DomiCile Winter 2013/2014 by DomiCile Magazine

OMI Emily Dierkes shares why she loves living in

Hampden, Baltimore

Winter 2013/2014

ILE

10 Looks to Try This Winter New New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Cocktails

Go Beyond the Fence in Charlottesville Plan Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Like a Locavore domicilemag.com

2 Zoo Lights at Maryland Christmas Show The National Zoo in Frederick 8

3 Downtown D.C. Holiday Market

National Harbor Holiday Festival

15 14th Annual Gingerbread House Contest in Bowie

Rockville JCC ARTsy Holiday Boutique

Buy a Tree at Breezy Trees Farm in Westminster

National Tree Lighting Festival

Howard County Holiday Mart

28 Baltimore Kwanzaa Celebration with Dr. Karenga

1 24 Days Til Try One of Christmas Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cocktails See page 38 31

3 24 Days Til Christmas

24 Days Til Christmas

December 2

20th Century Holiday Post Card Exhibit in Glenn Dale

Christmas!

Tysons Corner A Story Book Holiday Brunch Center in Herndon Holiday Market

Westminster 5th Annual Galleries of Gifts

GumDrop Square in Old Town Warrenton

24 Days Til Christmas

January 29 24 Days Til Christmas

30 24 Days Til Christmas

24 Days Til Christmas

Time to Preserve Your Herbs See Page 56

Saxophone Level 1 Begins in Germantown

1 Kwanzaa Fun Run/Walk/Bike In Greenbelt

Try A New Consignment Shop See Page 58

Bluebird Glass Studio Drop-in Class in Fredericksburg

Gallery Opening Student of Sumita Kim Breakinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oil Paintings in Tournament in Takoma Park Rockville

MLK Jr. Day of Service

Learn About Creek Critters in Annapolis

Backyard Wildlife Habitats in Fredericksburg

Sugarloaf Crafts Adult Capoeira Festival at Class in Dulles Expo Takoma Park Center

29 Test Your Playoff Platter Skills See Page 60

1 24 Days Til Christmas

29 24 Days Til Christmas

30 24 Days Til Christmas

24 Days Til Christmas

Chinese New Year Festival in Falls Church

Couples Massage Workshop in Friendship Heights

Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market

First Day of Annapolis Restaurant Week

Wine With the Masters in Germantown

February 4

Weekend Trip to Charlottesville See Page 84

First Day of D.C. Fashion Week

Valentines Day!

Shop Boutiques Buy Chocolates for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Your Valentine Day Outfit See Page 76 See Page 68

Prepare a Panamanian Dish See Page 79

Fredericksburg Big Flea

1 24 Days Til Christmas

Director’s Letter Just over a year ago, I was in my best friend’s childhood home in Massachusetts during my stay for her bachelorette party when the inspiration for DomiCile hit me. Despite having been out all night, I was lying in bed, wide awake, sketchbook in hand, feverishly writing down every idea that flowed through my head. Though DomiCile sprouted last year, the seeds were planted in Summer 2010. I was working on my Master’s in Interior Design thesis, developing an adaptive reuse project on the National Park Seminary campus—a mixed-use environment where a community garden, farmers market, artist community space and residences all co-existed. The concept stemmed from the notion that our sense of community has been lost—but that there is a way to find it. For almost a year, envisioning and designing the spaces completely enveloped my mind— and was the life-changing experience that led me to DomiCile. My thesis got me thinking about what community means to me—it is where I live, where I buy fresh produce from the farmers market and artisanal products from crafters, and where I recognize my neighbors. From this, a larger ideal grew. An ideal that everyone should be able to have this existence—to connect to their neighborhood, to experience living locally. And late one night, two years later, I finally realized how to bring local life in our region to a wider audience. From that night on, I dreamed of DomiCile. DomiCile signifies forming a connection to the place we live and getting to know our community. Through our local shops, our craftspeople, our independent food vendors, our small businesses, and the people we meet day-to-day, we learn about our talented neighbors and the great things in our neighborhoods. By embracing our localism and cultivating our community, we can make the D.C. area an ever better place to live. For each of us, local means something different. For me, it means Harford and Montgomery counties and riding the balance between country and city. For Emily Dierkes, it’s Hampden, full of kitsch, Hons, and its own Miracle on 34th Street (page 33). For Christine Ilich of Heirloom Kitchen, it’s her Front Royal cottage, where she creates delicious recipes using ingredients from surrounding orchards, farms, and gardens (page 52). And for sisters Rebecca and Madiana Margao of Red Sprinkle, it’s helping regional teens pursue their dreams of working in the fashion industry (page 94). While we all experience community a little differently, there is one common ground—a connection to where we live. DomiCile represents a connection to Washington D.C. and the 50-mile radius surrounding it. We’re about more than just buzzwords—we try to wear local, eat local, and play local. We strive to bring the best of the region to the seven million neighbors that inhabit it, all the while supporting our community—your community. Thank you to all of our supporters, contributors, fans, and friends who made this first issue possible. Your Neighbor, Tiffanni Reidy, Founder and Creative Director 5

Family Photos

Meghann Bowman, Editorial Director

Maya Brown, Managing Director

Alicia Mierzwa, Fashion Editor

Wendy Kiang-Spray, Contributor

Karen Curtis, Contributor

Tinsley & Jason Stricker, Contributors

Josh Kumpf, Contributor

Danielle Gray, Contributor

JC Gibbs, Contributor

Julie Eitner, Contributor

Jessica Blanton, Contributor

Akinyi Ragwar, Contributor

Emily Dierkes, Contributor

Rashmi Pappu, Photographer

Hoda Hammad, Photographer

Kelly Alfaro, Photographer

Heather Soskin, Photographer

Kirsten Marie Zarek, Photographer

Contents

DomiCile—Winter 2013/2014

OMI

Winter 2013/2014

ILE

Emily Dierkes shares why she loves living in

This Winter We.... 10 Prepare For The Holidays Get To Know Our Community 43 Vaishali Honawar - Holy Cow! 46 Lacey Maffettone - A Lacey Perspective 49 Rachael Kondylas - Open Eyes Press 52 Christine Ilich - Heirloom Kitchen Garden 24 Plant This... Pick That 56 Preserve... & Prepare Go Shopping 58 Consignment Threads Host A Party 60 Playoff Platters

Hampden, Baltim�e

New New Year’s Eve Cocktails

Go Beyond the Fence in Charlottesville Plan Valentine’s Day Like a Locavore domicilemag.com

On The Cover 26 Explore Hampden With Emily 14 10 Looks to Try This Winter 38 New New Year’s Eve Cocktails 68 How Locavores Plan Valentine’s Day 84 Go Beyond the Fence in Charlottesville Cover Image Photographed by Kirsten Marie Back Cover Image Photographed by Maya Brown

DomiCile Magazine We Are Local

domicilemag.com domiciledc domicilemag wearelocal@domicilemag.com

10 Looks to Try This Winter

In Every Issue 14 What To Wear This Season 22 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In Season 23 Open Markets 26 The Backyard 79 Comfort Cooking 84 Beyond The Fence 88 Non-Human Neighbors 92 #DMEats 94 The Boy/Girl Next Door

Prepare for the Holidays

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings 5

2 4

While we at DomiCile have been bustling to crank out our first issue, this year has been flying by. With the calendar dwindling down, we reflect on our accomplishments over the year and realize that we have so much to be thankful for—most notably, great friends and wonderful families who have been there through the good and bad of 2013. This year, we know that the digital card with the dancing elves won’t cut it and that we should probably send out some real mail—you know, the handwritten, paper stuff. But we can’t send out just anything: it’s got to be special and quirky—and of course, locally made. After a lot of hunting, we found the perfect cards for sending this season’s greetings.

1. & 2. Grey Moggie Press 3. & 4. The Adventures of Mirabelle 5. & 6. Fast Snail 7. Lennah Press 8. & 9. Fancy Seeing You Here 10. & 11. Holler & Whistle

Written by Tiffanni Reidy / Photographed by Kelly Alfaro 11

1 3

Prepare for the Holidays

Artistic Wrappings 1 . J u s t P a p e r & T e a 2 . P u l p D C 3 . & 4 . P u l p D C ( R e v e r s i b l e ) 5 . , 6 . & 7. K a t e Z a r e m b a

7 10

9 Wrapping gifts (and unwrapping them!) is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you’re trying out a certain theme or a particular color scheme, it’s important to find the right paper for that special someone. Skip the jumbo roll of the cute penguin print or shiny snowflake pattern from a big-box store and check out these local papers. Packed with personality, they are sure to make your gifts stand out under the tree. We might rip the bows off (and let’s be honest, we do mean rip), but we’ll second-guess ripping this wrapping—it is far too lovely (and in some cases, too delicious) to shred to pieces. 8. Trohv 9. Just Paper & Tea 10. & 11. Milagro (Reversible) 12. Kate Zaremba

Written & Photographed by Tiffanni Reidy 13

What To Wear This Season

Written by Akinyi Ragwar / Photographed by Hoda Hammad Winter is right around the corner, so you know what that means—it’s time to bust out your warm boots and cozy sweaters. And of course, update your cold-weather wardrobe! This winter is all about bold colors—think emerald green, mustard, cobalt blue, turquoise, purple, and lovely red—and mixing opposites—soft and rough, glam and grunge—to express your personal style. This winter is also all about working with what you have. Don’t you know fashion never goes out of style? Create new outfits by mixing pieces in your closet with new trendy items to heat up your style! Here are 10 ways to refresh your wardrobe this winter: #1 MIX TEXTURES. While most fabrics can go with just about anything, mixing textures can still be a challenge. This winter, don’t be afraid to play around with various fabrics, but make sure that the textures are proportional. To play it safe, jeans go well with most fabrics—suede, leather, jersey, cotton, flannel, and knit. Create a glam-meets-grunge look by mixing textures. #2 STRIPES ARE EVERYWHERE. Whether it’s vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, you can always make a statement! It is so easy to add stripes to any look, but be cautious—know what stripes look best on you. For a unique look, pair stripes with mixed prints. #3 SKIRTS—ARE YOU READY TO GO LONG ... OR SHORT? This winter, skirts can be worn at any length. The perfect style skirt can bring your look together. With the right fit, a skirt can add feminine appeal to an outfit. If you want to add curves, wear an A-line skirt over some tights. If you want to cover up a little, you can never go wrong with a maxi.

#4 MAKE A STATEMENT WITH PRINTED TROUSERS. What fashionista wants to be boring? Printed trousers make you pop and can easily be dressed up or down. Pair a print with a fitted top or a blazer. For a more conservative look, couple prints with neutral tones. If you want a funky look, match your printed trousers with bold colors—or if you are feeling really daring, stripes. #5 LACE AND MORE LACE. When you think of lace, your brain might immediately go to lingerie, but a little lace that doesn’t reveal too much skin is tasteful and can be worn anywhere. Whether you are at work, school, or on a date, you can make it work! Instead of going for a traditional black or white, try wearing colored lace—a hot new trend that can make an outfit pop. #6 LAYER OVER LAYERS. Layering is simple; however, the right combinations can create a complex look. You can create endless outfits to get the most out of your wardrobe. Cardigans, blazers, sweaters, and vests are always great for winter layering, in addition to outerwear. Just remember, moderation is key—going overboard with layering can make you look bulky. Layering is meant to complement your outfit, not draw unwanted attention.

