Norton proposes for DC to buy RFK
Congresswoman Norton has introduced a bill to sell the RFK stadium site, unused federal land, to the District of Columbia at fair market value. Currently, the 190 acre site is the largest track of unused land in the District. It is owned by the Department of the Interior, and under D.C.’s current lease, which is set to expire in 2038, the city may only use it for recreation, stadium purposes, or open space. The current fair market value of the site is yet to be determined.
Capital One Green Turtle space to become sports book
The Green Turtle space in Capital One Arena could soon be a sportsbook. Ted Leonsis had previously expressed interest in the space becoming a sports betting location, and seemed to confirm this to be the case at a meeting last week. The D.C. Council voted to legalize sports betting in February and is expected to take bets beginning after this year. As for the space, it is planned to serve as a pop-up “Shell Raiser Lounge” after the final Wizards home game on April 9th and through the Capitals playoff run.
Five DC restaurants named James Beard Finalists
Five DC restaurants were named finalists for the James Beard Awards this year. The awards, sometimes called the “Oscars” of the food world, recognize culinary professionals across a broad range of genres. DC’s finalists include: Rising Star Chef of the Year, Kwame Onwuachi (Kith and Kin); Outstanding Restaurant, Jaleo; Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, Amy Brandwein (Centrolina) as well as Tom Cunanan (Bad Saint); and Outstanding Pastry Chef, Pichet Ong, (Brothers and Sisters). Additionally, Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse was named one of five winners of the 2019 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics awards, and Patrick O’Connell, the chef and owner of The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, will be honored with James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. The food and beverage winners will be announced in Chicago May 6.
Nationals lose to Mets on opening day
On Thursday, March 28th, the Nationals lost 2-0 to the Mets on opening day. Despite the loss, and the new bag policy prohibiting bags larger than 16” x 16” v 8”, there was much to enjoy, like seeing the 113th Wing Capital Guardians’ flyover, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and Mayor Muriel Bowser announcing “Play Ball!” Spectators also feasted on a variety of new food options at the stadium, including CHIKO (Section 240), Hank’s Oyster Bar (Section 106), La Casita Pupuseria (Section 141), Lobster Shack (Section 107), Medium Rare (Section 135), Old Hickory BBQ (Bid Light Loft), and Taco Caminado (Section 233).
