Lexi Rodencal • February 14, 2017

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Assistant Chief Patrick Burke was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Marshal for D.C. on Feb. 4.

“Patrick A. Burke has a long and stellar track record in public safety,” said Obama. “I’m honored to nominate him to serve as a United States Marshal, and I know he will show unwavering courage and commitment in protecting his fellow citizens.”

Burke’s nomination to be marshal must be approved by the U.S. Senate.

As assistant police chief in the Strategic Services Bureau, Burke currently oversees the training, professional development, and strategic planning of the Metropolitan Police Department. Burke had been with the MPD for over 26 years, where he oversaw the security coordination of events such as Obama’s first presidential inauguration in 2009, the Nuclear Security Summit and the Papal visit in 2008.
Burke also sits on the boards of the Office of Police Complaints, the D.C. Police Foundation, and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program.

Hailing from Rochester, N.Y., Burke received his B.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1988, his M.S. from Johns Hopkins University in 2000, and his M.A. from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

He and his wife Nora and children live in the Palisades, having lived on O Street in Georgetown.

Lexi Rodencal • March 30, 2016

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner (three days!), those of us who didn’t plan ahead are scrambling for late-minute date venues to show our love and devotion to our partners. Despite many places in the Washington, D.C., area being booked full, there’s still some restaurants with availability that will sweep your date off their feet – and make you look like the thoughtful partner you truly are.

The Alex Restaurant
1075 Thomas Jefferson St., NW

The Graham Georgetown’s cocktail lounge and restaurant the Alex is an inviting space for you to spend your Valentine’s Day evening. Featuring unique blend of Victorian and steampunk accents and a speakeasy-esque vibe, the Alex is the place to be if you’re looking for an unusual, yet inviting, place to enjoy dinner and drinks this Valentine’s Day.

The Alex currently has remaining availability for couples at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

America Eats Tavern
1700 Tysons Blvd., Tysons, Virginia

Despite a 20-minute drive from D.C., the America Eats Tavern is a strong contender for your Valentine’s Day meal. The venue features a unique take on classic American cuisine. America Eats is open from breakfast through dinner and has a wide variety of meals to choose from. Head chef José Andrés takes care to embrace local flavor by offering oysters, cheeses, and meats from the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia area. If you’re interested, hurry up and book a reservation fast because space is running out.

America Eats has remaining availability for couples at 4:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. – you can use the time before or after dinner to catch a movie, or do another activity with your date to make the most out of the day.

Bistro Français
3124 M St., NW

Open since 1975, Bistro Français is a family-owned restaurant with a big reputation. Located right on M Street, this French restaurant offers authentic dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol, who hails from southwest France, brought his favorite home recipes with him when he moved to Washington. Bistro Français is a perfect spot for you to cozy up with your Valentine’s Day date and enjoy some culinary specialties — from steak to duck to homemade French pastries.

Bistro Français has availability for couples at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., so act fast before the space runs out – your date will thank you for it. After all, how can you go French and not be romantic?

La Chaumière
2813 M St., NW

La Chaumière is a truly authentic gem located on Georgetown’s M Street. The restaurant resembles a humble French country inn, with a central stone fireplace, wood beams and stucco walls. For Valentine’s Day, La Chaumière is featuring a special menu with entrées such as sea scallops, beef tenderloin medallions, beef wellington with foie gras and roasted quail. With the rustic feel and friendly atmosphere, La Chaumière is your one-stop destination to recreate an evening in Paris.

La Chaumière currently has limited availability for 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., but spots are going fast.

Peacock Café
3251 Prospect St., NW

Peacock Café is your local neighborhood charmer that features contemporary American fare. The restaurant has had several VIP guests, including presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. For the holiday, Peacock Café is offering two different specials throughout the weekend. On Friday and Saturday night, they are featuring a special three-course menu that will be $55 per person. On Sunday they will be offering a three-course prix fix menu, with a bonus of a stem rose and parting gift after dinner. Sunday’s dinner will also be $55 per person.

Peacock Café has availability for couples at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Be sure to snag a table while they’re still open – and keep that complimentary rose in mind.

Eno Wine Bar
2810 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Eno Wine Bar is offering several specials for Valentine’s Day weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, they are offering a Cupid’s flight ($29 per person) of Broadbent Madeira, 2010 LBV Ferreira and Duck Rabbit Milk Stout. Each will be paired with an Eno chocolate flight. Additionally, all bubbles bottles will be 20 percent off for Eno customers, and chocolate fondue will be discounted at 50 percent off.

