What the Capitals and the NHL Can Teach Washington

As Lee Greenwood stepped to the stage for the 2nd intermission of this year’s Winter Classic, stadium announcer Wes Johnson, working from a pre-approved script, introduced him as one of America’s most beloved musicians. Greenwood took center stage and segued into the song he’s been singing since 1984, “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Some in the audience loved it, standing and saluting to no-one in particular. Others made a conspicuous, eye-rolling show, hopping up to buy yet another hot dog they may not have even wanted.

Loving tribute to American values and traditions, or cheap display of faux-patriotism? The answer depends largely on where in our culture you stand.

This reporter actually saw almost the same scene play out three years earlier. In 2012, on the first night of the GOP national convention in Tampa, I was covering a Democratic watch party near the convention center. Someone at the Times Forum, who I was told was the winner of a TV talent show, began to sing Greenwood’s anthem, captured by the C-SPAN cameras.

Grey-haired Republican delegates in the hall ate it up; hipster Democratic loyalists in the bar nearly threw up.

Standing in Nats Park Thursday, watching this political Rorschach test play out again, I saw that I was witnessing one institution – the NHL – jostling up against the city governed by a very different institution – politics. In short, the Capitals and the Capitol.

And it struck me that while one of these Washingtons is working to build up family, achievement, and society, the other Washington seems to be doing its damndest to pull it all down.

Competitors and Haters

Hating on Washington goes back at least as far as 1814 and the burning of the first Capitol building by the British; maybe even further. And DC-based journalists, as a rule, raise complaining about DC to a refined pitch – witness the latest success of the New York Times‘ Mark Leibovich, an observer keen enough to admit his complaints about Washington form the basis of his pay while here.

Journalists hard at work

It may seem flip comparing a Winter Classic game to a national political convention, but there are some similarities. There’s clearly a home ‘team’, and a much smaller ‘opponent’ contingent; media flood into town to set up electronic camps and pillage buffets; and there’s no shortage of A-list stars that everyone else wants to meet. Beyond that, the similarities end; it’s the differences that really tell the story.

At a hockey game, fans cheer their team to win. Increasingly at conventions, and I’ve covered nine of them so far, delegates and politicians want the other team to lose. In the locker room, before and after the match, players speak respectfully of the other side, maybe with a small side of chirp. At conventions, partisans can’t say enough bad things about their opponents to fill the yawning maw of cable TV. And at game’s end, hockey players, coaches and fans turn to the next game, and the next, and the next after that, working to build success in the future. Even before election results come in, the losing side is already planning how to burn down the victor.

Maybe, in part, it’s because most players, coaches and staff know there’s little permanent in hockey. One day you’re winning a Cup with the Blackhawks; the next you’re scoring the GWG on them in the Classic. Even the Homer-iest McFanBoy knows deep down that hatred of a rival isn’t truly hate. Extreme dislike, perhaps, but not hate. Name me one politician on the national stage who isn’t behaving as if the other team is out to destroy America, let alone saying it. Crickets.

Hockey Hope and Glory

It can be easy for any of us to lose heart; to simply say they’re all crooks and the fix is in and there’s nothing to be done about it anyway. Giving up, basically. Wasn’t that the clear message from the latest Gallup study released Friday?

I know plenty of people who say they have given up on politics and Washington; that they’ve lost faith not just in the institutions of self-governance, but almost on the American people at large. And then I think: there’s no quitting in hockey.

USA Wounded Warriors know a thing or two about never giving up

Grit and gut are celebrated in the Capitals culture; giving up is not. When you’re down, you come together as a team and step it up right to the end…and if even that doesn’t work, you put it behind and move forward in the future to do better. I don’t think you could find a player who hasn’t at some time, in a post-game interview, spoken of how they gutted it out for their team, for the fans, or to honor the ceaseless support of family and friends from the time they first laced up skates.

Walking throughout Nats Parks New Years Day during the Classic, I realized our Capitol culture could learn a lot from Capitals culture. Here were partisans on both sides, proudly sporting their sides’ colors, seated one next to the other – and enjoying the competition. While there may have been a few foul incidents, there was no hatred on display anywhere. Instead, what we all saw was an amazing game, some breath-taking play, and a crowd of 42,000 of your fellow Americans coming together to celebrate and enjoy a beautiful game.

Washington could learn a thing or two from Washington. For other promotions, checkout Valdosta Car Wreck Lawyer.

2015 BRIDGESTONE NHL WINTER CLASSIC® BY THE NUMBERS

2 Each team is making its second appearance in the NHL Winter Classic; Chicago was defeated 6-4 by Detroit in 2009 at Wrigley Field. Washington bested Pittsburgh by a 3-1 margin at Heinz Field in 2011.

2 Beginning Jan. 1, fans can nominate their community to be one of the two communities (one in Canada, one in the U.S.) that will win the title of Kraft Hockeyville in 2015. The title will earn each community an arena makeover and the honor of hosting an NHL pre-season game in 2015.

5 Of the six most-watched NHL regular-season games in the U.S. since 1975, five are NHL Winter Classic games.

10 Most number of goals teams have combined to score in a single NHL Winter Classic, four of which were scored by the Blackhawks in their 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at the 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

12 Length, in inches, of the District Duel, which will be served as the Signature Dish of the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. DC’s distinguished foot-long Half Smoke meets Chicago style slow roasted Italian beef, topped with creole mustard, banana peppers and giardiniera. The District Duel is available at Taste of the Major’s stands at sections 115 and 314, and at Anacostia Station at section 217).

14 Players on the Capitals roster who have skated in a regular-season outdoor NHL game. Of those 14, only two have participated in more than one such game: Jason Chimera (2003 NHL Heritage Classic, 2011 NHL Winter Classic) and Brooks Orpik (2008 NHL Winter Classic, 2011 NHL Winter Classic, 2014 NHL Coors Light Stadium Series).

16 Number worn by Capitals right wing Eric Fehr, who scored two goals, including the game-winner, in Washington’s 3-1 win at Pittsburgh in the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field.

17 Number of NHL corporate and broadcast partners activating at the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® Spectator Plaza presented by GEICO, a free fan festival with hockey-themed attractions, music and fun for all ages that will be held at the Fairgrounds outside the Center Field Gate at Nationals Park, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

20 Estimated direct sales, in millions of dollars, that the NHL Winter Classic will bring to Washington, D.C., according to Destination DC.

21 Players on the Blackhawks roster who have participated in a regular-season outdoor NHL game. That includes 18 players who appeared in the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Soldier Field.

