District Fray Magazine // April 2023

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Co-owners Joe Lapan and Alisha Edmonson. Photo by Kimchi Photography.

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Libby Rasmussen’s apartment. Photo by Mariah Miranda.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Robert Kinsler, Publisher + CEO robert@unitedfray.com

Monica Alford, Editor-in-Chief + Director of Media monica@unitedfray.com

Claire Smalley, Creative Director claire@unitedfray.com

Brandon Wetherbee, Managing Editor brandon@unitedfray.com

Nicole Schaller, Deputy Editor nicole@unitedfray.com

Julia Goldberg, Editorial Designer julia@unitedfray.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Annie Agnone, Aviva Bechky, Emerson Dameron, Christian Irabién, Chad Kinsman, Priya Konings, Keith Loria, Nevin Martell, Myles Mellor, Mariah Miranda, Abi Newhouse, Christina Smart, April Thompson, Toni Tileva, Andrew J. Williams III

Editors

Annie Agnone, Aviva Bechky, Abi Newhouse

Artists + Photographers

Eric Dolgas, Nevin Martell, Mariah Miranda, Scott Suchman, Andrew J. Williams III

Editorial Consultant

Michael Clements

ON THE COVER Illustrator

Torie Partridge of Terratorie terratorie.com

UNITED FRAY

Martin Espinoza, President martin@unitedfray.com

Brittany Rheault, COO brittany@unitedfray.com

Tom Roth, Key Account Manager tomroth@unitedfray.com

Saige Elise Jackson, Account Executive saige@unitedfray.com

MOVE. We’re having a lot of fun this year playing with themes that have multiple meanings — both tangible and subjective. The magazine acts as a narrative conduit to community and individual experiences in the D.C. area, and our April issue gives readers an eclectic roadmap for what “move” might mean to them. We spoke with realtors Daisy Lacy and Alison Scimeca, who are deeply ingrained in D.C.’s creative scene, about the mid-century modern craze, their tips for home buying and why it’s okay to consider moving outside of city limits. Photographer Mariah Miranda told the visual story of four distinct neighborhoods in each of the District’s quadrants, and captured marketing director and disco dealer Libby Rasmussen’s colorful Mount Pleasant apartment (accompanied by my interview on page 28). Our deputy editor Nicole Schaller took us on a day trip to the brand-new Crimson Lane Vineyards; photographer and writer Andrew J. Williams III explored the city via public transportation and captured one couple’s mid-century modern haven; and our contributing editor Annie Agnone picked very different variations of “move” with pieces on teasing your way into burlesque, exercising with shelter dogs and planning a bike ride along one of the city’s waterfront trails. As always, we expanded beyond our theme to include timely content on what’s happening this month: Kennedy Center’s eco-friendly RiverRun festival, “Shout, Sister, Shout!” at Ford’s Theatre, the Nats’ 2023 season, what’s new at the DC Center for the LGBT Community and Graham Nash’s upcoming Birchmere show, to name a few. Plus, a glimpse into a D.C. startup reviving historic liquor brands, notable multiracial chefs creating a new kind of fusion, STABLE Arts’ upcoming programming, and more. We hope you enjoy this choose-your-own-adventure issue, and will see you at our movethemed party on Saturday, April 22 at metrobar in Brentwood. Learn more at districtfray.com.

MONICA ALFORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Monica Alford + Libby Rasmussen in Rasmussen’s Mount Pleasant apartment. Photos by Mariah Miranda.

RADAR

WORDS BY BRANDON WETHERBEE

Bikini Kill at Palladium. Photo by Debi Del Grande.

Calendar

The blossoms have bloomed, baseball has begun and winter is officially over. Spring is here and it’s time to make some fun! Or at least see a bunch of fireworks.

4.1

BLOOMAROO AT THE WHARF

Weather isn’t predictable. Peak bloom may be long done by April 1. But that doesn’t mean cherry blossom season is over. This all-day event features cherry blossom-themed art, music, fireworks and more along the waterfront. Fireworks make you think of cherry blossoms, right? Free. 2 p.m. 760 Maine Ave. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc

THE 35TH ANNUAL WAMMIE MUSIC AWARDS: THE HITMAKERS BALL AT CAPITAL TURNAROUND

Listen local. Check out districtfray.com/music for some of our favorite potential winners. $35+. 5 p.m. 770 M St. SE, DC; wammiesdc.org // @wammiesdc

4.2

GEOLOGIST DAY: DINOS ALIVE! AT RHODE ISLAND CENTER

April 2 is Geologist Day. Would we know about T-Rexes, Stegosauruses, Velociraptors and Suchomimuses without geologists? Nope! So go enjoy some T-Rexes, Stegosauruses, Velociraptors, and Suchomimuses at this immersive experience through May 28. $17.90. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 524 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; dinosaliveexhibit.com/washington-dc // @dinosaliveexhibition

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS AT DC9

They’re not dinosaurs, but they do make quality roaring metal that maybe sounds like dinosaurs. $15. 8 p.m. 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club

Hamilton’s Bar and Grill has great drink specials, fantastic comfort food and top notch service. Come check out our ALL-DAY Friday happy hour with $2 PBRs and High Lifes and you’ll see why we’ve been a Capitol Hill institution since 2006.

Located on the Rooftop at Union Market, Hi-Lawn is one of D.C.’s largest, most expansive rooftops for outdoor dining, drinking and socializing. We’ve got fun events every night of the week, from trivia and bingo nights, to live music and DJs, plus lawn games, picnics, grilled eats, creative cocktails, all with city views.

hilawndc.com | @hilawndc 1309 5th St. NE, DC | 202-481-0958

4.3

F.T. LUKENS’ “SPELL BOUND” WITH JESSICA SPOTSWOOD AND ROBIN TALLEY AT EAST CITY BOOKSHOP

For the YA fan that needs more spells in their life. Free. 7 p.m. 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, DC; eastcitybookshop.com // @eastcitybookshop

4.4 + 4.6

BIKINI KILL AT FILLMORE SILVER SPRING

See Kathleen Hanna whenever you can. $62+. 7 p.m. 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; livenation.com // @fillmoresilverspring

4.5

DINNER TIME AT QUARRY HOUSE TAVERN

Fantastic toe-tapping psyche rock in the same vein as FIDLAR. $15. 8:30 p.m. 8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; quarryhousetavern.com // @quarryhousetavern

4.6

HEIDI TSAI PERFORMS “A TRANSGENDER TALE” AT EMBASSY OF FRANCE

Inspired by the cross-dressing Abbot François-Timoléon de Choisy (1644-1724) and the celebration of 17th-transcriptions for the harpsichord. Those that fail to learn from history… $15+. 7:30 p.m. 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, DC; franceintheus.org // @franceintheus

4.7

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND AT CFG BANK ARENA

You have two opportunities to see The Boss this year in D.C. and two in Baltimore. If you’re not willing to spend months of your mortgage or rent on tickets, are you even a fan? $198+. 7:30 p.m. 201 W Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD; cfgbankarena.com // @baltimorearena

Dacha Beer Garden has been a neighborhood xture in Washington DC since 2013, a Bavarian concept adapted for an American palette, combining the charm of a classic German beer garden with a modern American bar. Dacha o ers a comfortable atmosphere for families, friends, and pets alike with amazing cocktails, delicious Bavarian-inspired food, and an unrivaled world-class beer program.

“THE DR. SEUSS EXPERIENCE” AT TYSONS CORNER CENTER

I do want to live in the mind of Dr. Seuss! It’s opening day for this interactive experience into the Seuss world that should entertain parents just as much as their kids through June 30. $27+. Thursday + Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd. Tysons, VA; washingtondc. experienceseuss.com // @experienceseuss

RON GALLO AT SONGBYRD

Philly’s finest newest record is being released by Kill Rock Stars this spring and Gallo’s fine songwriting and showmanship may find him in much larger venues next year. $18+. 7 p.m. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc

4.8

DC BEER FEST AT NATIONALS PARK

The Nats may not be good this year but beer at a ballpark is always good, even when there’s no baseball. 21+. $50+. 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; dcbeerfestival.com

PETALPALOOZA AT CAPITOL RIVERFRONT’S THE YARDS

This all-day event is perfect for the tourist, the family and the fireworks fan. Peak bloom doesn’t matter when there’s fireworks. If you don’t believe me, reread our April 1 recommendation. Free. 1 p.m. M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE, DC; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

4.9

BREWED UP DRAG BRUNCH AT RED BEAR BREWING CO.

Combining three of our favorite things: brunch, drag and local breweries. $25. 11 a.m. 209 M St. NE, DC; redbear.beer // @redbearbrewing

EDDIE PEPITONE AT DC COMEDY LOFT

Comic’s comic Eddie Pepitone is a national treasure. He would not like reading this but may agree with the sentiment. $22. 7 p.m. 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

Kelly’s Irish Times is a quaint, sometimes boisterous Irish pub, with great food, perfect cold pints, a wicked cast of characters behind the bar and a world-class jukebox.

“The Dr. Seuss Experience.”

Photo courtesy of The Brand Guild.

Boulet Brothers. Photo courtesy of Shorefire.

4.10

MICHELLE ZAUNER AT SIXTH & I

The Japanese Breakfast frontwoman celebrates the paperback release of her incredibly successful book, “Crying in H Mart.” $12+. 7 p.m. 600 I St. NW, DC; sixthandi.org // @sixthandi

4.11

STORY DISTRICT AT MIRACLE THEATRE

Everyone’s got a story. Some people are good at telling them. $25. 7:30 p.m. 535 8th St. SE, DC; themiracletheatre.com // @themiracledc

4.12

BOOKER T. JONES AT WOLF TRAP

Celebrate 60 years of one of the coolest songs of all time: “Green Onions.” $128+. 8 p.m. 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; wolftrap.org // @wolf_trap

4.13

THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA: TITANS AT LINCOLN THEATRE

Drag exists outside of the Ru-niverse. $40+. 8 p.m. 1215 U St. NW, DC; thelincolndc.com // @thelincolndc

4.14

MEMBERS ONLY AT CAFE SAINT EX

Our subject in last issue’s Off The Clock recommended this DJ night. Party like a professional. Free. 10 p.m. 1847 14th St. NW, DC; cafesaint-ex.com // @saint.ex.dc

4.15

THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE

It’s parade season! It’s another weekend to celebrate trees! Free+. 10 a.m. Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th + 17th Streets, DC; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

Book your next private event at the ‘CLUBHOUSE.’ Email us to learn more about what we have to offer and how its free.

The Brig is a German beer garden nestled in the heart of D.C. In this open-air beer garden, you can enjoy your favorite German fare and a wide selection of beers and cocktails.

NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING “CAPITAL COLLISION” AT ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS ARENA

It’s great AEW is frequently coming to the ESA. It’s even better NJPW is making it all the way to the East Coast and hitting D.C. Fingers crossed for a sell-out and a return visit. $25+. 7 p.m. 1100 Oak Dr. SE, DC; njpw1972.com // @njpw1972

4.15-4.16

SAKURA MATSURI: JAPANESE STREET FESTIVAL ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

You have to go out of your way to not celebrate cherry blossoms this April. $10+. 10:30 a.m. Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd + 7th Streets, DC; sakuramatsuri.org

4.17

MARO AT DC9

From Lisbon, Portugal to 9th and U Street NW. Don’t pass up a chance to see next-big-thing international artists. $20+. 8 p.m. 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club

4.18

U.S. GIRLS AT UNION STAGE

Dance with Meg Remy in person. You’ll be dancing to their remixes in clubs for the next few years. $20+. 8 p.m. 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @unionstage

4.18-4.19

GRAHAM NASH AT THE BIRCHMERE

Read our interview with the legendary musician on page 52. $99.50+. 7:30 p.m. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; birchmere.com // @thebirchmere

4.20

ARTWALK DUPONT IN DUPONT CIRCLE

Support the local art scene and maybe purchase something that’ll make your home feel a little more homey. Free+. 5 p.m. Dupont Circle at Q Street Park NW, DC; dupontcirclebid.org // @dupontcircledc

4.21

ONYX AT BLACK CAT

Listen to “Slam” and try not to think of dunk highlights. $30. 8 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

4.22

“THE BATMAN” LIVE IN CONCERT AT WARNER THEATRE

It’s not just “Something In The Way” played twice at full volume. $49+. 8 p.m. 513 13th St. NW, DC; livenation.com // @warnertheatre

M83 AT THE ANTHEM

I’ve seen M83 in a tiny rock club and on huge festival stages. Their sound is massive in each and every setting. Get washed away on The Wharf. $45+. 8 p.m. 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc 2447 18th St. NW, DC | 202-986-1742

grandcentraldc.com | @grandcentraldc

Grand Central serves delicious classic American favorites year-round for dinner Monday through Sunday. We also offer sports betting. Please visit our website for more details.

4.23

RORY SCOVEL AT 9:30 CLUB

Another comic’s comic. A bit more absurd than Pepitone; just as great. His 2021 documentary “Live Without Fear” is one of the best films about standup that you’ve probably never seen. $35. 6 p.m. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

4.24

ROLLER SKATING AT ANACOSTIA PARK

The only national park with a roller rink is in D.C. Go skate! It’s free too! Free. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. year-round. 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE, DC; nps.gov/anac // @nationalparkservice

4.25

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF ORCHIDS AT UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDENS

The Botanic Gardens are a treasure and a wonderful springtime visit. Unless you have certain allergies. Exhibit open now through April 30. Free. 7:30 a.m - 5 p.m. 100 Maryland

4.26

BAD MEDICINE AT DC IMPROV

Local funny people done good. $17. 7:30 p.m. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

4.27

COFFEE & COLLECTIONS: BLACK BASEBALL IN D.C. AT SMITHSONIAN’S ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum is always a good place to visit, but this baseball-themed event is ideal for spring. Free. 11 a.m. 1901 Fort Pl. SE, DC; anacostia.si.edu // @smithsonianacm

4.28

SAMANTHA BEE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

Anyone else miss “Full Frontal”? $39+. 8 p.m. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

4.28-4.30

Lydia Loveless.

Photo by Megan Toenyes.

4.29

2023 HUMP! FILM FESTIVAL AT BLACK CAT

It’s just a bunch of friends supporting friends that made adult films. Fun stuff. Dan Savage’s annual film festival is in its 18th year. $25. 6:30 p.m. + 9 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

CAPITAL CLASSIC AT ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS ARENA

It’s the 50th anniversary of the longest running high school basketball all-star game. See the future stars of the NCAA and NBA from the DMV. $12+. 2 p.m. 1100 Oak Dr. SE, DC; events.com // @eventsdc

4.29-4.30

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS + LYDIA LOVELESS AT 9:30 CLUB

The Truckers belong in the pantheon of great Southern rock bands. 2016’s “American Band” was one of the best of the year,

right up there with 2001’s “Southern Rock Opera,” and their newest, “Welcome 2 Club XIII” will satisfy any longtime fan. Do not miss opener Lydia Loveless. 2020’s “Daughter” was more experimental than her first few Bloodshot releases, but its lyricism remains fantastic and steeped in the same brutal honesty and country flavors. There’s potential for a pop crossover from Loveless and sooner or later, the folks that love Taylor Swift should age into Loveless. $35. 7 + 8 p.m. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

4.30

PITTSBURGH

PIRATES VS. WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT NATIONALS PARK

It’s Kids Rally Cap giveaway day! Unfortunately, based on preseason projections, the Nats faithful will really make good use of this giveaway this year. 1:35 p.m. $18+. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; mlb.com/nationals // @nationals

TABLE TENNIS SHOWDOWN

April 15 // 2-6 p.m. Union market district - Neal place

bit.ly/3HHWXHR

FREE CONCERT SERIES

Enjoy live, acoustic performances and family-friendly games on the second Tuesday of each month, from April through September.

APRIL 11: David Thong Duo

MAY 9: Cecily Duo

JUNE 13: Junior Bryce Band

JULY 11: Pebble to Pearl

RSVP AT BIT.LY/NOMA-NIGHTS

AUG 8: Darcy Dawn

SEPT 12: Andy B Music

DMV Sounds

Old timey bluegrass, modern hip-hop and futuristic electronica are some of your April live music options from D.C.’s finest.

4.4

TL0741 AT RHIZOME

A mixture of minimalist Aphex Twin and ASMR soundtracks, TL0741 (the solo project of Patrick Gillis) makes the kind of synth-based electronic music that’ll make you feel like you’re hacking the planet. This is a compliment. $10+. 7 p.m. 6950 Maple St. NW, DC; rhizomedc.org // @rhizome_dc

4.6

BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH DMV COLLECTIVE AT QUARRY HOUSE TAVERN

Bluegrass sounds better with a burger. Lucky for you, Quarry House serves some of the best burgers in the DMV. And their beer list isn’t too shabby. Hell, it won a 2022 RAMMY for Best Beer Program. The burgers and beer should be enough to earn a visit to the basement on Georgia Avenue, but the bluegrass puts it over the top. A no-brainer for a terrific Thursday night. Follow DMV Collective on Instagram @dmv.bluegrass. collective. No cover. 7:30 p.m. 8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; quarryhousetavern.com // @quarryhousetavern

4.14

NIGHT TRAIN 357 AT THE POCKET

The Wammie Award Winner for Best Rap Album (2021 for “The Nightlife”) brings his Chuck D-approved talents to the intimate Pocket on North Capitol. Follow him on Instagram @nighttrain357. $12+. 7 p.m. 1508 N Capitol St. NW, DC; thepocketdc.com // @thepocket_dc

4.16

HAMMERED HULLS AT BLACK CAT

Hammered Hulls’ self-titled demo release in 2019 was one of the year’s best. Their 2022 record “Careening,” technically their debut, showed the four-piece breathing a bit more. It’s also fantastic. A group of punk rock lifers (Mark Cisneros, Alec MacKaye, Mary Timony and Chris Wilson), this group is everything you want when you think of D.C. punk. Follow them on Instagram @hammeredhulls. $20. 8 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @blackcatdc

4.29

THE AXELROD STRING QUARTET AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

This is one of many return-to-normalcy cultural events that we’re glad to have back. Attending any classical concert in a Smithsonian institution is an excellent way to spend an evening. Follow them on Twitter @smithsoniancms. $27+. 7:30 p.m. 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; americanhistory.si.edu // @amhistorymuseum

Hammered Hulls. Photo by Chris Grady.

Reading List

Every neighborhood should have a general interest bookstore, and Takoma Park is about to get theirs with People’s Book. The recently announced, soon-to-open space will offer a little something for everyone. We asked owner Megan Bormet what new books — released between early 2023 and summer 2023 — she recommends to potential customers.

“Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It”

by Greg Marshall

Marshall’s debut book is laugh-out-loud-hilarious while simultaneously managing to be poignant and tender. At its core, it’s an examination of what it means to transform when there are parts of yourself you can’t change. It’s a touching memoir of the author’s bizarre early days growing up with cerebral palsy and not knowing it (because his parents kept his diagnosis from him) and growing into a happy, self-assured gay man with a trove of stories to tell about family, friendships and lovers. Pub date: June 13

“The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape”

by Katie Holten

Wildly popular among booksellers right now, this book is an imaginative

compilation of poems and stories translated into a stunning visual language based on trees. It’s beautifully illustrated and features highly curated works from authors like Zadie Smith, Plato and Radiohead. All told, it ends up an elegant telling of our relationship with nature. Perfect for an evening meditative read, or out on your coffee table to share with friends. Pub date: April 4

“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone”

by Benjamin Stevenson

While I don’t love every murder mystery, this one promises to have unexpected twists galore. It was released as a highly anticipated murder mystery, and I’ll admit it is frighteningly clever. Other reviewers often liken it to “Knives Out.” Available now.

“Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?”

by Derick Wilder

My 4-year-old is at the stage where he’s asking a lot of questions and, yes, he plays with trucks nonstop. He picked this out of the Publishers Weekly catalog last year and it did not disappoint. Over the course of a long walk, a curious kid asks his dad, “Does ___ have a butt?” Everything from dinosaurs to ghosts is tackled, and dad, like always, has the answer. And if you’re looking for deeper meaning to justify the purchase, this book offers a crafty way of talking about what things mean in different contexts and normalizing asking difficult or uncomfortable questions. Available now.

“Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes”

by Christine Yu

As a mom of two who had to grapple with contradictory

advice from doctors, family members and friends while pregnant, I am stoked for this new non-fiction work. This book tackles the institutions of sport and science largely dominated by studies of male athletes. The author makes the case for new approaches that can help women athletes excel at every stage of life, from adolescence to adulthood, through pregnancy, menopause and beyond.

Pub date: May 16

People’s Book opens summer 2023, but you can order books from them now at bookshop.org/shop/peoplesbook.

People’s Book: 7014-A Westmoreland Ave. Takoma Park, MD; peoplesbooktakoma.com // @peoplesbooktakoma

Film Picks

We’re at a weird time in the movie calendar. Awards season is officially over, summer blockbusters are on the horizon and outdoor movies begin next month. Before enjoying CGI creations explode on big screens and on big lawns, spend this April getting acquainted with some overlooked gems in world class museums and legendary films that ushered in a new era of special effects.

4.8

“THE LAST OF ENGLAND” AT NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

This is the type of picture you want to see in a museum. The 1987 film by Derek Jarman, scored by Barry Adamson, Diamanda Galás and Andy Gill (Gang of Four) and featuring Tilda Swinton (in only her second year of film acting), is more of a personal essay than typical narrative. If you’re interested in Lars von Trier, “The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology” and/or Adam Curtis, you’re going to want to see this at the NGA. And if you’re into those three, you should just bookmark the NGA film schedule. 3 p.m. Free. 4th Street and Constitution Avenue in NW, DC; nga.gov // @ngadc

4.9

“THE MATRIX” AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE

It’s difficult to overemphasize how much “The Matrix” altered cinema and special effects. Along with “Toy Story,” these two ’90s films have been referenced and stolen from so often, the breakthroughs seem pedestrian. Maybe a screening on the big screen in a state-of-the-art movie theater will help audiences

appreciate how the Wachowskis changed the world. 7 p.m. $11. 630 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; drafthouse.com // @drafthouse

4.14

LEONARDISSIMO!—LEONARDO DA VINCI’S WORLD AND ITS WATERS AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

This one isn’t quite exactly a film, but the multimedia presentation will include footage from Ken Burns’ upcoming film about Leonardo da Vinci, so we’re including it. The event is part of RiverRun’s “FLOW” Literary Series curated by Marie Arana. In addition to Burns’ work, this one-nightonly program also features biographer Walter Isaacson, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s specialist on da Vinci Carmen Bambach, astrophysicist Mario Livio, Cuban sculptor/painter Roberto Fabelo and professor of art history at the University of Virginia Francesca Fiorani. 8 p.m. $15+. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

4.15 + 4.19

“THE HUNGER” AT AFI SILVER

Sometimes trailers can’t be improved. A minute in to “The Hunger” trailer, Bauhaus’ “Bela Legosi’s Dead” plays and the narrator says, “The timeless beauty of Catherine Deneuve, the cruel elegance of David Bowie, the open sensuality of Susan Sarandon combine to create a modern classic of perverse fear.” He got that right. 9:15 p.m. on 4.15 and 9 p.m. on 4.19. $8. 8633 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; afisilver.afi.com // @afisilver

“The Hunger.”

Photo from MGM’s archives.

Game Time

April: the one month of the year with guaranteed professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, men’s soccer and women’s soccer. It’s a glorious time, especially if your postseason outlook is dire. Take in a game across the sports landscape before it’s just baseball and soccer for the foreseeable future.

4.8

D.C. UNITED VS. COLUMBUS CREW AT AUDI FIELD

Home match #4 for D.C. United is Teacher Appreciation Night. The United coach is UK soccer great Wayne Rooney. It’s time to appreciate coach. 7:30 p.m. $29+. 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; dcunited.com // @dcunited

4.9

HOUSTON ROCKETS VS. WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT CAPITAL ONE ARENA

The Rockets are aiming for the worst record in basketball so they have the best odds in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. The Wizards are doing their damndest to make the playoffs via the play-in tournament. What’s old is new again. 1 p.m. $13+. 601 F St. NW, DC; nba.com/wizards // @washwizards

4.11

AKRON RUBBERDUCKS VS. BOWIE BAYSOX AT PRINCE GEORGE’S STADIUM

Minor League Baseball is back, baby! Opening night for the O’s double A affiliate is against the Guardian’s double A affiliate and, though you may prefer hometown O’s to the Guardians, it’s difficult to root against any duck. 6:35 p.m. $21+. 4101 Robert S Crain Hwy. Bowie, MD; milb.com/bowie // @bowiebaysox

4.13

NEW JERSEY DEVILS VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT CAPITAL ONE ARENA

As of this writing, the Caps will make the postseason, so this shouldn’t be their final game of the year. So — fingers crossed — bask in Fan Appreciation Night glory with a free poster and a bunch of other giveaways. We really hope this isn’t the last 2022-23 contest. Our baseball future doesn’t look too bright. 7 p.m. $32+. 601 F St. NW, DC; nhl.com/capitals // @capitals

4.15

CLEVELAND INDIANS VS. WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT NATIONALS PARK

The Nats have a chance in April! Everyone has a chance in April! But Major League Baseball predicts the Nats will have the 29th worst record in baseball this year, so don’t get that hopeful. But you can get a bobblehead! This Saturday

afternoon contest against the Guardians features a free Josiah Grey bobblehead for the first 20,000 fans. 4:05 p.m. $24+. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; mlb.com/nationals // @nationals

4.16

ARLINGTON RENEGADES VS. D.C. DEFENDERS AT AUDI FIELD

This is the final regular season home game of the year for the Defenders before the postseason begins. Fingers crossed it’s not the final-final-final Defenders game. Maybe the third time’s the charm for the XFL. It’s dumb to bet against The Rock. If you haven’t heard, The Rock now owns the XFL. So it’ll probably work. Then again, like The Rock says, it doesn’t matter what you think. 12 p.m. $18+. 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; xfl.com/teams/washington-dc // @xfldefenders

4.22

HOUSTON DASH VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT AT AUDI FIELD

For the first time, all Spirit home games will be at Audi Field. Good. The National Women’s Soccer League club deserves the larger stage and fans deserve an easier commute. Join the bandwagon. It’s not too late. And season ticket holders get the first ever Spirit bobblehead: Spirit superstar Trinity Rodman. 7 p.m. $25+. 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; washingtonspirit.com // @washingtonspirit

D.C. Defenders. Photo courtesy of the XFL.

I Will Follow

The algorithm does work. But sometimes you may want someone or something that’s more than one click away. Our new roundup will hopefully inform you who to follow to make your scrolling more informative, emails more useful and podcasts more local.

INSTAGRAM: @AUSTINKGRAFF

Is it surprising a former Washington Post photographer is one of the most beautiful and most informative Instagram users? Not at all. But that doesn’t mean you should just scroll through Graff’s photos and dismiss his stories. While his grid is beautiful, you’ll want to follow for the local tidbits. Whether you’re living like a tourist and visiting the monuments or want to dive deeper into unfamiliar neighborhoods, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better city guide.

NEWSLETTER: 730DC

As Twitter continues to eat itself, Facebook slowly evolves into Myspace for the over-40 crowd and the Metaverse functions for the one guy in your life that uses the Metaverse, newsletters are becoming more and more useful. While

there’s no shortage of D.C.-based news organizations offering multiple daily newsletters, the folks at 730DC are a bit different. Started by Hayden Higgins in 2013, the newsletter has evolved into a must-read morning email (it comes at 7:30 a.m., get it?) compiled by a collective of journalists and D.C. residents who just like to write. Good for the person who’s been reading PoPville for 20 years and the brand-new resident beginning to learn what “taxation without representation” truly means. 730dc.com

PODCAST: “HOMETOWN SOUNDS”

Are there any bigger champions of D.C. music than Paul Vodra and Tony Porreco? For over a decade they’ve let the public know about local shows and new releases with their site and podcast. Whether you’re new to D.C. or a lifer, their podcast will lead you to new and exciting music. And if you like what you hear, you can usually see one of those bands at their occasional shows at the Luce Foundation Center inside the National Portrait Gallery. hometownsoundsdc.com

Off the Clock

with Joseph Oddo

If you’re looking for the largest whiskey collection in the Western Hemisphere, you go to Jack Rose Dining Saloon. If you’re looking for a beautiful and bright, Michelin Guideapproved, Adams Morgan fine-dining destination, you go a few doors down to The Imperial. But where do you go before and after your shift if you’re the beverage director for Jack Rose and The Imperial? We asked Joseph Oddo where he prefers to eat and drink when he’s not on the 2000 block of 18th Street Northwest.

BEFORE A SHIFT

I’m a huge advocate for tacos. Taqueria Al Lado consistently delivers fast and quality tacos. They have a ton of options for protein, like their suadero (to die for) or the al pastor. Their veggie barbacoa is also fire. If I’m taking a different route to work, I’ll stop by So’s Your Mom, a cash-only deli off Columbia Road. Their bagel sandos are where it’s at, but they have plenty of fun options.

AFTER A SHIFT

I don’t usually have much time after a shift, but when I do, I always stop at Exiles Bar. They have cold High Life, awesome bartenders and it’s a Liverpool bar. How does it get better than that?

THE RARE NIGHT OFF

I do like to go out and treat myself to a good dinner. One of my OG go-to spots in D.C. is The Dabney in Blagden Alley. I’ve been going there for my occasion dinners since before I moved back into D.C., and now I go as often as I can. The hearthstyle cooking really shines through in their dishes, which are always unique and delicious. If it’s not Southern-style comfort food, then I’m going for ramen. Chaplin’s on 9th Street Northwest is another one of my OG D.C. spots that never disappoints. Their Chaplin A.S.S. Ramen is perfectly balanced between rich and spicy. And don’t sleep on the cocktails either.

Follow Joseph Oddo on Instagram @margaritachef.

Chaplin’s: 1501 9th St. NW, DC; chaplinsdc.com // @chaplinsrestaurantdc

The Dabney: 122 Blagden Alley NW, DC; thedabney.com // @thedabneydc

Exiles Bar: 1610 U St. NW, DC; exilesbar.com // @exilesbardc

So’s Your Mom: 1831 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; @sosyourmomdc

Taqueria Al Lado: 1792 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; taqueriaallado.com // @taqueriaallado

Photo courtesy of Julep PR.

Authentically Living

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD | PHOTOS BY MARIAH MIRANDA

“If I had a house fire, I would be devastated. But there are always more things to collect and more stories to tell.”

Libby Rasmussen is sitting opposite me on a tan sectional in the living room of her Mount Pleasant apartment, an eclectic and vibrant home packed with carefully curated vintage pieces, second-hand and thrift store finds, personalized mementos, and original works of art. Legs crossed and clad in a Chanelesque white blazer, casual camo-inspired pants and cute fuzzy house slippers, she pulls off an effortless style that matches her home’s aesthetic. There’s an unassuming charm about her; she emanates constant and genuine warmth while also remaining unapologetically herself throughout our conversation.

“I would never be able to replicate this exact space with all of these exact things, but I could definitely start all over again and accumulate very similar things,” she tells me, gesticulating earnestly as she takes stock of her space.

The marketing director and self-described disco dealer runs digital media company Living Colorfully Media and online home decor shop Libby & My, which combines vintage finds and artful items with her quirky side hustle of selling disco balls. Libby & My is truly an extension of Rasmussen’s taste; she often sells pieces from her favorite small businesses and works by artists based everywhere from D.C. to Copenhagen and Tokyo. One of the collector’s staples is a kaleidoscope of glassware options, and Libby & My is filled to the brim with whimsical items for entertaining.

“It’s a collection of really pretty, functional things: lots of patterns, lots of colors, lots of vibrancy and nothing that takes itself too seriously.”

She started hosting pop-up sales on her front porch during the pandemic, and when those took off, she brought her wares to Union Market and other spots around the city. While it’s her dream to one day have a brick and mortar for Libby & My, she is enjoying the flexibility of making guest appearances at makers’ markets and other events in D.C.

Every aspect of her brand ties back to her popular Instagram account @libbylivingcolorfully, a grid of vivid eye candy for

anyone looking to up their home decorating game or just be inspired by her visual curation. In other words, her social media presence is a culmination of all the things she loves.

But before she had an Instagram following, she had a lifestyle blog. Rasmussen moved to D.C. in 2011 and while working for a law firm, began itching for a creative outlet. Then came Colorfully Living, and the rest is history.

“It was a great way for me to learn more about interior design, the designers I admired and my personal design style,” she says. “It was always about sharing things I liked and if people liked them too, that was great. I still feel that with my own social media now. It’s very much still me and my place to share things.”

The Common Denominator

There’s a distinct Midwest sensibility about Rasmussen. The Wisconsin native is not easily ruffled; she’s practical, not frivolous; and she does not pull any punches about who she is, what’s in her apartment or who she’s decorating it for. D.C. definitely feels like home after 12 years and she says she’s here to stay, but her style isn’t limited to that of an urban dweller.

She still feels deeply connected to her home state, shopping vintage when back in the area and giving a nod to her family history by displaying old photos of her grandparents throughout her space. The creative doesn’t play into the tropes of a city mentality, where a prominent taxidermy mount like the one hanging in her bedroom might be frowned upon.

“I come from a long line of hunters on my mom’s side of the family,” she tells me matter-of-factly. “The taxidermy is kind of an homage to that.”

She points out, though, the piece I inquire about was actually gifted to her by friend and D.C. artist Curry Hackett. And right above her bathroom door are two taxidermy birds on a piece of driftwood, one of many fowl-themed pieces that have made it into rotation because her boyfriend David, who shares the apartment with her, is an avid birdwatcher.

Curator, collector + digital creator Libby Rasmussen offers much more than a pop of color.

Her penchant for finding pieces of Middle America nostalgia as enthusiastically as works by indigenous artists, mid-century modern accents and everything else in-between — especially as a millennial collector — is refreshing. This translates to her outlook on life. She acknowledges that in some ways, the universal truths many of us live by in the District don’t necessarily align with other parts of the country. But in the same breath, she says, “It takes all kinds,” noting that folks disinterested in city life probably know practical things that might be lost on us.

While open-mindedness is certainly a common denominator in Rasmussen’s aesthetic, there are more tangible visual cues. She says her home is filled with colorful, interesting and functional pieces that spark excitement and imagination. As we walk around her space, she speaks about each pièce de resistance with equal affection. She describes the working fireplace as the cornerstone of her apartment; gushes over the Julia Child-inspired cobalt blue pegboard covering the kitchen wall (a necessity for David, a former baker at Mount Pleasant restaurant Ellē and owner of many beautiful French culinary tools); and shares stories about several of the dozens of framed works of art lining her living room from floor to ceiling — mostly created by women artists.

She oscillates between descriptions of standout pieces that exist in stark contrast to one another, a badge of honor to someone building such an eclectic collection. And yet, some statement pieces inexplicably complement one another in the most perfect of ways. For example, the modern Herman Miller light hanging from the living room ceiling — complete with a color-changing light bulb — somehow makes sense with Rasmussen’s bold bedroom quilt.

“It was made by some little grandma in Texas who had an Etsy page with maybe 10 quilts on it,” Rasmussen says, “and she does an amazing job. I love that it’s one-of-a-kind and the stitching on it. It has modern shapes and colors that feel very much like my home in Wisconsin. Everyone loves a quilt.”

And then there’s her Mexican feather art.

“They’re not rare and they’re not expensive. In the ‘70s, they were

extremely common. The first one I ever saw was on a trip to New Mexico and I was like, ‘I love these. These are so beautiful.’ I started collecting them, and I just love those mixed with the very busy fruit-printed wallpaper in my bathroom.”

From framed receipts and old newspaper articles to plants providing bursts of green around her home (and one gigantic beauty with sprawling leaves that grazed my cheek as we sat on the couch during the interview), everything in Rasmussen’s space is selected and arranged with intention. And while she may believe everything is replaceable, there’s one prized possession I have a hunch she’d truly hate to lose. Above her kitchen door are two shelves lined with ROYGBIVinspired vintage glassware, a nonnegotiable essential in her home.

“The origin story of the glassware is I was cleaning out my grandparents’ house — my grandfather had passed away — and I realized we didn’t have any family heirlooms or a legacy that was passed down. That was something I wanted to start to grow and establish.”

She says the potential for an heirloom is her justification for anything she buys now, followed by a chuckle as she readily admits that she’s enabling herself.

“What I love especially about the glassware — some of these fragile pieces are from the 1930s — is the fact that they are still around: who they’ve served, who drank out of them, what was being made in them.”

Rasmussen says a party trick she and David play is to have guests pick a glass from the shelves that becomes theirs for the evening, a fun component to hosting.

Through the Looking Glass

When she’s not entertaining, the content creator loves antiquing, putting together outfits as a creative outlet, making new friends, hearing live music, embarking on domestic and international travel, and spending time with family. In fact, her parents are currently subletting the apartment next door for two months. The couple splits their time between Wisconsin and Georgia but jumped on the opportunity to be near their daughter.

“I’ve been hanging out with them a lot, which is just amazing because it’s time that I will never get back.”

Curate Your Style

HOME, PERSONIFIED

Don’t be afraid of letting your personality come through. Include components that are personal to you and create a space that when someone comes in, they’re like, “This is so you.”

FRAME EVERYTHING

Try to find art that’s framed. But if it’s not, work with a framer who you love and pay just a little bit more for a framing experience you really like.

SHOP AUCTIONS

Auction houses are the best place to get beautiful pieces of art and huge rugs for not a lot of money.

