Street Style: Chef Nicole of Stomping Ground
In this week’s Street Style, we’re getting to know Chef Nicole of Stomping Ground. Having lived in Alexandria for seven years, she knows the way to any local’s heart with one of her famous biscuits. If you haven’t tried her Sausage Biscuit with Jelly, you are missing out. Brunch lovers rejoice – Stomping Ground is open for business and you can stop by their carry-out window and order all of your favorites (and maybe try something new!)
:Sarah Marcella Creative
ABOUT YOU
How long have you lived in Alexandria? About seven years.
Favorite item of clothing in your closet? My vintage leather jacket or my Nike Air Jordan’s.
Biggest inspiration? Gabrielle Hamilton. She is a queer chef in NYC and an author. I adore her. She recently wrote an incredible article in The New York Times about what it was like to shutter her restaurant in the wake of corona.
Dogs or cats? Honestly, both. This is likely the answer because I do not own either.
ABOUT YOUR STORE
How long have you owned your restaurant? For five years.
What inspired you to start your business? It was the perfect mix of naïveté and the inability to happily work for other people. Plus, I strongly believed Alexandria was in need of quality breakfast sandwiches, the opportunity came up and I bet on myself.
What are three of your favorite dishes at Stomping Ground? Not so Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich. Sausage Biscuit with Jelly (especially in the winter when we make pineapple jelly). Strawberry Scone with a Cortado.
Favorite bagel? Sesame. Duh. I really like to make a Veg Out and add tuna. It is almost impossible to eat, but totally worth the mess.
Favorite local “buy” of all time? This one is tough. The hair turban at Bellacara. It cuts my blow dry time in half.
AT THIS TIME
How can the community support you and your employees during this time? Patience and grace. As much of it as you can possibly muster.
One act of kindness you’ve witnessed? A friend of a friend sent masks he made to our staff without really knowing me or having met any of them. We have also seen a number of very, very, very generous tips. A young gentleman in the the neighborhood sent me a mask, cookies, and a home cooked meal, “Taco Rice.”
Favorite new hobby? Napping down by the waterfront. Don’t judge me, I work a lot and the pressure of a hobby seems too much right now.
Top must-read books? How to Be an Antiracist. Educated: A Memoir. Commonwealth. American Pastoral. Blood Bones & Butter.
Binge-worthy suggestion(s)? The Great and Killing Eve.
Favorite carry-out restaurant? Momo Sushi is one of my favorites!
Favorite family pastime? Watching super late night movies.
Go-to at-home workout? Dr. Megan’s Pilates Boot Camp. And also, eating. I’m doing a lot of eating.
To learn more about Chef Nicole and Stomping Ground, check out her website at stompdelray.com and follow Stomping Ground on Instagram at @stompbiscuits.
