Olazzo
During the winter months, roaring flames lick the wood in Olazzo restaurants’ brick-rimmed “fireplaces.” But no need to worry about flying sparks. That’s because the fiery scene emanates from a DVD projected onto a plasma screen. “It gives the subliminal feeling of warmth,” says Olazzo co-owner Roberto Pietrobono, who got the idea from a restaurateur friend in California. Pietrobono says he’s heard criticism over the years about his “cheesy” fireplaces, but whenever he’s stopped the virtual reality, other diners complain. We tend to agree with them—though kitschy, the flaming footage sets a cozy ambiance for the endearing
Italian fare.
Olazzo, 7921 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-9496; and 8235 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-588-2540; www.olazzo.com
