From Allison Acosta. Email her at allison[AT]borderstan.com.
Look for locally made products in stores beginning in April. (Courtesy Logan Hardware)
Five locally owned Ace Hardware stores, including Borderstan’s own Logan Hardware, are teaming up with Think Local First DC to spotlight locally made products in their stores.
The goal of the program, called “Made in DC” is to offer local vendors an opportunity to sell their products in a larger market and to create a sense of community within the stores while supporting small businesses. The stores will choose one vendor per quarter to showcase on an endcap.
Vendors must live in DC and produce their products locally. Ace is looking for products that fit into one of their departments, and vendors must be able to fill the shelving allotment available.
The first deadline for applications is this Friday, March 15, but the program will continue to accept applications to bring in new vendors. To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit Made in DC.
You can look for locally made products in stores beginning in April.
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Local 16’s “Pig Roast V” on July 26. Click above to see the pictures. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos.
Last Thursday Local 16 held “Pig Roast V” to benefit MidCity Dog Days (August 4-5) and Think Local First DC last Thursday, July 26.
It was a great event… a hot, traditional summer event in the neighborhood. True summer is about block parties and fun, and what could be better than an all-you-can eat pig roast? This year, complimentary Peronis were given out while blues artist Jonny Grave played to the crowd.
From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos.
Don’t miss the pig roast at Local 16, Thursday, July 26. Above: Photos from Eat Local First’s Saturday Farm-to-Street party. (Luis Gomez Photos)
This Thursday, July 26, from 5 pm to 8 pm, Local 16 (1602 U Street NW) will hold “Pig Roast V” to benefit the MidCity Dog Days (August 4-5) and Think Local First DC.
For neighbors this is already a traditional summer event. True summer is about block parties and fun and what could be better than an all-you-can eat pig roast? This year Blues artist Jonny Grave will be on hand and there will be complimentary Peronis, too.
You can purchase tickets online through the Capitol Deal. Hint: They’re a bargain! Get them while you can.
Click on the collage for more photos from Saturday’s Farm-to-Street Party on V Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos.
On Saturday, July 21, the Eat Local First weeklong celebration of local foods came to and end with the Farm-to-Street Party on the 1300 block of V Street NW. Although cloudy and rainy, the weather did not stop neighbors and hungry residents from gathering and enjoying a great urban block party.
There were plenty of dishes made with local ingredients, as well as local craft beer, wine and live music. Attendees also had the opportunity to buy from local retailers and take craft food classes in the event’s pop-up park.
Some participating businesses from the Borderstan area included Busboys and Poets, The Diner, Eatonville, Local 16, Whisked! and Logan Hardware.
Eat Local First is a campaign of Think Local First DC, a non-profit organization that works with independent businesses, consumers and policymakers to grow a sustainable local economy in DC.
Borderstan.com was proud to be a sponsor of Eat Local First 2012 and a member of Think Local First DC. Check the Eat Local First website for the extensive list of sponsors who made this year’s series of events possible.
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Eat Local First Week ends with its Farm to Street Party on Saturday, 1 to 7 pm at 13th and V Streets NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Eat Local First will bring its weeklong local foods celebration to a close this Saturday, July 21, with the campaign’s Farm-to-Street Party. The party runs from 1 to 7 pm at 13th and V Streets NW. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. (The entrance is at 13th Street.)
Don’t miss the block party this Saturday! (Courtesy Eat Local First)
The urban block party will feature an array of dishes made with local ingredients, as well as local craft beer, wine and live music. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop local retailers and take craft food classes in the event’s pop-up park.
Some participating businesses from the Borderstan area include Busboys and Poets, The Diner, Eatonville, Local 16, Whisked! and Logan Hardware.
Eat Local First is a campaign of Think Local First DC, a non-profit organization that works with independent businesses, consumers and policymakers to grow a sustainable local economy in DC.
Borderstan.com is proud to be a sponsor of Eat Local First 2012 and a member of Think Local First DC. Look for more information in the coming days on events in the Borderstan area.
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Live Green will celebrate Eat Local First Week at Local 16. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com
As part of Eat Local First‘s celebratory week, Live Green will host a Summer Bash on Wednesday, July 18 on Local 16’s rooftop, to celebrate another year of promoting and growing a green community.
