For Immediate Release
Contact: Alysa Lebeau Reich 703-412-5076
areich@robertodonna.com

Chef Roberto Donna to Renovate Galileo and Open New Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City

Washington, DC (September 15, 2006) — Following months of rumors and speculation, the contracts are signed and the deals are done. Chef Roberto Donna has officially closed the doors of his Galileo, Laboratorio and Osteria restaurants to commence a massive renovation project that is expected to last up to one year. Just as the renovations begin Chef Donna will open Bebo Trattoria da Roberto Donna, a 140 seat restaurant in Crystal City, Virginia, serving casual Italian fare.

"When I found out the building was going to be renovated it only made sense that I renovate my restaurants too, but it's been 22 years since I opened Galileo and I couldn't imagine a single day without a kitchen," said Donna. With the help of his landlord, Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty, Chef Donna was led to a beautiful location in Crystal City that now houses Chef Jose Andres' Oyamel. In a fortunate turn of events, the timing of Donna's renovations coincides with Andres' plans to move Oyamel to a downtown location. "It's an ideal situation; the timing, the prime location in Crystal City, and of course the fact that my next door neighbor is my friend Jose," said Donna.

Bebo Trattoria, named after Donna's boyhood nickname, will house a custom made wood burning oven in which Donna plans to make pizzas and the popular Panini sandwiches from his Galileo Grill. The menu will also feature a variety of antipasti ranging from $4-9 and entrees priced from $10-19. An extensive selection of small plates and wines by the glass will be offered in the 30 seat bar area; prices will range from $1.95 to $5.25 per small plate and wines by the glass will start at $5. Bebo Trattoria will be open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with a family style brunch served on Sundays. A dining room with seating for up to 60 guests will also be available for private bookings.

The designer of Washington, DC's only Wine Spectator Grand Award winning wine list, Chef Donna has created a list with a selection of affordable wines that pair well with the food and the prices on his Bebo Trattoria menu.

The architecture firm of Adamstein and Demitriou, Oyamel's original designers, have been brought back to recreate the space as Bebo Trattoria. An architect has not yet been selected for the Galileo/Laboratorio/Osteria restaurants downtown.

Many members of Donna's Galileo team will join him at the new restaurant including Executive Chef Amy Brandwein.

Bebo Trattoria will be located at 2250-B Crystal Drive. Major credit cards will be accepted and valet parking will be available. For more information visit www.robertodonna.com or call 703-412-5076.

###