Photo by María Helena Carey
From the narrow, intimate feel of Lola’s Barracks Row to the soon-to-come revamped Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Xavier Cervera’s establishments have become temptingly unavoidable on the Hill. Although many have mocked the seemingly extensive use of wood milwork, it’s undeniable that his places are comfortable and offer great food, stiff drinks, and great Happy Hour specials. But I was curious to know a little more about the man (and his very cool dog, Henry, a black King Shepherd) behind so many of the Hill’s establishments — currently four, but soon to come to ten. Here are five or so questions Xavier answered for me:
Are you a native Washingtonian? What made you choose Capitol Hill as a place not just to hold business ventures but also to live and mingle with those you do business with?
“Yes, I am a Washingtonian. I grew up here but left at a young age. While living in other parts of the country I would always visit home as I still have family here. I moved back home about five years ago. I moved to Capitol Hill because I love the familial feel of it, the large amounts of green space and it’s a great place to spend time with my dog Henry. [It’s] close to the cemetery, Lincoln Park and Washington Marina where Henry and I can quickly jump on the boat and beach it on Roosevelt Island where we enjoy a great walk or run while catching glimpses of Blue Heron, Deer and Bald Eagles.”
Do you do anything special to unwind and get away from the Hill?
“To unwind I like to head out to Middleburg where I horseback ride. I also enjoy my motorcycle, boating and of course going to Caps, Nationals and Redskins games!”
What drew you to being a restaurateur?
“I have been involved in the service industry since I was kid and have always enjoyed it. It’s a challenge that gets in your blood and for some its hard to think of doing anything else. Having a great staff has helped immensely. It frees me up to look for new locations and spend my time on both the concept and design for each new venue.”
I see you have harnessed the power of social media lately, especially on Twitter and Foursquare. Does using social media bring in more customers, or does it satisfy a small niche in the population?
“We are just now hopping on the social media bandwagon and it appears to be an avenue that my staff loves to get involved with. I try to build my venues with the neighborhood first and foremost in mind. But the addition of contemporary media has added a level of excitement that not only helps business but it seems to create a lot of fun for staff and that’s always a good thing.”
I could not resist asking Xavier about his upcoming restaurants: Boxcar, which will open in December, next door to Tunnicliffs; Willy’s Brew and Que, near Nationals Park and opening in the spring of 2012; the new-and-improved Hawk ‘n’ Dove; Pacifico, a Latin-themed eatery occupying the space left behind by the old video rental place next door to Belga Cafe, and which will tout the largest outdoor dining area on the Hill when it opens in February, 2012.
Will they have mahogany millwork?
He finds it thoroughly amusing that his naysayers are so fond of bringing up the wood milwork that many of his restaurants share. “For the record, only Lola’s is actually done in mahogany,” he adds. The buildings closer to the ballpark will have a more industrial feel, fitting with the character of the area. And his newest project to be completed at Canal Park, the Park Tavern — on M Street SE, across the street from the Department of Transportation — will be the first LEED-certified green restaurant in DC. It will also have a skating rink in winter and water fixtures in summer, to match the water theme already set by the nearby Yards park. It will also have a projecting cube made of giant sails that will broadcast different art pieces as a canvas, and which will be curated. It sounds impressive and a little complex.
And it will have no mahogany.
Well, let’s be a bit more precise. *Canal Park* will have the skating rink, water fixtures, and the different art pieces. His restaurant will be in the pavilion within the park. He won’t be in charge of creating all those other features.
From the original post: “it’s undeniable that his places . . .offer great food”
Actually, I’d deny that quite easily.
I wish one of the questions asked would have been: “If you felt the need to buy a Capitol Hill institution, and if you felt the need to gut it and turn it into yet another soulless place that belongs in the Potomac Yard parking lot next to Hops, couldn’t you at least have changed the name, since it won’t really be the Hawk’n’Dove anymore?”
What, the fuck, makes his gut job of Hawk ‘n Dove “new and improved”? He’s taking a perfectly fine bar and making it a clone of his other ones.
Why didn’t you ask him why it was necessary to destroy a bar that had operated for 46 years? I get that not everyone liked or visited the place, but the Hill (and DC) are full of sterile options.
It really is sad that a nice human interest story about a hill resident has to be attacked by a few people that are upset that their bar is being renovated. Grow up. If you are old enough to drink then you are mature enough to realize the article is about a neighbor, his dog and what he does to blow off steam. With that being said, the vast majority of hill residents frequent Mr Cerveras restaurants and enjoy them immensely. They are beautiful and well staffed with great food and drink and we are proud to have him as a hill resident that has invested so much into his neighborhood.
I doubt the vast majority of hill residents frequent his restaurants. Many do, and that’s fine. I’d wish him well, if he wasn’t killing off the one I liked.
Because a guy’s got a dog it makes him immune from commentary about his decisions?
I doubt the vast majority of hill residents frequent his restaurants. Many do, and that’s fine. I’d wish him well, if he wasn’t killing off the one I liked.
Because a guy’s got a dog it makes him immune from commentary about his decisions?
