Barracks Row Capitol Hill

There were a lot of geese. They were everywhere. We noticed them as we drove towards the Lincoln Memorial on the newly opened Memorial Bridge taking us from Arlington to DC. The bridge was under construction for the last two years and finally ended last week. We try to head to DC every week for a change of scenery on our morning walk. I wanted to check out the Christmas window display at Coldwell Banker on Pennsylvania Avenue. We found a parking space in the old neighborhood and walked towards Barracks Row on Eighth Street. Maybe it was the time of the day, the cold of the season, and the continued emptiness of the city - but it was just not the same as when we lived there. Everything was just yucky. All the restaurants are half closed or closed and trying to make do with sidewalk and street seating. I don’t know how that could possibly succeed in the winter months. The noise of continuous street repairs was deafening. Driving through the narrow streets on our way to the freeway seemed worse than usual. The difference is we aren’t used to it anymore. Things just don’t have the appeal they used to. Or maybe it’s just me. 

Ted’s Bulletin Open Table Reservation for an Unexpected Visitor

Sometimes when we walk in the morning it feels like a good idea to stop somewhere for breakfast. That way we don’t have to think about having to make anything when we get home or drive to lunch somewhere. When we are in the Barracks Row neighborhood Ted’s Bulletin is that place. We usually get there after the morning rush and before the lunch crowd. We learned on Sunday that we would be having an out of town guest that was free to meet up with us yesterday morning. So we thought Ted’s Bulletin would be a quaint place to go - complete with Three Stooges movies. My husband didn’t think we needed reservations but I thought better - particularly since it was during the prime time breakfast hour and spring crowds are starting to show up. It was a good thing I did use open table to reserve a spot because it was packed when we got there as well as the whole time we were there. Our usual wait staff wasn’t there, but our favorite bartender was. She gave my husband his favorite drink on the house. But he always gets back and left her a huge tip on our way out. We had a nice chat and visit with our friend and left in enough time to taxi him to his next appointment. We need to find other breakfast places around here - just in case. 

Ted’s Bulletin

It used to be Ma Fishers in Milwaukee. Since we moved to DC from the Midwest we have peculiar habits that have endured. Having breakfast on Saturday mornings is something we like to do. To keep up that tradition, we go to McLean Family Restaurant in Virginia. But sometimes during the week, we like to stop somewhere in the neighborhood after a morning walk for a bite out. Pete’s has been the place to go to for that. They know us so well we don’t even have to order, and we always get a bottle of wine for Christmas every year. Over the last month or two we have occasionally stopped at Ted’s Bulletin in Barracks Row. We went there a couple of times when we first moved here, then stopped. It was always very busy and the food was just okay. The ambiance is trendy - with a 1940-50’s backdrop. It has a soda fountain and old movies playing in the background. And the food is all about diner food. Our timing is perfect now because it is right after breakfast and just before lunch. I think I’ve tried just about every breakfast item on the menu that I like. My husband always gets French toast - not my favorite - especially when it’s soggy. So we went today and found it “fair.” The food was just ok today. I’m not sure when we will return. We do things in cycles...and this may be another one. 

Archibald Walk on the Barracks Row Heritage Trail - an Inhabited Alley in DC

The other day - out of curiosity - we were looking for two garages that sold for $70,000 plus each. We found them off G Street SE in an alley way that was hidden behind Christ Church. Aside from that grabbing our attention, we stumbled upon Archibald Walk. There is a sign that describes the history of the area. Apparently it is one of the last remaining inhabited alleys in DC. The decor of the side by side rowhouses at the entrance looked like we were on an island somewhere - with banana tress in the front yard. But upon closer inspection, someone goes to a lot of trouble to actually tie bunches of bananas to the tree with green wires! It felt like we were walking along a European neighborhood as we meandered down the longer side of the u shaped alley. At the end of it were two more residences, with a huge tree house in front. Apparently there was big uproar about the tree house crossing the property line which resulted in the elimination of many potted plants that could no longer be displayed there - something about needing permits that didn't exist. Nevertheless, it was an odd place to visit, nestled behind Barracks Row. One only wonders what all went on in these spaces all those years ago. I'm not sure I would want to live anywhere near it. 

A Drive On M Street and Barracks Row

We didn't want to drive directly back home after brunch so we took a detour on M Street. Things have changed a lot since we first moved here - on the other side of the freeway - and will continue to progress for many more years to come. The Nationals Stadium stands in the distance, but the path has been cleared for yet another condominium, shopping, restaurant complex. The ice skating venue has a few customers at Canal Park. The new Harris Teeter just opened amid another complex of apartments, condos, and restaurants. My husband still prefers the one on Pennsylvania Avenue, although this one is much closer to us. Up the street is the Navy Yard complex. It appears that the many year freeway and road construction project may finally be coming to an end. But the train track renovation will soon take its place. We turn around at the Wagtime Shop where I have a "gallery wall" of pet portraits. There is a fenced in area where the pooches are allowed to romp as weather permits. Turning up on Eighth Street and Barracks Row, several urban art pieces are displayed on the sides of buildings. Marine Barracks is well protected by a high fence with guards on all corners. It's a rather dreary outing as there is much less activity at this time of day and year. It all feels so familiar to us now as if we have lived here forever. I guess that's a good thing.