Pizza diehards all have their own regional style that they prefer, but New York style usually ranks pretty high on everybody’s list. The Big Apple’s pizza is fired in a hot oven with a thin, crispy crust that doesn’t overpower the other flavors, and toppings are usually kept down to a reasonable level. You don’t have to be in Manhattan to have real New York style pizza, though, as regulars at Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria in Alexandria can attest. This place serves up exceptional pies to appreciative diners on a daily basis, with a note-perfect crust and a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes to support cheese and toppings adroitly. In addition, the pies here are absolutely enormous, with one weighing in at a staggering 20 inches across. This isn’t a place for tiny appetites, but if you’re hungry Valentino’s offers a great bargain. Try their savory, buttery garlic knots as well.

Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria
4813 Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 354-8383

www.valentinosnypizzeria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/valentinos-new-york-style-pizzeria-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/veganbaking.net

Three friends, Mark Kirwan, John Brennan, and Billy O'Sullivan, opened Daniel O'Connell's Restaurant and Bar in 2006 with the goal of offering traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist using fresh, seasonal ingredients in an upscale setting.

Carpenters and masons restored the building that houses the restaurant, installing woodwork that had been imported from castles and monasteries throughout Ireland. They also built several fireplaces, which gives the restaurant a cozy feel. Regulars say their efforts have paid off, with many saying Daniel O'Connell's creates a convincing feeling of being in a classic pub.

The most popular dish is the fish and chips, with the fish described as meaty yet light and well-battered. Another recommended dish is the lamb burger topped with goat cheese, which regulars say is juicy and perfectly seasoned. The shepherd's pie is another standout. Daniel O'Connell's version of this classic dish comes with beef and seasoned vegetables, traditional brown gravy, and parmesan cheese-crusted mash.

Daniel O'Connell's Restaurant and Bar
112 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-1124
www.danieloconnells.com
www.yelp.com/biz/daniel-o-connells-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/ume-y

When you’re around the same people for eight hours every day, sometimes personalities can clash. Getting along with difficult coworkers may seem impossible, but these reliable tips will help you work together in harmony.

1. Choose your words wisely. By removing direct pronouns like “you” from your discussions, your coworker will feel less accused or targeted. Make your directions and criticisms about the project, not the person.
2. Talk face-to-face whenever possible. It’s easy to sound brash in an email, and speaking on the phone or in person can eliminate that worry (and your coworker’s resulting anger).
3. Minimize contact. If you frequently chat with a whiny or sullen coworker simply to be polite, start keeping things short and sweet. A simple "good morning" works in place of your usual "how are you," which often leads to unwanted conversation.
4. Be tactful about complaints. If you have to bring a problem to your boss, plan what you’ll say beforehand to avoid sounding angry or accusatory.
5. Avoid gossip. Respond with uninviting phrases like "Oh really?" when you’re faced with office gossip. If you act disinterested, gossip will likely start to pass you by in the future.
6. Just breathe. Take a deep breath when you feel yourself start to get angry and you may avoid a nasty altercation.

Tips on Managing Difficult People [Harvard Business Review]
20 Ways to Deal with Difficult Coworkers [iVillage]
Ten Tips for Dealing with Difficult Coworkers [All Business]
How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers [Forbes]

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