Yes, that’s right, the city-wide moaning over this is just a few people upset that their bar is being renovated. Yeah. Absolutely. To be quite honest, you’re the first person I’ve heard in *any* context whatsoever who’s apparently OK with what he’s doing to the Hawk’n’Dove. Instead, from DCist to PoP, from Pennsylvania Avenue bars to H Street bars, from RFK Stadium Wednesday night to my block’s block party last weekend, all I hear everywhere is irritation (and sometimes real anger) about him killing off the Hawk’n’Dove — and worse, continuing to call his creation the Hawk’n’Dove, as if what remains will have any connection whatsoever to the history of that old place.
Lots of people think what he’s doing to the Hawk’n’Dove is a genuinely bad thing for the Hill, trashing part of its history. The history of the Hill may not be important to you; but it is important to some people, and we have as much right to mention it as you have to express your fondness for what you see him as doing. HTH. HAND.
Yes, that’s right, the city-wide moaning over this is just a few people upset that their bar is being renovated. Yeah. Absolutely. To be quite honest, you’re the first person I’ve heard in *any* context whatsoever who’s apparently OK with what he’s doing to the Hawk’n’Dove. Instead, from DCist to PoP, from Pennsylvania Avenue bars to H Street bars, from RFK Stadium Wednesday night to my block’s block party last weekend, all I hear everywhere is irritation (and sometimes real anger) about him killing off the Hawk’n’Dove — and worse, continuing to call his creation the Hawk’n’Dove, as if what remains will have any connection whatsoever to the history of that old place.
Lots of people think what he’s doing to the Hawk’n’Dove is a genuinely bad thing for the Hill, trashing part of its history. The history of the Hill may not be important to you; but it is important to some people, and we have as much right to mention it as you have to express your fondness for what you see him as doing. HTH. HAND.
“Park Tavern — on M Street SE, across the street from the Department of Transportation — will be the first LEED-certified green restaurant in DC”…
What? Uhhh no, Founding Farmers beat you to it…by about 3 years
http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/about/were-green/
“Park Tavern — on M Street SE, across the street from the Department of Transportation — will be the first LEED-certified green restaurant in DC”…
What? Uhhh no, Founding Farmers beat you to it…by about 3 years
http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/about/were-green/
Wow Christopher. From H street to Penn ave to RFK from California to New Mexico to China the outrage!! Why didnt you and your buddies buy it?. Stuart Long sold this guy the Hawk name and the landlord refused to let Long stay because he had allowed the property to become so run down. Why do you think Stuart sold him the Hawk name? Its called money and this is how normal business is conducted. Maybe you and your boys should contact the new owner and ask him to sell you the name since your so concerned he is going to use it. I read he paid a hundred grand for it. Im sure you guys could write him a check. I live around the corner and not only me but my neighbors are thrilled this dump is being renovated. Its filthy, rat infested, the food sucks and the under age kids are ridiculous. Good riddance Long and gang. Bring on the new Hawk or whatever the new guy wants to call it. Its his now man so get over it.
Mike Williams: if you’ll go back and read what’s been written, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone suggesting that Xavier doesn’t have the right to do what he’s doing. Of course that’s business, and of course he can do whatever he wants — just as customers and potential customers can express their distaste for what he does. I’m sorry that publicly expressing one’s disapproval of someone’s else’s business decision — a fairly normal thing in our society — is so troubling for you.
Wow Christopher. From H street to Penn ave to RFK from California to New Mexico to China the outrage!! Why didnt you and your buddies buy it?. Stuart Long sold this guy the Hawk name and the landlord refused to let Long stay because he had allowed the property to become so run down. Why do you think Stuart sold him the Hawk name? Its called money and this is how normal business is conducted. Maybe you and your boys should contact the new owner and ask him to sell you the name since your so concerned he is going to use it. I read he paid a hundred grand for it. Im sure you guys could write him a check. I live around the corner and not only me but my neighbors are thrilled this dump is being renovated. Its filthy, rat infested, the food sucks and the under age kids are ridiculous. Good riddance Long and gang. Bring on the new Hawk or whatever the new guy wants to call it. Its his now man so get over it.
Mike Williams: if you’ll go back and read what’s been written, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone suggesting that Xavier doesn’t have the right to do what he’s doing. Of course that’s business, and of course he can do whatever he wants — just as customers and potential customers can express their distaste for what he does. I’m sorry that publicly expressing one’s disapproval of someone’s else’s business decision — a fairly normal thing in our society — is so troubling for you.
My comment has nothing to do with Mr Cervera’s restaurants but instead the comment policy of The Hill is Home. Last night we had friends over for a barbecue during which our daughter, a journalism student brought down her laptop to show us all of the comments about this particular story. We were all surprised when Meg pointed out that many of the comments were made by a couple of The Hill is Home contributing writers. Miss Nichole Remmert left two ” I likes ” pertaining to negative comments by others and Mr Tim Krupp wrote two negative comments about the reported story. One of Miss Remmerts ” I likes ” was even posted as an addition to one of Mr Krupp’s comments. As a family that worked for many years in the world of journalism we were shocked to see this type of careless and biased commentary by writers from the very source that is publishing the story. No matter if the commentary is pro or con it is un-ethical. How can you expect a business person, politician or even a local neighbor to want to give The Hill is Home an interview knowing that its own writers, although not assigned the story have the ability to attack the subject based on their own personal opinions. This was particularly disturbing since, as one other comment suggested was a very basic human interest piece. I hope The Hill is Home admits this error to its readers and issues an apology to Mr Cervera and anyone else in the past that might have been subject to this wrong doing
Right On Betty. I really enjoy THE HILL IS HOME site but abuse of this type of policy is WRONG
Right On Betty. I really enjoy THE HILL IS HOME site but abuse of this type of policy is WRONG
Brilliant.
wait, did betty just give a “right on” to her own comment?
