European Mercado and Osteria ‘Centrolina’ Opens in CityCenterDC

IMG_9502If you’ve ever been to Europe, you know the feeling of walking into a local market… where produce is picked daily and always fresh. That’s what inspired Chef Amy Brandwein’s new Italian mercado and osteria, Centrolina.

IMG_9506

The philosophy behind Centrolina is to bring the European culinary experience to DC – a café and market with fresh produce in the early hours of the day, and a restaurant and bar in the evening.

IMG_9504

Wednesday night, Centrolina hosted its grand opening party, inviting Capital City locals and guests to try the restaurant’s authentic, regional Italian cooking, and see what the café and market have to offer. The evening showcased how fresh produce, marinara sauce, and small meals to-go are produced daily, great for a quick breakfast or lunch, and how the restaurant’s small, rotating menu features Italian cuisine with seasonally available ingredients.

IMG_9516

The layout of the mercado and osteria, located in CityCenterDC, is quite unique. With displays of fresh market produce, cheese and meats, an open kitchen with wood-fired ovens, and private dining rooms and full bar, guests are immersed in the cooking experience as they dine.  If you’re not one to go out to eat, the mercado is great for picking up fresh ingredients to add to your dinner at home.

IMG_9518

Centrolina is now open!

IMG_9526