Bye and Bye, The Circle may be Broken

As most residents in NOVA are aware, VDOT is very close to imposing HOT lanes on Shirlington Circle. We think a majority of those citizens closer in (i.e. Arlingtonians and Alexandrians) feel that we are paying the price of those who CHOOSE to live in places like Woodbridge and Stafford. Those who live around the circle will receive NO compensation for the potential side-effects of the 5 year construction plan (i.e. declining property values, inability to rent).

Traffic on the Circle is really only busy 1 hour day in peak times, at most two. Is it really worth 5 years of construction?

Here are some other questions to ponder:

1. Should those who choose to live closer in and knowingly trade off house size, yard, etc...for shorter commute pay the price for those who live in urban sprawl?

2. VDOT would receive $195 Million from FLUOR and Transurban, the international construction firms promoting the hot-lanes. What type of oversight/audit will be conducted throughout the process?

3. Why aren't the towns who produce the commuters paying a tax specifically for these road improvements (i.e. similar to Metro to Dulles)?

4. What are the positions of our local Congressmen and highest public officials (Sens. Webb and Warner, Congresmen Moran, Connonlly, and Wolf, Gov. Candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnall)?

Let's keep up the civic engagement and public dialogue to make sure that NOVA is making the right choice!

Quest for the best (real) Turkey Sandwich in NOVA/DC

We have literally eaten at hundreds of restaurants in NOVA and DC and have not been satisfied that any DC restaurant serves a real turkey club. When I mean real, I mean hand carved turkey...no coldcut BS.

Now, I know, Clyde's serves real turkey...but I don't know of any other places. As a native Delaware Valley resident and someone who was raised on of diners with 250 menu items that tasted like home cooking. Oh, what I'd give for a real New Jersey Diner in DC...since Silver Diner, City Diner, Barnside Diner, Cesar's Cafe, or Bob and Edith's (yes, that's right) don't make the cut. Of course, they make the cut for greasy food, though their breakfast food is ususally passable.

Are there any suggestions where to find this mythical club sandwich?

Please find my favorite diner, the Colonial Diner as an example:
http://thecolonialdiner.com/menu_list.cfm?menuid=2#

President Obama at Dairy Godmother in Del Ray (Alexandria)

President Obama and the First Children visited an Alexandria ice cream landmark in Del Ray today. Did anyone seem him? We're glad that he's made his first epicurean exploration into NOVA...and into our backyard! Next stop Shirlington?

Here's the link to the story:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/?hpid=topnews

Kudos to Alexandria City Council

I'm sure some of you have noticed that the grass on the Alexandria side of Shirlington Circle has grown so tall that it is a traffic hazard, making an already precarious merge/yield even more dangerous. After weeks of waiting for the grass to be fully cut (since the City apparently thought cutting part of it was good enough), I decided to contact the Mayor's Office and City Council. I opted to use the email form on the Alexandria City Government website. I submitted the email on June 16 at about 9:45 pm and by 9 am the next morning I received the first of three emails from members of City Council. Below are the responses from Justin Wilson (City Council), Rob Krupicka (City Council), and Elaine Scott (Citizen Assistance), respectively. Elaine Scott actually CC'd all the members of City Council as well as the Mayor on her reply.

It's nice to feel that your local government hears and is receptive to the concerns of its residents. Now we'll see if the grass gets cut.

From Justin Wilson:

Thanks for the e-mail. I'm sorry to hear of the poor condition of the grass in the Circle.

During the most recently approved budget, due to severe budgetary constraints, the City Council made the decision to reduce mowing and grounds maintenance across the City. That being said, I will ask our Staff to ensure that this particular area is being maintained according to the new, reduced schedule.

I will let you know. Have a good week.

From Rob Krupicka:

We'll have staff look at this. Thank you for contacting us.

From Elaine Scott:

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with the City Council. Your concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate City department for response. Responses are generally provided within five working days. If more time is needed, we will notify you.

The resurrection of this blog

Hello Readers:

So sorry we've been MIA for the last few months. We've had quite a busy schedule, part of which included our bathroom renovation. But hopefully we'll get back on track with regular posts this summer.

We've noticed increased interest and email traffic in our community regarding the proposed HOT Lanes. Park Fairfax residents are very concerned about how the construction of the HOT Lanes and their general presence will affect our community. We recently read that Shirlington Circle itself will essentially be demolished in order to rebuild it with more lanes and 6 stop lights. I don't know if that is the proposed construction plan, but that does not sound like a traffic enhancement to me.

