Friday, August 29, 2008

Pike Business of the Week - Bangkok 54 Restaurant

Every time I go to Bangkok 54...it is super delicious. The restaurant reminds me of DC upscale places...not some of the dives that still reside on Columbia Pike. The interior is very chic and the service is great. They also just added a bar section that you can rent out for events. In addition, they provide jazz every second Thursday of each month.

Open 7 days a week Lunch & Dinner
Sunday - Thursday
11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Friday - Saturday
11:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M.

2919 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
Tel: 703.521.4070

Thursday, August 28, 2008

THIS blog negative????

Ok…so I read the notes from the Board Meeting the other night and it said that a resident thought that the blog was negative? I really don’t understand the negative comment.

THIS blog shares stories about upcoming construction projects, businesses in the area, local ways to help the community, environmental information and some of the problems that Arlington Village is facing.

THIS blog is a conduit for people to discuss and have conversations about issues. If any resident would like to post a story or at least email me and tell me why they don’t like a particular post…go ahead! avcondoowner@yahoo.com I would love for people that are on the Board or on the Committees to give updates or even comment on some of the issues. Why wouldn’t they want to share the great things that they do? I would love for even more people to send me stories or ideas for the blog…FYI - I get a couple a week.

I guess the real question is why isn’t the negative accuser posting a response saying that the story/post is negative? Have they really read THIS blog or are they just being told that the blog is negative? Do they believe that a contractor not doing his job in the Village isn’t a problem? Do they think that a resident asking to be on the AV Blast and not getting on after numerous requests isn’t a problem?

Let me repeat, THIS blog is a way for people to communicate since AV isn’t doing a very good job of communicating with residents. A monthly Crier…that doesn’t arrive on time, and many times has mistakes…is not a viable form of communication. A website that isn’t updated and has misinformation…including an events calendar that hasn’t been updated in a year is not a great way of communicating!

Sorry about the rant…but I just hate when people can’t stand up and say what they are thinking. I would never want people to think that this blog is negative. If I wanted a negative blog I would write every day on problems I see in the Village. Believe me…there is more than enough to write about…however I feel that we need to be aware of the problems in Arlington Village and what’s happening in the greater community we live in…especially in this transitional time of rebuilding the Columbia Pike Corridor. Plus we need to be neighborly! What’s wrong with watching out for each other, telling residents of potential problems or letting them know that they are going to turn the CVS into a park?

Hope you are having a great Thursday…the Pike Business of the Week will be posted tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

What's Up With the Contractors in Arlington Village?

Last night was the August Arlington Village Board Meeting. I was unable to attend - but if anyone has updates, please let us know!

During a conversation with a resident that did attend the meeting, it reminded me of something I wanted to blog about for quite some time. How are Contractors who do the work in Arlington Village chosen? Is there a Request for Proposal (RFP) process? How are these evaluated and how are the companies that are asked to submit proposals chosen from the pool of prospects?

Why you ask is this important? Well, competition is at the heart of our democracy and leads to better rates, customer service and quality work. I have been hearing from residents that they have some complaints about the contractros who do work around the Village - and from the contractors who are recommended by the Village office. (Residents have complained to me about doors that were not properly installed, sloppy paint work, decks not up to top quality, etc).


I have also heard rumors that some of the contractors are related to each other - and workers in the office. Is this true? Its not that I don't think that people should be excluded because they are relatives but this should be discussed in the open and a consideration in the overall process for bids.

Something to think about as we move toward budget and contract season.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Board Meeting Tonight!

Don't forget there is a Board Meeting tonight. It's almost budget season...so feel free to go and ask what's up?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Need something to do this weekend?

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival at Strathmore

I know that it isn't on the Pike...however you could definitely take the Metro to Bethesda if you are looking for things to do...for free...in the evenings.

Movies will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. each evening, with grounds opening at 6:30 p.m. All screenings are held on the grounds adjacent to the mansion. Bring a blanket or low beach chair. No dogs are permitted.

August 22: Transformers
August 23: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
August 24: Shrek the Third

The annual free summer movie fest screens recent hits, classics and family favorites. Pre-movie kid-friendly activities.

Details
8:30 p.m.
The Mansion at Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD
Information: 301-581-5100

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Pike Business of the Week - LA Bar and Grill

From Metromix.com:

"Where else can you find a deep fried candy bar on the menu? That's right, LA Bar and Grill, or “Lower Arlington” Bar and Grill, offers that and more. It is almost hidden by it’s located on the backside of the building. When you do find your way in, take advantage of the happy hour from 4-7 p.m. where all beer and liquor is a $1 off. On Monday nights, they have trivia; on Wednesdays, they extend their lunch hours to sell cheaper burgers. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a place to grab a beer with a lively crowd."

I hear the trivia night is great...plus I really like the fish and chips. Check it out! It used to be really smoky...but since they got rid of the table cloths...the smell is not there any more. Plus they have darts and you can smoke a cigar. It's not the Cowboy Cafe...but the next best thing.

L.A. Bar and Grill (Lower Arlington)
2530 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
703-685-1560

Technical Difficulties

Sorry that I haven't been able to blog the last week. I had to send my computer away to be fixed. It's back and so is the blog! Thanks for waiting.