelty, himself a licensed architect, said “though a great piece of architecture, it does not yet rise to Landmark status.”  In contrast to 6B, however, 6C recommended that if HPRB approves Landmark status for the exterior, 6C supports the interior alteration.  The vote was unanimous, 6 – 0.

It’s not surprising to find lack of agreement between the ANCs and the preservationists.  They are often at odds regarding preservation matters before the HPRB.  Sometimes the ANC prevails in such a contest, though not often.  The dispute reflects the different and opposing approaches of the respective organizations to the future of the city.  The ANCs are elected officials, often focused on what to do about the lack of affordable housing and how to increase density in accordance with currently popular new urbanism models. The work of the preservationists can be seen as an impediment to these goals.  This case is unusual in that we have an already Landmarked institution fighting regulation of its right to expand without having  restrictions imposed on them by preservationists – an argument many residents residing outside the city’s historic districts understand.

The Folger Library is scheduled to close for two years in 2020 for construction of an underground expansion and renovation of the front approach to make the Library more accessible and to provide outdoors green spaces and gardens.  The nomination of the Hartman Cox addition is not directly related to this project.

City tosses membership question back to Eastern Market’s Community Advisory Committee

by Larry Janezich

Last week, Chuck Burger, Membership Committee Chair of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee asked the Office of Attorney General (OAG) for a legal opinion on whether a newly incorporated organization has standing to apply for a seat on the Advisory Committee.  Word came down Tuesday from OAG that it was up to EMCAC to determine whether an applicant is qualified.

Burger, told CHC, “We will be moving ahead and I have requested that they [the new organization] deliver bylaws, incorporation papers and any additional relevant information to our Membership Committee…  We will examine and review and make a recommendation to EMCAC.”

The organization in question is newly incorporated as of January, 2018, and has adopted the name of a now defunct organization which is entitled by city statute to a seat on EMCAC – the Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation (EMPDC).

At issue, Burger says, is whether adopting the name of a defunct organization entitles the new organization to the legal rights which have been accorded to the original organization, and whether the applicant meets the statutory requirements for membership on the Advisory Committee.

The representative of the original incarnation of that body has continued to occupy an EMCAC seat without a sponsoring organization, benefiting from inertia and a change in the statute that eliminated term limits for EMCAC members.

Here’s a link to CHC coverage of a press conference held by organizers of EMPDC in July of last year:  http://bit.ly/2IGgDzY

Ambar on Barracks Row Plans Expansion to 3rd Floor and Retractable Roof

by Larry Janezich

Ambar, the Balkan concept restaurant on Barracks Row for seven years now, has plans to add 63 seats on a third floor which will feature a retractable roof for drinking and dining en plein air.  They also want an entertainment endorsement for their liquor license, though ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Committee is leery about what kind of entertainment and when it will be allowed while the roof is open.

The plan anticipates adding some 56 seats on the third floor.  For now, the ANC Committee supported the renewal of the current license, but since it will be at least September before construction on the expansion gets underway, the Committee wants them to come back then to hammer out the details regarding regulations for the new space.

Ambar’s representative at the Alcohol Beverage Committee meeting last Thursday night said he didn’t think the restaurant would have trouble filling the additional seating.  Asked where the clientele comes from, he said that many are from the neighborhood, but 30% of the customers are tourists.  He attributes this to Ambar’s number one rating on Trip Advisor:

The Week Ahead…CM Charles Allen on  Vision Zero Omnibus Bill Thursday at ANC6A

By Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead….

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser-Permanente, 700 2^nd Street, NE. 

Draft agenda:

Rice Bar, 625 H Street, NE, new restaurant license.

The Red Boat, 500 H Street, NE, new restaurant license.

Tuesday, July 9

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm, and Hill Center. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation

Jessica Sutter, DC State Board of Education, Ward 6

Alcohol beverage license renewals:

Le Pain Quotidien, 666 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – restaurant license.

Bombay Street Food 2, 524 8th Street, SE – restaurant license.

Ambar, 523 8th Street, SE – restaurant license

Ambar, 523 8th Street, SE – substantial Change Application to expand to 3rd floor, adding 56 additional seats and increasing total occupancy from 140 to 196.

Discussion:  Public Space Permit application for temporary playground in the park bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, D Street, 8^th Street, and 9^th Street, SE.

Letter to Mayor’s Special Task Force regarding Road Closure on East Capitol Street, between 6th & 11th Streets for Halloween.

323 5th Street, SE – Zoning adjustment for Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.321 6th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Concept for two story rear addition and basement dig out.