BE A PLANT DADDY

Plants are a great way to draw your eye upwards and maximize your space.

THE LIVED-IN LOOK

Toe the line between having your space be livable and having it look too lived in.

JUST HANG IT

Just get it done. Get it hung. Even if you don’t know the spot you want it in, put a little hole in the wall and just hang it for the time being.

KEEP THINGS ECLECTIC

Don’t buy too much of something from the same store, because then your home is going to look like that store. Pulling from different places will keep your home from feeling too much like a certain store or certain era.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE

I love adding shelves above doorways. We have corner shelves everywhere, and we hide things behind the mirror.

PAY FOR THE PROS

Hire a professional when you need help. You can ask someone and say, “I’d like to do this with you. Let’s do it together.” So then, you feel empowered to do these things [in the future]. Eventually, it’ll save you a lot of money.

Recently, Rasmussen had an epiphany about the inescapable realities of mortality and living every day to its fullest.

“We’re all just little animals collecting our things, making our little nests look cute, eating and having a good time, and hopefully, getting along with each other and figuring out what’s important in this life. Nothing is promised. There’s a lot of living left to do, but also, make every day count.”

She says she loves being in this generation and wouldn’t go back to any other time or place. And while she says being in her early 30s is great, she is completely smitten with Gen Z — and TikTok.

“I’m obsessed with Gen Z. I adore them. They’re dealing with the cards they’ve got. TikTok has shown me they’re sentimental for times they haven’t even had. They love the decades. They love the ‘90s. They love the ‘60s. I’ve loved making younger friends this past year who I met through TikTok in D.C. I feel very inspired by them. It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever been like, ‘I want what you have, and that is literally just seven more years than what I have right now.’”

Part of her TikTok addiction is watching Gen Z feel like they’ve discovered a hip spot or unearthed a hidden gem that Rasmussen and every other millennial in town knows has existed forever. She says this endearingly, like watching a younger sibling figure something out for themselves for the first time.

“I love that because I remember what it was like to think I was the first person, in my mind, to go to American Ice,” she says, chuckling. “You know what I mean? You’re like, ‘Oh, this is so great that people are discovering these little pockets or areas of Shaw that are seemingly so forward-facing, but it’s new to them.’ Or things opening up in Union Market District and Anacostia — even a little bit of a revitalization in Georgetown. You could just keep naming them.”

She’s energized by Gen Z’s zest for life and satiated by D.C.’s creative community, but says she wants more from the city — including support from Mayor Bowser’s office.

“I go to Philadelphia and Baltimore and see these really small businesses able to have brick and mortars and doing well, and it’s because of support from their city and community — and the ability to have leases.

I would love to see that part improve [in D.C.], but I’m very hopeful and feel happy and excited.”

Her glass-half-full outlook extends to her love of social media as a platform for

connection and self-expression, though she’s had to actively shape her own narrative and set boundaries with her online community.

“Ninety-nine percent of it is so amazing and fun and worth it,” she says of running her @libbylivingcolorfully account. “I’m a super open book. I couldn’t be mysterious if I tried. I like being open with people, and of course, that’s going to have some ramifications. You can’t be liked by everyone — and frankly, I don’t want to be. But that’s really hard because I want to make people happy and feel comfortable. I want to create safe spaces, but I also want to be myself.”

The following she’s built feels very authentic because it’s grown slowly over time, and this connection to her community is reinforcing during moments when strangers approach her online with negative opinions, often hiding behind social media when saying ugly or hurtful things. She says there’s a lot of vitriol for young women making money in a way that seems too easy.

“People started following me in my early 20s when I would talk about saving a buck. I’m a 30-something-year-old woman now, and it is totally okay and normal for me to buy art and have a car and go on trips. People want to see you with this origin story, and they want you to stay there. No one knows the whole story, right? I barely even know my own whole story. I try my best to be forthcoming about certain things, but no one is entitled to know everything about you.”

While it comes as no surprise to me at this point in our conversation, I’m still so impressed with how she channels this negative energy into something constructive. Even in her own life, when she feels envious of someone, she finds a way to transform that into something aspirational.

“I am always on a playing field where I have to be a little bit jealous of all of my friends because the jealousy is inspiring. With every single person in my life, I’m like, ‘I need to level up.’ They’re making me level up.”

Rasmussen ends her thought with a little laugh, saying, “And if there’s someone who is making you feel bad because they’re organizing their cereal in beautiful containers and that’s really triggering for you, just don’t participate.”

Quick Hits

LOCAL VINTAGE SHOPS

GoodWood on U Street @goodwooddc

Miss Pixie’s on 14th Street @misspixiesdc

D.C. FRAME MASTER

Meredith Forte of Frame Avenue Design @framemastermer

ART-FILLED AUCTION HOUSE

Alex Cooper in Towson, Maryland alexcooper.com

VISUAL STORYTELLERS

Indigenous, queer painter

Jeffrey Gibson @jeffrune

Potter + social activist

Roberto Lugo @robertolugowithoutwax

Follow Libby Rasmussen on Instagram at @libbylivingcolorfully. Shop for Libby & My wares on libbyandmy.com or Instagram @libbyandmy.

EAT

Tonari mentaiko + corn pizza. Photo by Vina Sananikone.

Multiracial Chefs Create a New Kind of FUSION

WORDS BY AVIVA BECHKY

Jerome Grant marinates chicken in lemongrass, ginger and soy before crushing and barbequing it at Mahal BBQ

He pulls the flavors from skewers his mom made growing up and the barbeque from the other side of his family. Growing up in a multiracial household, Grant says he learned to mix foods and adopt a broad palate — one he’s leaning on in his current job as owner and chef at Mahal, his Afro-Filipino restaurant.

“It’s like being in this room where all this information is coming at you, and you’re just trying to pull as much as you can,” Grant says.

Grant, like other multiracial chefs and bartenders in the D.C. area, is working to blend different styles of food to create dishes based on his own story and heritage. Some chefs work on fusing foods from multiple parts of their family, while others focus on important ingredients and flavors.

Nicole Leopardo, a consultant who wrote her master’s thesis on mixed-race people’s relationship with food, says restaurants like Grant’s represent a different kind of fusion food. In the past, she says fusion tended to exoticize foods as a status symbol rather than truly reflect the history of dishes it combined.

But though shops like Grant’s are growing, Leopardo says she found very minimal research on the topic prior to writing her thesis.

“There’s no explicit conversations or research around it,” she says. “I think that food is something people take for granted. I just think it’s almost too close to home.”

101 Hospitality Bar Director Judy Elahi says she aims to give each of her guests an experience. And the best way to do that, she’s found, is pulling from her upbringing: flavors she

grew up with that remind her of happiness.

Being multiracial and Iranian American increased the variety of her flavor palate, “all in positive ways,” she says.

“The best way to get people to see your side and the way that you grew up is by letting them into the story and telling them about it in a way that is flavorful and delicious,” Elahi says.

Now, however, she sees many bartenders stumbling across ingredients she’s used her entire career — like rose, for instance.

“A lot of the spices that chefs use, they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is something completely different. This is something new,’” Elahi says. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ve had this my whole life.’”

Erik Bruner-Yang, the chef behind Maketto, says he blended his Taiwanese heritage with his wife’s Cambodian culture to create the restaurant.

Over time, their recipes have merged and evolved. For instance, Maketto offers Taiwanese-style fried chicken with a Southeast Asian caramel fish sauce.

“Originally it was like, ‘Okay, here’s a Chinese dish. And here’s a Cambodian dish,’” Bruner-Yang says. “We’re open eight, nine years now. Those flavors have kind of merged into a very unique style here.”

Merging and combining foods felt natural to Grant, because he says he just couldn’t steer away from his heritage when he came up with recipes.

When he starts designing a dish, he says he asks himself a few questions to help get it right.

“How can I showcase some of the things that helped make my identity?” he says. “How can I take this certain ingredient and utilize it to do something else?”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP. Katsuya Fukushima. Photo by Vina Sananikone. Jerome Grant dish. Photo by Sophia Grant. Judy Elahi cocktail. Photo by Rey Lopez.

Fusion food — cuisine combining different culinary traditions — technically describes what many of D.C.’s multiracial chefs have been creating.

But Grant doesn’t love applying the label to his food.

Fusion is about “confusing two things together,” he says. Instead, he calls his approach a means of “honestly telling a story through food and showcasing flavors that you enjoy.”

When fusion food was all the rage in the 2010s, Leopardo says it often centered around the cosmopolitan experience of getting to eat out rather than any sort of cultural significance.

The underlying assumption of fusion food is that those two things didn’t belong together in the first place, she says — a galling idea for those who may have grown up with multiple kinds of food.

“With mixed race people, this is our reality,” Leopardo says. “It’s not fusion. It’s our identity.”

Katsuya Fukushima, chef and owner behind restaurants like Daikaya and Tonari, argues that fusion requires respect for the cultures you’re combining — not just walking down the aisle of a grocery store and switching out ingredients.

Respect means becoming a student and learning the fundamentals before altering food you don’t understand, Fukushima says.

“I get annoyed with some of the bad fusion where you could tell on a plate it’s someone that had no respect for or understanding of the culture,” he says.

The fusion label doesn’t bother Bruner-Yang, though. He considers it the simplest way for people to understand what he’s doing: telling a story of multiple cultures in his life through food.

Maketto clearly combines different cuisines, he says, so fusion feels roughly accurate. The word he prefers to avoid is “authenticity.”

“Authenticity can be extremely biased and also completely unachievable,” Bruner-Yang says.

Fukushima loves when new restaurants pop up in his neighborhood, Capitol Hill. He’s always excited to see young chefs share their heritage in food.

“How fun is that? When you get to experience other cuisines, other cultures, [other] food,” Fukushima says. “Restaurants can do that with the decor, with their hospitality, with demeanor and with what they put on the plate.”

Telling a story through food, BrunerYang says, is about doing something new, answering a question no one has asked before.

For instance, some of his restaurants besides Maketto — like Brothers and Sisters — have asked the question: What does it mean to grow up Asian in America, around many different kinds of Asian food merging together?

To Bruner-Yang, these restaurants go beyond business.

“How can we put our footprint in American culinary history?” Bruner-Yang asks. “I really think the storytelling of food is more of a modern emergence in the last two decades or so.”

Meanwhile, Grant grew into storytelling with his food. He started out in French and Italian cooking when he entered the culinary world, and now is returning to foods that remind him of home.

Eating with someone, sitting down to enjoy their food, is the best way to understand them, Grant argues.

“If you want to know one thing about somebody, you have a meal with them,” he says. “I think that’s the great thing about food, that we’ve been able to tell our stories. And especially as chefs now, we continue to tell our stories.”

101 Hospitality: 101hospitality.com

Daikaya: 705 6th St. NW, DC; daikaya.com // @daikaya_ramen

Mahal BBQ: 2715 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; @mahalbbq

Maketto: 1351 H St. NE, DC; maketto1351.com // @maketto1351

Tonari: 707 6th St. NW, DC; tonaridc.com // @tonaridc

On Combining Cuisines

Judy Elahi loves letting bartenders she works with incorporate tastes from home into their drinks, like a flavor profile based on banana bread with walnuts. Taking inspiration from what you love is important, she says.

“You’ve seen it 1,000 times: Chefs all the time say, ‘You know, this is my grandmother’s pie. This is my grandmother’s dish.’ And you know, that is really what makes the world go round.”

@_freshpressed_

Food can and will evolve as the chef does, Erik Bruner-Yang says, as his own dishes have changed over the years.

“It’s an ongoing part of how much of my heritage I want to hold on to.”

@erikbruneryang

Though Jerome Grant started out cooking the most outrageous dishes, he realized that’s not where chefs — including home chefs — need to take their food.

“I just want to make good, wholesome loving food that you could have at any time.”

@chefjeromegrant

Combining different foods — say, blending really good cheeses and Hokkaido flour into pizzas — takes time and experimentation to do well, Katsuya Fukushima says.

“It’s about coming out with the right dish without trying so hard. You got to look at what’s available, what’s good. You can’t force things.”

@katsuya_fukushima

Artful dishes that evokeYayoiK popart

Le Clou

A cornucopia of citrus is on full display in a zesty tart at the newly opened French restaurant by chef Nicholas Stefanelli in NoMa’s Morrow hotel. Sunny lemon curd is dotted with spherical puffs of whipped lime foam, each balancing a strip of candied zest. Nestled between them are tiny segments of whatever fruit is freshest that week, perhaps Meyer lemons, grapefruits and oranges.

222 M St. NE, DC; lecloudc.com // @lecloudc

Rooster & Owl

Surf and turf rarely looks this elegant. At the alwaysinnovating, seasonally focused tasting menu restaurant on 14th Street, kombu-cured, pan-seared Hokkaido scallops are laid out on a verdant hillock of zucchini tabbouleh and puffed forbidden black rice, finished off with crispy wisps of fried cilantro. This golden disc crowned island rests in a sea of radiantly orange coconut-carrot curry dotted with pureed cilantro. It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 2436 14th St. NW, DC; roosterowl.com // @roosterandowl

When the Hirshhorn Museum debuted Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrors” in 2017, the splashy sensation echoed across the web. The eye-catching exhibit attracted a record 475,000 visitors, who posted a seemingly infinite number of photos and videos of Kusama’s entrancing installations and artworks punctuated with constellations of dots. It was so successful that last year the museum unveiled “One with Eternity,” a smaller, but still impactful, exhibit from the iconoclastic Japanese avant-garde artist. Highlights include one of Kusama’s giant pumpkins, its yellow skin decorated with lines of dots running from top to bottom, and a pair of infinity rooms, one filled with floating, color-morphing balls, the other with a field of snaky phalli. After seeing its run extended, the exhibit will close this spring. To savor Kusama’s style in a new way, head to these restaurants where dots reign supreme on memorable dishes equally worthy of your socials.

L’Ardente

Chef David Deshaies calls the verdura verde “a green, clean machine.” The salad-ish antipasti-sized starter at his glam Italian restaurant in the Capitol Crossing development features a fertile tangle of wood grilled green beans, zucchini, broccoli and edamame, interspersed with pear slices for sweetness and sorrel for a zesty lemon element. Pooled on the other side of the bowl is zingy ginger dressing dotted with green basil oil, red chili oil and yellow lemon oil. 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; lardente.com // @lardentedc

St. James

The salt cod crudo at the tasteful Caribbean redoubt on 14th Street gracefully pushes boundaries. Tender ribbons of fish come surrounded by a colorful array of polka dots boasting bold flavors. Orange-red spots get an oomph from spicy aji chilies, yellow ones are powered by aromatic curried onions and light green points are made with whipped avocado. A sliver of fish dragged through them creates a bite that hits all the flavor zones in one satisfying swoop. 2017 14th St. NW, DC; stjames-dc.com // @stjamesdc

Estuary

“I’m a fan of having sweet, salty and spicy components in all my dishes,” says Ria Montes, chef de cuisine of the MidAtlantic minded restaurant in CityCenterDC’s Conrad hotel. Her whole grilled fish — featuring whatever’s fresh and local, often fluke or rockfish — is a prime example. Montes cures it in salt, sugar and zesty-zingy yuzu kosho. Grilled to order, the fish arrives in a smoky dashi beurre monté sauce dotted with miniature pearls of caviar and roe. A toss of paper-thin radish rounds, pickled fresno chili peppers and pickled onions completes the ravishing presentation. 950 New York Ave. NW, DC; estuarydc.com // @estuaryconraddc

WORDS BY PRIYA KONINGS

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA GOLDBERG

D.C. has long been known for its fine dining, a consequence of politicians and diplomats seeking venues for power lunches and fancy dinners. In recent years, however, the fast-casual dining scene in D.C. has grown exponentially, and the city is teeming with options for cheap eats from around the world, allowing us to experience the cultures of other countries without the time and exorbitant cost of travel. Here are some of the diverse casual dining options around the city, including Indian fare at RASA, Israeli dishes from Shouk and Spanish street food by José Andrés.

Venezuelan food at Arepa Zone

Arepas, South American griddled ground corn patties, have a mild, slightly sweet taste making them the ideal vehicle for a variety of fillings. At Arepa Zone, you can choose from dozens of options, including one stuffed with cheese and

Photo courtesy of RASA.

plantains; one filled with stretchy mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil and avocado; another brimming with black beans; and all different kinds of cheese for the rest. For those not feeling arepas, the restaurant offers other Venezuelan treats, including tequeños — which are small, cheesy bread sticks — corn pancakes called cachapas and empanadas. Various locations. arepazone.com // @arepazone

Salvadoran food at La Casita Pupuseria

Pupusas are available all over D.C., but they don’t get any better than at La Casita. The variety of pupusas offered by this local chain is impressive, with fillings like cheese, refried bean and cheese; cheese and loroco, an edible green flower; vegan cheese; and spinach and mushroom. Be sure to smother your pupusas in house-made curtido, a tart cabbage and carrot slaw, and tomato salsa. Various locations. lacasitapupusas.com // @lacasitapupusas

Spanish food at Pepe Food Truck

José Andrés’ most casual venue, Pepe, is a Spanish sandwich shop that serves bikinis, thin sandwiches that are a popular Catalan street food, along with other Spanish snacks like gazpacho, patatas bravas and salads. The three-cheese bikini is the ultimate comfort food, featuring melted sheep, goat and cow milk cheeses. A cup of cold, silky gazpacho is the perfect accompaniment. Various locations. pepethefoodtruck.com //

@pepebyjose

Indian food at RASA

The Indian-inspired bowls at RASA are colorful, flavorful and fragrant — a treat for all your senses. You can create your own, choosing different grains, greens, noodles or rice as a base and a series of proteins, veggies and sauces for toppings. They also offer popular chef-created options that are as charming as their names; Caul Me Maybe includes a bed of lemon turmeric rice crowned with cauliflower, cubes of cucumber, sauteed spinach and masala-spiced beets drizzled with a bold peanut sesame sauce. Aloo Need is Love is a bright concoction of rice, spicy sweet potato tikki, pink spheres of pickled radish, charred eggplant and a duo of sauces: one coconut and one tamarind. Enjoy any of the bowls with a cold mango lassi. Vegan dishes, as well as items with nuts and gluten, are helpfully marked on the menu. Various locations. rasa.co //

@rasa

Korean food at Seoul Spice

For a Korean fast-casual option, look no further than Seoul Spice, which now has six locations around the DMV. Dining at Seoul Spice involves first choosing one of four options for the base of the meal: bibimpap, or rice; gimbap, where seaweed and rice are rolled into a burrito; japchae, chewy sweet potato noodles; and sangchu, kale. From there, select Korean-style proteins and veggies including kimchi, bean sprouts and pickled radishes, and finally, sauces like Korean hot sauce and aioli-infused sriracha go on top. Don’t skip the optional toppings like sesame oil, avocado, crispy garlic and fire powder (for the brave only). Various locations. seoulspice.com // @seoulspice

Israeli food at Shouk

The plant-based Mediterranean food at Shouk is addictively good, and their menu has so many options, you can come back time and time again to try something new. Notable recommendations include the shawarma, where grill-seared oyster mushrooms are stuffed into a pillowy pita along with crunchy green cabbage, cucumber, arugula and loads of creamy tahina. It’s meaty, fresh and delicious. Other highlights are the za’atar cauliflower bowl, where chickpeas, roasted red peppers, hummus and vivid lemony zhug are spooned over hunks of za’atar-roasted cauliflower and heaps of a lentil-infused rice. Sides such as red lentil soup, spicy fries and extra hummus should not be overlooked. Various locations. shouk.com // @shoukfood

Hawaiian meets Mexican food at Tiki Taco

Tiki Taco serves tacos, poke and salads, but the tacos are the star at this Dupont Circle venue. The crispy sesame tofu taco is a local favorite, featuring cubes of crispy fried tofu topped with shredded green papaya, aromatic toasted coconut and a sweet chili sauce. The chickpea taco is just as good — the chickpeas are doused in a rich, creamy sauce and crowned with a crunchy slaw. Avocado and queso fresco are optional toppings, and don’t forget about sides like corn and flour chips served with black bean corn salsa. 2010 P St. NW, DC; tikitacodc.com // @tikitacodc

You Are exists to hold and cultivate a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Café by day, bar and dance lounge by night, As You Are welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons, from all walks of life, and allies in a versatile haven for queer expression and connection.

