Coming Soon to My 'Hood

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.