It's rare to have a dining experience that's so enjoyable you feel as though you're at a close friend's home. That's exactly how my friend Nicole and I felt during our recent dinner at Maisano’s Little Italian Kitchen, at 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW.

Before the grand opening of Maisano’s, I had a lengthy conversation with Therese Maisano Schneider, who co-owns the establishment with her husband, Mike Schneider. At the couple's other spot, That Little Italian Kitchen in Jackson Township, Therese shared her vision.