Sammy's Trattoria gets credit for de-jinxing the restaurant space on the corner of Charles and Biddle in Mount Vernon. (The names of the French and Mexican restaurants that preceded it are after the jump, in case you're playing along.)

When I reviewed Sammy's five years ago, I admired how confidently it staked out its turf – accessible and accessible casual fare in a square-plate setting. If I was hard on Sammy's in this review, it's because consistency, which matters everywhere, becomes of paramount importance in a casual space. Here' s the review.

The reader can decide if I was therre on the proverbial off night and adjust accordingly.