Do influencers belong at DC restaurant awards?

Once a week, I'll dive into the latest trends in D.C. food and culture, plus whatever's catching my attention online.

Do Influencers Belong at The RAMMYs?

D.C.’s restaurant industry is ramping up for its annual local food awards next Monday, and there has been a lot of hubbub about the awards’ newest category: Content Creator of the Year. The winner — dcfoodgod— was announced on June 22 (ahead of the main awards) and will be recognized beside some of the industry’s most coveted titles like “Chef of the Year” and “Best Gathering Place.”

I am fully obsessed with the lives of D.C. influencers (in a purely anthropological way), so I spent the last week chatting with the winners, nominees, and various industry folk to see what this award means for D.C.’s food scene.

“Love them or hate them, content creators have become a really important part of the hospitality ecosystem,” Jason Fisher of dcfoodgod told me. “This award displays a shift in the form of media that people are receiving their recommendations [from] for new restaurants."

There’s no question that the #phoneeatsfirst way of life has fundamentally reshaped how D.C. dines. This award proves it. However, influencers' lack of traditional journalistic ethics — not necessarily paying for meals, getting special treatment, and lack of context and depth — can lead to potential biases and mistakes that have left some questioning their place at The RAMMYs.

My singular and opinionated observations of D.C. life, from restaurant openings and viral trends to that one cool bug I saw.

Two New Museums, One Week

Two new museums open this week on opposite sides of D.C. with opposite vibes — one historic and underground, one futuristic and sunny.

Opening Today: The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft

If you’re looking for something cold and crawly, this is the museum for you. Located directly beneath the Lincoln Memorial, the Undercroft is a dark chamber built over 100 years ago to stabilize the marshland. Today, it opens to the public for the first time in decades. Go to see: The original Emancipation Proclamation, building plans for the memorial, and archival graffiti done by the original builders.

Opening Tomorrow: The National Geographic Museum of Exploration

Now for the complete opposite vibe. After four years and $300-million in renovations, the new National Geographic museum finally opens tomorrow on M Street NW with massive sunny exhibit halls, immersive exhibits, and “smart” everything. Go to see: Famous photographs, old Nat Geo archives, and lectures by explorers. The caveat is that tickets are a whooping $30, highway robbery in D.C. honestly.

TLDR: If I had to take a friend to one right now, I would choose the National Geographic museum. But I would be mad the whole time about dishing out $30.

Every week, I’ll answer a reader question about how to navigate D.C.’s food and events scene. What do you want to know? Fill out this form to get it answered!

After we covered the best soft serve spots in DC, Honestly a couple weeks ago, I’ve gotten some requests for a vegan version.

I am not vegan, but I do have hot girl tummy problems™ and refuse to carry Lactaid, so I sympathize. Through many trials and tribulations, I have found my favorite vegan ice cream spots in D.C. (because there are some bad ones) so that your conscience and digestive tract don’t have to suffer.

• Here’s The Scoop (Park View): A Black woman-owned ice cream shop with a half dairy-free menu. The baklava flavor is superb.
• Happy Ice Cream (Dupont): Tiny, expensive, and always has a long line but this ice cream stand by Gemini is elite. They have three to four rotating flavors and one is always dairy-free. It's risky if you’re picky, but that's what life's about.
• Spot of Tea (Georgetown location): A boba shop with ceremonial grade matcha soft serve that also happens to be vegan.
• Van Leeuwen (multiple locations): I know it’s got some haters but it really is godsend for dairy-free folks. They always have at least five vegan flavors and the peanut butter brownie honeycomb is unbeatable.
  

My top picks for events in the District this weekend. Become a member to get our full event guide in your inbox every Monday.

🪩 STATIC: A Queer Fashion Show at Transmission

Sat. June 27 | H St. Corridor | $13

I am absolutely not ready for Pride month to be over. So, I’ll be making the most of it at this runway show featuring local queer designers and models. Don’t miss the rooftop afterparty that follows the show!

🎷 Des Demonas at Black Cat

Sat. June 27 | 14th St. Corridor | $25

After seeing Des Demonas at Porchfest a few weeks ago they have been a playlist regular for me. The indie-rock band includes familiar names from the D.C. punk and garage and has been hailed as a favorite of Neko Case and Henry Rollin.

😱 Five Minute Horror Film Fest at St Mark's

Sat. June 27 | Capitol Hill | Free

This is the only type of horror I can handle. Local directors showcase their spine-chilling five minute horror flicks created during DC Public Library's filmmaking workshop. BYO snacks and drinks!

✂️ District Creates Festival with DC Makers' Guild

Sun. June 28 | Bridge District | $13

Show up to this outdoor festival for craft demos, a local makers market, workshops, a beer garden, food trucks, and live music all in one place.

🚴 Diamond Dan and the Hidden Gems Somewhere in Mt. Pleasant

Fri. June 26 | Mt. Pleasant | $25

I’m headed to a random Mt. Pleasant backyard to check out this mysterious new band. I don’t know what to expect so I'm dragging you with me. DM the organizers for the address and don’t blame me if they’re bad!