Food Trucks Everywhere!

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Food Trucks are everywhere in D.C and we love to find our favorites for our lunch break. However, with so many food trucks how do you choose which one to visit during the week. We have found a few favorites that are worth finding on social media to see where they will be next. If you want to play Where’s Waldo with food trucks, check our list below to decide which ones you want to follow next.

PEPE

Pepe Food Truck is perfect when you are craving something simple but delicious. This food truck is full of sandwiches with the most amazing combinations of ingredients. Serrano ham, Manchebo and olive oil on a thin ficelle sounds so good right now we want to go find the PEPE truck immediately. Make sure to follow @pepefoodtruck to find out when they will be near you.

Brandon’s Little Truck

This truck might seem a little off-the-wall, but we promise you will not regret trying their food. This truck has a controlled menu where you can expect your favorites every visit. The delicious lamb burger with fennel salad and feta is so delicious you think it came from a 5-star bistro. This is just one of the many unique combinations you can find at Brandon’s Little Truck. If this food sounds like a lunch time specialty, find out their next location by following them at @bltfoodtruck.

BBQ Bus

There are many barbecue trucks all throughout the D.C area, but there is a reason we think you should try the BBQ Bus. They smoke all of their meats for 10-12 hours before being served, and you can taste the difference. The sides and breads of the meals are made from scratch daily before they start serving. We recommend coming up with your own combination of meats, bread and sauces. You can find the BBQ Bus on their twitter @bbqbusdc.

These are just three of the many food trucks in D.C! Can you not make it for lunch? Make sure to see when they will be close to your home at The Louis for dinner.

A Very Bike-Friendly Louis

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If it seems like there are more cyclists than ever on D.C. streets, that's because there is, especially if you live at The Louis! According to a new study from real estate company Redfin, U Street is the most bike-friendly neighborhood in Washington D.C., with the neighboring Logan Circle neighborhood coming in at #2! What qualifies our area as "bike-friendly," and how can you start living a more bike-friendly life both at The Louis and beyond? Let us tell you!

What makes a neighborhood bike-friendly? Investments in trails, bike lanes and other aspects of biking infrastructure is the first step. If the weather is nice and we don't have to wait for the Metro or sit in traffic, wouldn't you rather enjoy the fresh air and exercise? While biking to work may be good for your health, it is also good for building businesses. According to Greg Billing, the executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (to Washington Business Journal), creating a cycling culture builds up a neighborhood's eco-system. Businesses and residences will be drawn to areas where there is more foot and/or bike traffic.

If you are interested incorporating more biking into your daily routine, there are some important things to know before you hit the streets. For example, you may want to ride with a local group first before venturing on to the streets by yourself. It's also important to make sure your bike is in proper riding condition, or that you purchase a new lightweight bike for your commute. You may even want to take a class or urban bike riding. Especially in a city like D.C., with such a high volume of drivers, you will want your commute to be as safe and easy as possible! For example, be sure you ride in the same direction as the traffic flow, give yourself a 3 foot cushion from parked cars, and yield to pedestrians. To view more rules on urban cycling or to request a workbook, click here.

Consider changing up your daily commute by incorporating cycling into your routine, especially since we reside in the District's most bike-friendly neighborhood! Do you regularly ride a bike to work? What tips do you have for new riders? Share your thoughts on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages!

Cheers! It's DC Beer Week!

Ale, lager or stout? No matter type of beer you prefer to drink, through Sunday, August 16, you have the perfect excuse to expand your craft beer horizons or to try new brews of your current favorite. How, you ask? August 9 through August 16 is Washington DC Beer Week, which aims to educate area citizens on all things "good beer, from conception to consumption!"

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From special happy hours, to beer and food pairings, to special brew releases, these events will have beer lovers "hopped up!" However, with such a wide variety of daily events for the week, it can be difficult to select which events to attend. Is it best to narrow down by events close to The Louis or by the type of event? See what we mean? The options can be overwhelming. To view a recommended list of Beer Week events broken down by day, click here.

Today's marquee event is the Coast to Coast Tap Takeover at RFD. This event features more than 40 beers on tap, each at $5 a pour. There is a $5 cover charge, which will benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The event runs from 3 - 11 p.m.

One event garnering buzz from both Washington City Paper and Washingtonian magazine is Thursday's D.C. Total Tap Takeover at Church Key. All of ChurchKey's 55 taps will pour brews made in the Washington DC area. This special event takes place from 4 - 11 p.m. Washingtonian recommends tasting the Alpine Beer Company Nelson, which is made with a fruity type of hop called "Nelson Sauvin." This is the first time that ChurchKey will devote all of its taps to DC-produced beer, so if you only have room in your schedule to attend one Beer Week event, this one will certainly be well worth it!

