Business Ins & Outs: Mini Me Boutique, Donahue Lounge
By • April 12, 2021 0 1126
Georgetown’s retail and restaurant sector is looking to make a post-pandemic comeback. Here are two hopeful openings.
In: Mini Me Boutique
When you have a three-year-old daughter and have worked at places ranging from Benetton to Ella-Rue, what’s a young mother to do? Why, open a charming shop called Mini Me and carry mother-and-daughter outfits along with cool European threads, surprising novelties and vintage toys, of course. Owner Liana Vassila took her pandemic time to put together her little boutique at 3236 P St. NW, located in part of a space that once housed the legendary Savile Book Shop. It’s a breath of fresh air amid rote retail; put it on your shopping list.
In: Donahue Lounge
The former Smith Point space at 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW has been transformed into a nightlife lounge for grownups. The old Bo Blair place was known for its midnight action, even attracting two first daughters in its day. Today, the restaurant, named Donahue for a longtime Georgetown family and owners of commercial property, shouts glamour, champagne, fancy cocktails and culinary sophistication, thanks to Luca Giovannini and Cesar Varela, both formerly with Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, and restaurateur Noe Landini. It will open its chic bar in the back when pandemic restrictions loosen. Meanwhile, enjoy drinks and food on the rooftop deck.
