Ten-hour shifts making pasta at Union Square Hospitality landmarks like Maialino and Manhatta made chef Rose Noel fall in love with Italian food. Fortunately for Noel, she continues to revel in lobster pasta and spaghettini with Maryland crab in her days as the executive chef at D.C.’s Maialino Mare, which opened in January.

But it’s not all noodles (or crustacea). A former pescatarian, Noel also finds joy in comforting vegetarian dishes, like her porcini risotto. As part of our Eater