Crafting Sobriety: Gigi Arandid's Journey with Binge Bar (#12)
This issue also includes H Street Bingo starts today, H Street Heroes details, LOTS of good news, and the announcement of H Street Open! All this in addition to events and promotions on H Street.
Gigi Arandid, the visionary behind Binge Bar in Washington, DC, embarked on a personal journey toward sobriety that inspired her to create a unique space for those seeking alcohol-free social experiences. Celebrating 18 months since its inception, Binge Bar has become a hub not only for zero-proof beverages but also for community engagement and creative expression.
Harriet the Hedgehog (HH): What inspired you to open Binge Bar, and how does it feel to reach that 18-month milestone?
Gigi Arandid (BB): Opening Binge Bar stemmed from my personal commitment to sobriety, which began seven years ago when I decided to quit alcohol. I found unexpected support among friends in the nightlife industry who also abstained from drinking. This revelation prompted me to create a space where sobriety could be celebrated without compromise. Reaching the 18-month milestone feels incredibly validating—a testament to the community we've built and the need we've fulfilled.
HH: Can you tell us about your personal journey and how it led to creating a zero-proof bar?
BB: My journey began with an article about a similar concept in Austin, Texas, which deeply resonated with me. Despite starting with minimal resources and facing skepticism, I was determined to merge my personal experiences as a minority woman in the nightlife scene with a vision for creativity and inclusivity. Binge Bar evolved from a personal quest for sobriety into a vibrant space where others can explore alcohol-free living in a supportive environment.
HH: What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in running a non-alcoholic establishment in Washington, DC?
BB: Running a non-alcoholic establishment has presented unique challenges, such as finding team members who align with our concept and effectively communicating our vision to contractors. However, these challenges have been outweighed by the opportunities to engage diverse communities, including universities and professionals from various backgrounds. Each interaction reinforces the importance of our mission and fuels our commitment to innovation in the zero-proof beverage sector.
HH: How do you curate the menu of mocktails, zero-proof wines, beers, and spirits, and what are some customer favorites?
BB: Curating our menu is a blend of experimentation and cultural influence, rooted in my upbringing in the Philippines. I draw inspiration from traditional flavors and culinary techniques to craft drinks like the Cucumber Mangarita and our take on classic cocktails. Customer feedback is crucial; it guides our menu updates and ensures that each offering resonates with our patrons' tastes and preferences.
HH: Binge Bar hosts events, including comedy shows and brunches. Describe the atmosphere at these events.
BB: Events at Binge Bar are more than just gatherings—they're immersive experiences that foster genuine connections and creative expression. Whether it's a sold-out comedy night or an intimate brunch, the atmosphere is charged with positivity and community spirit. These events serve as platforms for personal growth and collective celebration, reflecting our commitment to providing a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
I'm immensely grateful to everyone who has supported Binge Bar—our loyal clients, dedicated brand partners, and community leaders. Together, we're redefining what it means to socialize and celebrate without alcohol, and I'm excited about the future of Binge Bar on H Street. As we continue to grow and innovate, I look forward to seeing how our journey unfolds and the positive impact we can make in our community.
You can listen to the full interview on the podcast, H Street Highlights.
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Celebrating H Street: The "Best Of" 2024 Winners and Finalists
H Street is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Washington, D.C., known for its eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, and community spirit. This year, several local businesses have been honored in the Washington City Paper's annual "Best Of" reader poll, showcasing the best the area has to offer. Here's a look at the H Street winners and finalists who have made their mark in 2024:
Winners
1. Binge Bar
Category: Best Mocktail
Recognition: Winner
Description: A haven for non-alcoholic drink enthusiasts, Binge Bar's creative and refreshing mocktails have earned them top honors this year.
2. Paste & Rind
Category: Best Charcuterie
Recognition: Winner
Description: This specialty shop offers an exquisite selection of charcuterie, perfect for any gathering or a gourmet snack.