24 Feet below street level where the field and rink at Nationals Park sits.

24 Approximate number of kids from the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club and the Rooftop Hockey League who will skate on the Auxiliary Rink during pre-game and intermissions.
29 Average low temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for Washington, D.C. in January, according to weather.com.

34.7 Average temperature in Fahrenheit at puck drop for the six NHL Winter Classic games (2008 – 31.1°, 2009 – 31.9°, 2010 – 39.6°, 2011 – 51.7°, 2012 – 41°, 2014 – 13°).

38 NHLers who have played for both the Capitals and Blackhawks. Of those 38, only one has skated in at least 200 games for both clubs – current Capitals forward Troy Brouwer (CHI: 238, WSH: 211). Brouwer skated for the Blackhawks in the 2009 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic against Detroit at Wrigley Field.

40 Approximate number of USA Warriors military members that will participate in a hockey game on the NHL Winter Classic rink on Jan. 2.

44 Average high temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for Washington, D.C. in January, according weather.com.

53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for outdoor games conducted by the NHL.

88 Total number of points earned by the Capitals in their 90 all-time meetings vs. the Blackhawks.

91 Number worn by Blackhawks center Brad Richards, who tallied the game-winning goal for the New York Rangers in their 3-2 win at Philadelphia in the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park.

95 Total number of points earned by the Blackhawks in their 90 all-time meetings vs. the Capitals.

150+ Members of all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who will be attending the NHL Winter Classic as honored guests of the NHL, and will receive a special salute before the game.

160+ Approximate number of countries and territories that will carry the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® game broadcast.

243 Number of ice pans under the main rink at Nationals Park, each measuring 30” x 340” in size.

300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Nationals Park.

350 Gallons of paint used to make the Nationals Park ice white.

448 Players and head coaches who have participated in the League’s 13 regular-season outdoor games to date.

600+ Linear feet of LED ribbon board along the inner bowl fascia at the ballpark.

696 Approximate number of miles that separate Chicago and Washington.

2008 Year Nationals Park was completed.

2,555 NHL regular-season games that Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville and Capitals head coach Barry Trotz have combined to coach. Quenneville (1,327 GC; 729 W) and Trotz (1,228 GC; 573 W) rank first and fourth, respectively, among active NHL bench bosses in games coached and wins.

3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Nationals Park rink.

3,757 Estimated number of jobs in Washington, D.C. supported directly by the NHL Winter Classic, according to Destination DC.

4,500 Square footage of the high-definition scoreboard at Nationals Park.

7,800 Square footage of the American flag to be presented during the National Anthem at the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic (120 feet x 65 feet).

22,184 Estimated number of hotel rooms demanded in Washington, D.C. for the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, according to Destination DC.

24,400 Stitch count in the embroidered 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic logo featured in 218 different retail offerings, including 42 headwear, mittens, and scarf styles at the Official NHL Winter Classic Stores at Nationals Park.

115,000 The estimated value, in dollars, the NHL and Washington Capitals, in conjunction with NHL partners Bridgestone and Constellation, and project partners Franklin, Pepco, ECORE International, and CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, funded in upgrades and renovations to the outdoor rink at the Watkins Elementary School and Recreation Center in Southeast Washington, D.C. The donation to the ‘Watkins Rush Rink’ was part of the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® Legacy Initiative.

370,716 Total spectators in attendance at the first six NHL Winter Classic games.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO FUN!

When the puck drops for the Winter Classic at centre ice on New Year’s Day, give a thought to what was on that exact spot just a few years back. Where on Thursday, the best hockey players in the world will face off, many gay men of Washington will remember it as the place where back door looks and odd man rushes had very different meanings.

That’s because the old neighborhood around Nats Park was once home to some of DC’s most notorious gay nightlife. The Pier, Lost and Found and Tracks were some of the more boisterous dance clubs. But there was far more to the scene than just dancing.

La Cage (aka the Petting Zoo) was a favorite spot to watch (or touch) the go-go boys, and the DC outpost of the Club Baths chain was where one went for… well, bathhouse sex. And then there was the Glorious Health & Amusement Company (aka the Glory Hole). The locus of the action, O Street, Southeast, was razed and removed for the ballpark. As best we can tell, that’s exactly where the player benches will be for the game. Those old joints are just memories now, displaced by the ballpark, soulless office buildings, cookie cutter condos and progress. The old cruise bars are vestiges of the past as well, displaced by Grindr, Scruff and soulless hookup apps. Progress? The sporting life.

To get a feel for what the area was like, DC’s Rainbow History Project did a nice walking tour map of the old gayborhood. Click to enlarge (if we had a nickel…) the pages below.

So far, we’ve endeavored to take our our-of-towner Winter Classic visitors to some of DC’s most hippin’ and-a hoppin’-est neighborhoods: U Street, H Street, Barracks Row and Arlington. But there’s plenty of other places around town. Today, the best of the rest…best as determined by a somewhat random metric.

Time was if you wanted to go out in DC you went to Georgetown or Dupont Circle (assuming you didn’t really want to go to the gay go-go boy clubs down in Skankytown.) That’s changed. You don’t really need to know the neighborhoods listed here; any cab or Metro should get you pretty close.

Keep in mind that there’s great places around Nats Park – among them the Bluejacket brewery. But these places tend to get beyond full game days, and we expect on January 1 will be all but inaccessible. Hence, just a few other ideas within a few miles of the game.

Finally, this list is not comprehensive, and especially is not a fine-dining guide to DC. These are more the kind of comfy places you might wish you had in your neighborhood if you lived here: a Cheers bar with much more sawdust and much less light.

Petworth: This may be one of the District’s most diverse neighborhoods – demographically, economically and socially. It sits between the yuppified Columbia Heights, sleepy pricey Crestwood and the pretty-much-suburban Brightwood Park. It’s not cheap, but it’s not insanely priced like U Street, so you get some real DC flavor here; notably…

The Red Derby; 3718 14th Street NW. If you ever dreamed of opening up a bar while in college, this is likely what you were dreaming of. There’s nothing put-on about this place, nor generally the people who come here. Beers and grub. Best: New Year’s Eve is Old-Time Hollywood themed, with music from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s and those preposterous cellophane Derbys people used to wear.

The Hitching Post; 200 Upshur NW. Right across the street from the Old Soldiers Home, where President Lincoln used to reside during the summers, it’s easy to drive right past this place…but don’t. Inside it’s 1960, complete with old formica and booths that look like they’ve been here since Lincoln’s time. It’s old South and soul; some of THE best fried chicken and pork chops and mac-n-cheese and all the rest. They have liquor, but it’s not exactly a drinking spot. Look for the outdoor deck.

