We paid another visit to La Castellana today. We had reservations and scored another outdoor table with a killer view. Even the bread and olive oil they deliver to your table for a starter are both extraordinary.
For apps, Deb chose an artichoke plate. We probably should have shared it. You have to admit
it is a work of kitchen art, with marinated artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, roasted and
marinated cipollini onions and assorted olives.
I had a hard time letting go of the Bruschetta al pomodoro, but reluctantly decided to expand my
experience and chose a bruschetta with lardo and truffles. If I could have waved a wand over
this dish, it would have reappeared with less lardo and more truffles, and perhaps, a splash of
house made truffle oil, but when they took the plate away, there was nothing left on it but the
lettuce.
For her main, Deb chose paparadelle with a sauce of stewed wild bore (chinghiale). It is not
unusual, early in the morning, to hear barking hunting dogs among the hills and grapes where
we are staying, with an occasional gunshot. These creatures are a pest in the vineyards, but
a delicious one.
Mr. porcini and truffle (yours truly) chose ravioli with a cheese, truffle and porcini stuffing and
a truffle sauce. This dish, while short lived on the plate, will stay with me for a good long time,
I think. If only we could have access to good porcini mushrooms and truffles near us!!
Here is the view from our outdoor table today.
As we headed back to Greve, for our second day at the Chianti wine festival, we both agreed, that while we do love La Castellana,
it is time to go exploring once again.
HC
