Welcome to Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit's distinct moods allow you to indulge your guilty pleasure, from a quiet breakfast or lunch, to a weekend bottomless brunch, or a pulsating party around our urban campfire in the hottest courtyard in DC. Our main dining room is mysterious and alluring, while our Glass House is the atmospheric counterpart. Whatever your desire, our team crafts a seamless experience, seasonally inspired by the freshest products along with cutting-edge execution.
Stephanie Carre
General Manager
Stephanie Carre stands as a distinguished leader in the hospitality sector, currently commanding the prestigious role of General Manager at Dirty Habit DC. With an extraordinary career spanning over 25 years, Stephanie has become a cornerstone of the industry in Washington D.C. Her journey began in her formative years, diving into the restaurant world while still a high school student. This early exposure was the catalyst for what would become a storied career in the high-stakes, exhilarating world of fine dining and hospitality.
Her post-graduation path saw her immerse herself in the intricate realms of gastronomy, wine, and mixology. Stephanie’s remarkable tenure includes influential positions at landmark establishments such as Houston's Restaurant in Georgetown and the historic Hotel Washington. Notably, her tenure at Capitol City Brewing Company marks a significant chapter in D.C.'s brewing history, being the first brewpub to open post-prohibition.
Stephanie’s ascent to leadership roles is marked by her impactful stint at The Harbor Club Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown and her transformative role at 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church, VA. Under her visionary leadership, 2941 Restaurant was celebrated by Washingtonian Magazine for its exceptional private dining offerings.
Her illustrious career reached new heights at The Occidental, a dining destination synonymous with D.C.'s elite and political spheres. Over nearly fifteen years, Stephanie's strategic and innovative management propelled her to the pinnacle role of General Manager, overseeing the venue’s transformation into a hub for prestigious events and gatherings.
In 2021, Stephanie embraced the role of General Manager at Dirty Habit DC, infusing her extensive experience and refined leadership skills into creating an unparalleled dining ambiance. She expertly melds seasonally-inspired global cuisine with high-end cocktails, set against the backdrop of the historic 1841 General Post Office, thereby elevating the standard of luxury dining in the city.
Beyond her professional achievements, Stephanie is a dedicated mother to three children and two beloved pets. She is a fervent supporter of the Washington Football Team, continuing a family legacy of loyalty and passion for the sport. In her personal time, Stephanie is the epitome of a family-first individual, balancing her high-powered career with unwavering dedication to her loved ones and her enduring love for football.
Derek Watson
Executive Chef
A native of Detroit, Watson’s unconventional path to the kitchen began at the College for Creative Studies, where he studied art history, philosophy and graphic design. A part-time job in a restaurant sparked his passion for cooking, leading him from art studios to prep kitchens, and eventually to helm renowned restaurants like Morimoto in Philadelphia, Momotaro in Chicago and both Rose’s Luxury and Nama Ko in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he’s drawn inspiration from a broad range of mentors, including Sarah Stegner, Bill Kim, and Stephanie Izard. Watson’s culinary style is shaped by Japanese, Latin and American Southern influences, and his menus are known for their playfulness, soul and attention to detail. From crudos to whole fish preparations, his dishes highlight local producers like Karma Farms and Earth and Eats. As executive chef of Dirty Habit, he aims to evolve the restaurant into a dynamic culinary destination that mirrors the vibrancy of its city and team. In addition to his culinary accomplishments, Watson served as Chef Chair for Food and Friends and has participated for several years in charitable events like Capital Food Fight. When he’s not in the kitchen, he enjoys biking, hiking, playing music and spending time with his Corgi, Lula.
Valeria Stukovnina
Beverage Director
Valeria Stukovnina serves as Beverage Director at Dirty Habit DC, bringing a decade of hospitality experience, a strong creative foundation, and a passion for guest education. She previously worked as a sommelier and bartender at the Penn Quarter restaurant, rising through the beverage team after earning her WSET Level 2 certification. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Stukovnina studied Industrial Design at KUAM University, where she developed the blend of artistry and technical discipline that now guides her approach to beverage creation. Her career includes roles in Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C., including her time at Georgetown Olive Oil as an olive oil specialist, leading tastings and building an interest in sensory exploration that ultimately led her to wine and mixology. She joined Dirty Habit in 2023 and quickly became a key contributor to the beverage program. Dirty Habit’s bar program is known for its innovative cocktails and thoughtful wine selections. In her leadership role, Stukovnina works closely with Executive Chef Derek Watson to drive a program rooted in creativity, sustainability, and forward-thinking pairings that complement the culinary direction. “Valeria’s curiosity, dedication, and warm hospitality make her an exceptional leader for our beverage program,” said Stephanie Carre, General Manager of Dirty Habit. “She has earned the trust of our team and guests through her skill and genuine passion for service.” Stukovnina lives in Alexandria with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Eclair. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, Pilates, and exploring diverse culinary traditions.
RAQUEL SHARMA
sales & marketing Director
Raquel Sharma brings over 24 years of experience in hospitality, including more than a decade focused on Event Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining the property, Raquel gained a wealth of experience overseeing sales at a range of multi-concept restaurant groups in the DC Metro Area.
Throughout her career, Raquel Sharma meticulously planned and executed thousands of events, demonstrating her expertise from conceptualization to flawless execution. Her exceptional work has garnered national recognition, with her creative and innovative catering displays featured in prestigious media outlets such as Yahoo! News and SheKnows. In a testament to her rising influence in the industry, FSR Magazine nationally acknowledged Raquel in early 2020 as one of the "32 Rising Restaurant Stars."
Raquel earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from George Washington University, infusing her professional endeavors with a keen design sensibility. She seamlessly integrates her creative flair into every aspect of her work. During her leisure moments, Raquel indulges in museum hopping, practices yoga, and nourishes her wanderlust through travel.

Maynor Lopez
Chef De Cuisine

Aryis Fair
Sous Chef

Belinda Randall
Restaurant Manager

Rahel Geleta
Restaurant Manager

Eamoni Collier
Restaurant Manager

London Britton
Sales & Marketing Manager

Daryl Wilson
Bar Captain

William Bonilla
Service Captain

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Supporting Our Team with a Unified 20% Service Charge
At Dirty Habit DC, a new 20% service charge on guest checks is our latest step towards ensuring fair and transparent compensation for our service team. This charge comprises an 18% direct gratuity, reflecting our appreciation of the staff's dedicated service, and an additional 2% allocated towards their wages and benefits.
This consolidated charge is designed to support our staff comprehensively, affirming their efforts in delivering exceptional service. We believe in the simplicity and clarity of this approach, allowing us to focus more on what we do best – serving you. Should you have any queries about how this benefits our team or any aspect of our service charge policy, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our management team is readily available to assist. We're grateful for your patronage and support, which directly impacts our ability to maintain a rewarding and equitable workplace for our incredible team.

