Peachy Dines Al Fresco in Washington D.C.: Il Canale Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Joe Farruggio, Owner of Il Canale of Georgetown
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There are a lot of one-hit wonders we've found and in our 17,000 plus posts, a second feature is rarer than you'd think. To that end, we are pleased to present our second feature on Il Canale, a stellar Italian venue in the heart of Georgetown, owned by our friend Joe Farruggio. Il Canale was first featured in Peachy's Picks in May 2014, and we enjoyed our return visit, but this time, Al Fresco. We are in for the big freeze shortly in Manhattan (are your best of winter looks visiting Spa Hallak now so they are ready to keep you warm?) and in surrounding Northeast areas, however, Washington, D.C. is more geographically gifted in terms of weather during the winter months, so the Al Fresco season is extended. If you want to dine outside now, head south! When it's 50 degrees fahrenheit, with the heaters at Il Canale it can go up to 70 degrees in good daytime weather (not rain, of course.) They are even open sometimes in January for outdoor dining if the weather cooperates.
We sat outdoors on the second level, and began with a lovely appetizer of prosciutto di parma, salame cacciatorino, fresh asiago, artichoke and buffalo mozzarella. Every component was the ultimate in freshness, and this is just a perfect start to ignite your appetite.
The bread is fantastically fresh (check out the pizza we ate last time; their oven rocks!) and if you just went to Il Canale for wine, bread and appetizers you would have a phenomenal visit. Il Canale did not have an empty seat the night we dined and this January, it will be turning five years old.
You can also sit outdoors at street level, should you be so lucky to secure one of the twelve streets available on 31st street. Inside, there are 88 seats and on the second level outdoor, 30 people can be seated. This is as of August 2014.
Il Canale we understand is expanding, so on our next visit we'll be looking forward to seeing the new space next door. We believe they will double their space! How exciting! We can't wait to see it.
The pasta courses at Il Canale are several steps above your average Italian spot; you will remember if you are an avid reader that they are a member of Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which is testament to their commitment to excellence beyond anything we might publish. We tried the ideally al dente "Maccheroncini Al Salmone Affumicato" which is small tube pasta served with both fresh and smoked salmon in a 50/50 ratio. The salmon swims with decadence in a roasted brandy, shallot, and cherry tomato sauce with a touch of cream. (Good thing Peachy swam 50 million laps after at the Westin Georgetown...okay, she may be exaggerating a bit since she was also talking on the phone with Charles Kipps about his book that came out yesterday, and reading the extensive new Ken Follett book also.)
Joe had the classic spaghetti and meatballs, which also looked amazing.
Though we loved the fish last time, this time we had more carnivorous goals for the entree. The juicy quality of the Tagliata Di Manzo will win you over. The 8oz flat iron steak cooked medium served on a bed of baby arugula is further highlighted by grana padano shavings, marinated sundried tomatoes, and balsamic reduction. That picture announces dinner is served!
The tiramisu is to-die-for at Il Canale and Peachy is looking back at it, disappointed in herself because she could hardly eat it at the time because she was so full. It is one of the best we've had, and she did try it!
Other Washington Italian restaurants, you have a tough act to follow because this is the first one to be featured twice.
Peachy continues to pick Il Canale and this time try it outside!
Il Canale continues to be Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
