And the Winner is...Winners of Best New Shaw Business of 2016 Awards Announced!

And the Winners are...Best New Shaw Business of 2016 Award Winners Announced!

Left to tight: Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander M. Padro; SMS Board Member Ben Tesfaye; Bazaar Spices owners Monica Grover and Ivan Fitzgerald and son; and SMS Board Chair Gretchen Wharton. 

The winners of the Best New Shaw Business of 2016 awards were announced at the Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting on March 21, 2017 at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Forty businesses that opened in 2016 were eligible.

Bazaar Spices, located at 2130 8th Street NW, received the most votes in the 12th annual contest sponsored by Shaw Main Streets. Washington DC's first locally-owned and operated gourmet spice shop offers a wide range of curated, small-batch spices, seasoning blends, bulk herbs, botanicals, rice, flours, lentils and specialty food products from around the world. "Bazaar Spices is a feast for the senses, a destination as well as a launching pad for the exploration of culinary and healing traditions in your own kitchen and home," said SMS Executive Director Alexander Padro. The shop also offers frequent classes, workshops and demonstrations highlighting the history, culture and culinary versatility of the shop's offerings. The store's blog (www.spicydc.com) offers recipes and insights into the use of herbs and spices, both palate-pleasing and health-promoting. The store is owned by Monica Grover and Ivan Fitzgerald. "It ls such an honor and special privilege to receive this award," said Grover. "We really appreciate the community's support." Bazaar Spices has a second location at Union Market. For more information on Bazaar Spices, visit www.bazaarspices.com or call 202-380-9658.

Left to right: Grand Cata's Pedro Rodriguez; Bazaar Spices' Monica Grover and Ivan Fitzgerald; and Service Bar's Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler. Photo by Pleasant Mann.

Grand Cata, a Latino wine shop at 1550 7th Street, NW, received first runner up honors. Specializing in Latin American and heritage nation (Spain, Portugal and Italy) wine, spirits, beers and specialty foods curated by owners Pedro Rodriquez and Julio Robledo, the store offers Daily Cata tastings and a Latin Wine Club with monthly selections and events. (Catar is a Spanish verb meaning the tasting of foods or beverages to determine their characteristics and flavors.) For more information on Grand Cata, visit www.grandcata.com or call 202- 525-5702.

Service Bar, located at 926-28 U Street, NW, received the second runner up nod. Offering affordably-priced classic and contemporary cocktails, beers and shots, plus a limited food menu featuring fried chicken and rotating regional items.Service bar is owned by DC bar veterans Chris Willoughby, Chad Spangler, and Glendon Hartley. Be sure to check out the all-night happy hour and The Snug Room, a six-seat bar-within-a-bar. For more information on Service Bar, visit www.servicebardc.com or call 202-462-7232