Washington, D.C

Cafe Unido Puts Panama on a Pedestal in Washington D.C.

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2022

Cafe Unido Puts Panama on a Pedestal in Washington D.C.

The brand new Cafe Unido cafe within the Shaw neighborhood of Washington D.C. Picture by Brian Oh, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

With its second United States espresso store opening this week, Panama-based espresso firm Cafe Unido has realized a imaginative and prescient to unite high-quality Panamanian espresso with equally high-quality meals and different drinks.

Following the extra coffee-centric stall the corporate opened in 2019 contained in the Latin American market La Cosecha in Washington D.C., the brand new cafe within the Shaw neighborhood is the corporate’s first full brick-and-mortar spot with a full kitchen within the U.S.

Meals on the Shaw location. Picture by Brian Oh, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

“We needed to maintain the meals related to our espresso providing,” Cafe Unido Co-Founder Benito Bermudez informed Each day Espresso Information. “We’re attempting on this location to match all of the work that producers are doing in Panama with processing and caring for their crop, after which the roasting, and having our meals providing match that degree in a method similar to our wine providing. We’re shopping for plenty of natural soil wines that match our espresso choices from Panama, as effectively.”

Based in Panama in 2014 by Bermudez and enterprise accomplice/chef Mario Castrellón, Cafe Unido runs 10 areas in Panama, plus the fantastically designed stall at La Cosecha.

Cafe Unido at La Cosecha. Picture by Susana Aramaburú, Ptyology, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

Roasting within the U.S. happens on a 15-kilo Loring roaster in a 5,500-square-foot warehouse shared with gelato firm Dolcezza. In Panama the corporate roasts on a 15-kilo Giesen roaster in Panama Metropolis and a 10-kilo machine in Boquete.

Roaster Alejandro Fabrega at Unido’s roastery in Panama. Picture by Milton Scantlebury, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

“Once we opened our first store in Panama in 2014, lots of people in Panama weren’t used to consuming specialty espresso,” mentioned Bermudez. “Most of our specialty tons are exported to Asia or different elements of the world, so once we first opened our doorways, there was plenty of schooling, completely different brewing strategies and all that. I really feel we’re replicating that very same factor right here in D.C. Panama produces wonderful espresso, however we’re nonetheless a fairly small producing nation, so lots of people don’t find out about it.”

At Cafe Unido’s D.C. roastery. Picture by Susana Aramaburú, Ptyology, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

A “espresso omakase” program debuting at Shaw this week consists of a 45-minute tasting menu that features a flight of coffees, bites and occasional cocktails. The common menu features a combination of plates for sharing, mild bites and different dishes showcasing flavors, elements and traditions from Panama.

Breakfast choices embrace zapallo (candy squash) pancakes with butternut syrup, and eggs benedict with sofrito hollandaise and yucca patties. Lunch and dinner fare embrace empanadas and hojaldres (flatbreads). Burgers are handled to a espresso rub and topped with cascara ketchup. Chicharrones are slow-braised in cascara and occasional earlier than being crisped to order.

Picture by Brian Oh, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

“We incorporate plenty of espresso into our meals menu, not solely simply pairing it however really utilizing espresso as elements,” mentioned Bermudez. “Mario has been moving into it fairly a bit recently, like utilizing recent cherry which you’ll solely get every year.”

On the 500-square-foot stall in La Cosecha, curvy overhead shelving and a retail show island incorporate pure wooden, purple brick and festive terrazzo stone surfaces. Below woven rattan pendant lighting, a Fetco batch brewer, a Modbar pourover system and a Slayer Steam LP espresso machine set the stage for celebration of Panamanian coffees.

Cafe Unido at La Cosecha. Picture by Susana Aramaburú, Ptyology, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

In Shaw, the corporate equally interweaves stone, tile and pure wooden parts with a extra subdued palette of cream and earth tones all through a 1,980-square-foot area. Woven rattan panels divide the seating areas.

On the bar, a pair of Marco SP9 brewers pace up the single-cup manufacturing for the higher-volume setting alongside a Marco Jet batch brewer and a Slayer Steam LP.

