Anyone eaten here? I have to take a client out in D.C. Thursday and he asked for Italian in Capital Hill area. Any comments or alternate suggestions?

Not the Capital Hill area, but if he wants Italian, you couldn't do better than to go to Dino in Cleveland Park. Fantastic Italian wine list, very reasonably priced.

dinwiddie is correct. Nothing of note on Capitol Hill that I'm aware of. Dino does have a great wine program. Kitchen has been inconsistent for me, however.

If you're on an expense account, hit Maestro in Tysons Corner, VA. Just outside the beltway but fantastic. Expensive.

PH

We were there in 2001 and enjoyed it but I can't speak for it now.

Thanks for the suggestions, we ended up at Tosca. It was my first time. I was very impressed with the wine service. They not only brought out new glasses for each bottle, but also the correct type for the different grape varietal (we had a Brunello then a Cab-based ST). Both were cheerfully decanted when we asked. The pastas were over-sauced and my pork shank was not as tender as I expected, but overall the food was quite good. Service was helpful, but the different courses practically came out on top of one another. I like to take my time when spending this type of green (bill was over $500). It was on an expense account. On my own dime, I wouldn't go back. Other than the wine service nothing was that impressive. Any steakhouse suggestions in the downtown area? I will be back in Feb for the same client.

Charlie Palmer Steak. Used to have free corkage for domestic wines. Worth a run in any event.

Tosca? Dude, next time listen to the locals....

PH

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Charlie Palmer Steak. Used to have free corkage for domestic wines. Worth a run in any event.

Tosca? Dude, next time listen to the locals....

PH

Thanks for the heads up.

Actually, PH, I've had some excellent meals at Tosca, but I still prefer Dino for the wine list.

I'm sure a few great meals have been served at Bella Donna's place, but I'm not sending a stranger there for their first meal in Dallas!!

PH

Just kiddin' Bella!!!

Good point.

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
dinwiddie is correct. Nothing of note on Capitol Hill that I'm aware of. Dino does have a great wine program. Kitchen has been inconsistent for me, however.

If you're on an expense account, hit Maestro in Tysons Corner, VA. Just outside the beltway but fantastic. Expensive.

PH

PH,

Have you been there recently (i.e., since the new chef) We went last night and the food was fantastic.

It's been 3 months or so. I'm pretty sure the new guy had been there a while (unless there's another one!) Am headed to Cleveland Park Wednesday to pick up a pallet of wine from my favorite DC enabler. Am taking him to dinner as a thanks for being my shipping and receiving department. May hit Dino then. Will report. Any reccos from the menu?

PH

PH,

I always recommend the Orechietti ai Funghi, and the Linguini ai Fruitti di Mare. We had a very good cod fillet special, and the roasted whole fish is also good. Lots of folks like the Pappardelle ai Cinghiale, and it is good, but not my favorite.

From the appetizer side of the menu, I like the Pio Tosini Prosciutto Crudo, the Antipasti di Verdure, or the 3 Cheese Polenta with either the sausage, prosciutto, or mushrooms (my favorite). And the Tris di Bruschette is fantastic.

For dessert, try the gelato with Balsamic, to die for.

Thanks, din.

I've always had good luck in the antipasti and appetizer end of the menu. It's the entrees where the place had been a little variable. I'll let you know if we end up there on Wednesday. Off to Pasta Mia tonight for a carbfest!!

PH

dinwiddie,

Reporting back! We did eat at Dino on Wednesday, and my prior experience was repeated. Had a half order of Wild Boar Pasta which was tremendous. Perfect match with the 2001 Costanti Brunello. Followed up with a Braised Beef on Cheese Polenta. The sauce the beef was braised in was really nice, however the meat was tough. Interestingly one of my table mates ordered the same entree and his portion was less than half what I was served. Finished with a "rustic" fruit tart which was very good. I still like the place, but am concerned about the unevenness out of the kitchen.

PH

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PurpleHaze,

I'm headed to DC in a few weeks and have tentatively planned a dinner at Dino's on Sunday evening. Anyone had recent experience?

I went last year and had a very nice dinner and of course the wine is a deal.