Ristorante La Castagna
Preggio
Via del Forno, 13
Preggio
075-941-0294
Owner: Luca Piccioli
Review copyright - Ginda Simpson
Hidden away in the tiny hilltop town of Preggio is a little family-run restaurant worth looking for. Set within the rustic stone cellars of a 15th century building, Ristorante La Castagna has been in business for nearly 30 years. There are two small indoor dining rooms, and a small terrace for outdoor dining, when the weather is right, inviting diners to enjoy a panoramic view of the countryside.
Luca
Piccioli recently took over the family management, but his mother Maria is
still in the kitchen. She
claims she is not a chef, just someone who cooks, assisted by ladies whose
talents exceed her own. Despite
her modest claims, the proof is in the dishes that perfume this small,
unpretentious restaurant – truffles and porcini, grilled meats and
savory pastas.
Dishes
are called specialties for a reason.
Here at La Castagna, two stand out among many fine offerings.
An antipasto tray features many of the usual regional tidbits, but
there is something extra special about the creamy ricotta, fresh as
morning dew, accompanied by a dab of chestnut honey.
The meat-filled cappelli alpini, little hat-shaped pasta,
brilliantly colored by the garden greens the dough is made with, are
topped with a creamy sauce made with mushrooms and herbs.
An entrée of faraona, roasted guinea-fowl is tender, moist
and very flavorful.
Luca and Maria are keen to welcome foreign visitors to their restaurant and to show this, they have a little table of guide books in the various languages for guests to peruse over desert or coffee. They also have a small dictionary should communicating become a challenge. But it is their friendly demeanor that communicates best, “Come join us for a simple, home-cooked meal that will leave you satisfied.” Then take time to explore our delightful town.