Life in a gentrifying 'hood has its ups and downs, most of which I love. Since I moved to DC over three years ago many new restaurants and shops have opened. Some have been convenient; for example the new Target and an additional grocery store. Some have filled a void, like the two new coffee shops with free wi-fi. Others have increased our options for entertaining and general merriment, like the specialty beer and wine store, the English pub, and the theater. Others have just been silly, like the opening of a posh "micro-eatery" serving small plates across from a funeral home and a house prone to drug-dealing. At the community meeting where the micro-eatery owners introduced the concept to us, I joked to my friend that we should open a your-mama's-kitchen "macro-eatery" across the street serving all you can eat portions.
The changes in my 'hood have included an expansion of culinary options. Since I live in the area of DC with the highest Latino population, taquerias, burrito places, empanada joints, and Mexican restaurants abound. I am proud to say our culinary tastes have now expanded to include not one, not two, not three, but FOUR pizza places, three of which serve pizza by the slice. We have burger joints. We have all-American restaurants, Thai, Vietnamese, and a wine bar. Most of these are small businesses locally owned and operated. We now have a few chains, though, namely Panda Express and Pot Belly. It is altogether a good mix.
Until Chipotle announced it is moving in. Chipotle?! That is like opening a Panda Express in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown. Or a Fazoli's in New York's Little Italy. I mean, really. Did it have to come to this?
And now, Burrito Express right around the corner from me is closing. Have I ever been there? No. Do I even like burritos? Not really. But I still can't help thinking the two are linked, that with Chipotle comes the death of the small businesses and locally-owned restaurants, the increase in rent, the continued migration of minorities elsewhere, and... well. I will go eat a burrito from Burrito Express now as a small act of defiance toward Chipotle. Before they close their doors for good.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The DC Bubble
I've just left my “DC bubble” for the first time in six weeks. DC is urban, multicultural, and very liberal, representing its own microcosm of American culture – hence the “DC bubble.” Within the ten by ten square miles that make up our nation’s capital you can assume several things including: people are liberal, fairly well educated, probably do not have kids and/or have prioritized their career over their kids, and your city government is going to be dysfunctional.* An avid traveler for work and pleasure, I seem to have an excuse to leave the “DC bubble” about once a month. These moments outside DC are a good reminder of the America beyond the beltway.
Today, my travels were taking me to Tucson. I had a layover in Dallas and as I exited the plane amid a sea of cowboy hats and boots I recognized I was outside the “DC bubble.” Looking for lunch, I walked by a restaurant called "Dickey's BBQ Pit" wondering who would want to eat there before remembering my dad and sister would probably both like to eat there. Ah, Texas. And then, Tucson.
When I landed in Tucson, I was reminded again of the stark beauty of the Western landscape. I was also reminded that, outside DC, there are families with children. Kids in DC, for me, seem to be contained to the suburbs. Enjoying a nice meal at a great restaurant with a view, I was surprised to see a family with three little girls at a table nearby. Each little girl took their turn crying throughout the course of the meal. Near the end of the meal a gentleman from a nearby table approached the family.
“Oh boy,” I thought. “He is going to say something about their kids crying.” But no! To my surprise he complimented them on their lovely family. As I reflected on that moment, and the difference between my expectations and what had happened, I first realized that in the “DC bubble” my default assumption is people will behave rudely. And secondly, I realized that it’s good to step outside the “DC bubble” now and again. Here's to a week in Tucson!
*This is more specifically the “DC transplant bubble” as opposed to the “DC native bubble.”
Today, my travels were taking me to Tucson. I had a layover in Dallas and as I exited the plane amid a sea of cowboy hats and boots I recognized I was outside the “DC bubble.” Looking for lunch, I walked by a restaurant called "Dickey's BBQ Pit" wondering who would want to eat there before remembering my dad and sister would probably both like to eat there. Ah, Texas. And then, Tucson.
When I landed in Tucson, I was reminded again of the stark beauty of the Western landscape. I was also reminded that, outside DC, there are families with children. Kids in DC, for me, seem to be contained to the suburbs. Enjoying a nice meal at a great restaurant with a view, I was surprised to see a family with three little girls at a table nearby. Each little girl took their turn crying throughout the course of the meal. Near the end of the meal a gentleman from a nearby table approached the family.
“Oh boy,” I thought. “He is going to say something about their kids crying.” But no! To my surprise he complimented them on their lovely family. As I reflected on that moment, and the difference between my expectations and what had happened, I first realized that in the “DC bubble” my default assumption is people will behave rudely. And secondly, I realized that it’s good to step outside the “DC bubble” now and again. Here's to a week in Tucson!
*This is more specifically the “DC transplant bubble” as opposed to the “DC native bubble.”