What is "on tap" for the weekend? On Friday, the marquee event is DC Beer Week Takeover at High Velocity. Located inside the Washington Marriott Marquis, top tier breweries including Atlas Brew Works, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 21st Amendment, Schlafly, Heavy Seas, Sam Adams, Flying Dog and North Coast, will be pouring both flagships and rarities! On Saturday, the DC Homebrewers Club will be performing demonstrations at Meridian Pint from 3 - 6 p.m. On Sunday, the final day of Beer Week, team up with some of your friends for a Beer Scavenger Hunt in Dupont Circle!

What brews are you hoping to taste or events do you plan to attend? Let The Louis know on Facebook and Twitter!

Our 14th & U Restaurant Tour

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Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a "foodie," anyone can appreciate a perfectly prepared meal. Definitely one of the biggest draws of The Louis' location is its proximity to some of the District's, probably even the country's, best restaurants. Whether you want to tackle some of the area's best restaurants all in one day, or over time, if you live at The Louis, you need to experience these restaurants' cuisine:

Le Diplomate | 1601 14th St., NW
Step into Le Diplomate and you will feel like you have entered a Parisian bistro. The sidewalk cafe is a beautiful setting in which to sip a cappuccino and read the newspaper in the morning. Their extensive cocktail menu offers drinks you won't typically find anywhere else in Washington DC, including the Il Fait Beau, which combines Edinburgh gin, Elderflower-peach Shrub, and fresh lemon.

Visit Le Diplomate for BRUNCH.

Tico DC | 1926 14th St., NW
It's easy to begin your food tour at Tico DC, located just downstairs! Tico's Chef Michael Schlow has been featured on The Today Show, Top Chef Masters and other national television shows, in addition to being named "Best Chef in the Northeast" by the James Beard Foundation. Tico's American-based cuisine has elements of Spanish, Mexican and South American cuisines, too.

Visit Tico DC for DRINKS. Their menu features more than 140 types of tequila!

Lupo Verde | 14th & T Streets
Rustic Italian, in both decor and menu, describes Lupo Verde perfectly. The cheese and salumi menu offers allows you to mix and match the perfect charcuterie plate. All of Lupo Verde's cheeses are imported from Italy, so you know they have to be good!

Visit Lupo Verde for CHARCUTERIE.

Vinoteca | 1940 11th St., NW
The food served at Vinoteca's Happy Hour will probably be the most sophisticated happy hour selection you have ever seen! Choices include Barbecue Duck Roll, Chilled Pea Soup, and Charcuterie, just to name a few. If you would like to broaden your knowledge of wines, Vinoteca frequently offers Tuesday night classes in its upstairs lounge.

Visit Vinoteca for HAPPY HOUR.

Kapnos | 2201 14th St., NW
While Kapnos may be a younger restaurant, it opened in July 2013, it certainly has made quite an impact since then. The restaurant, a concept by Chef Mike Isabella, has two wood-fire grills with spits, and serves both classic and contemporary Greek dishes. Main courses include Moussaka, Kapama and Soutzoukakia, among many others.

Visit Kapnos for DINNER.

While there are dozens of delicious restaurants in our immediate area, there are a few key highlights that any U Street resident needs to try! If you have some free time over the weekend, pay one of these eateries a visit!

Additional sources consulted:
Capitol File
Thrillist DC
Zagat

What to Do in DC on a Summer Day Off

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Maybe your office has "Summer Fridays" or you just have a vacation day burning a hole in your pocket. you make the call or email and call off work, but then what? The possibilities are virtually endless, but if you're in need of some summertime in DC inspiration, we have got you covered!

1. Sleep in - Hopefully, we don't actually have to encourage you to do this, but it's your day off. You deserve it.

2. Enjoy your favorite amenity - Take a swim at the pool or squeeze in a workout at gym at The Louis to get your day off to an energizing start!

3. Make it a long weekend - Plan a weekend trip to the Chesapeake Bay, Bethany Beach, or Cape May - all of which are within driving distance of Washington DC.

4. Hit the roof - Visit one of DC's top ranked rooftop bars (via Thrillist). Establishments with stellar rooftop views in the 14 Street/U Street/Shaw area include Masa 14, El Centro D.F., Marvin, Lost Society, Local 16, Nellie's Sports Bar, The Brixton, DC 9, 1905 Bistro & Bar, and Dunya Restaurant & Bar!

5. Explore the exhibits at your favorite museum - If you take a day off in the middle of the week, you won't have to fight off the crowds of tourists at your favorite museum!