Personally, I don't really see why our area needs to be involved in the HOT Lanes process at all. Traffic is rarely horrendous around the Circle or on our part of 395.

Metro Ridership - Board members don't ride

Please read this article from the Post. We think it's appalling that our public officials on the Metro board don't ride Metro. As an Alexandria resident, Mayor Euille should get more in tune with the mass transit system. As a representative to a system that moves so many of your residents you'd think he could relate to his constituents a little better.

We wonder if he knows what the DASH is?

Of course, we wonder if the anyone on the City Council in Alexandria is a frequent rider on the mass transit system.

Photo op rides, riding to get voters or to show that "you've changed" is even more ridiculous.

Jump to the link here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/21/AR2009022101667.html

Posting

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties called "bathroom renovations", so until the place is finished, blogging will be difficult as this takes up most of our free time at the moment. Please liken it to the Digital Transition on TV...once it's done, a signal will be working just fine.

Things should start going back into place next week sometime.

Best Thai Food

I have found Thai Food in the DC area to be more or less consistent everywhere I go. Here are some of my favorite places:

1. Duangrat's - This is the best Thai in the Region...it has the awards to prove it. One Valentine's day I tried to just casually dine here, I couldn't believe the wait. Their smaller, more regional place, Rabieng, is also very good.

2. Thaiphoon - They have DC and VA locations, both have very attentive service.

3. Thai Shirlington - They serve their food with more flair than the others. The service is also very good. Shirlington Village's best meal deal.

4. Thai Square - This place on Colombia Pike is the best deal, basically the same menu as the others, but has the most reasonable prices.

Pentagon City as Bus Terminal

I go through Pentagon City Mall almost every day to get to work. Has anyone ever noticed how sometimes it's used as a schoolkid and tourist bus depository?

I'd like to point out a few things

Fashion: I think the "hey, I'm a tourist" ID lanyards are always great "come mug me" signs. But I'm especially appalled by the teens/tweens on class trips and the way they dress with their pants around their ankles or unflatteringly tight (both male and female). I make this comment because I saw a teen dressed like this wearing a pro-life sticker and really supporting the cause with his REALLY tight pants. I had to laugh, and that's no way to earn respect for a cause. What about showing respect for where you come from and who you represent? Has this virtue gone by the wayside?

Brookstone: I've never seen people get so excited about a $3,000 massage chair. There's always a line and inappropriate comments.

Escalator etiquette: I don't expect people to stand to the left (that's reserved for METRO), but you'd think they know how to get on and off an escalator. WALK ON or WALK AWAY from it when getting on and off, standing there only creates problems for the people behind you.

With all that said, I do think, as a mall, it's not too bad. Their Macy's is good and Nordstrom is bonus. They also seem to be going upscale. I once read that it was one of the highest revenue per square foot in the country.

Best Tailors

Having spent a good part of the year in Rhode Island last year on business, I couldn't believe the lack of alterationists and tailors in the whole state. DC has so many. Here are my top three:

Harvard Custom Tailor at the Village at Shirlington. This place is reasonable and no nonsense.

Kim's Tailoring at Pentagon City Mall. She's expensive, but Kim does a good job.

Shoe Shoppe/Tailorcraft in Tyson's Corner Center. This is my favorite place. They are fast and you can shop and wait at the same time.

Weekend Getaways

After last weekend's Obamania, getting away might be high on your list. I think weekend getaways are fun to do, and can be inexpensive if you look around on Priceline, Orbitz, or Hotels.com.

By Car (or Train) - Philadelphia, PA. America Starts here! Philadelphia has a lot to offer, history, good eating, and first rate culture. Drive or take Amtrak to 30th Station, it's 2.5 hours. I recommend Independence Mall, the Kimmel Center, and brunch at More than Just Ice Cream on Locust St and dinner at Jones. Get a cheesesteak from Mama Angelina's because you don't want to look too much like a tourist. As a 22 year resident of the Philly region prior to moving to DC, trust me, Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's steaks are nothing but cheesesteak lore (though the roast pork at Tony Luke's is the best in the city) and not worth the lines. Unless you want to say you've eaten there.

By Train - New York City, NY. Personally I think this is a no brainer. I don't need to wax eloquent about NYC's offerings. My favorite hotel is the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station, but I also like any Kimpton Hotel. If you want an adventure in a VERY small room, but interesting hotel try the Hudson on Columbus Circle. Try Alice's Tea Cup for lunch or afternoon tea.

