New Ristoranti

Just wanted to alert everyone to 2 new Italian restaurants that have opened in the last few weeks.

The first one is Kora, on Crystal Dr. in Crystal City, in the former Roberto Donna's Bebo space. Run by Morou and Heather Ouattara who brought us Farrah Olivia, Kora bills itself as serving "trattoria style Italian fare." I don't know about anyone else, but I always found some of the best food in Italy at trattorias, or trattorie, as the Italians would say.

The second new spot is Toscana Cafe at 2nd and F Sts. NE, just around the corner from Union Station. Right around the corner from the national headquarters of the Sons of Italy, Toscana Cafe is in the old Banducci's space and seems to be following a similar model - freshly made Italian favorites to go or eat in if you're lucky enough to get one of the few tables.

I'll be checking them both out soon and reporting back on their authenticity promptly.

A presto!