MASSERIA, D.C.

Living in Northeast D.C. can be a bit of an adventure sometimes, but we are lucky to be in an up-and-coming area. Union Market is right down the street, along with Cotton & Reed, plus Masseria. Did I mention Trader Joe’s is coming, too? Now all we need is a Target and I’ll never need to leave. Masseria has become our go-to spot for special occasions. They offer a tasting menu in the restaurant area, and have a small plates menu on the patio, which is year round with fire pits and a tent during the wintertime. One of the servers clued us in that the patio is underused. In fact, it was empty when we were there! Must go back to try the small plates with wine and fire pits. The restaurant recently received a Michelin star, and that has made reservations even more difficult to get. Luckily, the bar area is first come first serve and offers the same menu. We most recently tested this out by arriving early. Plenty of seats and great service at the bar. I think this actually better than the restaurant seating, which includes a view of the kitchen. I’d rather be oblivious to the amount of butter used! The smallest option on weekends is a 4 course meal. You choose an appetizer, pasta, meat or fish, and dessert. After ordering, a bread platter of sorts arrives. The first time we went, it involved an octopus of crackers, fluffy rolls, and a tomato spread.The second time, we got this interesting mix of squid ink bread sticks, cheese filled donuts, and pickled veggies. Definitely NOT gluten free or paleo, but one meal off from the SIBO life every once in a while is ok with me.After the bread, on to a fall salad. It was almost too pretty to eat!Pasta, meat, and fish took the stage next and did not disappoint.Desserts here are just as good as the main courses, and come out as a work of art. If you’re not stuffed after 4 courses, a bread plate, and a sorbet to cleanse your palate…make room for the cannoli and cake that accompany the check. (Also, side note: apparently cannoli is plural for cannolo. Who knew?)