THE ART of WARd 8: 2017

Monday, November 13, 2017

Anacostia Nip & Sip - #3

Art of War Concept: Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food.
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The 3rd Annual Anacostia Nip & Sip was a grand success! Big shout out to Mrs. Twyla Alston who was the brain child for this event and has kept it going for the past three years. If you've never been the event as an informal way for neighbors to get to know each other. Essentially, residents open up their homes for one hour and serve a dinner course. After one hour, the participants will walk to another neighbors home for the next course. We ended the night at the Art-Drelane Cafe at the Anacostia Arts Center for dessert.

It is a great way to meet new residents, eat great food and of course, enjoy the neighborhood.

See pics below...

Twyla and Love-Leigh

Jade Moore one of the host for the night.

There is Lali!

Charleston (My Mini Me) and Lali

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Good Foods Market in Anacostia?

Art of War Concept: When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
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There is plenty of anticipation regarding the Anacostia Gateway redevelopment project. The community has been pushing for the right kind of development for years, and it seems like we are steps closer with this one. DHCD recently held a property surplus hearing and the Menkiti Group held a Q&A session regarding the vision for the site. A potential retailer is a small grocery store called, Good Foods Market. A grocery in downtown Anacostia is needed but it seemed no one knew who they were.

I stopped by their store on Rhode Island Ave NE last week to check it out to get an idea on what they were about. Walking away, I feel this is perfect fit for the site. It truly is a neighborhood grocer and fits within the small town feel of the Anacostia Historic District. I had a great conversation with the store operator to learn more about the Market. She informed me the Market is a mission driven grocery dedicated to developing retail solutions that work in, and for, food desert communities. They are not there to replace the Safeway or Giant, but more of a spot were you can run in grab milk and bread and run out.

Check out some of the pics below. Would love to get your thoughts.