Last updated on May 26, 2018 by Liza Hawkins
One goal for 2011 is to spend more time with my girlfriends, and it just so happens the same goal is high on the list for my good friend Jessica.
So, to ring in the new year properly, we spent January 1, 2011, chatting over dinner in Germantown, Md.
Germantown, you ask? While not exactly a bustling hot spot for dining and nightlife, it happens to be the mid-way point between our two towns.
And, nestled among a sea of strip malls and chain restaurants lies a little gem of a restaurant: Agrodolce Ristorante.
I first heard of Agrodolce years ago because a former co-worker knew a chef there. And while I didn’t remember specifics of actual dishes she loved, I did remember that she always talked about how amazing the food was.
So when Jessica proposed Agrodolce as our meeting point, I knew immediately that was our winner!
We had reservations, but at 5:30 p.m. on New Years Day, Agrodolce wasn’t very busy.
I’m sure part of that is because everyone was still at home nursing hangovers relaxing, and also because it was pretty early for the average diner unless you’re over 65 or have kids under five. But, with a movie planned for 7:15 p.m., the early reservation and an un-busy kitchen were right up our alley.
We were quickly seated at a beautiful tiled table, surrounded by modern Mediterranean décor.
Instead of the standby olive oil dip and bread, Agrodolce gives a plate of chopped marinated olives and a homemade focaccia round to nosh on while you pour over the menu.
I’m not an olive lover, although I’ve grown to appreciate them more as I’ve gotten older. These olives, however, were mild and salty … and completely addictive.
I couldn’t get enough, and I think Jessica was a little upset happy to share when she realized she couldn’t eat the whole plateful herself, because I actually liked them too.
A combination of “catching up” chatter mixed with a modest, yet drool-worthy, menu gave us some trouble deciding what to order.
Our poor understanding waiter came back a couple times before we actually settled on our meals, but not first without ordering Antipasti: Fagioli Fritti (or tempura battered green beans for those of you who aren’t fluent in Italian). Delicious, crispy, tender, greasy—I’d order them again.
For those of you who have tried Isabella’s Asparagus Fries, in Frederick, these are a close rival.
Onward to dinner, we both picked dishes with pasta: The Florentine was a smoky, creamy plate of goodness, with the chicken pounded down just enough to make it extremely tender. And the pasta beneath? I would bet money that it’s homemade—you can tell the difference between a homemade pasta and a boxed variety—smooth, silky, melt-in-your mouth. I plan to devour the leftovers today for lunch. Yum!
The other bonus to eating at Agrodolce?
It’s about five minutes from the movie theater in Germantown, so if you’re looking for a night out with the girls, or a date night with hubs, this is your place!
The food looks absolutely delicious. This is a great post. I hope you will link it up to my new blog hop. http://lynishiskid.blogspot.com/2011/01/about-day-in-our-life-blog-hop.html
Thank you for sharing your first day of the new year.
Thank you Lynda! Checking your Blog Hop out now….
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