THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Calavino's Mangi Questo

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Calavino's Mangi Questo Restaurant Review:

Calavino Donati closed Roman Lily Café in 2006, but her grandmother's spirit (she's the Lily) hovers still over this charming neighborhood restaurant that retains her influence and image as she instructs patrons to "eat this" in Italian. Dishes feature Italian accents, such as in the (under-seasoned) eggplant dip; allowing it to come to room temperature before diving in helps bring up the flavors. On Fridays, when there's live music, chef Donati switches the emphasis to "soul" food, and her greens alone are worth the trip. Sundays bring such Southern fare as low country shrimp and grits. (We wish the grits weren't so dolled up with herbs and cheese, though.) Dinner mains include some offerings that may be ordered in half portions. The chicken breast with jalapeño tequila gravy and mashed spuds is a total winner. The wine list is short but to the point, and the beer offerings are quite good, with several fine choices on draught.