dcva

Has anyone seen the dinner RW menus at Colvin Run and/or Vidalia? To what extent are their normal menu items available for RW. I've had mixed results during RW (e.g., 1789 - almost everyting available; Smith & Wollensky's - very limited options). Of course, I understand a restaurant's desire to limit their choices, but was curious about the options this week at Colvin Run and Vidalia.

While certainly not up to the standards of Two Amys, Pizza Paradiso, etc., I've found the best delivery pizza in Alexandria to be Monterey's. It a small shop off Route 1 in North Old Town. I'm not sure how far they deliver, but I think it is most of Old Town Alexandria and parts of Arlington. Also, while not available for delivery, you can get a pie to go from the Italian Store in Arlington. I've found their white pizza and plain cheese to be quite good.

Yes, the online menu does look quite good. Old Town really needs more quality dining options. As a local, I am quite fond of Majestic Cafe and Elysium, but the area should be able to support a far greater variety of memorable dining experiences. Here's hoping Restaurant Eve fits the bill! -David M.

If you're looking for very good but decidedly casual Italian in N.Va., I'd recommend La Piazza, on Braddock Road across from the Braddock Road metro stop. The owners (husband and wife Carlo Pascarella & Cinzia Ramundo) are both from Italy and they make some of the best, cheapest Italian/Italian-American food around. Nothing costs over $10, and all entrees come with great garlic bread (that they get from Gold Crust Bakery on Rt.1 in Alexandria, the same bakery that apparently supplies Equinox and Dean & Deluca) and a (good but not great) salad. As for the entrees, they offer the traditional Italian-American favorites (i.e., veal parm., etc.) but I lean towards other dishes, namely the Bucatini all' Amatriciana (bucatini, pancetta, tomato sauce and pecorino), the Penne alla Vodka (penne in a great pink-vodka sauce with prosciutto & red onion), or the Spaghetti alle Alici (spaghetti with plum tomatoes and anchovies). At least one of the owners (husband and wife) is there each night taking orders. The process is somewhat unique in my experience, whereby you order at the counter (but don't pay yet), take a seat (all open seating), and the bread & salads are brought to your table. The staff is adept at not waiting to fire your entrees until you've finished your salad; everything always comes out piping hot. Once done, just go to the counter (they'll remember what you had) and tell them what you had to drink (as non-alcoholic drinks are just from a walk-in and it's serve-yourself & the honor system). All in all, it's a great place to have a cheap and enjoyable evening. After a couple of visits the owners will get to recognize you and anticipate your orders. My two cents, -David M.

Greetings all - I've been a lurker for some time, but this is my first post. Here's my two cents...For a good (if pricey) butcher not too far from SS, try Wagshal's on Mass. Ave., just south of the MD border. It's a small store, with some produce (generally pretty good quality), seafood, etc. In the same strip-mall is a Wagshal's deli that has great sandwiches. -David M.