Andra (AJ) Lynn: Meet Me In The Trappe: The Beginnings Of Black Drinking Culture In DC

In 1975, a few well-to-do brothers formed The Foxtrappe Towne Club in Washington DC. It was an inclusive space but since the times were the times, it became world-famous as the palce to be for the Black "Who's who" to mix, mingle and dance the night away in Washington DC. This exclusive club became a beacon of black excellence and even had a membership card for its members. You will learn the history of this DC Landmark and hear its position as DC's go-to place for POC to drink and let loose. Andra Johnson got her start in the restaurant business at a local chain restaurant in Rockville Maryland. She then headed to DC and became an accomplished barista and bartender with Mayorga Coffee and opened a franchise location where she was the GM and Events Coordinator. From there she moved to a bustling neighborhood restaurant, Open City, where she was a Managing Server for 4 years and was then promoted to AGM at The Diner, another restaurant in the Constantine Stavropoulos group. The Diner prompted a deeper interest in fine dining and AJ had to figure out the right establishment to help her make the move – one that would appreciate her love of great service and fine dining as well as her love of tattoos. She wound up first at Eola on P Street, a Dan Singhofen restaurant, then joined the opening staff of Le Diplomate, a Stephen Starr restaurant, and finally made her way into the Robert Weidmaier restaurant group as AGM and wine director of Mussel Bar & Grille Bethesda. In 2014, Andra jumped at the chance to work with Tony Brown and Gene Alexeyev at a new neighborhood restaurant, Macon Bistro & Larder, where she later became the GM, Beverage Director, and managing partner. In 2018, Andra also became a co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week. Currently, Andra is bartending at Bresca and Prather's on the Alley where she renews her commitment to providing exemplary service and thoughtful cocktails each day. Her forthcoming book, 'White Plates, Black Faces', is set for release this fall and continues her work telling the stories of people of color in the restaurant industry. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.