This fall, chef Roberto Donna plans to reopen Galileo in the Downtown space that once housed Butterfield 9 (600 14th St. NW). In a chat with Zagat Buzz, he filled us in about what to expect at the high-end Italian's third incarnation:
Zagat Buzz: What can you tell us about how the restaurant will look?
Roberto Donna: There will be a bigger bar – on the balcony, in front of the windows. The dining area will seat just 75 people, and there will also be two rooms upstairs for private events. I will work from an open kitchen with a marble-topped service bar, so there will be lots of interaction with my customers. The decor will be modern with soothing colors to help people relax.
ZB: Will you also re-create “Laboratorio,” your showcase restaurant-within-a-restaurant offering indulgent 12-course feasts?
RD: Yes, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, part of the dining room near the kitchen will be curtained off for my “laboratory.”
ZB: Tell us about the food.
RD: It will be authentic, interesting and different. Italian fare in DC restaurants stopped changing 3–4 years ago. It's a big cuisine – there are many more dishes for people to explore than are being served now. And it's food that is at its best when you cook and then eat it right out of the oven. So I plan to have an extensive online menu. Customers will be able to order many special dishes in advance – like timpano (an elaborate layered pasta dish) or stuffed ducks, baby lamb or pigs – to be ready just when they arrive.
ZB: What about service?
RD: There will be a big emphasis on service. I will be personally involved. It's a small place and it's easy to see what's happening in the restaurant. There is nowhere to hide!
ZB: Will there be a bar menu of your popular trattoria food?
RD: Yes, but not the porchetta sandwiches – that will be another place.
– Olga Boikess