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A massive "human composting" facility just opened outside D.C.

Earth Funeral just opened the East Coast's largest natural organic reduction facility in Howard County.

News

The green burial boom is here — a huge &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="human composting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" target="_self">human composting</a>&quot; site just opened outside D.C., bringing a fast-growing, eco-friendly death care option close to home.Why it matters: Maryland legalized human composting two years ago, paving the way for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Earth Funeral" data-vars-click-url="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Earth Funeral</a> to open one of the world&#x27;s largest facilities in Howard County — giving East Coast families access to a process that often required transporting loved ones across the country.

Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke's message to Trump

Clarke talks about where he's taking Metro

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Randy Clarke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/30/randy-clarke-metro-dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-election" target="_self">Randy Clarke</a> sees Metro&#x27;s future in the Gold Line: A zippy, dedicated bus route from Georgetown to the new Commanders stadium.<ul><li>And the transit system&#x27;s general manager has a message for a powerful man who loves gold: </li><li>&quot;President Trump and the entire administration say they want to build,&quot; Clarke says, &quot;and they want to build faster.&quot;</li><li>&quot;Metro wants to build stuff, and we want to build faster.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The Gold Line is more ambitious than just a bus lane. It tries to solve a new problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadium transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" target="_self">stadium transit</a>) and a very old problem (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no Georgetown metro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" data-vars-content-id="f16bcf11-f892-4a09-a3b2-3ffa9f6b5984" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Metro CEO Randy Clarke&#x27;s message to Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/04/georgetown-metro-stop-when-date" target="_self">no Georgetown metro</a>) — and fix K Street.

D.C. keeps crown as America's best park system

As local parks are caught up in political fights, the ranking is a reminder that parks are some of D.C.'s best assets.

The District is home to the best city park system in America — again —according to new rankings from the Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: At a moment when D.C.&#x27;s parks are caught up in political fights and makeover drama, the report is a reminder that the city&#x27;s green spaces remain some of its biggest assets.

DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer

The best public pools in the DMV — many free!

Things to Do

Suit up: Pools and splash parks are opening across the DMV over Memorial Day weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowcrete winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="570de5ab-d6f4-4a15-9cf5-94eda14c5b79" data-vars-headline="DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">Snowcrete winter</a> makes pool season that much sweeter.

Welcome to D.C.'s hot dog summer

From sold-out Nats hot dog night to fancy wagyu pigs in blankets, the city's glizzy obsession is heating up.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re calling it now — it&#x27;s a hot dog summer.🌭 Anna&#x27;s theory: Summer falls into one of two camps: burger summer, when everyone&#x27;s obsessed with the latest patty trend. Or the less-common but far more enjoyable hot dog summer, when glizzies take center stage.<ul><li>As someone who believes hot dogs are always good — even when they&#x27;re not that good — while mediocre burgers are tragic (and way too common), I say let the wieners roll.</li></ul>

How D.C.'s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle

RAMW is endorsing Kenyan McDuffie and other candidates for the first time in years — highlighting growing tensions over wages, streateries, public safety and the future of independent restaurants in D.C.

Politics

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington is jumping into D.C.&#x27;s increasingly contentious mayoral race, endorsing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kenyan McDuffie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/12/kenyan-mcduffie-dc-mayor-election-janeese-lewis-george" data-vars-content-id="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/12/kenyan-mcduffie-dc-mayor-election-janeese-lewis-george" target="_self">Kenyan McDuffie</a> and flexing its political muscle in a way it hasn&#x27;t in years.Why it matters: The next mayor could shape the future of D.C.&#x27;s dining scene — from decisions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labor costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/the-next-war-over-wages-in-dc" data-vars-content-id="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/the-next-war-over-wages-in-dc" target="_self">labor costs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streateries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/dc-streatery-era-ending-whats-next" data-vars-content-id="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/dc-streatery-era-ending-whats-next" target="_self">streateries</a> to policies that operators warn could either stabilize or sink independent restaurants.

Exclusive: Smithsonian Castle reopens with iconic artifacts and lobster rolls

Go to see Amelia Earhart's flight suit, stay for the lobster rolls.