The DC-based environmental organization will throw-down with specialty drinks (including Honest Tea cocktails), live music from DJ Payne of FunkDC and appetizers from Local 16 and Java/Café Green.
The event at Local 16 (1602 U Street) starts at 6 and goes until 9 pm. The price is $10 for members, $15 for non-members and $20 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase online. For more information, visit the event’s webpage.
Eat Local First Week runs July 14-21. (Courtesy of Eat Local First)
Eat Local First is a campaign of Think Local First DC, a non-profit organization that works with independent businesses, consumers and policymakers to grow a sustainable local economy in DC.
Borderstan.com is proud to be a sponsor of Eat Local First 2012 and a member of Think Local First DC. Look for more information in the coming days on events in the Borderstan area.
Eat Local First Week kicks off Saturday, July 14, at 3 pm at Acre 121 in Columbia Heights. (Courtesy Eat Local First)
Tomorrow afternoon, July 14, Think Local First DC (TLF) kicks off a week full of food events with Eat Local First. The opening event is at Acre121 in Columbia Heights and will feature BBQ, beer, and live music. Time is 3 to 7 pm.
Tickets for the event, co-sponsored by Acre 121 and Listen Local First can be purchased online through Eat Local First. For $25, attendees will enjoy local BBQ and beer along with live music from local groups: Young Rapids, Typefighter and Frau Eva.
The Saturday festivities are the first of 13 events that focus on local farms, products and the restaurants, organizations and people that are making locally grown food more accessible in the DC community. You can purchase tickets for the events online.
Farm-to-Street Party on July 21
Eat Local Week, scheduled for July 14-21, includes the signature Farm-to-Street Party, an Industry Panel and the launch of a culinary incubation program. The Farm-to-Street Party will again be in Borderstan, on the 1300 block of V Street NW on Saturday, July 21, from 1 to 7 pm — and tickets are just $15. Six of the week’s 13 events are in the Dupont-Logan-U Street area!
Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week
Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week is also part of Eat Local First events this coming week. It celebrates local, independent restaurants in Washington, DC that source food locally. Dine at these restaurants between July 14-21 and enjoy Farm-to-Table menus, featured local entrees or discounts on local food. There are eight participating restaurants, with four of them in Borderstan — 2100 Prime, Busboys and Poets, Eatonville and Darlington House.
This year a special effort is being made to focus on the emerging culinary entrepreneurs that are growing the restaurant economy in DC. Think Local First says that “Washingtonians should prepare to see brick-and-mortar restaurants paired with the emerging class to create the most creative week ever.” For more information, contact Stacey Price at Stacey[AT]thinklocalfirstdc.com or visit their website.
Borderstan.com is proud to be a sponsor of Eat Local First 2012 and a member of Think Local First DC. Look for more information in the coming days on events in the Borderstan area.
Cash Mob at OLD CITY green, Saturday, March 24. Owner Frank Asher is pictured at top left. (Luis Gomez Photos)
OLD City green at 9th and N Streets NW was Think Local First DC‘s (TLFDC) beneficiary of National Cash Mob Day, occurring on Saturday, March 24. The organization announced last week that it would pick a TLF DC member and announce the beneficiary on Saturday morning.
Borderstan reported last week that OLD City green will be open for another season at its current location.
What’s a cash mob, you ask? It’s sort of like a flash mob, but participants spend rather than dance. Cash mobs are organized through social media and bring groups of people together to stimulate local businesses, which have been undercut by deal sites like Groupon and Living Social.
TLFDC’s board nominated member-businesses based on their contributions to the community, among other factors, according to Executive Director Stacey Price. “The business also had to have affordable merchandise, in the $20 price range, and offer something for both men and women,” said Price.
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Related Posts
This Saturday, March 24, Think Local First DC will announce the name of a local business that will be the beneficiary of a cash mob. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Alden Leonard. Contact him at alden[AT]borderstan.com and follow him @aldenleonard on Twitter.
(courtesy Think Local First DC)
District locavores unite! This Saturday, March 24, community- and business-focused organization Think Local First DC (TLFDC) is sponsoring a cash mob at a locally-owned DC business.