6. Get in a full 18 holes - When was the last time you went golfing? Get in a round of golf early in the day before the heat sets in! Visit Golf DC for additional resources and upcoming events.

7. Rent a boat - Cruise the waters of the Potomac, or anywhere in the area really. Go in on a boat rental fee with a couple of friends. You can rent boats with or without captains, so whether you prefer to be in control (with a license, of course) of want to sit back and relax with a cold one in hand, you can find a vessel that's right for you!

8. Do something you've always wanted to, but never had time for - If you're going to use a vacation day, make it count! Maybe you've always wanted to try a particular restaurant or rent a paddleboat at the Tidal Basin. Carpe diem!

With so many stores, activities and attractions in the area, it is hard to narrow down the options. The important things are to relax and do what makes you happy on your next day off or long weekend!

What tops your personal list of things to do on your day off? Share yours on The Louis' Facebook or Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Capitol File Magazine

Furnish Your Home at The Louis

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Once you have signed the lease and start packing the moving boxes to move into The Louis, then comes the fun task of...shopping! How do you want to decorate your new space? What vibe do you want it to have? Luckily, in the 14th & U area, there are many home furnishing stores to find beautiful new pieces of furniture and other decor items for your new apartment home. If you are unsure where to begin, here are some of our favorites:

Home Rule | 1807 14th St. NW

If you share the philosophy that you can never own too many kitchen gadgets, then Home Rule is going to be your new best friend! USA ice cube tray? Check. Contoured ice cream scoops for the perfect scoop? Check. Do you need these things? Maybe not, but you'll buy them anyway. Home Rule is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Room & Board | 14th & T St.

It's pretty easy to spend hours upon hours inside Room & Board. Located in a restored Ford Motors showroom, there are 4 floors to explore. If you're in search of a new sofa, Room & Board offers an extensive selection of fabrics. Many of the pieces you'll find at Room & Board are made in America! Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salt & Sundry | 1401 S St.

If you have more of a boho decor affinity, you will find plenty of pieces to complete your rooms at Salt & Sundry. While the store offers tables, most of their decor consists of accent/complementary pieces of furniture, including bar carts and fixings to go on it, candles, throws and more. Visit the store Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Elm | 1728 14th St., NW

West Elm carries a wide variety bedding, furniture, home decor, lighting and kitchenware in fun and modern designs. Get lost in the store's two floors of home decor! The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If none of these stores have quite the pieces you're looking for, consider checking out the District Flea, which is held on Saturdays through October! With so many stores and shops in our area, it is difficult to list them all, but it's almost impossible to go a block without seeing a home furnishing/decor store! 

What do you think are our area's hidden home decor gems? Follow The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages and share yours!

Additional sources consulted:

Borderstan

DC Racked

Washingtonian

The Gentlemen's Guide

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According to a newly released study from Grooming Lounge, Washington DC ranks third in the US in terms of having the most handsome men as residents. Sure, we may have been ranked behind Seattle and San Francisco, but Washington DC has the most handsome men on the East Coast, so we'll consider that a win, right? So where should the District's men go to stay looking and feeling good!

Federal
Located on 14th Street, Federal offers men's clothing, shoes, outerwear, wallets and more. This store prides itself on carrying quality brands, including Levi's, Converse, Raleigh Denim and Birkenstock, just to name a few. The store also highlights "Made in the USA" products, and seeks garments that provide both quality and unique detail. Federal is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The Grooming Lounge
Yes, this is the same group who launched the study we referred to earlier. Grooming Lounge is a barbershop and men's spa with locations in DC and northern Virginia. Employees' expertise ranges from "hair to skin to nails to men's relaxation." In the salon, you can receive treatments such as a hot lather shave, anti-aging facial, in addition to other services and packages. The closest Grooming Lounge location to your apartment home at The Louis is downtown at 1745 L. St. NW.

Michael Andrews Bespoke
If your job requires a suit, have one custom made at Michael Andrews Bespoke. High-quality fabric and custom fit to you, these suits are truly one of a kind. Forget about buying off the rack. The staff at Michael Andrews will help you select fabric, colors and more for an unforgettable wardrobe. Michael Andrews Bespoke is located at 1604 17th St. NW, 2nd Floor.

Redeem
Redeem is an independent boutique on 14th Street that offers unique pieces from local designers in a contemporary, urban style. For the gentlemen who love to dress fashion-forward, take a look at what Redeem has to offer.

Gentlemen of The Louis, what are some of your go-to places throughout the city to go for a new wardrobe or for relaxation? Share your favorites with us on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
CBS DC
Washingtonian
Washington DC Racked