The Smithsonian Castle is temporarily reopening on the National Mall next week after a years-long closure, complete with historic treasures and New England eats.Why it matters: If Amelia Earhart&#x27;s flight suit doesn&#x27;t lure you in, maybe lobster rolls inside the Smithsonian&#x27;s oldest building will.

This sprawling Navy Yard newcomer is all about New Orleans-style fun

Frozen daiquiris, crawfish boils, po' boys and a waterfront wine terrace: Catahoula opens with a playful take on Cajun and Creole dining.

A waterfront New Orleans-style restaurant opens in Navy Yard on Thursday.Why it matters: Frozen daiquiris, crawfish boils, patio po&#x27; boys and a wine terrace? There&#x27;s a lot to like about chef Thomas Malz&#x27;s &quot;love letter to Louisiana,&quot; as he describes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Catahoula" data-vars-click-url="https://catahouladc.com/" data-vars-content-id="2bba7012-2445-49b0-8a23-591ddff59125" data-vars-headline="This sprawling Navy Yard newcomer is all about New Orleans-style fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://catahouladc.com/" target="_blank">Catahoula</a>.Dig in: The sprawling indoor/outdoor space — formerly All-Purpose — is built for sipping, mingling and lingering across four distinct areas:<ul><li>An indoor brasserie serving upscale Cajun and Creole fare like broiled oysters, homemade boudin and gumbo — plus French wines and absinthe service.</li><li>A 100-seat patio — &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snake and Jake&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://snakeandjakes.com/" data-vars-content-id="2bba7012-2445-49b0-8a23-591ddff59125" data-vars-headline="This sprawling Navy Yard newcomer is all about New Orleans-style fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://snakeandjakes.com/" target="_blank">Snake and Jake&#x27;s</a>, but a little nicer,&quot; Malz says — with dressed po&#x27; boys on Leidenheimer rolls and Pimm&#x27;s Cups.</li><li>A seasonal &quot;boil garden&quot; for crawfish, frozen Hand Grenades and live music.</li><li>A 34-seat wine terrace inspired by New Orleans favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bacchanal" data-vars-click-url="http://www.bacchanalwine.com/" data-vars-content-id="2bba7012-2445-49b0-8a23-591ddff59125" data-vars-headline="This sprawling Navy Yard newcomer is all about New Orleans-style fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.bacchanalwine.com/" target="_blank">Bacchanal</a>, with funky bottles, charcuterie boards and prime river views.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Outdoor dining area at dusk with white brick wall, fleur-de-lis emblem inside a circle, two ornate metal wall planters, string lights, warm wall lamps, and tables set with glassware and plates." height="5069" id="d861e7c5-47c2-4174-9963-03d63ea483c3" src="https://images.axios.com/j-yePrE6_oSxg05X_FMEy9tQf8M=/2026/05/12/1778613417085.jpeg" width="8110"/><figcaption>Outdoor spaces include a big patio, &quot;boil garden&quot; for cooking up seafood and wine terrace. Photo: Courtesy flipsh0t</figcaption></figure>The intrigue: Malz isn&#x27;t from Louisiana — but as a Québécois chef whose lineage traces back to the Acadians, he&#x27;s exploring his roots through food.<ul><li>Cajun cuisine originated with French-speaking Acadians expelled from eastern Canada in the 1700s who later settled in Louisiana.</li><li>The menu also channels New Orleans in the &#x27;70s and &#x27;80s — think peak Emeril — with decadent throwbacks like prime rib à la Prudhomme, thrice-baked potatoes and fricassée Acadienne (like a French-Canadian chicken stew with dumplings).</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two people sit on a striped booth in a dim bar under a red neon sign reading &quot;CAJUN CREOLE COCKTAILS.&quot; A blonde woman in velvet and a bearded man in a gray shirt with an apron look at the camera." height="5058" id="5fb858d5-453f-4869-aea1-13b2a9059e8b" src="https://images.axios.com/Jc2ylQZh4Ba7g34DGin1eA1xSt0=/2026/05/12/1778613486427.jpeg" width="8093"/><figcaption>Catahoula is lead by D.C. bar veteran Rachel Sergi (left) and chef Thomas Malz, who pays tribute to his Acadian lineage on the menu. Photo: Courtesy flipsh0t</figcaption></figure>Yes, but: It&#x27;s not all big spender energy. <ul><li>Bar veteran Rachel Sergi designed a playful cocktail list, with many drinks in the $12–$14 range — including a bartender&#x27;s take on a hurricane and a cranked-out Ramos gin fizz.</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;We&#x27;re making it fun, because New Orleans is all about fun — fun on the plate, fun in your mouth,&quot; Sergi says.

