Where Hollis Wells Silverman Eats in DC

I love this spot, and I love co-chef Paola Velez. She co-founded Bakers Against Racism, has a great voice in the industry, is an advocate for small businesses, and works with MAPP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on building a sustainable culinary and hospitality industry through workforce development.

I still have some friends that are in the kitchen, so I love seeing people there. I order everything, because I really like to eat, but I especially love the gazpacho, secreto Ibérico de bellota, paella, and croquetas.

I will always have a soft spot for this restaurant. I like anything off the spit, the dips, the breads, the vegetables, and the htipiti.

I love everything that chef Amy Brandwein does. Her food is delicious, especially her fish and pastas. She's extremely passionate, she cares, and she's great to other restaurateurs and people in the industry, which is really important.

I adore Micheline Mendelsohn, one of the owners. She's been a friend, very supportive, and someone to lean on. She's also on Capitol Hill, which is great. And she's got a family establishment–she works with her mom, dad, and brother–which I always like.

I just got to spend some time with chef-owner Johanna Hellrigl. I appreciate what she's doing for health and sustainability. We used to live by Ama and would go to eat all the pastries in the morning. She's a phenomenal restaurateur, so I hope she will open many more places in D.C.