DC.

It’s like an ex-lover, that city. The one that your mind wanders to in moments of nostalgia or a little bit of weakness. Recalling fond memories, nights of passion, the ache of something so good it’s hard to believe it’s gone.

My favorite spot in all of DC

But DC is not gone for us; we did not say goodbye to that city when we drove north a few years ago. Rather, DC has become the best friend that lives a little too far away. The one you can’t wait to visit, catch up with, reminisce over beautiful moments gone by. The friend that for a few great years you were inseparable and consider those days some of the best of your entire life. And when you see your friend hurting, in pain, or their happiness has been threatened, it’s impossible to remain silent and you hurt right along with them.

Photo by Joffoto

For the last week, we have watched as our dear friends dealt firsthand with the repercussions of what happened, picked up the pieces, and now brace themselves for whatever lies ahead.

Hate has no home here <3

Last night as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, I stumbled on post after post of our favorite restaurants announcing the temporary closing of their doors in order to ensure the safety of their staff and guests. We don’t follow these places because we had a good meal – we follow them and root for their continued success because they are more than that. They exist to invite you in, curate an unforgettable evening so that you may slip away from all your troubles for a few hours. Epicureans delight in the details and nuance of the dish – we revel in the memory they gave us. For example:

Just one of so many posts last night. But when we remember Oyamel, we remember the first date night we shared after I moved to DC so Scott could prove to me that their table-side guacamole was killer (it is). We remember the Día de los Muertos media events where they brought out a molcajete larger than my head (DREAMS).

  • First Date to Oyamel
  • Tequila & Mezcal Festival
  • Dia de los Muertos Event

And when our dear friend Jof offered to capture our life in DC, Oyamel opened their doors during non-business hours for us so we could be alone in one of our favorite places (and then spoiled us with guac and salt foam margaritas…).

  • All photos in gallery by Joffoto

And the last time we went to DC in the summer of 2019 pre-Covid, I broke out of my comfort zone and for the first time ever, took myself on my own solo date. While Scott sat in meetings, I wandered through my favorite museums on the mall before perching by myself at the bar in Oyamel. I ordered the usual – salted foam margarita and a bowl of guac. Extra spicy.

For us, DC is not the political engine others might see. It is a thriving and cultural epicenter where history is the springboard on which people revolutionize art, cuisine, and everyday life. It is not a clash of fervent ideologies, but rather a harmonious dialogue of all that has been and all that can be. We fell in love with the humility of DC – it need not boast its expansive history, nor flash neon lights or erect skyscrapers to dominate and cast shadow over the monuments we all know and love. DC is timeless and raw and forgiving. Long after protests turn to riots turn to quiet abandoned streets, DC stands; stands for hope, stands for dreams, and for us it stands for a life we continue to embody and live to our fullest potential.

To our friends in DC – you are on our minds and in our hearts. Please stay safe and know we are thinking of you always.

-Al