I would reply, but that would apparently violate all sorts of blogger ethics.
Like you don’t already know the answer to your question, Betty.
i’m not sure if that was supposed to be funny, or ironic, or what 🙂
Betty, I understand your concerns but we are not journalists and this is not a newspaper. We are a group of neighbors who write a blog in our spare time. All of our writers are entitled to their own opinions, as are our readers, and we have never had a policy against our writers commenting on each others posts. The only thing we have asked of our writers, in this concern, is that they are open about who they are when commenting by using their full name.
Also, Xavier did not agree to this interview with any promise of positive coverage or that we would police the comments to protect him. He is used to criticism and seems to maintain a fairly thick skin when it comes to comments on blogs and news articles about him.
First off, Ms. Betty, thank you for your curtesy in referring to me as Mr. Krupp. If only that was true. But alas, I’m a humble Krepp, of the Long Island Krepps. Not a Krupp, of the fabulously wealthy steel and armament Krupp family of Germany. Common mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it.
As to the issue at hand, my comments are indeed negative, as I feel negatively towards the closing, and especially the attempt to pawn off the new Hawk n Dove as an “improved” version of the old one. There is nothing in the Hill is Home comment policy about not posting negative comments. This is a neighborhood filled with people who don’t agree with each other. It’d be pretty pointless just to have comments that didn’t disagree with what the original poster said.
I should note that the comment policy does prohibit profanity, which I violated in my first comment. A moderator (which one I neither know or care), rightfully deleted that portion of my comment.
By your comments, you seem to imply that there is some expectation of a neutral viewpoint by commentors and writers on the Hill is Home. Far from it, every writer is allowed to write things about our neighborhood (within some limits of course), and there is no attempt to maintain an “unbiased” perspective.
This may be confusing, but you’ll note from the lack of paper and ink, this isn’t a newspaper. It’s a blog, maintained by unpaid volunteers. It’s not the media you may be familiar with, but it is still media, with its own rules, ethics, and standards. Just not the ones of the newspaper world.
If you have any questions about this, I hope your daughter the journalism student can point you to the right direction. It’s a topsy turvy world out there, what with just about any yahoo saying what they want.
Right on, Tim! Great comment, keep up the good work!
My comment has nothing to do with Mr Cervera’s restaurants but instead the comment policy of The Hill is Home. Last night we had friends over for a barbecue during which our daughter, a journalism student brought down her laptop to show us all of the comments about this particular story. We were all surprised when Meg pointed out that many of the comments were made by a couple of The Hill is Home contributing writers. Miss Nichole Remmert left two ” I likes ” pertaining to negative comments by others and Mr Tim Krupp wrote two negative comments about the reported story. One of Miss Remmerts ” I likes ” was even posted as an addition to one of Mr Krupp’s comments. As a family that worked for many years in the world of journalism we were shocked to see this type of careless and biased commentary by writers from the very source that is publishing the story. No matter if the commentary is pro or con it is un-ethical. How can you expect a business person, politician or even a local neighbor to want to give The Hill is Home an interview knowing that its own writers, although not assigned the story have the ability to attack the subject based on their own personal opinions. This was particularly disturbing since, as one other comment suggested was a very basic human interest piece. I hope The Hill is Home admits this error to its readers and issues an apology to Mr Cervera and anyone else in the past that might have been subject to this wrong doing
Right On Betty. I really enjoy THE HILL IS HOME site but abuse of this type of policy is WRONG
Brilliant.
wait, did betty just give a “right on” to her own comment?
I would reply, but that would apparently violate all sorts of blogger ethics.
Like you don’t already know the answer to your question, Betty.
i’m not sure if that was supposed to be funny, or ironic, or what 🙂
Betty, I understand your concerns but we are not journalists and this is not a newspaper. We are a group of neighbors who write a blog in our spare time. All of our writers are entitled to their own opinions, as are our readers, and we have never had a policy against our writers commenting on each others posts. The only thing we have asked of our writers, in this concern, is that they are open about who they are when commenting by using their full name.
Also, Xavier did not agree to this interview with any promise of positive coverage or that we would police the comments to protect him. He is used to criticism and seems to maintain a fairly thick skin when it comes to comments on blogs and news articles about him.
First off, Ms. Betty, thank you for your courtesy in referring to me as Mr. Krupp. If only that was true. But alas, I’m a humble Krepp, of the Long Island Krepps. Not a Krupp, of the fabulously wealthy steel and armament Krupp family of Germany. Common mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it.
