Isola Rossa Restaurant & Wine Tasting Guide
Porto Santo Stefano
Il Foro, Pizzeria ADDRESS Via del Molo, 1, 58019 Monte Argentario GR, Italy TEL +39 0564 814138
Il Moleto, Seafood ADDRESS Pier Della Sanita ‘, 58019 Monte Argentario GR, Italy TEL +39 0564 813636
La Fontanina ADDRESS Localita’ San Pietro - Porto Santo Stefano, 58019 Monte Argentario GR, Italy TEL +39 0564 825261
Osteria La Pace, Seafood ADDRESS Anselmi Square, 1, 58019 Porto Santo Stefano, Monte Argentario GR, Italy TELEPHONE +39 0564 810273
Cala del Pozzarello
Il Due Pini, Seafood DESCRIPTION Seafood on the beach ADDRESS Location ‘The Soda - Porto Santo Stefano, 58019 Monte Argentario GR, Italy TEL +39 0564 814012
La Sorgente DESCRIPTION When one is tired of the sun and the sea, its nice to head to the refreshing heights of Monte Argentario, taking in the beautiful, sparkeling view of the Cala Galera bellow and walking around the beautiful church, which belongs to the Convento Padri Passionisti. In the middle of woodland, you will find a simple, rustic outdoor restaurant, where you can sample the finest parpadelle al cingiarle, sagra style. It’s not chic by any standards, but it is family orientated and authentic. ADDRESS 58019 Province of Grosseto
Porto Ercole
Gambero Rosso, Seafood ADDRESS Lungomare Andrea Doria, 62, 58018 Porto Ercole GR, Italy TELEPHONE +39 0564 832650
La Lampara, Pizzeria ADDRESS Lungo Mare Andrea Doria, 63, 58018 Monte Argentario GR, TELEPHONE +39 0564 833024
Il Pellicano If you were to combine the essence of La Dolce Vita with the Riviera lifestyle, think the Eden Roc of Cap D’Antibes, then Il Pellicano would be born. Opened in the 1960s by the Graham family and then soon after acquired by the Sciò family, this spring-to-autumn luxury iconic Hotel has always remained effortlessly elegant and simple despite its notoriety worldwide, it remains an almost word-of-mouth kind of place. It hasn’t lost any of the glamour of its 60s hay day, still remaining the preferred spot of modern day screen sirens and Roman high society, the timeless glamour still prevails. Yet even with such a glittering guest list, it is not inaccessible or indeed chi chi, you feel incredibly at home here rather than in a hotel . Il Pellicano is chic in a décontracté, old-school way, which is altogether refreshing and welcoming. The decors are simple yet elegant with terracotta floors, and photos by avant-garde German lensman Juergen Teller scattered around. There is a certain mystique to the place, almost like a well kept secret behind the Pelican logo. Yet for me, it’s the simple sophistication, laid-back atmosphere and stunning panoramic views that make this a real coastal pearl. A magnificently crafted cocktail in the sea facing terraced bar or a meal at the candlelit Michelin star restaurant definitely lives up to the hype. On a side note there is also a spa located in the main building which offers a full range of holistic treatments, and you do not have to be a guest to book yourself in for an hour or so. Address: Via G. Leopardi, 9-58015 Orbetello (GR) Web: http://www.ipescatoriorbetello.it/presidio-slow-food/ Telephone: +39 0564 850015
La Giannella
Il Veliero, Seafood ADDRESS Via della Giannella, 215, 58015 Orbetello GR, Italy TELEPHONE +39 393 945 4875
Il Tramonto ADDRESS Lungo Mare Andrea Doria, 63, 58018 Monte Argentario GR, TELEPHONE +39 0564 833024
Orbetello
Bottarga di Orbetello Approaching Orbetello from Monte Argentario, the southern Tuscan town seems to rise straight out of the lagoon, a little reminiscent of Venice. it’s a unique sight in Tuscany. The lagoon characterises and defines the city, and its created by two sand bars, the beautiful, long, soft sanded beaches of Feniglia and Gianella, which connect Monte Argentario to the Tuscan mainland. The historical centre of Orbetello is finger-shaped and juts out into the lagoon so that the town is surrounded almost completely by water. Being in Orbetello, you live and breath. Bottarga comes from the an Arabic word, botarikh, for cured fish eggs, a technique of preserving introduced to the lagoon town by the Spanish, who ruled Orbetello more than 500 years ago. Its is still made today by the fisherman’s cooperative of Orbetello. Traditionally, during the months of August and September, grey mulleys are carrying eggs, the fish are caught during their natural migration at the mouth of the lagoon, then worked entire by hand - egg sacs are removed carefully so as not to break them, cleaned, then placed under salt for brief curing, after which the egg sacs are rinsed and dried. Bottarga di Orbetello is different from that of Sardinia and other places. It’s stronger in flavour and softer in texture, so you can slice it and eat it with just a squeeze of lemon and a splash of olive oil on crostini. The longer you keep it, the darker and drier it gets until you need to grate it. Address: Via G. Leopardi, 9-58015 Orbetello (GR) Web: http://www.ipescatoriorbetello.it/presidio-slow-food/ Telephone: +39 0564 850015
La Parrina Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, wine yards and fields of grain. This Agriturismo is beautifully kept and not only offers guests a place to stay with 12 rooms and 4 apartments, but also a chance to visit the vineyard, dairy and nursery, as well as offering cooking lessons or indeed savouring the local produce in their Farm shop or Restaurant. There is little you can’t do here, even if it’s just to come away with a pot of honey, to savour the warmth and hospitality that can be felt at this renowned establishment, hence the reason that many flock here throughout the year. Address: La Parrina, 58015 Orbetello, Province of Grosseto, Italy Telephone: +39 0564 862 626 Web: http://www.parrina.it/en/index.php
Magliano in Toscanna
