🚀 go-pugleaf

Listrani's is located on MacArthur Boulevard on the corner of Dana 
Place.  It touts itself as "Italian Gourmet & Pizzeria."  It usually 
has a good crowd, and Saturday night was no exception.  We had to
wait about 15 minutes for a table for two.  They have a very small
bar or you can wait on benches in front of the restraurant.  While
we sat outside, a waiter brought out icewater for the people waiting, 
a nice touch.

Inside is divided into two similar rooms, oak tables & chairs, ceramic 
tile floor, brass, and a few hanging plants.  The room we ate in has a
backlit rose glass ceiling, as well as some backlit stained glass on 
the walls, along with some quirky artwork.  The entire place is smoke 
free.

Although we didn't have it Saturday, Listrani's makes a fine pizza.  I
recommend the Columbo Combo for those of you not worrying about your
waist--it has veggies, and two or three meats.

Listrani's has a heart-shaped symbol on their menu items that are 
lower in fat.  My wife and I both had a "heart" item--the Penne Napoli--
a slant cut ridged ziti in a *fresh* tomato sauce.  The pasta was cooked 
just right--not too soft.  The sauce was tart and a little spicy.  My wife 
added pepper to hers.

With these main dishes came two kinds of bread; one was an oval white
roll with a thin flaky crust.  The other was coarser and denser with 
bits of spices in it and it seems to have been cut from a pan, like
a brownie.  I liked them both.

The salads come in a deep bowl with the dressing in a small pitcher on 
the side.  I enjoyed the salad, but can't recommend the cucumber herb
dressing unless you like dill.  I switched to balsamic vinaigrette.

Neither my wife nor I managed to finish the Penne Napoli, but I 
wouldn't say the portions were enormous.  Service was good, except 
that we had to wait a bit longer than usual to pay our check.  Two of the
moderate dinners with two glasses of the house chianti came to about
$30.  One other note--this is not a place to go for intimate, quiet 
dining--the hard floor and glass ceiling contribute to a somewhat
boisterous atmosphere.  But I like that.  If you like Italian food, 
give Listrani's a try.  


Damon 

rileyd@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu