text: After much delay Autostrada is finally open surprisingly with little fanfare The couple we were meeting had trouble finding the new Italian osteria in DC Ranch Apart from a large red A vinyl on the doors there was no other signage It is located at the intersection across from The ArmitagennThe menu is simple and straightforward at very palatable prices nothing is over Food is encouraged to be shared family style All of which sounds like a great concept in a recessionary environmentnnNone of the antipasti piqued our interest so we jumped straight to the pastas Fettuccine with scallops and mushrooms and orchiette with pork sugo and peas The marscapone sauce on the fettucine was deliciously creamy although a touch heavy handed The pork sugo was a bit too sweet and the dish just fell flat for usnnFor the main we shared the roasted sea bass with fennel and tomato and NY strip steak presliced for easy sharing on potato and sunchoke puree Both were solid dishes Steak had great flavor but oddly it was not sliced across the grain and had a little gristlennOur favorites were the contorni aka sides The tiella baked layers of eggplant zucchini tomato topped with parmesan was packed with flavor and delicious just as Gabi said The baby artichokes were fried to a nice crisp on the outside contrasting nicely with the tender interiornnFor dessert we chose vanilla bean panna cotta with sliced strawberries and the marscapone tart with poached pears and spiced walnuts Again both were solid dishesnnThe interior has an industrial cool vibe to it with a long metal bench running along the wall and a stainless steel walled kitchen that runs across separated by glass so you can get a full view of the action from most of the dining room There is an equal if not greater number of seating outdoors including tables for up to nnAutostrada serves breakfast lunch and dinner It is Chef Aaron May of Sol y Sombra Over Easy and The Lodge fames latest dining destination