By Air - Nashville, TN. Music City, USA! Take Southwest from BWI and explore a great town. Suspend your disbelief about country music and see the Country Music Hall of Fame and catch a show at the Opry. Grab some barbeque too. In the spring, it's especially nice. If you want something more picturesque or solitude, try the Sewanee, TN (90 Mins from the Airport) . If you have time, visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, TN (2hrs).

I liked cupcakes before they were trendy - Favorite Dessert Places

Dessert is a meal unto itself, and I enjoy this meal the most. Despite the dearth of Italian restaurants (see a few posts back), in consolation, our area does have some very good places to get something sweet. Here are my favorites, in no particular order:

Buzz on Slaters (Alexandria)- I was impressed with their cupcakes, service, and drink selection

Georgetown Cupcake (DC) - The cream cheese icing is incredible and their cake is fluffy. I think their cupcakes are the best deal in DC. Their line can be long, so call ahead.

Harris Teeter - Their store baked chocolate chip cookies are great, better than any bakery that I've been to. Try their gourmet sized ones.

Wegman's (Fairfax/Woodbridge) - They have a huge selection, just drive out there and try something. Their fruit tart is particularly good. Yes it's a long way to go for some of us, but Wegman's worth a pilgrimage.

Waaaaah? No Cakelove? Funny you should ask. I think Cakelove is overrated but adequate. CL's cake is blah, though I like their chocolate ganache.

More Inauguration Pictures!

Inauguration Pictures!

Inauguration!

Did anyone else make the trek into DC today for the Inauguration?

I did and although I my hands and feet were quite cold at times, it was worth it.

I tried to outwit other Inauguration-goers by taking advantage of the fact that I-395 North was closed and I parked at Pentagon City (my route involved Army/Navy Drive). I then walked through the tunnel to the Pentagon and along the footpath on Washington Blvd to the Memorial Bridge. It was simple and took a total of 45 minutes. I left home at 7:45 am and arrived at the Lincoln Memorial at 8:30ish. Not bad at all.

I walked up to the World War II Memorial where I had plenty of room and was in front of 2 jumbo-trons.

Leaving the Mall was a bit slower, but still quite quick considering how many people were there. I was home by about 1:45 pm.

Regardless of your politics and who you voted for, I think it was an amazing experience and I am so glad I was able to participate with 2 million of my closest friends.

If anyone else was there, please share your experience. I will post a few pictures.

My Favorite Roads

I think many people here in the DC Metro area try to avoid traffic. Well, I have a few favorite roads that I can always count on to be less traffic-filled or more enjoyable than others.

1. George Mason Drive (Bailey's Crossroads/Arlington) - From South to North, I find George Mason Dr to be smooth all the time. Sometimes you need to be careful about the on street parking. I think he lights are just about the right space apart too. Even at the peak of rush hour, it's not to bad.

2. Columbia Pike (Arlington) - For years I'd take this road to and from work, whether on bus or by car, I could always count on a relatively easy commute (Glebe Road intersection not withstanding).

3. Ohio Drive (DC) - Not that this road goes anywhere but along the Tidal Basin in DC, but it's never that crowded and is a good place to park to visit the monuments. It's also easy to get to on from the Memorial bridge.

4. Russell Road (Alexandria) - Sometimes I want to avoid King St west of Old Town, so I take Russell to get there. It takes you through some nice neighborhoods, just be mindful of residential speed limits!

Thanks for your visitations and viewership!

Pilgrims to the Circle

Every time I go to Costco in Pentagon City or Target in Crystal City I can't help but notice the number of DC license plates. I notice this in Shirlington Village and Pentagon City Harris Teeters too. Sometimes I wish for a VA only shopping day, but I guess that would mean higher taxes for Commonwealth shoppers.

I find this interesting because I have many friends who live in the District and speak of Northern VA as a foreign country, yet so many get in their cars to shop here. I think it's somewhat hypocritical, but, hey, whatever floats your boat. I say shop local or you'll never get the gold paved aisles similar to those of Alexandria and Arlington.

Admittedly, I go to DC to shop, eat, and be a tourist on occasion. So, touché, I suppose.

Getting to know your neighbors

I really try to understand my neighbors. Years ago I became familiar with Claritas Prizm Clusters. Claritas is a data mining company that tells potential advertisers everything there is to know about daily life in a certain area.

For free, I plugged most of the zip codes in the Arlington/Alexandria area and to my surprise there wasn't much difference between the Old Towners (22314) and the Urban Hipsters of Clarendon (22201). I did NOT make up my own analysis, I tried to tell it like Claritas presents it. So don't yell at me for reporting just the facts. They say you are where you live!

These results are only on the surface, but if you stand back and look at things in a macro perspective we all live in a very diverse and thriving area. I hope you find this interesting.