What’s a cash mob, you ask? It’s sort of like a flash mob, but participants spend rather than dance. Cash mobs are organized through social media and bring groups of people together to stimulate local businesses, which have been undercut by deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. TLFDC selects businesses to be mobbed based on their involvement and contributions to the community, among other factors.
In order to participate this Saturday, go to Think Local First’s Facebook page and RSVP. On the morning of the 24th, they will announce the location of the cash mob, at which point you will proceed to that business and spend like crazy.
Tweeting, posting, and talking about the cash mob is of course strongly encouraged.
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By Michelle Lancaster. You can follow her and let her know your news on Twitter @MichLancaster. Email her at michellel[AT]borderstan.com
A 42 Cocktail. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Oh, Metrobus. Despite innovations for mobile apps that should help you plan your trip, the buses still seem to run on their own schedule, which is carefully designed to thwart you on your most crunched-for-time mornings. Singer-songwriter Rene Moffatt lives in Mount Pleasant, and his experience with the 42 bus inspired a song and accompanying music video.
The Washington Post brings you the lyrics, link to video and more info about his debut album. I’ll admit to finding it pretty catchy, in a Jack Johnson kind of way.
If you’ve experienced anything similar to the full buses, out of service buses and loud cellphone talkers described in the song, you’ve probably also wanted a drink (along with your iPod) to ease the pain of the journey. Well, now you can (we do not condone breaking WMATA law on drinking on the bus).
The video was supported by Think Local First DC and they in turn have helped your 42 drinking dreams come true! Stop in to hear the song and try out a ‘Route 42’ signature cocktail for $4.20 at Tryst or the Diner; a ‘Route 42′ cupcake at Hello Cupcake; a ‘Route 42’ latte at Yola and a ridiculous-sounding Route 42 dessert at Flying Fish. The specials run through March 4.
Singer and songwriter Rene Moffatt wrote a song about the Route 42 bus. (Courtesy Rene Moffatt)
The 42 Cocktail
What’s in a 42 cocktail, you ask? We got the scoop from Think Local First DC:
Tryst on 18th Street NW: 42 Bus Sparkler: (highball, over ice) ½ oz Sobieski, ½ oz Aperol, splash honey syrup, top with cava and dash grapefruit bitters, garnish lemon twist.
The Diner on 18th Street NW: 42 Toddy: (bar mug) 1½ oz Jim Beam, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, top with chamomile/lavender tea, garnish with a thin lemon wheel.
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The MidCity Business Association created the Dog Days Sidewalk Sale on the 14th Street corridor. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Tom Hay. Questions for Tom? You can email him and follow him on Twitter @Tomonswann.
The MidCity Business Association (MCBA) announced that their Board of Directors decided to put the association into dormancy. In an email to members, Kamal Ali — owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl and MCBA President — said that dormancy means that the Association “will cease to accept annual dues, as well as cease all day-to-day operation; however, the Association will not be dissolved.”
Ali went on to say that the goal had always been to have a self-sustaining business association supported by member dues, but over time that model did not work due to lack of participation from the small business community in MidCity. MCBA had an executive director until late 2010 when the organization was no longer able to fund the position.
The MidCity BA was formed in 1998 to represent businesses along the commercial corridors along 14th Street NW from Florida Avenue to Thomas Circle and along U Street from 9th to 17th Streets. Their website lists dozens of business members, ranging from small independent shops such as Som Records and Rue 14, to landmark national retailers Room & Board and Whole Foods.
The MidCity BA had been the force behind the annual Dog Days Sidewalk Sale which has grown in popularity over the past 12 years. Ali said the board hopes to keep Dog Days alive through a partnership with Think Local First DC (TLFDC). During dormancy several MCBA board members will explore options and hopefully find and organizational plan to keep things afloat and continue to be an advocate for the business community.
TLFDC has been growing and active in DC, including the MidCity area, over the past two years. The organization has an executive director, Stacey Price, and a number of it members in the Borderstan area are also MCBA members. The organization is a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), which helps Think Local First organizations get established across the country. TLFDC was a driving force locally for the Think Outside the (Big) Box retail tour on Small Business Saturday, November 26.
