Varmint

Bravo's ended up being perfect for our group. The people there were fantastic, the service was ideal, and the food was actually quite decent. Hell, the coach even liked it (and Don, he ordered the gnocchi!). Thanks to everyone for their input. We had a great weekend in Fairfax (we won our 3 games, too, by combined 12-0 score), and we even sneaked into town for a smaller dinner at Johnny's Half Shell.

I was really surprised that they didn't say that they had to limit the menu or anything like that. They really sounded happy for me to call in the first place. Anyhow, I'm relieved that I found a place, as I was starting to get worried. I had even started to call Joe's!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be this difficult. Some people were completely evasive about specifics. Others never called me back. I know that it's a Friday night, but folks should at least have the decency to be, well, decent. Finally, someone came through -- totally nice and helpful with no demands: Bravo's Italian Bistro. Homemade pasta! Most of the pastas are in the 10-14 dollar range, which is not too bad in general and downright great for fresh pasta. So, anyone been there? Thanks for y'all's advice.

That's Amore, with their family style offerings, might be perfect. I can't find anything substantive on Esposito's, which is REALLY close to the hotel. Anyone have any info?

Yes, 14 year old boys. And their 40-something parents! Thus, a restaurant! I saw That's Amore's site. Looks promising. I'll check out Esposito's, too.

Which would make a lot of people happy, mind you. Why do you think I volunteered for restaurant duty??? (edit: Macaroni Grill or Olive Garden would make a lot of people happy. But not me!)

The coach has specifically said, "ITALIAN for PASTA." So, I keep looking, and I'll stay away from Magill's. I promise.

We'll be staying at the Holiday Inn Express at 10327 Fairfax Blvd. You're right, Don, we're not looking for that gnocchi (well, I might be, but the rest of the crew may disagree). We're actually eating at Johnny's Half Shell on Saturday night for a blow-out experience (which is what it would be for many of these kids). In the end, we want a place where the kids can get some decent pasta and the parents can get some wine! Thus, a sit-down place may be better. I'd seen info on Joe's, and it looks like a glorified mall food court restaurant. Am I wrong?

My son's soccer team is playing at George Mason Univ. next weekend, and I'm responsible for finding an Italian place near our hotel in Fairfax for our Friday night dinner. We're talking about a bunch of 13 and 14 year old boys who want to carbo-load before their games on Saturday. With parents and siblings, we'll have 40-45 people. I tried Dolce Vita, but they can't handle such a large group. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Keep at it, Donny Boy. You can do it! Hell, you've seen how fat I am, and I was able to run a half-marathon back in February. It takes a lot of dedication and a goal, and you have both. And make sure you have the best shoes money can buy. They will be life (and leg) savers. Deano

It is quite obvious that your investment in your employees goes far beyond a mere economic interest. It's pretty clear that there is a ton of loyalty flowing from the employees to management and vice versa. Could you give us some insight on your philosophy as an employer and the way you like to treat your employees? How does this philosophy affect the bottom line? Has your approach ever come back to bite you in the rear?

Ann- First, I can't believe you've agreed to do this discussion, but I'm elated you have. Anyhow, now that you've sold Cashion's Eat Place and have Johnny's and Taqueria Nacionale running smoothly, are there any other projects in DC or elsewhere you'd like to explore? Or is it just time to "relax" for awhile?