Da Sandra A short drive from Santo Stefano, and through the rolling Tuscan countryside following signs for Magliano, one will eventually behold the walls of the fortress, usually illuminated with that soft almost pink lighting, one seems to only get in Italy. Da Sandra is one of those gems, you would like to keep secret, but can’t help but recommend it year after year to family and friends. The owner is also a lovely man, who after years of faithful clientele, greats us with a big smile and handshake. Here Tuscan cooking is its best. Everything is in season, and the menu reflects this, from oven cooked Porcini mushrooms, to Truffle tagliatelle, to Maialino al forno (suckling pig), you are spoilt for choice here. We reccomend sampling the Antipasto Misto, amongst friends accompanied by a house Morellino. Although more animated in the summer months, Magliano never feels over crowded or too busy. You simply cannot tire of the cobbled streets, lined with tanned little bambini running around animatedly with their footballs and their grandparents languidly watching on, on a bench in the main piazza, it’s nicely typical and authentic! I would recommend the passegiata through the cobbled streets to the end of the town where the view suddenly opens up to a spectacular backdrop of the Tuscan countryside, which is not only romantic but truly stunning!! I will also mention that there are plenty of wine Bottega’s and even a gallery which offers more wonderful ways to explore the Tuscan culture. Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 20, 58051 Magliano in Toscana GR, Italy Telephone: +39 0564 592196 Web: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1016057d1753687-Reviews-Da_Sandra-Magliano_in_Toscana_Province_of_Grosseto_Tuscany.html
Capalbio
Il Frantoio Right in the very heart of the picturesque, mediaeval town of Capalbio lies the infamous Frantoio, something of a cultural hub, overlooking the main Piazetta. What was once the town’s olive mill has transformed and been lovingly restored into an upmarket Trattoria, serving up some of the best Bloody Mary’s in town not to mention the most delicious Tuscan piatti, using only the freshest of locally sourced produce. The bar is a nod to a downtown New York bar with a great atmosphere, music, cocktails and aperitivi; this is certainly a punto di ritrovo for people in the know. The restaurant is more in keeping with the rustic charm of the Maremma countryside with tables set out in the courtyard during the balmy summer months, where you can dine amongst the olive trees and indeed many tables inside for out of season dining. The eclectic mix of cocktails, a romantic little bookshop and deli, sitting just above the restaurant, make Il Frantoio quite the unmissable destination. There are also many cultural events that take place throughout the year, under the careful hand of Maria Concetta Monaci, also responsible for the bookshop. Even if just to buy some of their amazing Olive Oil, Honey or Wine or simply to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, Il Frantoio is somewhere to stop by when planning a visit to Capalbio. Address: Via Renato Fucini 10 , Capalbio 58011 Telephone: +39 0564 896484 Web: http://www.frantoiocapalbio.com/
Sagra della Cinghiale The Sagra is a proud celebrating of local food, traditions and community. It’s often run by a local association over a short period, a weekend or two, and it’s a whole family (from nonna to grandchild) and neighbour effort. Food is the main theme, be it a local ingredient (cherried, bonito, wild boar, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts) or a special dish (polenta, zuppadi funghi, tortilli maremmani). Quite often there’s live music or other entertainment, too. Sagra della Cinghiale Il Cinghiale is the symbol of Maremma. It’s a strong courageous and resilient animal, like the inhabitants who share this place and its rugged, thick forest-covered hills. As hunting and foraging are a traditional pastime, wild boar is also one of the most prized items on the menu. Towns such as Capalbio are well know for wild boar - just take a look at any of the restaurant menus and you’ll find it in every form imaginable. And in summer, there’s the saga del cinghiale, a fifty-year-old food festival dedicated to the animal. If you can possibly find out the provenance of the meat, choose a younger animal. If you know you are working with a more mature animal, you may need a little more cooking time. Very mature wild boars are tough as old boots, so steer clear. Capalbio has a Sagra di Cingarle, held in September every year. It’s one of the best known around and is over fifty years old. Wild boar is the main feature and you’ll find specialities such as ammazzafegati (‘liver killers’ - charmingly named spicy, wild boar and liver sausages), wild boar all cacciatore, polenta with wild boar stew, and aquacotta.
Montalcino
Castello di Romitorio Wine Tasting If you are looking to savour some of the finest wine whilst being surrounded by the most beautiful works of art, produced by the esteemed contemporary artist Sandro Chia, then look no further than spending a day in the enchanting fortress of Montalcino. The somewhat imposing 12-century fortress and surrounding estate boasts 11 hectares of bountiful vineyard. Acquired by the great artist in 1984, Chia has since lovingly restored the estate to its former glory, which is now a showcase for his many masterpieces as well as hosting some of the most amazing selection of wines, grappa and olive oil. The winery has been producing wine for the past 20 years which is nothing short of exceptional, already receiving many accolades worldwide. Most recently Chia has established an impressive 3000 square meter cantina located within the castle. An ode both to the wine which it produces but of course the fine art which can be found there, the marriage of the two creates a stunning and most fascinating setting which is truly unique not to mention enriching for all the senses. Chia famously says that the wine produced is meant to embody the owner’s dedication and strive to artistic perfection. Castello di Romitorio’s wines include: Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Romito del Romitorio, Rosso di Montalcino, Ghiaccio Forte, Morellino di Scansano, Chianti Colli Senesi, and their white wine Costanza. Address: Loc. Romitorio 279, 53024 Montalcino SI, Italy Telephone: +39 0577 847212 Web: http://www.castelloromitorio.com/