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MVT SPOTLIGHT: LAMA HAMOUDI OF CHEZ LILY

Thursday December 13, 2018

Chez Lily opened in August 2018 and offers a selection of coffee, quick wraps, soups (new addition!), and more in a casual dining environment. We recently asked owner Lama Hamoudi to tell us more about the restaurant and herself in this MVT Spotlight.

 

MVT CID: Lama, tell us about your decision to locate your restaurant in Mount Vernon Triangle?

 

Lama: The main reason that we located to Mount Vernon Triangle is because it is a lively, upcoming and diverse neighborhood. We recently opened a few months ago and I already feel a sense of community here. We also own Tropical Smoothie Café, which is right next door!

 

MVT CID: Why did you name your restaurant “Chez Lily”?

 

Lama: We named the restaurant after our beloved dog, Lily. Chez is French for “at the home of.”

 

MVT CID: What is your favorite type of coffee that you serve at Chez Lily?

 

Lama: We get our roasted coffee and espresso beans from Vigilante Coffee Co., a Maryland-based roaster and coffee shop. I love the medium roast, dark-chocolaty flavor of the coffee that we brew from Capim Seco farm in Brazil.

 

MVT CID: Tell us a little bit about yourself – what are your favorite things to do in DC and in MVT?

 

Lama: This coffee shop is my transition from the academic world into another world. I got my MA in comparative literature and cultural studies from the University of Arkansas. I wanted to experience something different from academia. Small and cozy coffee shops are alluring for many people. I used to study at nearby coffee shops; for me, a delicious hot beverage and reading are inseparable. With the assistance and support of my husband, Oubab Khalil, the concept of Chez Lily materialized.

 

My favorite things to do in DC are to check out other local coffee shops, visit the nearby museums, and take strolls around the District – especially in the springtime. I also enjoy connecting and being involved in the MVT community.

 

If you haven’t done so already, visit Chez Lily for the perfect cup of coffee or a quick bite. It is located at 425 I Street NW.