Van Ness
Two of the three Frères Branchiaux founders – Austin and Ryan Gill – at the Van Ness farmers market.
How many of the vendors at the Van Ness farmers market (Saturdays through November at 4340 Connecticut Avenue) can say they’ve been on Good Morning America? At least three.
Frères Branchiaux – Brothers Gill in French – is three young brothers in the candle-making business. Collin, Ryan and Austin Gill started their business when they wanted more money for toys and video games. And they do it all, from inventing the scents for their candles, room sprays and diffusers, to making the products, to selling them to stores and customers.
Their mother told the Washington Post in January that they are making a profit and a difference: Their philanthropy includes donating hundreds of dollars to DC-area homeless shelters every month.
And their business is growing fast. In an August 16th update on Instagram, they reveal:
We have hired an accountant, an account manager, on the verge of signing off on a new facility, have a trademark lawyer, a contract lawyer, and hiring temps while we look for permanent employees. Our goal is to be fully staffed by the end of August. We know that we can do it—and we love you all for making this possible for us.
Something tells us we haven’t heard the last of these brothers.
Ryan Gill with customers – and in the media spotlight.
Uptown Market
Almost a month ago, Uptown Market (4465 Connecticut) remained optimistic that it would be opening late this month.
Delays can derail the best-laid plans, however (Bread Furst can attest to that). In reply to an Instagram user who asked on August 21st if they’re still on track for an August opening: “[W]e’ve encountered a couple delays, so we’ll see!”
[Editing late 8/26/2019 to add…] Another Instagram update: “Join our team! We’re hosting a job fair Wednesday 9/4 & Sunday 9/7 from 1pm-5pm at Uptown Market. Bring your resume with references and learn about an awesome career at Uptown Market!”
On the list
Sfoglina Pasta House (4445 Connecticut) makes the Washington Post’s roundup of best bets for gluten-free pizza, pasta and pastries.
Sfoglina Van Ness is also on celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s list of faves. He and his fiancée like to dine here on date nights.
The Post found seven places to buy great bread in DC. Bread Furst (4434 Connecticut) is one of them, of course.
“600 bottles of beer on the shelf… 600 bottles of beer…”
Calvert Woodley Wines & Spirits (4339 Connecticut) may be better known for its extensive wine selection – and the knowledgeable staff who guide customers to the right choices. But the store also has an extensive beer selection – and staff who know their way around a craft brewery. DC Beer spoke to Calvert Woodley beer director William Proudfoot about what customers are drinking these days.
Tenleytown
Art All Night
Tenleytown Main Street is gathering artists, dancers, makers and musicians for its fourth annual “Art All Night” festival on Saturday, September 14th. “And this year promises to be even bigger, better, and more diverse with 200+ artists and performers featured at 19 venues,” says TMS.
The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. with a performance by Batala drum corps and City Dance POP! at Wisconsin Avenue and Brandywine Street. There you will also find the Art All Night Welcome Center. You can pick up a free guidebook with a map and schedule of events, and those ages 21 and up can purchase a wristband for “Top Shelf” beer, wine and cocktail tastings at certain venues. Then, walk around and enjoy the festivities until midnight.
The “Schedule” tab at tenleytownmainstreet.org/art-all-night has a great deal of information on who, what, when and where.
(Forest Hills neighbors – David Cohen’s bird photos will be on display at the Tenley-Friendship Library. He recently shared his insights from five years of photographing these creatures.)
David Cohen’s By Jamaica Pond: Cedar Waxwing will be on exhibit.
Chevy Chase
Avalon Theater
The Avalon Theater’s main screen. (photo courtesy of the Avalon)
The main movie theater at the Avalon Theater (5612 Connecticut) will be closed beginning Tuesday, September 3rd for approximately three weeks of extensive renovations including new seats, carpet and floor lighting, a repainted floor and restrooms and repairs to the wall fabric.
To help fund the project, the nonprofit Avalon sold seat plaques that will be installed as the work wraps up toward the end of September. Some seat plaques are still available for purchase for the next scheduled installation in October. Stay tuned for further information about this, says Avalon executive director Bill Oberdorfer.
The smaller Avalon 2 will remain open throughout the renovation. The first film in the renovated Avalon 1 will be the “Downton Abbey” feature.
