Area Dining: Beat the Heat at Maré or Jon & Vinny’s

As the weekend approaches and the forecast calls for record heat, the Buzz asked our new dining/food expert, Hannah Davis, for the best way to beat the heat in a really cool spot. Here are two suggestions…

Tucked away behind Melrose Umbrella Co. and an unassuming grilled cheese shop is Maré. With a seafood focused menu and all outdoor seating, Maré is perfect for a warm summer evening. While the menu is simple and more affordable, each dish is surprising and fresh. They have an impressive wine list and also inventive cocktails that use the freshest fruits and herbs, corresponding with the season. The whole branzino and the skirt steak with sea urchin butter are can’t miss items, but also be sure to check out their rotating specials. The restaurant highlights a customizable shellfish broth, which comes with a perfectly cooked egg and pasta to mix in once the shellfish is finished. Maré’s ambiance lends itself to both a romantic dinner date or a more casual experience with excellent seafood offerings.

If you would rather beat the heat inside, check out Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax. If you aren’t lucky enough to get a reservation, you can order your food to go and even pick up a bottle of wine from Helen’s, their in-restaurant wine shop. Simple Italian dishes come alive at Jon & Vinny’s. Their meatballs are to die for and their pizzas, with thin, crisp crust, are inventive while still staying within the realm of conventional Italian. Don’t miss their soft serve ice cream served in a tiny paper cup. Flavors rotate and range from salted caramel to chocolate or vanilla. Jon & Vinny’s is an exciting addition to Fairfax that brings a contemporary take on a traditional Italian restaurant.

Hannah Davis is a film, food and wine enthusiast. Always seeking an adventure that involves a great bite!

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