Diotaiuti is chef and owner of Al Tiramisu restaurant, near Dupont Circle. Diotaiuti, whose restaurant is filled with photos of him posing with celebrities, was born in a farm near Lagonegro in the mountains of southern Italy. His patrons range from loyal locals to famous politicians, actors and newsmakers. As Diotaiuti states on his website, his “cooking philosophy is and has always been: ‘Respect the ingredients, the food and the people.’ ” Who is the most interesting patron you’ve ever had the pleasure of serving?
Well, that would be easy, I would have to say George Clooney because we have become really good friends. He brings his mother and father to the restaurant as well, and since he also lives in Italy, it says something about how authentic we are about our dishes that he considers us one of his favorites. That isn’t to say I don’t love all of my patrons, it’s just that he and I are such good friends. Also, Harrison Ford, he ate a full four-course meal, and you know his wife [Calista Flockhart], she is a very tiny woman, and what she didn’t finish, he did.