1104 C Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Concept for new areaway and basement entrance, interior renovations.

639 E Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Concept for new 3 story rear addition.

201 East Capitol Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application – Amendment of existing nomination to include 1980s wing and interior. Applicant: DC Preservation League.

201 East Capitol Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application – Concept of Modifications to interior Historic Landmark– Bond Reading Room; Applicant: Folger Shakespeare Library,

530 11th Street, SE. Concept: two-story rear addition.

530 11th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application – Special exceptions (lot occupancy, rear addition (10 feet past adjacent building) to construct a two-story rear addition.

Installation of Parking Restriction to remove two parking meters and create a commercial vehicle unloading zone in the 200 block of 3^rd Street, SE, for DDOT Research & Data Collection.

Letter of support for CHAW Alphabet Animal Project.

Letter to DOH and DOEE Requesting Assessment on the Health Impacts of 5G Small Cells.

Wednesday, July 10

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:  

Presentation:  Florida Avenue project, DDOT representative.

Rice Bar, 625 H Street, NE, new restaurant license.

Le Pain Quotidien, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, restaurant license renewal.

Discussion:  West Virginia Avenue, NE, improvements and proposed closing between K and 8th Streets, NE,

Junction Bistro, Bar, & Bakery, 238 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Public Space Application for sidewalk café.

Discussion:  Florida Ave NE, Interim Safety Improvements.

Discussion:  Vision Zero Omnibus Bill, B23-0288.

Discussion:  Scooter Bill, B23-0359.

Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol, Historic Preservation Application, landmark designation.

Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol, Historic Preservation Application, concept approval, interior modifications.

616 D Street, NE, Historic Preservation Application, three-story rear addition.

501 H Street NE, Zoning Application – modification of consequence to a PUD, office use 2nd floor, four glass windows on south and east of building.

224 C Street, NE, letter to Zoning Administrator, commercial use in residential district.

Logan School, 215 G Street, NE, Historic Preservation Application, concept approval, modernization and addition.

Capitol Crossing Center Block, Zoning Application –  modification of consequence, office, hotel, college or university educational uses in addition to ground floor retail use.

Discussion: NoMa Parks Foundation update.

Discussion:  Historic police/fire call boxes.

Discussion:  Board of Elections, proposed new precinct—Mr. Eckenwiler.

Thursday, July 11

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm at Miner Elementary School, 601 Fifteenth Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Update on Vision Zero Omnibus Bill – Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.

Florida Avenue, NE, Project Update – Emily Dalphy, DDOT.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – 1D Representative and 5D Representative.

Suggested Motion: ANC 6A continue its protest of RedRocks’ (1348 H Street NE) request for a change of hours for alcohol service and live entertainment unless a settlement agreement is submitted that limits the rooftop deck hours to 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 am on weekends and prohibits the use of any entertainment (as defined by ABRA) on the roof deck.

Suggested Motion: ANC 6A continue its protest of 12 Twelve DC/Kyss Kyss’ (1210- 1212 H Street NE) request for a sidewalk cafe endorsement unless a Settlement Agreement is submitted that limits the hours of operation on the sidewalk cafe to 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 am on weekends.

Suggested Motion:   ANC 6A protest the license application of The Pursuit (1025 H Street NE) unless a signed settlement agreement is submitted before the protest deadline.

Suggested Motion:  ANC 6A take no action regarding the request for a change of hours by On the Rocks (1242 H Street NE).

Suggested Motion: ANC 6A protest the license application of Daru (1451 Maryland Avenue NE) unless the ABL Committee recommends no action at its July 2019 meeting.

Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting bike share station expansions or new locations at: Intersection of Maryland Avenue,10th Street and E Street NE (relocation, and subsequent additional station); 11th and C Streets NE ( new station, tentative); Kingsman Field on 1300 block of D Street NE (expansion of existing station); 15th and East Capitol Streets NE (expansion of existing station); and the North side of East Capitol Street NE in front of Eastern High School (new location).

Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of application for access across public space in the alley behind 1519 Constitution Avenue, NE.

Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to DDOT Public Space Committee for the sidewalk café application at 1025 H Street, NE, subject to the following conditions:

The applicant only operates the sidewalk café space during those hours stipulated in the Settlement Agreement;

The applicant will take reasonable efforts to contain noise within the sidewalk café space ….;

The applicant will only use the sidewalk café space for food and drink service, and not for any playing of music, amplified or otherwise, or for any other use, including live performances;

If the applicant installs fencing around the sidewalk café area, it shall be consistent with DDOT specifications and the fencing enclosing other sidewalk cafes within our ANC ….;

The applicant will use easily moveable chairs and tables that shall be moved to the side and locked up when not in use;

The applicant will ensure no trash container of any sort will be stored anywhere on public space ….;

The applicant will regularly maintain the adjacent tree boxes and keep all areas in front of the business and within the sidewalk café area clean, including the adjacent sidewalk and street gutter.

