Chef Mike Cordero’s Carbonara Italian Restaurant Open in Ballston
The old-world Italian ristorante features his favorite foods and classico wines from his native Napoli
Alexandria, VA Chef Mike Cordero has opened an old-world Italian ristorante, Carbonara: Old School Italian & Wine Bar in Ballston, serving classico wines and his favorite dishes from Napoli. The Cordero Hospitality Restaurant Group include his sons Nick Cordero and Anthony Cordero. The 4,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor restaurant is located at 3865 Wilson Boulevard on the street level of the Ballston Gateway building.
Executive Chef Cordero offers a substantial menu featuring classic Italian cuisine, focusing on the southern region of Italy, with all food made in-house and fresh homemade pasta prepared daily. Hearty Sicilian pizzas, classic Italian baked dishes, Italian sandwiches, tiramisus, and savory chicken, veal, and seafood dishes abound on the menu. A wide selection of wines from all regions of Italy, featuring a flavorful varietal from Tuscany.
I was fortunate to be his guest for dinner. And what a dinner it was. We were treated to a quartet of Aperol spritzes, a trio of espresso martinis, and Italian wines. We were introduced to his arancini, a delicious ball of Italian arborio rice rolled and stuffed with mozzarella, Bolognese, and tiny peas. served with Sunday sauce. It’s a mighty one-bite.
Italian long hot peppers are served with sausage, aged provolone, and an oreganata sauce. The peppers are hot, the provolone luscious, and the sauce wonderful. You must also try the mozzarella in carrozza, a creamy slice of mozzarella cheese, breaded and lightly fried, and drizzled with a vodka sauce.
Move over appetizers, here come the entrees. The chicken parmigiana alla vodka, vodka sauce, mozzarella, and parmigiano Reggiano’s stunning presentation was only matched by its flavor. Imagine lightly breaded chicken cutlets sitting on a plate as the sauce and cheese cascaded over the top. The bucatini carbonara was prepared tableside. A wheel of parmigiana was brought tableside where Chef Cordero proceeded to toss homemade bucatini with guanciale and egg yolk with a touch of cream in a hollow on the wheel, then flamed prior to serving. A swoon worthing dish! Oh if only I could show the videos of both!
The richly delicious 12 layer lasagna alla Bolognese was made with layers of fresh pasta sheets with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and topped with Chef Mike’s thick and meaty Bolognese.
Did I mention the decadent lobster ravioli alla vodka? A beautiful lobster ravioli was a homemade ravioli filled with lobster and, napped with vodka sauce and garnish with fresh peas.
The finishing touch of the evening was a stunning tiramisu created with lady fingers, mascarpone, and a touch of expresso. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal!
I highly recommend you try this new entry into the Italian restaurant scene. Ballston is nearby – check it out! Get started with an Aperol spritz and settle in for a delightful meal.