3. Granville Moore's
Category: Best Mussels
Recognition: Winner
Description: Known for its Belgian-style mussels and frites, Granville Moore's remains a staple on H Street, drawing in seafood lovers from all over.
4. Toki Underground
Category: Best Ramen
Recognition: Winner
Description: This cozy ramen spot is celebrated for its flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
5. Pie Shop
Category: Best Bar in Venue
Recognition: Winner (Bar in Venue), Runner Up (Pie), and Finalist (Place to Experience Local Music and Music Venue)
Description: Pie Shop is a dual-threat with its delectable pies and a bar that offers
6. H Street Festival
Category: Best Neighborhood Festival
Recognition: Winner (Neighborhood Festival) and Finalist (Arts and Culture Festival)
Description: A celebration of community and culture, the H Street Festival brings together locals and visitors for a day of music, food, and fun, earning top honors as the best neighborhood festival.
Runners-Up and Finalists
1. Bullfrog Bagels
Category: Best Bagel
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: Bullfrog Bagels' chewy, New York-style bagels have secured them a strong following and a runner-up spot.
2. Cane
Category: Best Caribbean Food
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: Cane brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to H Street, earning accolades for its authentic and delicious dishes.
3. Insomnia Cookies
Category: Best Cookie
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Known for their warm, freshly baked cookies available late into the night, Insomnia Cookies is a sweet tooth's paradise.
4. The Pug
Category: Best Dive Bar
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: A beloved local watering hole, The Pug's laid-back atmosphere and friendly vibe make it a favorite dive bar.
5. Copycat Co.
Category: Best Dumpling
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Copy Cat's inventive takes on traditional dumplings have earned them a spot among the best.
6. Ethiopic
Category: Best Ethiopian Restaurant
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: Ethiopic offers a rich and authentic Ethiopian dining experience, celebrated for its flavorful dishes and communal dining style.
7. Bronze
Category: Best West African Restaurant
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Bronze's innovative and flavorful West African cuisine has earned it a dedicated following and a finalist spot.
8. Pow Pow
Category: Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Pow Pow's plant-based Asian-inspired dishes have made it a go-to for vegans and vegetarians alike.
9. Hiraya
Category: Best Filipino Restaurant
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: Hiraya's authentic Filipino flavors and warm hospitality have made it a standout on H Street.
10. Irregardless
Category: Best Wine Selection
Recognition: Finalist
Description: With an impressive wine list, Irregardless caters to oenophiles and casual drinkers alike.
11. Daru
Category: Best Indian
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Daru's modern take on Indian cuisine has earned it a place among the best in the city.
12. Sticky Rice
Category: Best Tater Tots
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Sticky Rice's unique and delicious tater tots have made them a favorite comfort food spot.
13. Tiki Garden Thai Street Food
Category: Best Thai Restaurant
Recognition: Finalist
Description: This vibrant spot brings the flavors of Thai street food to H Street, earning praise for its authentic dishes.
Mosaic Theater Company
Category: Best Theater Company
Recognition: Finalist
Description: Mosaic Theater Company is renowned for its powerful productions that tackle social issues and foster community dialogue.
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Category: Best Performing Arts Venue
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: A cornerstone of H Street's arts scene, the Atlas Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, from theater to dance.
Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival
Category: Best Theater Festival
Recognition: Runner Up
Description: This festival brings together diverse artists and audiences to explore intersections of art, culture, and society.
H Street's diverse array of businesses and their achievements in the "Best Of" 2024 reader poll highlight the neighborhood's thriving culinary and nightlife scenes. Whether you're in the mood for a savory dumpling, a refreshing mocktail, or a warm cookie, H Street has something to offer for every palate. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their well-deserved recognition!
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More Good News
H Street Bingo starts today! Don’t forget to get your bingo card and start exploring H Street!
