Zuraidah Hoffman
Global Dining: Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization
I had the opportunity to exercise my passion in diversity, combine it with my love of the food industry and use my interview and writing skills. I continue to look for ways to help South Arlington’s Columbia Pike’s revitalization efforts -- I live here. This effort has been ongoing for more than 20 years, and is finally gaining traction. The small but dedicated staff at CPRO work hard to make this region a destination in the Washington DC metro area.
I proposed to the leaders at CPRO to start a series of articles on the international markets and restaurants located on the Pike. I wanted to start conversations, and also to use these articles as a way to encourage people to embrace -- not just tolerate -- the diverse communities we live in. And what better way to do it, than by eating together.
Not written as restaurant reviews, Global Dining articles are more about the people and how they got to where they are. And I’ve uncovered some of the most interesting stories I’ve ever heard.
To check out Global Dining, click here.
Kudos from Washington Post:
I helped launch the “Global Dining” feature in 2008 for a local business organization to tell immigrant stories, learn about their cultures, and to also discover places to eat good food.
Soon after that, the Washington Post recognized this effort in Marc Fisher’s annual thanks column. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/22/AR2008112202046.html
