PigglyWiggly Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 We need a place to take my mother in law to dinner on Thursday - she's a NY Italian, quite picky (last year we brought her to Dino, and she was completely perplexed by the menu "do you have while zinfandel? Where's the chicken parm ?). So, we're thinking something like the late Anna Maria's, but welcome any suggestions. She's staying at the Omni Shoreham, we would like to be close, but really, will drive for decent food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 You could always try Famous Luigi's at 19th and M for chicken parm stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCole42 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Mine has repeatedly turned down a home-cooked meal in favor of the Silver Diner. New Jersey Jew, basically the same as New York Italian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayandstacey Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Buca de Beppo. Or, That's Amore Macaroni Grill Maggiano's Caraba's Olive Garden. If you went someplace decent and she basically insulted you, return the favor. She won't get it, but you will. Besides, people don't like to think their taste is inferior to another's. Appease her by letting her think you don't know where to find a special meal - or more likely, these places do represent a decent meal to her, just a shade less quality than whatever her hometown fave is. I tried taking such folk to fancy places. I learned that they hone in on the token cheeseburger offering. So why bother? Off we go to Appleby's, Bob Evans, Friday's, etc. Whatever doesn't have a line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 We need a place to take my mother in law to dinner on Thursday - she's a NY Italian, quite picky (last year we brought her to Dino, and she was completely perplexed by the menu "do you have while zinfandel? Where's the chicken parm ?). So, we're thinking something like the late Anna Maria's, but welcome any suggestions. She's staying at the Omni Shoreham, we would like to be close, but really, will drive for decent food. Take her to New Heights and order the Testa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Il Mulino - it's like she's back in the old country. Has anyone been to Pistone at 7 Corners? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hersch Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Pines of Florence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lion Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Sergio Ristorante Italiano Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Has anyone been to Pistone at 7 Corners? Unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I would stay away from Italian all together. Could you take her to Ray's the Steaks? Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I sure hope your M-I-L doesn't ever find out how to use the internet. Chicken Parm could be the least of your problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I would stay away from Italian all together. Could you take her to Ray's the Steaks? Good luck! My NJ Italian In-Laws loved Ray's the Steaks. You don't get that in the Big Apple, so take that NY! I'd get out of the realm of Italian restos all together Otherwise, I agree with Waitman on the Luigi's suggestion. It's a nice place, really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I sure hope you M-I-L doesn't ever find out how to use the internet. Chicken Parm could be the least of your problems. (I have to say, there's something to be said about the beloved Italian-American restaurants of my upbringing in Philly, which is to say the NE region. Last week, Mr. MV and I attended a memorial service and luncheon for his uncle, which was held in West Chester, PA. The luncheon was at the Italian Social Club near the church. When we walked in, Dear Lord, the smell was intoxicating. Penne in marinara, Italian sausage and peppers, and meatballs. I enjoy authentic Italian as much as the next gal, but I could eat the Americanized version any day! Rolls from Liscio's, btw.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCole42 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 My NJ Italian In-Laws loved Ray's the Steaks. You don't get that in the Big Apple, so take that NY! I'd get out of the realm of Italian restos all together Otherwise, I agree with Waitman on the Luigi's suggestion. It's a nice place, really. Mine didn't like it because there was a wait, the french onion soup didn't come in a brown onion soup bowl and the cheese wasn't stringy enough, and it was too noisy. Oh, but don't worry about her, she'll just sit quietly in the corner. It's not like she raised three kids or anything and put a roof over their heads. And did she tell you about what Stella said about Rabbi Silverstein? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Mine didn't like it because there was a wait, the french onion soup didn't come in a brown onion soup bowl and the cheese wasn't stringy enough, and it was too noisy. Oh, but don't worry about her, she'll just sit quietly in the corner. It's not like she raised three kids or anything and put a roof over their heads. And did she tell you about what Stella said about Rabbi Silverstein? Oy vey! Just thought of another really good option. A La Lucia in N. Old Town Alexandria. It's about a 20 min drive down the GW parkway, very scenic, and you can stroll Old Town to walk off dinner a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kturkey88 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 My family loves Filomena. http://www.filomena.com/dinner.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcs Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 You may want to consider Trattoria da Franco in Alexandria for some Old World ambience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 We need a place to take my mother in law to dinner on Thursday - she's a NY Italian, quite picky (last year we brought her to Dino, and she was completely perplexed by the menu "do you have while zinfandel? Where's the chicken parm ?). I would really love to see the expression on Dean's face as he reads this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lola007 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I wouild skip Italian altogether too, especially becauset the M-I-L can get that at home and may inevitably find that nothing in the DC area compares to what she's used to. Whenever I have picky out-of-town, somewhat difficult to please guests (and sigh, family), I take them to the Blue Duck Tavern (where, on a nice evening, you can sit outside on the lovely patio). Everyone I've taken has really enjoyed the food and the ambiance. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktmoomau Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 (edited) I agree don't do Italian because EVEN IF you went to someplace that is really just as good, it will never be in her eyes. And even if she admits it is good she will think you are being ripped off in terms of price. My go-tos for picky eaters or for people I really like either way are Blacksalt and Ray's the Steaks. Blacksalt for those who tend to be more fish people because they always have simple grilled fresh fish if nothing else looks good (although something always does) and Ray's because most of my family loves red meat so that works well. I also really like places like the Carlyle in Shirlington for types like that because they always have something for someone. I also have had really good results with Bistro Bis for that sort of thing, even though it is different, it is recognizable different. If you did do Italian I second Filomena in Georgetown. Edited June 15, 2010 by ktmoomau Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Il Mulino - it's like she's back in the old country. Thanks for the laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miami Danny Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Judging by the clientele alone, I would say La Tomate. Perfectly bland. Well lit. Low noise. Good service. Nice view. Inside or out. Enough choices but not too many. Sort cab ride from the Omni. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Judging by the clientele alone, I would say La Tomate. Perfectly bland. Well lit. Low noise. Good service. Nice view. Inside or out. Enough choices but not too many. Sort cab ride from the Omni. Good luck! Several years ago, I had an Italian-American visiting from another city rave to me about La Tomate after being taken there by someone while in DC. I had never been there and wasn't quite sure how to react. I'd gone past it but knew nothing about it. This is the first I recall seeing it mentioned here (doesn't mean it hasn't been, but I've not noticed it.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Several years ago, I had an Italian-American visiting from another city rave to me about La Tomate after being taken there by someone while in DC. I had never been there and wasn't quite sure how to react. I'd gone past it but knew nothing about it. This is the first I recall seeing it mentioned here (doesn't mean it hasn't been, but I've not noticed it.) Laugh if you will, but on my last visit to La Tomate, I had a good meal (it was years ago, however). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PigglyWiggly Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 Hey, Rocks renamed my thread! Thanks,everyone for your suggestions. I've already resigned myself to not making her happy, in a big-picture fashion, and her complaining can be either entertaining or annoying depending on everyone's mood. Oy is right. Might as well get a meal that I will enjoy! And lubricate appropriately at the bar beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PigglyWiggly Posted June 17, 2010 Author Share Posted June 17, 2010 Report from the field: Pines of Florence. Never. Again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hersch Posted June 17, 2010 Share Posted June 17, 2010 Report from the field: Pines of Florence. Never. Again. Oh dear. Was this my fault? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayandstacey Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 yeah, what happened? Was the place bad, or your MIL? Or both? If you had to do it again (and I'd think you likely will) what would be your next choice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Report from the field: Pines of Florence. Never. Again. Th one on Connecticut Avenue? Really? I can't imagine ever eating the for any reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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