All three locations have the same menu – traditional Tuscan fare – which begins with fresh bread brought out in brown bags. And, of course, we went for a bottle of traditional Tuscan wine, Chianti, of which they had a vast selection.
If you’re going Italian, why not go big? We dove in with the pasta sampler, five dishes of house-made pasta brought out one by one. You don’t know what the next pasta will be (I love surprises!) and they are all vegetarian.
On this occasion, we sampled penne ala vodka, traditional marinara, spicy fusilli pasta, gnocchi with radishes, and conchiglie in a broccoli pesto sauce.
The gentlemen (read: beau and father) had Acqua al 2’s renowned carnivorous dishes—the blueberry filet mignon and the balsamic filet mignon—while my pescatarian mouth drooled in jealousy (dammit).
I did have the salmon carpaccio, which was served with arugula and capers. Light and delicious, but nothing I haven’t had before, alas.
The evening concluded with the dessert sampler—tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, fruit tart, and chocolate cake—topped with a candle for my elated mother and four very stuffed and very happy people.
If you’re lusting after an escape to Italy, I suggest you head to the next best thing, Acqua al 2 in Eastern Market.
Acqua al 2 DC
212 7th St. S.E.
Washington, D.C.








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