#7 MILITARY—YES SIR, OR MA’AM! Though the military trend has been in for a while now, it has evolved. It can appeal to anybody—whether you’re girly, tomboyish, or bohemian chic. Using the military uniforms for inspiration has really changed the functionality and utility for the modern woman. The military look is a cool way to express your style. You can easily give your outfit some edge by pairing a masculine military jacket with a feminine dress. #8 STATEMENT COATS CAN MAKE THE LOOK! Pick coats that are not only warm and cozy, but also stylish. With a wide range of colors, cuts, and designs available, you will be able find the perfect one for you! When shopping for an everyday coat, look for unique details, like toggle buttons, pockets, a belt, or a fur-lined hood for a functional coat that makes a statement. #9 MINIMALISTS KEEP IT SIMPLE. Leave all your glitz and glam behind and try the minimalist trend. They say, “Less is more,” so don’t shy away from keeping accessories to a minimum. Confidence comes from how you wear it, not what you wear. You can feel beautiful with the bare minimum. Just work with what you have! #10 WINTER WHITE. Throw out the rulebook on wearing white! White has been huge during cold-weather months for a couple of years now, featuring looks using modern separates in varying shades of off-white, ivory, and cream. Wearing winter white is about picking the right fabrics— wool, cashmere, flannel, silk, and leather. White is the new black, so get out your LWD (little white dress) this season! Follow Akinyi on Twitter @fitsonmee, love her pics on Instagram @fitsonme, & visit her on the Web at fitsonme.blogspot.com

Prepare for the Holidays

T h e G u e s t Ba t h Photographed by Kelly Alfaro

Over the holidays, you are bound to have some visitors (both wanted and unwanted). Pamper your houseguests with some of the best local bath and body products around—and guarantee yourself a spot on Santa’s nice list. 1. & 2. Laventel: Re-Fresh Floral Body Spritzer & Radiant Rooibos Bath Soak & Scrub 3. Elsen Oils: Lavender Shaving Oil 4. Herban Lifestyle: ‘Stache Wax 5. Soap DC: Stress Relief Bath Fizzy 6. Bumble & Co.: Sulfate Free Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner 7. Joyful Bath Co.: Green Tea Glee Recharging Bath Salts 8. & 9. Becca & Mars: Lavender Love Mask & Scrub & Live Clear Astringent 10. Union Street Soapworks: Eucalyptus Shaving Soap 11. Shea Suite: Suite Creme Souffle 12. Cotton Revival: Blue Woodgrain Tea Towel 13. Karmalades: Sweet Orange Room Refresher 14. Biggs & Featherbelle: Barmore 15. Guest Toothbrush Set: Found at Trohv 16. Wire Basket: Found at Red Barn Mercantile

15 10 7 2 1 18

5 4

6 8

trohv \’trōv\ n [alter. of trove (discovery, find) ] (2010) : a collection of artful objects discovered or found.

www.trohvshop.com

Trohv is an inventive, award-winning home and gift shop that playfully blends urban grit and southern sensibility, new and vintage, and traditional and modern aesthetics to create an inspired sense of home and personal style. Come visit our location in historic Takoma DC for home goods, gifts, and work from many local artists and vendors. 232 CARROLL ST. NW • WASHINGTON, DC 20012 • 202.829.2941 • HELLODC@TROHVSHOP.COM

Prepare for the Holidays

Deck the Halls

{& Walls} With Silver and Gold Written by Danielle Gray of Graylivin Interior Design

It is nearly impossible to enter a store and not see shimmery silver and gold on display. With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to try one of the hottest trends in home design. Add some instant sparkle to your winter décor with silver and gold accent pieces. We’ve hand-picked a few of our favorite festive gems from some of the best local stores this area has to offer. Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, or modern, DomiCile’s got you covered! The best part? Most of these items can be used in your home yearround, which means less time packing up decorations and more time doing things you love.

Follow Danielle on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @GrayLivin & visit her on the Web at graylivin.com 20

1. Bronze Ornaments, Urban Retreat 2. Branch Vase, Nest 301 3. Metallic Cow Hide, Silk & Burlap 4. Starburst Wall Clock, Homebody 5. Gold Leaf Bowls, And Beige 6. Crystal Serving Platters, Relish Decor 7. Glass Ornaments, Coco Blanco 8. Gold Urchins, Dream House 9. Mercury Glass Owls, large and small Coco Blanca 10. Paper Sculptures Set of Two, The Vintage Vogue 11. Brain Coral Bowl, Urban Country 12. Gold Mercury Glass Lighted Angels, Dream House

10.

12.

11. 21

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In Season? Despite the freezing temperatures, you can still get fresh local produce throughout winter. Be sure to pick up sweet potatoes, leafy greens, apples and herbs at your local farmers market. Photographed by Maya Brown

Get Some Air

Open Markets D.C. Eastern Market Outdoor Farmers Market easternmarket-dc.com 225 7th St. SE Washington D.C. 20003 Year-round: Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 3–7 p.m.

Great Frederick Fair Farmers’ Market thegreatfrederickfair.com/farmersmarket E-ventplex Frederick Fairgrounds Building 12 via Gate #2 797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701 Year-round: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Bethesda Central Farm Markets centralfarmmarkets.com Bethesda Elementary School 7600 Arlington Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 December: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. January–March: Sundays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Photographed byTiffanni Reidy

Maryland 32nd Street Farmers Market 32ndstreetmarket.org Barclay St. and E. 32nd St. Baltimore, MD 21218 Year-round: Saturdays, 7 a.m.– noon Anne Arundel County Farmers Market aacofarmersmarket.com Riva Rd. and Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 Through Dec. 21, 2013: Saturdays, 7 a.m.–noon

Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar http://www.promotionandarts. com/index.cfm?page=events&id=3 407 E. Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21202 Through Dec. 22, 2013: Sundays, 7 a.m.–noon

Photographed by Mike Morrelli

Virginia Old Town Farmers Market alexandriava.gov/FarmersMarket 301 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Year-round: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon Workhouse Farmers Market www.smartmarkets.org 9601 Ox Rd. Lorton, VA 22079 Year-round: Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market – Hurkamp Park www.thefarmersmarket.co Prince Edward St. and George St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Year-round: Mondays–Saturdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

Photographed by Mark Dennis

For our list of open markets visit the Winter Open Market list at domicilemag.com 23

Plant This... Written by Wendy Kiang-Spray / Photographed by Kelly Alfaro

I find little to nothing more blissful than snuggling up on a couch with a latte next to a side table stacked with gardening magazines and seed catalogs. But with some of the milder winters we’ve had, I’m sometimes torn away from my wintertime coziness and find myself in fullfledged gardening activities. With great online seed sources that stock a wide variety of seeds and techniques that can extend the growing season, Washington D.C.-area gardeners can keep growing fresh food through the winter. Many leafy greens are cold hardy—cabbages, mache, spinach, and Asian greens, such as tatsoi, are good choices for giving cold-season growing a try. Greens like tatsoi actually taste better once frost sweetened. Another wintertime plus: garden pests are a non-issue. I often sow a row of spinach that looks perfect and lasts all winter. Winter gardens have their own share of obstacles though. Germination can be a problem, but to improve your chance for success, start seeds under cover

or indoors and then transplant them outside after hardening off. Also, very cold temperatures may stunt growth, but I’ve actually gone out to my garden in a parka and boots, and dusted light snow off of fresh leaves of spinach. Growing plants under row covers, in hoop houses, or in cold frames will maximize your success. Early in the season, if the ground has not frozen solid, flower bulbs for spring blooms can be planted in the ground, as well as any garlic. While enjoying the brisk outdoors, there are plenty of other tasks to take on before it gets too cold: remove dead annuals, heel in any frost-heaved plants, turn the compost, and if you’re like me—try to figure out a way to expand your garden come springtime.

Pi c k That “wintry mixes.” Carrots, parsnips, beets, radishes, cabbages, leeks, and spinach are all fine when left in the ground for wintertime storage. Protect your root crops by covering the exposed shoulders of carrots, radishes, and beets with soil, but ensure the leaves remain uncovered so plants may slowly continue to grow. When a hard frost is expected, protect your crops by covering them—straw, leaves, row covers, or even blankets are all great options in a pinch. Or cover them with several inches of mulching material. Poking through the mulch to harvest vegetables simply turns into a treasure hunt. Not a bad tradeoff for being able to harvest fresh vegetables year-round! During winter, gardening happens indoors as well. Amaryllis and paperwhites are beautiful and traditional sights this time of year and can be forced into bloom by planting bulbs that have gone through a cold temperature treatment. Bulbs should be forced several weeks before you want to enjoy their blooms. If you’ve brought tender perennials, such as coleus, inside, now is a great time to take cuttings for starting new plants in the spring. Examine potted plants that you have brought inside and pot up any that have outgrown their containers.

Add Wendy as a friend on Facebook @wendy.kiangspray & visit her on the Web at greenishthumb.net

With some preparation, many other vegetables can continue to be harvested throughout winter—even through the D.C. area’s infamous

Hampden: Keeping Baltimore Weird

Written by Emily Dierkes / Photographed by Kirsten Marie In central Texas, they say, “Keep Austin Weird.” And up in the Pacific Northwest, it’s “Keep Portland Weird.” But despite the lack of an official bumper-sticker-worthy slogan, there’s something in the water here in Baltimore that makes Charm City a bit odd—and that’s the way we like it. Its quirkiness is infectious and always seems to draw Baltimoreans back. After growing up in a very sheltered private, all-girls school world in northern Baltimore City, I ran away to an out-of-state art school never to return, save for Christmas and Thanksgiving. But Baltimore has changed, and I suppose so have I. Although outsiders may judge Charm City through Wire-colored lenses, as an artist, Baltimore is a perfect place to live and work, and there is no better neighborhood than Hampden to make your livelihood. Doing things a little out of order of my Catholic upbringing, my boyfriend, John, and I started thinking about purchasing a house together in Baltimore last winter. We had very few demands. After renting in socalled “healthy neighborhoods” and being robbed twice, we just wanted to avoid heavy-crime areas (even though most were super affordable). We looked into a few different neighborhoods, including Waverly, Ednor Gardens, and Lauraville, but in our minds, the perfect ‘hood for us was Hampden—centrally located, easy parking, cute row homes, great shops and restaurants, and low crime. Serendipitously, we wound up purchasing our Hampden dream home last May, as an estate sale by word of mouth from a dear friend. After a few short months of grueling paperwork, here I sit, on my wrap-around porch in the late-afternoon sun, a homeowner in my favorite part of the city that I love. Hampden is a mecca for the off-kilter, the camp, and kitsch—from the giant, fiberglass pink flamingo adorning the front of Café Hon; to the annual Hampdenfest Toilet Races, in which drivers careen down 36th St. in a potty boxcar derby; to Hampden’s own Miracle on 34th St. light display, which can surely be seen from space. Over the past couple of decades, The Avenue, 36 St., Hampden’s main drag, has organically transformed into an eclectic mishmash of brightly colored store fronts and unique restaurants fit only for Charm City. You can’t talk about Hampden without mentioning Hons, the working-class Baltimoreans of the 1950s and 60s, particularly women, known for their outlandish style—think leopard spandex, blue eye shadow, beehive hair, and colorful cat-eye glasses. Hon, short for honey, doubles as a warm term of endearment for Baltimoreans. Each June, locals dress in their 1960s best to vie for the title of Bawlmer’s Best Hon at Honfest, a celebration of Hon culture and the working-class roots of Hampden residents, who have always had a certain pride about being part of this quirky ‘hood. 26

