I've figured out that for some people, traveling is a way for them to be happy but for me, I'm perfectly content trying out a new restaurant, an activity I find more sustainable in more than one way.
First I get to support my local community; second I get to share a good experience and third I can afford going out to local places more than I can afford overseas trips, reducing my carbon footprint and putting money back into my neighborhood. Since I've been car free, I prefer to choose places that I can walk to or take the metro to, and Bacio, while a bit of a hike from the metro, was completely worth the impromptu trip with a friend after work.
We arrived shortly after its 4 pm opening yesterday and found ourselves walking up to a beautiful patio and restaurant/store. There was a mini playground set up, suggesting a neighborhood friendly place to take young children, planters with fresh basil, lights strung up around the patio, and a bunch of picnic tables at the ready for al fresco dining.
My friend and I chose to sit inside on the first floor and have service. I ordered the Eckington while she ordered the Bacio's Margherita. We both opted for the small 10", which they qualify as being "good for one person". I personally ate half because I ate a big pasta lunch, but my friend ate the whole thing. We both agreed it is the best pizza we've had in the DC area. The cornmeal crust is top notch, and it doesn't hurt they use organic ingredients and support other local businesses by offering their products for sale.
The plan was to come to the neighborhood for Grassroots Gourmet but when I suggested pizza, she was up for it. We were more thrilled to see that they had red velvet (the real reason we came) and chocolate cakes from Grassroots Gourmet but decided to go to the actual storefront itself only to find out that cake slices are not sold so we went back to Bacio.
This time, we chose to sit upstairs, where there was slightly more space and much cooler. Downstairs was sweltering and while it could have been because we were eating fresh hot pizza that was generous in toppings and didn't fall apart, we didn't want to endure sweating so much the second time. The server was the same in both instances and was very sweet and accommodating. We encountered lovely service all around.
Upstairs is a lovely area with a couple of booths, an interesting wagon wheel table, and a couple of tables in the front part of the row house where my friend and I chose to sit. It's a beautiful and peaceful place and kind of makes it hard to believe there's been so much violence in the Shaw neighborhood lately.
The cake was good, a little dry, probably from being sliced and in the fridge for some time, but the frosting was sublime. It had a beautiful shimmer, was rich and creamy but sugary and light, all at the same time.
Each time my friend ordered something besides water to drink. The first she chose red wine, the second time, she chose prosecco so they sell alcohol and I saw DC Brau in the counter fridge. They also sell dog treats, cards, Moorenko ice cream, Uncle Chip cookies, and soda. read more