A ‘Godfather’-Era Italian Restaurant Rises In Ballston Next Year | Eater DC

"Returning to his roots, Northern Virginia restaurateur Mike Cordero is opening a red-sauce, Godfather‑inspired spot in Ballston called Carbonara: Old School Italian & Wine Bar, set to open next summer in the rotunda-shaped, 4,800-square-foot corner that formerly housed Next Day Blinds. The 40-year culinary vet — who began making meatballs in New York as a teen — is leaning into a rustic redesign and a menu of comforting classics: homemade pastas, hearty Sicilian pizzas, beef carpaccio, eggplant rollatini, cioppino stew, chicken cacciatore over ziti, tiramisu, and the stuffed cannoli made famous by the film. Italian wines will join Negronis and prosecco-topped bellinis, Puccinis, and spritzes at a 24-seat bar, while circular booths, big banquettes, violin strummers, and crooners will create a throwback scene for about 150 guests; the Cordero Hospitality group will run it as a family affair with his sons Nick and Anthony." - Tierney Plumb