Chef AMY BRANDWEIN

13 Oct 2025

EDITORIAL

A DECADE OF ITALIAN GASTRONOMY AT CITYCENTERDC

At the heart of CityCenterDC’s culinary scene, Chef Amy Brandwein has created two destinations that define modern Italian dining in Washington: the refined Centrolina and its charming sister café, Piccolina.

Visionary cuisine

A James Beard Award finalist and visionary talent, Brandwein blends tradition with innovation — from white Bolognese to crudo with Sicilian flair — in settings that balance elegance, warmth, and intention.

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Meet AMY BRANDWEIN

— AMY BRANDWEIN

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Amy Brandwein

As Centrolina celebrates its 10th anniversary, Chef Amy reflects on a journey sparked by curiosity and refined under the mentorship of Roberto Donna. Drawn to the soul of Italian cooking — its devotion to region, season, and simplicity — she reimagines classics with fresh perspective: handmade pastas kissed with ripe fruit, swordfish crudo brightened by jalapeño, flavors that feel both timeless and unexpected. Guided by the markets and inspired by Sicily’s sunlit energy, her cooking keeps Centrolina ever-evolving, compelling, and relevant. Just as intentional is the culture she’s nurtured. In her kitchens and dining rooms, collaboration, creativity, and feminine energy set the tone. For Brandwein, true success lies not only in accolades, but in beauty, consistency, and the community she’s built — qualities that have made CityCenterDC the definitive home for Italian gastronomy.