Tag: Lombardy

EA (s) T Lombardy, as restaurants have reopened – Italian Cuisine

The testimonies of the owners of the premises that are part of the network, between initial disorientation and the desire to start again in the name of quality

«I am optimistic about this reopening, certainly fearful that everything will collapse again and annoyed that many Lombard restaurateurs do not adopt the correct and imposed rules. It is clear that the number of seats is decreasing: we now have 100 seats outside in the open. There have been 80 inside, 28 have become 28. On the other hand customers are obedient, they don't complain, they appreciate the greater protection. The distancing is effective and makes them feel calm, they appreciate the attention ".

The reopening is told by Franco Giordano, owner and chef of the Ottavo Nano pizzeria in Brescia. Which is one of 300 restaurateurs and 250 producers that are part of the network of operators EA (s) T Lombardy, a brand created to encourage the evolution of food and wine in the four provinces of eastern Lombardy, Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona and Mantua, and to support the excellence of its producers and restaurants.

"Never before has the network of EA (s) T Lombardy operators found its raison d'etre. Because "network" contains a clear, ancient, real concept: that of "union is strength" ", let EA (s) know T Lombardy. «In a panorama of disorientation for the catering sector, even more for those restaurants that have a strong link with the territory, we want to support operators and local excellence by transmitting the concept that doing good is good for the territory itself, and this goal can only be achieved today with the quality.

During this recovery phase after the health emergency, EA (s) T Lombardy wants to support its protagonists, trying to understand with them how to recover and what to focus on. Restaurateurs have clear ideas: want to focus on quality, to ensure that the customer renews his trust.

«When we reopened it seemed like starting from scratch. But it was one very charged restart from an emotional point of view. My most loyal customers came to visit me, it was a tribute of esteem and affection , says Mario Cornali, chef and owner of the Collina restaurant in Almenno San Bartolomeo. «We of Bergamo and its province have experienced a tragedy, even emotionally it is not possible to pretend nothing has happened, but the world goes on, is refounded and regenerated. We never stopped working, we made delivery throughout Lombardy with our Easter doves, we experimented with new recipes, rethought the spaces, clean, renovated, thrown unnecessary things. In some ways we have put order in both a real and metaphorical sense .

Sergio Carboni of the Locanda degli Artisti restaurant in Cremona echoes him: «We had a great desire to reopen and a lot of enthusiasm, because we love our job that in the past few weeks we have been missing a lot. At the reopening some regular customers came, who gave us a gesture of esteem and friendship. It will take time and to understand what government aid will be to judge the effects from an economic point of view, certainly it was an exciting and positive moment for us and our guests. We have to think positive, transmit messages of trust and encourage people, make them feel good, welcomed and at ease. "

At the Hostaria Viola in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Mantua, the owners decided to open one more day. "Fortunately, in our restaurant we already had the tables spaced before and the customer response was very good," they explain. «What worries us are the economic conditions. We chose to open an extra day a week to try not to leave any of our employees at home and we have increased our offer with the takeaway that we did not do before; even so, however, we reach 60% of the pre-pandemic income, but having recently opened, it is still early to make calculations. It is enough for now to stand up. "

Gourmet stays in Lombardy, 5 addresses surrounded by greenery – Italian Cuisine

Desire for greenery, relaxation, open spaces and conviviality. We will remember summer 2020 for the rediscovery of the simplest needs, the desire to explore our territory in its landscapes and, why not, in its flavors

Here is a selection of five properties in Lombardy for stay immersed in the sweet sounds of the countryside, with an eye to the menu. And there is no shortage of proposals for outdoor activities, walks, bicycle routes and works of art in the woods.

Romantik Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga

Go along a road through the woods before reaching the top of the hill. And it is from up there that you have the most beautiful view of the lake, the blue mirror of the Brescia side of Lake Garda.

More than a hotel, it's a house, better: a villa. The Romantik Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga was born from the passion of Gabriele Seresina (pilot team manager of Opel) and his wife Gabriella, who transformed a historic 19th century villa into a romantic home.

Only 19 rooms between rooms and suites, located between the villa and the annex, for those looking for a quiet stay. All around, 40 hectares of greenery with heated swimming pool, gazebo and panoramic Jacuzzi.

The kitchen

The kitchen here has a long history. And the "Martina's grandmother's cake" which is on the menu, is a cake that has a lot to tell. Same recipe for that cake that Martina, Gabriele Seresina's grandmother, prepared for Gabriele D’Annunzio, of which she was the favorite cook. Today in the kitchen there is the chef Gianfranco Pugliese, a lover of simple and genuine tastes. Among the proposals on the menu, the dishes dedicated to lake fish, including tagliatelle with pike from Garda with peppers and capers from Gargnano.

Albereta, holiday in Franciacorta

More than a holiday, a holiday. In L’Albereta time becomes sweet and slow, space embraces greenery and makes room for beautiful things, those that make you feel good. Where is it? In the heart of Franciacorta.