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Home Rule has this great 8-quart enameled steel Le Creuset stock pot. (Alejandra Owens)
Still haven’t bought a Christmas gift? Remember to check out these posts from Borderstan writers with great tips on local stores:
- Filter’s 4 Steps to Making a Great Cup of French Press Coffee (coffee gifts)
- New Year’s Eve is Coming: Still Looking for the Perfect Outfit? (lots of boutiques listed)
- Local Options: Alejandra’s Gift Guide for the Food Lover in Your Life (including food and cook books)
- BorderStyle: 6 Best Clothing Gifts Under $100 for Guys (several boutiques carry men’s clothing including Redeem, Rue 14 and Universal Gear, all on 14th Street NW and Ginger Root on U Street NW)
November 26: Small Business Saturday activities are centered at 18th Street and Columbia Road NW. (Courtesy Adams Morgan Main Street)
Saturday, November 26 is Small Business Saturday across the country and Adams Morgan Main Street is taking “Think Local” to a higher level in promoting independent businesses.
So while you are out shopping in the Dupont-Logan-U Street area, head north across the border to Adams Morgan for more specials. (See Think Outside the (Big) Box: Shop Local on Small Business Saturday.)
With 32 businesses on its local tour of Specials for the Day, Adams Morgan is saying its open for business in spite of the streetscape construction.
In addition to the special offers from 32 participating businesses, Adams Morgan has a full program planned for the Suntrust Plaza at 18th Street and Columbia Road NW:
- President Obama is sending the Deputy Administrator of the SBA to highlight the importance of small business to the economy, and several City Council members will speak.
- Drawings for 15 winners of $25 cash shopping certificates (drawings begin at 11:30 am). Check in at 18th Street and Columbia Road NW and anyone can enter.
It’s also the 40th Anniversary of the Adams Morgan Farmer’s Market (8:30 am to 1 pm) and Tryst is offering free coffee and cider.
Khelan Bhatia has a warning about those “special versions of normal fare” you’ll encounter at some stores on Friday.
From Khelan Bhatia. You can follow Khelan on Twitter @KhelanB or email him at [email protected]
Hiya, Borderstanis. Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost upon us? While most people live to gorge on turkey, stuffing and mashed potatos on the day itself, I (unsurprisingly) spend most of the day mentally and physcially preparing for the midnight sales on Black Friday.
In other words, Tryptophan is out and espressos and copious amounts of five-hour energies are in. It also helps to get in some exercise the days leading up to the mad, mad sales. A brisk jog usually works best. And if you can get a run on a course that has large, people-sized obstacles, you’ll be incredibly prepared for the insanity that awaits you.
Black Friday (and Saturday) post-Thanksgiving shopping is not for the feint of heart! Not up for it at the big stores and malls? Shop locally in the neighborhood this Friday and Saturday. New to Borderstan and not sure where to start? Just start walking: The local business corridors on Connecticut Avenue, P Street, 17th Street, 18th Street and 14th Street, U Street and 9th Street NW are full of great local businesses.
This week many of us, like yours truly, are heading home to the ‘burbs where we were weaned as wee fashion victims in our adolescence. (Yes, I owned three pairs of Z Cavariccis. No, I will not share those pics). Not sure about you, but a trip to suburbia usually means a trip to the outlet malls.
Now, folks can get a little nutty and lose all common sense when heading to the outlets. I’ve seen it; I’ve experienced it; I’ve probably run over a few pedestrians to get that 38-chest Ted Baker suit that was only $200. Below, you’ll find a few tips that’ll help all of us “Keep Calm and Carry On.” BTW, this advice is as much for me as it is for you.
6 Tips for Black Friday
- Prioritize. Before heading out, think about what you really need to purchase and don’t let the flashy lights hypnotize you to buy something you’ll never wear. This isn’t Vegas, people.
- Amortize. Remember to mentally amortize. A bargain is only as good as how likely and often you’ll wear the article of clothing. For example, the pair of skinny Ralph Lauren Double RL jeans I got for $45 is a fantastic deal; the leather jacket I got from Theory for $200 isn’t so great ’cause guess what? I don’t normally wear leather jackets.