SAVE THE DATE: H Street Open supporting Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is on Saturday, August 31. Join us for a smashing good time as we combine the thrill of tennis with the fun of a bar “volley”! Whether you're a tennis pro or just a fan of the sport, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy great drinks, meet new friends, and explore some of the best bars on H Street. Details coming soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available, email hannahtheharehstreet@gmail.com with interest.
H Street Heroes had a great clean-up with unbeatable weather. Next clean up will be Saturday, August 24 from 9 -11 am at Binge Bar (506 H Street NE LL). Sign up.
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Atlas (atlasarts.org)
Atlas Performing Arts Center has a thrilling fall line-up including jazz, theater, dance, and more! Support local artists! Check out all the performances here: atlasarts.org/events
August 8: Free Screening “All Stories Matter: Building Community Through the Arts”
August 8 -10: The Theatre Lab presents “Footloose The Musical”
Binge Bar
August 4 from 2 -5 pm: Sober Friends Meetup
August 11 from 12 pm: Binge and Vintage Shop, celebrating 18 months anniversary and exclusive vintage pop-up.
Bronze (bronzedc.com)
Every Sunday from 6-9 pm: Sounds of Bronze, Live Jazz
H Street, Sweet H Street (hstreetsweethstreet.com)
Saturday, August 31 starting at 1 pm: H Street Open
H Street, Sweet H Street w/ Binge Bar (hstreetsweethstreet.com)
Saturday, August 24 from 9-11 am: H Street Heroes Clean-up.
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 pm: Newgrounds Death Rugby & Oolong w/ Postcard Nowhere, Combat
Friday, August 2 at 7:30 pm: Dono Dono w/ Massie, Veronica Faison
Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 pm: Front Royal w/ Sol Reactor, Right Chipper
Sunday, August 4 at 7:30 pm: Thank God It’s Paydai w/ Paydaiotw
Steak Frites (steakfritesdc.com)
August 1 at 6:30 pm: Swiss National Day pop-up at Gallery O
Streetcar Stroll on H
August 1 from 7-9 pm: Starting at Binge Bar (506 H St NE) then take the streetcar to a few other spots along the corridor, ending at The Pug.
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Ben’s Chili Bowl (benschilibowl.com)
Burger with fries and fountain drink for only $14.49
Bronze (bronzedc.com)
Saturday and Sundays: Brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm
Chupacabra (chupacabrahst.com)
Weekdays 4-7 pm- Happy Hour
Mondays - Quesadilla & Margarita or Beer $15
Wednesdays - Loaded Nachos with a deep Eddy Cocktail $16
Thursdays - Torta Thursday: Torte & Margarita or Beer $18
Sundays - Sunday Funday: Chips & Salsa with a shot of Jamo $11
Daru (darudc.com)
Bar Happy Hour Everyday from 5-6:30 pm - $10 Snacks and Cocktails
Granville Moores (granvillemoores.com)
Mussels Monday - $13 Mussels from 5 pm to 9 pm
Hiraya (hirayadc.com)
Happy Hour Tuesday – Thursday from 5 -7 pm
Happy Hour Friday – Sunday from 3 – 6 pm
Brunch Plate, Drink, and Pastry for $25
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
Mid-Atlantic Wine Summer Showcase - One Featured Entree, One Paired Glass of Wine, and Dessert for $55
Kids Night on Tuesdays 5-7 pm – special kids menu
Wine Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 10% off glasses and bottles, happy hour excluded
Lydia on H Street (lydiaonhdc.com)
Buy 1 lunch item get 1 free frozen cocktail from 12-2 pm.
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
SWEAT DC (sweatdc.com)
Free week of group fitness classes at SWEAT DC. Click link to redeem your free week pass.
Tiki Garden Thai (tikigardendc.com)
Happy Hour 5pm-7pm everyday
ADVERTISMENT
In the bustling heart of the city lies a hidden gem that transports you to a tropical paradise—Tiki Garden Thai Street Food. This vibrant eatery is quickly making a name for itself with its mouth-watering food, … (read whole post on the blog)
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