Interviews

Inside DC’s Vigilante Coffee

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In the heart of the Arts District of Hyattsville lies a coffee lover’s paradise – the new home of Vigilante Coffee.

Located in a former 1920s Ford auto showroom, Vigilante Coffee’s first brick-and-mortar location houses its roasting and production facilities, offices, and training space. The café portion of the space – which will offer coffee and espresso roasted and brewed on site – opens this Saturday to the public.

For owner and founder Chris Vigilante, it’s the culmination of years spent in pursuit of great coffee – a pursuit that began when he was just a sophomore at nearby Virginia Tech.

“I was watching people graduate only to get jobs they didn’t like,” Vigilante says. “That didn’t appeal to me. I had already done internships that showed me what I didn’t want to do. So when a few friends pushed me to find something I was passionate about, I took a chance.” (more…)

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Inside DC’s STYLECABLE

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Modern classics with an edge – that’s what Washington, DC’s STYLECABLE is all about.

Officially launched this past April, the e-commerce startup based at 1776 connects fashion lovers with emerging designers, including DC’s own Erika Schrieber, Sophie Blake, ElaineB, and Sarah Ceceila. These designers and more will be featured at the company’s first trunk show beginning this Sunday, June 29, at Urban Chic in Georgetown. (more…)

Interview: Sara Polon, Soupergirl
Soupergirl’s Tomato Gazpacho
Sara and Marilyn Polon

Photo Credit: Geoff Chesman

When it comes to soup, Sara Polon’s got it covered – even in the summer.

As the founder of Soupergirl, Polon has spent the past five years bringing delicious vegan and kosher homemade soups to the DC area, ranging from cool summer gazpachos to hearty winter stews and everything in between. The fresh, seasonal recipes are developed by Polon’s mother Marilyn, who is affectionately known as Soupermom and Soupergirl’s Chief Anxiety Officer.

The business began with informal soup tasting sessions in Polon’s living room and has blossomed into a veritable soup empire with a robust online delivery and grocery retail business, stands at multiple area farmers markets, and, of course, Soupergirl’s flagship store in Takoma Park.

We talked to Polon about her inspirations, her advice on getting into business with family, and why you’ll never see potato gazpacho.

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Food Perspectives: Katerina Georgallas, Baklava Couture

Photo Credit:  Baklava Couture

There are many places to satisfy a sweet tooth in Washington, DC – but very few feature the deliciousness that is Greek pastry.

That’s why District Style was thrilled to discover Baklava Couture at the Dupont Farmers’ Market. Locally owned and operated by Katerina Georgallas, Baklava Couture features both traditional and modern takes on baklava and other sweet Greek delicacies.

We spoke with Georgallas about the inspiration and work behind Baklava Couture and what’s next for her business.

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