buoyed by the rare find of homemade gnocchi that I ventured to take a bite of his dish. Pure heaven! Portions were generous, prices were reasonable, and the wine and martini list was also impressive. Farther off the beaten path is Pane e Vino in Mt. Airy. The strip mall location belies a spacious and airy interior. Like Danielle’s, the restaurant features a bar side for casual meals and an upscale dining room with stone tile that evokes a Tuscan feel. Pair your pasta with a bottle of Montepulciano or sample Dot’s Martini (named for the owner). The take-out menu is also extensive. Just around the corner in downtown Mt. Airy is Laurienzo Brick Oven Café. The site of a devastating fire in 2007, the restaurant was lovingly rebuilt to reflect all of its former charms. A brick patio overlooking Main Street is as lovely as the quaint interior, which boasts high archways, warm-colored walls and a genuine café vibe. Pizzas, cheesy bread, and the asparagus salad are among my personal favorites. As my grandmother would say, “Mangia!” Nido’s Little Italy Ristorante 111 E. Patrick Street Frederick, MD 21701 301-624-1052 www.nidosrestaurant.com Danielle’s 6 N. East Street Frederick 301-663-6600 www.danielles-restaurant.com
Pane e Vino Italian Bistro 101 Ridgeside Court Mt. Airy 301-829.8585 Laurienzo Brick Oven Café 114 South Main Street Mt. Airy 301- 829-6900
Olives 137 N. Market Street Frederick 301-378-2045 www.panevinobistro.com
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