Thursday, May 6, 2010

Farewell A.V. Ristorante

(photo by bethhowe1 @ flickr)

Augosto Vasaio opened his landmark Italian restaurant in July 1949 on New York Avenue, and it became magnet for everyone from stars to well, just everyone. My cousin, Peter adored it for the large portions of comfort food, Italian style. He was in heaven when we had our cousin parties there. I remember him ordering platters and plates until we all left groaning. Plus they were a customer. Uncle Mimi and Dad's business, Modern Linen, kept them supplied with tablecloths and napkins for years.

Dad remembers that Augusto used to fill a station wagon full of stockings, toothpaste, cigarettes- whatever he thought would sell. He and the car would get on a boat to Italy every year, and then back he'd come with a new load of olive oil and pasta and cheeses. Not to mention that Italian yard marble A.V.'s is famous for in the courtyard.

Another piece of Washington history is slipping away. The doors close July 28.
Hurry.

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