"Located in downtown’s new Capitol Crossing development, L’Ardente’s soaring space is outfitted with Murano glass chandeliers, Missoni drapes, Italian bullhide and mohair booths, and a golden-domed Marra Forni oven. This is a see and be seen spot, as evidenced by dressed-up diners eager to trade out sweatpants for a little black dress. (L’Ardente has already received the Obama date night seal of approval, as Michelle and Barack were spotted recently in a corner booth.) Bring your friend who considers herself a fashion influencer—and get her to consult on your outfit choice ahead of time. The showstopper here is the 40-layer lasagna, which is exactly like it sounds, made with 40 exacting layers of short rib sugo and housemade pasta, with layers of mornay sauce and sottocenere cheese and then dusted with a cloud of parmesan." - Adele Chapin
