An Intimate Dinner for 25

Total door-blowing success. Can’t wait until the next one.

We squished nicely into the Pope room at Buca di Beppo on Connecticut Avenue for the second time. This time we overflowed.

Luckily, there’s nothing in this world a couple of enormous bottles of Chianti can’t cure.

Other than that, I really don’t remember eating this time.

That’s a good thing since you can leave Buca di Beppo in a wheelbarrow if you’re not careful.

Last night, I had the pleasure of organizing a casual dinner alongside Carrie, John, Dmitri, Christian, and Kyle for our 25 closest friends. This gathering was none other than the Da Vinci Dinner 3.0, our third such event, bringing together a circle of friends, thinkers, and colleagues in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

The Venue: Buca di Beppo’s Pope Room

We chose to host our dinner at Buca di Beppo on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C., specifically in the infamous Pope Room. This room is famous for its eccentric decor and centerpiece—a bust of the Pope surrounded by murals of Italian countryside scenes and family-style seating. Known for its lavish portions, quirky ambiance, and communal spirit, Buca di Beppo's Pope Room provided the perfect environment for a gathering as diverse and spirited as ours.

The Pope Room can seat up to 20, but we pushed the boundaries, managing to squeeze in more than 25 people. The overflow, however, didn’t dampen the fun. Instead, the intimacy added a layer of warmth and camaraderie. Conversations crisscrossed the table, people shared laughs, and stories filled the room.

With giant bottles of Chianti passed around and poured generously, the evening took on a life of its own. As per tradition, we didn’t let the meal be just about food—it became an extension of the Renaissance Weekender spirit: thoughtful, lively conversations where old friends reconnect, and new friendships are born.

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The People Behind Da Vinci Dinner 3.0

Carrie, John Hlinko, Dmitri, Christian, Kyle, and I are regular collaborators on these kinds of gatherings. Each of us brings something unique to the table, but together we form a blend of personalities that ensure our dinners are always memorable.

• Carrie is the life of the party—her enthusiasm for bringing people together and her infectious laughter makes any room more vibrant.
• John Hlinko has long been a co-conspirator in organizing these events. A fellow Renaissance Weekender, John’s quick wit and thoughtful insights have always added depth to the table’s conversation.
• Dmitri and Christian add intellectual flavor to the group, with discussions ranging from philosophy to politics, keeping the conversation stimulating and engaging.
• Kyle Poole, another cornerstone of the group, is a man of charm and laughter, balancing the evening with light-hearted banter that keeps everyone in good spirits.

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Da Vinci Dinner: The Origins

The Da Vinci Dinners started a few years ago as a way to bring our network of friends together outside the formal confines of conferences like Renaissance Weekend. These dinners quickly evolved into events of their own. Named after Leonardo Da Vinci, they were intended to reflect his spirit of curiosity, art, invention, and human connection.

The goal? To bring people together, not just to eat but to share ideas, connect deeply, and re-energize the bonds that unite us, whether in personal friendships or professional collaborations.

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Overflowing Plates and Overflowing Conversations

When you’re at Buca di Beppo, food is an event. Their portions are famously huge, and the Pope Room, with its red-checkered tablecloths and eclectic decor, invites you to indulge. However, last night, I barely recall eating.

It’s easy to get carried away by the energy of the room when you’re surrounded by 25 friends, all squeezed in, sharing wine and conversation. The towering plates of pasta and heaping bowls of salad were, at some point, passed around, but the highlight was truly the shared experience.

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The Pope Room: A Room with History

Buca di Beppo’s Pope Room isn’t just any private dining space; it’s steeped in quirky history and is a nod to Italy’s Catholic roots. The room is centered around a large, round table with a bust of the Pope gazing benevolently over the diners. The murals that decorate the walls evoke old-world Italy, and the round table fosters a sense of inclusion, where everyone is connected.

Highlights from the Night

As we filled the Pope Room for the second time, the group’s energy was palpable. It was a gathering of old friends and new faces, from Renaissance Weekenders and DC locals to colleagues and intellectuals. Laughter and thoughtful discussions echoed around the table, and the evening’s blend of food, wine, and conversation made it a night to remember.

The dinner was more than just a social event; it felt like a continuation of the Renaissance Weekend tradition—people coming together to share ideas and perspectives, in a space that encourages both light-hearted fun and deep conversations. The Da Vinci Dinner isn’t just about food—it’s about connection and friendship.

FAQ About the Da Vinci Dinner and the Pope Room

What is the Da Vinci Dinner? The Da Vinci Dinner is a recurring event organized by a small group of friends, designed to bring people together for intimate, lively discussions and a communal meal. It’s inspired by the Renaissance spirit of intellectual curiosity and meaningful connection.

Who attends the Da Vinci Dinner? The guest list includes a mix of friends, colleagues, Renaissance Weekenders, and DC locals, united by a shared interest in ideas, conversation, and good food.

Why Buca di Beppo’s Pope Room? The Pope Room, located at Buca di Beppo on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC, is the perfect setting for a Da Vinci Dinner. With its communal round table and whimsical decor, the room creates a cozy and welcoming environment for large gatherings.

What’s special about the Pope Room? The Pope Room is known for its eclectic decor, particularly its central feature—a bust of the Pope—and its murals that evoke scenes of Italy. The room seats up to 20 people and is ideal for large, communal dining experiences.

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Glossary

• Buca di Beppo: An Italian-American restaurant chain known for its family-style servings and quirky, Italian-themed decor.
• Pope Room: A private dining room at Buca di Beppo restaurants, known for its eccentric design featuring a bust of the Pope at its center.
• Chianti: A type of red wine from Tuscany, Italy, often served at Italian restaurants like Buca di Beppo.
• Renaissance Weekend: A series of invitation-only gatherings that bring together leaders and experts from various fields for discussions and networking.
• Da Vinci Dinner: A casual, intimate dinner gathering of friends and colleagues, inspired by the intellectual curiosity and spirit of Leonardo Da Vinci.

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Conclusion

The Da Vinci Dinner 3.0 was another door-blowing success, leaving everyone excited for the next gathering. These dinners, like Renaissance Weekend, are more than just events—they're spaces for connection, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. The Pope Room at Buca di Beppo, with its charm and whimsy, will always be the perfect backdrop for our gatherings, where food, wine, and ideas are shared in abundance.

I can’t wait for the next one.