Lotsa Pasta

WORDS BY NEVIN MARTELL | PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

Before even stepping into Tigerella at the Western Market food hall in Foggy Bottom, diners get a tantalizing peek at what they might eat. Gazing down through the street-level window into the open kitchen, one can catch a glimpse of a cook working the Italian restaurant’s Arcobaleno AEX30 pasta extruder, pushing out 30 pounds of noodles an hour at its fastest clip.

“You engage the guest before they even come in, because they’re excited about what they’re seeing,” says Tigerella Executive Chef Vincent Falcone. “They get to see someone taking the time to make something from scratch.”

The set up reminds him of visiting Georgetown institution Filomena Ristorante as a kid, where he would watch the sfoglina deftly turning out pasta with measured movements. He learned the art of pasta-making at home from his grandmother Wanda, “a mountain girl from Kentucky who somehow got looped in with an Italian family up in Cleveland,” as Falcone puts it. Wanda came by her deep well of pasta knowledge from her Sicilian mother-in-law.

“My grandmother did it all by feel,” says Falcone, who lived with his grandparents as a youngster. “She had no recipe and didn’t write anything down. She would take her mound of flour and enough eggs and just make it happen.”

When it came time to roll out sheets of pasta dough, she used the countertop and an old wine bottle. As she worked, Falcone would sit, just watching. Eventually, she started teaching him.

“She was very intentional,” he remembers. “As chefs like to do, she would do the same things the same way in the same manner every single time. She would get super flustered if anyone came in and tried to move stuff around. She really taught me to have a sense of purpose and organization.”

Her signature pasta was beef-spinachricotta ravioli, which she made every holiday season.

“Christmas didn’t happen unless that was on the table. That was a line in the sand for the family,” says Falcone, who took over the tradition when his grandmother passed.

Throughout his career as a professional chef, which included stops at Rose’s

Luxury as sous chef, pasta played an outsized role.

“I’ve always felt an innate sense of joy when I make a delicious bowl of pasta for somebody,” Falcone says.

At Tigerella, he usually has half a dozen pasta options on offer, all made with nothing more than 00 flour and water, all passing through the extruder positioned in the window. By far the biggest seller is bumbola, a cute, crevice-laden pasta dubbed “bumblebee” due to its shape. The winged shells are tossed with a a bright pork-beef bolognese that makes its way into the nooks and crannies, so each bite offers a spoonful of sauce.

“Is it revolutionary? No, but it makes people happy when they sit down and eat it,” Falcone says.

The other mainstay on the menu is the bigoli, a thick, toothsome noodle the chef calls “bucatini without the hole.” The twirled hive of noodles comes with an oniony tomato sauce inspired by a recipe from Italian cookbook author Marcella Hazan, a favorite of Falcone.

“Whenever I don’t know what to cook, don’t feel like cooking or am having a bad day, I always turn to her tomato and onion sauce,” he says. “It’s literally four ingredients: olive oil, tomato, butter, onion.”

At the restaurant, he chefs up the sauce slightly by infusing the olive oil with basil, garlic and chili flakes, and finishes the dish with roasted red onions and a dollop of made-fresh-daily ricotta.

The remaining pasta offerings switch with the season and whatever the farmers bring in. During the winter, that could mean rigatoni paired with a prosciutto and brown butter-amped soffrito of rutabaga, parsnip and white sweet potatoes. Or it could be Japanese sweet potato gnocchi with maitake, shiitake and king oyster mushrooms. Or maybe comforting-to-thecore chicken parm laid out on angel hair pasta with the requisite marinara.

No matter what’s on offer, take a moment to watch it being made. There’s a captivating rhythm, a gentle beauty, a sense of magic unfolding — as nothing more than flour and water are transformed into joy-inducing pastas.

Tigerella: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; tigerelladc.com // @tigerelladc

Oodles of Noodles

Three more Italian spots serving primo pastas to help you carb load this spring

A PRESTO! ITALIAN FOODS

Head here for Nonna-style faves, including beef-porkpancetta lasagna interspersed with creamy pecorino-parmesan sauce and baked manicotti shrouded in bubbly provolone.

317 7th St. SE, DC aprestoitalianfoods.com

@apresto_italianfoods

L’ARDENTE

Everybody loves the Instafriendly 40-layer truffle lasagna (and rightfully so!), but the zucca tossed with sausage-punctuated ragu and the indulgent rigatoni carbonara are equally worthy of adoration.

200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC lardente.com

@lardentedc

REVELER’S HOUR

The freshly made pastas always wow, whether it’s a tangle of tagliatelle with oxtail ragu and a blizzard of pecorino, bucatini bolstered by spicy pork ragu or a seasonal ravioli plump with the latest harvest.

1775 Columbia Rd. NW, DC revelershour.com

@revelershour

Global Appetite

with the historic Golden Palace restaurant, eventually taking over the entire operation before it closed with the arrival of the MCI Center (now the Capital One Arena). Currently the owner of Wah Luck House, affordable housing units that house the most densely concentrated group of Chinese residents in D.C., Wong donates weekly hot meals from her restaurant, Chinatown Garden.

After sitting down with me and sharing how their personal stories intertwine with Chinatown’s, Gong and Wong were kind enough to offer up some of their favorite places that have withstood the test of time and remain some of the heavy hitter establishments which make up the spirit of the neighborhood.

China Boy

This straightforward standby keeps it real with affordable bites and their famous fresh noodles (which you can buy on their own to take home) and beautiful sauces. Some favorites here are the beef chow foon and roasted pork noodle soup. Gong recommends anything with their broad rice noodles. 815 6th St. NW, DC

Chinatown Garden

On the first floor, guests dine on Cantonese dishes amid traditional Chinese decor. The chicken Szechuan is a must. Upstairs is 618 Cocktail and Whiskey Lounge that opened right before the Covid-19 pandemic and turns into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights. If you catch Wong here, as I did, she will treat you like family. Everything from the hot and sour soup, the walnut shrimp and green pepper pork is flawlessly executed and served family style. Come hungry. 618 H St. NW, DC; chinatowngardendc.com; bar618.com

WORDS BY CHRISTIAN IRABIÉN ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA GOLDBERG

Once a bustling hot spot of Chinese culture, D.C.’s Chinatown has seen its fair share of ebbs and flows over the past 150 years. Now, Chinatown is a vibrant and unique part of the city, home to many restaurants, shops and cultural events — both old and new.

Over years working in restaurant kitchens downtown, I’ve frequented many Chinatown establishments catering to the late-night crowd — a balanced mix of young party people, night owl regulars and, of course, restaurant workers.

I recently met with two of the most prominent and active players advocating for the preservation of this iconic neighborhood, Ted Gong and Yeni Wong, and asked them to share some of their favorite spots in D.C.’s Chinatown.

Gong, a retired foreign service officer, is the executive director of the 1882 Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating D.C.’s historic sites and providing educational and recreational programs highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. He believes in Chinatown’s unique potential to create a national Chinatown research and history center.

Long-time D.C. resident Wong burst through business barriers to become a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader. She first came to Chinatown to partner

Joy Luck House

This is the real-deal, OG Chinese bakery in the District. Joy Luck House serves traditional Chinese breakfast, snacks and a vast array of desserts and pastries. They’re known for their fresh pies, soup dumplings and fried chicken. Gong and Wong recommend the shredded beef and the thousand year-egg porridge. 748 6th St. NW, DC; joyluckhouse.com

Reren Lamen & Bar

Yes, lamen, not ramen. Correctly pronounced “la mian” in Mandarin, lamen translates to “pulled noodles.” This small restaurant is known for their soup bowls, housemade noodles and dragon dumplings. Flavors are bold and balanced, the prices are beyond accessible and the portions are very generous. I had the sesame noodles, but Gong made sure to order the spicy kung fu noodles, too. The handmade dumplings are the perfect start, middle or finish to your meal. 817 7th St. NW, DC; rerenlamen.com // @rerenlamen

Wok and Roll

Wok and Roll’s menu offers a wide variety of Chinese food at good prices and rooms with karaoke for all the singers out there. The menu spotlights Chinese-American classics like beef and broccoli and seafood fried rice. However, Gong emphasizes the curry chicken on rice is a must.

604 H St. NW, DC; wokandrolldc.com // @wokandrolldclife

DRINK

Jon Schott’s All-Day Old Cuban. Photo by Ben Droz.

On + Off Balance TheMenu

When drink consultant Jon Schott worked at three different restaurants from 2020 to 2021, he thought he’d hit the jackpot. It was all he wanted — to be involved on the ground floor, ordering stock, creating drinks, being part of a dynamic restaurant staff. He was working 16-hour days seven days a week at The People’s Drug, King’s Ransom, Handover By The Slice and Chop Shop Taco, so enveloped in the hospitality world that he couldn’t see anything else. He worked through Covid-19, keeping each of the restaurants alive, finding clever ways to keep things moving.

WORDS BY ABI NEWHOUSE

It wasn’t until things started opening back up, when people started to get back to some sort of normal, that the restaurant group Schott worked with decided to expand. When he sat in meetings discussing new opportunities, he paused for the first time in years.

“They were like, ‘Well, Jon, we’re just trying to give you what you want,’” Schott says. He realized no one had asked — and he’d never fully considered — what it was that he actually wanted.

“I remember I was like, ‘Oh my God. I’m going to break up with my restaurants,’” Schott says. The realization came on suddenly. Only days previous, he thought he was in the perfect place.

“We had just got through this battle,” Schott says, referring to Covid. “I’m just going to bounce on all these people? The staff, the teams? They mean the world to me. Those relationships are what hospitality is all about. But I knew it wasn’t for me. I had to make the leap.”

After leaving the restaurants, he took a necessary pause to reevaluate his personal and professional goals. He quit drinking in 2016, and wanted to find a way to incorporate his lifestyle choice into his work in a more sustainable way.

“I want to stay engaged and active in this industry,” he says. “And also, to have fun again. Because I preach about drinking being fun. That’s hypocritical if I’m just [at the restaurant] grinding and there’s no fun. So, where’s the integrity in what I’m doing anymore?”

Schott says he put in his four-week notice and just wept. It was the end of an era and the beginning of something new, and he needed some time off to figure it all out.

All of this culminated in Riff Raff Drink Company, Schott’s consulting business started in October 2022. He kept up relationships in the hospitality industry, and they — chefs, bartenders, liquor ambassadors — asked for his services almost right away.

“In the daytime, I’m a teacher,” Schott says. “I’m helping bartenders and people make money and restaurants and small business owners be more successful. And at night, I get to go out and party. It’s a nice balance.”

Balance is something Schott emphasizes in each of his different ventures. In the case of drinks, he makes sure to put non-alcoholic options on each menu he helps curate.

“Drinking should be fun, with or without the alcohol,” Schott says.

At the Mindful Drinking Festival in January, which surpassed all expectations for attendance and variety of products, Schott won the award for best cocktail for his All-Day Old Cuban. He wanted to make something sustainable, something easy to replicate at home. For the first time in a while, he had made an award-winning drink he could actually drink.

Schott lives in Alexandria, where mindful drinking is slowly expanding. He argues that instead of a separate non-alcoholic menu at restaurants, everything should be mixed in one. Non-alcoholic drinks — or, in his words, “all-day drinks” — take just as much effort to make as alcoholic drinks, and with new cocktail-making methods, it makes sense to him that they’re just as expensive.

“We’re not putting a price tag on the physical effects,” Schott says. “We’re putting a price tag on the experience.”

Drinking can be a tricky topic, Schott says. Either way you talk about it, shame can be attached: people feel the need to rationalize both drinking and not drinking.

“It’s not our intention to shine a mirror back on someone when we say, ‘I’m not drinking right now,’” he says. “Almost everyone responds with something like, ‘Oh, I’ve been cutting back’ or whatever. It’s not our place to assume or ask. I’m in no place to judge.”

It’s a social activity, Schott says, regardless of whether your drink is alcoholic or not. When he’s creating menus for restaurants and bars like Cirrus Vodka and Virago Spirits in Richmond, Catoctin Creek in Purcellville and The Georges Hotel in Lexington, he adds both — but he’s not out preaching one way or the other.

Moving forward, Schott says he hopes to open a tasting room at the end of this year, to continue this new sense of balance in his work and life — and, of course, on his menus. Ultimately, he misses working the bar with other bartenders, the energy of the atmosphere. He’ll be back. He’ll just bring the balance with him.

You can follow Jon Schott and Riff Raff Drink Co. on Instagram at @jon_schott4thepeople and @riffraffdrink_co.

All-Day Old Cuban

Mix this drink at home with Schott’s award-winning recipe.

2 oz. Ritual rum alternative

2 oz. Thomson & Scott

“Noughty” Non-alcoholic Sparkling Chardonnay

1 oz. green apple + mint syrup

3⁄4 oz. super lime juice

1 full dropper All The Bitter aromatic bitters

Fresh mint sprig + dehydrated lime for garnish

Directions: Combine ingredients, add ice and shake. Strain liquid over crushed ice in a Collins glass and add bubbles. Add garnish, side dish and a metal straw. Serve with apple core caviar, non-alcoholic rum tuile and “mint fog.”

“Drinking should be fun, with or without the alcohol.”

Riff Raff’s Jon Schott. Photo by Ben Droz.

Day Tripping to Crimson Lane Vineyards

Visiting Virginia’s newest winery

WORDS + PHOTOS BY NICOLE SCHALLER

A minute of scrolling on your social media of choice reveals there is always something to do in the District: every other post or video highlights a must-see exhibit, a new bar or a must-see exhibit at a new bar. With unyielding sensory overload, sometimes it’s nice to venture outside city limits, find a nearby nature reprieve and sip on some wine.

Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crimson Lane Vineyards in Linden, Virginia is a sprawling 23.6-acre vineyard on the south-facing side of a mountain, spanning 900 to 1500 feet elevation. Their tasting room overlooks the majority of the land, with serene views of surrounding mountains, cascades of trees and neighboring vineyards. For owners Tom and Deanna Herrity, the visual beauty is only part of the equation.

“We chose this place because it checks just about all the boxes for winemaking,” Tom Herrity says. “It’s got an elevation in a sweet spot and gives you a little bit cooler temperature, but not too much. We’re on a slope, which you must be in Virginia in order to grow, because the slope sheds the water. It also sheds frost.”

Upon request, Herrity can rattle off the property’s soil makeup, the type of varietals suited for the region’s finicky climate and the exact temperature to chill grapes after harvest. The vineyard, which opened in March, is a 13 yearlong passion project. Herrity’s love for quality winemaking is only matched by that of his brother-in law and Crimson Lane Winemaker Dominick Fioresi.

After Herrity met and married Deanna, he and Fioresi started to make wine together in his basement, the way Fioresi’s grandfather had taught him. Over time, they started taking viticulture classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. Fioresi ultimately gave Herrity the final push to turn his dreams of owning a vineyard into a reality.

“We figured we really had to do this was when I sold my company, where Dominick had also worked,” Herrity says. “Dominick left and got an apprenticeship at Linden Vineyards. When he changed his career professionally, I thought, ‘Okay, now I can’t back out. I’ve got to do this.’”

Fioresi trained for two years under Jim Law at Linden, who he affectionately refers to as “The Godfather of viticulture in Virginia,” before serving as Delaplane Cellars’ cellarmaster for two years and then as a winemaker at Ingleside Vineyards. By 2016, Fioresi had switched to working at Crimson Lane full time, with the first harvest starting in 2018.

“We hold ourselves to a very high standard of what the wines should be,” Fioresi shares while running labs to check the levels of malic and lactic acid for each varietal aging in the cellar.

Fioresi’s validation? Touring his mentor Law around the property and having him taste some of their wines.

“[Law] was like, ‘Wow, this is really nice,’” Fioresi recalls. “His response made me light up.”

With the recent opening of the winery, Herrity and Fioresi are set on providing a unique and memorable experience for all those who take the trip up the mountain.

At first glance, the interior design and architecture sets the tasting room apart from other local wineries. Led by a West Coast firm known for designing Napa Valley wineries, the space is

modern with minimalistic, natural oak and wrought iron finishes; floor-toceiling windows and a patio to take in the views; and a large fireplace near the entrance to welcome guests when they first enter. Herrity credits Deanna for spearheading the interior choices which add a touch of warmth to the overall sleek, open-concept design.

“We want to provide a really relaxed atmosphere,” Herrity says.

The actual tasting is broken up into three options: a private tasting room experience, an at-the-bar tasting for those passing through and tables and patio space for people who want to unwind and sip wines at their leisure. Each option requires an advanced reservation (no walk-ins allowed).

Instead of flights, Herrity will have trained staff pour visitors each glass and guide them along the tasting before pouring the next. Small bites will be offered, including empanadas from Colada Shop and hors d’oeuvres from the newly opened cheese shop on H Street, Paste & Rind Cheese Co.

For Herrity, it’s all about sharing his love of wine and fostering a community of like-minded people interested in learning about regional wine. Herrity is no stranger to exploring wines around the world, yet Virginia county has a special place in his heart. When working in public affairs in D.C. early in his career, he would take day trips to the nearby Virginia wineries on his days off. With Crimson Lane, he hopes to offer the same retreat and further the region’s budding reputation in the industry.

“Virginia wine takes a step every year to become an emerging wine region,” Herrity says. “This whole project — the wine, the vineyard and the winemaking — is basically a reflection of what has come before us in the region. We’re using that knowledge to push to the next level.”

