Cucina Vivace

When I lived in Crystal City, I thought 23rd Street was a bit overrun with Italian restaurants.  So it confused me when the sign for yet another place showed a 4th Italian restaurant in a one block span... but unlike the two traditional places and Portofino's Northern Italian fare -- Cucina Vivace promised a more upscale environment and cuisine.  When it first opened, I got to know the place better than I do now and I really appreciated the effort they put into trying.  Their seasonal menus were always packed with interesting flavors and the service was impeccable.  I would brag on their lamb like nothing else -- the combination of rosemary and other spices overwhelmed your mouth.  And if I wouldn't just slap my mother silly during truffle season and the things Vivace would do with those.  But more than a year later, I think the lack of following has gotten the best of Cucina Vivace.  23rd street just isn't the place for a higher end restaurant and I think this one might be failing.  For a Friday night, when all the other restaurants on the street were packed, this one still was empty.  The service was attentive and the ambiance was enjoyable (save the mismatched music for the look and feel of it), but something was still off.  I feel bad for this fledgling restaurant -- that it never took off.  While I enjoyed my meal tonight and my company --  the lamb wasn't as exciting as it was a year ago and I fear Cucina may be complacent as it dies a very, very slow and painful death.