Will Artley's Pizzeria Orso: So Much More Than Great Pizza

I don't get to Falls Church often, but when I heard Chef Will Artley was taking the helm at Pizzeria Orso I decided I needed to make time to visit. I got to know Artley when he was the chef at Del Ray's Evening Star where he cranked out solid food using local ingredients for years. Since then, he's consulted on new restaurant openings, started his own pop-up concept, studied under pizzaiolo Peppe Miele and gotten his certificate in baking authentic Neapolitan pizzas. I popped by his new space in Orso on Sunday evening with no expectations other than I trusted that he knows food.

As luck would have it, I found Artley at the pizza oven. I told him I'd seen a tweet about some sort of pork belly mac-n-cheese action and turned my car his way. He said, "Want me to just bring you stuff?" Folks, when a talented chef says, "Hey, want me to bring you stuff?" you must give up menu control and let him do it.

I grabbed a table on the spacious outdoor patio and out came the first course, a grilled watermelon, smoked blue cheese and arugula salad. It was sweet and tangy with a nice bitter green tang.

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Next, one of my favorites of the whole meal, the seared scallop over Parmesan couscous with tomato jam. Please order this when you go. It was cooked perfectly and again, had great balance and flavor.

Seared Scallop over Parmesan Couscous

After that came one of Chef Artley's signature dishes, the PEI mussels in a smoked blue cheese broth. It was paired with house made sourdough toasts to dredge through the cheesy sauce once you've polished off the perfectly cooked mussels.

PEI Mussels in Smoked Blue Cheese Broth

The following course, a sweet corn agnolotti was packed with farmers market flavor. Where Graffiato's version is super sweet and soft, Orso is hearty and stuffed with early corn and crab.

Sweet Corn Agnolotti

The first pizza we tasted called The Bentley after the restaurant manager, Jonathan Bentley, who's wife about to have a baby. The Neapolitan-style pie was topped with baby spinach (get it?), roasted tomatoes and grana (I had to ask... it's a type of cheese.) At this point I was already thoroughly stuffed but I still had to have a slice - the rest will be lunch today.

The Bentley

The Bentley was the special of the day, so we also sampled the classic Margherita DOC. Again, this one becomes breakfast and lunch today after a smoky, cheese bite.

Margherita DOC

At this point we were raising the flag, calling Uncle and all other forms of being so full that we might pop. But Artley wasn't done. When he took over Orso, he found an unused slushee machine. It's now cranking out refreshing, icy cocktails like the Grape Crush and Watermelon Granitas Slushee:

Orso Slushees!

And he insisted we at least took a bite of the lemon donuts topped with Nutella whip. (Related: anyone else believe that even when you are so full from dinner, there's like another stomach somewhere that allows you to fit in a bite of something sweet?)

Lemon Donut with Nutella Whip

I've added Pizzeria Orso to my list of places that are worth crossing the Potomac for - and tops on my list are the half price wine deal on Wednesday nights and the pup friendly patio (Will has four dogs of his own.)

Follow Chef Will Artley on Twitter and Pizzeria Orso on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Pizzeria Orso is located at 400 South Maple Avenue in Falls Church, VA. There is reserved parking in the garage for restaurant patrons. [NOTE: Orso is closed on Mondays.]

NOTE: For those of you who know my blogger ethics policy, I disclose when I receive something complimentary. Artley was gracious enough to take care of us and it was much appreciated. That said, all items are available on the menu and I will be back on my own dime. ;)

Best Bars in Tampa for Convention by Florida Bar Tab

This is a guest post by Florida Bar Tab, one of my favorite sources for discovering the best spots to booze it up in my home state. I value his opinion because he's never just chasing a trend or new opening. Like me, he values old Florida over martinis with a Gulf view. Plus, like me, he's a campaign veteran so knows what the real staffers want in a watering hole. Take a look at his list and make sure you hit at least a few while you're visiting Tampa:

I make it a point not to be political. But any time you get tens of thousands of people flooding into a city from out of state, there's bound to be tens of thousands of people looking for a drink. So, if they're spending their money, I want to make sure it gets into worthy hands. Some of the best places to drink in the greater Tampa Bay area, in no particular order:

The Hub, 719 North Franklin Street, Tampa. Not quite the same since it moved, but still one of the best dive bars in town. Drinks are strong and cheap. Don't ask for a double, because you're pretty much already getting one. That and the bartender will probably look at you like you're an idiot. Dark and smokey and a diverse crowd that can sometimes be a bit weird, like the night a homeless woman held my hands, stared deeply in my eyes and sang along with Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" before asking me to buy her a beer. It has possibly the best jukebox in the state.

Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. Part bar, part seafood restaurant, part outdoor music venue. This is my favorite bar in Florida to catch live music. Stand under massive oak trees on a hot Florida night and enjoy local and national acts, or head indoors to the roadhouse-like bar that's got offbeat decor and music posters.

Cigar City Brewing, 3924 West Spruce Street, Tampa. This is Florida's best brewery. I have even boldly made that statement to other Florida brewers and I don't get an argument. And they have a tasting room where you can enjoy their brews, along with a handful of guest taps from other Florida breweries. The room itself is on the bland side. That's completely opposite of the beer, which is flavorful, complex and adventurous. But don't try to have a pint of each, since they usually have more than 20 house beers on tap. And you can even get quart or gallon sized jugs filled to bring back to your hotel.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company, 1600 East 8th Avenue, Tampa. One of Florida's oldest and finest brew pubs. I rarely go to Tampa without stopping in at least once. Not only is the beer great, but the food is good, too. Great pizzas, and the meatloaf is the best I've had ever, anywhere. Located in Ybor City.

Four Green Fields, 205 West Platt Street, Tampa. It's as if a country pub somehow disappeared from Ireland and magically reappeared just outside of downtown Tampa. It has a thatched roof and looks looks like it should be surrounded by green fields rather than on an urban street. Inside, it also remains true to the Irish character and resists the urge to go all leprechaun and cheesy in a way that ruins so many other Irish pubs.

Mahuffer's, 19201 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores. This might be Florida's oddest bar. If Salvador Dali opened a dive bar, it might look sort of like this place. The mix of stuff decorating it _ a graffiti covered bust of Abe Lincoln, a boat hull, a mannequin head hanging from a noose, large illuminated panels sexually depicting astrological signs _ can keep you entertained for hours. [Ed Note: I love this place - Tammy]

Don CeSar lobby bar, 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. I tend to hate hotel bars, but there are exceptions. The Don CeSar is a beautiful piece of Florida history, and the bar makes some great cocktails. It's almost like a step back into time. [Ed Note: Why have I never been here, it looks gorgeous. - Tammy]

The Hurricane, 807 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach. OK, so it doesn't make the best drinks in the world, but the rooftop bar has an incredible view of sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Worth it for that alone.

The Ale and the Witch, 111 Second Avenue Northeast, St. Petersburg. Perhaps the best beer bar in St. Petersburg. Lots of  taps. If you can't find a beer you like, then you don't like beer.

Cassis American Brasserie, 170 Beach Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg. Terrific cocktails in this French themed bar and restaurant along the bayfront park in downtown St. Pete.

Mastry's, 233 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. This place has been around seemingly forever. When the New York Yankees used to have their spring training camp in St. Petersburg, legends like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio used to drink here.

Flamingo Sports Bar, 1230 Ninth Street North, St. Petersburg. This is the bar where beat author Jack Kerouac had his last drinks before dropping dead the next day. That was almost 43 years ago and the same guy owns the bar today. He likes telling stories about when Kerouac used to drink there. The bar itself is a tribute to the author. It definitely qualifies as a dive bar, but the cool side of divey. The house drink special was what Kerouac used to drink -- a shot of whiskey and a beer for $2.25. Of course, neither the whiskey nor the beer are of the highest quality. Maybe that's what killed Kerouac.