Crimson Lane Vineyards’ tasting room is now open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m, Thursday to Sunday. To reserve a tasting, visit crimsonlanevineyards.com.

Crimson Lane Vineyards: 13334 Crimson Ln. Linden, VA; crimsonlanevineyards.com // @crimsonlanevineyards

Winemaker Dominick

Fioresi takes us through a few of his favorite pours.

2020 ALBARIÑO

It’s easy and approachable, but it can also pair with food easily with its level of acidity. Drink with a buttery or creamy dish. The acid just slices right through. It makes everything pop.

2020 SAUVIGNON

BLANC

This wine expresses the youth of the vines, which gives it crazy aromatics. The acidity is equally refined, versus a sharper tap. It’s stainless-steel fermented, never sees oak and is not heavyhanded. A lot of people really, really like it. We are proud of this sauvignon blanc.

CHARDONNAY: STAINLESS STEEL FINISH

The stainless steel emphasizes more of the fruit and acid. We grow seven different clones of chardonnay to use for each bottle, and each is planted for a specific reason. Some are planted for mid-palate or mid-weight, some for aromatics and acidity. Each was planted in proportions of what would contribute to the final product.

BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY

We throw about 30% new oak in it, which gives it a different profile than the steel finish. It is very attractive to chardonnay drinkers. I use French oak and a little bit of Hungarian oak.

2019 COLLINA

This is 60% new French, 40% Hungarian oak, 42% merlot, 33% cabernet franc and 25% cabernet sauvignon. The 2019 merlot gives this blend a big mouth feel. It’s just going to get better and better with age.

around a backyard fire with Loughner, where the two decided to relaunch the brand.

Today, the two friends operate Reboot Beverages, a D.C.based startup focused on reviving historic liquor brands. Their two signature, small-batch whiskeys, Mt. Pleasant Club Whiskey (MPCW) and Brown Street Bourbon, are now available at nearly two dozen liquor stores and restaurants across the District.

The project combines many of the founders’ interests: history, whiskey and their neighborhood.

“We love Mt. Pleasant,” Loughner says. “It’s such a fun neighborhood — authentic with lots of character. We knew our neighbors would appreciate the history behind the bottle and the folks who created it, but the more we thought about it, we realized there’s a ton of history not just behind the bottle but behind this neighborhood. If we can incorporate that into each batch, that makes it more fun.”

To make their products, Reboot works with area distillers, including District Made Spirits by One Eight Distilling and Bo & Ivy. So far, the two have selected whiskeys to blend and barrels for finishing, making each batch unique. In the next few years, they will begin using whiskey made just for them in a process known as “contract distilling.”

As Hughes explains, MPCW is a Maryland-style rye made with more corn in the mash bill for a mellower, slightly sweeter profile. It’s been aged at least five years in new American oak barrels. They’ve released three batches of MPCW so far, averaging 200 bottles each. Each release honors a street in the neighborhood.

Brown Street Bourbon, named after the street where the original bottle was found, is made with a mix of yellow corn, hard red winter wheat, rye and malted barley.

Hughes drinks both whiskeys neat, but he also recommends “a splash of water to open them up. They’re both 107 proof, but they don’t taste that hot.”

Neither are out of place in the cocktail that truly tests every whiskey: the Manhattan.

Alex Galiatsatos, who creates digital content for Reboot, says the whiskey’s appeal goes beyond its quality. Art by local artists, such as Natalie Levy-Costa, adorns each label. Each bottle comes with notes about what’s in and on it, as well as a brief history and celebration of the eponymous street.

WORDS BY CHAD KINSMAN ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA GOLDBERG

Under a night sky, warmed by a fire, a few drinks and good company, we’ve all cooked up big ideas. Few, perhaps mercifully, survive the sobering dawn. But for Troy Hughes and John Loughner, one late-night scheme in the winter of 2021 persisted.

Hughes owned a whiskey bottle from the early 1900s, discovered under some roof tiles by his home’s previous owners. He liked the label so much he put it on a T-shirt. His admiration might have stopped there if not for one night

In fact, there’s so much to say about historic D.C. whiskey that Hughes recently released “Whiskey Makers in Washington, D.C: A Pre-Prohibition History.” The book details an era awash with smalltime whiskey bottlers battling the temperance movement and burgeoning legal encumbrances. No D.C. whiskey fan should be without a copy of this lovingly geeky account.

Hughes and Loughner are already planning their fall releases, including a Pennsylvania-style rye, a smoke whiskey and a very limited rye finished in rum barrels.

Walking tours with Washington Walks are also on the horizon, as well as continued tastings around town. The brand recently started selling online.

There’s one more reason to love Reboot Beverages: For every MPCW bottle sold, the company donates a portion of sales to local causes. They also bottle a Ukraine-benefiting vodka, wryly called Puck Futin. That’s well worth raising a glass to.

Reboot Beverages: reboot-bev.com // @mtpleasantclubwhiskey

MUSIC

Photo by Daisy Lacy.

Graham Nash, Now

WORDS BY CHRISTINA SMART

As a singer and songwriter, Graham Nash has always found a way to comment on the current state of his personal life and the world at large.

Nash’s upcoming release “Now” — his first album in seven years — balances love and turmoil, something he has done for the past 60 years as a solo artist, and as a member of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Nash will also bring “Sixty Years of Songs and Stories” to the Birchmere on April 18 and 19.

Speaking from his home in New York City, Nash sounds ridiculously content. There could be a variety of reasons for this: the life he shares with his wife of nearly four years, Amy Grantham; his practice of transcendental meditation (a gift from his friend David Lynch); or the realization that, at 81, he’s still got it musically. Whatever the reason, he’s looking forward and back simultaneously.

“It’s a very reflective album,” Nash says. “I think that’s a pretty good word for it.”

A significant portion of the album focuses on Nash’s relationship with Grantham. In these songs, Nash isn’t exactly giddy as a schoolboy on a first date (he is 81, after all). What does come through, however, is the complete love, gratitude and appreciation Nash has for Grantham — to the point that he bookends the album with love songs to her.

“I think this is my most personal album,” Nash says. “The first words on the album are ‘I used to think that I would never love again.’ There are four or five songs written about my wife, Amy: ‘Follow Your Heart,’ ‘Love of Mine,’ the last song on the album, ‘When It Comes to You.’”

In “When It Comes to You,” Nash wears his heart on his sleeve, opening with the lyrics “When it comes to you/I have to tell the truth/You’re the very best thing that’s happened to me.”

Reading these lyrics about love, one might think Nash has abandoned his protesting ways, content to think he’s earned the right to sit this one out. Hardly.

This is the man who gave us “Chicago,” a 1971 protest song whose two-chord transition from A minor to G has found multiple second lives, having been sampled by everyone from Beanie Sigel to Leela James.

“I’m very happy about that,” Nash says. “A lot of people might be unhappy that someone sampled a song, but I do believe that those two chords are incredibly powerful.”

Now, some artists have found themselves self-censoring their material in order to keep their fortunes going. But for Nash, singing about injustices in the world is as routine as breathing.

“I wake up every morning and I get on with my life,” Nash says. “Obviously check the news — lots of news sites — and I keep in touch with what’s going on. That ends up in songs like ‘Stars and Stripes’ and ‘Golden Idols.’”

“Golden Idols” directly addresses the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Nash doesn’t mince words.

“They’re trying to re-write recent history/When the MAGA tourists took the hill/They will not stand up, ’cause they’re bought and paid for/Golden Idols control them still,” he sings. His stature as a protest artist isn’t lost on Nash. If anything, he feels an obligation to speak up.

“A lot of my fans love me talking about what’s going on in my life,” Nash says. “Whether it’s hating Trump or hating the Republican administration, I think my songwriting has remained true to what I want to do. I want to make songs that enable you to shake your ass and also shake your mind up. To think about things you may not be aware of. And that’s what I’ve done with my life and I’m continuing to do it, and I’m proud of that.”

Changes in life are inevitable. The passing of David Crosby, one of Nash’s on-again, off-again musical partners for more than 50 years (who died on January 18) sent Nash reeling. This is the only time in our conversation where the contentment fades and it’s clear Nash is still dealing with the sudden loss.

“Well, you know, my life changed desperately when David passed away,” Nash says. “It’s like an 8.5 earthquake. It happens and then there’s these aftershocks when you go back and you think, ‘Holy shit! He really is gone. Holy shit! He really is dead.’ But I’m getting better at only remembering the good times and the good music we made together.”

In this moment of reflection, Nash sounds wistful. He does find hope in a few core beliefs he holds steadfast: the power of music and his ability to carry on.

“I do believe that the simplest song can change the world,” says Nash. “I absolutely believe it. I think music is a medium to exchange ideas, to talk about things, and I must tell you that being 81 years old, I am singing as good as I ever did. I think better, myself.”

Graham Nash plays at the Birchmere on April 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $99.50. “Now” is set to drop on May 19.

The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; birchmere.com // @thebirchmere

Photo by Amy Grantham.

THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL REALTOR

WORDS BY MONICA ALFORD

My first Daisy Lacy sighting was in 2017, when I stumbled upon her “Biff Bang Pow” DJ night at Slash Run in Petworth. I walked into the rock ‘n’ roll venue and burger joint to the sounds of ‘60s garage and psych rock on vinyl, all handpicked by Lacy and husband Dan McNabb. It was a total vibe — complete with Lacy’s perfectly curated mod outfit, a hallmark of her personal style.

I immediately started following her on Instagram and noticed she was popping up at other D.C. vinyl go-to spots like Showtime in Bloomingdale and Grand Duchess in Adams Morgan. Her sets were usually marketed using posters filled with retro eye candy collages and descriptions like this one, courtesy of Showtime: “Grind yer mind with pslithery psych and groovy garage grippers.”

Vinyl dance parties obviously came to a halt during the pandemic and have seemed to return more slowly to the city than many of us would like. Lacy is one of several DJs I kept scouring websites and Instagram accounts for, to see if and when she was back in business. While she has paused her in-person sets, I found out she DJs the first Thursday of the month for WFMU’s Rock’n’Soul Radio on “Rotations with Daisy Lacy.” And I learned that she recently became a realtor.

The Northern Virginia native spent 20 years living in Mount Pleasant before recently moving with McNabb to mid-century modern enclave Holmes Run Acres in Falls Church, Virginia. The couple worked with a Compass Real Estate agent, and Lacy enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to get licensed in D.C., Virginia and Maryland and work for Compass.

It only seemed fitting to reach out for an interview for our Move Issue, so I could pick her brain about the local real estate market and find out more about where to hear her epic vinyl selections. And, of course, so I could mention my “Biff Bang

Pow” experience — and the fun fact that District Fray’s creative director Claire Smalley was my date on that night six years ago. On a quiet February morning, I had a fantastic conversation with Lacy about her new career, what tips she has for homebuyers in 2023, when we might see her perform live again and much more. She even put together an epic move-themed playlist to accompany our April issue, which you can check out on page 56.

District Fray: What sparked your interest in becoming a realtor?

Daisy Lacy: I got into real estate through buying a home. We had a fantastic realtor, and I loved the process so much that I realized I wanted to help people buy and sell property. Compass is the top brokerage in the country, so I set my sights on becoming an agent. And the rest is history!

What are some of your favorite neighborhoods around the DMV?

There are hidden gems and lesser-known — but [still] great — neighborhoods all over the DMV, and a good realtor can help you find them. For example, Takoma [in Northwest D.C.] is often overlooked, but offers walkability to downtown Takoma Park, Maryland.

Do you gravitate toward a certain style of home?

I’m a big fan of mid-century modern houses, and pockets of both mid-century modern and mid-century modest homes exist throughout the DMV. Charles Goodman, the area’s preeminent modern architect, designed many homes across Maryland and Virginia — beyond well-known neighborhoods like Hollin Hills and Rock Creek Woods. I love discovering these secret Goodmans.

A conversation with vinyl DJ + DMV real estate agent Daisy Lacy

What does mid-century modest mean?

They have some of the hallmarks of mid-century modern homes. It’s not a full-blown wall of windows, but it has lots of glass and it’s way more affordable.

When you’re not selling real estate, you’re adding to your insane record collection. Where do you find vinyl locally?

My favorite place to shop for vinyl in the DMV is CD Cellar [in the City of Falls Church]. Other great spots are Red Onion in Hyattsville, Maryland; Crooked Beat in Alexandria, Virginia; and Som Records, Joint Custody and Smash! in D.C.

Where do you go to hear music in the city?

The Black Cat is, was and will always be one of my favorite spots to see a band or catch a DJ set. I love The Runaway in Brookland, which opened last year. DC9 is another longtime favorite. I think the local music scene is definitely making a post-Covid comeback.

What tips do you have for locals in the market for a new home?

1. Choose a realtor — ideally, someone who is familiar with the areas you’re looking to buy in.

2. A great realtor will have local lender recommendations, and mortgage preapproval is the second step in the home buying process.

3. Determine your timeline and start your search early. It can take some time to find the right property.

4. Think about what you value in a home and consider the condition you’re comfortable with buying. Do you want something turnkey, or would you consider something that needs work? For buyers open to doing a little work, there are great opportunities out there.

What’s the top piece of advice you’d give buyers in the D.C. area?

Bottom line: Whether buying or selling property, it’s important to work with someone you get along with. You’re entering into a relationship with them in many ways. I strive to make the home buying process fun and love the opportunity it affords [me] to meet new people and help them through a major investment. Clients often end up friends!

Follow Daisy Lacy on Instagram @daisy.lacy and shoot her an email at daisy.lacy@compass.com if you are looking for a realtor. Lacy is also a seller’s agent in the DMV and offers free home evaluations and tips for listing your property.

Check out wfmu.org/rocknsoulradio to stream Lacy’s “Rotations” set the first Thursday of the month and listen to her playlists at mixcloud.com/DaisyLacy. And keep your eyes peeled for a potential vinyl-only night featuring Lacy sometime later this year (our fingers are crossed!)

Daisy Lacy. Photo courtesy of subject.

Gotta Move Playlist

Daisy Lacy curated some of her favorite 1960s tunes to get you up and moving. Her playlist is perfect for house hunting, home decorating and dancing. Listen here: bit.ly/gotta-move-playlist

1. ”Stop and Listen” by The Shag

2. “I Gotta Move” by The Kinks

3. “Come-On-A My House” by The Bluebeard’s

4. “From Home” by Groep Reza

5. “My House” by The Baythovens

6. “Get Back Home” by The Majority

7. “Real Crazy Apartment” by Winston’s Fumbs

8. “Frustration” by The Painted Ship

9. “Excitation” by Rear Exit

10. “Move” by State of Mind

11. “She Done Moved” by The Spats

Lacy and McNabb’s record collection. Photo by Dan McNabb.

12. “Crosstown Traffic“ by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

13. “Gimme Shelter” by Merry Clayton

CULTURE

Charles Jean-Pierre. Photo by Jefry Andres Wright.

Look at the Potomac’s river system from high enough, and it starts to resemble veins, arteries, nervous systems. The river stretches from the Chesapeake Bay across three different states — West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia — and connects with other rivers and creeks to create this bodily shape, one reminiscent of the veins in our eyes, the lines on our hands. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, to hear that American Rivers calls the Potomac “the lifeblood of our nation.” It’s alive, it helps keep us alive and it’s being celebrated along with other world rivers at the Kennedy Center’s RiverRun Festival, from March 22 to April 22.

The festival celebrates how rivers shape cultures, sustain life and inspire art of all kinds. RiverRun kicks off a decade of Kennedy Center programs dedicated to the protection and conservation of our environment, the rest of which will take us to space, dive deep into energy sources and hopefully, at the end of the decade, highlight the peace we’ve made with nature.

RiverRun programming includes music and dance performances, multimedia concerts, illusionists, theatre, art installations, documentaries, literature readings, food and other exhibits focusing on rivers around the world — the Ganges, the Río de la Plata and the Mississippi, among others.

“I always think of our festivals as being knowledge, an opportunity for people to learn about arts and culture from other places in a meaningful way,” says Alicia Adams, Kennedy Center’s vice president of dance and international programming. “Rivers are the basis for civilization, and without them civilization could not have grown in the way that it did.”

One performance specific to the Potomac called “Ferry Tales” will have storytellers stationed along the river sharing tales of its science, history and folklore. “Ferry Tales” is directed by Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, co-artistic director of LubDub Theatre Co. Currently, Cassidy is also the 2022-23

artist-in-residence at Georgetown University’s The Earth Commons Institute, an environment and sustainability program she helped pioneer to connect science and humanities.

“For me it’s, ‘How can the medium of performance and storytelling specifically meet this moment we’re alive in?’” Cassidy says. “Theatre has this powerful immediacy to remind people we are interconnected, and we have to be better stewards.”

The Kennedy Center knew this partnership would give the younger generation a chance to communicate their point of view, creating a fuller scope of what rivers mean to people past and present.

“In many ways, they are the river,” Adams says. “The drivers of it. They’re making their parents do certain things to live sustainable lives. It’s important they’re engaged.”

Cassidy worked with Georgetown-alumni artists to conduct interviews with geologists, ornithologists, riverkeepers, D.C. natives and Indigenous stewards. They created stories from what they learned.

“The river is so full of ghosts and also so full of life,” Cassidy says. “We are focusing not just on human stories around the Potomac, but also on the critters and plants and microbes — the things people may not see or know about, but which are so vital to the ecosystem.”

The tales will be woven together and performed by people in costume, so even passersby with no knowledge of the festival can participate.

“My great hope is that people will see the performers glimmer or sparkle by the water and be drawn to come sit down and learn about the mussels and the dolphins and the shads,” Cassidy says.

Cassidy reiterated just how alive the river is — especially beneath the surface. To regular citizens on walks near the river’s edge, the aliveness comes from the steady rush of the water flowing, but scientists are working to understand the ever-changing environment we don’t see. Cassidy mentioned Janet Mann, a scientist at Georgetown studying the return of dolphins to the Potomac.

“She’s noticing thousands of them,” Cassidy says. “They are a direct result of the shad fish population coming back, which then brought the dolphins, too.”

Nature finds a way to balance itself even when humans tip the scales. The Potomac’s cleanliness has ebbed and flowed over the years, and all over the world, rivers are drying up or being poisoned with manmade contaminants. RiverRun will look at it all — the return of the dolphins and the reasons they left — to help citizens think a little deeper about how we can protect the lifeblood around us.

“We want people to see the beauty and necessity of rivers,” Adams says. “This will lead them to understanding the water and why it’s so important that we change our lives.”

To Cassidy, focusing on the river’s aliveness helps her enter a storytelling mode that is celebratory, liberating.

“My job as an artist is to point and say to people, look how alive this is, and its aliveness is connected to your aliveness,” she says. “It’s a relationship.”

Think again of our veins, a flower’s roots, a tree’s branches, rivers running from above. The Kennedy Center’s RiverRun Festival asks participants to open their eyes, to bask in the beauty, life and art rivers inspire. Then sit by the water, close your eyes, listen — let it all sink in.

