Dash Krempel
Guide
Dash was born in San Francisco in the 90s and can’t remember a time when he wasn’t obsessed with some part of history. Dash comes from die-hard New Yorkers on his Dad’s side and true Southerners on his Mom’s side. He would climb head first into the American history rabbit hole at age 10, after his family moved to a tiny town in Connecticut with deep roots to the early days of New England. The American contrasts of west coast vs east coast, North vs. South, and city life vs. country living are all integral lived experiences of Dash’s upbringing.
After graduating from Syracuse, Dash began a career in international development and spent 7 years securing funding for student exchanges, civil society programs and international legal defense funds. He’s traveled to over 30 countries and can talk his way out of speeding tickets in Arabic, Spanish and Italian. Dash is a DC resident of 8 years and is a longtime trivia host on H St. He is also a lifelong nerd and active in the local Magic the Gathering and Warhammer scenes.
DMV Food
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Experience fine dining from the days of Imperial Afghanistan, truly 1 of 1.
A mainstay for late night adventures and backroom deals. Classic and timeless moments from DC history line the walls and tables.
Balkan food like you’ve never had it (if you’ve never had it, have it here). This is an all-you-can-eat experience that will leave you contemplating trips to places you’ve never heard of.
Allora amici Italiani, purtroppo il vero cibo italiano vero non è economico a Washington. Secondo la mia ragazza Giovanna (lei è di Como), questo punto è uno tra i migliori in città. La lasagna di 40 strati è incredibile. Anche le piace Stellina Pizzeria, La Casina DC, e Sfoglina (Van Ness).
For my true adventurers and globe trotters, this is it. These folks earned a Michelin Star serving traditional Lao food, make sure to try the gator laab.
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Truly authentic pub classics from real Brits living in DC. Come on a Sunday night and you’ll catch me hosting trivia!
A staple of DC’s restaurant scene, you can’t have a bad meal here. If you’re already familiar with Turkish Cuisine, Ottoman has some incredible deep cuts that you’d find only at a banquet in Topkapi.
Here’s a trendy and up-and-up spot serving Italian food with Japanese ingredients (Waifu Italian). Amazing happy hour and specials, check their website.
There’s no menu so you know it’s good. Just show up, pay $30, and enjoy a 3-course steak dinner. Perfect if you’re getting tired of DC!
Humble, but world-renowned bakery with some of the most competitive apprenticeships in the country. Great place to sit outside or watch the bakers through the windows.
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Among the best and most important restaurants in the city at the moment. They do not raise prices with inflation (seriously, it’s still $4) and profits are donated to a number of charities.
Good Stuff Eatery (Penn Ave SE)
The Obama Burger is out of this world, perfect spot for lunch, quick dinner or milkshakes.
If you’re looking for no frills, honest Mexican food from real Chicanos, make the trip.
