One day, a good mimosa died and went to heaven, where everything good about him – the bubbly cheerfulness, the crisp citrus, the redolence of relaxed Sunday mornings, the feel of warm sunshine on your skin – was purified and concentrated into a single small glass. Somehow, the bar at Ristorante Posto manages to tap into heaven and bring back this distilled soul of the good mimosa for the enjoyment of us mere mortals.
Located above Logan Circle, a short stroll from Whole Foods, the bar at Posto has become the go-to for my new ritual – post-Sunday brunch drinks. Orangecello is a digestivo, an after-meal beverage meant to facilitate digestion and postprandial pleasure; it gives closure to an afternoon of omelets and mimosas and chatter. Close your eyes as you sip, and becomes the montage that encapsulates the best of the afternoon.. It has a beautiful viscous quality that imparts texture without becoming distastefully syrupy; at around 35% alcohol, it has a definite boozy-ness, but even my teetotaler friend declared after a sip that she could “taste the sunshine.” Posto makes its own 'cellos in-house with fresh citrus rind; their love for this beverage shines through in the glass. Most people will be more familiar with orangecello's cousin, limoncello, which Posto also produces; but while it is clearly of good quality, I can't help but feel I'm drinking good quality cleaning fluid. American cleaning products have appropriated that pungent lemon aroma, and I can't disassociate it on my mind's palette. But the orangecello more than makes up for this with its mesmerizing presence. Sip it slowly, and think of brunches past.
The food at Posto? It is excellent Italian with a seasonal menu to reflect the best of local farms, but the meals are extremely rich. Order a few appetizers, indulge in their superb cheese list, but share entrees (one for every two people at your table, preferably) – otherwise you'll stagger out seriously contemplating the merits of a monastic lifestyle. Their pizzas are good, but you cannot really go wrong with anything else on the menu (the grilled pork tenderloin is particularly tasty) – so please branch out beyond pizza. The wine list is long and has something for every preference (and wallet). If the weather is nice, sit outside – the dining room can get loud. The noise in the bar area is manageable, and late Sunday afternoons (when I pursue my post-brunch ritual) in the room and bar are quiet and relaxing.. But whatever you order, end your Posto meal with an orangecello. When it arrives at your table, close your eyes, sip, and think of Italian sunshine. At $9, it is one of the best stay-cations available in the District.
Ristorante Posto, 1515 14th Street NW, Logan Circle, 202.332.8613; www.postodc.com.
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