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 dwelling nation of Afghanistan over three three many years in the past because of the 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 Greatest 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 (specifically, 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 residing within the nation’s capital, it’s with the ability to expertise an abundance of variety with out having to enterprise far. “Due to all of the embassies and world organizations, we’ve so many alternative 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: Truthfully, I’ve multiple. I like Georgetown as a result of our household spent a lot time there once 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 reminiscences 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 avenue at one level with my older brother Mustafa residing two streets down from us. It turned the Popal youngsters 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 youngsters love their cheese pizzas. I normally 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 youngsters 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 chew. I normally order tacos with fish or shrimp.

And naturally Lapis. Sure, it’s one in every of our ideas but it surely’s the one means 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 fun an important day?

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

Rasika can be a favourite, since I gravitate in the direction of the spices in Indian meals. They’re an awesome restaurant to go to with a bunch since their dishes are made for sharing so you will get a style of the whole lot.

Do you’ve got a favourite bar?

Popal: The Dabney is understood for its meals, but it surely additionally has a beautiful beverage program. I am normally 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 couple of 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 youngsters, plus my husband and me. We now have so many well-liked and fantastic 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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