Timeless abode of Relais & Chateaux, Albereta has always made large open spaces one of its distinctive features, in the name of luxury. We gather good herbs in the woods, walk among large art sculptures, rest on hammocks in the shade of the trees, have a outdoor picnic with a different menu every day.

And you can also go in search of the maximum psychophysical form by relying on the care of the experts of theEspace Chenot Health Wellness SPA, through exclusive techniques of detoxification and reactivation of energy channels and organic functions.

The kitchen

A terrace floating in the greenery overlooking the panorama of Monte Isola. It's called LeoneFelice Vista Lago and is the novelty of this year in L’Albereta. The signature in the kitchen is that of chef Fabio Abbattista, who favors the use of zero kilometer products, carefully choosing the best on the market every day. Don't miss the vegetable ravioli with squid ragout and bread crumbs.

The gourmet offer completes Wellness Restaurant, born in synergy with Espace Chenot Health Wellness SPA to bring the Chenot method to the table too.

Agriturismo Corte Lantieri, between history and cellars

The access road can only be among the rows of vineyards. The context is that of the estate of the historic Cantina Lantieri, near the medieval village of Capriolo, one of the most suggestive and uncontaminated places in Franciacorta.

Only 7 rooms to live in a context of maximum relaxation, walks (or bike rides) in the vineyards, green areas for yoga and a swimming pool overlooking the rows: the Corte Lantieri farmhouse is the promise for an all-Italian staycation.

Obtained from the careful renovation of the ancient noble palace of the Lantieri de Paratico family, the farmhouse is in full harmony with the territory. The best view? Without a shadow of a doubt the one with the crenellated terrace overlooking the amphitheater of the hills.

The kitchen

From the Franciacorta tradition to the lake tradition, the cuisine of the chef Paolo Zanardi welcomes the contrasts and typical features of the area with a menu between land and sea. Sebino dried sardines with toasted polenta, but also the risotto with Franciacorta Millesimato creamed with robiola two milks. It is forbidden to go home without visiting and tasting at the cellar. Here is produced, among others, the Franciacorta Cuvée Brut NV Lantieri, which has won the title of World Champion in the Classic Brut Non-Vintage Blend category at The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2019.

Florian Maison, hillside resort restaurant

Only three suites to keep all the magic of the places "for a few". And if the restaurant is the beating heart, the resort turns into a "resort restaurant". All around the Florian Maison, the green of the hill of the monastery of San Paolo d’Argon, a a few kilometers from Bergamo.

There is the Bois de Champagne Suite, the one made with the wood of the old oak barrels and the hand-painted wardrobe. The Gourmande Suite, designed according to the criteria of eco-sustainability and in pastel colors. And finally the Note d’Incanto Suite, the most romantic. All overlook the surrounding greenery, to breathe good air at full lungs and at full eyes. The attention to detail and atmospheres is what is found in all addresses Les Collectionneurs.

The kitchen

In the kitchen there is Umberto De Martino, chef of Sorrento origin who conquered (and allowed himself to be conquered) from Bergamo and its valleys. His is a cuisine that follows the seasons with passion and dedication, peeking through the traditions but without being overwhelmed by them. Do not miss the lime, lobster and mint risotto.

Hotel Il Corazziere

There is an island on the Lambro river which houses an ancient mill with its house. It's called Isola di Baggero, today the mill has been transformed into a museum and in that house some of the rooms of the Il Corazziere hotel have been placed, the new entry of the group Space Hotels.

The history of the structure begins in 1919 at the hands of Giuseppe Camesasca, cuirassier for King Vittorio Emanuele III, and continues today in the form of a "rural resort", committed to the development and preservation of the territory. Such as? For example producing more than 50% of the energy requirement thanks to the mill and solar panels.

The 36 rooms are all overlooking the Lambro Park, and for the most beautiful view there is the elegant Show Room Suite, with a private balcony.

The kitchen

In line with the green spirit of the hotel, the restaurant brings to the table all the fresh products of the area, respecting the traditional and authentic cuisine of the Camesasca family, which for 100 years has personally taken care of the search for the best raw materials.

Do not miss the Tagliata di Casa Corazziere, one of the iconic dishes on the menu since 1919, served on the boiling rain of Valmalenco.

In Lombardy between lake (Iseo), a small Rome, mountains and pyramids – Italian Cuisine

In this all-Italian summer, the mountain will have its redemption. Here, we take you to discover the less traveled paths of Lombardy, which start from the most scenic lake and arrive at the top (where it is said you see the Madonnina), passing through reserves of fallow deer and cheeses in the farmhouse. And between an Aventine villa and a San Pietro square, the pyramids also emerge

It will not be as big as Lake Garda, "noble" as the Maggiore (and its historic villas), famous all over the world as the Lario (Lake Como), made even more prestigious by Alessandro Manzoni first and then George Clooney. Yet trust me: that ofIseo is perhaps the most scenic lake in all of Lombardy.

