Sycamore + Oak
Community First
Mumbo vs Gumbo
Where community, culture, fun, and love come together – a D.C. Special
Written: May 12, 2025
When I say a time was had! A time was had!
To the food, to the drinks, to the music and to the celebration of us, Sycamore & Oak got it right in many ways.
I was, finally, not travelling for work and was able to attend Sycamore & Oak’s Mumbo vs Gumbo event. Who would not want to celebrate D.C. and New Orleans’ culture under one roof?
Table of Contents
Amenities
First of all, the venue space was well thought out and beautifully designed. Parking is available either on the street or through a parking garage. They also have good bathrooms on site and not the porta pottys, but the event restroom trailers. So, all of your basic needs are covered.
Food + Drink
The FOOODDDD was what my soul has been needing! In New Orleans, there is no shortage of great food. The price is always right and the quantity of food is plentiful. Plus, availability is in abundance.
Mumbo vs Gumbo served up free vegan gumbo, which was hands down one of the best vegan gumbos I have had. Ten out of Ten
Next star of the show was Dionne’s. Now, I am new to the DMV area, so I didn’t know anything about the local staple Dionne’s. As I stood in line, I heard people go on and on about how amazing their food is, especially the fried chicken and crab fries.
Let (clap) Me (clap) Tell (clap) You (clap)
My new found friends in the line were not wrong. Dionn’s serves up homemade fried chicken like ya momma makes. Ya know, the chicken wings with the nice crunch and just juicy.
I paired that with their crab fries which were great. I appreciate how they don’t only put the sauce or crab on top, but they put it throughout so no fry goes unsmothered. Oh and don’t forget to get some shrimp – perfectly seasoned!
Now, if you are a part of the Lit crew who likes to drink Dionne’s has you covered. I had one of their pre-made pouches and it was divine. I like the taste of alcohol. Usually those pouches are more juice than alcohol (New Orleans excluded), but not theirs. I only had 2, and they were strong and balanced enough with flavor. One more and I would have been set. One pouch will have you feeling a lil something – and that’s how it’s supposed to be!
Shops + Music + Vibes
Here is a place to buy black and support local artists and entrepreneurs. From hair care products, customized shoes, paintings, and wellness checks, you can find what you are looking for or never knew you needed. Here is a list of shops I visited:
Black Bella – I bought 2 amazing smelling soaps
Thank you to Brass-A-Holics for providing an amazing set. Mixing Go-Go and Jazz music together was a sound I needed.
Ya know the vibes continued after the event was over!
Mumbo vs Gumbo was my first time at Sycamore & Oak, and I’m glad I decided to get my homebody self out of the house. All in all, what I enjoyed the most were the authentic vibes from when we come together. The joy, the familiarity, the sounds, the outfits, the laughter, and the conversations were us and it felt good. Now, I can’t wait to attend future events. Keep an eye out for Sycamore & Oak. They plan on being more than a retail space, but a space for connection, housing, and a continuous vessel for the community.
Next time you are in DC or if you live there and want to experience a space for us and by us check out Sycamore & Oak Events.
Best,