Here are the summarized results:

Neighbors generally shared by the whole region:

Young Digerati:
High incomes, highly educated, tech savvy, live in fashionable neighborhoods in urban areas. Neighborhoods consist of trendy condos/apartments, boutiques, and casual restaurants. Likely to shop at Banana Republic, go snowboarding, and drive a Prius. Age 25 to 44. About 1% of the households in the US.

American Dreams:
Ethnically diverse (Hispanic, Asian, African-American), one in ten speaks a language other than English, middle to upper-middle class. Likely to shop at Old Navy, buy Toyota Scions. Age range 35-54. About 2% of the households in the US.

Money & Brains:
(minus Landmark)
High incomes, advanced degrees, married couples with few children with homes on small lots. Likely to shop and Nordstrom, contribute to NPR, and drive a Mercedes E-class. Age range 45-64. About 2% of the households in the US.

The Cosmopolitans:
(minus Old Town)
Upper Middle Income, urban empty nesters who live in neighborhoods with a vibrant social scene and enjoy lots o’ leisure. Likely to shop at Costco, read Wine Spectator, watch BBC America, and Drive a Mercedes C-class. Age range over 55 About 1% of US houeholds

Bohemian Mix:
(minus Park Fairfax/Beverley Hills, Delray/Rosemont, and Old Town)
Upper middle Income, college educated, ethnically diverse young liberal lifestyle, mix of singles and families. They are among the first to try new movies, technology, and additions to the social scene. Likely to eat at Au Bon Pain, read The Economist, and drive Audi A4s. Age under 55. About 2% of households.


Unique to Parkfairfax/Beverely Hills and Rosemont/Delray

Upper Crust:
Wealthy empty nesters, with postgraduate degrees. Claritas says that this group possesses the highest percentage of incomes over $100K…the most opulent standard of living. Likely to shop at Saks, read the Washington Post, and watch the Golf Channel. Age 45-64. About 1.5% of US Households.

Unique to Old Town

Executive Suites:
Upper middle class college graduates, live with manageable commutes to work and play, generally white collar professionals who live in the suburbs. Likely to eat at Chipotle, read Shape magazine, and watch The Office. Age range under 55. Less than 1% of US households.

Unique to Old Town and Landmark

Movers and Shakers:
Wealthy, highly educated couples with no kids, many executives and segment most likely to own a small business or have a home office. Likely to eat at Bertucci’s, go scuba diving, and watch Saturday Night Live. Age Range 35-54. About 2% of US households.

Unique to East/West Glebe Corridor

Big City Blues:
Lower Middle Income. High concentration of Hispanic and minority population living in older inner-city apartments. Middle aged singles and single parent households with working class jobs. Roughly 25% of this demographic have no high school diploma. Likely to go to the movies, watch Primer Impacto, and drive a Hyundai. Age is less than 55. About 1% of the population.

More information can be found here.

Italian Restaurants in Arlington/Alexandria

I have lived in the DC region going on 7 years and have had a difficult time finding decent Italian restaurants that don't cost an arm and a leg. There are quite a few in Baltimore, but you're likely to find better Peruvian or Ethiopian here than Italian cuisine. I am pretty happy with three as regular eating "haunts:"

1. Cafe Italia - This Crystal City restaurant on 23rd Street in Arlington serves basic Italian food, no frills, but their menu is traditional and their marinara sauce (or gravy) is possibly the best in the Beltway. Sometimes the service is frenetic and the atmosphere isn't Le Cirque, but I go to eat not oggle the space.

2. Atlantis - King Street's Bradlee Shopping Center in Alexandria, near Farlington Towne, is this host to this neighborhood landmark. They have good Italian offerings and pizza, but their Greek is better. The decor is out of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but I don't care.

3. Mom's Pizza Restaurant - At the intersection of Glebe Rd and Columbia Pike, this small place with pre-modern decor (I think there's a theme here) is better than just an adequate pizza palace. It serves up some great Italian. Their basic garlic bread is also the best in the area, bar none. Their Lasagna is also very good.

These places probably aren't of the local grown/organic/hormone free school, but their food is consistently tasty, and, to me, that's what counts. I know there are more renown places in the area, but these three places are great values and should not be confused with the Cafe Milanos and Toscas of the region.

Maneuvering around Shirlington Circle

Driving around Shirlington Circle is, at times, like the Indy 500. Sharp turns and yield signs that many drivers view as optional or simply do not see make for a new adventure every time.