Picture by Brian Oh, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

“We do have a pair parts which are the identical, just like the rattan constructions, that are very Panamanian,” Bermudez mentioned of the interiors, which have been designed in collaboration with Meghan Dorrien of Younger America Artistic. “In each areas we tried to maintain it clear so the espresso star of the present — a little bit bit Latin American impressed with out it being overly ethnic. On the new location, we needed to create an area that was comfy to hang around even after hours… Even when it’s actually chilly on the market, you need to have that Panama vibe.”

Inexperienced espresso sourcing for the Panama-based firm is virtually a matter of visiting neighbors. Bermudez mentioned the corporate brings employees each D.C. and Panama to witness harvesting and take part in sourcing.

Co-Founder Benito Bermudez. Picture by Milton Scantlebury, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

“It’s one of many perks of being Panamanian,” mentioned Bermudez. “Each lot we choose is immediately sourced in Panama, most definitely tasted and cupped on my own… It’s extra than simply direct commerce. It’s like friendship and household. We go as much as a farm, cup all morning, choose some tons, after which we now have a handshake and a beer afterward.”

Along with additional growing culinary and occasional operations on the new Shaw Cafe, Cafe Unido is at present growing a ready-to-drink (RTD) product anticipated to launch subsequent 12 months.

Picture by Brian Oh, courtesy of Cafe Unido.

Cafe Unido is positioned at 908 W St NW in D.C. Inform DCN’s editors about your new espresso store or roastery right here.

Extra From DCN

Howard Bryman
Howard Bryman is the affiliate editor of Each day Espresso Information by Roast Journal. He’s based mostly in Portland, Oregon.

Tags: Benito Bermudez, Boquete, Cafe Unido, cascara, direct commerce, meals, La Cosecha, Mario Castrellón, Meghan Dorrien, Panama, Washington D.C., Younger American Artistic

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Washington, D.C

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

Published

5 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

As D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day, tens of thousands of activists are preparing to make their voices heard.

Days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol again, several grassroots groups will descend on the District Saturday for the People’s March, which has the same organizers behind the 2017 Women’s March.

“Talking about immigration, talking about peace, talking about abortion access, talking about racial justice and reproductive justice,” said Tamika Middleon, the managing director for Women’s March.

Like previous marches, organizers say Saturday’s event is part of a long term resistance strategy to proposed policies of the incoming Trump Administration

“And so we are trying to create opportunities for people to be together, and that’s really our message, is for people to find ways for them to engage with each other,” Middleon said.

Several Metro stations and several streets will be closed Monday for the inauguration, but the 18th will also be a busy day on D.C. roads

People’s March organizers say there will be three meet up locations Saturday before they march to the Lincoln Memorial: Farragut Square, where groups will focus on democracy, immigration, climate and military; Franklin Park, a starting point for gender justice activists, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ groups; and McPherson Square, ground zero for many local grassroots organizations.

“We’re going to be specifically focusing on D.C. issues,” said Megan Salmon with Spaces in Action.

Salmon said they’ve been busy coordinating with local volunteers ahead of Saturday, and even though a lot has changed since Trump took office in 2017, their commitment to the cause hasn’t — and they’re ready for what’s next.

“Organizers have been preparing for a moment like this for way longer than it was talked about, so it wasn’t just since the election, it wasn’t just since the campaign trail,” Salmon said. “I do think that the resistance is strategic, but I do think that’s not just a reflection of the moment we’re in. I think it’s a longer term fight.”

All of those groups are set to meet up at the Lincoln Memorial, and that big rally is scheduled to go from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Washington, D.C

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

Published

14 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

WASHINGTON D.C. – Safety is a priority at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump next week.

San Antonio police is sending 61 officers to Washington, D.C., to assist the Metropolitan Police Department while Trump is sworn into office.

SAPD deployed 45 officers when Trump took office for the first time in 2017.

The increase in officers being sent this time reflects heightened security concerns and a greater emphasis on ensuring the safety of all attendees.

