Faves and raves by Mark Corallo
Republican consultant and owner of Corallo Media Strategies
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 46
NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C. AREA: 25
NEIGHBORHOOD: Alexandria
– Brian Hughes
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Landini Brothers. Landini’s is the best Italian restaurant in the entire D.C. metro area. In 25 years, I’ve never had a meal that wasn’t fantastic. The service is old world, so I feel like I’m back in New York. The atmosphere accommodates a romantic table for two, a business lunch or dinner, or a family of eight — that’s our six plus Nana and Pop Pop — celebrating every major family event. You never feel rushed and you never leave hungry.
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
It’s more only than best. We are a family of six living in Northern Virginia with all of the attendant “equipment” — can you say biggest SUV on the road? And with satellite radio, I don’t miss an inning of the Yankees while I’m sitting on Interstate 95 North in Sunday afternoon traffic while everyone else sleeps.
3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
Baseball at any level.
4. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
Mount Vernon. If you want to know what motivated the father of our country, why he fought, led and willed this nation into being, simply stand on the front porch of his home and look at the Potomac. The liberty Washington believed to be the inalienable right of his countrymen and their posterity was envisioned right there. Mount Vernon’s pull on Washington throughout his life gave him the strength to persevere through war, politics and governing this infant nation. It is hard not to feel a unique American brand of pride, peace and comfort walking the grounds. I require out-of-town guests to visit Mount Vernon or go without dinner.
5. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
Ever since the Bayou (on K Street in Georgetown) closed, I’d say the best live music can be heard in my family room — my three daughters are constantly singing. Seriously, it has been that long since I’ve gone out to see a live band.
6. FAVORITE MUSEUM
The National Portrait Gallery. From Ulysses S. Grant to Mickey Mantle, who doesn’t want to see a collection of the best faces money could paint?
7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
Alas, I’m a grownup. Thus, saying the Tidal Basin at night is a bit clich?. However, if you’re young and otherwise unburdened, the Tidal Basin at night is the most romantic spot. We have four kids ages 14, 12, 8 and 2. Considering those wonderful little facts — and the self-evident ban on mixing red wine and Sinatra after 5 p.m. — romance is something that is vulnerable to sabotage. Slow dancing in the kitchen is always interrupted by the 2-year-old. Smooching is pronounced “gross” by the 8-year-old. And the two teens are visibly embarrassed by any displays of affection, whether public or private. So, romance requires planning. The most romantic spot we’ve found is Morrison House. It’s a perfect romantic getaway nestled on a quiet Old Town street. You can take advantage of Old Town’s night life or just have a quiet dinner in. And the staff is acutely attuned to the needs of couples seeking a romantic escape from their comfortable domestic routine. Which reminds me, it’s our anniversary over Memorial Day … I need to make reservations, line up the grandparents to watch the kids and call Rosa at Nordstrom’s fine jewelry department …
8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
Mass at St. Mary’s in Old Town followed by brunch at home with my family — before we rush off to a baseball or other sports field to watch the kids do their respective things.
9. BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?
None of the above. Cafe Pizzaiolo in Cameron Station. They have great pizza — and I grew up in pizza mecca, the New York metropolitan area — great beer, and nobody notices our 2-year-old running around singing, dancing and being generally loud. And as a bonus, it’s a two-block walk from our home. Good pizza in walking distance — heaven! If you like real pizza (which is to say you’re not a godless Communist), a fabulously lengthy beer and wine list, have kids, and enjoy a fun, noisy, hip, bustling neighborhood place, proprietors Larry and Christine Ponzi designed the restaurant and the menu for you.
10. BEST RETREAT OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
Yankee Stadium
11. BEST RETREAT INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria’s West End. I can take an after pizza-dinner walk with Kristen and the kids, have a picnic by the pond or throw batting practice to my son on the baseball field. It allows me to forget I have a job and pretend I’m retired.
12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
If it’s just me and the wife, then the bar at Restaurant Eve — understanding that the definition of “late night” for Kristen and me is 9 p.m.
13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria ?– the oldest and best Catholic parish in the Old Dominion. For my fellow parishioners, no explanation is needed.
14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
The incestuous politico-celebrity crowd. Everyone who is anyone thinks they know everyone who is anyone.