Columbia Heights: South of Petworth, this is a neighborhood that has what you might call great bones. The houses tend to be stately with large-by-DC standards yards. Good trees, decent infrastructure; a livable retail/home/bars mix. Maybe that’s why everyone started buying up houses here 10-15 years ago, leaving most of us just visitors here to places like…

Wonderland Ballroom; 1101 Kenyon Street NW. Woo-howdy, I love this place. It’s really small, and both levels can fill up in a flash, but whether crowded or not, this is an easy place to drink at. The place is a dump, and the bar does not boast 40 Belgian ales, but people are friendly and time passes very pleasantly here.

The Pinch; 3548 14th Street NW. Almost every other place on this list is good for drinking or good for eating; the Pinch is good for both. It’s at the corner of one of those weird DC intersections, making the building basically a wedge. The beers are pretty good and the food better – people rave about the sweet potato waffle fries, although I’ve not had them. A good place to spend an afternoon.

Adams Morgan: Back in the 90’s, this used to be the place for young Hill staffers and visitors to come and get blitzed. It’s since become the older, smaller, smellier brother to U Street, but you’ll still find young ‘uns drinking the hours away here, but probably not at…

This is a real thing

Dan’s Cafe; 2315 18th Street NW. Diviest dive bar that ever dived in the District, hands down. It looks like some place you’d dump a body, and that’s from the front. All cash, drinks served in old squeeze-bottles, and you can be quite certain the floor hasn’t been cleaned in years. For dive enthusiasts, you won’t leave disappointed…or sober.

BUL; 2431 18th Street NW. Wanna be the first kid in your neighborhood to be the first to visit DC’s first Korean pojangmacha restaurant? Here’s your chance. Opening Tuesday, December 30th, this place is in the old Cafe Toulouse, with the giant Toulouse Lautrec mural on the front. They promise Korean comfort food, the kind you’d find on the steets of Seoul, and there’s not much more comforting on a cold day that Korean. If you go, let us know how it is.

Mt. Pleasant: While largely residential, Mt. Pleasant – and I’m extending this to the sliver of Connecticut Ave – is a delightful neighborhood, hemmed in by 16th Street on one side and the National Zoo/Rock Creek Park on the other. Speaking of animals…

The Raven; 3125 Mt. Pleasant Street NW. From the giant neon champagne glass with light bubbles that tries to evoke class but never does, you know exactly what you’re getting at the Raven. Booze, basically. Booze and decent people to talk to. You don’t eat here; you don’t show off about your job or your car or your vacation. You sit and you drink. Great jukebox.

Zoo Bar; 3000 Connecticut Ave NW. Technically not in Mt. Pleasant but close enough, Zoo Bar is right across the avenue from the National Zoo’s main entrance. I have good memories here, but I’m not sure how to describe this place so here’s some Yelper: “This place is a normal, no frills bar, great outside patio and wonderful, straightforward service (i.e. they are efficient, they don’t make small talk and they keep your table clean.”

Shaw/Cardozo: This was the affordable U Street before it became unaffordable. These days, Shaw is home to some of the hottest bars and original eateries in the area, and also the irreplaceable Florida Avenue Grill and Oohs and Aahs. But also on the list…

Ivy and Coney; 1537 7th Street NW. This place is a little bit of home for anyone from Chicago (Ivy) or Detroit (Coney.) Limited menu but if Black Hawks fans are in need of a bit of home, and want to go to a place where you KNOW everyone will be cheering on the Hawks, you’ve found your spot.

Bistro Bohem; 600 Florida Ave. NW. This is another almost gastro-pubish kinda place that usually makes me retch…almost, but not. Instead, Bistro Bohem is a clean place where the patrons are casual and the food is comforting. Probably the classiest joint in this entire list, and not a sports-bar by any stretch, it’s one of the best things to happen in town for a while.

Capitol Hill: When Pierre L’Enfant was laying out town, it’s said he looked at a prominent hill somewhere near the center of the District and proclaimed it a place in search of a monument. Then called Jenkins Hill, it eventually became the home for the U.S. Congress, and the neighborhood that grew up around it. Michele has this look at a number of the neighborhoods finer establishments, but I just wanted to point out one more…

Tune Inn; 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE. We almost lost this classic a few years ago in what became a series of odd fires around the Hill. The pub fare may not say “dive”, but the patrons likely will – especially on weekdays. I’ve spent more time here than I should publicly admit to, and I still love coming. Don’t judge me.

Downtown DC: Downtown is generally home to lobbyist restaurants and the people who can afford to go there. In other words, tool-tastic. But here’s only a couple ideas of places you might like that aren’t in the congestion of Chinatown:

The Passenger; 1021 7th Street NW. People love this place. I remember when it was a near-vacant abandoned retail store that hosted raves and weird art and probably lots of heroin. These days, it’s all dolled up and people love it. They especially love the “Columbia Room”, a 10-seat only backroom cocktail bar where you can blow lots of dough on drinks you probably won’t like. I’ve never been, and if it’s anywhere near as irritating as their website which In my opinion needs some SEO services, I’d hate it, but I don’t think that will worry them too much.

Post Pub; 1422 L Street NW. This relic gets its name from another relic down the street – the Washington Post. It’s sorta dark, lots of booths…the kind of place a bad screen-writer would set for a tense interview between reporter and anonymous source. But it does harken back to a certain time when bars were basically places you went to get drunk, and perhaps watch a little TV. Worth a visit if only to go before it closes forever…just like that other spot down the street.

Postscript: Before anyone starts writing to complain about how we left their favorite spot off, or totally ignored this or that neighborhood, or is just generally butt-hurt about something or other, this is nothing more than a few of the 1,000+ places you can visit here in town.

Actual Arlington skyline, seen from the District

Out-of-towners often ask about the District’s unusual history; something along the lines of ‘Are you a state or a city or what? Does your mayor still do crack? And why is it shaped so weird?’ Meaning, we assume, the District, not our mayor.

Pass on the first two. But true story! The District was once nearly almost completely diamond-shaped, straddling both sides of the Potomac, until some fancyboys in the Commonwealth got a little snippy and took back their side, turning it into Arlington.

Today it’s home to over 200,000 people, and notably features many many little group homes where underpaid Capitol interns share their sad nights. But this is a good thing, because many underpaid interns equals many fun places to hang out, sample local cuisine, build friendships and drink. Who are we kidding…it’s just the drinking part.

Today’s tour guide is the amazing Jason Rogers – world traveler, captain of the now defunct Arlington Sperm Whales, and, as he explains, “can recite Sartre in three languages just as fast as he can put a puck past your ear.”

