capital trattoria

I'm always on the hunt for new little hot spots to drag my friends for a girls' night out. I blame living in NYC for this unyielding addiction.

How charming is this place?! The brand new Italian-accented Potenza recently opened in downtown DC (right near my office, yes!). The house bakery brings a collection of breads, pastas and desserts daily alongside a salumi counter and raw bar. Dishes are reasonably priced, too. Check out some of the options from this super dynamic menu:

Cotoletta di Maiale alla Milanese
Milanese style Pork, arugula, charred lemon, parmesan and arugula pesto

Rigatoni and Sunday Gravy Pasta
Meatball, spicy fennel sausage, spare rib, brasciole and ricotta

Gorgonzola dolce Pizza
Preserved tomato sauce, Gorgonzola, mache, Aged balsamic drizzle

Buttermilk Panna Cotta Dessert
Oven roasted strawberries lemon crisp

The Vespa Cocktail
Tagliatella Liquor, a cherry infused grappa, Blood Orange, Prosecco, fresh lemon and orange bitters served in a chilled martini glass with an orange sugared rim.

I might just be in love and I haven't even met the place.

{photos: potenzadc.com}