Why hello there and happy 2018! It’s been a while, right? Despite the freezing temperatures, I’ve been kicking around town. I went to dinner at my friends place. (Amazing view from their condo, right?)

Saw some shows at the 9:30 Club. (this was Mø & Cashmere Cat. Loved Mø. Think I’m way too old to appreciate Cashmere Cat. Lesson learned).

Drank espresso and grabbed snacks for a cheese and charcuterie plate at the newly revamped Cork Restaurant & Market (which is so damn cute it’s unreal and I really, really love this tile).

Checked out Gaslight Tavern, the latest bar/restaurant in the ‘hood. It opened Monday. I read about it a couple of weeks ago and since it was my Mr.’s birthday, it seemed like an opportune time to give it a peek.

links and photos left to right: washington post, urban turf, washington city paper, price of petworth

Exciting news in the ‘hood this week.  Ground has finally been broken on the Whole Foods site.  According to the Urban Turf article about upcoming development in Shaw/U St. Corridor, it’s delivering in 2020.  I’m not looking forward to years of construction noise and dust but YEA!!!!

links and photos clockwise: washington city paper, washington business journal, urban turf, urban turf.

Hazel Restaurant opened at 808 V St, NW in June and it’s been a welcome addition to the slew of new restaurants in the ‘hood. The menu is divided into several categories: vegetables, breads and batter, fish and shellfish, meats and poultry. There’s also a section called Lazy Susan dinners which requires 2 or more people to eat the dishes.  So far, my husband and I have sampled the regular menu but not the Lazy Susan items.  The food is globally inspired which means the menu is a wonderful mish mash of flavors from different places.  The chef, Rob Rubba, is skilled at blending these elements and creates a delightful dining experience.

One of my favorite dishes is the hamachi crudo with crisp rice, black lime, radish and hibiscus. One thing I love about Hazel is the presentation.  It’s thoughtful and creative.  Then there’s the food itself: not only does this look beautiful, it tastes amazing.  I order the crudo every time we eat at Hazel.

This one of my husband’s favorite dishes: steamed little neck clams, brown butter miso broth and steamed potatoes with a side of rice to sop up the broth.  Yum!

On our last visit, Hazel had just added this dish to the menu.  DO NOT MISS this one: it’s duck sausage, roasted squash, shaved pear, mizuna and spicy cashews.  It’s unbelievable and I can’t wait to go back and eat it again.

Not every dish at Hazel is a winner but that’s not going to deter me from returning.  Welcome to the neighborhood Hazel.  We’re glad to have you!

Haikan, the latest ramen joint from the Daikaya folks, has finally opened at 805 V St, NW in Shaw/U St.  It’s been open around two weeks and my husband has already been twice. It’s going to be his local spot and his reviews are favorable. Which means it’s amazing.  He’s a tough critic.  It’s open for lunch (right now) Friday-Sunday from 12-3 and for dinner 5-10:30.

This is the Shoyu ramen with extra noodles and corn.  There’s not 2 pictures because unfortunately, there’s no gluten free ramen at Haikan.  I know I can’t expect every restaurant to offer a gluten free options but I’m bummed.  I love ramen.  The dinner menu has a few offerings I could enjoy but it looks like Haikan is not going to be a regular haunt for me. However, that shouldn’t stop you from checking it out!

photos and links left to right: borderstan, washington city paper, popville, washingtonian

links and photos top to bottom:

cnn, washington business journal, borderstan, washington business journal

The funk parade is bopping down U St. this weekend.  Not only is there a parade, there’s a day fair, DJ parties and bands (see map for all the events).  DCRE is a sponsor this year and I’ll be at the DCRE Performance Area near the Reeves Center (#2 on the map) from 12-2 on Saturday.  Make sure you stop by and say “hello”.

links and photos top to bottom: Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Urban Turf, Washington Post

Happy 2016!  Lots of good stuff happening in the ‘hood lately. Can you believe the plans for the new Whole Foods?!  Holy cow..it’s going to be massive.  I’m also excited about the proposed park.  Our corner of DC definitely needs some green space.

links and photos top to bottom:  Urban Turf, Washington Post, Washington City Paper, POP 

photos and links top to bottom: POP, NY Times, Borderstan