In addition to SAPD’s presence, law enforcement agencies nationwide are also mobilizing to provide support.

As preparations continue, authorities urge attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony will begin at noon EST on Jan. 20.

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Washington, D.C

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

Published

22 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s completely free to subscribe!

Call it D.C.’s biggest hits: Pandas, the Commanders, MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade are all on tap this week – and that’s before we even get to Inauguration Day!

Of course, if you want to see a panda this week, you must be a National Zoo member. But anyone can grab their free pass to visit the National Zoo once the pandas make their public debut on Jan. 24. The only thing you’ll need to see the pandas is your zoo pass… plus, patience and warm clothes. Expect a line to get into the panda habitat!

But everyone can watch the Commanders face the Lions at 8 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, sixth-seeded Washington upset the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Can they clinch against the division leader? Every sports bar will be screening this highly anticipated showdown.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Hands-on Landscape Painting with Paloma Vianey: Weds., 6-8 p.m., Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, free but registration required

NMWA Nights: Weds., 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $25

DC Improv Date Night: Weds., 7:30 p.m., DC Improv, $99 for food and drink package or $15 for general admission

Rock the Rink at The Wharf: Thurs., 6-10 p.m., The Wharf Ice Rink, anyone in Capitals gear gets $5 off admission

National Symphony Orchestra on the Millennium Stage: Fri., 6 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free but arrive early to get tickets

MLK Shabbat: Visions of Freedom and Justice: Fri., 7 p.m., Sixth & I, free

Concert: Mo Lowda & The Humble and Illiterate Light: Fri., 8 p.m., 9:30 Club, $25

20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade: Sat., 11 a.m., Entertainment & Sports Arena, free

MLK Day of Service: Pope Branch Park cleanup with Anacostia Riverkeeper: Sat., 2900 M Place Southeast, free

Nerd Nite irreverent lecture series: Sat., doors 6 p.m., DC9, $10 (in advance) or $15 (day of)

Black A** Comedy: Sat., 7 p.m., Busboys and Poets 14th Street, $25

Charli x Sabrina x Chappell Dance Party: Sat., Black Cat, $10

Defying Gravity: A Wicked Party: Sat., Union Stage, $15+

Ye Olde Feast of Saint Vincent of Zaragossa!: Sun., 2 p.m., St. Vincent Wine at 3212 Georgia Ave NW, $72

Let Freedom Ring Celebration featuring Christopher Jackson and esperanza spalding, hosted by Taye Diggs: Sun., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center, free (note: ticket giveaway begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hall of Nations, limited to two tickets per person)

Union Stage Presents: Rare Essence , EU feat. Sugar Bear, DCVybe: Sun., 8:30 p.m., Howard Theatre, $55

Last chance – “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment”: Through Sun., the National Gallery of Art, free

What to do in Maryland

Theater: “What the Constitution Means to Me”: Jan. 15 to Feb. 16, Round House Theatre, $50+

SA-ROC (+ DJ OSO Fresh After Party): Fri., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $35

Yoga at Brookside Gardens: Sat., 9:30 a.m., Wheaton, $14

Say It Loud: A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sat., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown

Be’la Dona Brunch: Sun., 2 p.m., Bethesda Theater, $41.45 (including fees)

“Paper Dreams” at Imagination Stage: Through Feb. 16, Bethesda, $19.50

What to do in Virginia

Sean Gavin and Josh Dukes in Concert: Thurs., 7-9 p.m., Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, $25 ($10 under 18)

Comedy – Justin Martindale: Fri. and Sat., Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $20

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop: Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, $45-$55, plus $10 supply fee (must register by Weds.)

NOVA Wine Expo: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles Expo Center, $40+

Presidential Transitions Lecture & Historic Document Viewing: Sat., noon to 3 p.m., George Washington Presidential Library, $10

La Vang Lunar New Year Festival: Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, $10 ($5 with student ID or for kids 2 to 11)

Comedy Night in Leesburg Presented By The DC Improv: Sat., Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, $20-$32

Ice & Lights-The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Through Feb. 23, Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, $8.55+

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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