As to the issue at hand, my comments are indeed negative, as I feel negatively towards the closing, and especially the attempt to pawn off the new Hawk n Dove as an “improved” version of the old one. There is nothing in the Hill is Home comment policy about not posting negative comments. This is a neighborhood filled with people who don’t agree with each other. It’d be pretty pointless just to have comments that didn’t disagree with what the original poster said.
I should note that the comment policy does prohibit profanity, which I violated in my first comment. A moderator (which one I neither know or care), rightfully deleted that portion of my comment.
By your comments, you seem to imply that there is some expectation of a neutral viewpoint by commentors and writers on the Hill is Home. Far from it, every writer is allowed to write things about our neighborhood (within some limits of course), and there is no attempt to maintain an “unbiased” perspective.
This may be confusing, but you’ll note from the lack of paper and ink, this isn’t a newspaper. It’s a blog, maintained by unpaid volunteers. It’s not the media you may be familiar with, but it is still media, with its own rules, ethics, and standards. Just not the ones of the newspaper world.
If you have any questions about this, I hope your daughter the journalism student can point you to the right direction. It’s a topsy turvy world out there, what with just about any yahoo saying what they want.
Right on, Tim! Great comment, keep up the good work!
Oh the irony of the Betty liking her own post… btw if anyone mistakes THIH for journalism, they need their head examined.
On the story at hand… I’m torn I Xavier’s endeavors… I love they are places comfortable and I don’t have to wonder how many roaches are in the kitchen. My only complaint has been hit and miss on food. About half the time our response is, hey this is really good and about half the time we feel meh about the experience.
As far as Hawk and Dove, nobody in their right mind would have purchased the business and tried to run it as is. Anyone with any sense or time in the restaurant industry would have known each refridge, fryer, etc, let alone the wiring in the joint was a ticking time bomb. Businesses that old become Frankensteins. Fixes are cobbled together over decades, owners know just how to fidget with widgets to get things to work. To walk into a place and try and run it without the institutional knowledge of how the place was cobbled together would become maddening. Just be happy it was sold, is being revamped and didn’t go up in a mysterious kitchen fire which seems to be in vogue in the industry – with the exception of the Tune Inn which we know the owners love etc.
BN: For the most part, I agree with you. Ideally, what I wish Xavier had done was change the name. He’s clearly within his rights not to (especially since he paid for them); but it would have been a gesture of respect to the history of the place and the people who were fond of it, rather than what is in my opinion a gesture of disrespect (which has, in turn, spawned a lot of the complaining).
Oh the irony of the Betty liking her own post… btw if anyone mistakes THIH for journalism, they need their head examined.
On the story at hand… I’m torn I Xavier’s endeavors… I love they are places comfortable and I don’t have to wonder how many roaches are in the kitchen. My only complaint has been hit and miss on food. About half the time our response is, hey this is really good and about half the time we feel meh about the experience.
As far as Hawk and Dove, nobody in their right mind would have purchased the business and tried to run it as is. Anyone with any sense or time in the restaurant industry would have known each refridge, fryer, etc, let alone the wiring in the joint was a ticking time bomb. Businesses that old become Frankensteins. Fixes are cobbled together over decades, owners know just how to fidget with widgets to get things to work. To walk into a place and try and run it without the institutional knowledge of how the place was cobbled together would become maddening. Just be happy it was sold, is being revamped and didn’t go up in a mysterious kitchen fire which seems to be in vogue in the industry – with the exception of the Tune Inn which we know the owners love etc.
BN: For the most part, I agree with you. Ideally, what I wish Xavier had done was change the name. He’s clearly within his rights not to (especially since he paid for them); but it would have been a gesture of respect to the history of the place and the people who were fond of it, rather than what is in my opinion a gesture of disrespect (which has, in turn, spawned a lot of the complaining).
I am sorry. Our daughter posted the Right ON comment on an open page. Thank you Meg
Wait, now I’m really confused. Who’s Meg?
The name of the guy on second base.
What?
I am sorry. Our daughter posted the Right ON comment on an open page. Thank you Meg
Wait, now I’m really confused. Who’s Meg?
The name of the guy on second base.
What?
I’d be a lot happier if the food at Cervera’s restaurants were better.
I’d be a lot happier if the food at Cervera’s restaurants were better.
Hi Maria and Claudia…….just got home and on the advice of a couple of friends checked out this comment section for the first time………the interview was fun and of course everyone is entitled to an opinion on anything they wish but this feels like a sideshow of which I really wish not to be a part of……..could you please remove this very inconsequential story from your site……thanks so much…….besides; THIH has so much great new content that is much more interesting
thanks again,
Xavier
Despite the “puff piece” nature of this column, are you shocked at the criticism? This is the blowback when you attempt to sterilize the Hill and express disdain at the nature of the buildings on Penn Ave.
Hi Maria and Claudia…….just got home and on the advice of a couple of friends checked out this comment section for the first time………the interview was fun and of course everyone is entitled to an opinion on anything they wish but this feels like a sideshow of which I really wish not to be a part of……..could you please remove this very inconsequential story from your site……thanks so much…….besides; THIH has so much great new content that is much more interesting
thanks again,
Xavier
It took 10 months but Tim Krepp and I finally agree on something–the loss of the HAWK AND DOVE. I will miss the Hawk. But after 43 plus years, it had a great run.
