Assaggi Osteria: Upscale bistro

What does it take to run a high-end bistro in upscale McLean? A chef who can dominate the playing field with a serious menu that reflects his training, here and in Europe. That chef is Domenico Cornacchia, executive chef and co-owner of the swanky Assaggi Osteria.

Like many of his Italian brethren, Cornacchia grew up in a family where food held a prime place in family life. It also helped that his mother was a very good cook. In fact, most family members had good kitchen skills, but his mother was his prime inspiration. “She would start with simple ingredients,” he said, “and she would create a great recipe. I used to cook with her, and tried to duplicate some of her recipes. She treated ingredients with great respect.”