When John and I walked into our wood home that was built in 1880, with robin’s egg blue German-lap siding and a white wrap-around porch, we lucked out big time—like, win-the-lottery, jump-for-joy lucked out. The only non-row house on the block, it stands on a double lot with a stone patio and an incredible garden. Every day we thank the previous owner, Paul, who lost his battle with oral cancer last year, for taking such amazing care of the house and gardens. With three stories, our new home has ample room for my basement painting studio and a man cave in the attic for John’s guy time. Despite many updates and renovations, the house still harkens back to the golden age of Hampden and its adjacent neighborhood, Woodberry. In the early nineteenth century, this region of Baltimore, right along the Jones Falls valley, was littered with mills that manufactured cotton duck—the material used to make sails—for ships in our own harbor and around the world. In fact, the Hampden-Woodberry mills made the majority of the world’s cotton duck, and by the twentieth century, this area had the largest workforce in the country. Mill workers came in droves from Appalachia beginning in 1802, shaping the neighborhood and establishing strong ties to the area, ties that are still evident in the current residents—many of which are descendants from these West Virginian mill workers. Hampden’s time of great prosperity took a hit after union strikes in the 1920s pushed the shipping industry towards cheaper mills in the Deep South. The low demand for the sailing cloth in the sixties and seventies shut the mills down for good. While the economy was flailing in the late seventies and early eighties, drug and alcohol abuse, crime, and prostitution were thriving in Hampden, some of which is still prevalent today. I love the history of this area: from the old stone houses to the mills themselves—some refurbished, some in ruins, some redeveloped into high-priced condos for a new generation of workers. But despite the area’s rich history, like any place, Hampden has some not-so-fine moments. I’ve heard horror stories from my black friends whose parents remember a very different Hampden—one to avoid. As a completely white working-class neighborhood, it was known as the marshmallow in a sea of hot chocolate. There’s a strange racial history here; from the twenties through the seventies, the Ku Klux Klan were present on The Avenue. I can’t attest to what it’s like to be black in Hampden, but I can say there is definitely a sense of “old” and “new” Hampden, where the old blood refers to everyone who moved here in the last 20 years as “yuppies.” Gentrification is a double-edged sword, but there’s no doubt that today’s Hampden-Woodberry is a wonderful place to call home. There’s a small-town charm here I’ve never felt living in other parts of Baltimore—Charles Village, Waverly, or even in Homeland where I grew up. There’s a family-owned general store a block away, Chuck’s Market. It has been in the family for more than 30 years, and the owners know all the goings-on and are sincerely interested in her customers’ lives. They keep the bread prices down and stock vegetarian foods because 28

“there’s lots of ‘dem movin’ in.” The thick Baltimore accents, the Bawlmerese of many of the old-school Hampdenites hanging out at Chuck’s and around The Avenue, adds to Hampden’s small-town feel—some might have disdain for the long “O” of the Baltimore dialect, but I love it. The shops and restaurants in Hampden-Woodberry are some of my favorite in the city and it’s a convenient joy to be able to walk everywhere I want to in a city that is very car-dependant. While I still drive to work, John rides his bike downtown to work and he loves the accessibility of the Jones Falls trail, a beautiful place to walk dogs and hike that runs from Druid Hill Park to the Inner Harbor. The Woodberry Light Rail station is a short walk away, and the area is easily reached by MTA bus as well. And unlike many of the more densely populated neighborhoods like Canton and Federal Hill, parking isn’t hard to come by. And there’s plenty of green space as well—Roosevelt Park at Falls Rd. and 36th St. has a walking track, playground for the kids, baseball diamond, skate park, rec center, and public pool—a necessity when combating Baltimore’s endless hazy, humid heat waves. Living in Hampden makes me excited to be a Baltimorean, to take full advantage of all my city has to offer. I often start my days with amazing coffee and treats at either Spro or Artifact. Lunch at Luigi’s for their Italian panini is a must. And this summer, much to everyone’s delight, The Charmery ice cream parlor opened with distinctively Baltimore flavors, such as Old Bay Caramel and Berger Cookies and Cream—I can’t help but end my days there at least once (or twice, or thrice) a week. Local legend John Waters, whose 1998 film, Pecker, put Hampden on the map, once described Hampden as “an uneasy mixture of redneck culture and hipster culture.” I like to just sit on a bench on The Avenue and watch and listen and take my quirky ‘hood in. Hampden’s big personality—off-kilter, the camp, and kitsch—has been keeping Baltimore weird for decades, and is sure to keep it weird for many more. Things are happenin’ in Hampden, hon, and I’m happy to be here to watch the once-prominent neighborhood flourish again.

Follow Emily on Instagram @mledeerkiss & visit her on the Web at emilydierkes.com & at nailtrix.tumblr.com

Explore the Backyard

Hampden Shops Written by Meghann Bowman

Ladies Jacket with Fur Collar Doubledutch Boutique

Atomic Books 3620 Falls Rd. With comics, ‘zines, imported magazines, toys, and of course, books, you can easily spend an hour or two getting lost in pages at Atomic. This indie bookstore has been serving Hampden for more than 20 years and also boasts a record store and newly-added bar and 3D printer. Atomic is also the official mailing address for John Waters fan mail. Cool Stuff Here 714 W. 36th St. Located in the basement of a row home, Cool Stuff Here sells screen-printed t-shirts poking fun at Baltimore, along with vintage guitars and other unique jewelry and gifts. Hanging on a Whim 828 W. 36th St. If you are looking for a unique piece of furniture, check out Hanging on a Whim. Though known for its hand-painted furniture, this shop also carries decorative mirrors, jewelry, bags, and more. They also offer a variety of both individual lessons and group classes.

Faux Antelope In Watermelon Sugar

Tweeting Keychains Kiss-n-Makeup 30

Zensations Apothecary 3408 Chestnut Ave. Zensations is a one-stop shop for all your herbal needs—salves, balms, lotions, teas, tinctures, bulk herbs, and more! Try some of herbalist Jen’s teas, or have her whip up a personalized concoction.

Bicycle Rocks Glasses Trohv Baltimore

Reginald’s Bourbon Pecan Peanut Butter Choux Cafe

Explore the Backyard

Hampden Shops In the Details 813 W. 36th St. If you are looking for unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories for a great price, check out In the Details. This relaxing atmosphere of this co-ed boutique makes for a fun, stress-free shopping experience. Hontown 1001 W. 36th St. Owned by Cafe Hon across the street, HonTown is the unofficial souvenir store for Baltimore. Carrying everything from local art, to pink flamingos, to hon and Natty Boh gear, HonTown is the perfect place to pick up a quirky Charm City souvenir.

Fur-Collared Bomber Jacket Sixteen Tons

Twenty20 Cycling 725 W. 36th St. Housed in a converted garage, Twenty20 if a full-service bike shop that strives to get Baltimore biking. Besides being able to get you riding, the owners and expert staff hold repair clinics and weekly rides. Bazaar Curiosities & Oddities 3534 Chestnut Ave. If you are looking for some unusual artwork, a shrunken skull, jars displaying body parts, or a taxidermied animal, then check out Bazaar. Even if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the market for an oddity, step into this shop to get taste of the bizarre at Bazaar.

Eat, Sleep, Rock, Repeat Onesie Soft and Cozy Baby

Wedge Booties Ma Petite Shoe

Draped Long-Sleeve Cardigan K Staton Boutique

Winter Mix Gift Bags Mouth Party Caramels 31

Explore the Backyard

Hampden Eats

Zissimos Bar 1023 W. 36th St. Hampden’s quintessential dive bar, Zissimos is the place to drink like a local. They have been serving the neighborhood for over 75 years and offer live music and comedy, karaoke, and DJs. Rocket to Venus 3360 Chestnut Ave. With its Atomic Era décor—robin’s egg blue paint and metallic accents— Rocket to Venus is definitely out of this world. Off the main drag in Hampden, the low-key atmosphere and great food with equally great prices equals Rocket to Venus’s retro-futuristic theme. The Golden West Café 1105 W. 36th St. The Golden West Café and their New Mexico-inspired menu have helped put Hampden on the map for foodies. Though known for their brunch (and famous Bloody Mary), Golden West’s eclectic menu makes it a go-to spot for any meal. Corner BYOB 850 W. 36th St. If you are looking for a menu that matches Hampden’s quirkiness, Corner BYOB is your place. A little more upscale, this restaurant boasts a unique menu with wild boar, octopus, bone marrow—and kangaroo. If you are looking for a nice restaurant with a unique menu, the Corner BYOB is the place. Plus, it is BYOB! (Pro tip: grab your beverage from the Wine Source next door.) The Charmery 801 W. 36th St. Grab some fresh hand-crafted ice cream at the Charmery. Made in-store, their ice cream comes in distinct Baltimore flavors like Berger Cookies and Cream, Old Bay Caramel, and Lemon Stick. Spro Coffee 851 W. 36th St. If you are looking for a uniquely European coffee experience, look no further than Spro. Offering a variety of roasts and many brewing methods, Spro is a must for caffeine lovers.

Explore the Backyard

Hampden Plays HampdenFest W. 36th St. HampdenFest, an annual one-day festival in September, celebrates all things Hampden. Held on W. 36th St., the festival includes live music, vendors, kids activities, an emerging artists exhibit, and a film festival. You can’t miss the biggest attraction: the annual toilet bowl race, where participants race down 36th St. on porcelain thrones. Honfest W. 36th St. Honfest, a annually Hampden tradition, is held over a weekend in June. This nationally recognized festival celebrates Baltimore’s quirkiness, and of course Hons, with live music, great food, local vendors, and Baltimore’s Best Hon Beauty Pageant. Minás Gallery 815 W. 36th St. Minas second-floor gallery sits above their boutique. Besides featuring fine art exhibits, the gallery holds regular literary events, like the monthly 501 readings (http://510readings.blogspot.com), Essential Sundays, and the Town Square open mic nights. (Dream City Exhibit Opens Dec 7th) Roosevelt Park 1221 W. 36th St. If you are looking to get outside, check out Roosevelt Park. Known as “Hampden’s jewel along the Jones Falls,” the park’s 19 acres are packed with something for everyone—Baltimore’s first established rec center, the Skatepark of Baltimore, community garden, pool, and athletic fields. Miracle on 34th Street 700 block 34th St. Each year, Hampden has its own Miracle on 34th Street. For the month of December, residents of the 700 block of 34th St. turn their row homes into a Christmas light display only fit for Baltimore. The extraordinary display features tradition holiday lights and lawn ornaments mixed with more unique decorations—an illuminated Mr. Boh, a tree made of hubcaps, a peace house, and much more. Follow Meghann on Twitter & Instagram @meghann_bowman

M a k e a L i s t & C h e c k i t Tw i c e

Gifts For The Gardener

Written by: Josh Kumpf

A couple years ago, I moved into an apartment in Bethesda with a small backyard patio. Despite having no previous gardening experience, I decided to build a garden. That first spring, I built a 20-square-foot, raised-bed garden and added a few plastic pots. I planted zucchini, tomatoes, okra, basil, and rosemary. My first year as a gardener was a learning experience, but completely sold me on using whatever small amount of available space to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Besides being a great hobby, gardening is challenging yet relaxing and fun to learn—and few achievements beat the feeling of eating food you grew yourself. Here are a few gardening gifts sure to make your favorite gardener (or yourself) smile: Follow Josh on Twitter @kumpfj

ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING BY MEL BARTHOLOMEW As I have learned first-hand, you can build a great raised-bed garden even with only a few square feet of lawn. The new book from Mel Bartholomew, the self-proclaimed founder of square-foot gardening, All New Square Foot Gardening, is an essential resource on how to garden simply and effectively. Complete with directions for building a raised gardening bed, tips to discourage wildlife from stealing your produce, and an encyclopedia-like appendix with information on planting, spacing, growing, and harvesting dozens of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, All New Square Foot Gardening makes a great gift for any gardener and is a crucial resource for any raised-bed gardener. Found at Potomac Garden Center in Potomac, Md.

SEED STARTING KIT & HEATING PAD A good seed starting kit occupies the top spot on my holiday gardening wishlist for good reason: It’s the perfect gardening gift for anyone and everyone. A kit with a reusable, plastic fitting for 100 individual seed cells, a transparent greenhouse top, and a heating pad can easily be found for $25–30. It’s great for ensuring you get at least a couple viable seedlings of hard-to-grow plants, and when used for easy sprouters— like tomatoes—it will leave you with more than enough seedlings to help friends, family, and coworkers start gardening. In the D.C.-area, a seed starting kit can help you get a head start on planting up to two months before the weather warms up, ensuring that you have every chance to harvest the delicious fruits of your labor. Found at Betty’s Azalea Ranch in Fairfax, Va. GARDENING CLASS GIFT CERTIFICATES If you are looking for a unique gift or something to accompany a local garden center gift card, consider gifting a certificate or tuition to a gardening class. Many local universities and community colleges offer free or inexpensive gardening, composting, or cooking classes throughout the spring and summer. The University of Maryland runs a program called “Grow It Eat It” that offers small, educational classes across the region. Many are free, and the most expensive classes are only $30 per person or $50 per couple.

