Allora!
Warning:…read moreLONG post ahead...
Have you ever felt the joy of when your expectations were surpassed by reality? My elation may have been beyond that . Though the memories and emotions from Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia (CML) are permanently branded into my temporal lobe, I'm desperately assuaging my sadness that this incredible experience has come to an end. Thus, an homage to perhaps my favorite (celebrity) couple, Massimo & Lara.
The very first episode of the first season of Chef's Table on Netflix was my introduction into the culinary mastery of Chef Massimo Bottura. And honestly, I've been obsessed ever since. So much could be said about his traditional influences while hiding under his nonna's kitchen table to his creative brilliance that at times were shunned by the local Modenese, but since this is an IG post we'll keep it at that.
My fiancé and I uncharacteristically planned our trip to Italy only couple months in advance. Understandably and sadly, both Osteria Francescana and Francescana were booked. However, by a stroke of luck there happened to be a single room available for a single night at CML with the option to dine at Francescana. I booked it immediately without hesitation. When we arrived, we were given a tour of our "home away from home" (check my reel for a glimpse into the beautiful stay) and as we were being taken to our room, I recognized Lara immediately. I wasn't sure if either of them would be present but there she was! We wandered the property, eating fresh baked pistachio cookies, gawking at the Ferrari and Ducati collection, sipping on grappa while listening to jazz, just patiently waiting for 7:30 to roll around.
Clock struck half past and we eagerly sat while staff promptly poured water and wines for the tasting. Then Lara came around to each table, greeting each guest in such a warm and calming demeanor. I wanted to ask for a picture but was way too shy and ultimately missed my chance ... Then she embarked on the journey of Casa Maria Luigia and the first three courses of the tasting, including an inspiration from a Beetles song, a traditional family dish flipped completely on its head, and an affectionate tribute to the best cheese in the world aged between 24-50 months! The flavors were intense, complex and lingered on your palette just long enough for the next dish. The textures were playful, some dancing, some kicking while others lied dormant in the back of your mouth before it was digested.
Maybe an hour and a half in, Chef flew in through the kitchen with his expected jolly and chaotic energy infecting everyone with smiles as he shared in the task of describing the main courses. The fight between siblings for the best part of the lasagna. The flavor packed tortellini that weigh only a single gram each and was recently served to the Prince of Monaco. The conflict of a recently anointed three-Michelin star chef walking into a Burger King to view the newly hung Damien Hirst painting during the London Olympics. My mouth still drools at the thought of these dishes... and chuckles at the stories behind them... and awes at watching Chef at work, splattering various veggie sauces across his plated canvas.
Up til now I must admit there is complete adoration for this experience and truly not a single thing I would change about it. And aside from the seventh course, I truly wouldn't. But I must admit, I was not the biggest fan of the North to South which is Chef's desire to bridge the geographic regions of Italy together with a Sicilian blood orange flavored risotto served cold for savory dessert. But, his signature lemon tart and a camouflaged chocolate terrain were as visually stunning as they were stunning to the palate. Not sure what it's like at Osteria Francescana, but can attest that Casa Maria Luigia brings the best of Massimo & Lara into a tangible privilege for the mind, body and community. Hopefully this isn't too hype, but seriously... it's just the best.