The Kennedy Center’s RiverRun Festival takes place until April 22. Check out a full list of events at kennedy-center.org.

The Aliveness in the Potomac

In 1965, President Johnson declared the Potomac a “national disgrace.” But ever since then, biologists and riverkeepers have worked to clean it up — so much so that humans should be able to swim in it soon. And with that cleanliness, pivotal species have returned. “Reintroduction programs in the Potomac are amazing — they’ve actually been quite successful,” says Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. Here are a few different creatures giving life to our rivers, with insight from Naujoks on their importance for our ecosystem.

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

In the Potomac, they’re apex predators, which means their presence helps keep the ecosystem in balance. They have been spotted as far north as Dahlgren, Virginia, near the 301 bridge.

ATLANTIC STURGEON

“They’re returning in big numbers to the river,” Naujoks says. These fish are prehistoric — and they don’t have scales. They have scutes, like plates of armor. As an endangered species, it’s exciting to see them lurking at the bottom of the river.

AMERICAN SHAD

After swimming in the ocean for a few years, American shad come to rivers like the Potomac to spawn, providing an important link in the area’s food chain. “If you go to Fletchers Cove up in D.C., you’ll see literally dozens of people in row boats catching shad,” Naujoks says.

BLUE CATFISH

These are invasive and wreaking havoc on the Potomac. Several fisheries in the region are harvesting them, though, to control the population. “I recently ate blue catfish in a curry sauce at a restaurant,” Naujoks says. “It’s delicious. We need more restaurants using these fish. We have better tasting invasives right here in the Potomac River than [fish] sourced elsewhere.” Look closely at the fish on menu next time you go out — it’s a tasty way to help the river.

EASTERN LAMPMUSSEL

In 2019, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network piloted the 50 Million Mussel Project to bring back this valuable creature. The Eastern Lampmussel lives in the Anacostia and Potomac, helping filter toxins, nutrients and sediments (nine to 20 gallons a day) from the water to make rivers safer for their inhabitants — and for us, too.

EELGRASS

This aquatic seagrass is an unsung hero of climate change. Restoration projects in the Chesapeake Bay and our river system have seen success, giving more carbon-capturing plants to the D.C. area.

FORD’S THEATRE CELEBRATES GODMOTHER OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

SISTER ROSETTA THARPE

WORDS BY KEITH LORIA

Sister Rosetta Tharpe gained popularity in the ’30s and ’40s with her astonishing gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar. Her music was said to have influenced such icons as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.

Gayle Wald, an English professor at George Washington University, was intrigued by the story of an African American woman guitar virtuoso and wrote the bestseller “Shout, Sister, Shout!” which tells the story of the rock ‘n’ roll trailblazer.

“I had seen a film with a clip of Rosetta Tharpe,” Wald says. “The image of a middle-aged Black woman in a conservative long dress playing a white electric guitar, with a gospel choir behind her like a rock god, kind of blew me away. I really wanted to know more about her and why I — and a lot of people — didn’t know about her.”

As Wald discovered more and more about Tharpe’s fascinating life, she knew she had to write the biography, and spent about a decade researching and writing the book until it was released in 2008. A new edition with new information was released in 2023.

“Hers is a fantastic story,” Wald says. “She is not a tragic figure. Her life contains tragedy, but it’s really a path-breaking story about a woman who followed her own path and was a gospel trailblazer.”

Playwright Cheryl L. West turned Wald’s book into a musical, “Shout, Sister, Shout!” which explores Tharpe’s rise to fame amid her daring performances of church music at nightclubs and on recordings.

“When I first read the book years ago, I thought she was such a legend, but people didn’t know much about her and she had this very compelling story,” West says. “I am always interested in unsung heroes who teach us about resiliency and being an artist.”

Her goal, just like Wald’s, was to get audiences to learn about the woman who they called the “Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

“She integrated all kinds of music genres,” West says. “She was a protégé who was playing music at 4 years old. She traveled all over the U.S. and Europe doing her brand of music, and she also felt that she was saving souls. She was very much a Christian woman who saw music as a way of transforming lives.”

The musical made its Washington, D.C., debut at Ford’s Theatre on March 15.

Carrie Compere stars as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a role she originated in 2019 when the show premiered at Seattle Rep.

“It’s exciting for me to bring a voice to this woman who is unsung and has been for such a long time,” Compere says. “She is a beautiful Black woman from Arkansas and the only one doing what she was doing in her time.”

Directed by Kenneth L. Roberson with the production supervised by Sheldon Epps, the show looks at Tharpe’s relationships with her mother, evangelist Katie Bell Nubin (played by Carol Dennis), and her one-time duet partner Marie Knight (played by Felicia Boswell).

Compere not only loves the incredible music and eclectic dance in the show, but is pleased that “Shout, Sister, Shout!” is bringing attention to such a legend in the industry.

“I love telling people that she’s a voice you never knew you already knew,” Compere says. “Her music, influence and handprints are already here and exist in Black history, American history and world music.”

“Shout, Sister, Shout!” runs at Ford’s Theatre through May 13. Tickets start at $36.

Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th St. NW, DC; fords.org // @fordstheatre

Carrie Compere in “Shout, Sister, Shout!” Photo by Bronwen Houck.

WORDS BY CHAD KINSMAN

THE D.C. ARTS SCENE

STABLE SHAKES UP

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP. STABLE Arts CoPresident Rafi Crockett, STABLE Arts Executive Director Maleke Glee, artists Adrienne Gaither + Matthew Mann. Photos by Jefry Andres Wright.

Like a great work of art, the name of D.C.’s largest art studio, STABLE Arts, has layers. There’s the literal: Its building is a former stable. Then there’s its collective meaning — a group of people sharing space and resources: a stable of boxers, of writers. When used to describe a structure or a person, it means “not easily shaken or dislodged.” In the often-irregular lives of artists, some stability can make a big difference.

The studio, a demure brick building in Eckington, opened in late 2019 to provide local artists with affordable studio space. After several early shakeups, including the Covid-19 shutdown, personnel changes and community-led allegations of inequity, the organization hired Maleke Glee as its inaugural director in January 2021. They charged the Howard University and Goucher College alum with stabilizing the young organization and championing the past, present and future of art in the District, starting with its resident artists.

“A studio is quite valuable because it gives an artist freedom to make without restriction,” Glee says. “A lot of our artists were previously working in their living rooms or basements. They were cautious of the materials they could explore. There’s a real value in having a designated space where you can get the walls dirty, the floors dirty.”

Beyond permission to make a mess, STABLE provides artists with professional benefits such as networking, sales and presenting opportunities. Studios can further function as an office to meet with curators, collectors, journalists and others who can provide exposure and career advancement opportunities.

“Sometimes I just go there to eat lunch,” Leigh Davis, a STABLE artist, confesses. “It’s a practical space, but it’s also symbolic, a lifeline to my work. I’m in a completely different mental space in my studio.”

Davis’ works combine sculpture, photography and storytelling.

“Having a studio has meant a sense of autonomy and freedom,” Davis says. “I have all sorts of responsibilities, a family at home and teaching. The studio is really — like Virginia Woolf says — a room of my own.”

Beyond the individual benefit, community is central to STABLE’s ethos.

“STABLE was also created to address the more intangible need for space to commune with and get feedback from your peers,” Glee says.

STABLE’s current roster is composed of 19 artists representing a wide variety of identities, processes and mediums — a readymade arrangement for productive crosspollinations and critiques.

“We’re starting to create that social fabric,” Davis says. Spontaneous meetings still possess a kind of “first date energy,” Davis says before imitating one.

“‘Oh, you’re an artist too? What’s your work like? I’ve never been to your studio,’” she says, laughing. “It’s very beautiful and supportive.”

Glee is eager to share the best of STABLE with more people.

“I’m hoping STABLE can serve the full arts ecosystem,” he says. “That means serving people nerding out about art, like myself; people writing essays; and those dreaming up exhibitions. We want to be a space for art to exist outside of the art objects. I’m thinking of the salon culture of the early 20th century, when we had artists asking about the philosophical intentions of art making.”

Davis adds that in the face of the capitalistic arts market, artists require a space to share ideas freely. Both Davis and Glee believe those conversations must go beyond the traditional coterie of art goers.

“D.C. is a smart city,” Glee says. “I want to challenge STABLE to reach and speak to the wider public, people who engage with art every day but may not frequent museums or galleries. How does art speak to our day-to-day experiences? We are still mid-pandemic and there are so many other challenges. I would like STABLE to be a space where art is an entry point to those conversations.”

To start that process, STABLE will host a block party on May 6. Members of the public will be able to visit artists in their studios, enjoy live musical performances, peruse a vendors market, participate in free art making workshops and learn more about the company’s programs, which include short- and long-term residences as well as collaborations with Black Artists of DC and the Irish arts organization Solas Nua.

By investing in local contemporary artists, Glee foresees D.C. becoming an international arts epicenter, one built on an ongoing, constructive dialogue between patrons and producers.

“Once we broaden our audiences, it may also broaden the kind of work artists are producing,” he says. “They will have different factors of considerations and spheres of influences.”

That change is already happening for Davis, who moved to D.C. in 2018. She recently began working with Necothia “NikkiB” Bowens-Robinson on a project memorializing the experiences of residents in Northeast’s Rosedale neighborhood during the pandemic. The process has shown her a more layered view of the District — particularly its history as a majority Black city — as well as the importance of deeply listening to a community.

“The reason I make art is to be in conversation,” Davis says. “I can only make work about things I’m living. Being in D.C. has been life-altering.”

STABLE Arts: 336 Randolph Pl. NE, DC; stablearts.org // @stablearts

LIFE

Nikita Purdy. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

CYCLES OF CHANGE

Exploring all four quadrants of the District

Eckington

The Eckington neighborhood is perhaps best known for the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which has been decorated with a variety of murals over the last seven years. The architectural design is a mix of pastel-colored row houses and larger Victorian homes with actual yards. This neighborhood was once home to many artists, including Hole in the Sky, a DIY music art gallery venue. Now, the larger scale art nonprofit STABLE Arts holds residence along the railroad tracks and sustains itself among small businesses left in the wake of developments on the south side of Eckington. nomabid.org // @noma.bid

WORDS + PHOTOS BY MARIAH MIRANDA

The District, like most major cities, is in a state of perpetual transformation. In this season of renewal, we celebrate four D.C. neighborhoods changing in exciting ways while preserving a strong sense of community. Here is a snapshot of these spaces as they are today — a product of all that came before them, and still bound to continue evolving.

Mount Pleasant

This pocket above Adams Morgan is one of the few places in D.C. where people make eye contact, say hello and welcome small talk with strangers. What was once a largely Latinx oasis is now a melting pot of modern families and communityoriented residents. They celebrate local mom-and-pop shops with a main street that contains anything you might need, including a weekly farmer’s market with bike repair and compost stations. This area is the crunchy break needed after a day of trekking among the suits of downtown.

@mountpleasantmainst

Anacostia

The 11th Street Bridge leads right to the heart of Southeast’s Anacostia neighborhood, which is experiencing gentrification following the construction of high-rises across the river at The Wharf. Cottage-style row houses border Anacostia Park, home to a variety of activities — including a roller skating pavilion that will host weekly skate nights starting this spring. anacostiabid.org // @anacostiabid

Southwest Waterfront

Nestled between the major developments of The Wharf and Navy Yard are a series of homes reminiscent of mid-century modern architecture. The area is predominantly known for its commercial establishments, but its heart lies with the people who have lived there for decades. Waterfront Park is a peaceful strip of land where you can walk along the water and escape the crowds, enjoying the clean lines and bold structural designs of the surrounding homes created during the urban renewal of the 1960s. swbid.org // @swbid

Local Tourist

Where to explore in D.C.’s OG hippie haven

WORDS BY TONI TILEVA | ILLUSTRATION BY TORIE PARTRIDGE

“Where do you live?”

“Takoma.”

“Maryland or D.C., though?”

Much like the inevitable confusion that ensues with the localese term “DMV area,” this neighborhood — that’s in truth two neighborhoods — evokes a similar reaction.

But perhaps you have heard of Takoma Park by its decidedly cooler monikers like “The People’s Republic of Takoma Park” or “The Berkeley of the East” or “Azalea City.” If not, you have surely gone to its farmers market (pie contest, anyone?) or Folk Festival. Either way, there is enough in this former hippie haven (which declared itself a nuclear-free zone in 1983 and has an intense tree-preservation lobby…and I do mean intense) to attract you for a lot more than granola — although it has that, too.

Eat

Old Town Takoma is a cluster of stores and restaurants, including fish and food for the soul spot Horace and Dickies, Trattoria Da Lina (homemade pasta) and adjoining Carpe Diem Pizzeria, Olive Lounge (a decades old Middle Eastern mainstay), Roscoe’s Neapolitan Pizzeria, Kin Da (Thai and sushi), Seoul Food DC (the homey interior alone is worth checking out) and newcomer Cielo Rojo. Oh, and there’s a butcher, too, where you can order sandwiches.

Drink

The Girl & The Vine is a better-known spot for oenophiles, but Takoma Bev. Co. is always hoppin’ with local bands, tastings, trivia nights and just plain revelry. If you don’t want to be too adventurous, Busboys and Poets, close to the Metro, also has a bar menu.

Go Out

In the mood for “art, learning, DIY”? Rhizome DC has some of the most avant-garde, genre-defying things for you.

Shop

Yes, Tabletop has an outpost here. But there is also Indigro Plant Design and vintage haven Bespoke Not Broke . But by far my favorite is the Crossroads Farmers Market on Wednesdays. Significantly less elitist than its main street counterpart, it features real-deal, delicious pupusas, antojitos and fresh produce.

Chill

Takoma Park lives up to its name with ample green space. Exhibit A: the Sligo Creek Trail. But the Takoma Park Library is also a favorite haunt.

Bespoke Not Broke

7042 Carroll Ave. // bespokenotbroke.com

Busboys and Poets

235 Carroll St. // busboysandpoets.com

Carpe Diem Pizzeria

7000 Carroll Ave. // carpediempizzaria.com

Cielo Rojo

7056 Carroll Ave. // cielo-rojo.com

Crossroads Farmers Market

Anne Street // @crossroadsntwk

The Girl & The Vine

7071 Carroll Ave. // thegirlandthevine.com

Horace and Dickies

6912 4th St. // horaceanddickies.com

Indigro Plant Design 7000 Carroll Ave. // indigroplantdesign.com

Kin Da 6923 Laurel Ave. // kindatakoma.com

Olive Lounge 7006 Carroll Ave. // mideasterncuisine.com

Rhizome DC 6950 Maple St. // rhizomedc.org

Roscoe’s Neapolitan Pizzeria 7040 Carroll Ave. // roscoespizzeria.com

Seoul Food DC 7302 Carroll Ave. // seoulfooddc.com

Tabletop 6927 Laurel Ave. // tabletopdc.com

Takoma Bev. Co. 6917 Laurel Ave. // takomabevco.com

Takoma Park Library 416 Cedar St. // dclibrary.org/takomapark

Trattoria Da Lina 7000 Carroll Ave. // trattoriadalina.com

Taking a Template, Making a Home

A millennial couple’s mid-century modern digs in Silver Spring

WORDS + PHOTOS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

Seventy years ago, architect Charles M. Goodman’s firm Hollin Hills set out to reshape the future of modern home design in the D.C. area. Their premise: The families of tomorrow wanted more democratic, sensible designs — some that could be easily scaled up or down.

Harnessing Hollin Hills as a laboratory, Goodman aspired to shake up suburban living with homes that infused the flexibility, adaptability and simplicity of Japanese modular design. The blueprint was for well-appointed dwellings unique for their open floor plans, pitched roofs, brick chimneys, exposed wood frames, generous tree scaping, minimally graded land and — most distinctively — floor-to-ceiling garage style windows orientated to optimize sunlight.

Ultimately, Goodman built 900 or so of these homes in the DMV. They exist as coveted, niche suburban real estate.

Silver Spring couple Nikita Purdy and Laura McConnaughy invited us to tour one of Goodman’s original creations — a place they’ve called home for over a year.

The couple says the house perfectly matches their lifestyle, though it was sheer luck that it came to be in their possession. In December 2021, the home was sold to a different buyer, but unforeseen circumstances led them to put it back on the market quickly.

In January 2022, after just five days of searching for homes in the D.C. area, Purdy made an offer on the Goodman home and went under contract. She and McConnaughy moved in and made it their own — and it’s in this same space they will say their vows in August.

“I loved the high ceilings,” Purdy says. “I loved the simplicity of the black and white throughout the house. I also loved the amount of light this house gets.”

Transitioning from a one-bedroom apartment, Purdy wanted a place that was manageable in size and where everything, including their community, flowed organically throughout. Plus, she points out, there’s an extra bedroom that leaves space for their family to grow.

“I strive for the house to be simple: classic, but also very inviting,” Purdy says. “I want people to come in and feel like they can grab a drink on their own

or sit wherever they want. This house is also their house when they come here.”

Purdy also sought an aesthetically pleasing habitat, both in physical design and as a blank slate of sorts, which they could fill with a modest collection of knick-knacks, plant life, artwork and furniture, like their sumptuous grassgreen velvet couch and chaise. It’s a gorgeous centerpiece.

McConnaughy agrees with Purdy, noting how easy it was to make their home distinct from similar Goodman structures nearby.

“There’s probably 20 or 30 [Goodman homes] in a four-block radius,” McConnaughy says. “They’re the same, but they’re all slightly different. It’s such a simple design, but there’s a lot of opportunity to make it your own.”

As an example, McConnaughy points out the stained-glass artist next door who’s put a unique imprint on their own Goodman home.

Purdy and McConnaughy’s cozy abode blends various expressions of feminist and masculine energy and influence: a colorful and vivacious painting depicting the sundry shapes of women’s breasts, embroidered signs, a race car print, snake plants, candles, one well-loved brown leather office chair, textured dining chairs, an elegant hand-drawn rendering of their home, two pets (one dog, one cat) and one Progress Pride Flag proudly flown at their front door.

One of their favorite features is a former coat closet turned shallow alcove, where a beautiful mid-century bar cabinet, once belonging to McConnaughy’s grandmother, rests.

Their home remains a work in progress, but it’s perfectly theirs, including a lush but feral backyard they’re hellbent on taming before their wedding day.

The couple is grateful for their slice of Charles Goodman-designed nirvana, where they can occasionally bask in the sun over a glass of early afternoon champagne and take in the neighborhood — as the visionary Goodman intended.

Follow Purdy and McConnaughy’s home journey on Instagram @thecgoodman.

Laura McConnaughy + Nikita Purdy.

Gianna Verri walking along the Union Station Metro platform.

