By DCist Contributor Vince Wadhwani of BuyIndie.net Location, location, location. Last year Sticky Fingers occupied the small, cramped space across the street and down the stairs from Lauriol Plaza. While there’s no denying the quality of the vegan cookies, the shop itself didn’t quite have the required room to operate comfortably. The new occupants, Biagio Fine Chocolate, have done a remarkable job taking what was an unattractive space and turning it into an inviting, seemingly…

Written by Buy Indie’s Vince Wadhwani It’s easy to justify going to an independent clothing boutique to find a unique outfit. After all, who wants to walk into a bar wearing the same thing as everyone else? But when it comes to our housewares and hardware, the equation often becomes a lot less complicated. Though you may not find a pink toolbelt over at the Home Depot, you also won’t find too many people fretting…

Written by Vince Wadhwani When Vegetate and Queen of Sheba applied for liquor licenses in September 2005, Shiloh Baptist Church unexpectedly protested, causing both restaurants a lengthy delay which, in the case of Queen of Sheba, is still ongoing almost two years later. For Vegetate, however, the news is brighter, with legislation being passed earlier this year allowing them to serve wine, beer, and cocktails. Many restaurants may have folded up under the pressure of…

Written by DCist Contributor Vince Wadhwani, of BuyIndie.net Joe. Bean. Murk. Black Venom. Go Juice. The Nectar of Life. Call it what you want, but we love our coffee. And when you talk coffee it’s hard not to think about the ever present Starbucks. Recently, they launched a service making it even easier to get your fix. Send a text message from your cell phone and get back the location of the three closest Starbucks….

Written by DCist contributor Vince Wadhwani, of BuyIndie.net The reality of big chains and online retailers is that for many small businesses, competing against them is extremely difficult — especially when it comes to prices. One local clothing store has found a successful approach in focusing on novelty — by providing clothing items that you won’t see your neighbor wearing the next week. “I try to re-merchandise the shop at least once a week; It’s…

Written by DCist contributor Vince Wadhwani of BuyIndie.net. Despite the misperceptions of outsiders, we all know that D.C. has a ton to offer in the form of entertainment. Seems like almost every week there’s a new bar or restaurant opening up, ranging in scale, much like canned peaches, from regular to extra fancy. If you want to enjoy a play, however, the city’s options can sometimes feel greatly limited by your pocket book. Granted you’re…

As we hoped, last night’s Unbuckled, starring Middle Distance Runner and the Vita Ruins, was a hell of a show. The Vita Ruins kicked things off with an atmospheric set to a packed DC9 crowd. It’s one of the first handful of shows the band’s performed, and it went off without a hitch. Middle Distance Runner capped off the evening with an incredibly impressive show — one that made a lot of fans out…

By now, you and your entire network of friends, acquaintances and enemies have made plans to meet at DC9 tonight to take in the glory that will be Unbuckled 4: DCist’s Official 2nd Anniversary party. Right? Well, just in case you haven’t been sold by our lineup alone (and don’t forget to check out our reviews of Middle Distance Runner and The Vita Ruins), let us give you 5 more reasons that Unbuckled is the…

As part of an occasional series, BuyIndie.net’s Vince Wadhwani profiles an independent, local business owner in D.C. Other than coffee shops, perhaps no independent retailer faces as much pressure as your local book store. Opportunities abound to buy from aggressively growing chains or any of several online merchants. Some voices, like Tyler Cowen, wonder if that really matters at all, while others ask what may happen to the culture of reading when libraries and small…

Part of an occassional series, Vince Wadhwani from BuyIndie.net profiles a locally-owned business of interest in the District. It seems yoga is everywhere these days. Most D.C. neighborhoods can boast at least one studio, and the Post recently tracked their spread across the District as forerunners to neighborhood revitalization. Even U.S. Marines have been spotted practicing the ancient art that practitioners say can ease tension, reduce weight, and boost inner well-being. Tranquil Space Yoga is…