GARDENING CENTER GIFT CARD

GARDEN PICK

RAIN BARREL

Whether you have a raised-bed or in-ground garden, good tools can make a big difference. One of my favorite new tools is a garden pick—a mini pickaxe perfect for churning soil, mixing in new compost or fertilizer, or digging rows for seeding. I find the pick to be more effective than a trowel, less strenuous than a fullsize shovel, and curiously fun to use. My pick also has three aerator spikes opposite of the pick, making it my goto tool for preparing and planting.

Rain barrels collect rainwater for your plants, helping to cut down on your water usage (and your water bill). A 50-gallon rain barrel usually comes with a spigot for attaching a watering hose and an adapter to connect your downspout to the mouth of the barrel. If you’re looking a sustainable and environmentally friendly addition to your garden, a rain barrel is a fine choice.

Our region has some topnotch garden centers that not only have great selections of plants and tools and good prices, but knowledgeable staffs. So why not pick up a gift card and treat your favorite gardener to a shopping spree on your dime? Visit one of Merrifield Garden Center’s three locations in Northern Virginia, or Valley View Farms, just north of Baltimore (and check out their impressive Christmas display while you’re there).

Found at Kendal Hardware in Clarksville, Md.

Found at Hardware City in Kensington, Md.

COMPOST BIN

SEED BOMBS Seed bombs have been a staple of the urban guerrilla gardening movement since the 70s. Originally created for bombing empty lots in New York City to beautify run-down neighborhoods, these hand-packed nuggets of soil, seeds, and nutrientrich compost are packed with everything needed to get seedlings growing just about anywhere. And seed bombs aren’t just for guerrilla warfare—they are also perfect for new and young gardeners. Just toss them into pots and you’ve begun a fun, mystery gardening project. Found at The Muse in Frederick, Md.

Capital Splendor, Gardens and Parks of Washington, D.C., written by D.C.area resident Barbara Glickman and photographed by Valerie Brown, guides readers on a scavenger hunt through 30 of the greatest local public gardens. This guidebook tells you what to look for, distinguishing features, and interesting facts about both well-known locations, such as the United States Botanic Garden in D.C., and hidden gems, like Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland. Besides being stocked with info, the full-page photographs are absolutely stunning.

Part of gardening is self sufficiency, and what’s more self-sufficient than making your own compost? Compost bins provide a cheap and convenient source of garden nutrients. And even better— they cut out trips to your local garden center to load up the car with bags of pricey fertilizer! Sturdy, smaller compost bins or tumblers can be found for under $100, or gift a kitchen compost pail to collect food scraps. Stainless steel compost pails are available for around $30—and odor-absorbent filters for kitchen-counter pails make a great stocking stuffer!

Found at Politics and Prose in Washington D.C.

Found at Strosniders Hardware in Bethesda, Md.

CAPITAL SPLENDOR, GARDENS AND PARKS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. BY VALERIE BROWN AND BARBARA GLICKMAN

M a k e a L i s t & C h e c k i t Tw i c e

Gifts For The H o m e Ba r A f i c i o n a d o . . .

Green Hat Gin from the first distillery in the District for over 100 years. Yeah, you’re a really good friend.

Capitol Building Flask from Fast Snail. This flask is so beautiful they’ll keep it with them all the time.

Whiskey Stones from Homebody. These will keep your drink cold without watering it down. Because the stronger the better, right?

Wine Tasting Notebook and Pen Set from The Muse. It’s not just Olivia Pope, we residents love our wine, and now we can keep track of all those empty bottles with a pen made of grape skins. 36

Paper Bark Straws from Sweet Elizabeth Jane. Plastic straws destroy the environment. Now, your friend can enjoy a boozy milkshake guilt-free with eco-chic paper straws. We’ll toast to that!

Lamson Silver Paring Knife from DC Sharp. Maybe the nicest knife we’ve ever considered for cutting lime wedges. Of course it’s fancy—DC Sharp doesn’t mess around.

M a k e a L i s t & C h e c k i t Tw i c e

Who Loves To Entertain

Slate Cheese Markers from Homebody. Give them to your friend who pretends to know the difference between brie and camembert.

Gold Chevron Paper Placemats from Tchoupitoulas. So maybe you can’t say the store name, but you know it’s worth the trip to Old Town for this awesome gift.

Owl Butter Dish from Foundry. Because you can’t just put out the stick wrapped in the wax paper on the table, now can you?

Bamboo District Cutting Board from Home Rule. If you’re going to get fancy and use an intricate cutting board, why not rep’ your city?!

Capitol Building and District Cookie Cutters from Hill’s Kitchen. If your friend is a Suzie Homemaker, or a Sam, these are the coolest cookie cutters around.

Govino Wine Glasses from Homebody. Shatterproof recyclable wine glasses for those eco-friendly parties that get rowdy. 37

Ring in the New Year

A New New Year’s Cocktail Menu

Written by Julie Eitner of Julip Made Champagne is known for being the celebratory libation of choice for most on New Year’s Eve, but when hosting, I like to provide my guests with more creative sipping options. These modified classics with a focus on seasonal ingredients elevate the standard bar menu and will keep your guests satisfied until that midnight champagne toast. The Beet and Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail is a simple, light cocktail that combines two of my favorite winter flavors. The sweet earthiness of the beet compliments the tartness of the blood orange. And the deep, beet-red color enhances this seductive cocktail. To make the Beet and Blood Orange Simple Syrup: Bring the sugar, blood orange juice, and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the shredded beets and immediately reduce to a simmer and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and let cool. This can be made up to a week ahead of time. Makes approximately 1 1⁄3 cups. To make the Beet and Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail: Pour the bitters and the simple syrup into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a blood orange peel. Makes one serving. Follow Julie on Twitter & Pinterest @julipmade and visit her on the Web at julipmade.com

Beet and Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail Several dashes of blood orange bitters 1⁄2 ounce beet and blood orange simple syrup Dry sparkling wine (Cava, Prosecco, or brut Champagne will work) Blood orange peel, for garnish Beet and Blood Orange Simple Syrup 1 cup sugar 1⁄2 cup blood orange juice 1⁄2 cup water 1 large beet, peeled, roasted, and shredded

The Grapefruit Mescal Sour is the party girl of this cocktail menu. A bit daring, it will surely have your guests asking for seconds. Don’t skip out on the egg white, as it adds the perfect texture and rounds out the cocktail. Grapefruit Mescal Sour 1 1⁄2 ounces mescal 1⁄2 ounce triple sec 2 ounces pink grapefruit juice 1 egg white Several dashes of Xocolatl mole bitters Cinnamon stick, for garnish In a cocktail shaker, over ice, mix the mescal, triple sec, grapefruit juice, egg white, and bitters. Pour into an oldfashioned glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Makes one serving. 40

For those interested in a richer sip, the Spiced Pear Old Fashioned speaks to those who prefer to spend their New Year’s Eve curled up by the fire. The bourbon, allspice dram, and pear flavors blend together to create a warm, comforting drink. Spiced Pear Old Fashioned Cocktail 1 1⁄2 ounces bourbon 1⁄2 ounce allspice dram 1⁄2 ounce pear shrub 3 dashes Angostura bitters Ginger ale, to top off Candied pear slice, for garnish Pear Shrub 4 cups pears, peeled, and diced (use Williams or Anjou pears) 2 cups apple cider vinegar 2 cups sugar To make the Pear Shrub: Mix the diced pear and sugar in a large bowl. Mash with spoon to increase the release of juice. Let the mixture sit for a day in the refrigerator. Strain the solids and press lightly on the pear to expel any remaining juice. Mix the juice with the vinegar and whisk to combine. Place the mixture in a mason jar to store. If the sugar and vinegar separate, shake well to combine. Makes approximately 11⁄3 cups. To make the Spice Pear Old Fashioned: Mix the bourbon, allspice dram, pear shrub, and bitters in a cocktail shaker over ice. Pour into an old-fashioned glass and top off with ginger ale. Garnish with a candied pear slice. Makes one serving. 41

Heather Soskin Photography 301-379-0523 www.heathersoskinphotography.com 42

Meet & Greet

Va i s h a l i H o n a w a r of

Holy Cow! Written by Maya Brown / Photographed by Tiffanni Reidy

Stuck in a winter meal rut? Vaishali Honawar of “Holy Cow!” has the perfect solution with light winter meals that will warm you up without weighing you down. We spoke with Vaishali about her pets, the beauty of Rock Creek Park, and of course, her spicy vegan recipes that will heat up your long, cold winters. DomiCile: What neighborhood do you live in? Vaishali: North Woodside, Silver Spring, Md. DomiCile: How long have you lived in the region? Vaishali: Seventeen years now—as long as I’ve lived here in the United States. DomiCile: What’s your favorite thing about living in the region? Vaishali: Many, many things—I love the fact that we live in one of the world’s greatest cities and there’s always something happening here. I love the diversity of our region and the richness that diversity brings to our lives, whether it’s in the day-to-day interactions with people from around the world or the wonderful food and restaurants. I am always awestruck by how magnificent the city is—just looking at the Capitol dome all lit up at night takes my breath away. 43

DomiCile: What’s your favorite spot in your neighborhood? Vaishali: I love the greenery of Rock Creek Park. Coming from the gray concrete jungle of Mumbai, India, I feel incredibly grateful to have a beautiful, natural space to enjoy smack-dab in the city. DomiCile: Where do you shop for your ingredients? Vaishali: I rely a lot on major grocery stores for fresh, organic, vegan ingredients. I also occasionally shop at the Takoma Park Silver Spring Coop. Seasonally, I shop at farmers markets in Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Although I must confess, I am not an early enough riser on the weekends to make it to the farmers market each week. I shop once a month at an Indian grocery store—Patel Brothers in Hyattsville, Md. and Daily Spices in Fairfax, Va.—for spices and dals and other essentials, and for Indian vegetables that I cannot find elsewhere, like methi (fenugreek) leaves, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and small eggplants. DomiCile: What inspired you to blog? Vaishali: I started writing “Holy Cow!” in 2007, just months after becoming a vegan. I always loved animals and had thought about giving up meat, but I loved to eat—and cook—meat too much to take that step. Then we adopted our dog, Lucy—may she rest in peace. Her Shepherd features sometimes intimidated others, but she was the sweetest dog. Then we rescued our current dog, Opie—a Chow/Golden Retriever mix with a mind of his own. He gets his way with me all the time 44

because I am crazy about him! Then we adopted two cats—Pubm and Pie. After adopting all of our animals from the Washington Humane Society, my husband, Desikan (Desi for short) and I signed up as foster volunteers. The more I got into animal rescue, the more I felt like a hypocrite for eating some animals and trying to save others. I finally took the step to becoming a vegetarian, and a year later I adopted a completely vegan diet.

After going vegan, I started to experiment with new foods that I had never eaten before. I didn’t feel deprived like I thought I would—not as an eater and not as a cook. Desi, a confirmed omnivore, loved the foods I was cooking and I thought, “Why not share them via a blog with others who wanted to eat healthy, plantbased foods?”