Oh come now, we’ve disagreed a lot longer than ten months, no?
It took 10 months but Tim Krepp and I finally agree on something–the loss of the HAWK AND DOVE. I will miss the Hawk. But after 43 plus years, it had a great run.
Oh come now, we’ve disagreed a lot longer than ten months, no?
Sorry Andy but you and your boys that long for no change on the hill need to get a life. I wonder what you guys do to invest and improve things in this neighborhood and no the $1.50 you drop on every cheap beer in that dump is not considered an investment. My partner and I have bought and fixed up four homes in the Hawk neighborhood and we cant wait to help improve our area even more by investing in and renovating one of the old buildings on Penn ave. This guy has shown a lot of financial guts and architectural talent in a very short period of time and many of us agree with Sarah when she says we are proud to have him as a hill resident. His renovations are first class and help everyones property values. Just because YOU dont like them doesnt mean you should attack them. Im sure a lot of people would consider your homes or offices tasteless but I dont see a bunch of losers blogging about them. Oh yeah,thats because most people dont have time to routinely bust peoples chops for some lame reason. But lets not forget that many of you are upset because the dirt cheap liquor and tired stories will have to find a new home. Yes, you have blogged about that to. You guys who probably dont contribute crap to this area should just give it a rest. You all come off looking totally obsessed and your cheap jabs from your hidden desk are embarrassing
Are property values a concern around here? Do we really need to be worried about losing value in our homes?
There’s plenty of room on the Hill for shiny new things. I don’t begrudge any of it, and welcome most of it. Even stuff that doesn’t appeal to me personally I applaud as a sign of the vitality of our neighborhood. I don’t attack them, expect insofar as they shut down the things I love.
But what’s wrong with wanting the history of the Hill to be deeper than five years old? To being inclusive of all walks of life, including yes, those of us who like to tell old stories while drinking old beer in comfortable circumstances? Can’t we have a place too?
Oh, and Mike? Punctuation marks, they’re your friend. Use them, trust me.
With all the work you’re doing to make the Hill a better place, I’m surprised you have the free time to build up strawmen and knock them down over and over like you are in these comments.
Sorry Andy but you and your boys that long for no change on the hill need to get a life. I wonder what you guys do to invest and improve things in this neighborhood and no the $1.50 you drop on every cheap beer in that dump is not considered an investment. My partner and I have bought and fixed up four homes in the Hawk neighborhood and we cant wait to help improve our area even more by investing in and renovating one of the old buildings on Penn ave. This guy has shown a lot of financial guts and architectural talent in a very short period of time and many of us agree with Sarah when she says we are proud to have him as a hill resident. His renovations are first class and help everyones property values. Just because YOU dont like them doesnt mean you should attack them. Im sure a lot of people would consider your homes or offices tasteless but I dont see a bunch of losers blogging about them. Oh yeah,thats because most people dont have time to routinely bust peoples chops for some lame reason. But lets not forget that many of you are upset because the dirt cheap liquor and tired stories will have to find a new home. Yes, you have blogged about that to. You guys who probably dont contribute crap to this area should just give it a rest. You all come off looking totally obsessed and your cheap jabs from your hidden desk are embarrassing
Are property values a concern around here? Do we really need to be worried about losing value in our homes?
There’s plenty of room on the Hill for shiny new things. I don’t begrudge any of it, and welcome most of it. Even stuff that doesn’t appeal to me personally I applaud as a sign of the vitality of our neighborhood. I don’t attack them, expect insofar as they shut down the things I love.
But what’s wrong with wanting the history of the Hill to be deeper than five years old? To being inclusive of all walks of life, including yes, those of us who like to tell old stories while drinking cheep beer in comfortable circumstances? Can’t we have a place too?
Oh, and Mike? Punctuation marks, they’re your friend. Use them, trust me.
With all the work you’re doing to make the Hill a better place, I’m surprised you have the free time to build up strawmen and knock them down over and over like you are in these comments.
Tim is it ? ‘ Cant we have a place too? ‘ Youve got to be kidding me. Sounds like a kid whining about the other kids getting more candy. Do you feel entitled? Should Stuart Long not have sold so you and your buddies can still have your hangout? Should the new owner leave a tired old dump alone while probably losing money so once again you and your buddies can save a few bucks every time you guys go out? The Lil Pub is right down the street. Im sure you guys will be welcomed but only for so long since Im sure at some point that owner will also cash in. And guess what, Its his right. Oh yeah, your jab on punctuation marks was nice. I notice you write so beautifully with lovely punctuation and even use paragraphs while blogging. So pretty. Im responding on a blog and type with quick purpose. That purpose is to get a point across. Sorry if it offends your quaint sensibilities. By the way you used expect insofar in your last post when Im sure you were looking for except insofar. Dont worry, happens to the best of em
My point regarding punctuation isn’t meant to be snide. Well, not just to be snide. After all, as you noted my writing is hardly perfect, and you’re quite right that we should expect perfect writing on blog comments.
But I’m really having a hard time understanding what your point is. It’s a bit rambling, and I’m not trying to be mean, but what are you trying to say? No one is saying that Xavier doesn’t have the legal right to do this. No one.
Are you saying those of us that love this “tired old dump” don’t have a right to state our opinions? Or are you disagreeing with those opinions? I really don’t know. Punctuation and paragraphs aren’t luxuries, they’re critical tools we use to communicate effectively. And they show respect for both the intended recipient and those others following this discussion.
Put it another way, if we ran into each other on the street and I launched into a wandering diatribe you’d probably walk away. But you might just stop and listen if I talked civilly and made some coherent points. Why should we expect our written communication to be any different than our verbal?
I’d like to engage you on the merits of your argument, but honestly, I can’t figure out what they are. If your purpose was to get a specific point across, I think it failed.
Sorry Tim. But I believe my points are about as straight forward and blunt as one can get and attempting to lecture me on language is silly. Its a response to a blog. Niceties in punctuation while blogging need not apply
Tim is it ? ‘ Cant we have a place too? ‘ Youve got to be kidding me. Sounds like a kid whining about the other kids getting more candy. Do you feel entitled? Should Stuart Long not have sold so you and your buddies can still have your hangout? Should the new owner leave a tired old dump alone while probably losing money so once again you and your buddies can save a few bucks every time you guys go out? The Lil Pub is right down the street. Im sure you guys will be welcomed but only for so long since Im sure at some point that owner will also cash in. And guess what, Its his right. Oh yeah, your jab on punctuation marks was nice. I notice you write so beautifully with lovely punctuation and even use paragraphs while blogging. So pretty. Im responding on a blog and type with quick purpose. That purpose is to get a point across. Sorry if it offends your quaint sensibilities. By the way you used expect insofar in your last post when Im sure you were looking for except insofar. Dont worry, happens to the best of em
My point regarding punctuation isn’t meant to be snide. Well, not just to be snide. After all, as you noted my writing is hardly perfect, and you’re quite right that we should expect perfect writing on blog comments.
But I’m really having a hard time understanding what your point is. It’s a bit rambling, and I’m not trying to be mean, but what are you trying to say? No one is saying that Xavier doesn’t have the legal right to do this. No one.
Are you saying those of us that love this “tired old dump” don’t have a right to state our opinions? Or are you disagreeing with those opinions? I really don’t know. Punctuation and paragraphs aren’t luxuries, they’re critical tools we use to communicate effectively. And they show respect for both the intended recipient and those others following this discussion.
Put it another way, if we ran into each other on the street and I launched into a wandering diatribe you’d probably walk away. But you might just stop and listen if I talked civilly and made some coherent points. Why should we expect our written communication to be any different than our verbal?
I’d like to engage you on the merits of your argument, but honestly, I can’t figure out what they are. If your purpose was to get a specific point across, I think it failed.
Sorry Tim. But I believe my points are about as straight forward and blunt as one can get and attempting to lecture me on language is silly. Its a response to a blog. Niceties in punctuation while blogging need not apply
Mike, you are completely correct. You are the rare homeowner on this blog. The majority of us live in cardboard boxes and fill the Hill with litter. Those that do own homes never put a cent into renovations…..
Tim’s post has valid points, and earlier comments from Christopher bear repeating. “If you’ll go back and read what’s been written, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone suggesting that Xavier doesn’t have the right to do what he’s doing. Of course that’s business, and of course he can do whatever he wants — just as customers and potential customers can express their distaste for what he does. I’m sorry that publicly expressing one’s disapproval of someone’s else’s business decision — a fairly normal thing in our society — is so troubling for you.”
Gotcha Andy. Pretty sure we all read it the first time
Your comments certainly don’t give that impression, since you consistently suggest people are saying things they’ve gone out of their way to not say.
Mike, you are completely correct. You are the rare homeowner on this blog. The majority of us live in cardboard boxes and fill the Hill with litter. Those that do own homes never put a cent into renovations…..
Tim’s post has valid points, and earlier comments from Christopher bear repeating. “If you’ll go back and read what’s been written, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone suggesting that Xavier doesn’t have the right to do what he’s doing. Of course that’s business, and of course he can do whatever he wants — just as customers and potential customers can express their distaste for what he does. I’m sorry that publicly expressing one’s disapproval of someone’s else’s business decision — a fairly normal thing in our society — is so troubling for you.”
Gotcha Andy. Pretty sure we all read it the first time
Your comments certainly don’t give that impression, since you consistently suggest people are saying things they’ve gone out of their way to not say.
Nice to hear a new voice around the THIH. Krepp and gang have become such blowhards that never tire of their own voice. Well said Mike
Nice to hear a new voice around the THIH. Krepp and gang have become such blowhards that never tire of their own voice. Well said Mike
Krepp and Gang are actually people who work constantly to recreate each day our Blog, The Hill is Home, with fresh content, various perspectives, and news, and do so, without pay, around work, little people, school, and sometimes all three. We welcome other gang members, of course, who would like to blog. Our crew meetings are monthly Mondays if anyone wants to join, or help bake cookies or fresh treats. We need fuel for our blow-hardiness and general punctuation preparedness efforts.
Krepp and Gang are actually people who work constantly to recreate each day our Blog, The Hill is Home, with fresh content, various perspectives, and news, and do so, without pay, around work, little people, school, and sometimes all three. We welcome other gang members, of course, who would like to blog. Our crew meetings are monthly Mondays if anyone wants to join, or help bake cookies or fresh treats. We need fuel for our blow-hardiness and general punctuation preparedness efforts.
Sorry for my broad stroke Liz. My comment was not directed at any other staff contributors. It was only directed towards Tim. He seems to have a small legion of followers, ( his gang ) that take a very singular stance about so many issues.
My husband and I enjoy THIH very much and at times some of the commentary by Tim. Just wish he would consider all sides of an issue before digging in.
Sorry for my broad stroke Liz. My comment was not directed at any other staff contributors. It was only directed towards Tim. He seems to have a small legion of followers, ( his gang ) that take a very singular stance about so many issues.
My husband and I enjoy THIH very much and at times some of the commentary by Tim. Just wish he would consider all sides of an issue before digging in.
Well, Sarah, jesting aside, I thank you for the curtesy of reading my commentary. I like to think I have considered all sides, I just happen not to agree with yours in this case. I see no way to convince you of that, nor do I really feel a need to try. But I have.
I don’t know if I have followers. I suspect a certain number of people agree with me, but they no more follow me than I follow them. In this particular case, I don’t even know most of them, and one is a person who has strongly disagreed with me on other issues (and vice versa). Fellow travelers, perhaps?
We’re no more of a gang than you, Xavier, Mike Williams, and Meg are. Rather less so, I’d imagine.
Well, Sarah, jesting aside, I thank you for the curtesy of reading my commentary. I like to think I have considered all sides, I just happen not to agree with yours in this case. I see no way to convince you of that, nor do I really feel a need to try. But I have.
I don’t know if I have followers. I suspect a certain number of people agree with me, but they no more follow me than I follow them. In this particular case, I don’t even know most of them, and one is a person who has strongly disagreed with me on other issues (and vice versa). Fellow travelers, perhaps?
We’re no more of a gang than you, Xavier, Mike Williams, and Meg are. Rather less so, I’d imagine.
Call me crazy but I wouldn’t mind a bright and shiny new place where I can actually see what I am eating or drinking on the Hill, AND where I can get a beer that costs less than it does at Nationals Park.
Call me crazy but I wouldn’t mind a bright and shiny new place where I can actually see what I am eating or drinking on the Hill, AND where I can get a beer that costs less than it does at Nationals Park.
Thanks to all that made comments…… I learned a lot from some very insightful comments and even some really weird comments…I also learned that if the NFC east ever wants to add a 5th team to the division they need only come to the Hill for try outs. Eastern high school awaits with its shiny new built for bloggers field……OK, just kidding…….Question: Is it fair to say that our neighborhood has more Hawks than Doves?….not really kidding on that one……I also learned that we have some very passionate neighbors that have a strong sense of historical pride and that is most definetely a good thing!……. However, I think its fair to say maybe these patriots should give it a wait and see….. I heard your comments loud and clear and look forward to addressing a lot of those issues during this project…… The Hawk was there when I was a kid and my dad used to take us there for burgers and people watching after Skins games at RFK….. I get it……..I even noticed that eighteen out of forty four post were by a gentleman named Cristopher and THIH contributor Tim Krepp….I even understand that you two feel passionate about changeing the name of the Hawk……fair enough….. Im giving it some thought…how about…… “CRISTOPHER KREPP’S DREAM BAR ”
That is a great name!!…..OK guys. in all seriousness, I hope when the place re-opens everyone will stop by and let me buy as many rounds as you can possibly drink!……I will definetly join you…..You can then point out as many screw-ups you believe I made!…….Hope to see you on campus
Cheers,
Xavier
P.S. I saw all of the back and forth about punctuation, syntax etc…that banter was actually pretty funny…..anyway, I know my comment looks like some old Western Union telegraph….sorry :] old texting habbit
Thanks to all that made comments…… I learned a lot from some very insightful comments and even some really weird comments…I also learned that if the NFC east ever wants to add a 5th team to the division they need only come to the Hill for try outs. Eastern high school awaits with its shiny new built for bloggers field……OK, just kidding…….Question: Is it fair to say that our neighborhood has more Hawks than Doves?….not really kidding on that one……I also learned that we have some very passionate neighbors that have a strong sense of historical pride and that is most definetely a good thing!……. However, I think its fair to say maybe these patriots should give it a wait and see….. I heard your comments loud and clear and look forward to addressing a lot of those issues during this project…… The Hawk was there when I was a kid and my dad used to take us there for burgers and people watching after Skins games at RFK….. I get it……..I even noticed that eighteen out of forty four post were by a gentleman named Cristopher and THIH contributor Tim Krepp….I even understand that you two feel passionate about changeing the name of the Hawk……fair enough….. Im giving it some thought…how about…… “CRISTOPHER KREPP’S DREAM BAR ”
That is a great name!!..kidding,kidding,kidding!!….OK guys. in all seriousness, I hope when the place re-opens everyone will stop by and let me buy as many rounds as you can possibly drink!……I will definetly join you…..You can then point out as many screw-ups you believe I made!…….Hope to see you on campus
Cheers,
Xavier
P.S. I saw all of the back and forth about punctuation, syntax etc…that banter was actually pretty funny…..anyway, I know my comment looks like some old Western Union telegraph….sorry :] old texting habbit
Ha! Xavier, I appreciate the humor in your response, good to see it. And thanks for posting. It’s always great to have folks actually involved comment on things. Cuts out a lot on the “I heard from someone who met him that his cousin said” kinda crap.