Congratulations on your purchase of tickets to the 2014 Bridgestone Winter Classic, and welcome to Washington D.C.! This great city is home to our nation’s capital, the seat of power of our mighty government, the environs of some of the most exquisite civil architecture in the world, and the address of many of the finest restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and cultural landmarks on earth.

For some reason, this is a thing in Arlington. Don’t do this thing.

Oh, wait. You’re staying in Arlington?

I have a dirty little secret, Washingtonians: I live in Arlington. That’s right, the cubic zirconia of cities. Some people buy fake Shelby Cobra replicas; I live in Arlington. Some people wear clip-on bow ties because they can’t tie the real ones; I live in Arlington. Some people lie and tell out-of-towners they live in D.C.; so do I, because I live in Arlington.

But if your Winter Classic experience involves bunking down in A-Town, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained on this side of the Potomac. So grab your four-dollar cigarettes, your Smokea vapes and your concealed carry license, because we’re going to Virginia!

WHERE TO EAT

Pedro and Vinny’s Burritos; 2559 Columbia Pike

You know what makes America great? Our god-given and constitutionally-guaranteed right to cram potentially questionable meat stuffs of dubious and possibly clandestine origin into our face holes from structures ranging in code-compliance from “Maybe” to “Surely you jest.”

Pedro and Vinny’s operates out of a shack so small, it sits within a CVS parking lot and is technically registered as a food truck. Don’t let that fool you, though. This admittedly dusty diamond serves the highest-rated burrito in D.C. on Yelp, and represented the region when Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight blog did a comparison of the best burritos in America.

Open until 3AM and happily catering to the inebriated, intoxicated, elevated, and otherwise cognitively compromised, Pedro and Vinny’s offers burritos the size of well-swaddled toddlers that taste ridiculously delightful, all for less than Chipotle charges for their Tex-Mex á la afterbirth.

Bob and Edith’s Diner; 2310 Columbia Pike

Located just a block from Pedro and Vinny’s on Columbia Pike is Arlington institution Bob and Edith’s. This plucky little diner has been in the same spot for forty years now – we’re talking the kind of place where they sell t-shirts and have framed photos of LBJ eating a BLT with the owner.

The food at Bob and Edith’s is just fine. It’s diner food, you’ve probably had it. From the same culinary braintrust as Messrs. Denny and Shoney, the real joy of B&E’s is the clientele. You see, Bob and Edith’s never closes. Ever. And peak hours for this little mom and pop diner are 1AM to 4AM.

So if you want some old-school corned beef hash slung onto a plate by a crocodilian cocktail waitress with cigarette paper skin, while commiserating with a clamoring diner of dozens of similarly sauced and jolly patrons, get on over to Bob and Edith’s.

WHERE TO DRINK

Yes, this is really a thing

Freddie’s Beach Bar; 555 South 23rd Street, Crystal City

If you decide you need a break from the strictly buttoned-down hetero hockey crowd, then boy, is this bar for you.

Freddie’s Beach Bar is the only gay bar in Arlington, and their address is listed on their website as “Virginia (YES, honey, Virginia!)” which by the way uses the best web design company I have ever seen. Really more of a cursed drag queen reverse-anthropomorphized into a bar in a cruel Faustian irony than a place I can believe actually exists, Freddie’s currently has the following events penciled into their December calendar: “12/24: Xmas Eve Drag Pajama Bingo; 12/31: NYE 2015 feat. Steven Andrade as CHER and Karaoke.” This is the kind of bar a betweeded Capitol Hill paralegal would describe as “a total freakout.”

And that’s why it rocks. Because, dammit, if you’re going to be a gay bar in Virginia, then BE a GAY BAR in Virginia! Freddie’s does it right, too, with their staff being universally praised as some of the most friendly, professional, and fun in the business.

Also, they do brunch, with bottomless mimosas. Can you say, “post-Winter Classic recovery meal”?

Hunan Number One; 3033 Wilson Blvd.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Arlington’s Hunan Number One. The term “dive bar” is thrown around too often today, but if your local watering hole is a standard dive, Hunan Number One is the Olympic ten-meter.

“Number One Hunan In All of Arlington!” their slogan (should) say, and…well, I suppose they live up to it. A comical anomaly of post-grad popular kid angst, Hunan Number One is the surest place to spot backwards hats, since-traded jerseys of favorite players, and boisterous, nonsensical sports-centric chatter. Part frat party, part stern Chinese uncle, this bar is weird.

“Chinese restaurant by day, college bar by night – lots of fakes [IDs] and underage Arlington trust fund kids. They serve massive beers that are dirt cheap – ten bucks for 32 ounces – and sometimes they serve Chinese food when they remember to. Bartenders are not friendly and mostly Chinese. They seem annoyed that the place is a hit.” Such was the description of Hunan Number One offered by an anonymous expert, a wanton wonton wunderkind.

“The only positive thing is the size and price of the beers,” but hey, isn’t that life, man? Snaps.

WHAT TO DO

Let’s Go Caps!!

Kettler Capitals Iceplex; Balston Common Mall

Part Manhattan Project bunker, part Kremlin-cum-shopping mall, Kettler Capitals Iceplex is the home of your beloved Washington Capitals hockey team. I think it’s between the L.L. Bean and the Cinnabon.

That’s right: in a world where NFL teams maintain no less than seventy-five potential practice fields and a dozen weatherproof bubbles at a time, the Capitals practice on the roof of a mall.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice mall. I think there’s a Gucci in there.

But aside from the crushing reminder of the financial realities that govern life, Kettler is great for fans. Practices are open, and fans can get right up against the glass to watch their favorite Caps practice the very skills they’ll fail to execute that night! Want to see Mike Green misplay a puck? See it at Kettler first! Wonder what Brooks Laich looks like gingerly leaving the ice after an injury? Wonder no more after a practice at Kettler!

But seriously: you can take in a practice, get autographs from your favorite players, and tour the very offices where they say the ghost of George McPhee still lingers, softly wailing “Forsberg…Erat…whyyy…”

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse; 2903 Columbia Pike

You know those insufferable “vintage” movie houses, with their craft beers on tap, and their full kitchens, and…their super comfortable seats, and….okay yeah, they’re sort of awesome. And Arlington has a sweet one.

Resplendent in vertically arranged incandescent letters, the sign for the Arlington Cinema is a landmark of Columbia Pike. In addition to showing select first-run films and beloved cult classics (seriously, how many times can you show Rocky Horror?), it is also a great low-key place to see stand-up comedians and other various acts.