Let's start on the Alexandria side and travel around the Circle. The Parkfairfax entry onto the Circle is located at the intersection of Gunston Road and the Quaker Lane entry ramp to I-395 North. During rush hour, this spot is frequently backed up due to those who are trying to get onto 395 North, those who need to go around the Circle to get to Shirlington, 395 South, or other nearby roads like Columbia Pike or George Mason. Fortunately there are two lanes so those hoping to get onto 395 North from Gunston can do so, but it is often difficult to get onto the Circle from the left lane unless cars coming from the Quaker Lane entrance and the Circle are kind enough to let you in.

Next, let's say you decide to go around the Circle. There is an on ramp from the HOV lanes that is rarely a problem, and there is also an exit onto Shirlington Mill Road or Four Mile Run, two streets that lead to other parts of Arlington.

However, if you continue around the Circle and want to get off in Shirlington, you have to hope that those coming onto the Circle from Shirlington Mill Road or Four Mile Run will yield as the sign right in front of them asks them to do. We have had numerous near accidents because drivers repeatedly fail to yield at this sign.

Assuming you survive this corner, let's talk about going back around the Circle to where we started. Straight ahead are two options: take the entry ramp onto 395 South or continue around the Circle to exit back in Alexandria. Be careful of the lane on the left, this is an exit from 395 North onto the Circle and the drivers sometimes speed up to cut across to the exit onto 395 South.

As we continue around back towards Gunston Road, an exit onto Quaker Lane is an option for those in the right hand lane, or you can keep going towards the most dangerous part of the Circle - the Quaker Lane yield/exit to Gunston Road/entry onto I-395 North. Drivers on the Circle have the right of way, however, sometimes those on the Quaker Lane ramp ignore the yield sign or speed through thinking they won't hit anyone. To make matters worse, for those of us who need to get off at Gunston Road, we have to cut across the end of the ramp to get onto Gunston. Once again, we've had several near accidents here. Luckily, we've only had close encounters and we've made it home every time.

We were so concerned about our safety, as well as that of other drivers, we reached out to Alexandria City to tell them this they need to improve enforcement of the yield or perhaps put in a flashing light. We got no response from Alexandria City. If anyone knows how to get their attention, let us know.

Smoking Ban in VA Restaurants

I've noticed that the VA General Assembly is taking up a smoking ban in bars and restaurants state wide. The sooner the better, in my opinion. I'm not anti-smoking, but when I'm eating or drinking there's nothing worse than smelling someone's Luckies or Malboro Lights. Virginia needs to finally reach the 21st Century when it comes to general public health. Keep the smoke outside.

Best and Worst of Alexandria/Arlington Neighborhoods

After some very rigorous, totally scientific, analysis the bloggers around Shrlington Circle have decided to award the following neighborhoods as the Best and Worst in Alexandria/Arlington.

Top 3 Neighborhoods:

1. Parkfairfax - Where can you get parks, public transit, and easy (affordable) living, all rolled into one? 1/12th houses, 11/12ths greenspace...you don't get that anywhere in the DC region.

2. Shirlington - While the restaurants tend to be overrated, it's got great movies/arts, transit, and a state of the art workout facility, without the fratboy scene of the orange line. It also has the Cadillac of supermarkets, Harris Teeter.

3. Delray/Rosemont - Yes, there is a bit of upper middle class yuppieness about Rosemont/Delray, this neighborhood is quite, well maintained, and all about family.

Bottom 3 Neighborhoods:

1. Landmark - Traffic is a mess (try not hitting the pedestrians). Shopping is spread out and rundown. If you like communist bloc architecture, this is your place.

2. Crystal City - The metro, the great companies (like PBS and Lockheed) and underground make this neighborhood tolerable, but there's a total lack of personality here. Concrete Chic.

3. Ballston - Frat party atmosphere with housing prices only 4 roommates could love. I mean, really, let's get some professionalism. The night out attire requires a half-buttoned down collared shirt for men and too much make-up and leggings for women (of all ages). But on the upside, the National Science Foundation is there.

Shirlington Circle on I-395

I like to consider the Shirlington Circle on I-395 as epicenter of all that's hip and cool in Arlington and Alexandria. Around the circle you have Fairlington, Parkfairfax, and Shirlington Village, and from this hub of urban living sprouts a dynamic region that capitalizes on culture as well as bad driving. As you venture further out Ballston, Clarendon, Fairfax, and the land where taxation and no representation await. Shirlington Circle is the hub of the Nation's capital's wheel. With a healthy dose of sarcasm, this blog will comment on daily life in these neighborhoods and the region at large. I hope you find something to read and enjoy. Come back often.