Salud, DC!

Coming from Rhode Island (AKA the state where you can get canolees off of the Haven Brothers truck at 3 a.m., ride in a gondola through the Providence River, and be stuck in a traffic jam on Federal Hill and hear Andrea Bocelli blasting out of any of the used luxury cars on either side of you even if the drivers appear under 30), it's been very hard to find good Italian eateries in the District, a city that prides itself on its unique array of ethnic cuisine readily available. True, I have a huge quirk in not eating pasta, but still enjoy a salmon Picatta or a piece of meat batter in rich Marsala sauce. After graduating from high school and taking for granted restaurants like Angelo's, Cappriccio's, and Venda Ravioli my entire life (and you can't forget all the birthday parties I attended in elementary school at, where else, but the Spaghetti Warehouse), I came to DC and realized that good Italian really was hard to come by. Even outside of the fine dining area, there are simply no St. Mary's Feasts or Casserinos where I could get some good pastry or excellent Italian sausage. I searched long and hard, but despite all of the tacky eateries I visited with pictures of Tony Soprano on the wall, eventually found a few that managed to have an authentic menu with a waitstaff who knew that 'gabagool' was guido slang for 'capicola'. Enough said.

The following restaurants in the DC area are Rhode Island-father approved. Next time he has to go down to the District to visit his daughter in school at George Washington (probably the only college in the area that actually has an Italian population in its student body, weird, I know), he'll be able to feel at home without getting agita over eating canned Marinara:

• Filomena Ristorante (1063 Wisconsin Ave): This spot, which happens to be right in my back yard,  offers traditional fare in a setting that would resemble any Nana's dining room. The doilies, lace, and hard wood have greeted many prominent visitors including all four of the past presidents. If you're a pasta lover, go for it; the gnocchi is hand made on site. But beware of the portions; Nana puts enough in every plate that Paulie Walnuts could barely finish it. 
• D'Acqua (801 Pennsylvania Ave): Situated close to the Capitol, D'Acqua features excellent Italian fare from the sea, with a very creative fruitti di mare dish. The decor is formal without being too stuffy, but make sure you have a date take you here; this is not Red Lobster and this fish is going to cost you. 
• Paparazzi (1066 Wisconsin Ave): Although I feel disloyal to its original location (or at least in my mind) in Rhode Island's upscale Garden City, Paparazzi continues to execute consistency in all of its dishes despite being a franchise. Using foccaccia that's made on the house and showcasing an eclectic wine list, it's not so sad after all that Paparazzi is one of DC's best Italian spots. Just don't tell the staff at Garden City that this one is better. 
• Carmello's & Little Portugal (9108 Center Street, Manassas, VA): The perfect combination of Rhode Island under one roof. Set in a fine dining setting with reasonable prices, you'll get to try the perfect combination of everything you were raised on. Despite having probably the best chourico I've had in the DC area, you've got to try the Paelha Valenciana, a traditional Portuguese paella, features an array of unforgettable spices and seafood still holding at a reasonable price. Plus, I love Portuguese men (one in particular) and it reminds me of them.
• Cafe Milano (3251 Prospect Street): The ultimate yuppie Italian spot located in the heart of Georgetown; be prepared to dress your best and bring your wallet. Hosting Vice President Joe Biden's inauguration party in January, Milano has hosted some of the District's most prominent individuals (such as myself) from casual lunch affairs to gaudy receptions. Get ready for legitimate, quality food and excellent service- but for a price. 
• Tosca (1112 F Street): The hip, trendy Italian spot. With a $35 dollar pre-fix, the young professionals of DC who still want to live fabulously can do so at Tosca without sacrificing a great deal. Pasta is house made daily and ridiculously delicious tasting menus are available, as well. It doesn't hurt that many good looking people hang out here, either. 

While nothing will ever beat Capriccio's in downtown Providence in my mind, DC does offer some stellar competition that will have you mangia-ing until you have to unbutton your pants. So next time you want to cheers to good food, say salud instead; put on your cutest animal print ensemble and attend one of these excellent Italian eateries that the District has to offer.