DomiCile: When you aren’t blogging what do you enjoy doing? Vaishali: I love reading, traveling, and going on hikes with Desi and Opie in Rock Creek Park or Sligo Creek Park. Opie is old now, so he walks rather slowly, but that gives us more time to enjoy our surroundings. I enjoy gardening, although I do not have a green thumb—I am too stubborn to give up though. And there are times when I love doing nothing at all— those are my favorite times of all because they are so hard to come by. DomiCile: Your blog highlights some awesome Indian spice blends. What do you recommend for heating up your winter meals at home? Vaishali: Spices are perfect for warming the palate on a cold winter night. For me, the perfect winter comfort food is my Dad’s “Not-Mutton” Mushroom Curry. I spun this recipe off a mutton (lamb) curry that my father would cook for the family each Sunday when I was growing up in Mumbai. It was traditional and delicious, and I really missed it after turning vegan. But the meatfree version is almost as good—I say almost because I am not as good of a cook as my father. This is a curry you can serve a carnivore, and they wouldn’t miss the meat. For a novice cook, I’d recommend a simple dish like my Easy Spinach-Mushroom Curry, which uses frozen spinach, canned coconut milk, and store-bought Sambar Powder, a spice blend from South India. You can throw it together in minutes. A purist might turn up their nose at this curry,

but it is absolutely delicious and a lifesaver for a busy cook. Serve over some white or brown rice for a fantastic, comforting dinner.

To learn more about Vaishali and “Holy Cow!,” follow her on Twitter & Facebook @holycowvegan and visit her on the Web holycowvegan.net Follow Maya on Twitter @mayabrown and love her pics on Instagram @emawhya 45

Meet & Greet

Lacey Maffettone of

A L a c e y Pe r s p e c t i v e Written by Alicia Mierzwa / Photographed by Heather Soskin

Lacey Maffettone works on Capitol Hill by day and blogs about her fashionable life in the nation’s capital by night. After following her stylish adventures for quite some time, we were thrilled at the chance to take a peek into the D.C. apartment of the voice and creative mastermind behind the popular style blog, “A Lacey Perspective.” We immediately fell in love with her home—a perfect reflection of Lacey’s impeccable taste. Join us today as we tour this vibrant abode and chat all things fabulous with this lovely blogger. DomiCile: Thanks for having us Lacey. Tell us a bit about your blog, “A Lacey Perspective.” Lacey: “A Lacey Perspective” is a light-hearted and inspiring style blog that captures my personal style, love of all things feminine, and fashion adventures in our nation’s capital. DomiCile: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your blogging journey thus far? Lacey: How much I have learned about my style and myself. Taking a picture of what you wear every day makes it much easier to learn what colors work for you and what cuts flatter your figure. DomiCile: What does a typical day look like for you? What’s on your daily blog to-do list? Lacey: I am a politico by day and a blogger by night, so my day is rather long. I start my day by checking social media for “A Lacey Perspective,” and then I head to my office downtown. Once I get home from work, I am editing photos and preparing the next day’s post, or sometimes attending events. 46

DomiCile: What impact has working in the fashion industry made on you? Lacey: It has taught me that there is so much more to fashion than just the trends. Fashion is about creativity, discovering yourself, and finding inspiration everywhere you turn. DomiCile: What do you look forward to as your brand grows? Lacey: As you can see on my blog, I offer styling services and online branding consultations, and I really look forward to the consulting side of “A Lacey Perspective” growing. I genuinely enjoy helping people solve the puzzle that is their closet, and I love helping new bloggers find their voice. DomiCile: What’s your favorite source of inspiration? Lacey: Street style—I keep most of my favorite street style inspirations on my Pinterest board broken down by season. DomiCile: What are your three favorite fashion trends this season? Lacey: Leather, winter white, and a wine-colored lip. DomiCile: If you could trade closets with anyone in the world right now, who would it be? Lacey: Easy—Olivia Palermo. DomiCile: What are your wardrobe staples? Lacey: A good, quality pair of pumps, a red lip, and a black leather jacket. DomiCile: What’s the one thing you can’t live without? Lacey: My husband and my pug. Sorry, I know that is two, but I just can’t choose. To learn more about Lacey and A Lacey Perspective, follow her on Twitter @laceperspective, on Facebook @alaceyperspective, and visit her on the Web alaceyperspective.com. 48

Follow Alicia on Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest @aliciamierzwa

Street Fair

M e e t R a c h a e l Ko n d y l a s of

Written by Tiffanni Reidy / Photographed by Hoda Hammad Collecting art is never something I saw myself spending money on. Despite going to art school, spending time with artists, and making my own art, I never invested in pieces to display in my home. Admittedly, I am a consumer. I like tech gadgets of all kinds, appliances, and small things that most people begin to consider clutter as they get older. My walls are always full of photographs, rather than conventional artwork. That was until I met Rachael Kondylas. Rachael is the founder of Open Eyes Press, a screen printing and hand-sewn textile business in Baltimore that creates home goods, paper goods, and prints featuring images of what most might consider utilitarian—a mason jar, “The Gem” ice cream freezer, and a rotary egg beater are just a few of the objects you’ll find in Rachael’s work. In 2011, I first saw Rachael’s work during Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, held annually in Baltimore. Her prints of vintage kitchen objects struck me; I was immediately taken back to my childhood, spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. Unprepared to purchase much, I ended up taking one of Rachael’s business cards; however, over the next week, I begun progressively obsessing about where I would one day hang the work of Open Eyes Press. Despite being a renter and having very little open wall space, I decided to purchase some large prints from Rachael, who at the time was only selling on Etsy. She was kind enough to meet me in person and handed me wrapped and bound prints, making them easy to store until I had wall space to proudly display them. 49

I kept in contact, running into Open Eyes Press at craft markets in the area and subscribing to their newsletter to keep abreast of any new prints for my future walls. When looking for a new place this summer, one of my requirements was enough space to display my prints, which had quietly been lying in storage for almost two years. I decided to hang Rachael’s work in my kitchen— the juxtaposition of the retro prints against my modern kitchen objects makes them feel even more nostalgic. I was thrilled when Rachael offered to spend time with DomiCile and give us a glimpse into Open Eyes Press. DomiCile: How long have you lived in the region? Rachael: Five years. DomiCile: What’s your favorite thing about living in the region? Rachael: Being so close to everything! Having easy access to great metropolitan areas like D.C. and Philly, and at the same time being just a short drive away from beautiful parks on the water is pretty awesome. DomiCile: What part of the city do you call your neighborhood? What’s your favorite spot? Rachael: Bayview—anytime I can get out to one of the local parks and stroll along the water or beach, I’m happy. DomiCile: How did you end up in your business? Rachael: At some point during my post-grad job cycle, I realized I was just going through the motions. There wasn’t any heart in what I was doing, and I didn’t feel like I’d find anything I could grow with or that would develop my talents as an artist. My mom, who’s been running her own small business for 16 years, encouraged me to think outside the box and consider branching out on my own. And so, Open Eyes Press was born! DomiCile: Are you the only person who works on your goods? Rachael: Yes—I print, sew, and package every item I sell. Sometimes it’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

DomiCile: What’s your favorite part about running your business? Rachael: Having complete creative control over my products, and also being able to make my own work schedule—those two things are huge. DomiCile: What inspires your work? Rachael: Vintage advertisements and product packaging—I love checking out the color combinations, fonts, and graphics used during different time periods. DomiCile: Do you buy any supplies locally? Rachael: All of the reclaimed fabrics I use in my pillows and smaller sewn items, I source locally. Right now, I have a stockpile of vintage fabric that I’ve been collecting for three years. Finding ways to upcycle great textiles is always fun, and it helps the environment too. DomiCile: What do you collect and display in your home? Rachael: Books. And plants. DomiCile: If you collect any art, what kind of art do you collect? Rachael: It varies. Right now I’m really into mod space-age type stuff; anything with clean graphics and a broad meaning. DomiCile: Where is your favorite spot to buy art and home goods in your area? Rachael: Definitely at local shows and festivals, which Baltimore has plenty of, year-round. Artscape is one of my favorites. I also scout out furniture at local salvage yards and thrift stores—you would not believe the gems I’ve found at those places! DomiCile: What’s your favorite thing in your home? Rachael: My mid-century teak credenza. I nabbed it at a local thrift store for $30! DomiCile: When you aren’t working what do you enjoy doing? Rachael: Thrifting—lots of it. I also try to get outdoors as often as I can. It’s so easy to lose perspective when you’re wrapped up in work-related projects or tasks—it’s a constant challenge to keep a healthy balance. To check out more of Rachael’s work visit openeyespress.com and follow her on Twitter @OpenEyesPress 51

Street Fair

Meet Christine Ilich of

Written by Maya Brown / Photographed by Kelly Alfaro

We don’t know about you, but soup is a winter must-have. We prefer spicy, chunky, farm fresh, and chocked with veggies—but we don’t prefer the labor involved in making it from scratch. Luckily, we can rely on Heirloom Kitchen’s Christine Ilich’s delicious (and nutritious) recipes to get us through the longer-than-we’d-like winter. Meet our featured farmers market vendor, Christine— Heirloom Kitchen founder, chef, and all-around sweet person. DomiCile: How did Heirloom Kitchen come about? Christine: I come from a large, Italian family and learned to cook from watching my mother. I attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and then worked as a Manhattan restaurant chef for six years. After growing weary of restaurant life, I moved back home to be near my family in Virginia. Going from a chaotic New York City life to the idyllic peace and quiet of the country was a huge change. On a whim, I heard about a vacant stone cottage for rent in Front Royal, Va. When I went to check it out, I found out that the cottage, built in 1786, was surrounded by 200 acres of farms, gardens, and apple orchards. I lucked out with my small farmhouse and embraced the change.

While I continued to cook, I developed an interest in my surroundings. I relied more on my own harvest for my meals and when entertaining others. The farms and gardens around me produce tomatoes, squash, beets, apples, and herbs. I try to use as many ingredients from my own gardens whenever possible. The bounty of the land has inspired me to make fresh, healthy soups with the best-available seasonal ingredients. Heirloom Kitchen is a one-woman operation, so harvest time can get pretty chaotic. I pick the produce, harvest it, prepare it for cooking, and make small batches of soup at a time. Then, I deliver them to markets for sale directly to my customers. DomiCile: Do you only make vegetarian soup? Christine: I am also a pretty good baker and used to also sell baked goods. My chicken noodle soup is also quite tasty, but the demand for vegetarian and vegan soup is so high that I rarely make it now. (Maybe sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make a small batch for us!) DomiCile: What are your bestselling soups? Christine: The curried red lentil with cilantro and apricots and butternut squash with apples and sage are two of my most popular soups. I think the African sweet potato soupâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with peanut, cilantro, fresh ginger, and spicesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; is a wise choice for winter. The mild heat from the spices really warms you up!

DomiCile: What do you like most about selling at farmers markets in the region? Christine: All of the producers and vendors at the markets are very proud of their products. We are a tight-knit community and it’s easy to build relationships with each other. Our customers truly are the best. They ask very detailed questions about farming practices, sources, pesticides, and the like. They keep us on our toes! Our savvy, loyal customers encourage us to continue bringing the freshest products week after week. DomiCile: When you’re not busy cooking, do you ever get a chance to shop at farmers markets? Who are your favorite market vendors? Christine: Occasionally, yes. I like Upper Crust Bakery, Blue Ridge Dairy, and Westmoreland Produce for their high-quality ingredients. DomiCile: Where can we meet you this winter? Christine: You can find me at Bethesda Central Farm Markets on Sundays. If it’s too cold to come by, you can also have my soup delivered to your home in Northern Virginia via Holy Cow Delivery (www.holycowdelivery.com). Visit Christine on the Web at HeirloomKitchenCooks.com and like her on Facebook @Heirloom-Kitchen.

Pr e s e r v e . . .

