Alta Strada - Washington, DC

"Boston-based restaurateur Michael Schlow’s Italian mainstay Alta Strada suddenly shut down its longstanding D.C. locale. Its OpenTable page says the restaurant is “moving locations” and plans to reopen in 2025. The 8-year-old pasta pad made ends meet during the pandemic, in part, due to soaring sales of chicken Parm. Alta Strada maintains an area presence in Fairfax, Virginia, in addition to its Massachusetts home base. In other news, WBJ is reporting that Schlow plans to take over the lobby-level restaurant inside the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Embassy Row." - Tierney Plumb

"Situated right on Mt. Vernon Triangle’s bustling K Street NW corridor, this patio is surrounded by greenery to make the space feel private and beautiful all at once. Enjoy pastas and wines (with happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily) while soaking up city views under a classic red umbrella.  Unwind with new deals like ricotta crostini with spring pea, radish, mint, and lemon ($13), $10 wines, and $12 cocktails." - Tierney Plumb, Abi Newhouse

"Both Alta Strada locations in D.C. and Fairfax have dog-friendly patios, where patrons and their pets can sit and stay under red umbrellas. The Italian restaurant also supplies gratis “Slammin Salmon” treats for dogs made by executive pastry chef Alex Levin." - Tierney Plumb, Vinciane Ngomsi

"Pastry Chef Alex Levin’s annual Thanksgiving pop up bakery is back for a sixth year. Dessert options include caramelized apple Pie with streusel topping, candied pumpkin pie, honey pecan pie, and vanilla bean cheesecake with milk chocolate peanut crunch (all $42). In addition, his hazelnut chocolate crunch rugelach ($29), caramelized chocolate banana bread ($28), dark chocolate buttercrunch toffee ($15) and chocolate chunk cookies ($35/dozen) will be available.  Preorder can be placed here for pickup or delivery between November 21 to 22." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"There are two types of negronis to pick from while dining here, starting with the classic, poured from the tap and made with London dry gin. The bar also mixes a negroni radler, combining the standard negroni with grapefruit, orange and a splash of Peroni lager." - Travis Mitchell