Nestled between the Courthouse and Rosslyn, IL Radicchio has been serving delicious Italian food since 1994.. IL Radicchio goes back to the basic idea of an Italian spaghetteria, with all you can eat pasta, simple rotisserie cooking, and a wood-burning oven.
They are now poised, under the direction of Executive Chef and General Manager Andrew Holden, to begin a new tradition of Sunday brunch starting in March this year.
Chef Andrew has created a menu to include Italian influences, but has stepped outside the (pizza) box, so to speak. “Because Italian and Southern (American South) cuisines have always been favorites of mine, it makes sense to blend these two comfort food together on one menu,” says Andrew.
Andrew was born in Tennessee and grew up cooking with his grandmother. At the age of 8, his mother married and Italian man, and he learned many of the Diorio family recipe secrets. One of those secrets includes stories of wayward cousins being tied to the mob, but those only add to Andrew’s street credit. Andrew’s approach to the menu can be “chalked up” to influence from his favorite restaurants in Richmond, Virginia, where he attended VCU. “Millie’s Diner has the best brunch in town and that is evident through the 30 minute wait and the line out the door that is reoccurring every Saturday and Sunday. Edo’s Squid and Mamma Zu’s (same owner) are both great Italian joints with a similar rustic feel to Radicchio’s. We will be incorporating their ‘chalkboard approach’ to the menu format for our brunch. Basically, we create our menu weekly, but it is a living, breathing entity. Changes will be made during brunch and after each brunch for the following week to include our ever changing ideas and available ingredients.”
But don’t worry, if you get hooked on an item, chances are it will return. They are going to be keeping the dishes that patrons love to include them weekly. As far as the menu goes, you’ll be able to see an example of what to expect as well as, a nice mix of shareable plates and entrees, one dish you can certainly count on will be
Andrew’s take on Shrimp n Grits. “For the Shrimp n Polenta, we start by marinating jumbo Carolina shrimp in roasted garlic and EVOO, then grilling them right before we saute it with smokey Italian sausage and peppers. Then we top off the dish with basil pesto and serve over
“Brunch is about friends and family getting together over familiar cuisine with as many drinks as they can fit on the table,” jokes Andrew. “I know when I go out for brunch, I want iced tea, coffee, OJ, and something with champagne in it, all brought to the table at the same time.”
They will be serving Lavazza coffee and espresso, fresh squeezed OJ, iced tea, and prosecco drinks. One of those prosecco drinks is a delicious concoction of apricot, rosemary, and baby
Il Radicchio’s atmosphere is friendly with a great neighborhood secret kind of vibe. There you will see concrete floors imbedded with horseshoes, a wood-fired brick oven, and al fresco style paintings of farm animals covering the walls. And we just can’t wait for patio weather, as they have one of the best in Arlington! Until then, we will join them in their dining room.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, the walls covered with colorful drawings of ducks, rabbits, and Radicchio by artist Kathy Fliger.
You can experience the rustic charm while listening to classic Italian tunes and enjoying vintage Italian wines to pair with their authentic Italian menu.