Bloomingdale Buzz

by
Ellen Boomer

Tracing Bloomingdales History

Thanks to Cultural Tourism DC your next neighborhood stroll can be an educational trip.
One of the latest projects is entitled, Worthy Ambition, The LeDroit Park
Bloomingdale Heritage Trail, and it includes 16 signs that trace the people and historical
events that shaped these communities.
In the late 19th century neighborhoods such as Bloomingdale developed along streetcar
lines and drew residents who worked downtown or at Howard University.
Bloomingdales location speaks to era of development of DC, said historian Sarah
Shoenfeld of Prologue DC, who worked on this project. Its architecture is iconic, with
turreted roofs, first floors set up, and back from the street and big bay windows. Its row
houses are representative of some prolific developers in DC.
Examples of noted developers work, including houses built or designed by Harry
Wardman, Lewis Breuninger, Thomas Haislip and Francis Blundon, can be viewed from
the corner of 1st and V Streets.
Some developers, such as Middaugh & Shannon, placed racially restrictive deed
covenants on their houses. Some of their houses were more modest and more
affordable for African Americans, but they werent allowed to buy them, Shoenfeld
noted.
Among Prologue DCs latest projects is one entitled, Mapping Segregation in DC,
which explores why many of DCs historically black neighborhoods were once
exclusively white, and how the citys racial geography has been shaped by segregation.
Bloomingdale is a good case study for tension between gentrification and affordable
housing, including the pop-up issue, Shoenfeld said. Its a mix of newcomers and long
time residents, its racially integrated, and theres a real sense of neighborhood pride.
Contact Cultural Tourism DC at www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/neighborhoodheritage-trails. Find Prologue DC at prologuedc.com and learn more about the Mapping
Segregation in DC project at prologuedc.com/blog/mapping-segregation.

Bloomingdale Buzz
by
Ellen Boomer

Better Than Your Front Stoop

Rustik Tavern offers delicious food and one of the best views in Bloomingdale. From the
outdoor patio diners can keep up with all the community goings-on this summer without
ever leaving the neighborhood.
Owner Diton Pashaj has worked in restaurants since he moved to DC 11 years ago, first
at a diner in Dupont and eventually at Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro, where he
advanced to General Manager.
Several years ago Pashaj noticed the lack of full-service restaurants in Bloomingdale.
We would always stop at Big Bear for coffee and breakfast. It was busy with locals, and
since Big Bear used to close at 7pm, there was nowhere for these people to go out
after, Pashaj said. I was hooked and on a mission.
With the help of his friends and family, Pashaj opened Rustik in 2010. I am still shocked
that I was able to convince [my family] that it was good idea to open a restaurant in a
neighborhood where there hadn't been a sit down, full-service restaurant in a long time.
Luckily it worked out, Pashaj noted.
Rustiks menu is driven by the wood-burning rotating brick oven. Despite their small
kitchen the restaurant turns out several pizzas, small plates, a few main dishes, brunch
and vegan options. They also serve lunch and offer great happy-hour specials, including
$3 off selected pizzas, $2 off beers, and $5 wines.
I consider myself lucky to be a part of this neighborhood and also to be surrounded by
some of the greatest, amicable and most fun business owners whove also become
close friends of mine, Pashaj shared. We have supported each other from the
beginning and are involved with as much as we can in the community.
Community involvement included a Dine Out For Bloomingdale week, which was
spearheaded by Boundary Stone and generated proceeds that were donated to the
Bloomingdale Civic Association. Pashaj recently opened a new restaurant in Brookland,
where he lives, and hopes to bring back the T Street festival to Bloomingdale.

Visit Rustik Tavern at 84 T St NW or at www.rustikdc.com.

Bloomingdale Buzz
by
Ellen Boomer

Sundays in Bloomingdale
Located outside Big Bear Cafe, the Bloomingdale Farmers Market (BFM) is once again
in full swing. This neighborhood staple supplies residents with local produce, sweets
and entertainment every Sunday from May through November.
The producers bring farmers market standards as well as baked goods, sauces, plants,
and preserves. Stock up on fruits from Reids Orchard & Winery, indulge in something
sweet from Whisked! or sample the pickles from Number 1 Sons, all while listening to
tunes by local groups such as the LeDroit Chamber Players.
Langley Elementarys PTA has a table set up for neighborhood parents to learn more
about the school and to meet their principal, Charlotte Spann. The school has an herb
garden, and this spring they sold herbs, herb wood, and marigold seeds at the BFM this
spring.
BFM producers accept several forms of federal nutrition-assistance benefit programs,
including SNAP (Food Stamps/EBT), WIC, WIC Cash Value, Senior Get Fresh
Checks, Produce Plus vouchers, and FVRx, a fruit and vegetable prescription program
launched by DC Greens.
When the market closes each week at 1pm the farmers may choose to donate leftover
produce to BFMs gleaning partner, District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), a nonprofit that provides access to safe housing for survivors of domestic and sexual
violence.
Markets & More, founded and directed by Robin Shuster, runs BFM and the 14th and U
Farmers Market, which is open Saturdays. Check their website for various events
throughout this summer and fall.

Visit Bloomingdale Farmers Market at 1st and R Streets NW or at

marketsandmore.info.