Just Relocated to D.C., Need Help Sourcing Local Produce, Meat, Bread
Hi, I just moved to DC, and am completely disoriented as far as my food sources go. I live in SW DC, near the waterfront, and don't know where to go for good bread, quality local produce, local meats, and all that other good stuff! I moved from Charlottesville, where that network is fairly small and close-knit, and I'm not even sure how to start in DC. I figure between all the serious eaters we should have a great base of knowledge, so please help me out!
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13 Comments:
I've heard good things about Eastern Market in SE DC, and there's a Trader Joe's in Georgetown. I think there's also a Safeway near the Waterfront Metro station, but I don't really associate Safeway with being a foodie. They do have a pretty excellent line of yogurt and ice cream though :).
runnereater at 10:10PM on 01/12/09
The Eastern Market is truly terrific and loaded with purveyors of all types...also, the waterfront fish market is pretty good for fresh fish and seafood, right in downtown D.C...If you feel like taking a drive the Whole Foods in Fairfax, VA. is extraordinary!
gutreactions at 8:22AM on 01/13/09
The Arlington County Farmers market at the Courthouse metro stop on Saturdays - year round - 9am -12pm - has great local meat providers, Ja-Wen Dairy for milk and eggs as well as other local providers. All vendors must be within a 150 mile radius of Arlington County.
lauranew at 8:44AM on 01/13/09
The few times I went to Eastern Market, I wasn't really impressed. The FreshFarm markets are nice, I believe there's one every Sunday in Dupont Circle. There's a Whole Foods on P Street and a TJ's in Georgetown. Your closest supermarkets are going to be Safeway and Giant. You can also try Capitol City Market, which is where the restaurants go to get supplies. My friend goes there and gets nice, very inexpensive produce.
While you're in D.C., I also suggest that you enjoy all the Ethiopian! Almaz (directly across from Ben's Chili Bowl) is really good. And I adore Sticky Fingers Bakery in Columbia Heights – try the Cowvin (an oatmeal sandwich cookie) – and Murky Coffee. I think Murky Coffee's opening a new location by Eastern Market, so if you're going there, check it out.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have more specific questions! I live in No. VA, but I tend to go out in D.C..
KarynMC at 9:09AM on 01/13/09
Oh, I almost forgot...near the Whole Foods in Fairfax there's a wonderful fairly new Wegman's...both have websites.
gutreactions at 9:13AM on 01/13/09
Hey binlu! I lived in DC for five years, and have some suggestions:
Good bread: The big loafs from Bonaparte Breads, a vendor that sets up at the Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom farmers' markets. Or a fresh baguette from Patisserie Poupon in Georgetown.
Quality local produce: FreshFarm markets are the leaders in DC-area farmers' markets. They feature a bunch of great vendors in a variety of locations throughout the week.
Local meats: Union Meat Co. in Eastern Market. Bacon, veal, ground beef, chitterlings. Really any animal your heart desires. My friend was just telling me about the rabbit he picked up there.
Cheeeese: Cowgirl Creamery near Chinatown.
Erin Zimmer at 12:32PM on 01/13/09
Back when I ate cheese, I found the cheesemongers at Cowgirl Creamery extremely rude. Just an FYI, if you a short, young-looking girl they will barely deign to serve you. Even the cashier finished his cell phone conversation before he would ring me up! I still like the membrillo, though.
I also like Teaism for the loose-leaf tisanes. Also, I forgot to mention that Sticky Fingers doesn't sell much in the way of bread, unless you count cinnamon rolls. It's all about sweets and cheap sandwiches/ salads.
KarynMC at 1:36PM on 01/13/09
Awesome, I've got a lot of stuff to start out with - now I just have to wait for a day off!
binlu at 12:52AM on 01/14/09
Hey there,
Regarding gutreaction's references to the Fairfax Whole Foods and Wegman's, they are certainly worth the trip.
To make it there easily, jump on the beltway and take it to 66 West. Exit off onto Route 50 West, and then take the exit for West Ox Road. You'll pass right by a Safeway here, and the Fair Oaks Mall will be on your left.
If you turn left here, you can go straight towards the Wegman's.
If you keep going on West Ox and turn right onto Fair Lakes, the first left is the shopping center with the Whole Foods.
Emeril is often there during the week shooting his show, which can get a bit annoying as they'll block off parts of the store for the crew, but it's kinda cool.
And it's certainly the best Whole Foods I've been to.
citizentian at 1:23PM on 01/14/09
to piggyback this thread, what about good fish mongers in the area? I'm particularly interested in the Northern VA area, and specifically for sushi-grade fish. The only places I know of are the asian markets (H-mart, grandmart), and the one fish monger in Great Falls (Cannon). Any others?
jumpyfroggy at 3:29PM on 01/14/09
There are actually a few fish markets near where I live, located right on Maine Avenue near where it turns into M st SW. I haven't actually visited them yet, but they're just a cluster of open stalls, so at least it looks promising.
binlu at 9:53PM on 01/14/09
Check out the Eat Well Guide at www.eatwellguide.org - they have a huge collection of fresh, local food in the Washington D.C. area, and across the rest of the country. If you think eating locally is important, it's a great resource for finding farms, farmers markets, CSAs, and restaurants and stores that focus on selling meals and ingredients from local sources.
Also, if you're heading into Washington D.C. this upcoming week for the inauguration, they just came out with a guide that helps find fresh, local food en route instead of the normal fast food. Hope that helps!
LewisS at 2:55PM on 01/15/09
Binlu - when you were in CVille, were you more apt to shop around Pantops, the Corner, or further West? I live in Northern VA, and a constant complaint is that there isn't anything like Foods of All Nations nearby. I would keep an eye out for farmer's markets (there's a good one at Dupont on weekends), plus H-Mart or El Grande International Market for other goods. Best of luck with the CV/DC transition!
jrd3se at 3:43PM on 01/15/09