Adam's Morgan

Sunday was a down time day. Woke up later than usual (1030am), went to the gym (burn off alcohol calories), ate and went to Florida Ave around 2pm to catch the bus towards Adam's Morgan. I walked around on what was one of the most beautiful days. The flowers were in bloom or budding, the birds were churping and the streets full on sunlight. I definitely didn't expect DC to have such Victorian style  neighborhoods full of interesting, vintage looking homes. First in Dupont then in Adam's Morgan. It was a very nice surprise. 

 Firehouse on a side street

 The neighborhood walk

 Yea...everyone has these scooters

My feline friend came up to greet me and then hide in this nice French woman's garden.

I decided to scout out the place I would soon meet up with Boot Camp TWC colleague Gia. I figured it was a good plan since I was really excited to see it myself. What could be better than a coffeeshop that sells coffee, pastries, food and alcohol?!?!?!?! Not to mention the hip and cozy atmosphere (check out the pics below. The place is off 18th Street (aka late night weekend party central) and at the traditional late night weekend (afterparty) snack hubs of DC. For more info go to their website: Tryst Coffeehouse

I don't know if I was more shocked or annoyed that everyone and their posse was at this place at 4pm on a Sunday...well if I put it that way its 4pm on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone just woke up and has got em munchies :) I couldn't find a table (at first) so I sat at the bar. I need to warn you the coffee is NOT cheap so only go when you are willing to pay a pretty penny or special occassion or desperation ("I'm drunk and I don't know where else to go....oh...this looks like a good place.")

I did spy on people in the presiding area to hopefully snag a table. Lucky, an hour later and after paying my $5 (including bar tip) for iced coffee and ran for the first table available:

 The table. I had a happy hour beer special, Colorado something. It was dark and good.

 Once Gia came we ate food. Food is good. My sandwitch was okay: mozzarella, tomato, basil, pepper, and pesto. 

 The couch to my left. 

 At 6pm the busboy came around with candles to set the evening mood. LOL

Making the best out of my time in Adam's Morgan I scheduled to meet another colleague, an Elon alum, Kelsey Glover (2011). We met up a few storefronts down from Tryst at Madam's Organ. There was a sweet jazzy, blues jam band playing in replace of Heir the Dog (female vocalist) who had recently broke up, sad. Flat Tire beer, onion rings and two hours later Kelsey drove me to Columbia Heights to catch the Metro back home. It was a day and night well spent. 

 From street level....

To balcony (second floor) level

Food

First buds of the season and a hip new coffee joint

I decided to venture outside on another gorgeous day. I am glad the weather has cooperated this weekend despite my lack to truly explore the city like my roommates. However, I have shared in the same awe of the outdoors. I walked down 3rd to a coffee shop I had seen on one of my trip on the TWC shuttle from Union Station. Depending on who drives the bus you might get lucky and have new sites to see as I did. The place is called Ebenezers. Recently opened in 2006 this quint coffee shop caters to everything from coffee classics to trendy new specials while giving customers a chance to experience a calm, bohemian atmosphere. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay on street level to hear the local artist perform (which was a nice surprise), however, I did get to explore downstairs where I assume is the area the shop hosts bigger event artists/bands. I assume this because of the lights/sound system along the back wall and the drum set on a stage in the front. It was really nice to spend some down time reading there until the blower came on and chilled my arms and these homeless guys asked me a few questions (I don't mind that but personal space man).

On my walk there I noticed a cherry blossom tree in bloom. I smiled knowing that its a matter of time before the entire city is fully bloomed with flowers (and for allergy ppl pollen...womp womp). I am excited for the centennial festival. Its incredibly ironic that this is the 100th year anniversary while I'm living here. So spoiled I know....

The area I walked through was very sweet and antique looking too. Reminded me of my walk around Dupont Circle the other night. I do love the differences in architecture here. It gives the city more character and diverse art history. Stay tuned for more posts!

*Please comment!!!!*

Soho Cupcake, Political Debate, and Relaxation

My first day off (officially) was a nice calm day. I woke up later than usual (11am) and ate leftovers for breakfast. I was extreme peeved that it wasn't raining but also delighted to see it was beautiful and sunny. I decided to walk down to the light rail and hop on the PATH to go to the Soho location for Georgetown Cupcake. Since I've never tasted these lovely decadent sweets in D.C. (where it originated) I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it in my neck of the woods, right?

Conversation among fellow baker, Christine and twenty minutes later I had my six different cupcakes (Red Velvet, NYC Cheesecake, Chocolate chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla on Vanilla, and Pumpkin Spice). Walking back up my FAVORITE street in New York, Bleeker St. I was really in high spirits. I ducked into this neat coffee and tea shop, tried a sample and made some terrifically cheap buys. Another stop into a bread shop for a snack and I was on my way back home.

The bread, cheese and everything European shop. 

The awesome coffee shop on Bleeker St.

Kiddies playing music on the street.

The Coach House is my traditional diner. I have been going to this diner all my life and I continue to go back. I had Chicken Rollatini and mom had Hungarian Beef & Noodles. We did get into heavy conversation about starting a political moments strong and big enough to make real change in Congress It was nice to get into a debate with my mom because I know that we oftentimes have similar opinions but on some occasions the claws come out. Not literally of course :P

Friday was a rainy relaxing day. Pancakes with banana fosters (and a strawberry cupcake) for breakfast, a trip out to Harmon Beauty supply shop, conversation, lentil soup, and J. Edgar = a good day. It was a day that was worry-work free and I loved every second. I'll have more pictures to post with my new purple Nikon digital camera soon