The duo behind Cucina Al Volo in Union Market and Osteria Al Volo in Adams Morgan are in expansion mode. Matteo and Daniele Catalani are already poised to take over the Ripple space in Cleveland Park with Cucina Al Volo Trattoria and Bar.

But they also hope to open Cucina Al Volo Pizzeria at 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in the former Black Iron Pizza space after Thanksgiving. "We wanted to take the Union Market concept downtown," Daniele says. "We're very happy doing pasta and we've had a great response, but I think the concept wouldn't survive with these land sharks and their [high] rents." So, they thought, what goes well with pasta? Pizza.