Bibiana, a restaurant known for its homemade pastas (particularly its crab-spiked Spaghetti Al Nero), isn't necessarily the first place one thinks of when it comes to vegetarian dining. But this summer, those avoiding meat can get some special attention with the restaurant's new Il Gardino menu, debuting July 1.
"We're breaking up the monotony and changing it up a little bit," said chef Nick Stefanelli. "I tend to eat lighter anyway during the summer, with all the fruits and vegetables in season. We can give customers something different."
The four-course menu is $48 per person and will change throughout the summer. In July, look for dishes like a Walla Walla onion tart with a poached hen egg and pecorino fonduta, pappa pomodoro, antipasto options, whole roasted baby cauliflower with black olives and raisins, and more. Desserts include am ixed berry salad with sorbet and the Prugna, with roasted plums and Marachino gelato. Michael King has added some new summer cocktails to the mix as well.
Vegetarian tasting menus can be tough to find in D.C., though they do exist at places like CityZen. Vermillion, which had a popular one under former chef Tony Chittum, still will prepare one upon request. Chef Victor Albisu's Asado Bar offers a multi-course vegetarian option for $42.
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[Photo: R. Lopez]