If you live remotely close to 16th and Kalorama NW you need to know about the Dorchester Market. You’re probably already familiar with the Dorchester House Apartments–every DC resident has spent the night there at least once! This basement market doesn’t carry fresh meats or too many vegetables, but if you’re looking for the essentials: beer, wine, bread, cheese, fresh garlic, organic eggs, TP, frozen pizza, Jimmy Dean sausage biscuits, shaving powder, blank cassette tapes (I saw a two pack last time I was down there) this is the place to go. The cashiers are very nice, and I think most of them are related. One guy I talked to the other day is here on a work visa from Belgium deciding whether he wants to emigrate. He’s very nice and as a doctor he thinks he might get a good job here. People come from blocks around to pick up a few items. I run into my adopted uncle there all the time–he lives three blocks away and likes to wander down to buy cigarettes. A great alternative to El Safeway (Columbia and 18th) and you rarely have to stand in line.

Photo:  Miellyn Fitzwater