The former Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row
Empire Racquet owner Bryn Bryant at left shows off the new space
And here’s the reverse shot looking toward the 8th Street
Empire Racquet Pickle Ball and Gym Is Coming to Barracks Row
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 4, 2024
What is being billed as a multipurpose family gym is opening in the space formerly occupied by Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row.
Owner Bryn Bryant told CHC that he hopes to open Empire Racquet by February 1. He is currently awaiting a demolition permit to begin construction in the 110 X 35 foot space. In addition to a gym, the space will hold a tennis shop which will sell equipment and string racquets.
Bryant, who is new to the area, comes from NYC where he ran tennis clubs for 15 years.
He says he will program the space to keep it busy all day and into the night:
5:00am to 9:00am – Boot Camp
9:00am to 2:00pm – Pickle Ball and kiddie classes
2:00pm to 6:00pm – Indoor cricket and kiddie classes, including indoor cricket, soccer, tennis, and gym
6:00pm to 8:00pm – Pickle Ball
8:00pm to closing – Indoor Cricket
The website – empireracquet.com – is under construction. Bryant is opening a second Empire Racquet at 15th and L Street, NW.
Here’s a photo of a beautifully restored classic 1955 Chevrolet 2-Door Sedan frequently parked at Eastern Market. Chevy introduced a revolutionary V-8 engine for the model which was the forerunner of engines for future racing cars and hot rods. Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson told CHC that it belongs to an Eastern Market Shopper named Strickland. Margeson mused, “It’s a sort of red and white Christmas card for Eastern Market.”
The U.S. Capitol’s Christmas tree arrived at the Capitol on Friday, November 22. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:00pm on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tree will be lit from dusk until 11 PM each night until January 1, 2025.
The tree is an 80-foot Sitka spruce from the Wrangell District Region in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. The tree – an 80-foot Sitka spruce named “Spruce Wayne” – arrived by tractor-trailer from Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
In the background, the Inaugural Platform for the swearing in ceremony is under construction. The blue markings indicate the ends of the seating platforms upon which the official guests – members of Congress and the Supreme Court, as well and the Presidential parties – will sit.
The Architect of the Capitol has begun construction of the Inaugural Platform to swear in the President. The official swearing in will occur on Sunday, January 20, 2025, as required by the Constitution. The public swearing in will occur at noon on Monday, January 21, 2025. An extra measure of security for this year’s inaugural platform construction period in the form of an eight foot wooden fence surrounding the inaugural platform and all of the media stands which surround it. New AREA CLOSED signage warns “Do Not Enter or Remain” (emphasis mine).
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings!” holiday exhibit is open, now through January 5, 2025, including models of 21 DC landmarks inside and an outdoor model train exhibit which travels around and through giant replicas of plant and pollinators all of which are made from plant parts.
The Garden is open 10am – 5pm daily and tickets are not required. On December 10, 12, 17, 19, and 26, evening hours will be extended until 8pm, with live music and food/drink vendors. Night time lighting during the extended hours brings a special glow to the monument exhibits. Plan your visit at www.USBG.gov/Holiday
Here’s a photo of visitors to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday afternoon.
And an all-plant-parts model of the whimsical statue of Albert Einstein from the memorial bronze by sculptor Robert Berks, depicting Albert Einstein seated with manuscript papers in hand. The monument is on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences on Constitution Avenue, NW.
And here’s a photo of a plant parts orchid bee visiting a vanilla orchid in the train exhibit on the west side of the Botanic Gardens. Here too, nighttime lighting brings enchantment to the display.
The Week Ahead….
Monday, December 2
6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.
Election of Chair Por-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Frank D’Andrea’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
ANC 6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Café 8 – 424 8th Street, SE. Request to amend settlement agreement to allow for greater occupancy, to increase occupancy capacity from 88 to 180.
Election of Chair Pro-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Chander Jayaraman’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
Future of Rosedale Library 6:30pm
Hosted by ANC 7D06 Commissioner Marc Friend, join DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation Theenie Freeman, and Rosedale Library Friends on Dec. 3rd at 6:30pm at the Rosedale Recreation Center to hear about the plans for the new Rosedale Library. This is our first view of the plans and a great opportunity for community feedback.
In person at the Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales St NE) at 6:30pm. To join the virtual meeting, go here: https://bit.ly/3VkgsgZ
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:00pm on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Wednesday, December 4
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
11th Street Safety Discussion with Shirley Chisholm Elementary School
Election of Chair Pro-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Matt Lafortune’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Brent Elementary Holiday Greenery Sale from December 5th- 8th.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will hold its 14th annual Holiday Sale from December 5th- 8th. Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.
Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at http://www.brentholidaysale.org . In addition to trees the outdoor on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.
Thursday, December 5, 2024 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, February 1, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, March 6, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
The Special Waste Collection event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather. Please check twitter.com/dczerowaste or twitter.com/DCDPW for the most up-to-date information.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO PARTICIPATE.
To accommodate everyone in a safe and timely manner, DPW is now requiring registration to participation in the Special Waste Collection Events. District residents can sign up for a 15-minute entry slot when residents can arrive anytime in the 15 minute period and a DPW staff member will be there is assist you. Please note that time selected is the arrival window, not the time of services. Only one ticket is required per vehicle. No entry will be allowed after 2:00 pm. Open to DC residents only. Please bring proof of residency (e.g. driver’s license, utility bill, lease agreement) and Eventbrite registration. No commercial waste will be allowed. Register here: https://dpw.dc.gov/service/household-hazardous-waste-hhw-e-cycling-document-shredding
The Special Waste Collection event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather. If DPW reaches capacity, entrance into the events may be blocked for resident safety. Please check twitter.com/dczerowaste or twitter.com/DCDPW for the most up-to-date information.