BOUND FOR ADVENTURE

WORDS

BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III

In D.C., the city’s connective tissue is its vast urban mobility. This includes an expansive public transit system, the prevalence of carshare, micro-mobility alternatives like e-bikes and e-scooters and notable bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

With an ever-expanding network of Metrorail stations and lines, bus routes and the DC Streetcar — which stretches over 2.2 miles of H Street Corridor — it’s never been easier to traverse the country’s sixth-largest metropolitan area. Across 5,500+ square miles, more than 5.4 million locals can access one of three airports, cross state lines to commute home, enjoy the area’s diverse and flourishing food and beverage scene or visit one of its many monuments and artistic havens.

But the transit system and its governance are not without their flaws. Profitability, safety and equitable access remain ongoing and divisive issues. Thankfully, D.C. officials are taking many steps to evolve the District’s mass transit apparatus.

One such initiative kicked off in October 2022 as Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the launch of the Mobility Innovation District (MID). Backed by a generous budget, MID — which targets

the Southwest corridor — is focused on modernization, sustainability, equality and innovation. It should improve upon electric vehicle charging infrastructure, promote job creation through the attraction of tech companies in the mobility space and introduce a Universal Basic Mobility program that provides a transportation stipend for low-income residents.

I recently set out with Gianna Verri, a manager at the popular American tavern and steakhouse St. Anselm, to explore the city via public transportation, capturing colorful images of the architecture, design and style that make it so distinctive. Our trip included a visit to Kramers, an OG bookstore and restaurant concept in Dupont Circle; a Metro ride to the iconic Union Station; a DC Streetcar cruise down the length of H Street for lunch and cocktails at Maketto and a 1.2-mile e-scooter safari to the bustling Union Market District.

We hope you’re encouraged to get out and enjoy the District by train, bike, scooter or foot, especially as the warm weather arrives.

To learn more about D.C.’s public transit system, visit wmata.com.

+ PHOTOS

What’s new at The DC Center for the LGBT Community

Making Room for All

WORDS BY AVIVA BECHKY

When a visitor walks into The DC Center for the LGBT Community on 14th Street, they are welcomed immediately. They can grab clothing from a walk-in closet, pick out food from a kitchen, check out a book from a brightly lit room, or pick up pamphlets and a condom.

“We’re the first place they come to,” Kimberley Bush, the center’s executive director, says. “The DC Center for the LGBT Community is the first place they actually walk into. When they walk out, they are walking out in power.”

But Bush and their colleagues have bigger dreams for the center. Later this year, the center will expand into an even larger space on Wiltberger Street, where they can partner with outside groups and offer more comprehensive wrap-around services.

The center works to provide help to those in crisis and immediate need.

“Whenever you’re getting off that Greyhound bus with your busted Samsonite, and you’ve just been kicked out of your home or whatever it is you’re going through, there’ll be someone to take care of any crisis counseling that person may need,” Bush says.

Over the past several years, the organizations behind the center have also helped the LGBTQ+ community come together and celebrate, even during Covid-19.

In 2021, for instance, they thought Pride would be canceled for the second year in a row thanks to the pandemic. But a month prior to when the parade would be, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the city would reopen.

The DC Center and Capital Pride scrambled to get ready.

“Just within three weeks, organizations, individuals, government officials — we all came together to really figure out how we can provide that space for folks to get out of their homes, to be in community,” Ryan Bos, the executive director of Capital Pride, says. “To be able to see the joy and fulfillment of what that does for folks definitely validated the work.”

That spirit, that exuberance, is what Bos wants to bring over to Wiltberger Street. The new location — which Bowser invested $1 million in through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development — will boast coworking spaces, therapy rooms, wellness spaces for meditation and yoga, a cyber-lounge, a larger community closet with free clothing and lockers for unhoused community members.

As the organizations build their new space, they’re also thinking about how to design it around sustainability and accessibility. Since the new location is near the Green Line and several bus stations, Rehana Mohammed, the vice chair of the Board of Directors for The DC Center, says she hopes people

will be able to easily arrive from public transit.

The new location will incorporate elements of the old as part of their sustainability plan. And the entire space is designed around accessibility, rather than having a separate accessible entrance route, according to Mohammed.

“Everyone’s interacting with the space on the same path in the same way,” she says. “We’re thinking beyond ADA accessibility to make sure the space is a supportive and nurturing environment for people with neurodiversity. And to make sure it is supportive for people who have other disabilities, so they can access the space as well.”

Mohammed wants to ensure the new center is a place where the community can truly come together, a sentiment Capital Pride Board of Directors president Ashley Smith echoes.

“The work we’re doing [is] for the people of the future — and those who are alive today,” Smith says. “It’s just being able to create those spaces. And I think that’s the important part and why we continue to do what we do.”

At its inception, the center was essentially a single room, Bos says. When it expanded to 14th Street, he saw how a larger space encourages everyone to come together.

Though he says D.C. has the largest LGBTQ+ community per capita in the country, he also thinks it has the “most inadequate” amount of space. So, to Bos, the move is a way to rectify that issue, unite the community and expand the resources on hand.

“ We can gather in person, work in person and really showcase our community,” he says.

The DC Center and Capital Pride will be joined in their new location by a number of supporting groups, including the Wanda Alston Foundation, Rainbow Families and G III Associates. And, Smith says, they’re hoping to see more groups sign on over the next few months to create a true community hub.

Once complete, Mohammed says, the project will serve as the embodiment of the hopes of the D.C. LGBTQ+ community.

“The dream was always to have a dedicated, purpose-built space that was more accessible and, frankly, bigger — where we can offer more services and incorporate more organizations and members of the community,” she says. “So, this space is really all of that work and dreaming and imagining coming to fruition.”

PLAY

Photo by Milo Allerton Bateman.

BY ANNIE AG N O N E

FourBike Rides to Celebrate D.C. ’ s Waterways WORDS

Growing up in Northern Virginia, it seemed to my child-self that I was forever being driven over water. Nestled in the V between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, with Rock Creek meandering nine miles through city limits, D.C. is a river town. Thirteen major bridges grant access to the city, and — with parents who commuted to Northwest and extended family in Maryland — it felt as though I was constantly crossing water, often extremely slowly.

The Potomac is the second largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay and the historic demarcation between the Union and the Confederacy. Its shores are the ancestral homeland of the Nacotchtank, its waters a source of food and transportation for centuries or more. Yet this great body of water was not a place I spent time or even got close to. I remember D.C.’s rivers as polluted-but-picturesque obstacles, best viewed from above, a backdrop to monuments and cherry blossoms.

Since the Clean Water Act of 1972, much has been done to re-connect D.C. with its waterways: to clean them up and make them more accessible, to reinvigorate waterfronts, to engender a sense of fondness and responsibility that might yield continued protection for these vital ecosystems for years to come.

Recreation in particular is a key tool for connecting people to rivers in a meaningful way.

“It’s harder for polluters to get away with doing bad things

to the river when more and more people are using and enjoying it,” says Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks.

And one of the best ways to see large swaths of waterfronts up close and to access waterfront activities in a low-impact way is biking.

Kalli Krumpos, capital trails coalition manager at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), says cycling changed her experience of D.C.

“Biking helped the D.C. region feel like home,” says Krumpos, who relocated to the city from Illinois in 2008. “You’re traveling a little more slowly, so you’re able to take things in. You’re able to enjoy what’s around you because you’re kind of a part of it.”

In her role with WABA, Krumpos works with the Capital Trails Coalition, a collaboration between more than 75 organizations from across the region to build out a network of multi-use trails — planned to be nearly 1,000 miles long, with many of those miles along D.C.’s storied waterways.

As the weather gets warmer, consider planning a bike adventure to take advantage of some of the city’s many waterfront trails. With help from WABA, we put together a few ideas for rides and destinations to get you enjoying river views, catching a cool breeze off the water, trying out some onwater activities and even stopping to learn about the ecology and history of D.C.’s great waterways.

Mount Vernon Trail. Photo by Milo Allerton Bateman.

Dipping a Toe In

These shorter rides on more straightforward routes — with ample opportunities to get off your bike and explore — are perfect for cyclists who might be building confidence or riding with kids.

Explore Kingman + Heritage Islands. Created in the early 1900s from material dredged from the Anacostia River, these man-made islands are home to more than 100 species of wildlife and a range of ecosystems, including wildflower meadows, vernal pools and swamp forests. Access the islands via the Anacostia River Trail (ART) to bike the islands’ unpaved path and boardwalk, stopping to check out interpretive signs along the way. kingmanisland.com // @doee_dc

Ride to Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. A hidden oasis in the city, Kenilworth is the only National Park Service site dedicated to aquatic plants. And you don’t want to miss it in July when the lotuses and water lilies are in peak bloom. To get there, take the ART (currently a 12-mile network of paved trails with more planned). Start at RFK stadium (accessible by car and Metro) for a 15-mile round trip, or opt for a shorter ride by starting and ending further north along the ART.

1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, DC; nps.gov/keaq // @kenilworthnps

Diving Deeper

Enjoy scenic views, on-water activities and river breezes on these mediumdistance routes that connect with other trails if you’re itching to tack on more miles.

Circumnavigate Lake Artemesia.

From the ART, follow the Northeast Branch Trail north to Lake Artemesia in Prince George’s County. This 38-acre lake and natural area boasts a fishing pier, gazebos and bi-monthly bird walks hosted by the Prince George’s Audubon Society. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, including ibises. Make it a loop by taking the Rhode Island Avenue

Trolley Trail south (following the route of the trolley that ran between Laurel, Maryland, and D.C. in the early 1900s) to the Northwest Branch Trail. Depending on where you begin on the ART, expect about 20 miles of biking. Berwyn Road + 55th Avenue in Berwyn Heights, MD; pgparks.com

Stop for a paddle along the Capital Crescent Trail. The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) follows the Potomac before turning north along the Little Falls Branch to Bethesda (about 25 miles out and back). Though the CCT is largely asphalt, the first half runs parallel to the C&O Canal Towpath if you’re interested in riding on gravel. This trail boasts river views, a tree-screen from the bustle of the city and access to several boathouses, including Fletcher’s Cove, in operation since the 1850s. Rent a canoe, kayak, rowboat or a stand-up paddleboard to experience the Potomac and C&O Canal from the water. 4940 Canal Rd. NW, DC; boatingindc.com/fletchers-boathouse // @boatingindc

Mapping Your Rout e

When planning a new adventure, take care to map out your route carefully before you get on your bike. Visit the WABA website for recommended local wayfinding resources, drop by their office to pick up a paper map or get in touch to discuss your proposed route. Once you have a sense of where you want to go and the general route you’d like to take, click through your route on Google Street View (enhanced by Rails to Trails Conservancy data and cyclist feedback) to get a more precise sense of what to expect.

waba.org/resources/maps-and-documents

Potomac Riverkeeper Network:

3070 M St. NW, DC; potomacriverkeepernetwork.org // @potomac_riverkeeper_network

Washington Area Bicyclist Association: 2599 Ontario Rd. NW, DC; waba.org // @wabadc

Uncharted Waters

In search of a spot to take a dip? Ready to wade into routes beyond D.C.’s extensive trail network? Here are a few ideas for water-bound adventures. They’ll make for a ride that’s either fun and refreshing or ambitious and challenging — but almost certainly memorable.

BIKE TO THE BEACH

For a hefty day with an enormous pay-off, head to D.C.’s closest beach, Sandy Point State Park. From the city, Sandy Point is about 45 miles one way. So unless you’re planning to stay the night, be sure to start early to beat the heat, maximize sunlight and build in time for breaks.

dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands

SPLASH AROUND

Zip over to one of D.C.’s spray parks or outdoor pools. Further west, NOVA Parks has five waterpark locations, as close to the city as Alexandria and Arlington and as far out as Centreville.

Spray parks

dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks

Outdoor pools

dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools  Waterparks

novaparks.com/waterparks

FROM TOP. CJ Abrams + Cade Cavalli. Photos courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.

Feeling Optimistic Nationals Players Talk Upcoming Season

WORDS BY KEITH LORIA

While the Nats are coming off a disappointing 55-107 record, there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the club’s future. The team has some of the most lauded prospects in the game, including James Wood, Elijah Green, Robert Hassell III and Cade Cavalli, as well as top youngsters CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz and MacKenzie Gore. This group is expected to lead the team and anchor the next championship team in years to come. During spring training, some of the team’s players spoke with District Fray about their feelings on the upcoming season, the team’s future and what they enjoy about playing in Washington, D.C.

District Fray: It’s the time of year when everyone is on equal footing at 0-0. Why are you optimistic the Nationals can make some noise in 2023?

CJ Abrams (shortstop): We have a bunch of young players who love to play and have fun doing it. With all this young talent, we’re able to grow together.

Cade Cavalli (pitcher): I know we’ve all been preparing crazy hard to make this year as successful as possible. We all have an end goal in mind, which is to win. Each day is an opportunity — that’s preached to us. If we can just trust the process and keep putting in our best effort each day, then the results will be the way we prepared.

The Nats have some great younger players getting a chance in The Show. How will that youthful energy help on the field?

Abrams: Especially with the new rules this year [the elimination of shifting, a pitch clock to speed up the game and bigger bases, among others], we have a lot of chances to show our athleticism on the field, whether that’s ranging to get the balls on defense, helping pitchers get outs or swinging the bats.

Cavalli: We’re a crazy hungry team. We have veteran guys leading this team, and they’re helping us younger guys to prepare our best. Whenever we’re out on the field, we’re going to have that energy. We’re hungry. We want to win, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

What is manager Dave Martinez’s early message to the team this spring?

Josiah Gray (starting pitcher): His early message is just to go out there and learn every day. With us being predominantly

young, there are going to be a lot of ebbs and flows in the season. It’s about learning every day — learning from your mistakes, learning from your really good moments and bottling those moments up and thinking how you can improve or stay even-keeled and consistent, because this game comes down to consistency. Martinez is awesome. I think he’s one of the best managers in the game at getting the most out of his guys. He’s always positive, always optimistic.

Any favorite restaurants or venues you like to go on off days or when you’re not on the field?

Gray: Unconventional Diner. It has a really good brunch. Really good dinner as well. I’ve been there probably three or four times now, and I always look forward to going there on an off day or when I have family in town, because it’s a spot I can introduce people to and they’ll always enjoy it.

Sean Doolittle (pitcher): We’re not big foodies — my wife’s a great cook, so we do a lot of cooking at home. She gets a lot of stuff from Eastern Market and whips it up when we get home, so breakfast spots are some of my favorite places to go. I really like Bethesda Bagels. I also like Call Your Mother, and Buffalo & Bergen has really good bagel sandwiches and good coffee. We like to take the dogs on long walks, take them hiking at Rock Creek Park. We hit up some of those free museums. The Portrait Gallery is one of our favorites. In the summer, we like to go on bike rides along the Anacostia River Trail.

What’s special about Nationals fans?

Doolittle: I feel so lucky to have a good relationship with Nats fans. They’ve taken such good care of me and my wife since we came here in 2017. They’ve really supported us on and off the field. Maybe after not having a big-league team in D.C. for a long time, they’re so excited baseball is back in the District. They’re very passionate fans. They’re very smart fans. Even last year, it was a tough year, and they still came out and supported us. I’m very appreciative of them, and they’re a big reason why we love playing here so much.

For more information on Nationals’ game times, giveaways and tickets, visit mlb.com/nationals. Follow the Nats on Instagram @nationals.

WORDS BY ANNIE AGNONE ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA GOLDBERG

Visit Rock Creek Park on a Saturday morning and you’re likely to see a dozen dogs wearing bright orange vests, running or walking alongside their human handlers. If it’s hot, they might be hiking a wooded trail or splashing in the shaded creek. Later in the day, find them panting and lounging in the grass, accepting belly rubs and treats.

This is the People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK), a program of the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA). Once a week, volunteers spring adoptable dogs from the Oglethorpe Street adoption center for a morning of exercise in the park. The program, launched in 2008, provides the dogs with crucial enrichment outside the shelter, as well as exposure to potential owners, while they await adoption.

And if you’re looking to infuse your exercise routine with socializing, volunteering and extreme cuteness — look no further.

Laura Guischard is one of five PACK leaders responsible for the volunteer-run program. A long-time dog-lover and avid runner, Guischard remembers being captivated by PACK runners and their furry counterparts whenever her road-runners group crossed paths with them on Beach Drive. In 2017, she became a volunteer, then a PACK leader. Eventually she moved from Germantown to Cottage City in Prince George’s County (three miles from HRA) to be closer to the shelter.

Guischard and the other PACK leaders provide support for volunteers, from helping harness the dogs at the shelter to getting them in and out of vehicles. Every week, leaders pair dogs approved by HRA’s medical and behavioral teams with available volunteers, so strong dogs in need of a run or older dogs or shy dogs get matched with the right person.

“We want to make it a great experience for everybody,” Guischard says.

And it is a great experience for the dogs. Even the most well-funded shelter environments can be anxiety-producing for the dogs that live there: loud and confined, with only short walks often to the same stretch of grass. On PACK outings, dogs get extended one-on-one time with humans, plenty of treats, the opportunity to smell new smells, affection and exercise. It’s a break from shelter life that Guischard says can be transformational.

“When we first get them out, they’re jumpy, they’re barky, they’re pulling,” Guischard says. “But 20 minutes in, the dog’s not pulling

anymore. They’re not barking at other dogs. You just see them settle down. You can see that transformation throughout the morning.”

PACK’s positive impact on the dogs is what makes it a challenge for Guischard to decide which ones to leave behind on weeks when there are more approved dogs than volunteers.

Getting the dogs out is also a great way to observe how they behave in the world beyond the shelter walls — because that’s where they’re ultimately headed.

“Quite frequently, the notes we have on file for the animals — they’re not great,” Guischard says. “It’s from their intake, when they were surrendered or when they were seized. The dogs are under duress, they’re very anxious. We get to see a completely different side of some of these dogs.”

Week after week, volunteers provide notes on their dogs — How do they do with strangers? Around bikes? In the car? — which can go a long way toward helping the HRA find a home that will be a good and lasting fit.

Non-volunteers spend some time with the dogs, too. On a beautiful Saturday morning at the Arboretum or Rock Creek Park, PACK attracts attention from the steady stream of people running, biking, pushing strollers, roller skiing — and stopping to ask about the cute pups in “Adopt Me” vests.

“Sometimes they fall in love in the moment,” Guischard says.

Once oriented and trained in dog handling, volunteers can join a group of regular PACK volunteers who seem to enjoy the fresh air, socializing, human-animal bonding and exercise about as much as the animals.

“I wake up earlier on a Saturday than I do for work during the week and I’m happy to do it,” Guischard says.

And she’s been doing it long enough to see dogs she walked years ago out and about in Rock Creek Park, walking with their new owners.

The Humane Rescue Alliance’s People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK) meets every Saturday morning year-round to walk and run adoptable dogs at Rock Creek Park or the U.S. National Arboretum. To learn more about the program and get involved, visit the PACK website humanerescuealliance.org/pack.

