I work at a shop called Grand Cata - we’re an awesome boutique and I’d say the vast majority of wines and producer we carry make wine in a low-to-no intervention/biodynamic/natural/garagiste/whatever you want to call it style. I don’t use the term natural a lot because it has different connotations to different people but either way, definitely pop on in. Two locations: one on 7th and Q NW in Shaw, one in La Cosecha in the Union Market district. Shaw also has a rad spirits selection, but union market has a bar - so head to both lol.

When I’m not buying at Grand Cata, I’m often buying at Weygandt Wines up on Connecticut Ave NW - a great store featuring tons of tiny producers in a similar vein. Very France/old world centric.

Also seconding Domestique, another great shop.

I think the nature of how this conversation is framed shows a lot about people’s views on the relationship between a man and a woman in society. I ironically just had this type of conversation with my long term girlfriends dad - I asked him for his blessings and support, but I was never about to ask him for his direct permission. That’s way too patriarchal for me (and GF was completely on the same page). We did it over a pretty casual breakfast (this seems too fancy for me but just my .02) and I was more looking for any advice that he had as I respect him a lot and obviously, he’s been in this situation before so it was a learning opportunity for me too. I think phrasing it as permission is creepy and weird. I also think that if I didn’t have his support it wouldn’t have changed things but him giving his support made me feel more valued and more welcomed into their family which was important as we live on opposite sides of the country and do not see each other often at all.

Try Dr. Ward at the Institute for Allergy & Asthma; they have a location in Chevy Chase steps from the Friendship Heights metro. Have been going to her for a couple months now over quite a few food allergies and she has been great. Haven’t talked to her about that - I’ve been doing oral food challenges - but at least worth trying.

Had another package stolen. 2 in the last two weeks. This was a gift to the GF which is beyond frustrating. First one was a gift to me from my parents and luckily that was sorted out real quick but still shit sucks.

Grand cata in Shaw - great tequila and other agave spirit options. Whiskey selection rotates, there’s usually some more unique bottlings but not going to be the main focus.

Best part is that if you head there I might be the one to help ya!

So’s Your Mom in AdMo has bagel sandwiches for like $6 (cash only)

Grill from Ipanema on Columbia Road NW - food absolutely slaps and portions are huge.