Your slice at Andy's Pizza is powered by AI

The fast-growing D.C. chain has built its own AI-powered operating system — while trying to preserve the human feel of a neighborhood slice shop.

Behind the counter at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatandyspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="efa08579-127b-4db9-98b3-7a04841f70a0" data-vars-headline="Your slice at Andy&#x27;s Pizza is powered by AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatandyspizza.com/" target="_blank">Andy&#x27;s Pizza</a>, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven.Why it matters: As big restaurant chains pour money into AI to cut labor costs, fast-growing D.C. pizza chain Andy&#x27;s is betting custom-built AI tools can help it scale without sacrificing hospitality.

From momos to mixology: Nepali flavors are on the rise in D.C.

From momos to craft cocktails, a new wave of spots — including a first-of-its-kind bar on U Street.

Nepali cuisine is having a moment in the DMV — and not just in restaurants, but cocktail bars, markets and takeout windows.Why it matters: The small South Asian country packs big flavors — but until recent years, its food wasn&#x27;t as abundant across the D.C. area.

A wave of hot new restaurants is hitting D.C. right now

Steakhouses, Nepali cocktails, doughnuts and more — here's what just opened (and what's next).

An exciting crop of restaurants is opening around D.C. this week.Why it matters: Early May is stacked with openings — from splashy steakhouses to vibey cocktail spots and all-day cafés — giving the DMV dining scene a boost.

The end of D.C.'s streatery boom era — and what comes next

The pandemic-era dining staple is fading, but a new — more expensive — version is taking shape.

Signs of spring are back in D.C. with one major omission: the city&#x27;s once-plentiful streateries.Why it matters: Nearly half have vanished since last year as new regulations kick in. Restaurant owners say the rules are confusing and expensive, raising questions about the future of D.C.&#x27;s outdoor dining.

Exclusive: Michelin-awarded chef to open coastal Latin spot at Buzzard Point

Brisa will bring coastal Latin flavors from Carlos Delgado — from ceviche to arepas — to D.C.'s growing waterfront this summer.

Brisa, a coastal Latin restaurant, is opening at Buzzard Point this summer with Michelin-awarded chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carlos Delgado" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/17/james-beard-awards-2025-winners-dc-causa-amazonia" data-vars-content-id="0edcfc5c-1426-4264-84b9-9242b66d820c" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Michelin-awarded chef to open coastal Latin spot at Buzzard Point" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/17/james-beard-awards-2025-winners-dc-causa-amazonia" target="_self">Carlos Delgado</a> at the helm.Why it matters: The stretch by Audi Field is finally finding its footing — and Brisa wants to be a colorful anchor for the neighborhood&#x27;s next phase.

Uchi debuts in Dupont — with a secret entrance for D.C. VIPs

Austin&#x27;s splashy sushi spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uchi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uchirestaurants.com/" data-vars-content-id="fdf70b08-eb55-4f4a-b2a6-f28d0dea145a" data-vars-headline="Uchi debuts in Dupont — with a secret entrance for D.C. VIPs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uchirestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Uchi</a> lands near Dupont Circle on May 12.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Omakase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/15/dc-40-dollar-omakase-kiyomi-uchi" data-vars-content-id="fdf70b08-eb55-4f4a-b2a6-f28d0dea145a" data-vars-headline="Uchi debuts in Dupont — with a secret entrance for D.C. VIPs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/15/dc-40-dollar-omakase-kiyomi-uchi" target="_self">Omakase</a> is everywhere. Uchi leans into the well-heeled party — think Nikko martinis, hot rock wagyu and a huge happy hour.

Food and Drink 🍽

Welcome to D.C.'s hot dog summer

How D.C.'s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle

Exclusive: Smithsonian Castle reopens with iconic artifacts and lobster rolls

This sprawling Navy Yard newcomer is all about New Orleans-style fun

Your slice at Andy's Pizza is powered by AI