On Sunday, Eno is offering a Madeira Wine Class starting at 3 p.m., which will be led by Russel Lichtenthal. Lichtenthal is Eno’s wine director and will be speaking on various wine-making techniques in the Madeira region, as guests’ sample Rare Wine Company Sercial, Rare Wine Company Bual, Blandy’s 1996 Malmsey and Broadbent 5yr. The class is $50 per person and reservations may be made at 202-295-2826.

Lexi Rodencal • March 7, 2016

Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, the longest serving council member since 1991, was unanimously elected chairman of the board of directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Jan. 28.

Evans takes up the reins as the transit agency continues to struggle and is under criticism for operational and financial problems. A new full-time general manager for Metro, Paul Wiedefeld, started in November.

With an extensive past in working for the District, Evans also serves as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue, as well as serving on the Committee on Transportation and the Environment and the Committee on the Judiciary. Previously, Evans served as chair for both the Board of Directors of WMATA and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Evans lives in Georgetown, which does not have a Metrorail station.

The 16-member WMATA board is made of appointees from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland — as well as the federal government.

Lexi Rodencal • February 22, 2016

The word “treehouse” often conjures up images of sap sticking to one’s clothes, birds and bugs, and foundationally-questionable structures built by less-than-qualified dads. Your average adult would not dream of spending a weekend getaway holed up in a treehouse with their significant other — or would they?

The modern version is one of elegance and rustic nostalgia, offering adults a chance to reconnect with nature and revisit those age-old childhood dreams of having the coolest treehouse in the neighborhood. The recent surge of interest has sparked a new variant of the weekend getaway: luxurious, yet intimate, adults-only treehouses.

Treehouse getaways have been growing in popularity over the last few years, with particularly notable locations scattered across the United States, Canada and Sweden. These cabins in the sky offer different amenities and services, but feature the same basic premise — to act as a retreat and offer a nontraditional style of vacationing.

Just a stone’s throw away, in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, Primland offers a wide variety of eco-conscious retreats, including three different treehouses situated on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a short drive from the main grounds of the resort and spa.

The aptly-named Barn Owl treehouse is situated high in the sturdy branches of an oak tree and offers stunning up-close views of the Roaring Creek Gorge and distant views of Pilot Mountain.

Built across two trees atop a mountain peak is the Cooper’s Hawk treehouse. It overlooks the Roaring Creek and the Dan River, and also has beautiful views of the Kibler Valley spread out underneath it.

The last of the Primland treehouse’s is the Golden Eagle treehouse, built in the branches of one of the oldest oak trees on the property and designed by respected French architecture firm La Cabane Perchée. The treehouse is situated along the edge of Primland’s Highland golf course and also has views of the Dan River.

While a tad unusual, Primland’s unique treehouses offers residents of the D.C. metro area a chance to escape the noise of the city and seek refuge in the comfort of nature. With nightly rates starting at $618, it might be wise to consider a treetop retreat for Valentine’s Day. After all, what could more romantic than a night lost in nature? [gallery ids="102236,129409" nav="thumbs"]

Lexi Rodencal • February 18, 2016

One man was fatally stabbed and another was injured at Barcode nightclub late at night on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Barcode, located near 17th and L streets NW, is a popular D.C. venue for lunch, happy hour specials and dancing.

The Metropolitan Police Department reported that the incident happened inside the bar at approximately 11:40 p.m. Both men were transported to area hospitals, where one then died at 12:42 a.m. The other victim is expected to recover fully.

Further information regarding the homicide has not yet been released. Police are still investigating the case and have not yet announced any details of a suspect(s).

Lexi Rodencal • February 1, 2016

Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that all citations issued for parking on snow emergency routes on Friday, Jan. 22 will be voided. The 2,800 citations issued, each with a fine of $250, are no longer in effect—although towing and storage fees still are.

“The Blizzard of 2016 was one of the largest snow events in recent history and we are all working together to dig the District out from this storm,” Bowser said. “Despite that drivers were advised last Thursday to remove their vehicles from snow routes, I understand that some who received citations that Friday may not have known about the parking restriction, or may have been running errands in preparation for the storm. This ticket dismissal is one small way that we can continue to help each other recover from the storm.”

“Residents who have already paid their citations for violations that occurred on Friday, Jan. 22, will receive a refund,” the mayor’s office added. “In either case, all applicable towing and storage fees still apply. Residents with questions about the citation void are asked to call 311.”

According to several press reports, the District of Columbia issued more $1 million during the blizzard of 2016.

NBC4 News reported, “The District issued $1,369,750 in fines for cars left on snow emergency routes—and towed almost 700 of them, the city said. . . . Another 431 cars were impounded by private tow companies and were issued $250 parking tickets and the $100 tow fee, plus a $20 per day storage fee.”