Dupont Darling

Fancy (Snow) Pants

Dupont Darling — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:16:16 +0000

I saw some nice snowmen around Dupont over the weekend, but this one had the best accessories by far. Outside Jack’s on 17th Street.

Tree Believers

Dupont Darling — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:41:43 +0000

Well I understood where the elephant protesters were coming from, but this may be taking things a little too far. This tree is on P St. between 17th and 18th, and even though I walk by the spot regularly I can’t say I’ve noticed an abundance of things nailed or pinned to the tree. The second item I would note is that this sign, protesting pins in trees, was itself pinned to the tree. Am I missing something?

Nice tree drawing in any case. It reminds me of the scary trees in the Wizard of Oz that throw apples at Dorothy. ”She’s stealing our apples!” I suppose this tree is supposed to be sad though, not mean.

Do You Have a Phillips Collection Meet Cute?

Dupont Darling — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:36:11 +0000

The Phillips Collection sent out a message last week about what could be a very cool project. By Valentine’s Day, they hope to have put together a YouTube video of interviews and stories from couples who had romantic moments at the museum. But they can only do it if enough people respond, so I’m helping to spread the word. Here is the message from the Phillips:

Did you first encounter the Phillips on a memorable date? Or know someone else who did?

Do you know some romantic soul who chose Luncheon of the Boating Party as the joyous backdrop for the perfect proposal?

Have you listened as a friend recounted their Artful Evening/Phillips after 5 love connection for the thousandth time?

We need your help! Lore and legend abounds about romance at The Phillips Collection. Duncan and Marjorie, intimacy and art—interpersonal connection is at the core of the Phillips story. But we want proof. If you or someone you know have had a Phillips love connection, live in the DC metro area, and would be willing to share that story with the Phillips on video, please contact Cecilia Wagner at 202-387-2151 x235 or cwagner@phillipscollection.org at your earliest convenience.

Those with stories to share will be invited to the Phillips in January. At that time, we will record high definition videos of these brief interviews. Given enough response, the videos will be edited together and posted on YouTube in time for Valentine’s Day.

Sad Circus

Dupont Darling — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:02:46 +0000

This elephant protesting the circus went up recently outside the Dupont south metro exit. If you can’t read it in the photo, the sign says: “The circus is coming. See shackles, bullhooks, loneliness. All under the bigtop.” The Ringling Brothers are headed to DC in March.

Lost and Found

Dupont Darling — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:29:41 +0000

I always find it sweet when people come across a lost item on the street and place it on a fence post or gate in case the owner comes back searching for it. As if the finder anticipates the sinking feeling the owner will get when he or she realizes the item is gone and takes care to preserve it until the owner returns. Here are a few of my recent favorites.

23rd and O St:

19th and R St.:
Marrakesh Palace door, 22nd and P St. Possibly left at the restaurant?:

Ross Elementary Christmas Tree Sale

Dupont Darling — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:06:56 +0000

Ross Elementary, on R St. between 17th and New Hampshire, is a constant source of cuteness. There are at least five children playing on the playground at all times, and they are always exhibiting some sort of bouncy/climby/shrieking delight. In warmer months I see community volunteers paired up with students reading books outside. There is a crossing guard every morning on New Hampshire and R St. that has big red dots on the palms of his gloves so he can put his hand up to stop the kids from crossing against the light. He greets me with “good morning, young lady!” every day.

This weekend was no exception. Ross had a big Christmas tree sale happening, and they also had a yummy-looking bake sale going all day Sunday (possibly Saturday too, I didn’t swing by that day). The place was chock full of families and community volunteers all working to raise money for the school. The trees look fantastic and smelled even better. It was all very charming. Even better, the tree sale is still going on. If you don’t have yours yet I encourage you to visit Ross!

“I’m right on top of that, Rose!”

Dupont Darling — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:59:53 +0000

I’m swamped at work this week so won’t be posting. But, much like Sue Ellen Crandell, I will somehow manage to juggle it all and look great doing it. However, unlike Sue Ellen Crandell, my job does not involve designing sexy referee outfits.

See you Monday!

Best Bets for Dining Out on Thanksgiving

Dupont Darling — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:19:30 +0000

Thanksgiving is only two weeks from today! It has been my experience that a fair number of District residents (who aren’t actually from the District) opt to stay here instead of traveling long distances for Thanksgiving only to repeat the ordeal again in a month for Christmas. I’ve been to a number of orphan Thanksgivings over the years, and my family has even come to D.C. to celebrate in my tiny apartments. If you’ll be staying in D.C. over the holiday, another option is to consider some of the great Thanksgiving dinners offered by area restaurants. Here are the best:

Traditional

701 Restaurant: Three-course Thanksgiving menu and live jazz for $45/adult

Art and Soul: Set menu featuring traditional dishes, $55/adult

High End

Adour at the St. Regis: Set four-course menu for $90/adult

Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons: A la carte Thanksgiving menu

Good Deals

Chef Geoff’s: Three-course dinner for $39/adult

M Street Bar and Grille: Three courses for $29.95

Brunch!

Blue Duck Tavern: Thanksgiving brunch from 10:30-3:30, $85/adult

See the full list of D.C. restaurants with Thanksgiving options on Open Table.

Make Way for Ducklings

Dupont Darling — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:40:09 +0000

Front yard on S St. between 15th and 16th.

Georgetown/Dupont Retail Swap

Dupont Darling — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:16:56 +0000

Claude Taylor Photography, on Connecticut just north of Dupont Circle, recently opened a Georgetown location. Here’s the new store, on Wisconsin just south of P:

Dupont, on the other hand, is home to a second location for Georgetown antiques store Marston Luce. I don’t think this is new, but I have to admit I’ve never seen it before. It is located at 21st and Newport; open Monday through Friday by appointment only and Saturday 11-5. The two or three blocks surrounding the store are all residences, so I was surprised to find it there:

Here is the Georgetown location, on Wisconsin between Q and Reservoir: