It may be crummy and clammy out there, but the beauty of spring is in full swing. What’s abuzz this week?
First off, beloved restaurateur and owner of La Plaza, Henry Mendoza, 52, died March 17 (The Hill is Home). His family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. You can donate here.
Another restaurateur who passed away this month is Tom Johnson, 55. He was managing partner of Hill Restaurant Group, whose places include Lola’s, Ophelia’s and Boxcar Tavern. Johnson, who lived in Hillcrest, seems to have died of a fall outside his home on March 10. (Capitol Hill Corner)
If you are so inclined, you can visit his online obituary page and pay your respects. Legacy
Jeffrey Sabol of Colorado will be spending several years in prison for dragging a police officer who was attempting to stop Sabol and thousands of others from rioting inside the United States Capitol. The Hill
A farewell to Stable DC’s cheese-heavy format, but a hearty hello to Steak Frites DC which, like its new name implies, will be dishing steaks with crispy pommes frites (or “frittes,” as Granville Moore’s sign promises. We look forward to the battle of the chic comfort foods on H! And ah, remember when all you could get around town was a nicely-cooked steak? Looks like we’ve come full mooing circle. Eater
And a farewell-for-good to Mediterranean spot Sospeso on April 7. The spot taught many of us the delights of vermouth over their seven years on H Street. They made the announcement on their Instagram page: “It is with mixed emotions that we share this news: after seven incredible years, we’re preparing to CLOSE our doors in just two weeks. Last day of service will be April 7th. While it’s a bittersweet moment, we’re incredibly grateful for the journey we’ve shared with our amazing neighborhood. From creating jobs to hosting unforgettable events, every moment has been special because of our wonderful staff, friends, neighbors, many others. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of our story. Let’s make these last two weeks unforgettable!” Sospeso via Instagram
Also, a farewell for Bar Elena. PoPville
Congrats to Solid State Books, Eastern Market and other local favorites on being among the stores welcoming visitors at DCA! You make us all proud! WUSA-9
“In Rich Masters’ view, policies like those are a relic of the calls for change that swept through the party after a white police officer murdered George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis in 2020. He believes Democrats went too far.” In case you missed it, Roll Call recently took on the recall of Charles Allen as well.
And also ICYMI, Capitol Hill Corner’s Larry Janezich did a deep dive into who’s behind the Recall Charles Allen effort. Read part one here and part two here. Takeaway quote: “The city of Washington DC, and this neighborhood, continues to struggle with crime. But if you’re not talking about evidence-based policies on crime, it’s just politics. And that does not deserve my support or signature.”
Look at that chic English basement Airbnb! Only in Your State
Hey! If you have wanted to get an e-bike and you qualify for financial help, this reminder is for you! DC News Now