But seriously – did I mention the beer? Because waiters will literally bring you beers while you watch a movie or see a comedian. Like, lots of beers. More beers than they should bring you without gently putting a hand on your shoulder and asking if you need to talk. Enough beers that it really doesn’t matter what movie they’re showing – you’re quoting Caddyshack and loving it.

So if you’re looking for some entertainment of the Sitting and Boozing variety, swing by Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse.

Tell them beer sent you.

See? Life in Arlington isn’t so bad. It may not be Dupont Circle, but it ain’t Anacostia, either.

Enjoy the Winter Classic, and as always, Go Caps.

Like many neighborhoods in DC, 8th Street SE has seen its share of tough times – but these days, most of that is in the rear view window which has just gotten replaced by the window replacement calgary team. The center of the entertainment district runs from Pennsylvania Ave down to I Street SE, right next to the Marine Corps barracks and parade ground – the oldest active post in the Corps, and source of the neighborhood’s nick-name.

Barracks Row may be a short four or so, but it packs in some of the best restaurants and most easy-going bars to be found in town. Hill staffers abound, but so do just plain folks.

Our tour guide is Michele Johnson, the pride of northern North Dakota, and hockey aficionado. Used to be a full time guide on Bus Tours to New York from Moncton. She’s got a sharp eye for bad penalties and great restaurants, so we’re thrilled she’s sharing her neighborhood love with us. Take it away, Michele!

8th Street SE, aka Barracks Row:

A short walk (or Circulator bus ride) from Nationals Park, is historic 8th Street SE, occupied by everything from a U.S. Marines base to Bon Appetit’s best new restaurant of 2014. The following is a guide to the many bars, restaurants, and stores that call 8th Street (and Pennsylvania Ave SE) home. They are listed in order, starting at the intersection of 6th and Pennsylvania Ave SE, walking southeast to 8th Street SE, then taking a right and walking south down 8th Street SE. Beuchert’s Saloon; 623 Pennsylvania Ave SE: On Pennsylvania, between 6th and 7th. When this restaurant first opened, I recall reading a review that said walking into this place was like walking into a Mumford & Sons video. That’s a very accurate description. You get the picture: Bison heads above the bar, hipster owners, servers and bartenders, amazing food and atmosphere, outdoor patio in back. The owners source all their food from a local farm in Maryland. Really, really good. Be warned: no television. But you may need a break from hockey coverage and these guys play cool music.

Hank’s On the Hill; 633 Pennsylvania Ave SE: On Pennsylvania, between 6th and 7th. Hank’s is an institution in the metro area. Other locations in Alexandria and Dupont Circle. Come here for a strong cocktail and seafood. [Ed note: Hank’s has also been voted “Best Chef” by the Washington Blade’s ‘Best of Gay DC’]

Peregrine Espresso; 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE: At 7th Street SE and Pennsylvania. Often named one of the best espresso places in the city… and the country. Be prepared for the attitude that comes along with that distinction. But still worth a visit for a life-changing cappuccino.

Hill’s Kitchen; 713 D Street SE: At 8th and Pennsylvania. Great specialty kitchen supply store, owned and operated by a local woman for the past five or so years. Come here to get plates, cookie cutters, and dish towels with designs from your state or Washington, DC monuments. You’re going to like this place.

The Sweet Lobby; 404 8th Street SE: On 8th Street SE. Local cupcake and macaroon shop. They won some type of competition on Food Network. Great flavor combinations. You know how some cupcake places have great cake or great frosting, but never both? Not here. In my opinion, best in the city.

You can down a lot of these at Banana Cafe

Banana Cafe & Piano Bar; 500 8th Street SE: From my perspective, Banana Cafe is the oldest dining and drinking establishment on Barracks Row. Twenty years ago, it was the only place to go on this street, and now, it’s one of many. And while it may show it’s age (don’t go there for ambiance), it is a D.C. institution. Most residents and natives have fond (or fuzzy) memories of one too many margaritas at Banana Cafe. Try the mango margarita. While you are distracted by the luscious fruit, the tequila will sneak up and slap you across the face. Awesome. Also, the traditional Cuban fare is the real deal. [Ed note: I can attest to the fuzzy memories there!]

Ted’s Bulletin; 505 8th Street SE: On 8th. Legend has it that Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper comes here for the homemade pop tarts. They are good, so I wouldn’t be surprised. Step inside to get one to go. While the food here is good, the service leaves a lot to be desired.

Matchbox; 521 8th Street SE: On 8th. Sit at the bar. Split a salad and a pizza with a friend. These guys have at least two other locations in the metro area. Very good.

Cava; 527 8th Street SE: On 8th. Greek tapas. Order the saganaki (fried cheese). Your server pours brandy on the cheese, lights the fire table side, and puts the fire out with a squeeze of lemon. Delicious.

Lola’s; 711 8th Street SE: On 8th. Wood-paneled bar, three levels and back patio with fireplace. I must include it on this list for sentimental reasons. Back in the day, our favorite bartenders Nick and Rebecca would welcome us with open arms (and cold drinks) and tune one of the televisions to North Dakota college hockey. Times have changed, people have moved on. But still… I can’t think about hockey without thinking of Lola’s. (Sister bar Boxcar Tavern on 7th.)

The Ugly Mug; 723 8th Street SE: Across from the Marine Barracks. Want to buy a Marine a drink? This is the place. It’s their bar. Think college bar, with the smell of cheeseburgers and pitchers of beer. It will probably remind you of a place in your hometown.

Rose’s Luxury; 717 8th Street SE: Named Bon Appetit restaurant of the year for 2014. No reservations. People begin standing in line at 4:30 pm or so for the 6:30 pm opening. Closed on Sundays. It is exceptional if you want to make it a priority. The lychee salad is my favorite. The menu changes with the seasons. If your friends back home are foodies, they will be impressed if you have a dining experience here.

District Doughnuts; 749 8th Street SE: Opened in September 2014. This is a place where people stand in line for doughnuts. Once the doughnuts are gone, the shop closes for the day. Sure, they’re good, but are they that good?

Today’s Washington tour guide for out-of-town Winter Classic attendees takes us to the newest up-and-coming neighborhood to up and come. H Street NE spans about 13 blocks, from just north of Union Station to around 15th Street and the old Hechinger Mall.

Once dreary and down on it’s heels, H Street NE these days is home to thriving night life, great food and drink, and tons of younger scene-sters with funny mustaches and ridiculous skinny jeans. It’s also one of the few places left in town where rents are affordable enough for bars and restaurants to take some chances.

