Colli M.
Yelp
his review reflects my experience dining out with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that requires me to maintain a diet free of gluten (including cross contact).
SERVICE: 3/5 stars
DRINKS: 2/5 stars
FOOD: 4/5 stars
AMBIANCE: 3/5 stars
VALUE: 3/5 stars
OVERALL RATING: 3/5 stars
Over the weekend, my book club visited Rosemarino d'Italia for lunch to discuss our March read. Rosemarino permits booking large parties (up to 12 attendees) online without a fee or set menu, which we appreciated.
Many of us arrived slightly before our reservation, at 12:00 PM; we waited outside until the restaurant opened, then were seated immediately upon entry. Our book club took over a large table at the back of the restaurant.
Once most of us had arrived, a server came over to take drink and appetizer orders. Unfortunately, the bar did not have cranberry juice on hand, so I could not order my typical Madras cocktail. Instead, I asked the bartender to make a cocktail similar in style to a lemon drop (using limoncello); it was ... not good. Too sour, not very strong, tasting of only limoncello and vodka. I only had one, which I regretted drinking from the first sip; that's what I get for trying new things.
After drinks were served, our server took lunch orders. I requested the pesto pasta, prepared using gluten-free spaghetti. The runner brought my dish out and confirmed it was gluten-free (I did so, visually, as well, comparing it to the other long-pasta dishes). The pesto was delicious, and the pasta had great texture; the serving I received was more than enough for one meal. In the days following lunch, I did not experience any symptoms associated with gluten cross contact.
When we received the bill, one person paid for the table, requesting reimbursement via Venmo. A 20-percent automatic gratuity was added to our bill prior to applying D.C. tax. While not indicated on the menu, my gluten-free pasta dish was assessed a $2.00 surcharge.
Rosemarino d'Italia serves my favorite gluten-free pasta, so I shall return soon (probably for take-out to avoid the lackluster cocktails).