City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🚍 DC officially fining drivers in bus lanes
November 3, 2023
Hey, friend. Just learned that Crazy Aunt Helen’s in Capitol Hill, the spot that gave D.C. gospel drag brunch and crispy catfish, has sadly closed. It was just named one of the most fun, wild, and unbelievably extra restaurants in America by Eater.
Got a fun memory from Crazy Aunt Helen’s? Share it with us 📩
What's CITY Talking About?
Apple AirTags For Your Car
A new D.C. program will provide free tracking tags to monitor cars in neighborhoods with frequent car thefts. The Apple AirTags will be distributed at three different events over the coming months. D.C. police officers will help set up the tags on your car and phone once you show your proof of residency in an eligible area. [DCist]
- Related: Mayor Muriel Bowser also introduced a sweeping new proposal to address rising crime, but it’s controversial to say the least. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Alexandria Pollution Settlement
The city of Alexandria has agreed to clean up toxic pollution along the Potomac waterfront as part of a settlement with the nonprofit Potomac Riverkeeper. The lawsuit argued that a city-owned coal plant polluted the river for decades. The city agreed to install new wells to remove coal tar, as well as a new liner inside storm sewers to prevent seepage. Alexandria will also clean up contaminated sediment in the river and fund $300,000 of mussel restoration. [DCist]
Bus Lane Charging Finally Begins
After months of delays, D.C. will begin ticketing drivers who stop in bus-only lanes on Nov. 15. Bus cameras will capture the license plates of anyone who stops or parks in the restricted lanes. Starting Jan. 1, drivers caught driving in these lanes will also be fined. But good news is the fine has been halved to $100. Listen to our episode of City Cast DC for more transportation changes coming this fall. [DCist, City Cast DC 🎧]
What To Do
🤹 Side Yards 2023 | Friday | 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for contortionists, sword swallowers, bubble artists, and more at this family-friendly event. [Free, Navy Yard]
🎙️ Louis Cato | Friday | 7 p.m.
Experience a performance from the bandleader of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at Songbyrd. [$32.19, NoMa]
🎄 Czech Christmas Market | Saturday | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Get that Christmas joy in early with mulled wine, Czech pastries, and shopping. [Free, Cleveland Park]
🐶 Doggie Pool Dip | Saturday | 12 - 3 p.m.
Let your bestie take a swim at the Washington Hilton and Living Well Health Club. Pup treats and hot cider for humans will be available. [$5 suggested donation, Kalorama]
🥗 Vegan Curious Fest | Saturday | 12 - 6 p.m.
Order full meals or sample bites at miXt Food Hall. [Free, Brentwood, MD]
🎸 PorchFest | Saturday | 2 - 6 p.m.
Check out over 100 local bands performing on 20 porches, business patios, and parks. [Free, Adams Morgan]
🎼 Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington | Saturday | 2, 5, and 8 p.m.
Listen to heartwarming stories and songs spotlighting pop and Broadway tunes. [$45, Dupont]
🏺 Fall Student Pottery Sale | Sunday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Support local artists and get a head start on that holiday shopping. [Pay as you go, Eastern Market]
⚡ Diwali Family Festival | Sunday | 3 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate the festival of lights with food, performances, crafts, and more. [Free, National Mall]
🍷 Blind Wine Tasting | Sunday | time p.m.
Test your palette and knowledge of French and Californian wines at St. Vincent Wine. [$10, Park View]
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DC Insider Trivia
Before we get to the trivia of the day, let’s answer last week’s question:
What is the name of the dish that is permanently on the Senate menu, as of 1907? Bonus points if you can tell me what’s in it!
- Senate Bean Soup
- Capitol Pudding
- Senate Chowder
- Dirkson Macaroni Salad
It’s Senate Bean Soup! This dish is made with navy beans, ham hocks, onions, and butter. Its origin story is the stuff of D.C. folklore, where one theory out of the early 20th century is that Idaho Senator Fred Dubois, who was also the chair of the Senate Restaurant committee, passed a resolution requiring bean soup be on the menu daily. Another story is that Senator Knute Nelson of Minnesota was so fond of beans that in 1903 he also insisted the Senate restaurant always have beans. Who knew senators were so obsessed with beans?! 🫘
🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC readers MM and Joel V., who both got it right before 7 a.m. We admire your a.m. sharpness!
Also congrats to Amy L., and to Maia J. who said it was "pretty good," but Elisa N. wrote in that Senate Bean Soup is “Blech 🤮”
Now, for this week's trivia question:
What percentage of the world’s data centers are in NoVa?
- Under 20%
- 30% - 40%
- 50% - 50%
- More than 70%
I’ll give you a hint: You’ll find the answer in this episode of City Cast DC 🎧
Today on City Cast
Virginia Elections, Nutty Weather, and Bib Gourmand Noms
Virginia Public Radio’s Michael Pope joins the team to talk about what’s at stake in the Virginia elections this year. Hint: A lot, especially regarding abortion care access. Plus, we dig into winter forecasts and new D.C. eateries on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand.
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Hope you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to stretch, and maybe once the StrechLab opens in Georgetown, you’ll get stretched 🤸
– Natalia Aldana
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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