Letter of support to DD0T for the revised plans as presented by Rosedale Development LLC for alley lots 179-186 behind 410-417 17^th Street, NE.

Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the insufficient notice period for public space application at 1537 Gales Street NE) and request that the case remain open until the ANC has a chance to consider it at its September 19, 2019 meeting.

Discussion of potential request for Road Closure on East Capitol Street, between 6th & 11th Streets for Halloween.

Belly Dancers on Barracks Row – Brick Lane Morphs into Marrakech

By Larry Janezich

Brick Lane Restaurant on Barracks Row quietly morphed into Marrakech last week, though they haven’t changed their sign yet – that will come on Tuesday.  The Marrakech, formerly located in DuPont Circle at 2147 P Street, NW, closed this spring with word that it was “relocating.”  It landed on Barracks Row at 517 8^th Street, SE.

The former American comfort food outlet, similar to its popular sister restaurant on 17^th Street, NW, will feature belly dancers from 8:00pm until 9:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and authentic Moroccan fare.

Why Moroccan?  Brick Lane’s co-owner is from Morocco – Brick Lane’s webpage says “It’s a story of the American Dream. A Moroccan entrepreneur meets a Mexican chef, and together, an idea is born: a bistro founded on three principles – kindness, quality, and community.”  That’s the idea behind the opening of Brick Lane.  But a new cuisine substantially different from what other restaurants on Barrack Row offer, seems like a better idea.

Here’s the menu:  Please note that gluten free and vegan can be accommodated for most dishes.

 

 

The Barracks Row Fourth of July Parade – Photos

by Larry Janezich

Marchers and parade watchers defied sweltering heat and humidity to participate in the annual July Fourth Parade.  This year’s parade seemed a little shorter than usual and featured the usual politicians including Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and Mayor Muriel Bowser who pushed a stroller holding her infant daughter, Miranda Elizabeth Bowser.  Councilmember Elissa Silverman was represented by marchers and a banner but marched well behind the contingent.  There was a notably increased MPD presence, and – perhaps for the first time – parade participants included MPD First District Commander Morgan Kane and DC Chief of Police Peter Newsham.  Eastern High School marching band was back – a welcome return – after having missed it last year.

 

The Week Ahead… & ANC6B Asks for Extended Alcohol Sales/Service Hours on July 4th

ANC6B Chair Chander Jayaraman announced last week that the ANC has asked the Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Administration (ABRA) to extend hours to the maximum permitted for restaurants and bars to sell and serve alcohol on July Fourth in ANC6B.  The request came from Barracks Row restaurateurs to take advantage of the crowds attracted to the Barracks Row July 4^th parade, but would apply to all restaurants and bars in ANC6B.  The annual Barracks Row parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00am on Thursday.  ABRA is expected to sign off on the request if it hasn’t already done so.

The Week Ahead….

Monday, July 1

ANC6B’s Transportation Committee will meet on MONDAY July 1, at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room, Ground Floor, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – entrance is to the left of the Trader Joe’s entrance. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Notice of intent for installation of parking restriction for DDOT Research & Data Collection.

CHAW Alphabet Animal Project.

Tuesday, July 2

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will meet at 7:00pm  at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Letter of support for Watkins Alley community benefits funds move to an escrow account.

K Street, SE, and 12th Street, SE; and I Street, SE, and 13th Street, SE.  Public Space Permit application.  Paving:  Leadwalk Repair/Replace Existing, Fixtures (trash receptacles, ADA Curb Ramp, Fence, Bike Rack, & Table).

700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Public Space Permit application:  Fixture: Playground at park between 8^th and 9^th Streets, SE, and Pennsylvania Avenue and D Street, SE.

Letter to Mayor’s Special Task Force regarding road closure on East Capitol Street, between 6th & 11th Streets for Halloween.

323 5th Street, SE.  Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application: Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

321 6th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application:   Additional information to come.

1104 C Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application:  Concept – New areaway and basement entrance, interior renovations.

201 East Capitol Street, SE (Folger Library).  Historic Preservation Application: Concept: Modifications to interior Historic Landmark– Bond Reading Room.

201 East Capitol Street, SE (Folger Library). Historic Preservation Application : Amendment of existing nomination to include 1980s wing and interior.