Now, living 300 miles from Tampa hasn't allowed me to explore every bar, so here are recommendations from readers I trust:

Tiny Tap Tavern, 2105 West Morrison Avenue, Tampa. Some say this is Tampa's best dive bar. High on my list of new places to check out. [Ed Note: When I was a Tampa campaign hack this was my favorite place to go after work... or at least after it was rude to knock on doors or call people. - Tammy]

Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club, 2109 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa. Tampa's version of the new craze over prohibition era bars.

The Independent, 29 Third Street North, St. Petersburg. A beer hall with exposed brick walls. It was the inspiration for Fermentation Lounge, which is one of my favorite Tallahassee bars.

Follow Florida Bar Tab on Facebook, Twitter or his blog. 

For all of my blog posts on the RNC Convention click here, for all Tampa posts, click here. Tweet me @floridagirlindc if you have any questions. 

Julian Mayor's Top 3 Places to Drink Wine in Tampa

This is a guest post by Julian Mayor for 2012 RNC Convention goers - He is a Tampa native, recovering foreign policy wonk, cook and sommelier. When in Washington, stop by Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons and visit Julian's amazing wine and beverage program.

Tampa Meet Up in DC: Julian Mayor & Tammy Gordon

1. The best restaurant for wine in Tampa is hands down Bern's Steakhouse. They have one of the largest collections of wine in the world, with more than 6,500 selections and over a half million bottles in their inventory. Bern's is the power spot to celebrate the nomination. But, don't let the 182 page wine list scare you. Ask for sommelier Brad Dixon who will help you select the right wine for your taste and budget. Bern's Steakhouse is located at 1208 South Howard. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

2. If you're looking for something a little more laid back, check out Cru Cellars in South Tampa. Voted "Tampa's Best Boutique Wine Bar," here you'll find a focus on small production wine paired with chef created farm dishes. You can come in and grab a few bottles to take home from their wine store, or stay in the back wine bar and sample more than 20 wines by the glass. They also are hosting private events for the RNC Convention with space for 30-40 people. Cru Cellars is located at 2506 South MacDill Avenue. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

3. If you are staying in Tampa's historic Ybor City, visit Beaune's Wine Bar. Beaune's (pronounced "bones") is unique in that there is no restaurant price mark up. If you don't see a wine you want on the menu, you can simply walk into the wine store, select a bottle and enjoy it in the wine bar. The menu is simple and designed to pair with wines. One caveat: there are no TVs at Beaune's which could make a nice break from convention madness. Beaune's Wine Bar is located at 2009 North 22nd Street at West Palm Wines. Follow them on Twitter for updates.

For all of my blog posts on the RNC Convention click here, for all Tampa posts, click here. Tweet me @floridagirlindc if you have any questions.

Best Restaurants in Tampa for the Republican Convention

There's so much pressure when everyone from your professional life in Washington, DC is headed to your hometown for weeks of political power networking and nominating. I've got so many local Tampa area favorites (for so many reasons) that I want to share. The best way that I know to do it is download them all into a Tampa Food Map for the Republican National Convention, and then give you more information on a few of my must-dos.

UPDATED: Not sure why but Boca, the new Ceviche location and the new Edison are not on Google maps yet, but are must try spots! La Segunda Bakery is also not on the map, but is awesome for Cuban bread... and those of you not able to go to Tampa will be happy to know they ship Cuban bread direct to you.

Click here and you'll get my full list, along with the ability to see what's near you or near the event you're headed to:

View Tampa Food Map for RNC Visitors in a larger map

PS. In the coming days, I'll bring you deep dives on my local favorites, as well as guest posts from people who know Tampa food well. In the mean time, if you have questions tweet me or email me!

PSS. For all of my blog posts on the RNC Convention click here, for all Tampa posts, click here.