Humane Rescue Alliance: 71 Oglethorpe St. NW, DC; humanerescuealliance.org // @humanerescue

Photos courtesy of the Humane Rescue Alliance.

Beginner’s Guide

Tease your way into burlesque.

WORDS BY ANNIE AGNONE

Beneath the glitter of rhinestones and sheen of pearls, the spectacle of feathers and strategically draped velvet, burlesque is theatrical striptease that can otherwise be almost anything: playful or sensual, comedic or emotional, simple or elaborate. Though performers debate the exact definition, burlesque in its various forms and flavors has delighted and excited American audiences for more than 150 years. Since the rise of neo-burlesque around the dawn of the 21st century, burlesque has re-emerged not only as an art form and profession, but as a space to practice and cultivate self-love: a mental and physical workout fun enough not to feel like one, a mode of creative expression open to people of all identities, a source of confidence that might otherwise be hard to find.

For D.C.-based burlesque performer, shake dancer and rollergirl Bebe Bardeaux, burlesque has always been about finding power in a world where she did not see herself reflected in the beauty standards around her.

“I’m 4 foot, 11 inches,” says Bardeaux, who started performing in 2017 and now goes by the epithet The Doll of D.C. “I’m dark-skinned. I don’t look like the stereotypical pinup. And yet, when I get up there, nobody questions it. People think they know what they want, but they don’t. They will believe what you believe.”

Bardeaux, who performed in her first show a year after having a baby, says burlesque helped her love her body.

“To this day, it’s the most beautiful I’ve ever felt — when I was onstage, rubbing my back rolls with glitter,” she says. “In burlesque, we have a rule: When you look in the mirror, if you see a part of your body you’re embarrassed about, or a part of your body you hate, put glitter on it. Emphasize it. Put beads on it. Massage it. Love that part of your body the most. It totally rewires how you view yourself, what you think you’re capable of.”

GiGi Holliday, a full-time performer, educator and D.C. native, is another burlesque artist who experienced this sense of empowerment firsthand. Holliday took her first burlesque class in the wake of a break-up in 2010. Twelve years later, she was ranked by her peers as the number 11 most influential performer in the industry for 21st Century Burlesque Magazine. She describes her style as a blend of 1950s aesthetic and 1990s hip-hop: “Dorothy Dandridge with a hip-hop beat” who pairs doorknocker earrings and Jordans with pin-up skirts.

Holliday credits the confidence she gained from burlesque for helping her advance in her corporate job before she began performing full time. She says she’s seen changes in her students, too: They’ve made big moves in their health, relationships and careers, propelled by a newfound sense of self-worth.

“That confidence you learn by moving your body ends up affecting your mind and coming out into your everyday world,” says Holliday, who relocated to NYC in 2021.

We asked Bardeaux and Holliday what they recommend for DMVers interested in seeing what burlesque is all about — and who may want to give it a shot themselves.

See a show.

In addition to supporting live entertainment and working artists, seeing burlesque in person is a great way to find out what you like — and what you might want to try.

Check the schedules for venues like Bier Baron, the Birchmere (which hosts a long-running annual show around Valentine’s Day), SAX Dinner Theater & Lounge and The Howard Theatre; as well as D.C.-based troupes like DC Gurly Show, the city’s longest running queer performance troupe, and DMVariety, which produces a regular burlesque and variety brunch called “Yolks on You,” hosted by clown Jim Dandy and burlesque performer Delilah Dentata.

Brush up on burlesque history.

Bardeaux, a historian as well as performer, specializes in shake dancing, a precursor to the striptease popularized by Black burlesque dancers in the 1930s and the topic of the book she’s working on. She emphasizes that learning about burlesque history — understanding what people before you have worked hard to build so you can honor it and build upon it — is key to becoming a better performer.

Intimately tied to queer and punk culture, burlesque in D.C. has evolved into a style all its own: favoring political acts, drag kings and fat burlesque over traditional glitz and glamor.

“You put on a lot of rhinestones here, people may not be impressed,” Bardeaux says. “They really want to see what kind of story you have to tell.”

GiGi Holliday. Photo by La Voix Visions.

Find your muse.

After seeing some live shows, look up the performers who inspire you. DMVers who want to try burlesque can find in-person and online classes through burlesque schools across the country, but they can also learn directly from some of D.C.’s top performers. Look into what artists you admire are offering — from Patreons and YouTube series to private or group classes. Even if your favorite performers aren’t teaching, it doesn’t hurt to get in touch and tell them you admire their work.

“Reach out,” Bardeaux says. “You never know. They could just take you under their wing.”

Discover your burlesque persona.

Now that you’re armed with plenty of inspiration, context and possibly even some skills, it’s time to find your very own burlesque persona. One rule: Whether you keep it simple or go big, make it fresh.

“Be the burlesque you want to see in the world,” Holliday says. “I can teach you the moves, but I can’t put the emotion in there for you, babes. You have to find your own story.”

Holliday recommends playing dress-up: Use your imagination and experiment until you discover who you want to be on stage, what you want to say and how.

Put yourself out there.

Bardeaux teaches classes on kittening, a form of stage-managing that involves making a bit of a show while collecting tips and picking up costume pieces performers have dropped. To her, it’s an art form all its own. She says it’s a real opportunity to see the inner workings of a show, to learn about and gain respect for the craft of burlesque.

“You see that it’s not just about five minutes on stage,” Bardeaux says. “You see all the blood, sweat and tears the producers are going through. You see all the panic and anxiety of these people you probably thought were larger than life. But when you see them backstage, you see those quiet, scared moments right before they hit the lights and they turn into this big, bodacious character.”

You can follow Bebe Bardeaux on Instagram @bebe.bardeaux and GiGi Holliday @gigiholliday.

Local burlesque performers not to miss

BETTY O’HELLNO

Queer drag and burlesque queen with a passion for vintage style // @bettyohellno

EVA MYSTIQUE

Fire dancer, choreographer, erotic author and mental health advocate // @evamystique

FOX E. MARTIN

Non-binary, queer burlesquer, model and pole dancer // @foxemartin

JACQUELINE BOXX

Baltimore-based disabled burlesque performer, disability activist and the first to compete in a wheelchair for a title at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender // @jacquelineboxx

LONDON ST. JUNIPER

Tattooed Ph.D., writer and burlesque performer with a sideshow bent // @ london_st_j

MAKI ROLL

Award-winning international cosplayer, burlesque performer, erotic artist and producer of the International Nerdlesque Festival // @makirollofficial

MERMAID CHÈ MONIQUE

Founder of Chocolate City Burlesque and The Society of Fat Mermaids with a purpose to remind people who look like her, “You are more than enough and deserve to live a joyous life full of magic.” // @mermaidchemonique

GiGi Holliday. Photo by B. Fresco.

FUN

Illustration by E$. Follow the artist on Instagram @theedollarsign.

Members Only with Braulio Agnese

WORDS BY EMERSON DAMERON

We are so grateful for the people who help make District Fray possible, so we’re highlighting them in our Members Only series. Become a member at districtfray.com/subscribe.

This month, we meet Braulio Agnese, marketing and communications director at the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and longtime D.C. resident. Agnese tells of his many roles — from editing to architecture — some of his most memorable moments in breaking news and why the District is incomparable.

District Fray: How would you describe your career so far?

Braulio Agnese: Within D.C., I’ve worked for significant nonprofits, publishing companies, a museum and the largest architecture firm in the world, as well as local organizations and small businesses — plus occasional stints of freelance work. I have continually added to my knowledge and understanding of D.C. across a range of topics — people,

places, history — which has been important as I have focused on local things in my career choices.

What major scandals and stories have you been involved with?

Most of my career has been outside politics and the federal government, but there was a five-year period in the early 2000s when I worked as a copy editor for a major weekly newspaper (Legal Times, now defunct) that broke a few stories about the Jack Abramoff Native American casino lobbying scandal, which some have called one of the largest political scandals in a generation. The paper also did significant reporting in the first few years of the Guantánamo Bay trials. Of more local, District-centered interest: I worked at the PR and marketing firm that helped Chef Mike Isabella open his first D.C. restaurant, Graffiato. I spent a year plus generating national and international attention for Dupont Underground. And I wrote a feature article about Capitol Crossing for Landscape Architecture Magazine.

What are your favorite things about living in D.C.?

Over the past 30 years, I’ve stood on the roof of the National Building Museum, swam in the Dumbarton Oaks pool and spent countless hours beneath the city’s streets thinking about concrete tubes. I’ve experienced the old and the new 9:30 Club, gone dancing in the warehouses of Southeast D.C. before that area was redeveloped and played flag football where the National Museum of African American History and Culture now sits. I’ve worked with organizations that have had positive impacts on local communities — such as my current role at the DowntownDC BID. My home is a 10-minute walk from the Metro, a 15-minute bike ride from the office and a 20-minute walk from Rock Creek Park. Where else is something like this possible?

What are your other hobbies or projects?

My ongoing project is perfecting the one-handed backhand, the most beautiful of all tennis strokes.

Your neighborhood: Petworth. Favorite museum: For the mission, the National Building Museum. For the architecture, the National Gallery of Art East Building. Go-to cuisine: Southeast Asian. 2023 goal: First international leisure travel since the pandemic began (here we come, Spain!)

Learn more about the DowntownDC BID at downtowndc.org and follow Braulio Agnese on Twitter @bagnese.

Photo by Elman Studio.

Players’ Club with Reuben

Brenner-Adams

WORDS BY EMERSON DAMERON

We love our DC Fray players, so we’re highlighting them in our Players’ Club series. Join Fray leagues at dcfray.com/leagues.

This month, we’re featuring DC Fray superstar Reuben Brenner-Adams. Reuben currently plays volleyball with DC Fray, but he’s been involved in Fray leagues for many years, having previously played kickball, dodgeball and softball. All those calories he burns on the field have to come from somewhere, which explains his fascination with food — Reuben is a walking culinary encyclopedia and even hosts a show about spices, a reminder that you can’t spell “podcast” without “D.C.” District Fray was delighted to mix it up with Reuben to hear his takes on work, play, chow and life in the city.

District Fray: Are you from the D.C. area? If not, what brought you here?

Reuben Brenner-Adams: I’m from Ithaca, New York. I came to the DMV for work in 2017 after an internship here in 2016. How would you describe your career?

I’m a programmer for learning games, primarily working on mobile games for informal and formal K-12 education.

What other hobbies or activities are you involved in?

I love cooking food from around the world. One of my favorite things is trying new foods — the spicier, the better — and drinks. Outside of culinary hobbies, I enjoy hiking and board games.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the D.C. area?

The lifelong friends made through DC Fray sports notwithstanding, my favorite thing about D.C. is the variety and availability of food from many different cultures and cuisines. From Ethiopian to Laotian to Georgian and beyond, it is wonderful to be able to fill one’s plate with a diversity of delicious dishes.

What are some important things people don’t know about you and your time in D.C.?

I produce a podcast about spices and herbs called “The Spicecast.” If you have a spice story or a strong connection to a particular spice, I’d love to have you as a guest on an episode! Contact me at podcast@thespicecast.com. Also, I’ve found walking around D.C. landmarks at night is the best. It’s less crowded, cooler and even more beautiful.

Your neighborhood: Southwest Waterfront. Favorite museum: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Goto cuisine: Szechuan. 2023 goal: Continuing to work toward my goal of drinking beer produced in every country in the world. I’m up to 147 so far!

Learn more about Reuben Brenner-Adams on Twitter @kangareuben12 and listen to his podcast at soundcloud.com/thespicecast.

Photo courtesy of subject.

Photo Hunt

CAN YOU SPOT THE SIX DIFFERENCES? Every inch of Libby Rasmussen’s apartment is intentionally curated, and her bathroom is no exception. Spot the differences and head over to page 28 to see more of Rasmussen’s space, gain some design inspiration and learn a few tips for personalizing your home décor. Check districtfray.com for the answer key.

Libby Rasmussen’s apartment. Photo by Mariah Miranda.

CREATED BY MYLES MELLOR

This month, our crossword highlights things making us move. The theme is all-encompassing: it might be about a workout, our city’s transport system or the way a performance moves us emotionally. Keep an eye out for the many metaphors while moving through the crossword.

NOTE: Check districtfray.com for the answer key.

ACROSS

1 Move to a new area

5 Useful local transport option

9 Used FedEx, e.g.

10 Cardio exercises keep it moving

11 Last number in a countdown

12 House buying and selling professional

14 Romantic flower

17 The sun, for example

18 Strolls idly through Rock Creek Park, for example

20 Stretching exercise procedure

23 Road crew supply

25 Type of transport covered by trains and buses

27 Seafood selection

28 Make a choice

30 Rent out

32 Garden between the Organization of American States Building and the Art Museum of the Americas

34 Green Lantern supervillain

36 Rainbow shape

38 Capitan in Yosemite National Park

39 Popular D.C. moving company, 2 words

DOWN

1 The act of bringing a historic building back to its former glory, for example

2 Waikiki wear

3 D.C. neighborhood full of colorful row houses, two words

4 House architecture style

6 Brown pelican features

7 Stravinsky’s “The of Spring”

8 Famous D.C. spring blossoms

13 Pitcher’s asset

15 Classified ad abbreviation

16 Guesstimated arrival time, abbr.

19 Arranged

21 Shine, like the dew on spring flowers

22 In (harmonious)

24 In a style from earlier days

26 Arrive at a destination

29 Chest muscle, for short

31 Item meant to identify baggage

33 Large deer

35 “Same , same…” (casual)

37 Concerning

Won’t You Be Alison Scimeca’s Neighbor?

WORDS BY NICOLE SCHALLER

Photos by Jonathan Thorpe.

Alison Scimeca is a self-proclaimed renaissance woman — and she has the resume and skillset to back it up. Interning at 9:30 Club while studying at George Washington University, Scimeca immersed herself in the local music scene while finishing her degree in exercise science and athletic training. She went on to work as a personal trainer for 10 years before switching to work at a tech startup, where she managed D.C. and New York City markets. Now in her third reinvention, she works as a realtor to find people their permanent home in the D.C. area. In her free time, she works with rescue shelters to foster dogs until they find a permanent home of their own, too.

“I feel like I was never meant to do one specific thing,” Scimeca says, holding a yorkie mix rescue on her lap. “The thread through all of my careers has been customer service and wanting to help people achieve and fall in love with something.”

The move to realty was surprising to Scimeca, who often found the industry cold and cash driven. However, with her group The RARE (Radically Authentic Real Estate) affiliated with Compass, Scimeca decided to do things her way by creating a unique, inviting and admittedly quirky experience for clients. Through her company, she offers events for people to network, explore the city and learn more about real estate; hosts a podcast and YouTube channel to provide advice on all things real estate; and above all, makes sure empathy is provided throughout the journey of her clients finding a home.

District Fray had a chance to pick Scimeca’s brain about the D.C. area’s current market, her favorite neighborhoods and why she is not planning to switch careers again anytime soon.

District Fray: What are the up-and-coming neighborhoods you feel are worth the investment in the long run?

Alison Scimeca: Michigan Park is a good one. Anacostia is still going up in value. Those are two I think of right off the bat. Effectively if you go east in D.C. — if we’re talking about just the District — that’s where things are more affordable and where you see more development happening. NoMa got a whole new name; it used to be warehouses and big dance clubs and stuff like that. And south, like Navy Yard, wasn’t a thing 10 to 15 years ago. If the recommendation was a direction, it’s south and east. That’s where everything is more affordable right now.

What neighborhoods do you recommend outside of the city for people considering leaving D.C. proper?

So much of house buying is subjective. What’s important to you? Is it having a yard? Is all you want a two-level house? What’s an acceptable commute? 20 minutes? 40 minutes? It depends on what your priorities are. I can tell you neighborhoods I would consider moving to, which

I think are very cool and you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck: Hollin Hills, which is in Alexandria, Virginia and Holmes Run which is kind of near Merrifield, Virginia.

Has Covid-19 made it harder to tour homes, in terms of certain rules when trying to sell a house? As a realtor, how do you navigate and try to make both seller and buyer happy? You must respect the person whose home it is. In the beginning, it was hard to figure out how to navigate because everyone was still learning about Covid-19. I think there was a lot of fear. Then, the market changed tremendously because people wanted to move out of the city. If you’re a good agent, you should be writing the seller’s rules in the show notes and maybe explaining it. If there are any kind of restrictions whatsoever, hopefully those are in the notes and then you can at least prepare your clients and say, “Listen, masks aren’t your thing anymore, but masks are their thing.” It was like that pre-Covid too; people want you to wear shoe covers or take your shoes off. Frankly, I think if you’re a considerate person, it’s not really that hard to navigate now.

How do you like to set up an open house? Do you have any unique strategies for showings? It depends on the house. It’s about reading the house and reading the people who might be interested in it. I’ve done champagne open houses. I’ve done cookies. It does depend on the home and sometimes I don’t do anything because I want the home to speak for itself.

What keeps you working in real estate? It’s hard to stay in real estate. You’ve got to constantly be finding clients and I’m not one to do weird advertisements. It feels inauthentic. I stay in it because I really enjoy working with my clients. I enjoy helping people accomplish whatever their goal is, not just from like a “You did it, you bought the house,” but the full emotional journey. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and happy about the decision you’ve made.

First vinyl record. “A Northern Soul” by The Verve. Favorite music venue in the D.C. area. 9:30 Club. I have so many memories tied there that it is hard to surpass. Favorite local artist(s). Kelly Towles and Lisa Marie Thalhammer. Go-to neighborhood spot. The Royal. Favorite costume you own. Cereal box characters Frankenberry and Count Chocula. Neighborhood you want to live in. Crestwood.

For more tips and advice on real estate, listen to Alison Scimeca’s podcast “Rent Move Buy by The RARE” or watch episodes on her YouTube channel “The RARE.” To learn more about Scimeca and The RARE, visit her website theraredc.com or follow her on Instagram at @theraredc.

“My goal is to make you feel comfortable and happy about the decision you’ve made.“

LIVE THEATER IN DUPONT CIRCLE

MARCH 25 - APRIL 7

** WORLD PREMIERE **

In a town beset by the sordid shenanigans of a prank-prone Villain, justice finally seems to be served when the celebrated Hero accuses the Villain of the worst crime of all: Pushing the Button. But when the dutiful Journalist starts asking the right questions, will convicting the Villain prove to be the wrong answer? This playful and poignant parody of modern morality will ask its audiences to question their very notions of right and wrong, crime and punishment, truth and narrative. But most of all, it will beg the question: “Who Pushed the Button??”

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

APRIL 13 - 30

** WORLD PREMIERE **

In THE WILTING POINT, audiences travel with Mina Melo, the producer of the award-winning podcast Clime, back to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Southern Colorado, where she is reluctantly adapting Clime as a series for a new streaming entertainment company. The series producer wants Mina to pick up with an unsolved murder investigation, but Mina is determined to tell a story about how climate-related water shortages and drought are threatening the community’s way of life…