Carmine's

The only thing that bothers us more than the coziness with the financial services industry is that the event is being held at Carmine's, which is possibly the most disgusting restaurant in history.

HUFFPOST HILL - Much-Needed White Guy Enters 2012 GOP Primary Eliot Nelson 2011

The woman at the table next to mine at Carmine's gasps when her lunch is set before her.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

And that's the biggest surprise at the colossal Carmine's, which didn't so much sail as barrel into town when it opened in 20,000 square feet of space in August.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

The pasta is one of my favorites at Carmine's, in part because the rigatoni retains some bite, and in part because the bowl also fits in soft white beans, crumbly fennel-spiced sausage, roasted garlic, browned broccoli florets and a butter-enriched sauce: enough fuel for a small country.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

Carmine's focus on bigness, it turns out, extends to its heart.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

Although the gift shop upfront probably pegs Carmine's as a tourist destination, at least the cookbook for sale includes recipes for meals you might want to replicate at home.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

The first lady is unlikely to use Carmine's as a stage for her anti-obesity campaign.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

When all of its inside doors are open and the vastness of Carmine's is exposed, the sunny yellow interior with its sea of tables and old family photographs could pass for a set designed by Cecil B. DeMille.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

I'd be more excited about Carmine's if the bread basket had more character and the cheese on its Caesar didn't resemble flavored sawdust.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010

Carmine's is too loud and crowded to be a date place, but it would be perfect for a reunion of relatives or friends who want something fun and filling and don't mind sharing.

Tom Sietsema on Carmine's: Penn Quarter Italian restaurant thinks big -- in many ways Tom Sietsema 2010