BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
I think out-of-town visitors have a really good time in the U Street/Shaw neighborhood. As you can tell from the lines during inauguration week, they always delight in a taste of Ben’s Chili Bowl. Plus, there are many other new restaurants and bars that have sprung up and down 14th and U streets.
“Prince of Petworth” blogger
princeofpetworth.comPERSONAL STATSAge: 34Number of years in the D.C. region: 12Neighborhood: Petworth
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Well, I’ll restrict myself to the Petworth/Columbia Heights neighborhoods and say the Red Derby bar at 14th and Quincy [streets Northwest]. Delicious cans of Tecate for $3, and they also serve a mean brunch with tater tots.
BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
I walk everywhere in D.C. It’s the best way to see all the details that make our neighborhoods so beautiful. If we’re talking public transportation, and I’m in a rush, I’m a devoted Metro subway rider.
FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
There is a local Salvadoran soccer league that plays at Cardozo High School which is unbelievably fun. The soccer is great, and the fans are even better.
MOST D.C. MOMENT
Celebrating Obama’s election night victory with hundreds if not thousands of people on 14th Street is a memory I will keep for many, many years.
BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
I love the 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW). It attracts some of my favorite bands, yet still has an intimate feel. Some of my all-time favorite shows have been there, with particular standouts being Wilco and the Drive-By Truckers.
FAVORITE MUSEUM
I feel a bit ridiculous mentioning this one because there are so many free museums, but I love the Phillips Collection in Dupont. If we’re talking free museums, the National Portrait Gallery has had some fantastic exhibits recently.
MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
Well, that depends how many beers I’ve drank. … But the hammock under the trees in my backyard is pretty tough to beat. Really, any hammock will do, but if you don’t have access to one, the Tidal Basin in springtime is a classic.
BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
Amsterdam Falafel on 18th Street [Northwest] is delicious.
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
I love grabbing a cup of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts (light and sweet) and heading over to Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park (between W Street Northwest and 15th and 16th streets). Sitting at the bottom of the fountain with a book and a coffee is very close to heaven for me. Sadly, I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a lazy Sunday.
BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?
Hands down Ben’s Chili Bowl.
BEST OUT-OF-TOWN RETREAT
I kick it old school and take my “out of town” retreats to Cleveland Park just like they did in the 1800s.
BEST INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT
Great Falls refreshes me every time.
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH
Wow, there are so many and this is definitely the best time of year for it. I like sitting outside of Solly’s bar on 11th and U streets [Northwest], but really any spot with outdoor seating on 14th Street is also great, like Cafe Saint-Ex at 14th and T.
PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
My proudest part of living in the capital has nothing to do with politics. What I am most proud of are the great homes and buildings as well as the interesting people I meet on my walks.
EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
We have way too much crime in D.C. Whenever I hear of a mugging or a shooting, I am deeply embarrassed. Wow, way to end on a positive note! Fortunately I don’t hear about these incidents too often. …
