Within a block of each other in the shadow of the old Florida Avenue Market — now known as Union Market — you’ll find a tale of two Italian-American food purveyors that give us a glimpse into the Washington food scene, past and present. 

In a city that was derided for decades for having no culinary soul, yet is now considered at the top of the food chain, Washington has housed a bustling food industry since its founding, now inspiring a new generation of chefs. It’s no surprise that two examples of this evolution can be found in such close proximity.