Making lunch time deals in our nation’s capital has never been this tasty. Since its opening late last year, Carmine’s DC, an outpost of New York’s famous Italian family style restaurant, has become the power spot. On any given day, you can spot local DC celebrities, Senators and elected officials as well as lobbyists wining and dining in the 20,000 square foot space. With a secret service entrance to usher in the super VIP, this new DC hot spot is the perfect place to bring clients for a power lunch.
Dress – French Connection Reigning Sleeveless Dress
Jacket – Balmain Ecru One-Button Jacket
Watch – Cartier Santos Demoiselle Stainless Steel and Gold Bracelet Watch,
Earrings – Carolee Pearl Basics Simulated Pearl Studs
Necklace – Kate Spade Bamboozled graduated necklace
Bag – Ralph Lauren Collection Toffee Bag
Shoes – Pour La Victoire Harper Pumps
The Carmine’s menu is simple: traditional Italian fare just the way your Italian grandma would make it. The menu has not changed in 20 years but that means they’ve perfected the recipes to the point where you know you are going to be incredibly satisfied on any given day. Don’t get intimated by the larger than life portions, they are intended to feed 4 to 6 people comfortably. Before getting to the restaurant, I suggest wearing SPANX and a Yummie Tummie slip underneath your dress to keep the post food tummy bulge at bay. Start off with a Bitter Sicilian, a non-alcoholic spritzer made with pomegranate, non-alcoholic Bitters, lemon, lime & soda. After all, this is a business lunch. We do plan on going back to work after. Peruse the menu with your guests and colleagues to choose two to three dishes to share. What is impressive about Carmine’s is its sensitivity to those with food restrictions. The restaurant has a special menu with recommendations for vegans, vegetarians or food allergy suffers, including those with gluten allergies.
Start with baked clams and fried calamari for the table, the latter will be a favorite among the majority. Before breaking bread, order a cocktail, the Godfather’s Corpse Reviver is a good one. Made with Plymouth Gin, Lillet, Cointreau, Lemon and a Dash of Sambuca, this impressive cocktail is smooth and perfect for the sweet and savory dishes you will surely be ordering. For the main course, the Rigatoni with sausage and broccoli is a must have; penne alla vodka for those looking for something savory; and a large Carmine’s salad. Note: make sure to ask for the full sized portions during your power lunch so that you can share.
Carmine’s DC is located in Penn Quarter at 425 7th Street NW. Visit the website at http://www.carminesnyc.com