Zoning Text Amendment to modify rules regarding development and use of alley lots in all single member districts.

530 11th Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application:  Concept: two-story rear addition.

*530 11th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application *(to be heard only at the July 9, full ANC6B meeting).  Special exceptions to construct a two-story rear addition.

ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee meets at 7:00pmpm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Items on the draft agenda:

NoMA Parks Foundation – presentation by Stacie West – status update on pending park projects and underpass installations.

Historic Police/Fire Call Boxes – Discussion of next steps to restore/beautify the 27 call boxes within ANC6C boundaries.

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets on TUESDAY, July 2, at 6:30pm at Northeast Library, 7^th and D Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:  

201 East Capitol Street, SE (Folger Library).  Historic Preservation Application: Concept: Modifications to interior Historic Landmark– Bond Reading Room.

201 East Capitol Street, SE (Folger Library). Historic Preservation Application – Amendment of existing nomination to include 1980s wing and interior.

616 D Street, NE.  Historic Preservation Application:  Concept for a three-story rear addition.

501 H Street, NE.  Zoning Application for, for modification of consequence for an approved planned unit development. The proposed modification would permit office use on the second floor of the mixed-use building and authorize installation of four glass windows on the south and east facades of the building.

224 C Street, NE.  Consideration of letter to Zoning Administrator concerning impermissible commercial use in residentially zoned property.

215 G Street, NE Logan School.  Historic Preservation Application of DC Public Schools for concept approval for modernization and addition.

Capitol Crossing Center Block.  Zoning Application for a modification of consequence, to an approved planned unit development. This modification request involves the portion of the Center Block that was approved to be developed with a commercial building containing office use with ground floor retail. The Applicant requests a modification to permit office, hotel, and/or college or university educational uses in addition to the already approved ground floor retail use.

Wednesday, July 3

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will meet at 7:00pm, on WEDNESDAY July 3, at 7:00pm in the Frager’s Conference Room, 3rd Floor, the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Le Pain Quotidien, 666 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Alcohol beverage license renewal.

Ambar; 523 8th Street, SE; Substantial Change Application to expand to 3rd floor, adding 56 additional seating and increasing total occupancy from 140 to 196.

Hine Restaurants, 300 7th Street, SE; New restaurant alcohol beverage license with a seating capacity of 230 and Total Occupancy Load of 400. Summer Garden with 150 seats. Hours Of Operation For Inside Premises And Outside In Summer Garden: Sunday through Thursday 7am – 12am, Friday and Saturday 7am – 2am; Hours Of Alcoholic Beverage Sales, Service, And Consumption For Inside Premises And Outside In Summer Garden: Sunday through Thursday 8am – 12am, Friday and Saturday 8am – 2am.  This case has been delayed until September.

Bombay Street Food 2, 524 8th Street, SE.  Alcohol beverage license renewal.

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 2nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

West Virginia Avenue, NE.  DDOT improvements to the space created by closing West Virginia Avenue, NE, between K and 8th Streets, to traffic. They will present a concept that includes a surface mural and will solicit feedback.

Junction Bistro, Bar & Bakery – 238 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Public Space Application for an unenclosed sidewalk café. The restaurant, with a bar and coffee counter, will be located on the first floor along the side of the building facing 3rd Street NE. The public space permit application submitted is for 12 tables, 24 seats, umbrellas and string lights to be added to the existing raised brick patio.

Florida Avenue, NE.  Interim Safety Improvements to the Florida Avenue, NE, corridor while design of the final plan continues. The committee will review the materials presented. Materials can be found at https://ddot.dc.gov/page/florida-avenue-ne-multimodaltransportation-project.

Thursday, July 4

Independence Day Parade on Barracks Row starts at 10:00am.  See here for more information: https://www.barracksrow.org/4thofjulyparade

Barracks Row Working Group – A Progress Report

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B’s Working Group on Barracks Row – formed to address the challenges facing commercial/retail outlets on Barracks Row and Chaired by Commissioner Brian Ready – met at Hill Center on Tuesday night. The major portion of the meeting was devoted to advancing a marketing plan to promote the Southeast Capitol Hill commercial corridors. Group co-chair Gaynor Jablonski (The Ugly Mug) reported initial support for such a plan from Barracks Row Main Street (BRMS), who indicated financial support might be available to supplement contributions from the business community. Jablonski said that a plan would be circulated to Working Group members later in the week, in anticipation of presentation to the BRMS Board of Directors.

