No Hurrah, "Potenza"-blah

C Says...

Restaurant Week is upon us once again, and by some stroke of good luck (or good planning), I again got to select this month’s restaurant. For those of you unfamiliar with RW (gasp!), it’s one week to cram all the dining you can for around $30 for a 3-course dinner (or $20 for lunch). I selected Potenza – a restaurant I run by a few times a week given its proximity both to my office and my house. I’ve always been intrigued by the happy go lucky people sitting outside and noshing on meat and cheese.

Unlike many restaurants that offer prix fixe options for RW, Potenza’s offered up its entire dinner menu. To start I selected the Arancini alla Salsiccia di Cinghiale (fried risotto balls stuffed with wild boar sausage and provolone). Now, fried risotto balls are one of my all time favorite snacks. But I have to say the ones at Two Amy’s or Taylor Gourmet are way better than Potenza’s. While a nice portion, they were a bit overcooked and had no dipping sauce – I too am a fan of dipping sauces.

Potenza’s menu is extensive and in keeping with the Italian theme of the joint, I chose the Tortelloni con Carne di Manzo (braised beef and gorgonzola filled tortelloni, preserved tomato sauce, and caramelized onions). This was a nice dish, perfect portion, and a nice option away from heavy cream sauces. The caramelized onions and tomatoes counterbalanced the beef and gorgonzola perfectly. However, at $19 a pop, this dish is a bit on the spendier side of the menu. Finally for dessert I selected the trio of gelato and sorbetto – a nice way to top off the meal.

All in all, Potenza was a good value for RW, but I wasn’t blown away by the food. A good place for after work drinks and snacks or to catch up with old friends.

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J Says...

Yet again, C had the choice for Restaurant Week. After her first selection was a no-go due to late booking, she selected Potenza. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had dined there twice before, both times pleased by the service but underwhelmed by the food. She just seemed so excited about the selection...and clearly our service was excited she selected Potenza (more on that to follow).

Going with the RW price fix as well, I started with the bruschetta which was plentiful enough for two, and very enjoyable if not simple in nature. My main course focused on an Italian staple: spaghetti with veal, pork and beef meatballs. While the balls were sizable in nature, they were dried out (much like C's appetizer) and the spaghetti was heavily loaded in marinara sauce to the point that it was watered-down. For dessert (and to maximize on the price fix), I went with the chocolate-hazelnut semi-freddo. It was hands-down the best part of my meal until...

So, to set this up, throughout the meal it appeared that the attractive waitress was ignoring me. Whether it was because of a failed opening joke (if you dine with me, you know I love to entertain servers), or a bias against slightly-graying athletic Republicans, C & I just did not know. UNTIL THE CHECK! As we get the check, there is a clear error on my half of the bill which she promptly fixes. Upon returning, she asks if we enjoyed our evening to which I reply that it was a lack-luster first date (clearly joking...I heart C). Well, the waitress first defends C by saying "she seems lovely" and then turns to C and says "you should come back sometime without him." Throw in a flirty wink and we have a pick-up ladies and gentlemen. C was still clearly in shock, but promptly emailed her boyfriend MCC (cute huh?) who replied "nice!" And that, our loyal readers, was the redeeming part of Potenza.


Potenza - 15th & H Street NW, 202.638.4444, http://potenzadc.com