Written by Wendy Kiang-Spray / Photographed by Kelly Alfaro The herb garden is the heart of every backyard garden. Through most of spring, summer, and fall, my gorgeous mounds of herbs parsley stand fresh and ready to be chopped: parsley to garnish, thyme and oregano to enhance my main dishes, and mint, contained it its sunken pot in the garden, to be crushed with lime and mixed into a refreshing mojito. Because herbs don’t beg a lot of attention, it’s easy to take them for granted and then find yourself shorthanded in the winter, when non-hardy herbs don’t make it through a hard frost. Be proactive and dry some herbs for use throughout the winter. Ideally, you should dry herbs just before they flower and set seed—when their flavors are at their peak. However, in the early winter, survey your herb garden and see what can be cut to dry for use throughout the cold-weather months—you will thank yourself later. 56

Add Wendy as a friend on facebook @wendy.kiangspray and visit her on the web at greenishthumb.net

& Pr e p a r e To dry cut herbs, gather them in small bunches and tie with twine. Hang upside down in a warm, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Hanging herbs upside down forces their essential oils to flow down into the leaves. When completely dry, remove leaves from stems and store in a cool, dry place and crush leaves before use. Dried herbs’ flavor deteriorates over time, so don’t bother hanging onto them once you have fresh herbs growing again next season. And If you’re looking out the window and the thought of all these chores makes you want to pull the Snuggie around you even tighter, cut yourself a break. As much as it’s possible to keep things growing right now, you can continue to be a gardener without even touching the soil. Organize—inventory seeds, order seed-starting supplies, compile your garden notes. Relax and delve into your stack of catalogs and magazines. Dream big and plan an amazing spring garden. 57

Shopping Smart

Consignment Threads in the Metro Area Written & Photographed by Jessica Blanton of Jessie Venom

Eclectic Threads 2649 N. Pershing Dr., Arlington, Va.

Meeps 2104 18th St. NW, Washington D.C.

If you’re looking for iconic pieces of vintage fashion, Eclectic Threads, a consignment store inside the Corner Cupboard antique shop, hits the spot. When you walk in, several large display cases of antique jewelry and a rack of purses greets you. The left side of the shop is dedicated to antiques, while the right is vintage clothing. Although owner Cara Selario is choosey in what she sells, taking only truly vintage items in an effort to downsize; however, her selectiveness guarantees that you can find a unique piece to take home.

Meeps doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside the carefully organized and styled shop, you are hit with a very specific vibe that you can only find in D.C.—think bold athletic wear meets sophisticated vintage staples. With an ample-sized men’s section and a costume room, Meeps is in a class of its own.

Eclectic Threads displays an impressive collection of vintage nightgowns and lingerie, as well as a large array of accessories—hats, scarves, and gloves—and formal gowns, notably the puffy-sleeved, pink prom dresses from the 80s. While a lot of the pieces aren’t necessarily something you’d want to wear out, there are a few hidden gems: antique jewelry never goes out of style, and many pieces of their outerwear is both in great condition and as current as when they were made. Also, some of these stylized pieces—like old smoking robes—make great Halloween costumes or props for plays or photo shoots. 58

Meeps’ modern vintage style makes it easy to find throwback pieces that seamlessly fit in with current styles, including colorful harem pants, throwback jerseys, and swimsuits from the 60s and 70s. There is also a wide range of bright and funky jewelry framing the cash register. If Meeps leaves you craving more, check out its sister shop, Treasury, for a similar consignment experience.

It’s All Good 5912 Washington Blvd., Arlington, Va.

New to You 108 W. Broad St., Falls Church, Va. Upon entering New to You, it’s not hard to not notice what makes this place so unique: racks organized by color instead of size. While this may make looking through for a certain size a little more tedious, it certainly helps if you are an all-black-and-neutrals gal, like me. This upscale shop tends to carry higher-end, designer pieces in great condition, making it an ideal place for businesswomen to get their fashion fix on a smaller budget.

This local consignment shop focuses mainly on younger pieces. “We want to be generational,” said Gwen Macrina, one of the gals working there. “We want grandmas and their teenage grandchildren to be able to find current pieces they’ll love to wear.” While you won’t find too many pieces from high-end designers or shops, you will find a load of cute staples from well-known brands, such as Abercrombie, H&M, and American Apparel, for great prices. As the cold weather rolls in, expect to see a mass of trendy sweaters and jeans, as well as winter coats and accessories. While the shop is on the small side, it’s inviting and colorful, with bright pink and orange on the wall, a chandelier hanging in the center, and dressing rooms in the back in case you find a steal worth trying on. There are also quite a few designer handbags, like Louis Vuitton and Dooney and Bourke—ranging from $35 to $150—lined up on wall racks. If you need to beef up your wardrobe with trendy staples and costume jewelry, It’s All Good is the place to do it. After picking up bargain clothes and accessories, head next-door to Finders Keepers. Owned and operated by the same family, it sells more classic, adult styles, as well as home goods and furniture.

New to You’s cute and comfy shoe area, complete with plush pink chairs and magazines, is another reason this consignment shop stands out—you can try on a pair of heels or take a load off. If you’re looking to tack on a designer bag to your purchase, take a look at the wall behind the counter—a protective Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessievenom and visit her on glass case behind the counter houses the Web at jessievenombeautybites.blogspot.com and at a plethora of bags sorted by designer. jessievenom.tumblr.com The employees are also cheery and personable and know a great deal about the high-end pieces on display, which is a huge plus when buying used.

Host A Party For the Big Game

Playoff Platters from Cooking Shorts Written & Photographed by Tinsley & Jason Stricker of Cooking Shorts

Lime in the Coconut Chicken Rich in flavor and perfectly balanced, these handheld drumsticks will â&#x20AC;&#x153;chef upâ&#x20AC;? your Super Bowl menu. 6 skin-on chicken drumsticks 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 inch of ginger, peeled and chopped 1 shallot, peeled 1 cup cilantro (save some for garnish) 1â &#x201E;3 cup honey 1 cup coconut milk 3 limes, juiced and zested Salt and pepper, a generous pinch Create a coconut marinade by combining all ingredients (except the chicken) together in a food processor and pulse until pureed. Pour coconut marinade into a zip-top bag. Add chicken and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 450F. Transfer chicken to a baking rack placed on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes; turn and continue to bake for roughly another 10 minutes, until cooked through. Plate and add cilantro and lime wedges for garnish.

Vietnamese Stuffed Peppers This Asian twist on a classic stuffed pepper is the sure to please a crowd. 1â &#x201E;2 pound ground pork sausage, cooked and cooled 1 cup white rice, cooked and cooled 1 bag mini bell peppers, each pepper halved 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced 1 shallot, minced Salt and pepper, a generous pinch Set oven to broil. Mix sausage with all of the ingredients to create the filling. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the filling into each half of the mini bell peppers. Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, and then place in the oven on the center rack. Broil for 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 minutes, rotating to evenly cook peppers. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Vietnamese Stuffed Peppers This Asian twist on a classic stuffed pepper is the sure to please a crowd. Ingredients: • 1⁄2 pound ground pork sausage, cooked and cooled • 1 cup white rice, cooked and cooled • 1 bag mini bell peppers, each pepper halved • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped • 1 glove garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced • 1 shallot, minced • Salt and pepper, a generous pinch Directions: Set oven to broil. Mix sausage with all of the ingredients to create the filling. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the filling into each half of the mini bell peppers. Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, and then place in the oven on the center rack. Broil for 5–6 minutes, rotating to evenly cook peppers. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Fried Green Beans with Strawberry Dipping Sauce Is it a struggle to get your family and friends to eat their greens? Fry them! While perhaps it is not the healthiest way to eat green beans, it’s definitely the tastiest. Plus, are you really calorie counting during the big game? So cut loose for a couple of hours and enjoy these oh-so-delicious golden-fried beans. 2 tbsp fresh strawberry jam

16 oz vegetable oil

1 tbsp seasoned salt

2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup water

1 pound green beans, stems trimmed

1⁄2 cup of cornmeal, course ground

1 large egg, beaten

Pour oil into a large pot with high sides. Place over medium heat and allow the oil to reach a temp of 350F. To know that the oil is ready, place the end of a wooden spoon into the oil. If it starts to bubble around the spoon, then the oil is at temperature. Note: You can also use an electric deep fryer. Create the dipping sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt and fresh strawberry jam with a pinch of salt. Transfer to a serving dish and chill to allow the flavors to combine. Place your green beans into a small bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds. This will start the green beans’ cooking process, but still leave crispness to them after they are fried. Preheat oven to 200F. Combine the water, flour, cornmeal, season salt, and eggs in a bowl to form a batter. Dip the beans in the batter, a dozen at a time, and place them into the oil. Flip for about 2 minutes to brown each side. Remember to fry them in batches so you don’t crowd the pan and bring down the temperature of the oil. Cool on a cooling rack. Sprinkle with salt while hot so the salt with stick. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Serve the fried beans with the dipping sauce. 64

Loaded Potato Bites These bite-sized cuties are baked until crispy and loaded with your favorite baked potato toppings. 1 pound small red potatoes 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1⁄2 cup sour cream 1⁄4 cup scallions, finely chopped 5 strips of thick, sliced bacon Olive oil Salt and pepper, a generous pinch Preheat the oven to 350F. Place cooling rack over a baking sheet. Place bacon on cooling rack and bake in the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the bacon becomes crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the bacon to cool. Finely chop bacon to the consistency of bacon bits. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water. Cover pot and bring water to a boil. Uncover and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes start to become fork tender. Drain and place them back into the hot pot to rest for about 15 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the pot and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, making sure they are evenly coated. Space the potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Using the palm of your hand or a metal spatula, lightly smash each potato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle an additional coating of olive oil over the exposed flesh of the potatoes. Place them in the oven at 350F and roast for 30–45 minutes, until the bottoms become a little crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to rest. Transfer to your serving dish and top each with sour cream, cheese, scallions, and crumbled bacon.

Espresso Chip Shortbread Cookies These portable treats are easy to pass around while cheering on your team. 2 tbsp strong coffee, cooled

1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract

8 oz butter, room temperature

2 cups flour

2⁄3 cup sugar

3⁄4 cup chocolate chips

Using a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla and espresso, then reduce mixer speed to low and add flour in small increments. Try not to work the dough too much once the flour is incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips. Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Roll the dough into a 10 x 10 rectangle that’s about 1⁄4 inches thick. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 325F. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1⁄2-inch squares. Transfer the squares to the baking sheets and bake for 18–20 minutes. Transfer the shortbread cookies to a rack and allow to cool.

Follow Cooking Shorts on Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest @cookingshorts, and visit them on the Web at CookingShorts.com

A Huge

Thank You

to our launch party sponsors! Your generosity and willingness to believe in

DomiCile

made our event an amazing success!

P l a n Va l e n t i n e ’ s D a y

14 Days of Chocolate This year when Valentine’s Day rolls around, let’s not find ourselves scouring the grocery store shelves on the 13th for a halfway decent bouquet and a box of chocolates that aren’t emblazoned with cartoon characters. Let’s have a plan—a romantic one. Sweets for your sweetheart are always a great idea. But why settle for one? We know 14 ways you can give your valentine 14 days of chocolate bliss.

Clockwise from top center: Glarus Chocolatier, Timonium, Md - Lavender Truffle Cacao Lorenzo, Timonium, Md - Ravens Chocolate Noir Double Premium Confections, Arlington, Va - Chai Spice Choquette, Bethesda, Md - Old Bay Caramel Artfully Chocolate, Alexandria, Va - Grand Marnier Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates, Washington, D.C. - Rosebud Cardamom Potomac Chocolate, Woodbridge, Va - Upala 70% with Salt Treat Shop & Chocolate Factory, Westminster, Md - Irish Cream Salazon Chocolate Co., Eldersburg, Md - Organic Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper Chocotenango, Washington D.C. - Rumba (Banana & Rum) The Perfect Truffle, Frederick, Md - Pumpkin Pie Zoe’s Chocolate Shop, Baltimore, Md - Apple Pie Artisan Confections, Arlington, Va - Earl Grey Tea Sibu Sura, Myersville, Md - Triple Explosion

P l a n Va l e n t i n e ’ s D a y

Pi c k A P l a t e After picking the perfect gift, it is time to move on to the next item on your heart-melting Valentine’s plan to-do list: Pick a place to eat. If your special someone is anything like us, the Valentine’s meal is vital to this romantic carousel of a holiday. Depending on your busy schedules (or your conveniently open ones), we’ve chosen a few places to grab a bite with your Valentine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—or all three.

