A Washington DC Journey Information By Popal Restaurant Group’s Fatima Popal

Work isn’t simply skilled for Fatima Popal, it’s private since she’s the CFO of Popal Restaurant Group, the boutique, family-run hospitality group based by her mother and father Shamim and Zubair Popal. After fleeing their house nation of Afghanistan over three three a long time in the past as a result of Soviet invasion and decamping in Washington, D.C., the pair channeled their creativity into entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2003, they unveiled their first idea, Georgetown’s Cafe Bonaparte, a Parisian-inspired cafe that instantly charmed locals with its old-world design and imaginative crepes.

As we speak, Popal Restaurant Group manages a powerful portfolio together with Lutèce, the extremely lauded French bistro helmed by husband-wife Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss (a 2023 Meals & Wine Finest New Chef), beloved Afghan eatery Lapis, and soon-to-open elevated Mexican restaurant Pascual.

As a result of the corporate is led by Fatima’s instant household (particularly, her mother and father and one brother), her responsibilites lengthen past the conventional CFO. She additionally oversees the HR division, all occasions, and company social rsponsiblity—a trigger that’s, in her phrases, “the important thing to my soul and my ardour.”

As for what she loves about dwelling within the nation’s capital, it’s having the ability to expertise an abundance of variety with out having to enterprise far. “Due to all of the embassies and world organizations, we have now so many various cultures represented,” says Fatima. “It’s a reminder of my household’s journey right here from Afghanistan.”

Right here, she shares her favourite spots to eat, drink and discover in Washington, D.C.

What’s your favourite neighborhood?

Popal: Actually, I’ve multiple. I like Georgetown as a result of our household spent a lot time there after we first moved. It reminded us a lot of Europe, the place we lived after leaving Afghanistan. Georgetown was additionally the inspiration for our first restaurant, Cafe Bonaparte, which is now Lutèce.

Additionally, I like Adams Morgan as a result of it holds so many recollections of being a younger grownup in D.C. and the early phases of our restaurant group. My brother Omar and I lived on the identical road at one level with my older brother Mustafa dwelling two streets down from us. It turned the Popal children hall by Lapis.

What’s your favourite informal restaurant, and what’s your go-to order?

Popal: As a mother, I like 2Amys. They’re such a DC staple, and my children love their cheese pizzas. I often create my very own pizza with a bunch of veggies since I do not eat purple meat, after which after all I eat no matter my children do not end.

I’m additionally an enormous fan of tacos and Mexican Meals—additionally why we’re opening a Mexican restaurant—and love popping by Taqueria Habanero for a fast chunk. I often order tacos with fish or shrimp.

And naturally Lapis. Sure, it’s considered one of our ideas but it surely’s the one manner I can get my mother to make my household dinner each night time since she’s our chef. My favourite dish in the meanwhile is the hen kabob with a qabuli palow.

The place do you go for a fancier meal, or to have a good time an important day?

Popal: Tail Up Goat has been considered one of my all time favorites, since I lived in Adams Morgan. I like their crispy salt cod fritters, however their complete menu is at all times pleasant.

Rasika can also be a favourite, since I gravitate in the direction of the spices in Indian meals. They’re an excellent restaurant to go to with a gaggle since their dishes are made for sharing so you will get a style of every little thing.

Do you have got a favourite bar?

Popal: The Dabney is understood for its meals, but it surely additionally has an exquisite beverage program. I am often a Sauvignon Blanc lady, however their cocktails are unbelievable. I additionally love the comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant with the open kitchen. Plus, Blagden Alley is such a enjoyable spot to discover. There have been so many enjoyable bars and eating places popping up over there in the previous few years.

What’s your favourite museum?

Popal: We are able to spend a whole day on the Nationwide Constructing Museum, because it caters to all three children, plus my husband and me. We have now so many common and great museums and galleries right here in D.C., in addition to hidden gems such because the Phillips Assortment that many vacationers don’t find out about.

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