Carlos Simon, a Grammy-nominated artist, now serves as the Kennedy Center’s composer in residence. His work explores social injustices faced by people of African descent. Simon shares his passion for community and culture in this guide to DC.
Less“dLeña is one of my favorite places for Mexican food. Not only can you get some really top-notch, high-quality dishes from Hispanic cuisine and tacos, but also some really good off-menu entrées such as shortbread, carne asada, and grilled chicken. Not only does it offer wonderful food, but it’s also one of the few places that serves very select tequilas and mezcals, which you can’t find anywhere else in stores or other restaurants in DC.”
“I love water. I love being around water. It’s a great place for me to recharge and cleanse my spirit. The best place to do that is the Georgetown wharf. Not only are you around water, but there are also a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and great eateries in the area. It is located right on the waterfront in Georgetown. It’s a great place to relax on the weekend or any day of the week.”
“If you're looking for top-notch-quality Jamaican food, Jam Doung is your best option. It’s located in northwest DC on North Capitol Street. You can get some really authentic dishes, including brown-striped chicken, oxtails, and one of my favorites, jerk chicken wings. It is my favorite lunch spot in DC.”
“The Kennedy Center is considered the nation’s cultural stage, where you can enjoy a variety of entertainment options. If you love classical music, you can hear the National Symphony Orchestra or the Washington National Opera. You can also see musical theater, as well as comedy, jazz, and hip-hop shows. The Kennedy Center offers over 3000 concerts a year, so you are guaranteed to find a wonderful show or concert any night of the week.”
“Located across from the White House, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of my favorite places to recharge, rebalance, and remind myself why I do what I do. It gives me a great sense of American history through the lens of African Americans and the contributions they have made to American society. Not only that, but it also has a rich history in the arts. It really gives you […] great understanding of the contributions of African Americans to the world.”
“My love for seafood extends not only to oysters but also to blue crab. Blue crab is a staple of the DMV area. Some of the best crab can be found at Quarterdeck in Arlington, VA. You can get a variety of sizes in the summertime when they’re in season, all the way from medium to jumbo crabs. Not only that, they have wonderful crab cakes and a variety of other options. It’s the best thing to do on a nice afternoon when the sun is out with a nice beer.”
“If you want to dance to great music with some wonderful DJs or just want to have a drink and lounge, look no further than Saint-Ex on 14th Street. You can go any night of the week, but Thursday nights are especially great because we feature DJ Jeff Sonic spinning at Saint-Ex. It’s a fantastic place where you can be in the company of really wonderful people, enjoy a cool vibe, and let your hair down while listening to great music.”
“If I’m looking for a great tuxedo to wear or a really clean, nice suit that can be easily tailored, or even some really nice European-cut shirts and suits, I will go to Suitsupply located in Georgetown.”
“Union Market used to be a center for retail and wholesale items, but now it has been renovated to include a variety of restaurants, clothing shops, record stores, coffee shops, and even apartment complexes. It is a hip spot to relax and enjoy on the weekend. It’s a great place to get a variety of food, as well as hipster-style clothes and records.”