Today’s tour guide is Dave Eskola, a DC transplant by way of Duluth and hockey fan extraordinaire. Dave was smart enough to buy a house just off H Street several years ago before it exploded, banking that it was going to be DC’s hot-hot-hot spot.

H Street in warmer months

The H Street Corridor,a.k.a. Atlas District, is a symbol of DC’s renewal as a place to live and live life, not just to work. A center of African-American commerce and nightlife through the 1950s (Charlie Parker recorded the famed live LP “One Night in Washington” at the long-gone Kavakos Nightclub at 727 H NE in 1953) – much of the strip burned during riots in 1968. It was largely derelict until the high housing prices and the prospect of shorter commutes started luring Yuppies into the neighborhood in the mid-00s. This displaced some long-time residents – and made other long-time residents wealthy.

Bars and restaurants followed. Former Mayor Adrian Fenty tried to goose development and tourism and improve transportation with the addition of streetcar tracks during road reconstruction five years ago. Haphazardly planned and long delayed, the trolley may start taking passengers this month. Rides reportedly will be free for awhile.

Bars and restaurants mentioned here can be accessed by the streetcar, which runs from the Hopscotch Bridge on H Street in the rear of Union Station (exit out the back toward the parking garage) to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station on the Blue/Orange line across the Anacostia River. The X2 bus – known locally as “The Extreeeeeme!”—also runs down H between the White House and the Minnesota Avenue station. The second busiest bus route in DC, it can be an adventure.

Not a whole lot of interest in terms of dining between 7^th and 10^th yet. At 8^th and H, two major bus lines intersect and in addition to waiting passengers the corners can also be a magnet for boozy loiterers.

Restaurants & Bars

(Disclaimer: Note that in this part of town, spaces tend to be narrow and less roomy than some out-of-towners might be used to. In general, DC prices tend to be higher than you might find elsewhere and service can be uninspired.)

Ethiopic; 401 H St NE: DC’s known for Ethiopian cuisine and Ethiopic is one of the better examples. It’s small but has well-prepared food and good options for vegetarians. Has drawn well since opening and has a dedicated following. Owners have one of the relatively few bakeries in town next door.

Boundary Road; 414 H St NE: Craft cocktails, hipster vibe and some ambitious and generally good dishes. President and Michelle Obama dined here shortly after it opened in 2012, turning it into a hot destination that continues. Worthwhile late night happy hour, have encountered bartenders with ‘tude.

Le Grenier; 502 H St NE: French bistro with good food and happy hour. Cool vibe with 60s-70s French pop on the soundtrack, clever use of lighting. Tasty mix-‘n’-match meat and cheese plates. Decent brunch.

DC Harvest; 517 H St NE: New American newcomer to the west end of the corridor is a small but atmospheric space with great drinks, an ambitious menu and earnest service. The premise is the farm-to-table experience. Food is generally good but can be hit or miss and some complain about small portions. Great bet is fried chicken nights Monday and Tuesday, delicious food and a good value if you order it with the drink special.

Liberty Tree; 1016 H St NE: One of the first sit-down places on the “new” H Street is still one of the better ones. Best bets are the clam pizza and the lobster mac and cheese. Cozy bar.

Atlas Room; 1015 H St NE: Often mentioned as the best fancy-schmancy spot in the neighborhood. An early adapter on H to locally sourced ingredients and the presentation is often inventive. Can bring your own wine if you pay a corkage fee. Good cocktails. A pro job.

Queen Vic; 1206 H St NE: British pub run by an actual Brit. Very friendly place, with an ambitious menu for a bar, although a couple of previous chefs have left for more food intensive restaurants. Good selection of UK and European beers. Solid choice.

Vendetta; 1212 H St NE: Italian/American concept from DC legend Joe Englert, who has brought many quirky bars and restaurants to the District over the last two decades and who I think is one of the city’s unsung heroes. Vendetta has a bocce court, which is pretty cool. I really like the bar here. Englert was or is involved with a half-dozen bars and restaurants in this neighborhood.

Sticky Rice; 1224 H St NE: Craving sushi and tater tots? Here’s your place. Sticky Rice has a fun atmosphere and makes creative use of sushi with some presentations you won’t find elsewhere. Good vegetarian options. Now open for lunch – not many H street restaurants are. Menu is good for a laugh: “Godzirra rolls” indeed.

Smith Commons; 1245 H St NE: Somewhat less fancy than the Atlas Room but the food’s good if sometimes hit and miss and they make a dynamite Manhattan, bartender taught me to burn an orange peel and toss it in. Beautiful inviting space, roomy second floor back deck for when the weather cooperates. Another place Barack and Michelle have dined.

Toki Underground; 1234 H St NE: Best food on the strip, small space, big Taiwanese style Ramen dishes, inventive cocktail menu. The food here is great and a value. Recent rave tweet from Neil Patrick Harris. Doesn’t take reservations, but leave your name and number at the host station and they’ll text you when your table’s ready. Go to one of the many nearby bars to wait. A bit tough to find, it’s up the stairs just left of the entrance to The Pug, the divey bar next door.

H Street Country Club; 1335 H Street NE: Bar/restaurant famed for its impressive miniature golf course, which takes players on a tour of reimagined DC monuments and historic sites. Takes about a half-hour to play, 7 bucks. There’s also skeeball and shuffleboard if you can’t get a tee time.

Dangerously Delicious Pies; 1339 H St NE: DC branch of a Baltimore favorite, DDP serves sweet and savory pie until 3:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Not cheap but the pie is good and it’s open late.

Granville Moore’s; 1238 H St NE: Another early arrival on the new H, known for its rustic charm, Belgian beer and mussels. Which are good enough to lure in Bobby Flay for his Food Network “Throwdown” series. They won.

Star & Shamrock; 1341 H St NE: Charming Irish pub/Jewish deli hybrid serves good sandwiches – get the pastrami — and is also open at lunch. It’s big, U-shaped bar offers a lot of seats, not always true of other DC bars.

Rock and Roll Hotel; 1353 H St NE: Leading music venue on H Street gets a wild mix of up and coming acts in its first floor performance space. Second floor bar is cool, with guitars dangling from the ceiling and some semi-private spaces toward the back that have that old New Orleans bordello feel. Huge roof deck, but winter weather may moot that. Drinks tend toward shot-and-a-Schlitz. Building was once a mortuary and part of second floor is reportedly haunted. As the website notes, it’s not an actual hotel.

Biergarten Haus; 1355 H St NE: Very popular Bavarian-themed bar with a big beer garden out back, but in winter the large enclosed, heated back patio bar has its charms as well. The place keeps it simple, German beer and sausage predominate. A favorite among soccer fans.

