The Georgetown Metropolitan

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Big news: Jose Andres to helm the new hotel at 30th and M St.
• Last week’s BZA hearing on Call Your Mother ended without a resolution. The board is deferring a decision until more of its members are present. The follow-up meeting will take place Oct. 23rd.

Photo by Jeff Vincent.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Jose Andres opening hotel/private club at 30th and M St.
• A celebration of Georgetown and the Georgetowner.

Fall is here! And with it comes the annual Volta Park Fall Fest! Details below:

Friends of Volta Park Fall Festival – October 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volta Park’s Fall Festival is back on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families and friends come together each year for food, fun and friendly faces! This year we will be adding a few new fun activities and will continue with our tradition of carnival games, face painting, and more!

We’re looking forward to seeing you for this neighborhood favorite that will be part of your family’s fall tradition every year.

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Reminder: Art All Night this Friday!
• Call Your Mother zoning hearing is today, starting at 9:30. Last hearing went six hours, but I do not expect this one to do that.

It’s that time of year again, when people start to wonder what the hell are those giant grain brain-shaped fruit around Georgetown. As in past years, I am ready with the answer, as reprinted below:

This time a year, if you wonder around Montrose or Volta Parks you’re bound to find on the ground weird softball-sized green fruit like the one above. People are often so struck by the sight of the fruit, they pick up one or two of them and bring them home. But what are they, you ask?

Despite their green color, they’re oranges. Osage oranges, to be specific. They are grown by Osage trees, which line the Parrot rope walk. These trees are prevalent in the Great Plains states, where they are often planted along hedgerows. Traditionally, the pliable but strong nature of this tree’s wood made it valuable for fence posts and archery bows.

Technically speaking, the fruit is edible. But you can only eat the seeds, and they’re not easy to extract.

I heard once that people should not feel guilty about taking the fruit home since no animals eat them. I find that they rot after a month or so. But if you don’t want to keep them around, Amazon sells them for $39 for a dozen, maybe you can undersell them (besides being an interesting knick-knack, the fruit is believed to  repel insects and spiders).

Photo by Victoria Pickering.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• More on Joe Sternlieb’s departure from the BID.
• Speaking of the BID, here is their great Fall Guide.

The other day I noticed that one of my geranium plants in the planter in front of my house was gone. Due to a rash of package thefts in the past, we installed multiple cameras trained on the front. So it only took a few minutes of browsing to find the thief.

What is wrong with you? A small geranium plant like that costs like 8 bucks. Was it really worth it?

A neighbor told me that someone stole an anemone from the front of her house last week as well. And it’s the height of anemone bloom time, so it was especially annoying! Was it this same thief?

These are not the crimes of the century. But come on!! Why are you doing this???

Photo by Jeff Vincent.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• CEO of the BID, Joe Sternlieb, stepping down in 2025. Joe will have served in the position for 12 years.
• Osteria Mozza targeting an October opening, but more likely won’t open before November.

An establishment called Sugared and Bronzed appears to be destined for 1815 Wisconsin Ave., according to materials filed with the Old Georgetown Board.

When I first read that, I thought perhaps it was some sort of a cookie shop or the like. Sadly no. It’s about as far from a cookie store as you could get. It’s a waxing and tanning salon. Where does sugar come into it, you ask? Well according to their website, they use basically a big glob of sugar to tear the hairs from your nether regions:

What is Sugaring Hair Removal?

Sugaring is an all-natural method for body hair removal that has its roots in ancient Egypt — (oh hey Cleopatra)! Our organic hair removal technique is eco-friendly and the healthiest option for your skin. Our sugar paste is made in small batches using just three natural ingredients: lemons, sugar, and water. No chemicals, no preservatives, just nature’s best. Seeking a sustainable, and hypoallergenic solution to banish unwanted hair? Sounds like you’re ready to sugar! Unlike hot wax treatments, our sugar paste is applied at body temperature, so it won’t burn. It’s gentle on the skin, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitivity. Say farewell to painful ingrowns and hello to smoother skin. Results last 4-6 weeks, regular sugaring sessions lead to finer and sparser hair regrowth.

It might be natural, but it still looks and sounds pretty painful!

The “bronzing” part of the business actually involves airbrushing, not UV rays. So while that’s less “natural” it sounds a lot better for your skin, honestly!

No word on when they might open.

Photo by Victoria Pickering.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Sadly it looks like Jaco Taco has closed. I’d hate to think that that illegal pot store next door contributed to its closure, but I’m sure it didn’t help.
• A look at a hotel coming to the canal.