Allie: How did you wind up living in DC?
Steph: I’m from Montgomery County – born and raised. I went to New Orleans for college, then lived in San Francisco for a job, and then decided it was time to come back to my roots. I’ve been in DC for three years now.
Allie: I hear you just started a cool new job – tell me about it!
Steph: I’m the U.S. Marketing and Communications Manager for Leon, which is a mediterranean-inspired place that serves naturally fast food.
Allie: Hmm..why have I never heard of this place?
Steph: It’s not open yet! Leon is opening in early September.
Allie: Once it opens, how do I get there and what should I order?
Steph: It’s on 1724 L Street in Farragut North, and any of our sandwiches are delicious – they’re served on challah buns. We also have really good falafel and lamb kofta. (NOTE: Follow Leon on Facebook and Instagram for updates)
Allie: Can you offer a deal to GatherDC-ers?
Steph: On September 5th and 6th, you can come in for free food if you give us feedback on it. RSVP to usa@leon.co. Also, if you sign up for our Leon club you can get 40% off after 5:00pm once it opens.
Allie: At the end of a long work day, what’s your favorite way to relax?
Steph: Yoga. But definitely not hot yoga. I really like The Yoga Shala in Shaw.
Allie: Besides The Yoga Shala, what are your top 3 favorite workout classes or studios in DC?
Steph: Oh there’s too many to pick just three! I’d say Off Road for boxing, FlyBarre for barre, and Reformation Fitness for HIIT/TRX.
Allie: What’s your resolution for this coming year?
Steph: Keeping a good work-life balance. I want to find time to work out as much as I’d like while crushing my new job.
Allie: How do you motivate yourself to workout so often?
Steph: The prospect of one day obtaining a 6-pack keeps me going.
Allie: When and/or where are you the happiest?
Steph: When I’m snuggling my Australian lab Sophie, while outside of course.
Allie: Who is your Jewish role model?
Steph: My grandpa. He’s a Holocaust Survivor. He lost half his family and came here when he was 16 knowing no English. He had to make a life for himself and his family. Today, he volunteers for The United States Holocaust Museum once a week.
Allie: If you could have 3 celebs in your entourage, who would you choose and why?
Steph: Anna Kendrick, everyone tells me I look like her and she is awesome. Gal Gadot, because woman power. Channing Tatum, because he’s always been my man crush.
Allie: What is your favorite Jewish food?
Steph: My grandpa’s potato kugel and my mom’s noodle kugel – really all types of kugel.
Allie: What’s your favorite way to celebrate the Jewish New Year?
Steph: Being with my family. Eating lots of apples and honey.
Allie: Complete the sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Steph: They make and eat good food while kvelling or kvetching.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog and on this website are solely those of the original authors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
