The Georgetown Metropolitan

3000 block of R St.

Last time on Now and Long Time Ago, GM visited the corner of 30th and M in the 1920s. Today he visits the same intersection but several decades earlier.

At the northeast corner once stood the Union Hotel. It was built in 1796. According to James Goode’s Capital Losses, at the time the Union Hotel was built it was the largest and most prestigious hotel in DC.

The hotel went through several design changes before it appeared as it does above. Reflecting the time period it was originally federal in style. After a fire in 1832 it was remodeled into the then popular Greek revival style. Finally in 1875 it took on the Second Empire style seen above. Continue reading →

Photo by Joe Flood.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• How a Georgetown seamstress can save you money on your wedding dress.
• Five things to know about Chaia taco.

Dumbarton Oarks Park

The annual Breakfast with Santa will take place on Dec 6th at the Volta Park playground, 10am – 12pm. Come on out for Santa, songs, and treats. It’s always a great way to officially kick off the sprint to the holidays and to chat with your neighbors. See you there!

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• GU students pushing for a novel and creative form of reparations.
• When a gang of Georgetown bootleggers fought a war for turf.

3000 block of R St.

Several highly anticipated purveyors of food will be opening this week. And another is getting close.

The first is Chaia, a vegetarian taco restaurant coming to the old Morris Steinbraker building at 3207 Grace St. These tacos have wow’ed crowds at farmers markets for years, and this is their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. GM is no veggie head, but he can attest that they are spectacular tacos.

They are opening on Thursday.

GM has also learned that Via Umbria should be opening this week as well. This Italian market opened as a “pop-up” last winter. While it offered some gourmet pastas, it sold primarily crockery, etc. But after the extensive renovations the new Via Umbria will have a true market and coffee bar. It has a menu already in the window with the daily specials of sandwiches and other items, as well as a full Friday dinner. Continue reading →

Photo by Payton Chung.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Georgetown aims to open fine arts space in the old Franklin School.
• Tommy McFly at the Q&A Cafe this Friday.
• Hey don’t forget the kid’s show at Gypsy Sally’s this Saturday!

Dumbarton Oaks Park