Dino's Grotto: Home Is Where the Heart Is

As reported earlier Dino's Grotto have made its move from Cleveland Park, and now are preparing to open on May 15th in Shaw. Earlier this week I got to visit, and enjoy a conversation with Dean Gold and his team. Firstly, you will never meet a nicer guy than Dean. Secondly, before all the photographs etc. I have to mention how passionate Dean is about Italy, Tuscany,  its food, people and art. All of this reflects in Dino's Grotto, where his 'famous' art works from the old Cleveland Park location have found a place of comfort, in a setting that has a most definite Italian feel.
So, what did I see, and what did I learn....
The restaurant is on 2 levels, the upper floor, where you enter through a leaded glass door,  houses the main restaurant with a wine bar. As stated in the recent press release seating is for 40, and the bar for 10. On the lower level is a bar which seats 14 and communal seating for 10.

Dino's Grotto is located on 1914 9th Street NW

Entrance to the 1st floor restaurant is through a wonderful leaded-glass door

In this restaurant you won't find harsh stainless steel and glass associated with so many new restaurants, here you will find soft tones and exposed brick with (in the best possible way) the ambiance of an Italian home's dining room. The walls covered with artworks depicting Tuscany and other Italian spots, and as Dean walks through he knows the artists, the places depicted and explains them all with great familiarity.

I love to feel like I'm 'eating at home' when I am at a restaurant

Known by most that visited Dino's in Cleveland Park, the art just feels right

....Chef Gold knows the location and even the time of day captured by the artist

If you have read my blog before you know that I do not report on food, that's for others better qualified, but I did ask Chef Dean Gold about the menu, and changes that he thought would happen at "the Grotto".

"I can promise a more adventurous menu, but for those familiar with Dino's , not unlike Cleveland Park. The menu will be split into two segments, the new and what we call "Dino Regulars". The menu will be very much seasonal, and the majority locally sourced."

Chef Dean Gold promises "a more adventurous menu"

 The restaurant has 2 bars, the upper level wine bar - I took the following from the Press Release, but I believe that this again reflects the nature of Chef Gold.

"Known for his knowledge and love of good wine, Chef Dean Gold has curated an extensive wine list. Dino’s Grotto will also serve 20 very special wines by the glass featuring the best of Brunello, Barolo and Sicily.  All of the wines will come from small family producers… constantly changing. There will be true “anti-technology” wines, meaning that they were produced using old fashioned techniques, rejecting the modern trick of the trade of manipulating wines into a boring sameness.  Dino's Grotto will even feature a flight of orange wines (white wines fermented in the style of reds)."

All of the wines will come from small family producers

On the lower floor, (which can be entered from a separate entrance) the bar will be run by Beverage Director Fabian Malone along with Cocktail Craftsman John Dynan. Fabian will also be serving food, but this will be "light" fare.

"Fabian makes Dino’s Grotto’s lemon, orange and grapefruit Cello from organic citrus, and a series of fruit cellos.

This year’s cycle begins with local Chandler strawberry cello which we will start infusing in early May."

The lower level bar, run by Fabian Malone, and cocktails by John Dynan

The lower bar features a communal table and "light" fare

The bottom line? If you are looking for a restaurant that is "Italian Comfortable" Dino's Grotto is your best bet. The menu promises wonderful flavor, and Chef Dean Gold has the passion to deliver. Add in an exceptional wine list, and a bar staff that can 'put it together' and your evening will be a great experience, whether you bring guests or are dining alone.

Its not all serious business. Chef Gold and Fabian Malone still find time for fun

Welcome to Shaw, Chef Gold and Staff, and great success with Dino's Grotto.