Before going to jail on corruption and other charges, superlobbyist Jack Abramoff could often be seen wining and dining powerbrokers at his former expense-account restaurant, Signatures, in downtown DC. Now out of prison, he can be found working at the Baltimore kosher joint Tov Pizza. Owner Ron Rosenbluth, who has hired other employees out of prison, says, “It’s not new for us to give people a second chance.” Here’s how the restaurants compare.
SIGNATURES
Abramoff’s role: Owner On the menu: Cashew-crusted chicken breast Typical dinner bill for two: $140 Decor: Walls plastered with celebrity autographs and historic documents, including a copy of Richard Nixon's pardon. JFK's rocking chair sat in a glass case. Clientele: Lobbyists, lawyers, and lawmakers. Regulars include include former Republican congressman Bob Ney and Tom Delay. Location: Blocks from the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue
TOV PIZZA
Abramoff’s role: Developing a new marketing plan On the menu: Kosher pizza with toppings such as soy meatballs and vegetarian pepperoni Typical dinner bill for two: $20 Decor: “We have tables and chairs,” Rosenbluth says. Clientele: Mostly Jewish families. Regulars include many local rabbis. Location: The heart of Baltimore’s Jewish community
Marisa M. Kashino joined Washingtonian in 2009 as a staff writer, and became a senior editor in 2014. She oversees the magazine’s real estate and home design coverage, and writes long-form feature stories. She was a 2020 Livingston Award finalist for her two-part investigation into a possible wrongful conviction stemming from a murder in rural Virginia. Kashino lives in Northeast DC.
Jack Goes from Prison to Pizzeria
Superlobbyist turned fraudster Jack Abramoff's new job.
Before going to jail on corruption and other charges, superlobbyist Jack Abramoff could often be seen wining and dining powerbrokers at his former expense-account restaurant, Signatures, in downtown DC. Now out of prison, he can be found working at the Baltimore kosher joint Tov Pizza. Owner Ron Rosenbluth, who has hired other employees out of prison, says, “It’s not new for us to give people a second chance.” Here’s how the restaurants compare.
SIGNATURES
Abramoff’s role: Owner
On the menu: Cashew-crusted chicken breast
Typical dinner bill for two: $140
Decor: Walls plastered with celebrity autographs and historic documents, including a copy of Richard Nixon's pardon. JFK's rocking chair sat in a glass case.
Clientele: Lobbyists, lawyers, and lawmakers. Regulars include include former Republican congressman Bob Ney and Tom Delay.
Location: Blocks from the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue
TOV PIZZA
Abramoff’s role: Developing a new marketing plan
On the menu: Kosher pizza with toppings such as soy meatballs and vegetarian pepperoni
Typical dinner bill for two: $20
Decor: “We have tables and chairs,” Rosenbluth says.
Clientele: Mostly Jewish families. Regulars include many local rabbis.
Location: The heart of Baltimore’s Jewish community
Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos
Don’t Miss Another Big Story—Get Our Weekend Newsletter
Our most popular stories of the week, sent every Saturday.
Marisa M. Kashino joined Washingtonian in 2009 as a staff writer, and became a senior editor in 2014. She oversees the magazine’s real estate and home design coverage, and writes long-form feature stories. She was a 2020 Livingston Award finalist for her two-part investigation into a possible wrongful conviction stemming from a murder in rural Virginia. Kashino lives in Northeast DC.
Most Popular in News & Politics
The New York Energy Mogul Who’s Remaking an Eastern Shore Town
Here’s a Map of the “Capitol Green Zone” (AKA Inauguration Street Closures)
White House Staff Packs for Move Behind Trump’s Back
It’s Really Happening: Donald Trump to Leave DC on Wednesday Morning
DC Inauguration Shutdowns: Everything You Need to Know About Metro, Roads, and Other Closures
Washingtonian Magazine
January 2021: Joe Town!
View IssueSubscribe
Get Us on Social
Get Us on Social
Related
Video From Fall Real Estate Market Update With Local Leaders
Washingtonian Real Estate Virtual Happy Hour
Videos from Washingtonian’s Wellness Day
Washingtonian Wellness Day
More from News & Politics
The NRA Declares Bankruptcy, Will Keep Offices in Fairfax for Now
Former Congressional Staffers Are Saying Thank You to Current Workers
“Stop the Steal” Protesters Could Be in DC by Early Saturday
How to Talk to Kids About the Attack on the Capitol (and Everything Else)
Looks Like There’s Only One Pro-Trump Rally Officially Planned for DC During Inauguration
DC Inauguration Shutdowns: Everything You Need to Know About Metro, Roads, and Other Closures
It’s Really Happening: Donald Trump to Leave DC on Wednesday Morning
Politico Announces Its New Playbook Team