This week’s Womply Merchant Spotlight is on Zuppa Fresca. Zuppa Fresca specializes in creating authentic Italian and Sicilian dishes, including lasagna (multiple types), shrimp scampi, and veal parmesan. Wedding soup, crab bruschetta, and shrimp wrapped in bacon are also delicious items that can be found on Zuppa Fresca’s great menu. If you are looking for a restaurant that stems from passion and is rooted with a deep love and respect for food, you would find it when you visit Zuppa Fresca.

During lunch, Zuppa Fresca offers a special that gives you “what you want”. You choose one of the following combinations:  soup and a salad, a salad and a sandwich, or a sandwich and soup, all of which come with a soda. It’s the perfect meal when you’re craving a tasty lunch. Zuppa Fresca’s mouth watering sandwich selection is superb. The selection includes sandwiches such as chicken pesto, caprese, meatball sub, and Italian sliders. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Italian Slider

Womply got the pleasure of interviewing Alfio Celia, who is the Owner of and Chef at Zuppa Fresca. Alfio has grown up around restaurants and truly understands what it takes to own and manage a successful restaurant. Would you like us to share a fun fact? He is only 24 years old, folks! We think that’s incredible on multiple levels. We hope you enjoy reading about Zuppa Fresca and getting the inside scoop of what goes on at the restaurant.

Womply Interview with Alfio from Zuppa Fresca

What is your name and title?
Alfio Celia, Chef/Owner

When did you know that this was your dream and passion?
When I was working in my father’s restaurant at age 14, I knew I wanted to share my food and ideas with the world.

What inspired you to start a restaurant?
Restaurants and food are in my blood. I grew up in the restaurant world and I have loved it ever since.

Where did you learn to cook, and who taught you?
I learned how to cook from my grandmother and father. Growing up around old style Sicilian food really instills passion.

How many people work in the kitchen with you? Do you enjoy a larger kitchen staff or a more intimate staff? Why?
I enjoy a more intimate kitchen. I have my hands on as many dishes as I can. I want to make sure my recipes are made the way I want them to be.

What is your favorite dish to cook up at this restaurant? Why?
Arancini are the best. It brings so many memories of growing up with my family and huge get togethers for no reason.

Do you change the menu or have specials often?
I change the menu often. I add and remove a couple items every few days. Whenever I find a great ingredient I want to incorporate it in the menu somehow.

What is your favorite night of the week here and why?
Every night is my favorite. Each night I meet another amazing customer or have an amazing night preparing the food. Every night is better then the last and I know it will continue like that.

Care to share a tip on how to run a successful restaurant with us?
I believe “success” is different for everyone. Seeing that my customers are perfectly happy and feel at home here is my success. (Opening a restaurant at 23 doesn’t hurt either.)

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Zuppa Fresca is located at 250 K St. NE Washington, DC 20002

A special thank you to Alfio from Zuppa Fresca for taking the time to chat with us!