Lunch: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, lettuce on a bagel. The Bagel Place, College Park, Md.

Photographed by Tiffanni Reidy Brunch: Nutella Stuffed French Toast with berry preserve and breakfast potatoes. Dino Restaurant, Washington D.C.

Photographed by Hoda Hammad

Dinner: Lamb and bone-in chicken kabobs with chickpeas, spinach, rice. Photographed by Maya Brown

Kabob Palace, Arlington Va. 69

P l a n Va l e n t i n e â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s D a y

Embrace the Cold at Moorenkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Photographed by Kelly Alfaro

Strawberries & Cream 70

After your romantic meal, you’ll bundle up and head back out into the brisk cold, reminding you how much you can’t wait for winter to end. It’s at these moments that we try to think of that mid-Atlantic humidity we were complaining about just eight months ago. As you recall those hazy, hot summer days, ice cream suddenly sounds like a brilliant plan. So, take this night to the sweetest place you can, and embrace the cold at Moorenko’s. Time to head to Silver Spring. 71

Maple Walnut 73

Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Maple Walnut

Bittersweet Chocolate

Pick Out Some New Clothes

Retail Therapy W r i t t e n & P h o t o g r a p h e d b y K a r e n C u r t i s o f Yo u r S t y l i s t , K a r e n As a personal style blogger, I have to admit that online shopping has its perks, but discovering new-to-you brick and mortar shops can make for a fun weekend adventure in your own backyard. Thankfully, the DMV retail boom means that new shops—and new places for some retail therapy—are on every corner. So, come check out some of the coolest shops in the area with me. Current Boutique – Bethesda, MD What Draws You In: Current Boutique’s trendy storefront immediately catches your eye. With striking dresses and accessories inviting you in, you have no choice but to discover what else is behind those doors. What You Will Find: The front of Current Boutique features new clothing and accessories, while the rear of the store—and the bulk of it—is a consignment shop featuring an endless display of quality designer wears and unique statement jewelry for unbelievable prices. The handpicked consignment pieces are carefully organized by color, size, and occasion, which allows you to head directly to “your” section, giving you a true boutique experience. What Keeps You There: Current Boutique offers a frequently updated selection of professional and casual clothing and cute dressing room aesthetics. The friendly staff strives to give the customer the best shopping experience out there. The consignment process is easy and no appointment is necessary. Depending on how busy the store is, clothes may be reviewed on the spot and consignors can get a good idea of what their profits will be from the selling of their gently used goods. A Random Cool Fact: Current Boutique has locations all over DMV—Bethesda, Clarendon, Logan Circle, and Old Town Alexandria. Though each store has a unique look, they all offer a sense of familiarity, and you know what you are going to get—unique pieces at a great price point. Now is the time to collect your winter pieces from last year and trade them in for some cash to spend on all of the hot new trends. This is one occasion where you won’t regret spending all of your money in one place! 76

Langford Market/Addison – (Mosaic District) Merrifield, Virginia What Draws You In: Langford Market might just be the prettiest retail space in all of Mosaic. Chandeliers, gorgeous columns, and exposed brick complement the store’s collection of refined, southern-influenced separates—resulting in a warm, welcoming space for shoppers. What You Will Find: Langford Market brings all the components of a woman’s style— clothing, accessories, furniture, and gifts—together in a warm, feminine shopping experience that encourages discovery and expression. The store emphasizes authenticity, quality, and impeccable service. Langford Market offers unique pieces on a very limited quantity. The store also carries the Addison line—Langford Market’s shoe and accessory line—in an internally connected boutique off of the main store. The Mosaic location is unique in that the stores are combined. In other locations, Langford Market and Addison are two separate storefronts. What Keeps You There: Langford Market’s atmosphere—bright colors and textures set against the backdrop of a cool interior and friendly, laid-back salespeople— appeals to women of all ages and will lure you in time and time again. And once you’re lured in, the affordability will surely win your loyalty— especially when you see all the pieces that immediately need to be a part of your wardrobe! A Random Cool Fact: Can’t make it to the store? You can shop online! I love this feature because fighting traffic to get to this location is not on my to-do list.

Blue’s Hard Goods – Washington D.C. What Draws You In: Talk about stepping in to a time machine! Blue’s Hard Goods is a hidden gem offering some of the most amazing vintage pieces that this area has to offer. Accessible from the street, you walk up a staircase into a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, which is apparent in the rugged décor and loads of vintage clothing. Look out for the owner, Andrew Nguyen, who will greet you with a laid-back “hello” and gladly share the story of how a piece came to be a part of the store inventory while you browse. Exploring the racks will feel as if you are exploring your grandparent’s closet. What You Will Find: Blue’s Hard Goods offers vintage clothing and accessories from the 1960s through the present. Los Gitanos Vintage, a boutique within the store, features finds from the 18th century through the 1960s. Your guy will not mind accompanying you here because it gives him a chance to check out Mister Vintage—a section dedicated to guys boasting an awesome selection of cufflinks, tie bars, bandanas, bolos, and bags. The most important thing you will find in the store: excellent customer service. Need advice on fit? The staff can tell you exactly how an item should be tailored to complement your best features while maintaining the integrity of the piece. Customers are made to feel like old friends and the owner encourages discussion about all things vintage. What Keeps You There: Vintage is good for you and it is good for the environment! You are guaranteed to find one-of-a-kind pieces at Blue’s Hard Goods. Plus, it is cool to think about all the stories your new finds could tell about its journey to D.C. A Random Cool Fact: Blue’s Hard Goods repairs denim! Jeans’ unique chainstitching and darning is all done on vintage Singer sewing machines.

Follow Karen on Twitter @yourstylistkar, love her pics on Instagram @yourstylistkaren and visit her on the Web at yourstylistkaren.com

Comfort Cooking

T h e C o m f o r t s o f H o m e : Pa n a m a E d i t i o n Written & Photographed by JC Gibbs of Cocinerita

Arroz con Culantro (Culantro Rice) When I first came to the U.S. from Panama, I was usually asked about tacos and tortillas—I had to explain that I’ve probably eaten more fried rice in my lifetime than tacos. Rice is to Panamanians what pasta is to Italians. I never cook less than a pound of rice; I like to cook it and freeze half of it for later. If you open my pantry, you will always find multiple types of rice, along with a stash in the freezer. I prefer brown rice most of the time, but whenever I make an herbed-based recipe, I prefer to use white rice. Culantro is an intensely flavored, leafy, green herb used frequently in Latin American and Asian dishes. The culantro flavor, mixed with the curry paste, intensifies a standard rice dish. 2 cups white rice, rinsed and drained 4 tbsp coconut oil 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped

salt to taste 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp green curry paste of your favorite brand

5 culantro leaves (about 4 tbsp, chopped) 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped 4 cups hot water

Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 6–7 minutes, until onions soften and start to brown. Add a few good pinches of salt to the onions. Stir in the rice, garlic, and curry paste. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chopped herbs and hot water. Add salt to taste. Bring rice to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer, cover pan, and cook for 15–20 minutes. The dish is ready when liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender. Makes 8 cups.

Caramelized Pork Chops in Pineapple-Mustard Sauce Everyone in Panama has their favorite way to prepare pork chops. This recipe is probably one of the first I ever cooked, when I was 12 years old. I didn’t have much cooking experience, but by that time I was already making my way in the kitchen and pork chops (smoked or non-smoked) were one of my go-to dishes, served with crispy white rice, pork and beans (yes, from the can), and fried sweet plantains. Whether you serve this with rice, salad, or potatoes, remember the leftovers are a blessing, as this pork makes amazing sandwiches. ¡A comer! 3 1⁄2 tbsp canola oil 2 pork chops (3⁄4-inch thick) 1⁄2 cup fresh pineapple juice 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 1 garlic clove, minced Heat 1⁄2 tbsp of the canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add pineapple and sauté until golden on all sides. Reserve on a separate plate. In the same pan, add the remaining canola oil, increase the heat to high temperature, and sear the pork chops until browned, 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Sauté the garlic and then add mustard, pineapple juice and the sautéed pineapple chunks. Cook 3–4 minutes, until the liquid reduces by half. Return pork chops to the pan (including the drippings) and baste the chops with the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your taste. Cook for 2 minutes and serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Mamallena (Panamanian Style Bread Pudding) with Sangria-Rum Caramel Sauce My family loves fresh bread. When I lived in Panama, we’d buy French baguettes, sandwich bread, or challah almost every day, meaning we always had leftovers. Though fresh bread is nice, the leftovers were always the best part because we would freeze them to make mamallena. Mamallena—also known as bread pudding— is my family’s go-to snack for road trips and long flights. It’s convenient, flavorful, moist, and filling, which explains the name, mamallena—short for, más me llena, meaning, “It fills me up more,” or the funnier, literal translation, “full mother,” which my dad and brother prefer. I usually make this recipe with fresh bread, but if you use older bread, I suggest lengthening the soaking time. When using frozen bread, thaw it overnight, and then soak for 30–60 minutes. My mom bakes hers in a cake mold, but since I’ve always fought for the crust of the mamallena, I always bake mine in muffin tins for a crispier product. Mamallena is great as-is out of the oven, but you can also dress it up with a caramel sauce and whipped cream. 2 cups raisins 1⁄2 cup butter (melted) 1⁄4 cup sweetened dried sour cherries 1 cup of Spanish sangria 1⁄2 cup dark rum 1 loaf of bread (around 1 pound fresh White Bread, broken into small pieces)

12 ounces evaporated milk 8 ounces unsweetened almond-coconut milk 8 ounces water 1 tsp vanilla extract 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp allspice

Soak the raisins and cherries in the sangria and the rum for one hour. Preheat oven to 375F. Butter 12-cup standard muffin tin. In a large bowl, combine evaporated milk, almond-coconut milk, and water. Mix in bread pieces with your hands. Add salt, vanilla, butter, brown sugar, and spices to the bread mixture and mix with your hands. Mix in the eggs when you are satisfied with the sweetness level. Drain the soaked raisins and cherries. Reserve the sangria/rum liquid for caramel sauce recipe (below). Add raisins and cherries to the bread mixture and place in buttered muffin tins. Bake for 30–35 minutes at 375F. Increase temperature to 450F and bake for 3–5 minutes for a crispier result. Let cool for 5–10 minutes and remove mamallena from muffin tins. Drizzle with sangria-rum caramel sauce. Serve with optional whipped cream. Makes 12 mamallena.

Follow JC on Twitter @JCGibbsDC, like her on Facebook @littleladycooks, pin with her on Pinterest @jcgibbs, and visit her on the Web at cocinerita.com and at jcgibbs.com 82

Sangria-Rum Caramel Sauce Rum and sangria leftover from soaked dried fruit 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp water 1 cup sugar 1 tbsp unsalted butter In a saucepan, combine the rum and sangria with vanilla extract over low heat. Reduce sauce for 10–12 minutes until you have 1⁄2 cup of liquid. In another saucepan on medium heat, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Stir the sugar until completely dissolved. Continue cooking and stirring until sugary liquid turns a dark golden caramel color. Turn off heat and, while stirring, carefully add the reduced sangria-rum liquid to the caramel. Keep stirring for 4–5 minutes and then add the butter to the caramel and reserve for drizzling over mamallena. 83

Beyond The Fence

Charlottesville

In the Washington D.C. area, we are saturated with monuments and historical sites. At first glance, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home may seem like just another landmark. But just as Jefferson stood out from the founding fathers, Monticello stands out from its peers. Perhaps most recognized as being emblazoned on the back of the nickel, Monticello stands atop a peak in the Southwest Mountains, just outside of Charlottesville. To get there, you take an impatient uphill journey, following winding roads and trails covered by a canopy of trees. As you reach the top, the trees give way to luscious green grass and gardens. And on a clear day, the sun kisses Jefferson’s neoclassical home, highlighting the white dome and columns. Monticello, Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece that he designed and built (and redesigned and rebuilt) is a magnificent site. Touring the inside is like walking through Jefferson’s autobiography—the design, decor, and custom features capture Jefferson, a Renaissance man and a lifelong learner. Outside, Monticello’s grounds are picturesque throughout the year. In spring, thousands of colorful tulips enliven the landscape, and throughout summer, the historic gardens and orchards, originally planted by Jefferson, are in full bloom. As it gets cooler, the endless orange, red, and yellow of fall surround the mountaintop. But there is something surprisingly special about winter at Monticello—the frigid air is crisp and clean and you can see for miles. When you stand on the northwest side of the house and look down, you get a clear view of Charlottesville through the bare trees.

Just a couple of hours south of D.C., Charlottesville is the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway. There is something for everyone— great shopping, upscale restaurants, a burgeoning arts scene, wineries, and of course, history. Though Jefferson laid the foundation for our nation, he clearly gave his heart to Charlottesville. His presence is felt throughout the city—from Monticello to downtown to his University of Virginia. Very few colleges can be considered destinations, but U.Va. is one of them. Frustrated with other universities’ religious affiliations, Jefferson founded the school in 1819, but rather than centering the grounds around a church, he built an Academical Village around a library—the Rotunda. Based on Rome’s Pantheon, it is a symbol of Jefferson’s beliefs and dedication to architecture and education. The lawn in the Academical Village is the perfect spot to admire the Rotunda’s Jeffersonian architecture—a symmetrical structure made of red brick topped with a white dome and matching columns. There is something surreal about seeing the Rotunda in its natural habitat: a modern college campus. Despite Virginia’s sprawling grounds, almost two centuries later, both Jefferson’s buildings and values are still the heart of the University of Virginia. If you are looking to experience Charlottesville like a student, the Corner, which runs along University Ave., just down the street from the Rotunda, is the place to be. Serving students since the early 1900s, the Corner’s old brick buildings are now a collection of small businesses and restaurants. If you are looking for a quick bite, grab a bagel and coffee at Bodo’s or pull up a stool and try the legendary Gus Burger at the White Spot. Or have a casual sit-down meal at the College Inn and grab drinks at Michael’s Bistro and Tap House. On the Corner, you’ll find a plethora of stores, including Mincer’s for all your U.Va. apparel needs, Ragged Mountain Running for your inner-runner, or Finch for a boutique shopping experience.

In many ways, Charlottesville is the quintessential college town, but in many ways it is much more than that. During the 19th century, James Madison, James Monroe, and of course, Thomas Jefferson, walked Main St. (called Three Notch’d Rd. back then), the center of life in Charlottesville. Main St., now commonly known as the Downtown Mall, is still the center of life in the city. Bookended by the Charlottesville Ice Park and Main Street Arena at one end and the Charlottesville Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, at the other, the length of the red-brick road is lined with oak trees and rows of restored brick buildings with al fresco cafes running down the middle. If you walk the length of the mall, you’ll pass street vendors, a central plaza devoted to public art, and musicians. With a European feel, Jefferson would surely still love to walk Main St.—seven blocks packed local restaurants, antique stores, coffee shops, boutiques, bookstores, theaters, and art galleries. With more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants, the Downtown Mall has something for everyone. If you are looking for some comfort food, grab lunch or dinner at the Nook (and eat al fresco if the weather permits). For something a little more upscale, try Hamilton’s at First and Main. For some great vintage finds, check out Low for quality clothes, accessories, housewares, and vinyl or Vintage Vixen for trendy, designer pieces. Peruse the shelves at New Dominion Bookshop, Virginia’s oldest independent bookstore. You can find unique, handmade art, glassware, and jewelry at the C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery. Besides offering a variety of shops and restaurants, the open-air pedestrian mall has grown into a hub for the arts. There are numerous downtown galleries, including bozArt, Second Street, and Warm Springs. Every November, the mall and its movie theatre transforms into the headquarters of the Virginia Film Festival. If you are a theater lover, the Live Arts community theater puts on plays and musicals and regularly holds workshops, while the historic Paramount features everything from plays, to operas, to ballets. At the Jefferson Theatre, you can find nightly concerts. And Miller’s, the drug store turned bar, hosts nightly local shows from an array of bands—and is known for giving former bartender Dave Matthews and his band their start. Though packed with history, Charlottesville’s music, art, and entertainment scene makes it relevant in the present. Thomas Jefferson’s city has grown and transformed since he walked the streets, but Charlottesville still embraces his history while echoing his interests, morals, and values. From downtown Charlottesville, the cultural hub of central Virginia; to University of Virginia, a model institution; to Monticello, a monument to Jefferson’s legacy—Jefferson would be proud of his hometown. And the Renaissance man would fit right in modern-day Charlottesville, a Renaissance city. Follow Meghann on Twitter and Instagram @meghann_bowman. 86

Stores We Shopped

B l o c k Pa r t y Grey Moggie Press

Red Barn Mercantile

Potomac Garden Center

The Adventures of Mirabelle

Silk & Burlap

Hardware City

Fast Snail

Homebody

The Muse

Lennah Press

And Beige

Kendal Hardware

Fancy Seeing You Here

Relish Decor

Politics and Prose

Holler & Whistle

Coco Blanco

Strosniders Hardware

Just Paper & Tea

The Vintage Vogue

Merrifield Garden Center

Pulp DC

Urban Country

Open Eyes Press

Kate Zaremba

Dream House

Heirloom Kitchen

Trohv

Doubledutch Boutique

Dino Restaurant

Milagro

In Watermelon Sugar

The Bagel Place of College Park

Laventel

Kiss-n-Makeup

Kabob Palace

Elsen Oils

Choux

Moorenko’s

Herban Lifestyle

Soft and Cozy Baby

Current Boutique

S.O.A.P. D.C.

Ma Petite Shoe

Langford Market

Bumble & Co.

Mouth Party Caramels

Blue’s Hard Goods

Joyful Bath Co.

K Staton Boutique

Ikko Sushi

Becca & Mars

Sixteen Tons

Silk Road Choyhona

Union Street Soapworks

Atomic Books

Victoria Gastro Pub

Shea Suite

Cool Stuff Here

The Coupe

Cotton Revival

Hanging on a Whim

Samos Restaurant

Karmalades

In the Details

Oby Lee

Biggs & Featherbelle

Betty’s Azalea Ranch

Lou Lou Boutiques

Bear & Emma live with Brian in Stevenson, Md.

ni & lives with Tiffan Rhythm & Blues of ont neighborhood nm le G e th in e ik M d. Silver Spring, M

Say Hello to . . . our Non-Human Neighbors

We at Domicile love getting to know our neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;great and small.

Sir Boxer Brown lives with Iantha in the Loch Raven neighborhood of Baltimore, Md.

Haus lives with Deborah in Sykesville, Md Kai & Nala live with Denise in d. Germantown, M

Peaches lives with Rob & Ellen in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of D.C.

in the Crystal City y re ff Je ith w es Saint liv Arlington, Va. neighborhood of

Boots & Mittens live with Bernice & Joann in the Jerusalem Mill Neighborhood of Joppa. Md.

Charlie lives w ith Kim in Olney, M d.

Carolina & Penny live with Kate & Jason in Kingstown, Va.

Want to see your furry (or scaly or feathered) neighbors featured here? Send us your pictures to submissions@domicilemag.com 89

Meet Bit! Obviously he has something on his mind, but what? We’re hoping you can tell us. Send in your best captions with the hashtag “holyBit” on Twitter and Facebook, or send an email with “#holyBit” in the subject line. We’ll vote on it and put in our next issue. May the best line win. 90

Your Article Here DomiCile is currently on the lookout for local endeavors to feature in our Spring 2014 issue. Have a great idea you want to pitch to us? Send it over to submissions@domicilemag.com with the subject â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Ideas.â&#x20AC;?

Connections

# DM E a t s

Fortunately, we live in an area with so many diverse and tasty food options. Unfortunately, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possibly get to them allâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so we need your help! This season, we followed Hoda Hammad around to all of her favorite local spots.

D.C. monument roll Ikko Sushi Silver Spring, Md.

Chicken tabaka Silk Road Choyhona Gaithersburg, Md.

Poutine Victoria Gastro Pub Columbia, Md.

Mac and cheese The Coupe Washington D.C.

Melitzanosalata Samos Restaurant Baltimore, Md.

Bavarian coconut cream pie crepe with strawberries Oby Lee Arlington, Va.

Connections

? Your Meal Your Local Hidden Gem Your Neighborhood

Do you know of a hidden gem or have a favorite meal that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to flaunt? Send photos of your local, independent restaurant experiences to submissions@domicilemag.com

T h e B oy/ G i r l N ex t D o o r

Meet Red Sprinkle Written by Katherine Dean / Photographed by Heather Soskin When you hear of a business named Red Sprinkle in D.C., your mind may go right to Washingtonians’ favorite indulgence: cupcakes. But, for some local teens, Red Sprinkle is synonymous with fashion, creativity— and opportunity. Founded by sisters Madiana and Rebecca Margao in 2009, Red Sprinkle is a boutique consulting firm catering to the beauty and fashion industries that has grown into much more. In summer 2012, they partnered with Mary’s Center in D.C. and began offering free fashion camps for area teens interested in fashion, styling, design, creative entrepreneurship, and hair and makeup artistry. Since the success of their fashion camp, they have partnered with Montgomery County Recreation to offer their classes at a reasonable price. With a passion for helping budding fashionistas, Madiana and Rebecca give students a glimpse into the world of fashion, art, and entertainment, while providing them the foundation necessary for future success in the fashion and creative industries. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Margao sisters and recent graduate Ruben Nyom to get the inside story on the camps, the kids, and what the future has in store. DomiCile: How did you come up with the idea to start Red Sprinkle? Red Sprinkle: We believe the best blessings in life are those that are unexpected. We first began as an online vintage clothing boutique, but decided to re-establish the company to better reflect our passions for fashion, education, and philanthropy. From those interests, fashion camp was born. DomiCile: You two are sisters. What’s that like for your working relationship? RS: We have a blast! We are very similar, but different in many aspects, so it brings a great balance to our working relationship. DomiCile: It’s a pretty big deal that you offer tuition-free camps. How do you make that work? RS: We offer programs free of charge to participants through our collaborators—Life Success, Excel Beyond the Bell, the Sports Academy, and the Montgomery County Recreation Department—while also offering scholarships to our students when we’re not able to offer the program free. We’re also excited to offer afterschool programs in partnership with area school systems. It’s our way of giving back to the community. DomiCile: How do you choose your students? RS: We like to work with D.C. students from Wards 1, 7, and 8, as those wards usually have students with more diverse backgrounds. 94

DomiCile: Ruben, how did you find Red Sprinkle? Ruben Nyom: It was a Tuesday after school—I was on my way to catch my bus when I stopped at my school cafeteria and saw that there was a program going on, so I decided to stay and see what it was all about. DomiCile: What was going to camp like? RN: It was a change of atmosphere for me and totally different than what I was used to doing in my spare time, but I loved everything about the camp. DomiCile: That’s certainly good to hear! What was your favorite part of the camp experience? RN: I would say sketching and designing clothes, because that was where I could use my drawing skills to create masterpieces. But by far the best experience I had was when the ladies of Red Sprinkle gave me the great opportunity to make an appearance as a model at a real, live fashion show. DomiCile: We hear you have quite the bright future ahead of you. Can you tell us what you’ll be up to in the coming months? RN: Right now, I’m focusing on getting my education, and then maybe creating a clothing line or a brand. DomiCile: Ladies, where can we find out more about Red Sprinkle Fashion Camp? RS: You can visit our website where you can sign up for any of our classes at any time online, at www. redsprinkle.com. DomiCile: So Ruben, when can we look for your clothes on the racks? RN: My optimism is telling me some time soon!

Ideas are blooming for our Spring issue! Contact us at wearelocal@domicilemag.com to get involved.