DC Libraries Are #1, Native Foods Closes, and Other News

Our Library System is Awesome

Before the streetcar travesty, DDOT was really my favorite DC agency. Then, DC Water moved into the top spot, mostly because of that poop-to-electricity thing. But, now DCPL has jumped to number one based on, well, a lot of reasons.

1) The staff recommendation and new book sections at MLK Library are on point. I've never been led astray. Never! This is how I was introduced to Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, and Scott Sigler; all recent favorites. So, go, accept a recommendation, and find a new favorite author.

2) You can get your passport processed! If you're getting a passport for the first time (not renewing), you can get it processed at MLK! Details listed here, but the basics are that they have office hours on Tuesday-Thursday [3p-7p] and Saturday [10a-3p] at MLK Library, located at 901 G St NW.

3) Basement shows. Y'all, you need to make it to one of these show. Too many good bands to list, but suffice to say DCPL has invited some of the most talented, entertaining, and smart musicians working in the District right now. These bands typically play weeknight shows in the basement of MLK Library in conjunction with the ongoing development of the DC Punk Archive. Anyway, go ahead and read this related article The Evolving Politics of Punk in the Nation's Capital.

4) A bunch of other cool offerings! They even made a video highlighting some of the best library programming. Music by DC/Mount P band Puff Pieces!

Native Foods Closes

Native Foods failed to survive just one calendar year in DC. I'm actually shocked they didn't. The all-vegan fast casual restaurant closed both DC locations (Penn Quarter + Dupont) last week after opening in the fall of 2014. I honestly thought they would clean up, especially at the Penn Quarter location. I'm definitely not an industry expert, so I can't say why exactly they closed, but according to company execs quoted in this Washington Post article, the DC stores just weren't meeting expectations.

I had more than a few experiences at both locations with botched food orders and extraordinary wait times. But, I also enjoyed many sunny outdoor lunches and made nice with the super friendly, hardworking staff. Apparently the company gave little to no notice of closing to local employees, which is quite disappointing. I'm definitely thinking of them this holiday season. Good luck y'all.

New Metro GM Opens Up

Paul Wiedefeld, the new General Manager of WMATA, participated a really, really good Q&A chat with our friends over at Greater Greater Washington. Wiedefeld was surprisingly open about his initial impressions of Metro, overview of how he'll manage the agency, and how important it is to him to improve service, safety, and regional cooperation. This gave me a bit of hope, as I have recently developed a disappointing and low expectation for Metro management. Read the transcript here.