Unlike Rome, there aren’t so many restaurants in Orvieto that getting to most of them over the next 5 days will be difficult, so it’s really just a matter of picking one and starting off.
The biggest challenge really is just making sure the one we pick is open that day. It seems that they rotate the days they are closed. I’m assuming so they all get at least one day off
So I picked Trattoria Del Moro Aronne as our first culinary adventure in the land of the Etruscans.
Michelin recommended, and known for their authentic, rustic Umbrian cuisine, particularly their signature Nidi di Rondine (baked pasta nests with pecorino and honey) and wild boar pasta, it’s family owned and has a cozy atmosphere.
It just so happens we picked both of their specialties for our meal tonight. But first we need some wine.
How about a litre of some excellent house red, for 13 euros?
And then some Carpaccio to start.
Actual proper, raw beef. Phew! Our last experience with Carpaccio here in Italy wasn’t wonderful.
Delicious, paper thin slices of beef seasoned with truffle. One of my favorites done very well
Now as for the dishes they are famous for. This one comes up frequently online.
Nido di rondine pecorino e miele
When you read “lasagne” on the menu you have a presupposed expectation of what might be coming. And ok yes I suppose in an artisticly, creatively licensed sort of way one can call this lasagne. But not at all what you would expect.
After one bite you understand exactly why they are famous for the dish.
its simply one lasagne noodle wrapped around some cheese with a little honey. And it’s mind blowing. There’s no tomato in there at all. Or meat. Yet it’s probably the best lasagne I’ve ever eaten.
But wait, there’s more.
My Tagliatelle al cinghiale.
This is now the third plate of pasta this trip that I have to proclaim as “one of the best pasta dishes I have ever eaten.”
Six months ago when we were planning this trip and I thought of all the great food I’d be eating this is the plate of food I was thinking about.
Again the simplicity is the wow factor. Well cooked pasta with Wild Boar in some sauce I can only describe as fantastic. I have no idea what the sauce is. I only know it’s incredible.
Can it get any better?
Actually it can.
I’ve had a lot of Tiramisu in my life. I’ve made a lot of Tiramisu in my life.
This was the best Tiramisu I’ve ever had. No question. Hands down. It’s light and creamy with a perfect balance of custard and cookie with just the right amount of coffee flavour.
It’s so good I think we might go back just for this dessert another night.
So, our first night in Orvieto and the food has definitely lived up to expectations. The whole meal has. The beautiful atmosphere and the great service from the very friendly and welcoming staff made the entire experience unforgettable. A meal I will remember for years.
11/10