Spending a month in Abruzzo, driving around the hill towns, and found this superb restaurant. The…read moredining room is elegant, quiet, and white tablecloth....even though we were in vacation shorts and shirts (as was everyone else in the restaurant) we were warmly greeted by the staff and given a central table. The food reinforced why some of the best cuisine and chefs have come from the Abruzzo area.
This restaurant features creative and simple takes on traditional Abruzzese dishes. All produce and meats come from local growers. We were given a complimentary amuse bouche of a beautiful slice of prosciutto and a lightly dressed fresh artichoke heart. The breads were fresh and homemade. For the primi piatti we had the pasta alla chitarra with young lamb, saffron, and pecorino sauce. Beautifully balanced, the saffron didn't overpower the lamb. We also had the maglialati, or pecorino pasta, with tomato and melanzane. Wonderfully chewy and rustic as only the Abruzzese can do, similar to strozzapreti in texture.
For the secondo piatto, we all had the rabbit with mountain herbs and almonds, dusted with black olives. Stunning presentation and flavor.
We enjoyed a bottle of a white from the Lepore vineyard, kept chilled and poured by the head waiter. Opting to skip dessert, we were given a complimentary plate of small tarts filled with a dense black grape jam or paste to go with our espresso. Barely sweet, it was the perfect way to end the meal.
Service here was outstanding, and kudos to the young assistant waiter who handled the small details at the table with great professionalism. Well worth a trip up into the hills. I'd love to come back and try one of the 3 tasting menus.
