The annual ping pong fundraiser for 826DC, the great local tutoring nonprofit that’s based on the Civic Plaza, is coming up. Paddlestar Galactica, where people collect donations for 826DC and wear crazy costumes to play ping pong, is Sunday, April 15. The event features volunteers who ask their friends and family for donations, and all…

Whoa. A friend recently checked out Kraken Axes, the axe throwing bar at 3400 Georgia Avenue NW: he said it was awesome, and more importantly, a staff member said they plan to add a Viking-themed beer garden to their big parking lot. The news, also mentioned by a Yelp reviewer, means that Georgia and Morton…

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Himitsu, the well-reviewed Japanese spot at 828 Upshur from the Room 11 folks, here’s a good opportunity: they’re offering brunch for the next three Sundays, starting this Sunday. The City Paper has the full story, they’ll be open 11am-3pm with no reservations accepted. The spot, which…

The Funk Parade, the annual awesome music festival and parade that happens around U Street, needs your help. It’s planned for May 12 but they were having a hard time raising money while still remaining independent, putting this year’s fest at risk. They’ve set up a fundraising page where if they raise $60,000 more, local…

Mt. Pleasant has a new vegetable-focused restaurant, Ellē, from the folks behind Bad Saint, Paisley Fig and Room 11. Located in the old Heller’s bakery location, Ellē (pronounced Ellie) is a coffee shop and bakery during the day and restaurant and cocktail bar at night. I checked out it for dinner last week and really…

Another new bar and food option! The City Paper has a big piece about Grady’s, a new spot at 2210 14th Street NW, which was formerly Dynasty Ethiopian. The CP describes it as “Taxidermy, chicken wings fried in waffle batter, and stiff drinks on 14th Street NW,” which sounds pretty alright to me. The owners say…

This is interesting: the Hilltop, the restaurant and bar on Sherman Avenue, is currently closed and will be changing to Napoli Pasta Bar, to be run by Antonio Ferraro, who has run other Italian spots in the area. Hilltop owner Sam Jahabeen gave me a bit more details: My friend Antonio Ferraro is taking over…

This Friday, March 2 is the monthlyFirst Fridayon Georgia Avenue, where lots of local businesses offer deals and specials. It’s a nice way to meet your neighbors and check out and support small local businesses in our area. And this month, there are some special events for First Friday: about green spaces, dogs and kid-friendly activities.…