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| About: | Pasta, salads, soups, and appetizers, prepared using only the finest ingredients, are available at this traditional Italian dining establishment in Washington. |
| Categories: | Italian Restaurants, Continental Restaurants, Restaurants |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
Primo was not just a meal. It was an experience. Haveing moved to a new location on Rt. 19 almost a year ago the ambiance was perfection. Especially considering this building has housed at least 2 restaurants that were complete flops after the closing of the original Trotters some years ago. Many would say this building was cursed as a restaurant location. But Primo hasn't just lifted the curse. It picked it up, threw it down and stomped on it repeatedly. I am picky about Italian food. Especially Spaghetti and Meatbals. But haveing recently made this myself I decided on the Lasagne. We ordered Bruschetta as an appetizer. The bread was perfectly toasted. Not to hard and just the right chew. The topping was pure heaven. The tomatoes were fresh and the olive oil very floral with a touch of melted mozzerella as a bit of an unexpected twist. I could eat a pizza box full of this and never eat pizza again. When the salad arrived I was slightly dissapointed at seeing Iceburg Lettuce which to me is only good for a taco topping. I much prefer a nice bowl of field greens. But when I tasted the Balsamic Vinegarette I ate every bite. I forgot to ask if the dressing was house made but I suspect it was due to its fresh taste and obvious quality of the balsamic Vinegar. It was so good if they would have poured it over my shoes I would have left barefoot and happy. So the Iceburg was forgiven. When the Lasagne arrived it was surounded by a wonderful marinara. Nice basil flavor with the perfect kiss of sweet garlic. The texture of the Lasagne was incredible. Like a fluffy cloud of cheesy spicey deliciousness. Never heavy. I've never had that experience with Lasagne which can be heavy and chewy if made hastily. But this went way beyond my expectations. There was bread and a wonderful dipping oil with a slightly tangy yet floral note but I tried to save the bread for sopping up all of the leftover marinara. It was that good. I asked for the dessert menu and was presented with a tray of the actual desserts including Tira Misu, Italian Cream Cake and my choice for the evening, Cannoli. What a great choice. Made in house the Mascarpone Cheese was perfectly sweetened. Not over sweet. And the shell was wonderfully fresh and crunchy. And did I detect a kiss of cinnamon? When the owner came out to see how we were I told her everything was "Fantastic". She thought she heard me say "Nasty". I assured her that word could never be used to describe all of the delights that I had just sampled. The service was beyond excellent with friendly, knowledgable and helpful wait staff that truely believed in the food they were about to serve. If you are a foody, especially for Italian food then Primo is a must. It will now be a regular stop for me.
Primos refused to accept the entertainment card as advertised in the 2009 Entertainment Book. A "manager" stated they "choose not to renew their contract" since they moved to a new location. The book has been out for only two months; they could not have decided this before publication? I expect businesses to make better decisions than this and to honor their committments. As for the food, it was average. The shrimp scampi was tender yet the chicken piccata was not. The service was above average. The ambience was inviting and well lit. However, because they did not honor our 2-month old entertainment card, I will not return. I have little patience for poor customer relations and will take my business to the many other good restaurants in the area.
My favorite Italian restaurant! I've never had to wait long to be seated, they serve the most generous-sized martini anywhere, and the food never disappoints. The breaded zucchini appetizer is to die for. I love their marinara, too. Thick and hearty. The dining room is not large, and there aren't many booths, so I always try to go early on Saturday evenings. I recommend it highly.