Pizza Buonissima in Georgetown: Il Canale

Ciao Amici!

I just returned from 2 weeks in Italia for my honeymoon, and it was wonderful. Being there reminded me that amazing Italian food doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, especially when it comes to pizza. Although I wouldn't normally recommend getting pizza anywhere other than 2 Amy's, Paola Buffa and Enrico Sautto have started serving up very authentic and delicious pizza at Il Canale, 1063 31st St. in Georgetown. Upon entering you see the wood-fired oven where all the magic happens and move into their sleekly decorated downstairs dining room and bar. The upstairs dining room is slightly more spacious, and when it's warm you can dine al fresco on the "terrazza." I can't attest to their pastas and other dishes, but the mixed antipasto platter is a great starter, and their wine selection provides plenty of options. With a glass of red wine in hand and the Pizza Margherita in front of me, I could almost close my eyes and pretend I was back in the Bel Paese. Buon Appetito!

-Krissy

Escape to the 'Light' this Spring

Passion, love and simplicity are the shining stars in Arena Stages' Light in the Piazza. Dressed with illuminated images of Botticelli's Primavera, juxtaposed by an orchestral quintet, Arena's stage brings Italy to life during this magical chamber musical. Lovely leading lady Clara and her 'oh so handsome' Fabrizio embrace you with flutters of butterflies in a love at first sight crush. The Naccerelli family epitomizes La Famiglia -- demure, dramatic and fiercely loyal. Through the eyes of Clara's mother, Margaret, the audience is guided by a refreshing perspective of old world charm where love is the highest honor and art is uncovered in the unique. Light in the Piazza is a pure delight. This Spring, follow your heart to Arena Stage where Italy is just a theatre ticket away!

Congratulations to Monique Quesada. She is the winner of CiaoDC.com's Count Down til Spring Theatre Giveaway. She and a guest will enjoy tickets to Light in the Piazza TONIGHT!

"Grazie mille ragazzi di CiaoDC.com, not only for the tickets to "Light in the Piazza" (che fortuna!!), but also for making me feel like the best of Italy is only a click away," says Monique.

CiaoDC's Count Down 'til Spring Theatre Giveaway

Escape to Tuscany for one night when you enter CiaoDC.com's Count Down 'til Spring Theatre Giveaway contest. Send us a comment below about something Italian you'll be doing this Spring and be eligible to win two (2) tickets to the Arena Stage Production of Light in the Piazza on Friday, March 12. Entries must be submitted by Sunday, March 7. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 8.

In bocca al lupo ("In the mouth of the wolf." An Italian expression for good luck!)

Read CiaoDC.com interview with Light in the Piazza's Signora Nacerelli played by Mary Gutzi. Read here.

Looking for something Italian to do this weekend? Look no further, we've got just the fix:

FRIDAY, FEB 26: Tonight take a relaxing drive out to Abingdon, Maryland to mangia and listen to tenor Elio Scacio at Primavera Restaurant. Elio Scacio Friday and Sat 26-27, 7-9. Primavera Restaurant, 3920 Pulaski Highway, Abingdon, Maryland. Reservations required 410-612-2740.

SATURDAY, FEB 27: Check out the Del Ray Farmers Market and grab some homemade pasta prepared fresh daily by owner Nancy Polo Pritchard of Smithmeadow Farms before your evening at the theatre for high-energy commedia dell'arte"The Great One-Man Commedia Epic" at the Sydney Harmon Hall. De Ray Farmers Market, Corner of East Oxford and Mt. Vernon Ave., Sat. 9-noon, Free. The Great One-Man Commedia Epic through Monday. Sydney Harmon Hall, 610 F St., NW (Metro: Gallery Place) 202-547-1122. $20, $10 under 12.

