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Unveiling the best chefs of Northern Virginia

By Michael Birchenall

11/02/2005
Diners are reaping the benefits of the wonderful explosion of culinary talent serving the Northern Virginia food scene. Ten years ago, a look at the chefs of the region would have been a short, albeit delicious, review. This week

Giuseppe Ricciardi
Dolce Vita, 10824 Lee Highway, Fairfax

Giuseppe Ricciardi of Dolce Vita in Fairfax has added an out-of-the-box way to show off his kitchen talents for his restaurant's faithful followers. Wine dinners are popular, and the marriage of food and wine is always an attractive theme. Ricciardi and partner Ricardo Bellucci have added a twist with Cibo per Pensare (Food for Thought): a speaker on topics from spies to Italian art to fun along the food route, that would be me. On Nov. 15 Ricciardi will be preparing a dinner in the Cantina for 30 guests who are interested in hearing Michael Birchenall (that's me!) talk on such topics as "So, Who Made You a Food Critic" and "It's Only Food." It starts at 7 p.m. and costs $75.