Keeping Tabs: Presidents and Pitches

**For the third time since baseball's return to Washington, a sitting President will throw out the first pitch. Last year, President Obama declined the open invitation and instead threw out the first pitch for the All Star Game wearing the colors of his hometown Chicago White Sox. Former President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch for the Nationals in 2005 at RFK stadium. And I was there on the chilly Sunday night in 2008 when President Bush again threw out the first pitch at the just finished Nationals Park, opening the MLB season. If you are going to Monday's opening day game get there early. Gates open at 10:00am, game starts at 1:05. The game is sold out except for game-day $5 grandstand tickets. They go on sale Monday at the ticket booth beginning at 10:00am.

**Another type of pitch will be made this Thursday at a public forum near Mount Pleasant. All Souls Unitarian Church at 1500 Harvard St NW will host one of several Metro open house forums. They're trying to figure out what we think should be done to close the nearly $200 million budget gap for next fiscal year. Reduce services? Eliminate bus routes? Increase fares? I covered some of the worse case scenarios a few weeks ago. Hopefully, none of those will come to pass. But expect changes though. Uncomfortable ones. The hearing will begin at 7:00pm after a half hour open house. Can't make it? At the very least, complete Metro's online survey.

**Usually don't talk politics on the blog, but it looks like there may be serious contenders for two formerly comfortable incumbents. Yes, they are Mayor Adrian Fenty and our Ward One Council member, Jim Graham. Fenty may face the toughest challenge from Council Chair Vincent Gray who has opposed Fenty on some key issues in both substance and style. And Jim Graham may have to face off against Jeff Smith, recently of the DC School Board. They say "all politics is local." And in DC, that's all we really have! Since we're taxed without proper Congressional representation. All the more reason to look at the candidates and make a choice come this fall. Stay off the sidelines people! Democracy is a contact sport.

Photos: Mount Pleasant Residential Architecture

Cherry Blossom Festival Signals Spring

Only weeks after the worst snowstorm in decades, we have moved on! Forget snow, this weekend is the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. I consider this the unofficial start of tourist season, although the last three weeks I've noticed an up-tick in full double decker buses and open mapped wanderers downtown.

The NCBF begins on March 27 and ends April 11. Tomorrow the festival kicks off with the Family Day and Opening Ceremonies at the National Building Museum on Judiciary Square. The Family Day will feature kid and parent friendly activities and the day will end with the official Festival opening. Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki will speak, as will our Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. Peak bloom of the actual blossoms has been recently revised to March 28-April 9.

There are actually multiple events related to the festival, which can be found here. I won't list them all (since some have already occurred), but the highlights will be the fireworks show on April 3, the festival parade on April 10, and of course DC's first major street festival of the year, Sakura Matsuri, also on Saturday April 10. Get outside and enjoy! If not the crowds.... at least the weather!

Pho 14: Living Up to Expectations

First, I wish this place was actually in Mount Pleasant. Second, I'm glad we can walk; it's just beyond our borders, over in Columbia Heights. Pho 14 is a vegetarian and yes, vegan friendly Vietnamese restaurant at 1426 Park Rd NW. Since opening in the spring of 2009, this has been one of the go-to dinner spots in Columbia Heights. Rare is the night in which this restaurant is empty. More commonly, you endure a wait for a seat. Even during the snowstorms people like myself were willing to wait our turn in the freezing cold, standing on snow mounds since the waiting area inside the restaurant is virtually non-existent.

Pho 14 has gone out of the way to list ingredients, identify which items are vegetarian, which use fish sauce, et cetera. And VegDC gives them the thumbs up, which is pretty much worth gold.

The staple, pho, is available vegetarian and is great! But so far my favorite dish is the vermicelli, or bun. It's make with, of course, vermicelli noodles, and heaps of vegetables including green onions, thin cucumber slices, carrots, lettuce, sprouts and crushed peanuts. it's topped with sliced, fried tofu that is quite flavorful. I choose the sweet chili sauce to top. This bowl will fill you and more, but there's no need to take the leftovers home. You won't have any. The food is that good. If you're really hungry, get the appetizer of vegetarian spring rolls.

