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Logan Lowdown
As the Brits would say, that was bloody good! We’re talking about the best Bloody Marys we’ve tasted recently. Before attending a matinee at Logan Circle’s Studio Theater to see “Radio Golf” (the late August Wilson’s last play), we decided on Sunday brunch at nearby Logan Tavern. Neighbors were basking in the warm sunshine at Logan Circle’s numerous sidewalk cafés, and we were fortunate to snag an outdoor table. Were we in for a treat.

After sharing a bowl of chef Michael Wesley’s refreshing gazpacho crowned with shrimp and avocado, we followed with husband Peter’s soft shell BLT and my chorizo, cheddar and spinach frittata. We could have gone for crab cakes or smoked salmon Benedict or French toast with blueberry compote.

Moreover, we discovered Logan Tavern’s dynamite Bloody Marys. The 16-ounce drinks are priced at $8 each, offering a choice of top vodka brands: Ketel One, Grey Goose, Stoli, Absolut Peppar (best seller), or even gin and tequila. You also get to select the degree of firepower (mild, spicy, VERY spicy), as well as garnishes including a cuke slice, celery stalk, olive, lime wedge or – for an additional charge – crabmeat or steamed shrimp.

“We make our own secret in-house Bloody Mary mix,” said Logan Tavern manager David Wildes, adding that bartender Eric Davis starts with a tomato juice base and adds horseradish, Tabasco, spices and other ingredients. Each Friday, Davis mixes up a huge batch, going through 16 to 20 gallons of tomato juice. For weekend brunch (Saturday, Sunday and any holiday falling on a Monday), he’ll sell 400 to 700 of the cocktails. Open daily, Logan Tavern is at 1423 P St. NW. Call 202-332-3710 or visit www.logantavern.com.

Logan Tavern’s sister restaurant, The Heights, up the road at 1423 14th St. NW in Columbia Heights, serves the very same Bloody Marys. Call 202-797-7227 or www.theheightsdc.com.

RAMMY winner
Congratulations to Logan Circle’s Cork Restaurant and Wine Bar, named 2009's best new establishment by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The award was presented at the RAMMY’s annual gala June 7 at the Omni Shoreham.

The creation of Logan Circle residents Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, Cork’s goal is to “open a welcoming space in our neighborhood for people to try outstanding wines, often from unexplored regions of the world, paired with good, simple, local food.” Cork pours about 50 wines by the glass and 160 bottles from small producers. Located at 1720 14th St. NW (just south of U Street NW), Cork is open Sunday through Saturday for dinner only; closed Monday. Call 202-265-CORK (2675) or go to www.corkdc.com. Look for more on Cork in a future DC North.

Pixie Power
Near Logan Tavern is a fun, whimsical browsing opportunity: Miss Pixie’s, where you can find anything from fine china, stemmed glassware, funky paintings, quilts, books and even vintage license plates. Particularly eye-catching is the Mexican folk art – pigs, roosters and other animals sculpted from recycled metal. The shop reflects the bubbly personality of proprietor Pixie Windsor, who moved her business from Adams Morgan a year ago. She buys most of her merchandise from auctions in nearby mid-Atlantic states.

“I grew up in Cambridge, Md., on the Eastern Shore,” Windsor told Walkabout. “As a little kid, I went to farm auctions. I moved to Washington in 1985 and worked awhile at the Old Ebbitt Grill. In 1994 I bought the Madam Adam antique store, and I’ve been here over my head ever since!”

Windsor’s Eastern Shore roots are evident in her shop; many items are pastel-hued, and a set of white wicker furniture would look great in any beach house. In fact, Windsor, who lives nearby in the Logan Circle neighborhood, maintains a cottage in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Miss Pixie’s is located at 1626 14th St. NW; call 202-232-8171 or visit www.misspixies.com.

News from NoMa
As Washington, DC, Mayor Adrian Fenty cut the ribbon, the new Marriott Courtyard in NoMa, the area north of Massachusetts Avenue and Union Station, was officially unveiled at a June 3 ceremony. The 218-room hotel began receiving guests back in April.

Joined by DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells and At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown, Fenty described what the new hotel means for the city and especially the revitalization of NoMa.

Developed by Hispanic-owned Finvarb Cos. LLC (and other local investors), the $55 million Marriott is the first hotel in the NoMa neighborhood and the District’s first Hispanic-operated hotel. Boasting a “green roof,” bistro, lounge and an indoor pool, the Marriott Courtyard is located at 1325 Second St. NE.

And
The very next day, more than 200 area government officials and real estate leaders celebrated the grand opening of NoMa’s only all-glass office building, located at 1100 First St. NE. Hosted by property developer Tishman Speyer, the luncheon event included a welcome by regional director Brian Berry, as well as remarks from other local leaders. Architect Mark Sexton of Krueck Sexton, who designed the building, was on hand, as was internationally-famous artist David Batchelor, who created the striking lobby light installation, "Spectrum of First Street."