The Week Ahead – Restaurant Updates … & Some Photos from Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 24, 2024
The Salty Doughnut looks to be headed for Barracks Row. According to a source, the popular national doughnut chain has purchased the three outlets formerly owned by District Doughnut. Last September, a sign announcing the “temporary closure” of the three District Doughnut shops (Barracks Row, The Wharf, and Union Market) was posted at the shop, along with the promise that “District Doughnut has some exciting news to share in a few weeks.” There have been previous press reports that The Salty Doughnut Restaurant chain was moving into the DMV – the opening of an outlet has been announced in the Fairfax County’s Mosaic District off Route 29 outside the beltway. Until now, the locations of potential sites in DC have not been made public. For more info on The Salty Doughnut, here’s a link to their website: https://www.saltydonut.com/ And their Instagram link is here: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltydonut/?hl=en
Barracks Row Joey’s has been bought by Teds’s Bulletin owner, Salis Holdings. Back in 2011, a NYC entrepreneur named Steve Salis appeared before ANC6B proposing to open a “high end pizza outlet” on Barracks Row called Ima Pizza. Later, the name changed to &Pizza and Salis cofounded the local chain. Salis sold out his share of the company in 2019 and subsequently acquired Ted’s Bulletin (six locations), Kramers Bookstore (the former Kramer Books and Afterwords), the Fedralist Pig, and Honeymoon Chicken (12 locations). No hints yet on Salis’ plans for Joey’s.
DC Falafel on Pennsylvania Avenue– Down Pennsylvania Avenue at 1123 next to Frager’s, Capitol Hill’s only falafel outlet has been getting favorable reviews from patrons. Here’s a link to the carryout’s menu which features falafel wraps and platters as well as wraps and platters for chicken, lamb & beef sharwarma. Here’s a link to their website and on-line ordering info. https://www.dcfalafel.com/ Inexpensive.
New Greek Restaurant – Word on the street is that a new Greek restaurant is coming to 315 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Spike Mendelsohn’s old Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria. This is a developing story.
Southeast Library Modernization. Here’s a recent photo of the on-going modernization of Southeast Library showing the excavation and bracing of the lower level.
And here’s a Design Phase Rendering illustrating the new lowest level. Next month will see the demolition creating a roof opening for the new skylight.
Coldwell Banker’s Holiday Animated Window display at 350 7th Street, SE, across from Peregrine Espresso, returns to celebrate the season – a nostalgic and transporting delight. The display was designed by Manuel Cortes of Groovy Cards and Gifts – see here: https://groovydc.com/
The Week Ahead….
Monday, November 25
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.
Announcements & Updates – Reminder of Sunday morning cleanups on I Street – People’s Front of H Street Group – How to join the 6A list serve.
Rat Race: Supervisory Code and Rodent inspector Andre Pitman
Community Comments & Concern
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Brent Elementary Holiday Greenery Sale from December 5th- 8th.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will hold its 14th annual Holiday Sale from December 5th- 8th. Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.
Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at http://www.brentholidaysale.org . In addition to trees the outdoor on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.
Photo Essay – The Folger’s New Quill & Crumb Café Opens
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 22, 2024
Quill & Crumb – the new Folger Library Café – opened at 11:00am on Friday. The café, located in the Library’s Great Hall, is all about space and light. Patrons will feel welcome despite being in a somewhat formal atmosphere with dark wood paneling, huge windows and a soaring ceiling. The entrances to the café are through the east and west lower terrace entrances.
The new café will offer lunch, baked goods, snacks, and savories alongside coffee and tea service. A bar offering beer, wine, local cider, and assorted seasonal cocktails will also be a part of the menu.
Chief Financial Officer Ruth Taylor Kidd, who oversaw the project says, “Since we reopened the building in June, people have congregated in the Great Hall to work or meet with friends. We love seeing this, and we know the café will enhance how we welcome people to spend time at the Folger.”
Quill & Crumb will keep the same hours as the rest of the Folger Shakespeare Library. The café will be open on Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, the café will close at 6pm. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday it will stay open until 9pm. On evenings when there are performances in the theatre, the café will stay open through intermission.
Menu highlights include salads, tartines, shareable snacks, wines on draft, seasonal cocktails, and house-made lemonades and iced teas. For more information about Quill & Crumb, including the latest menu, go here: https://www.folger.edu/visit/folger-cafe-quill-crumb/
The west entrance to Quilll & Crumb just off the theater lobby. Photo from circa 12:15pm on Friday.
Photo, walking from east to west through the Great Hall. This is the lounge area catering to socializing over drinks or a light bite before a performance in Folger Theatre.
The middle area with high-top tables for coffee or a quick snack.
Constellation Culinary Group will manage Quill & Crumb.
The company also manages a number of restaurants and eateries at cultural institutions in the U.S., including Merriweather Café at Hillwood Estate and Stir Restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The menu features pastries like Lavender Blackberry Financiers and Pain Au Chocolat.
Approaching the east entrance to the cafe – tables and banquettes for leisurely lunches.
Space and light.
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