SUNDAY, FEB 28: Early bird gets mass in Italian and a cappuccino. Bravissimo e buonissimo! Start off Sunday with Mass at 10:30 a.m. (in Italian) at Penn Quarter's Holy Rosary Church (HRC) followed by Italian conversation, cappuccino and pastries at HRC's cultural center Casa Italiana, then stay and watch the screening of documentary Pane Amaro (Bitter Bread) followed by a roundtable discussion about Italian Immigration: Yesterday, today and tomorrow. If your more in the mood for love, catch a matinee of the Orlando Consort performing Amore: Love and Marriage in the Italian Rennaisance at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. OR, stay in the city to taste award-winning Barolo and Barberesco vintages at Cork Wine Bar. But be sure to make a reservation YESTERDAY! Holy Rosary Church, 395 3rd St, NW (Metro: Judiciary Square). Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland. University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-1625. 3 pm. $37, $9 students. Tickets call 301-405-ARTS. Cork Wine Bar, 1805 14St., Washington, D.C. 202-265-2675. RSVP at info@corkdc.com.

Buon divertimento, buon appetito, salute e buon weekend!!

Happy Birthday Commedia dell'Arte!

Today is Commedia dell'Arte Day! Commedia dell'Arte day is promoted by the Italian Cultural Association SAT and organized globally by Faction of Fools Theatre Company based in Washington, D.C. February 25 was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Commedia dell'Arte on February 25, 1545 when a theatre troupe in Padua, Italy, signed documents to become the Western world's first incorporated theatre company. On this day, Commedia dell'Arte created Western professional theatre -- theatre driven by artist entrepreneurs who would make a business out of their craft.

By the close of the 16th century the Commedia tradition -- marked by masks, stock character types, standard plot scenarios, improvisation, and touring ensembles of skilled professionals -- had spread throughout Europe. And today it has spread to a theatre near you here in Washington, D.C.!

In honor of "Commedia dell'Arte Day," The Great One-Man Commedia Epic will run for seven performances from Thursday, February 25 through Monday, March 1 (Thur, 7 pm; Fri, 8 pm; Sat-Sun 4 pm and 8 pm; Mon 7 pm) in the Forum of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sydney Harmon Hall (610 F St, NW). Created and performed by International Commedia dell'Arte specialist Matthew R. Wilson, he performs 12 traditional characters and transforms a bare stage into a raucous world of young lovers, squabbling old men, boasting soldiers, and dim-witted servants. The entire town is thrust to the brink of tragedy (even forcing Wilson to dual himself!) before love prevails, normalcy is restored, and comedy triumphs!

Running time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $10 for children 12. Tickets here or call 202-547-1122.

Vino and Depero

Two new events have popped up this week.

First, if you're into vino, be sure to put Cork Wine Bar's Vietti Vintage Barolo tasting on your calendar. They'll have it on Sunday, Feb. 28th at 3:00pm. Unfortunately the snow kept Luca Corrado-Vietti away, but local importer Brennan Downey, of Michael Downey selections will be on site to guide the tasting of these amazing wines from the Piedmont region. The tasting costs $50 per person. Click here to RSVP.

Second, the Italian Cultural Society is featuring an exhibition of the works of Italian futurist designer, Fortunato Depero on Friday, February 26, at 6:30pm at the Italian Embassy. Click here for more info and RSVP.

Don Giovanni to the Rescue!

Feeling nostalgic for a scene out of Moonstruck? Quick, get your hair done and call up Nicholas Cage. We're going to the Opera -- or at least a variation of it. Bah humbug to the winter blues, these upcoming performances will shake the cold right out of you and yours.

Concerto Soave on Thursday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m. Cantatas and instruments by Italian composers. Library of Congress, Jefferson Building. Coolidge Auditorium, 10 First St., SE. 202-397-7328. http://www.loc.gov/. Free, reservations required.

Virginia Opera presents Don Giovanni on Friday, February 26 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. Mozart's Classic about the world's greatest lover comes to life in this passionate production inspired by the story of Don Juan. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. George Mason University's Center for the Arts on the Fairfax campus. Ticket prices include $86, $72, $44 on Friday and $98, $80, $48 on Sunday. For ticket information call 888-945-2468 or visit http://www.cfa.gmu.edu/.