A Weekend in Washington, DC
We recently went down to Washington DC just as the dogwoods and cherry trees were starting to bloom in the first throes of spring, when the days are still grey but the promise of the season drifts by in bright petals on the warming breeze. Lucky for us, we brought our own personal tour guide along.
Gregory Jewett is a Virginia native now living in Portland, Maine. In addition to working with us, he manages special projects for Prentice Hospitality and runs his own private dining experiences through A Piece of Mine. We met him at a Supper last year, immediately taken in by his unerringly calm presence and bright smile. He embodies the hospitality metaphor of the swan — no matter how much flapping may be going on beneath the surface, anyone watching a swan glide across the water sees only its grace in motion — gliding around a dining room (or across a field, or in a barn, or along a vineyard row, in our case!).
Gregory’s DC is fast paced. It’s full of late nights, high standards, and intensely passionate people. He grew up visiting his godmother in DC for weeks at a time, and eventually moved there to work in the city’s high energy, high pressure hospitality scene. He fell in love with the history of making the city, from the hidden codes built into the streetmap to illustrious characters like city planner Benjamin Banneker. He’s curated a list of his favorite spots in DC to share with us. File it away for your next visit, whether it’s for our next Supper in the area or an adventure on your own!
“DC is like a big playground with so many nooks and crannies to get into; so much culture, so much history, and so much fun!”
WHERE TO STAY
Tucked away on a tree-lined street on Embassy Row, Lyle offers a calm respite from the characteristic intensity of DC while remaining in the center of the action of the city’s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.
IF YOU HAD ONE MEAL IN DC, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
For Gregory, that’s undeniably Lauriol Plaza for pollo asado and a margarita. Whenever he’s in town, he calls a friend to join him on the patio and connect over one of his favorite meals in the city.
WHERE TO EAT
Gregory’s culinary standards are high, but in a fast-paced hospitality scene like DC with endless exceptional options, his recommendations are based as much on vibes as cuisine. He knows you can get an incredible meal in a lot of places, but he gets most excited about how an establishment makes you feel through that enigmatic combination of service, setting, and scene.
CARUSO’S GROCERY: Intimate Italian nestled inside the Roost Hotel. Picture your favorite old-school Red Sauce joint if it got dressed up for a spacial occasion.
D’LEÑA: The food at this woodfire Mexican restaurant is worth making the trip for, but the real draw is the mexcalería hidden downstairs with live jazz late night. There are no reservations in the bar area, so plan ahead and make a night of it.
EMISSARY: Whether you need coffee, a snack, or a full meal, this is a great spot for all day dining or co-working with four outposts across the city.
MAYDĀN: This Middle Eastern restaurant is based around open fire and clay-oven cooking, complimented by thoughtful cocktails. The dining room is dimly lit so that the glow of the fire becomes the centerpiece. Reservations are hard to come by, but try walking in right at open to snag a spot.
SHANKLIN HALL: This social club is a great place to start or end the night. Stop in for happy hour bites or one of their rotating DJ sets or live music shows.
ST. JAMES: Modern Caribbean perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion out with friends.
OUT OF OFFICE: A classic speakeasy inside the Manifest barbershop with coffee and cocktails inspired by global flavors.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
SEE THE MONUMENTS AT NIGHT
Pack a picnic and take a stroll or grab a scooter to the National Mall. It’s easy to forget that the landmarks of the nation’s capitol are there for us to use — and the steps of the Lincoln Monument make a perfect picnic spot.