- Pass on “Specials.” Some of the outlet versions of stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic carry special versions of their normal fare. So, you’re not really buying a less expensive version of their normal ouevre; you’re likely buying a misshapen shirt or pair of slacks that isn’t fit for the human body. Be sure to look at the tags before you purchase the article(s) in question. If it looks dissimilar to the labels you see at their regular stores, I’d recommend not shelling out your hard-earned cash.
- Avoid Queues. Some outlet stores get so busy, they have a queue, velvet rope and a judgy bouncer determining whether you’re worthy or not. Seriously folks, this isn’t the newest bar opening on 14th Street, it’s the damn Coach outlet in Katy, Texas. You’re too stylish to wait in a line.
- Hydrate. Keep hydrated. Seriously, keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
- Have Fun. Remember, it’s fashion.
That’s it for me this week. Enjoy Turkey Day and Black Friday!
Click to get the list of businesses: Above are some of the participating stores in this Saturday’s shop local event. (Luis Gomez Photos)
See Monday’s post, Think Local First DC Leads the Charge for Independent Businesses, a Q&A with TLFDC Executive Director Stacey Price.
From Ashley Lusk. Check out Ashley’s blog Metropoetrylis and find her on Twitter at @arlusk. You can email her at [email protected].
The Think Outside the (Big) Box retail tour is Saturday, November 26, noon to 7 pm. (Courtesy Think Local First DC)
At Borderstan, we’re big supporters of independent business, and we bet that most of our readers are too. That’s why we invite you to step outside the big box retail stores on Saturday, November 26, and start your holiday shopping right here in DC.
Think Local First DC (TFLDC) has created a local “tour” to maximize your shopping. From noon to 7 pm on Small Business Saturday, you can visit participating local retailers for refreshments, samples, specials and the newest gifts of the season — get the list of participating stores. In addition, TFL has a great incentive for you to do your holiday shopping locally: If you spend $50 or more during the holiday season at an independent store, you register to win a $2,000 local shopping spree.
Let’s be real: some of the options available at these local stores are going to cost a few bucks more than the gifts you would find at Target or the future Walmarts of DC. But what you get in return is often a unique, one-of-a-kind gift, real customer service, and a great relationship with your neighborhood business owner — and more of your dollars going back into the commmunity.
So, to get you started, we’ve done our research at some of the local businesses in Borderstan that are participating in the Small Business Saturday tour and suggested a collection of presents for your whole family.
Did You Know? Reports show that the average consumer will spend over $700 on seasonal merchandise and gifts over the 2011 holiday season — for everyone $100 that you spend at local retailers, $68 will return to the local community. Spend that same amount at a national chain and it drops to $43. Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chains and Internet retailers.
Shaw
- We respect the fact that Frank Asher at OLD CITY green doesn’t start selling Christmas trees until the day after Thanksgiving and that’s why you should start your tour over at his place to pick up this year’s holiday tree.
Logan Circle/U Street
- Your mom once rocked mod-60s gear like a champ; show her how much you respect her fashion choices by glamming her up in polyester elegance once again at retro-chic Junction.
- Save a little room for yourself and hit up stores like Lettie Gooch, Redeem and Current Boutique to help curve your holiday eating–you’ll want to fit into the fun and hip clothes in time for that New Year’s party.
- So your significant other knows only the semi-permanence of Ikea? Why not surprise him or her with something that looks a little more…enduring…with a vintage piece from Miss Pixie’s.
- Your best friend coupled off hardcore this year when he moved in with his significant other–show how supportive you are of their co-habitative bliss with a snarky gift from Pulp.
- Nothing says you’re sorry about the loud dinner party more than the gift of a premptive snow shovel to your landlord. Pick one up at Logan Hardware and use this 50% off coupon for anything over $30.
Adams Morgan/Woodley Park
- You can’t find everything in Borderstan, so hit up Skynear to pick up eclectic furniture that doubles as artwork for your little sister who is living the dream in RISD.
- Your parents will be so surprised when you replace their retro recessed lighting with beautiful vintage fixtures from The Brass Knob.
- When your cousins notice your cute leather skirt from Carbon, you can look super-smug by telling them about the eco-friendly and sustainable history of the designer. Draw from the “Turkey Bowl” for savings while you sip mimosas and enjoy healthy treats at this stop on the tour.
