Local Hot Spot: Chocolate, Gifts and Whimsy in Old Town

Looking for that perfect quirky gift for your hard-to-buy-for friend or family member?  I had almost forgotten that Artfully Chocolate has two locations - 2003A  Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray and a more spacious and bright Artfully Chocolate and Gifts on John Carlyle Street near the Patent & Trademark Office in "New" Old Town.

The newer gallery location is open until 8 pm Tuesday through Saturday (and until 5 pm on Sunday). They offer a host of summer pleasantries and gifts -- my favorites include the colorful paper plates and matching napkins.  And if you want to grab the perfect hostess gift on the way to a party, the bon bons will be most appreciated.  (The salted caramels -- I am told -- are a shop favorite.) 

They also offer a range of unique cards ranging from very touching to LOL funny.  If you wonder where that person found just the right card to send to you, this might be the place. 

In the heat of summer, we're not thinking too much about hot chocolate (and this is the kind you find in Paris...no Swiss Miss here), but as an alternative, try attending one of the chocolate and wine pairing classes on alternate Thursday evenings for $60. This might also be the perfect gift for the wine and chocolate lover.  Or maybe just cool off with some Gifford's ice cream (perhaps a milkshake?) while you write your card out at the colorful cafe tables.  

While you're there, browse the gallery of items painted and painstakingly crafted by local resident and owner Eric Nelson.  Colorful and full of energy (just like Eric), you'll love the hand-crafted mosaic cafe tables (where you can sip your beverage and nosh on some hand-made chocolates) and whimsical paintings. You can even commission Eric to do something more personal, should the desire strike.  

It's a can't miss place -- and plenty of on-the-street parking is a plus.  

Please email me at kay@kayblemker.com with your comments. Thanks!

The Perfect Backyard BBQ Gift

 

If you have a neighbor or friend who is a diehard Nationals or Steelers or (god forbid) Dallas Cowboys fan, here is an idea that is sure to brighten up their day. Sure, you could bring a six-pack of beer to the neighbor’s cookout…but why not level it up and bring something that everyone can enjoy?   Impossible, you say?  Not at all.   

Allow me to suggest a churchkey outfitted with the logo of your neighbor’s favorite sports team.

A churchkey, for those who may not be familiar with hardcore barware, is a bottle opener on one end and a can opener on the other.  It’s usually larger than your average kitchen-drawer opener and incredibly sturdy. 

My friend Sean saw several while browsing the gift store Show of Hands.   They are made by Kathie Perry Lynch, a local glass artist.

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Being from Chicago, he wanted a Bears churchkey for his father’s birthday but the shop only had New York, Boston and Washington, DC.  So,smart man that he is, Sean asked if the artist might be able to make one for him with the Chicago Bears logo – and sure enough, the artist was happy to comply. 

The churchkey cost just under $19 (and just $2.50 to mail) and was happily received by Sean’s dad, who immediately pried open a beer and placed the churchkey on his bar in a place of honor. 

If you know me well, you know that I first asked “Who are the Bears?” before it clicked that this is the perfect summer gift at the right price, too.  Remember, if you don’t see your team, be sure to ask!  And tell them Kay Blemker sent you. 

Please email me at kay@kayblemker.com with your comments. Thanks!

Wire Me Up!

Need a scoop of mouth-watering home made sorbet gelato to get you through a lazy, hazy summer afternoon?  Or perhaps you just need a jolt of espresso to start off your day jam-packed with meetings.  Whatever the reason, I’ve got just the spot for you. 

I stumbled upon Killer ESP (Espresso Sorbet Pie) last week while wandering down King Street in Old Town in search of a pick-me-up.  Their double shot of espresso was bracing, to say the least, and got me charged immediately.  My friend sampled their chai latte and loved the real cardamom flavor infused throughout it.  We shared an empanada from Julia’s Empanadas, the famed DC outpost by Farragut North, which was delivered in the cutest red/white checkered rectangular paper container.  All of this for an even $10.  Let me repeat that.  Just $10! 

Rose Sorbetta

Located at 1012 King Street, in between Patrick and Henry, this little shop features a few outdoor seats and lots of small tables and couches inside. Those imbibing can power up their iPads using the free wireless or simply enjoy one of the movies playing over the projector. 

Homemade gelato, Stumptown Coffee from Portland, Oregon, service with a smile and a charming interior that rocks a 60’s vibe.  Open Sunday-Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9:30ish p.m. Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11:00ish p.m.  

Please email me at kay@kayblemker.com with your comments. Thanks!

Why Your AC Might Need A Little Blue Pill

It may be time to give your AC the "little blue pill."  No, not THAT one.

These are blue tablets that go into the condensate pan underneath your AC air handler.  One little blue pill  keeps the algae from growing for up to six weeks.  Not only does this get rid of odors in your AC unit, it also prevents the algae and slime that normally grows in your condensate drain line from building up and causing the drain line to clog.  (It’s the same chemical used in swimming pools to prevent algae.)

It’s a good idea to use these tablets every 30 days this time of year so there is less likelihood of a backup.  And don’t think that because your furnace is new (or semi-new) that you can’t have a clog.  My friend Marie found this out the hard way when water started dripping through her bedroom ceiling at 10PM on a Friday night. 

Think of it as vitamins for your air conditioner: a simple preventative maintenance trick that could help prevent a big surprise (and a big bill) this summer.

Please email me at kay@kayblemker.com with your comments. Thanks!