Arugula Salad

This past summer I had the opportunity to spend 12 days in Italy.

Every bite of every meal was as multidimensional as the wine it was paired with.

Spending time with Italian cuisine, one learns that a salad can be phenomenal with only a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, added truffle oil is worth the extra euros (in any dish), and less is often more concerning both portion and flavor.

Going back to the States, I swore to never eat pseudo-Italian, now that I had tasted the real thing.

Fast forward 1 year: I have [re]discovered Osteria 832 and my taste buds thank me often.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Located in Virginia Highlands, Osteria offers simple Italian eats with a price that won’t break the bank.

Atmosphere +++

Sustainability +++

Yumminess ++++

Veggie Friendliness +++

The best thing about Osteria is that they understand the art of using a few ingredients to create something mouthwatering.

Take their spaghetti pomodoro for instance — tomato, onion, basil, and EVOO: simply to die for.

And if you aren’t in the mood for pasta, try their pizza! My partner in eating crime, Trish, swears it is the closest to true Naples style pizza that she has had in the States.

The menu is clearly marked with vegetarian options and their takeout containers are cardboard so of course I’m a fan on that front! And, (drum roll please… ) they offer organic wine!

In case you have been living under a rock, organic wine contains little or no sulfites (what gives you a hangover), meaning you can head over on a weekday without worrying about a nasty hangover at work the next day.

The atmosphere is great on the patio but the restaurant attracts a lot of families so don’t bring your foul mouthed friends or you’re going to get a lot of nasty looks.

If you haven’t been, what are you waiting on?

<3 Amberina