Cantinetta

Cantinetta, Wallingford

Date - May 19

Background - My book group picked this spot for our latest get together.  I had been once before and thought it was good and was excited to give it another try.

Atmosphere - They've done a great job replicating a cantina in an Italian hill town in Tuscany or Piedmont.  It was crowded even on a Tuesday night which is always a good sign.

Service - Great.  We had to wait about 30 minutes in the bar and the host came by multiple times to give us updates on the wait.  Our waitress was cheerful and attentive.

Drink- Good selection of Italian and Washington wines for the purists and locovores. We went purist with an Italian white that I've already forgotten the name of -I need to start taking notes!

Food - Amazing.  We shared a few appetizers including roasted cauliflower, a cheese plate, and stuffed dates.  I must confess I wasn't excited about the cauliflower or the dates when we ordered them, but both were delicious.  I had halibut as a main and it came with perfectly smokey beans.  I talked the girls into a dessert and the rustic lemon tart was not too sweet and made a perfect end to our meal.

Verdict - 3.5 stars. I feel really lucky to have this little gem in my neighborhood.  

Poppy

Poppy, Capitol Hill

Date - Mid-April, 2009

Background - I was getting together with a few work people and when one of them sent out some restaurant idea, I immediately jumped on Poppy as I heard good things.

Atmosphere - Modern decor and bright colors make this a lively spot.

Service - Good. Our waitress was very patient with us as we asked her to explain all the different ingredients to us. We also had a few fussy eaters in the group (me included) and all requests were happily accommodated.

Drink- They have a great cocktail menu with unique, Indian inspired libations.

Food - The food concept came off a bit fussy for my taste which probably has something to do with the chef being from Herb Farm. Each night they serve two different "thalis" which is a platter with a variety of small dishes. Each dish has 5-6 ingredients so you get a lot of different flavors on your plate, but not very much of any one thing which collectively left me feeling unsatisfied.

Verdict - 3 stars. I'd go again with someone, but probably won't be a spot I am pushing to go.

Cascina Spinasse

Cascina Spinasse, Capitol Hill

Date - April 23rd, 2009

Background - Greg's dad was in town for his birthday so we used his visit as an excuse to check out Spinasse which I'd heard good things about and was dying to try.

Atmosphere - Cute and cozy.  We sat at the bar which allowed us a great view of the partially exposed kitchen and all the goodies it was producing.  There are only about six tables including one communal table.  

Service - Good with a slightly snobby edge.

Drink- Great northern Italian wine selection.  I had a wonderful glass of a Italian sparkling white that wasn't prosecco.  I asked what it was called once but couldn't really understand the response.  I didn't see it listed on the menu.  I will just have to go back and find out!

Food - Amazing.  We ate family style and had prosciutto, salami, tajarin al ragu, nettle ravioli (all their pastas are homemade) and the rabbit.  All were delicious.  We finished with a few chocolates.

Verdict - 4.5 stars.  My new favorite Italian outside of Italy.