Argonaut; 1433 H St NE: Another Englert spot, the Argonaut was THE pioneer in the H Street revival and still a favorite neighborhood spot. Decent food, good prices, nice vibe.

Rep. Mike Quigley and former Hawk Jimmy Hayes teaching hockey in Chicago

As part of our previews of the New Year’s Day Winter Classic, today we hear from a guy who knows more about Chicago, Washington, DC and hockey combined: Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois D-Blackhawks).

Chicago may be Quigley’s home, and Washington his work place, but hockey’s in his blood. As chair of the Congressional Hockey Caucus – yes, that exists – Quigley can often be found either out on the ice – as when he plays against the USA Wounded Warriors – or working to bring hockey to the children of Chicago. He’s a Hawks fan through and through, but keeps a close eye on the Capitals, and shares his thoughts about this game, and The Game.

What’s the Winter Classic mean for you?

You’re actually talking to someone who’s played outdoor hockey. I moved to Chicago, a village called Carol Stream – back then just a subdivision with ambitions. There was a corn field and lagoons, and the lagoons would freeze over. One year when I was eight my parents bought me a pair of skates and a Northland wooden hockey stick.

It was an incredibly cold winter, and I had no idea what I was doing. I put my skates on in the house with no blade guards, walked all the way to the lagoon on the skates and stepped onto the ice for the first time in an outdoor setting. I could hardly skate, but to the extent you could glide around the ice with a puck and a stick, I was hooked. It was freezing, incredibly bad conditions, the ice was rutted…but all of my early hockey was outdoors.

Rep. Quigley hits the ice

I’m just now reminded there were certain rules. Like, if you shoot and miss, because it was two Folgers cans and a net, you had to go chase the puck which is sometimes a quarter-mile skate, and then you had to dig the puck out of a snowbank. Then after a while there were no lifters; which means that if you lifted it, it would be very hard for a goalie with no pads to stop it, and it kept giong on ice – there were no boards obviously so you had to go chase it and bring it back.

We played because it was just amazing to play; 4, 5, 6 hours, all day. And we had a guy from the park district who did us a favor occasionally. He put his park district Jeep LED headlights onto the ice so we could play a little bit longer.

Congressional Hockey Caucus puck drop

Is that what makes the Winter Classic so special?

I think for most of the people who will step out onto the ice January 1st, like Toews from Winnipeg, Pat Kane from Buffalo – their games were outdoors. That’s how they learned how to play. So for some to say ‘Oh well, you know, conditions are tough…”, that’s what they grew up with! I was on the ice at Soldier Field at a practice and I asked Toews ‘Just like Winnipeg, huh?’ And he made a very emphatic ‘no’ because it wasn’t nearly cold enough.

It’s just so much fun – it’s such a special event. I can’t wait to wait to be there. We’re going to skate on the game on the 30th because I want to keep my string going with Black hawk games. I was on the ice at Wrigley in a game, I was on the ice at Soldier Field with the USA Warriors. I played with Brett Hull at the Park District Rink, YMCA, with the Elmhurst Huskies.

So how are the Hawks doing?

Amazing goal-tending and penalty killing, they have as much depth as any team in the league. They’ve got people who aren’t universally known that are playing at a all-star level. When I talk to my friends, I don’t they they appreciate just how good Hjalmarrson is. They hear of Keith and Seabrook, and Toews and Kane on offense; but this is a shot-blocking machine playing at an all-star level.

How would you rate the Caps?

I was surprised the Capitals still had a team. Just haven’t heard from them very much, eh? They have this problem with the “P” word: playoffs.

They’re always a team where, they may get a little streaky, but do they have enough depth? Do they have leadership at that crunch-time? Do you win this game, do you win this series, do you move on; do you have people who step up at that time? I never doubted they’ve had enough talent to win the Cup. I’m not sure that’s the case this year, but the question still is: who fills that role?

I hear criticism of Kane – ‘Oh, he doesn’t play defense, he doesn’t play 200 feet…’ You know what? In 2010, they were losing by a goal to Nashville and he scores a goal with 1.5 seconds to go, I think. Then he scores a series of clutch goals, and then the Cup-winning goal against Philly in game six. I happened to be there because the Flyer fans were so spectacularly…in order to protect me they had to put me on the ice…

…sounds like Philly…

…so Kane is one of those guys. Toews, Seabrook. Who steps up for the Caps when it really matters? It’s not always when you do something big; it’s when the game is on the line. Do you score when it’s game seven?

If President Obama attends the game, who should he root for? Make the case for Chicago.

There’s no competition here. The hockey that he knew, before the Hawks turned it around, was last, a team that had almost given up, it was not a universally supported team. I’m part of a program to put floor hockey in every school in every district, and an ice hockey program across the city to expand diversity of the game.

To remind the President: this is a team universally supported across Chicago with a very diversified base. I took a bike ride a year ago from the Lake to past Wrigley. I went through the Latino section, the Boys Town section, to South Port which is young professional area. Every street, everyone wearing Black hawk jerseys. He’s an eight year resident of DC, eventually he’ll come home to Chicago.

So you don’t think he’s been treated well by Washington?

Ummm…(laughs) Well, he lives in the White House, what can they do? No, he’s still a Chicago person.

Care to announce any wagers with your colleague, Del. Norton?

See, the problem is, normally you trade food. Chicago has great hot dogs, Italian beef, cinnamon rolls from Ann Sathers, the pizza. I’m really not sure what DC has to offer. I’ve lived here almost six years…

…half smokes maybe? Mumbo sauce?

Nah, it’s like even their pizza. It’s like they take their pizza on the street and run a truck over it until the flavor gets beat out of it. You have to really look for good food.

But I’d be willing to wage whatever Ms. Norton finds in they way of decent fare in exchange for Eli’s cheesecake. Ann Sathers’ cinnamon rolls. Pizza from just about anywhere. Hot dogs, bittersweet chocolate chip cookies, Dinkel’s donuts; Chicago is a culinary paradise. If Ms. Norton finds something worthy of competition, then I’d be glad to make the wager.

We’ve repeatedly contacted the offices of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton to get her view, and perhaps accept her colleagues’ challenge, but so far they have declined to respond.

If you’re like me, then you’ve probably had feelings of inadequacy as it relates to running your own business.

After I launched my first business, Kate’s Copy and got all the accounting solutions to finance it, (and then 6 months later closed the doors), I felt embarrassed and had an overwhelming feeling of failure.

Why couldn’t I make it work?

The answer to this question kind of shocked me, because as a result I did what I didn’t think I would do: I joined my boyfriend in his business.

