The Family Behind Lapis Bistro Is Collecting Supplies for Afghan Refugees Arriving in D.C.

D.C. restaurant company the Popal Group is organizing a donation drive to direct home goods, toiletries, and other supplies to arriving refugees who are fleeing Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power from a now-defunct, U.S.-backed government. According to social media posts, the Popal Group will accept items at Lapis, its modern Afghan bistro in Adams Morgan, and Georgetown beer hall the Berliner from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, through Friday, August 27 (weekdays only). Led by matriarch Shamim Popal and her family, who left Afghanistan during the Soviet conflict in the late ’80s, the hospitality group also runs buzzy neo-bistro Lutece in Georgetown.

Shaw bar Ivy and Coney has also pledged to donate 100 percent of its sales from Wednesday, August 18, and Thursday, August 19, to Maryland-based refugee support group HIAS. Washingtonian has more information on groups working to help local resettlement efforts here.

In other news ...

• The D.C. government is not considering a city-wide vaccination mandate for restaurants, gyms, and other indoor businesses like the ones in place in New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco, Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio tells Washingtonian. [W]
• The restaurant group behind Mission, the bustling Mexican bar brand and brunch spot in Dupont and Navy Yard, is building a similar restaurant at the former El Centro D.C. location on 14th Street NW. [W]
• Tim Carman’s latest burger list focuses on sustainably raised meat. [WaPo]
• Home-based Italian pastry operation Bisonna Bakery plans to open a Tysons Corner store for cannoli, biscotti, and pizzelle in early September. [NVM]