With respect to other issues, Nichole Opkins from CM Charles Allen’s office explained an on-going effort by the Mayor’s office to bring city agencies to bear on solving some of the problems on the 400 block of 8^th Street. Jennifer McCahill from the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture pledged cooperation of her office to help liaison the hospitality community with city agencies. Other ideas which emerged from the brainstorming session included Fridge owner Alex Goldstein’s suggestion to paint additional murals on Barracks Row as an attraction. There was considerable enthusiasm for seeking a special exemption to allow establishments serving alcohol to open early on July 4^th, to accommodate parade goers. A representative from the Marine Barracks was on hand to participate in a discussion about how the business community could encourage attendees at the Marine’s Friday night Barracks parades to visit the hospitality venues after the event. And Chair Brian Ready pointed to the recent success of a Barracks Row alley clean up with volunteers from the business community. He suggested making this a regular occurrence and endorsed the suggestion of another participant to enlist the Marines to help the community during monthly cleanups of Barracks Row. He also reported that DDOT has scheduled early August as a start date for repairing the hazardous sidewalks on both sides of Barracks Row, from M Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, June 25

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm, Hill Center.

Agenda:

To set the agenda for the July 9 meeting of the full ANC.

CHRS Community Forum: Andrew Trueblood, the new director of DC Office of Planning. 7:00pm, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Andrew Trueblood, the new director of DC’s Office of Planning, will discuss the framework that guides economic development, housing, environmental protection, historic preservation, transportation, etc. He holds a Masters in City Planning from MIT and a B.A. from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and is a resident of Ward 6.

The event is free and handicapped-accessible, and the public is encouraged to attend. No reservations needed.

The presentation will begin at 7 pm and will be preceded, at 6:45 pm, by a brief CHRS membership meeting to announce the result of elections for the CHRS Board of Directors.

Wednesday, June 26

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm, Eastern Market, North Hall.

Agenda:

Not available at press time.

RedRocks Owner to Bring New Japanese Pub to Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

The former Phase 1 and Anxo Cidery at 525 8^th Street on Barracks Row will become a new Japanese restaurant run by RedRocks Pizza owner James O’Brian, Washington Business Journal reports. The news will be welcome to other retailers on the street which has suffered a significant decline in foot traffic in recent years.

O’Brian has leased the property and reportedly has plans for a neighborhood Japanese ramen and izakaya (an informal Japanese pub serving variety of small dishes and snacks to accompany alcoholic drinks).  The new restaurant will require an extensive $1 million dollar build out which O’Brian hopes will be complete in time to permit opening in December.

The former iconic lesbian bar was purchased and developed into retail space by Chris Martin of Martin-Diamond Developers.  The firm is partnered with an international investment company specializing in developing retail properties targeting Millennials.  Martin is also developing the Shakespeare Rehearsal space into retail space and in July will start construction of a three story mixed use building in the Shakespeare parking lot across the street (presided over by Barracks Row’s landmark mural on the side of Nooshi.

Barracks Row Bombay Street Food 2 Is Open – Photos

by Larry Janezich

The Grand Opening in Friday, but Bombay Street Food 2, 524 Eighth Street, SE, is open now. The restaurant is sister to the popular Columbia Heights outlet and succeeds Garrison at 524 Eighth Street which closed in January.

The menu will feature two of the most popular Bombay street foods:  vada pav – a spiced potato puff slider and kati rolls –  Indian flatbread folded around a filling (chicken, lamb, or cottage cheese along with egg, tomato, onion and ginger/garlic chutney).

In addition to these and other specialties from its original menu the Capitol Hill location will feature new items, including Spicy Lal Mirch with roasted red pepper, ginger, garlic and cilantro and the Spicy Monsoon Wedding with black peppercorn, red chili and coriander seeds – both can be ordered with lamb, chicken or goat.

The restaurant will offer daily lunch specials, some targeted to Congressional staffers, and others to Marines from the nearby Marine Barracks, including Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala and Goat Curry.

Weekend brunch specials will include Anda Bhurji (scrambled eggs with vegetables) or Anda Keema Bhurji  (minced chicken and scrambled egg), served with hardboiled egg, home fries and choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

The restaurant is the creation of restaurateur Asad Sheikh, a Bombay native.  He opened three Curry Mantras, London Curry House and 1947 in Northern Virginia before selling out and moving on to the Bombay in DC.

The restaurant seats 75 diners – indoors and out.  Hours:  Lunch – 11:30am-2:30pm, Monday through Friday; 11:30am-3:00pm, Saturday and Sunday.  Dinner – 4:30pm-10:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and 4:30pm-10:30pm, Friday and Saturday.