Any Italian Restaurant(s) in Reston, Herndon, Sterling Preparing Pasta This Way?

[MizYellowRose]

We eat vegan meals 4 to 5 days a week. On a vegan day, we used to occasionally go to Macaroni Grill and have spaghetti (or another kind of pasta) with olive oil and garlic. However, Macaroni Grill has dropped that option from their "create your own pasta" menu. Are there any other Italian restaurants in the area that offer up pasta served this way?

[MizYellowRose]

Thanks for answering, everyone. MikeR --- yes, Macaroni grill still has roasted garlic cloves on the "create your own" menu. However, the olive oil option is completely gone from the pad of paper.

I have tried making this dish at home in the past, however it never comes out as good as what I can get in a decent restaurant that offers it on the menu.

As for Italian restaurants that strive for authenticity, I've found that there are very few that fit the bill in the DC Metro area. Since the one we've found that comes the closest to what we can get in the Northeast is located in Fairfax (and I've heard they will make this dish even though it's not on the menu), I was wondering if there is someplace closer to home that does this dish.

I will take a look at the places suggested. Thanks again!

[MikeR]

Did you ask if you could have it your way? Surely they have olive oil and roasted garlic cloves is one of the options on the "create your own" menu. They could certainly prepare it for you.

[wayne keyser]

This probably goes without saying, but - even with so simple a recipe - I've had it done badly.

[Indy 67]

Pasta with olive oil and garlic is an Italian classic (aglio e olio). I can't help you with a specific restaurant name, but any small Italian Mom and Pop restaurant or any restaurant that strives for authenticity ought to be able to produce what you want even if it's not on the menu. The only caution is that the classic recipe calls for some grated Parmesan cheese to be mixed into the pasta during the preparation. If you don't eat cheese, you'll want to clarify whether the cheese is added by the kitchen or by the patron.

[Dennis S]

We do this at home. I'd aim for a list to include Ice House Cafe in Herndon, and with danger of complete understanding El Manantial in Reston, and while I'm not a huge fan, I'd be surprised if either of the Italian oriented joints in Reston Town Center couldn't pull it off. There is also Mama Lucia's to consider.

[MizYellowRose]

Thank you, Dennis S. Sure enough, Mamma Lucia's has the dish on the menu---and it's very garlicky :)!!