The 106th dinner interview featured Dean Gold, the owner of Washington, D.C., restaurant Dino’s Grotto. We met at the Italian-inspired venue in May 2018, where he talked at length about the place and much more.
Dino’s Grotto was his second attempt at making a success of a dining venue, after several years operating the restaurant Dino in nearby Cleveland Park. He told me about the ups and downs of the industry, as well as his colorful life that includes great stories about wine, economics, selling dope to jazz musicians, and more.
Just over a year after the dinner interview, Dean decided to retire and close Dino’s Grotto, bringing an end to his 14-year run as a restaurateur. I promise it had nothing to do with my interview.