Pho 14 is just the kind of establishment I wish would open doors on Mount Pleasant Street. But, I see the advantages of the Park Road location as well. I can and will be making the walk there this summer, no doubt.

10th and G Church Project Back On

The on again-off again development on the site of the old First Congregational United Church of Christ is on again, according to the Post. The lot is at 10th and G NW adjacent to the MLK Jr Library. The church struck a deal with PN Hoffman about three years ago to tear down the existing church structure and build a new condo building which incorporated a new church while clearing millions in profits. But the market forced changes and finally a new developer, Skanksa. They are planning to build an office tower on the site, still incorporating the church on the first floor and second floors, along with retail.

The article indicated that Skanska is shooting for a substantially green building. That news came yesterday along side another note: DC has the second most energy efficient commercial buildings in the U.S. of any city, according to the EPA. Number one? Los Angeles.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The most wonderful time of the year in DC is not winter. It's spring! And it's not all about the cherry blossoms. Although I do appreciate their emergence as well. You could almost feel the shift happening last weekend. Dining alfresco at Don Juan, people seriously talking about baseball, reading books on the grass in Dupont, seeing a full upper level of the double-decker tour buses. I had the chance to visit a new coffee shop (review coming soon) and generally enjoy walking around town for no good reason.

Snow is becoming a distant memory and we'll be seeing street sweepers before snow plows at this rate. Soon, throwing on some cargo shorts and flip flops will look like prudent clothing choices, not laziness and wearing next to nothing on your way to the club will start making a little more sense each day. Cheers to the real most wonderful time of the year, DC in the spring! Make the most of it.

Environmental Film Fest is Underway

The 18th DC Environmental Film Festival is underway in venues all over Washington DC. This year's festival has a particular focus on the relationship between our food and the environment. Since the festival has already begun, here are my picks for the remaining films.

Sweet Crude. This is a documentary. Nigeria's underground oil reserves influence all sorts of sociological conditions including poverty and wealth, political turmoil, environmental considerations and international relations. This will be shown in the space formerly known as Visions! Friday March 19th at 6:30pm. AED Globe Theater. 1927 Florida Ave NW.

Nora!. Owner and originator of DC's own Restaurant Nora is the focus of this food centered flick. Nora Pouillon opened the namesake establishment in the 70s, but in 1999 became the first in the U.S. to be certified organic. She is considered a pioneer of sorts in the local food movement. Pouillon will be present at this screening and will discuss the film afterward. Tuesday March 23rd at 7:00pm. International Student House. 1825 R Street NW.

Megamall. Uses actual archival film footage and other documents to tell the story, of, well, a suburban mega mall in upstate New York. We've all been to one of these places at least once. They seem to be going the way of the dinosaur nowadays; replaced with "lifestyle" centers or outdoor town-center type developments. Thursday March 25th at 6:30pm. National Building Museum. 401 F Street NW.

Auto*Mat. The film tries to answer two simple questions "Do we rule the city, or does the city reign over us? Are we becoming automats?" I'll leave it at that. Thursday March 25th at 7:00pm. The Embassy of the Czech Republic . 3900 Spring of Freedom St NW (off of Tilden near Van Ness).

River of Hope: Welcome to our City, Mr. President. The National Geographic Society had a hand in this documentary. Filmed from the perspective of the youth which it chronicles, River of Hope tells the story of DC residents who work to better the condition of the Anacostia River while participating in last year's Inauguration. The timing presents an opportunity for the youth to recruit the President to get on board fixing this local river in a federal city. Saturday March 27th at 2:30pm. Carnegie Institution. 1530 P Street NW.

Thinking of Summer

A Call for Better Public Art

I enjoyed the recent news that New York Avenue NW would get some rather bold public art on the blocks bordering the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

While we have monuments, memorials and museums, DC can use more colloquial, locally focused public art. And yes, I do consider many of the monuments art. The Washington Monument comes to mind. But, I guess I'm advocating for art on a smaller, neighborhood scale.

I've posted about the public art planned at 18th and Columbia (which was supposed to be installed before winter's end). That's a good start. And there are other examples of public art such as the balloon balls at the Vann Ness Metro station. Eh, looking for something more evocative. Any ideas?

Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love. So, Robert Indiana's LOVE statue at JFK Plaza (aka Love Park) makes perfect sense. It's only been there since 1976, but is associated world-wide with Philadelphia. What are we the city of? Can't say brotherly love. Ideas?

Maybe I'm forgetting other examples of local public art which already exist. If so, let me know. Memory isn't what it used to be.

Old City Cafe

If I had to rank the falafels of Adams Morgan, I think it'd go something like this:

1. Old City

2. Amsterdam

3. Astor

4. Shawarma King

Honestly, Amsterdam might be tied, or number 1. I could flip a coin. But since Old City has better french fries, they get the nod. And there is always a seat available at OC. I mean, there are always like, 50 seats available. There are never enough customers there to fill the large dining area.

I like Old City because the staff is nice, the food is delivered fast and the key falafel-fries combo is really just the best. If I were to throw Maoz and Urfa Tomato Kabob in the mix, Old City would still be near the top. Amsterdam, however, gets all the crowds. Better location, and an interesting theme help. Plus, they were the original make-your-own falafel to hit it big in DC. But on any given night, if I had to choose, Old City wins in my book. Old City is located at 1773 Columbia Rd NW.

Pret a Manger Opening 2nd DC Store

One of New York's most ubiquitous sandwich shops is coming to Metro Center. Pret a Manger is like an ATM in Manhattan; you can find one every couple of blocks. They're everywhere. As of today though, there's only one in DC. The existing location is also near the 42 bus line at 1825 I Street NW. Pret a Manger is a British company with stores in the UK, China and the United States.

The new location is at the corner of 11th and F NW, across the street from H&M. I'd always gone there for coffee, but there are some vegan and vegetarian options so I will definitely pay a lunch visit or two to this place. Nice addition to the downtown lunch and sandwich scene. It is scheduled to open in May of this year.

Frozen Yogurt Trend Will Not Die

Hi. My name is Washington DC, and I have a problem. A frozen yogurt problem.

Really entrepreneurs. Really. That's all we can conjure up, another fro yo place I guess. This one is located at 1006 F Street NW; amazingly only four blocks from TangySweet, another yogurt place. The creators of TCBY must feel like visionaries. They've been doing it for almost 30 years. DC is now at the point that some neighborhoods have multiple frozen yogurt outlets. Surprisingly they have been as durable as the cupcakeries.

The new place is called FroZenYo. Get it, Zen + FroYo. Enlightenment in 16 different flavors and about 100 calories. It was packed at lunch yesterday and is located in a crossroads of sorts near Metro Center. They're near the semi-clothing-retail district, several hotels and the tourist magnets Hard Rock Cafe, Madame Tussaud's and Ford's Theatre. FroZenYo is also located directly next to a souvenir shop. No doubt they'll be just fine. Now, to convince someone to start the 24 hour vegan diner trend. Anyone? Yes, Yes?!

Flap Over Billboards Just a Prelude

Some residents in DC's Penn Quarter/Gallery Place neighborhood are at odds with a plan that would allow more video screen billboards to be erected on and around 7th and H Streets NW. There are already video billboards in the area at 7th and F, 7th and G and three television-like boards directly above the Metro entrance at 7th and H. The current proposal would more than double the number of locations with video kiosks on street level, new video billboards in the Gallery Place Walk area (7th and G) and vertically mounted video billboards on the façade of 777 7th St, a residential building.

This seems to be an issue that will persist even after the current episode is settled. Looming large is the future development at old convention center site, renamed City Center DC. There are grand plans for the prime real estate now occupied by a vast parking lot. Bound by New York Ave, 11th Street, H Street and 9th Street, the new development will include entertainment, retail and open public space; all above, below and adjacent to each other. The East End/Downtown area has been a shopping destination for years. Now the entertainment sector is rising with Museums (public and private), nightclubs and sports venues. Add to that a vibrant and growing residential base and well, there you go. Unfortunately the residents are sometimes pit against the casual visitor in the fight for amenities.

