Supporting local and small business can be a challenge. We all have our quintessential needs and wants for products that can’t always be sufficed by a local business. For me, it’s Nutella. If someone out there is producing locally-made chocolate hazelnut magicalness, sign me up for a case stat. But I think it’s important to do our part when we can. So when I stumbled across an article announcing the opening of an environmentally-conscious grocery mart, I was ecstatic. In late April, DC welcomed its first true, all-local grocery store. Glen’s Garden Market is an eco-friendly provider of locally resourced meats, produce, and specialty foods completely birthed from local right.
Everything from the recycled building materials, to the house prepped food fare is sustainably conscious. It is a truly incredible collection of products gathered from local businesses throughout DC, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. Walking in the doors, you’re transported to an indoor farmer’s market. Imagine Eastern Market and Trader Joe’s had a completely locally-born baby, that’s Glen’s. One half of the building is dedicated to the gorgeous house bar, where the beer on tap is craft, specialty, and seasonal. The remainder houses shelves of unique products like dark cherry salsa, chocolate covered broiled Virginia peanuts, and lavender mint sparkling water. There is also a counter dedicated to serving up meals created from the ingredients and produce found throughout the store. My mouth was watering staring down the whole rosemary roasted chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese. The guys behind the counter tempted me with the special of the week – turkey with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. It took all my strength to clutch my gym bag and politely decline. The market is completely committed to showcasing only the best local fare it can find and it is clear in every item they sell and meal they make.
Glen’s is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. I highly recommend checking out the Chef prepared house-made creations menu for an eco-conscious dinner that’s also insanely divine. (It’s posted online with the weekly specials!) Oh and did I mention, at that beautiful repurpose bar, you can get a pint of specialty beer for just $4, every day, no matter what time?! Let me repeat, $4 DC Brau, in DuPont, every day. Sold.
By
