Vegetarians, perk up your ears! The historic Shaw district in Northwest D.C. has been making major commercial gains over the past few years, so while you struggle over the ethical dilemma of gentrification, enjoy the savory veggie-friendly cuisine of up-and-coming eatery, Vegetate.
Located on Ninth Street near the Mount Vernon Metro stop, Vegetate was set to open back in the spring and has spent the past few months getting support and a rather rabid following of fans. But Vegetate isn't your average dining experience - aside from being completely vegetarian and/or vegan, it strives to be a hip, inviting establishment that can provide a true alternative for those in search of something different while out for the night.
"There's just not a lot of vegetarian options outside of ethnic food. And when you go to most restaurants, there's like a mixed veggie platter or pasta primavera," said Vegetate co-owner Dominic Redd in a recent interview with The Washington Post.
Redd runs Vegetate with his wife, Jennifer. The couple has encountered several setbacks while getting the restaurant running. Recently, there has been much debate over liquor license issues in the area, especially in the context of community preservation. The nearby Shiloh Baptist Church has vehemently protested the presence of presumed "nightclubs" in the Ninth Street area, which is otherwise occupied mostly by residential buildings and a single Giant grocery store.
Community pressure namely from the church has had a dramatic impact on commercial growth. Several restaurants, such as Vegetate and Ethiopian restaurant Queen of Sheba, have had their liquor licenses revoked despite zoning regulations in the area permitting a substantial amount of commercial development alongside the residential permissions.
In the midst of this controversy, Vegetate has asserted its image as an upscale environment and not the sleazy nightclub that Shiloh Baptist Church fears will take over the neighborhood. The menu boasts a ton of fresh produce from local and independent farmers. According to the restaurant's Web site, Vegetate wishes to "create an eclectic taste experience that is simple yet thoughtful, satisfying palettes from the untrained to the most discerning."
Also notable about Vegetate besides the conscious and appetizing food is the cultural elements this restaurant is eager to advertise. Bi-monthly gallery openings on its multiple floors are one feature, in addition to Dominic Redd's "other job:" his well-known D.C. moniker as "DJ Dredd." As soon as a liquor license is confirmed, DJ Dredd will be playing regular sets in Vegetate's lounge, as well as other featured musicians.
School of International Service senior Amanda Price recently got a job as a hostess at Vegetate. Price became a vegetarian in September for dietary reasons and was interested in Vegetate for the potential exposure to a full-fledged vegetarian kitchen.
"The whole concept of the restaurant, the blend of art, music and vegetarian cuisine, is interesting. The atmosphere is urban but also relaxing and as a hostess I am always standing around and picking up on what people think," Price said.
But the community element is still important to Vegetate's employees as well as the local church members. Price worries about the Shaw district becoming another Adams Morgan or even Columbia Heights, as gentrification has ravaged both communities and expelled many former residents.
"I hope that Shaw doesn't become another sad story of gentrification," Price said.
Vegetate is located at 1414 Ninth Street, NW. The closest Metro stop is Mount Vernon Square.
