Chef Amy Brandwein On How Centrolina Became DC's Culinary Darling

Chef Amy Brandwein, the mastermind behind D.C.’s contemporary Italian mainstay Centrolina, was just named as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s most prestigious award, Outstanding Chef. It’s her seventh time as a James Beard semifinalist. AND if she wins, it will be the third year in a row that a D.C.-area chef has taken that national category.

Brandwein, a long-time advocate for women in the industry, said it she was particularly honored and surprised by the nomination. “To be a woman recognized in this category, representing D.C., is especially meaningful. Especially this year. Words can’t explain,” said Brandwein.

Culinary Style

Brandwein specializes in authentic regional Italian cooking, with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce. “What brings me the most joy is creating beautiful flavors using ingredients that are available locally,” said Brandwein. This means scouring fresh produce lists from local farms and changing the menu daily based on what’s available.

What’s On the Menu?

You can’t leave without trying one of Centrolina’s daily homemade pastas. Right now, Brandwein has a seasonal scallop and black trumpet mushroom tagliolini with truffle butter and an oxtail ragu ​​raviolini. The seafood is also a highlight. Try the whole roasted branzino or the tuna crudo. Chef Amy is also launching her "Chef's Showcase Tasting Menu" this February, a six-course dinner tasting menu that celebrates her mantra, “simple is exquisite," and showcases seasonal local produce.

An Oldie, But a Goodie

Centrolina is celebrating its 10th anniversary this June, a tall order for D.C. restaurants. So, what’s Brandwein’s secret? She says it's about constantly changing the menu to include new, trending foods people are excited about and delivering quality and consistency. Brandwein also always makes an effort to be in the open kitchen and chat with her regulars. “I think our community values local chefs,” says Brandwein, “We are a very close-knit food community.”

😋 Inside Scoop: Where In DC Is Brandwein Eating?

Brandwein is a regular at the Philippine restaurant Purple Patch in Mt. Pleasant, as well as the Ethiopian spot Letena in Columbia Heights. She also highly recommends the Laotian and Thai restaurant Padaek if you can get out to Arlington.