The Iseo lake

It is located halfway between Brescia and Bergamo, and if you arrive from the latter just before you pass another lake, the one Endine: very small yes, but just as delicious. Its best feature is that it remained naturally intact, that is, well set among valleys, woods and mountains that are reflected in its waters, without too many bricks or cement around it. In winter it is common for the surface to freeze, and that the locals enjoy walking and skating on it (with what courage it is not known, if you want to try, we recommend that you inform yourself first about the ice conditions).

Bossico, the "little Rome"

After passing Endine, in the direction of Lovere, you will arrive straight on the shores of Lake Iseo. Our advice, however, is not to stop here and go up – literally – along the road that leads to Bossico (Bg), an almost unknown mountain resort, but very welcoming, and from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the lake below. And not only.

Defined – certainly with a little boldness – little Rome, Bossico has a square called San Pietro, a church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, a via Roma, and above all historic villas built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and called with names related to Rome capital city: Celio, Quirinale, Vatican, Pincio, Aventino, Campidoglio; plus others dedicated to the history of Giuseppe Garibaldi: Caprera, Suello, Villa Glori … The reason is easy to say: precisely by virtue of its enchanting panoramic position on Lake Iseo, in the second half of the 19th century Bossico became a holiday resort particularly appreciated from above local bourgeoisie, who built villas here by naming them with Roman and Risorgimento names, in honor of their patriotic ideals (with all due respect to the League today).

In Bossico you stay comfortably both at theMiralago hotels both at theHotel Al Milano, both centrally located, with free parking and a good restaurant.

The area is an excellent starting point for excursions: the Bossico plateau boasts 50 kilometers of pleasant paths and paths (excellent for practicing Nordic walking, but also to splash in e-bikes and mountain bikes), two large picnic areas, one fallow deer reserve, and offers truly wonderful views of the two lakes below (Iseo and d'Endine, in fact), Monte Isola (the lake island in the middle of the lake), the adjacent valleys and the Presolana mountain range. The most beautiful walk is the one that goes all the way Mount Colombina (1459 meters within everyone's reach), which you will recognize from the cross on the top. There you will also find a notebook of the summit on which to leave your signature. The gaze from above will embrace the Orobie, the Camonica Valley, the Po Valley. On particularly clear days it is said that you can even spot the glitter of the Madonnina in Milan, but honestly we have not seen that (all the rest yes).

In general, the first Sunday of August takes place in Bossico Potato bread festival: The courtyards of the houses in the historic center open to the public and for the occasion the (old) wood-fired ovens (where traditional potato bread is cooked according to an ancient recipe, handed down for generations, with flour, water , yeast, salt and boiled potatoes, strictly zero kilometer, because those of Bossico are reputed to be particularly tasty and are also grown today in the gardens and fields of the plateau. Visitors are therefore allowed to observe how this bread is kneaded, baked and baked, and in the end also to taste it. It is an appointment that we once recommend that you participate, even if unfortunately this year there will not be due to the ongoing health emergency.

To do, however, also this year, enjoy one of the (many) traditional cheeses produced in the area farms (there are four): here the milk is not processed as in a dairy, there are no protocols, precision instruments. Everything is done by hand, and by eye, following only patience, experience and instinct. And as it tells us Patrizia Gandini of the Pro Loco Office: «Every gesture repeats itself always the same and always different, because raw milk is a living food and the days are never the same. This is why the flavors of the cheeses of the Bossico plateau are unique, because they are made with craftsmanship, tradition, passion and good nature, and in every cheese – from the most seasoned to ricotta or cheese – you can also savor the emotions and scents of the mountain and the lake .

In making cheeses on the farm, every gesture is always repeated the same and different, because raw milk is a living food and the days are never the same. This is why the flavors of the cheeses of the Bossico plateau are unique

A tour of Monte Isola

After having admired it so much from above, going back to the lake, you cannot stop at Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, and which is located right in the center of Lake Iseo. It was made famous in 2016 by the installation The Floating Piers by the artist Christo, who recently passed away, and which consisted of a "floating walkway on the lake" that connected the islands of Monte Isola and the nearby (and very small) San Paolo to the mainland (municipality of Sulzano). To get to Monte Isola today the departure is always from Sulzano only that the lake is commonly crossed by ferry. The complete tour of the island is 9 kilometers, to be traveled safely on foot or by bicycle, and being careful only to avoid reckless people local vespists (on the other hand, there are no machines here). The walk is easy, apart from a few steeper sections to the south and which tests the breath of cyclists above all. Here and there there are very beautiful views, especially in front of the islet (with castle) of Loreto. All 'Hostaria Milago of Peschiera Maraglio (where the ferry docks) you eat excellent lake fish with super views.

The pyramids of Zone

But there is still something little known and very suggestive that we want to point out in the area. In the area of the municipality of Zone, 14 kilometers from Sulzano (we are on the Brescia side of Lake Iseo), there is a Park with real pyramidsi.e. absolutely natural (and sometimes very high) stone sculptures formed due to the erosion of the water in contact with the particular terrain of morainic origin of the mountain. We assure you that among these rocks the show is guaranteed, even if in the ascent there will be a little sweat.