Not sure the world wants my name and “Dream” together in the name of a bar, but OK.
It’s always hard to see something you love die off, even a bar! I know you’re excited about this new project, and well you should be. But I think that some of us have a hard time with the idea of a “new and improved” Hawk and Dove, when the very thing we love about it is that it is neither new nor improved. It’s a touch stone for a world gone by, particularly important as the Hill goes through so much change. Welcome change, in my book, but change nevertheless.
“But the dank, Moe, the dank!”, if you’re a Simpson’s fan.
Happily have a drink or five with you sometime, but maybe somewhere else? Not sure I could hack going to the new Hawk and Dove.
Ha! Xavier, I appreciate the humor in your response, good to see it. And thanks for posting. It’s always great to have folks actually involved comment on things. Cuts out a lot on the “I heard from someone who met him that his cousin said” kinda crap.
Not sure the world wants my name and “Dream” together in the name of a bar, but OK.
It’s always hard to see something you love die off, even a bar! I know you’re excited about this new project, and well you should be. But I think that some of us have a hard time with the idea of a “new and improved” Hawk and Dove, when the very thing we love about it is that it is neither new nor improved. It’s a touch stone for a world gone by, particularly important as the Hill goes through so much change. Welcome change, in my book, but change nevertheless.
“But the dank, Moe, the dank!”, if you’re a Simpson’s fan.
Happily have a drink or five with you sometime, but maybe somewhere else? Not sure I could hack going to the new Hawk and Dove.
Ha! Xavier, I appreciate the humor in your response, good to see it. And thanks for posting. It’s always great to have folks actually involved comment on things. Cuts out a lot on the “I heard from someone who met him that his cousin said” kinda crap.
Not sure the world wants my name and “Dream” together in the name of a bar, but OK.
It’s always hard to see something you love die off, even a bar! I know you’re excited about this new project, and well you should be. But I think that some of us have a hard time with the idea of a “new and improved” Hawk and Dove, when the very thing we love about it is that it is neither new nor improved. It’s a touch stone for a world gone by, particularly important as the Hill goes through so much change. Welcome change, in my book, but change nevertheless.
“But the dank, Moe, the dank!”, if you’re a Simpson’s fan.
Happily have a drink or five with you sometime, but maybe somewhere else? Not sure I could hack going to the new Hawk and Dove.
Ha! Xavier, I appreciate the humor in your response, good to see it. And thanks for posting. It’s always great to have folks actually involved comment on things. Cuts out a lot on the “I heard from someone who met him that his cousin said” kinda crap.
Not sure the world wants my name and “Dream” together in the name of a bar, but OK.
It’s always hard to see something you love die off, even a bar! I know you’re excited about this new project, and well you should be. But I think that some of us have a hard time with the idea of a “new and improved” Hawk and Dove, when the very thing we love about it is that it is neither new nor improved. It’s a touch stone for a world gone by, particularly important as the Hill goes through so much change. Welcome change, in my book, but change nevertheless.
“But the dank, Moe, the dank!”, if you’re a Simpson’s fan.
Happily have a drink or five with you sometime, but maybe somewhere else? Not sure I could hack going to the new Hawk and Dove.
Thanks Tim…..Humor is good indeed…. However, the quote ” new and improved ” was that of the author…. but I hope she’s right ! …….BOXCAR TAVERN will open across the street from Eastern Market in December and you can join me there to break in a new spot and redeem your multiple pints!
till then,
Xavier
Thanks Tim…..Humor is good indeed…. However, the quote ” new and improved ” was that of the author…. but I hope she’s right ! …….BOXCAR TAVERN will open across the street from Eastern Market in December and you can join me there to break in a new spot and redeem your multiple pints!
till then,
Xavier
BOXCAR TAVERN!
Today, Hawk and Dove.
Tomorrow, Tunnicliffs.
The next day, the wooooooooooooooorld.
Congratulations on your good success around Barrack’s Row, Xavier.
BOXCAR TAVERN!
Today, Hawk and Dove.
Tomorrow, Tunnicliffs.
The next day, the wooooooooooooooorld.
Congratulations on your good success around Barrack’s Row, Xavier.
I’ve been a somewhat regular customer at the Hawk since the mid 80s—I’m sad to see it go, particularly a lot of the staff that have been there for just about as long–But before I bash the new place, I’d like to see it open, have a pint, and make judgement after a few visits. As long as that weird underage party is gone and the toilets flush, we are on our way to a good start. Best of luck and I look forward to checking the new digs out once it opens.