Meet FamousDC’s newest writing duo, Stefanie Petropoulos and Kelly Cohen. They are constantly inside each other’s heads, collaborating to come up with observations and straight up DC style jokes. We talked to them about their style, inspirations and DC thoughts.
1. How did you meet and decide to start writing together?
KC: We both interned together in summer 2011. You could say we were the opinionated ones of our internship class. Also, the only good looking blondes — so it made sense for us to stick together. Dog eat dog world out there.
SP: Typical DC saga. We both got chosen for a selective internship program. I was wearing green, she was in navy blue. Our eyes locked while both reaching for the same stemware in the Holeman lounge at the National Press Club. Suddenly we were sharing libations at First Friday. But really, we instantly clicked. Our relationship was strictly on a texting basis for the first two years, then we slowly transitioned to Gchat, Twitter, occasional phone calls, etc.
KC: Sometimes now, we hang out in person.
2. What are you most often thinking about, like your obsessions or inspirations?
KC: There’s not one specific person I draw inspiration from. For me, it’s more that my parents instilled in me at a young age to be the best I could be and remember there’s always someone out there gunning for what I have. On a more optimistic note, I’m what some may call a jersey-chaser.. So that’s where my obsessions lie. I have a pretty good appreciation for anyone though that can just go out and not give two shits about what anyone else thinks.
SP: Standing out. I do things out of the ordinary to separate myself from everyone else. I hate when I go to a party or an event and you get the typical wet blanket DC-ISH person, it’s just overdone. Okay, so you’ve done this and that and know him and her…cool? I’d much rather want someone to befriend me for my weird self than what I do or can help them do.
3. What are your top 5 DC places?
Restaurant —
KC: Cliche, but Founding Farmers
SP: Last great meal I had was at Range
Late night spot —
KC: Anything around U Street, love the Marvin & the Gibson
SP: Harold Black or the bar at Le Dipolmate
Place to kick it on the weekend –
KC: Tryst in AMo or any nice park bench
SP: A quiet rooftop pool.
Coffee –
KC: Sucker for Starbucks chai (Bye Bye $5)
SP: Same. But Ebenezer’s chai is pretty darn good.
DC Gems-
KC: Food trucks, running around the Potomac at sunset
SP: Meridian Hill Park, or 2 Amys. I’m a sucker for great pizza.
4. What’s your favorite memory or theme about the District?
KC: I love that DC is a city… but not a CITY. NYC scares the living hell out of me. There are also so many characters around here that keep it interesting. Everyone always wants to talk to you and find out more about you — and even if it’s fake interest, I get kicks out of talking to people about the job I made up that I have. I convinced someone Friday night that I’m spearheading Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, she just moved me out to DC from Reno and I live in the Ritz Georgetown. Alright, bro.
SP: I did my undergrad at American University, so I guess you can say I really grew into myself here in DC. My playground was the POV and my cafeteria was 2 Amys. I’m sure anyone who’s new to the District has posed as CNN press to sneak into landmark Supreme Court cases, but I digress. Worst experience was camping out all night for Obama’s inaugural concert in ‘08. There were multiple times where I went in and out of consciousness while sleeping on the grass of the Mall. Never again.
5. What would surprise people to know about you?
KC: I am OCD as all hell. Can’t let anything go. Oh, and I really like saying hi to random people on the street. H/T Stef for that habit.
SP: I hate brunch. Eating and drinking so early in the day…where’s the appeal?