Mission Valentina

For those of you who are unaware of Valentina, just ask Tyler. It is his hot sauce of choice, available to Cosmic patrons in Chapel Hill as well as those bold enough to enter the world of a Mexican Tienda. So far, it has not graced us with it's presence in DC. We also haven't tried very hard. So, what ever shall I do during my week of vacation? Well, suggests Tyler, how about searching for Valentina up in Columbia Heights ( we know this area to be culturally and ethnically diverse, and this sweat inducing sauce isn't found in any old grocery store). I am already out and about and after an embarrassing failed attempt at faxing...(perhaps it was just busy, but that has nothing to do with the fact that I can't quite figure out how to place the pages in the machine...) I say, sure. Having read my handy "Not For Tourists: Washington DC edition" (though, it really is for tourists, like me, who don't want to feel as much like tourists) I know of a Latino grocery store somewhere near Columbia Heights. I am nervous, knowing well that I will stand out upon arriving, but I carry on. When I get outside, I immediately get lost. It is a somewhat familiar area but I cannot locate the road I was supposed to take to get to another road to get to the grocery. So I quickly wimp out and give up ( I am still slightly uncomfortable alone in areas I don't know well) As I pass a Giant (the brand) Grocery I think, well there is a large Hispanic population up here, maybe there are more Hispanic Food options. And I am correct! so what do I do? oh, buy 5 bottles of Valentina of course, so that Tyler can pour it over food and put himself through the joy/pain of eating Valentina. And then I hop over to Target. Now it's home sweet home again. Going running with Tyler tonight, brainstorming future blog plans (maybe) and most likely eating leftover beans and rice that Tyler can happily douse in Valentina. Thanks to me!