Salad Eaters in DC

So you are a health conscious salad eater in DC.  Then you likely fit into one of these categories.  Not to worry if it's not totally clear cut -- it's not meant to be. You fit into whichever box you define and there is a whole lot of gray.  Good thing is that age, race and occupation are not much of a factor in determing which bucket you belong in -- it's how you live your life, what's important to you, who you hang out with your overall mission locally and nationally.  And if none of these categories fancy you, then we either overlooked a category or perhaps you should question whether you're able to fog up a mirror.  Offended yet?


Yuppie -- Young Urban Professional.  Originally, they were baby boomers but today the generation range has expanded from 20s to 60s, so age is really not much of a factor anymore.  Many wear high-fashion clothing, drive nice cars (so they have disposable income) and care about their image.  Can be easily found on M Street in Georgetown and along Bethesda Row. Also found near college campuses -- take a look at Fraternity Row.

Photography by Della Chen

Urbanite -- This term has evolved in the last 10 years. Similar to Yuppies, but more socially conscience (Environment, Poverty, World Hunger, etc).  Many work in non-profits.  Dress and image are not as important to them but they still try to maintain a professional-looking image.  Generally older than Yuppies Can find them around Sweetgreen carrying their own resusable salad bowls.  Willing to pay $15 for a salad and bottled water. So willing to spend money on food and drink and are just as social as Yuppies.

Hipster --  Social animals who like to wear Indie or Retro clothing as well as enjoy Indie music.  Tend to be in teens to early 30s.

Contrary to public opinion, they are well educated and are early adopters of technology.  Hipsters love to congregate in urban settings such as McPherson Square.  They are vocal in their beliefs and many are active in protests.  Go to Freedom Park and you find lots of them occupying all areas of DC.

Socialite -- As the name implies, highly social and active in networking and promoting oneself.  Normally as attended prestigious universities and has a well-paying job.  Can be wealthy and usually chooses a career path in art, literature or law.  Many are bilingual -- known to hang out at Embassy Row.

SipwithSocialites.com

Fashionista -- Someone with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.  Think of Sex and the City and Lady Gaga.  Trendy but don't expect them to be shallow or materialistic, and yes, it can even be a guy. Fashionistas are highly regarded today.  Like Yuppies, they are found in Bethesda and Georgetown

Wonk -- an intellectually curious person who is an expert in a field.  Many are knowledgeable Washington insiders, focused fervently on an issue and passionate about creating meaningful change.  Many are part of the growing DC Tech trend and attend meetups throughout the city.  You are focused, smart, committed.  Wonks can also be found hanging around major university campuses (Champs) and near Georgetown, AU and UMD.  Generally, you wouldn't know one if you spotted one because appearance doesn't really define a Wonk.

American University

DCist -- if no other category fits you perfectly, than you are most likely a DCist.  You are well rounded and care about a lot of things.  You care about news, events, food and culture but not to the extent of any of the other demographic groups.  In short, you are a moderate in your lifestyle, kind of one of each of everybody.  You are intelligent and caring but you're likely not the one trying to save the Earth.