The billboards are not meant to appeal to the residents of Penn Quarter only. The advertiser's audience is also made up of the office worker, bus rider, hotel guest, convention attendee or museum goer. There will always be the built-in animosity between commercial and residential interest. And that clash only has the potential to worsen over time. Can some of that be avoided? Yes, probably. I urge the city, developers and potential residents to set firm guidelines now before City Center begins to take physical form. Otherwise this will be just one in a series of roadblocks for a Downtown otherwise still on the a joyride of commerical and residential comeback. Let's make the ride smoother for all invested parties, especially the residents who are the most permanent fixtures in any vibrant city.

New Museum Opening in Penn Quarter

Only blocks from the Goethe-Institut, another German centered cultural institution is about to open it's doors. The German-American Heritage Museum will open March 21st at 719 6th Street NW, on the edge of Chinatown. The Museum is located in a converted row house. That block currently is the home of a two huge new office buildings, a similarly newish condo tower, a handful of restaurants (none German) and the Verizon Center.

This Museum is under the umbrella of the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA. The exhibits available at opening will be: German Immigration to the U.S.: 1600-Present, German Music in the U.S., America & Germany: The Shaping of Images in Poetry and Prose, German Families and Clubs and Germany Today. Looks like this Museum may appeal to researchers and educators as well as the casual DC tourist/visitor. For more information, they also have a pretty active and informative Facebook page.

Hours will be 11a-7p on Tuesday-Friday, 12p-6p Saturday-Sunday and closed on Mondays. Admission will be free.

Friday Fun Post: Dead Presidents (and Live Ones, Too)

I know a little bit about the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. There's a bill making its way through Congress regarding its creation. Anyway, even if you know nothing about that you'll love this video! It features Saturday Night Live impersonators for each President from Obama all the way back to Ford, including Jim Carrey as Reagan! Warning, it's slightly NSFW (because of Jim Carrey, of course).

Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion from Will Ferrell

New Driver for Metro Bus and Rail?

Safety, maintenance, pricing, or customer service won't likely improve immediately, but Metro is trying to take a step in that direction. They have (almost) hired the person who will replace outgoing GM John Catoe. His name is Richard Sarles. Sarles was most recently the Executive Director of New Jersey Transit, a sprawling agency operating in a vast area connecting Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York and many points in between. He managed the agency's 10,000+ employees. Sarles also put in time at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Amtrak.

I'm guessing he will have an outside (inside?) chance to become the permanent Metro GM after the interim period, which is supposed to last anywhere from six to twelve months. The Metro Board of Directors will use the interim period to conduct the search for the permanent General Manager.

Metro is in desperate need of an image overhaul and even if Sarles is just temporary, he needs to be perceived as a results oriented leader who will not stand for lax oversight or poor quality control. Those are two factors that most likely led to the June 22, 2009 Red Line crash, which killed nine and injuring eighty . One main cause (allegedly) was the coupling of automatic train control systems which were incompatible with each other. Apparently, repair crews combined newer more advanced equipment with older components already embedded within the system. All of this over multiple objections by machine manufactures and other employees of Metro.

Can Sarles fix this culture? Probably not in the short term, but if he can temporarily right the ship in time for the next general manager, then he's succeeded.

Connecticut Ave NW

Prestigious Euro Bike Race Coming to DC

Everyone knows of Tour de France. It's the bike race of bike races. The two other races on par with the Tour de France are Vuelta a España and the Giro d'Italia. One of those races is coming to DC! The Giro d'Italia organizers have decided to stage one portion in the District of Columbia. If all goes well, in May of 2012, the streets in front of the White House, National Mall, Wilson Building, National Archives, Kennedy Center, Rock Creek Park and Arlington National Cemetery will close for some of the world's best riders. Last year's total race distance was 3,418 km, or about 2,124 miles!

The prologue, or first stage, of the May/June race will be held in DC and the riders would then fly back to Italy to resume the remainder of the race after a full day of rest. The racing in DC would be for one day only.

This is an attempt to grow the sport of cycling outside of the European continent. Sort of like what the NFL tried with the World League of American Football, but not as garish and bloated. And in a much smaller dose. Stupid Americans. I kid, I kid. Hold the hate mail.

DC will appreciate the Giro and if we can pull this thing off, I see multiple visits in out future. Maybe Lance should start getting ready now.