Two slices of New Haven style apizza and a pint of hard cider at Pete’s in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C. (Photo: FredoAlvarez [flickr])

Despite my (thus far) 16-year stint in the D.C. metro area, I still consider myself a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. Before my boss — also a native of the Big Apple — took off for maternity leave, we talked about the deli down the street from our office, and how they have some of the best bagels either of us have ever found in D.C.

I later found out from the owner of the deli that the bagels are delivered every morning from New York.

And as a native New Yorker, I’m also kinda particular about another food item: pizza. New York style pizza has always been a favorite of mine. A crust that’s thin, but not too thin. Crispy but still flexible. A lip that makes holding the pizza easy.

It wasn’t until after I met my ex that I was introduced to New Haven style pizza. Correction, apizza (pronounced ah-beets). The crust is thinner. There’s more olive oil involved. It’s good, but in my mind it never stacked up to my beloved New York style pies.

After a few hours of shopping in Columbia Heights yesterday afternoon, I decided to stop somewhere for a snack before I headed downtown. I’d heard about Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza from a couple of people — the ex included — and figured I’d stop in for a slice.

I wound up ordering two and a pint of hard cider. Much to my chagrin, I enjoyed it. Like, really enjoyed it. I’ve had pizza from several different joints in D.C. — chain and independent alike — and the slices I had at Pete’s were the best I’d had anywhere in D.C.

The ex is gonna give me a lot of shit for this entry. He’s from New Haven — the “center of the universe” as I sarcastically referred to it for years.

Of course, someone else gave me shit for this already, but for a totally different reason. He lives nearby and I didn’t contact him directly to find out if he was doing anything and wanted to grab a bite. I hadn’t originally planned to go to Columbia Heights, but I still could’ve made the effort.

At any rate, Pete’s is up for a second visit from me. Maybe next Sunday.

Like bukkake (link NSFW)? Now you can order it at a New York City restaurant (link via kottke).

Last Call for the Cowgirl by FredoAlvarez/flickr)

The Dakota Cowgirl on 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW originally opened as part of the Hamburger Mary’s chain. Franchise disputes led to the independent operation of the restaurant, which included a name change in 2005. The menu remained largely the same.

The restaurant building included a bar, Titan’s Ramrod (originally just Titan), upstairs. Titan originally catered to a mixed crowd – gay and straight, male and female – for years until the clientele skewed heavily towards DC’s bear and leather community, hence the name change.

Bar and restaurant staff were suddenly informed mid-week that both establishments would close for good Sunday, December 23. Local press didn’t pick up the story until late afternoon on Friday, December 21. It is my understanding the building was sold, but employees I talked to didn’t know the specifics on why.

In Mourning by FredoAlvarez/flickr)

A Titan regular wears a black veil atop a black leather ball cap at the bar’s final Bear Happy Hour, also known as "WOOF." WOOF is one of several regular events held at the bar that may have to find new homes.

My favorite night at the bar happened a few years ago. My ex Michael and I were involved with the Renegades rugby team; he was the medic, and I just helped out whenever I could. The Renegades held an event at Titan one night — I think it was a bachelor auction — and the bar was short staffed. The owner knew I was there with the team, and asked me if I’d like to barback for the night. I said sure. I had a great time and made a little extra pocket money for the weekend.

Titan became the new home for WOOF a couple of years ago. The event started at the bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, commonly known as Windows or DIK Bar, and because of its popularity, the event outgrew the space.

Many years ago, when I lived with my dad and then-stepfamily, a Korean acquaintance of my stepmother took us all out to experience Korean food. We headed to a combo Korean/Japanese restaurant on Rockville Pike, where she the bulk of the ordering. (I made sure to get in an order of Teryaki Chicken, as I found the Korean dishes she ordered rather unappetizing.)

Somehow, we also got a sushi platter, which included the traditional, fish-laden items as well as California Rolls, which I particularly enjoyed given my aversion to seafood. The platter also included your typical sushi fixin’s.

I noticed the green stuff on there and with the room dimly lit, thought it to be some sort of avocado paste, resembling guacamole. So, I take a California Roll, slop on a big chunk of the avocado stuff, and pop it into my mouth. Only, it wasn’t avocado — it was wasabi.

I thought my tongue was going to dissolve! The discomfort finally subsided and I spent the rest of the evening gnawing on my chicken.

This memory was brought to you by this LiveJournal entry, where a Cold Stone Creamery manager reveals that a future featured flavor of the month will be Wasabi Ginger Ice Cream. Scary, isn’t it?