But more on that in a minute…

What I learned from making the decision to move on from Kate’s Copy is this:

I don’t want to run my own business.

That was an incredibly freeing answer, one that I never would have come to if I would have continued to wonder what was wrong with ME, or why I couldn’t make my own business work.

I also realized this: within my broad answer – I don’t want to run my own business – there were a lot of other discoveries waiting to be made, and those discoveries relied on ME being curious enough to uncover them.

Here’s what I mean…

An alternative to running your own business
When John asked me to join the Entrepreneurs On Fire team back in January of 2013, my first response was “I don’t think so…”

I was nervous about working with my boyfriend – and even more, I didn’t want to work “for” my boyfriend.

I also still felt a bit of a sting from having to fold up shop with my own business, Kate’s Copy. Maybe I just wasn’t cut out for all this? Maybe I did belong in the Corporate world…

But when I realized I didn’t want to run my own business, I also realized I didn’t want to be back in the Corporate world.

“Isn’t that all there is?”, I thought.

No. I can’t go back to the Corporate world.

And so I set out on a mission: to figure out what the alternative to running my own business was.

Is fear holding you back?
In order to figure out the alternative, I thought it important to understand why I didn’t want to run my own business. Was it just because I failed the first time and I didn’t want to fail again?

So I started studying and really thinking about the way John ran Entrepreneurs On Fire – how he started it from the ground up – and how he was building it from… nothing.

That’s when I realized that John had a lot of things I didn’t have when I started Kate’s Copy, like:

A strong WHY
A willingness to face fear and TAKE ACTION
An idea worth pursuing (plus A LOT of other BIG ideas)
GRIT
An ability to pivot
I had exactly ZERO of these things when I set out to start and run my own business, and these are all things I feel are REQUIRED of an entrepreneur who is running their own business.

Now, it’s not that I didn’t feel I could develop these things – of course I want to have a strong WHY, and I want to face fear, and I do have a lot of ideas…

BUT, the one thing John definitely had that my personality and skill set simply doesn’t lend to is this: being a visionary.

At first I thought this was a bad thing, but after asking myself “why” several times, I really got to the bottom of why I don’t want to run my own business.

Understanding your personality and skill set
Why?

Because my personality and skill set lends to something other than running my own business, and I decided back in 2013 that I want to lean into my strengths versus dwelling on my weaknesses.

My strengths include things like:

Figuring out how to make things work;
Implementing big ideas;
Diving into new software programs and understanding how to leverage them;
Creating systems and processes that help save time…
By giving myself the space to step back and understand what my greatest skills are – and where those skills overlap with the things I actually enjoy doing – I discovered my alternative:

I’m not going to run my own business and I’m not going to work in the Corporate world; I’m going to be a non-traditional entrepreneur.

I’m someone who works behind the scenes and implements big ideas for the entrepreneur.

And while I still do consider myself an entrepreneur in so many ways, I realize I’m not a tradition entrepreneur, and I own that.

Ten times out of 10 I want to be the one putting the puzzle pieces together versus the one coming up with the idea for the completed puzzle, and I’m good with that.

The alternative
Aside from this post, you’ve probably heard a lot about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and that starting your own business is a marathon, not a sprint. That you have to have a WHY, be willing to face fear, have an idea worth pursuing, have grit, and be able to pivot.

But what if you don’t have all of this?… Or what if you have all of this, but running your own business just doesn’t feel right?

It doesn’t mean you’re doomed to work in the Corporate world for the rest of your life.

Ice skating on the newly built Reflecting Pool, 1922 (Library of Congress)

Earlier this year, we met with DC architect Paul Spreiregen to talk about an idea that’s just as good today as when he first proposed it 50 years ago.

Back then in the mid-60’s, DC civic leaders were looking for ways to bring people back downtown all throughout the year. Spreiregen, who grew up in the cold winters of New England, had an idea: freezing the Reflecting Pool and turning it into hockey rinks and skating ponds.

Everyone in DC loved the idea – it rocketed all the way up through the Johnson Administration – until it hit the classic DC roadblock: bureaucracy. He tells the story better than I can, but when we first posted, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis shared this:

“Here is a well researched article in PuckBuddys on our federal government and fun and big idea to freeze the reflecting pond in winter to allow for ice skating on the Mall.

I had heard about this effort before but had never seen the details such as presented here. A great read. check this out For More Info.

It is very difficult to get things done in DC as this article details.”Delay is death”. And it is also very expensive, as there are many layers of government to negotiate with and get approvals from and budget as it relates to any new development in downtown DC. Coordinating Federal departments, and local auspices is a challenge.

Would this be a national effort, a local effort? Local tax dollars? Federal tax dollars? Who pays for maintenance? Insurance? Upkeep? And on and on.

As a small for instance on the unique character of DC, I have been trying to find a way to improve traffic flow out of Verizon Center for more than three years – and simply would like to see how we could coordinate lights and traffic patterns for more efficient egress for our fans.

Some of our wisest and most powerful political leaders locally have signed up to help. One simple request was asked as a test, could we time synch the lights on one avenue to allow for a quicker and less interrupted trek from our city to the suburbs? Could local police play a role in helping to get our fans out of the building and on their way home in a selected hour period of time – say from 930 pm to 1030 pm, sometimes a bit later for concerts. Many buildings around the NHL and NBA offer such services, and I thought it would be smart and safe to do likewise for our fans.

Sounds simple, right? I envisioned one master control panel where an individual could reprogram the lights, and one set of meetings with all the folks that touched this decision and this would be an easy request, as after all, our community has the most technically advanced infrastructure in the world!

But it is more difficult than you think, as the Park Department, Homeland  Security, Department of Transportation, Department of Interior, Secret Service, local DC Metropolitan Police, the City Council, and some differing tech infrastructure, with old software code seems to get in the way. In fact, in some cases, literally, no one can figure out who is actually in charge and can deliver on said request and test.

Whenever you touch the National Mall, or Constitution Avenue – in any way, add  lots of complexity on just finding the answer to, “who is in charge?”.

We keep at it – we continue to meet. Perhaps one day we will deliver. It wont be for a lack of trying. Everyone is helpful, everyone agrees that we can do better. I remain hopeful.

Also – at Georgetown University, there has been work underway regarding its boat house and a permit and land swap, I am being serious here, the work is active and enters its fourth decade of meetings, more than 40 years of work, without a final decision! I have attended several of the meetings to try to help, “Delay is death”.

I really enjoyed reading this article, 50 years seems like a long time, but in DC, on some matters, it is a blink of an eye. Click to read.”

A Capital Idea Whose Time Has Come…Again