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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Washington, D.C. Among the Most Well-Read Cities in U.S.

Alexandria, Va is number one

Washington, D.C. is among the most well-read cities in the country, according to rankings released Tuesday by Amazon. The company compiled data of all book, magazine and newspaper sales in both print and Kindle format since June 1, 2011, to determine the top 20 most well-read U.S. cities. The statistics are per capita and the rankings include only municipalities of more than 100,000 residents.   Washington, D.C. moved up to No. 9 after placing No. 14 a year ago. The D.C. region has a slew of bibliophiles, with three Virginia jurisdictions joining Washington in the top 20; Arlington placed seventh and Richmond came in at No. 20. Georgetown's access to bookstores has dwindled recently, most notable with the departure of Barnes and Noble. But…

Fleurir Chocolates Competing for $250,000 Grant

The join Chase and LivingSocial contest will award 12 grants of $250,000 to small businesses.

Fleurir Chocolates needs your vote to be in the running for a $250,000 small buiness grant from Chase and LivingSocial. The P Street chocolate shop posted to Facebook about the Mission:Small Business contest, saying they could use the funds to expand, "and, therefore, get one step closer to world domination." (Joking of course). According to the contest website, "The awarded Grants will be $250,000 each and are intended to help up to 12 small businesses grow by expanding, upgrading equipment, or improving a product or service." Businesses are listed by state, but can also be searched by name. To vote, you have to log into the contest via Facebook and then "like" as many small businesses as you want. To be considered for a grant each …

Tari's Expansion Troubles Continue

Tari at 1525 Wisconsin Avenue has until August 31 to bring an almost-finished rear addition into compliance.

Tari, a consignment boutique on at 1525 Wisconsin Ave., has until August 31 to resolve zoning and Commission on Fine Arts problems with a new two story rear addition that has already been built. Otherwise, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will revoke the permit, which the agency has since determined was issued in error. Tuesday the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) met to discuss an appeal by neighbors to that erroneously-granted permit, but decided to delay a hearing until September 25 in consideration of the DCRA August 31 deadline. Get daily and breaking news email updates from Georgetown Patch by signing up for newsletters here. Sara Mokhtari, the owner of Tari, first received permit approval in early 2011 to …

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Bandolero To Open May 24

Chef Mike Isabella's second restaurant will open at 3241 M Street next week.

Bandolero, the much-hyped, Mexican-inspired second restaurant of Top Chef star Mike Isabella will open on May 24 at 3241 M St. The new Georgetown restaurant will fill the space vacated by Hook after a fire last summer. Bandolero will feature a "Day of the Dead" decor style and modern Mexican small-plates. Design firm Streetsense helped Isabella execute his vision for a space that is dark, cool and cemetary-esque. Get daily and breaking news email updates from Georgetown Patch by signing up for newsletters here. As for food, Bandolero will be a place where "you can get tacos, margaritas all day long" Isabella told Patch in an earlier interview. “When I go out for Mexican food, I want lots of tacos and strong margaritas. Bandolero will have …

Monday, May 14, 2012

George Denied Expansion Request

The D.C. Court of Appeals denied the Prospect Street bar's request to double occupany to 200 persons.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

Local ideas for every type of mom out there

In search of a last minute Mother's Day gift? No need to fight the weekend crowds at Tysons Corner. Here are a few local Georgetown shops that cater to any kind of gift you're looking for - for any kind of mom. For the trendy mom: For the stressed mom: For the book-loving mom: For the mom with a sweet tooth: For the athletic mom: And when only flowers will do: By no means is this a complete list. Be sure to check out our comprehensive shopping guide for more ideas. If you want to make brunch reservations, read this week's readers' choice poll. Martin's Tavern and Peacock Cafe tied for the best place to treat mom to brunch on Mother's Day. According to their websites, Citronelle and Bourbon Steak also have some pretty fancy Mother's Day …

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Get Out: Spy at Night, Hope for A Golden Summer and More

Needs ideas to get your weekend going? Look no further.

1. Wine Class at Citronelle Where/When: Michel Richard Citronelle, 3000 M St. NW, Washington, D.C. The class will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Why Go: If you'd like to learn a little bit more about vino, but don't have the time to hop a flight to Napa, pop into this once-a-month wine class at Citronelle on Saturday. This class will specifically delve into the blending. According to the restaurant's website, "Like a conductor in an orchestra, it takes great expertise and life-long experience to excel in the Art of Blending, but this class will give you a crash course on how it’s done." Pricing: The price of the class is $100. 2. Spy at Night Where/When: International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. The event is scheduled from 6…

Best Mother's Day Brunch: It's a Tie!

If you want to treat your mom to brunch on Sunday, your best bets in Georgetown are...

Patch asked. Our readers answered. When it comes to treating your mom to Mother's Day brunch, y'all just can't decide between Martin's Tavern and Peacock Cafe. Each local restaurant got an equal number of votes in our Readers' Choice Poll. Several other restaurants were in the running for the top spot. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar, Cafe Bonaparte, Clyde's, Le Pain Quotidien and Sea Catch Restaurant each received votes, too. Now that you know, no time for dilly-dallying. Martin's Tavern and Peacock Cafe both accept reservations - but they're filling up fast. Don't worry, though, if you have trouble snagging a coveted brunch spot at these winning restaurants on Sunday morning, consult our full list of Georgetown restaurants. Be sure to come …

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Key Bridge Marriott Now Has Wi-Fi

Hotel partnered with AT&T to provide the service.

The Key Bridge Marriott, just over the bridge from Georgetown, has partnered with AT&T to provide Wi-Fi in all guest rooms, suites, meeting spaces and the lobby, the hotel announced Monday. Just in time for graduation, the hotel, at 1401 Lee Highway, will celebrate going wireless May 16 and 17 by providing all guests with free Wi-Fi, according to a news release. On any other day, Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's lobby and available under a two-tiered pricing structure in its 582 rooms. “We are pleased to join with AT&T to offer our guests state-of-the-art and secure Wi-Fi,” Brian Hilger, general manager of the hotel, said in a statement. “This new wireless solution offers 12 times more bandwidth and more reliable connectivity; allowing more …

Monday, May 7, 2012

MedStar: Georgetown Hospital is Staying Put

Georgetown Hospital quashed rumors that the hospital was considering a move downtown.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is not moving, a hospital spokesperson insists. Last week the Washington Post reported that a developer of the downtown Capitol Crossing site over I-395 said the location was perfect for Georgetown's hospital. “We think this is a great site for a medical school or hospital facility,” Robert Braunohler, Property Group Partners regional vice president, told the Post. For Georgetowners the most meaningful part of a possible relocation was what would happen with the space if and when the hospital relocated. Neighbors were quick to comment on the Patch article about the rumored move. "Works for me, if they'll actually convert the old hospital into dorms" one commenter wrote. But the Washington Business …

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