To Modena with Massimo Bottura: Countryside Wonderland, Balsamic Treasury and Dining to Remember
Besides the fame of wide arcaded streets, beautiful palaces and gardens, the birthplace of legendary Enzo Ferrari, as well as iconic Emilian produce such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico and Lambrusco, there are some more reasons to take a charming journey through Modena — the capital of Romance art in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy.
One of the world’s most respected and celebrated chefs, a native of Modena and creator of an international culinary empire that includes his flagship three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana and laid-back Franceschetta58 in Modena, the Gucci Osteria restaurants, the new Cavallino restaurant in partnership with Ferrari in Maranello and also the global non-profit organization Food for Soul (chain of free restaurants), MASSIMO BOTTURA invites to discover the Emilian region in the most unforgettable way possible: starting the journey at unique and truly unusual space CASA MARIA LUIGIA. Place, where you can enjoy art, culture, organic beauty of the Emilia region, delightful cuisine and the most sincere and warm hospitality.
BUONGIORNO, BENVENUTI, VENITE, CI PRENDIAMO NOI CURA DI VOI
“Good Morning, Welcome, We Will Take Care Of You” – Massimo’s favorite expression, which he recites in Italian, perfectly characterizes the meaning of CASA MARIA LUIGIA, a cozy guest house with almost 250 years of history, located in the countryside of Emilia just in 20 minutes drive from Modena.
Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, partners in life and business, acquired the 18th-century property with the intention of extending the art of hospitality beyond the doors of Osteria Francescana, which the couple opened in 1995 in the historic town of Modena.
When Osteria Francescana got the title of The World’s Best Restaurant in 2018, and a year later the restaurant was promoted to the Best of the Best group, entering the hall of fame of the greatest restaurants of the 21st century, Massimo and Laura realized their long-held dream of opening a place that would become more than a hotel where you can spend the night, but a place where every guest would feel at home being away from home.
“It took us many years to find this special place, — says Massimo. — I am a big fan of my native region with its incredible treasures — beautiful landscape, culture, gastronomy, wine. We want to show our guests how wonderful this place is, how it smells and tastes. This is a place where the soul and mind rest, and our caring staff, who are on call 24 hours a day, will make sure that the guest feels special. Our secret is simple — to be real, full of strength and enthusiasm, to present this amazing corner of the world in all its glory.”
Nestled in a secluded corner of the Po Valley, Italy’s largest plain, CASA MARIA LUIGIA, lovingly restored, makes an indelible impression from the moment you enter. Passing through the cast-iron gates to the house, an Italian villa opens up with two huge ice cream cones on the balconies, which immediately creates the impression of something unusual and mysterious.
Massimo and Laura turned this house into an exclusive Albergo, which they filled with their favorite things: books, a collection of contemporary art from Italian and foreign authors, photographs and sculptures. The house is surrounded by cornfields, 200-year-old oak fruit trees and producers of some of the world’s most valuable ingredients — Aceto Balsamico of Modena and Parmigiano Reggiano.
The interior design is a sophisticated combination of vintage and modern furniture to create a unique atmosphere. Guests are greeted by a cozy lobby & reception with Tracey Emin’s artwork — profane neon piece glowing “Red, White, and Fucking Blue”.
Behind the wall, the main room with a painted ceiling awaits, leading to an intimate spirit room, a music lounge with Massimo’s vinyl collections and a family-style kitchen, where free snacks and drinks are offered throughout the day: sweet pastries, crackers, nuts, tea, coffee, lambrusco wine.
The territory of the guest house also has a swimming pool where you can relax from the scorching Italian sun, tennis courts to keep fit at any time of the year, walking areas, a wood-burning stove and a garden.
CASA MARIA LUIGIA presents 12 rooms, all very stylish and cozy.
Guests are provided with all the necessary amenities and accessories for a relaxing holiday, perfect bed linens for a good sleep and a free minibar.
AUTHENTIC BREAKFAST & DINNER
A hearty Emilian breakfast is served at the neighboring carriage house, where guests can expect friendly staff and gourmet cuisine.
Leading the culinary offering at CASA MARIA LUIGIA, Jessica Rosval, a Canadian chef who has worked for Osteria Francescana for several years and, like Massimo and Laura, brings to life the idea that guests should feel at home.
Every morning before guests arrive, Jessica and her team light the wood-burning stove, which further enhances the feeling of home.
The breakfast is inspired by the idea of la merenda estiva, the second breakfast that Emilian farmers usually eat after a few hours of work in the fields. Meals are hearty and nutritious, designed to restore energy.
Delicious Italian Erbazzone herb pie, Cotechino smoked sausage with Zabaione egg cream with sugar and sweet wine, frittatas, pastries and biscuits made according to Massimo’s family recipes and inspired by the seasons, being prepared with ingredients from his own garden are featured here.
During the day, small savory pies and desserts are available in the kitchen of CASA MARIA LUIGIA, and in the evenings, FRANCESCANA at MARIA LUIGIA awaits guests — an exciting gastronomic experience, a nine-course tasting menu Osteria Francescana, which presents the specialties of the famous restaurant in Modena in a unique countryside setting. Three large tables and an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the preparation of dishes and listen to interesting stories associated with each dish.
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA — Experimental Alphabet of Italian Cuisine
The Italian hospitality of Massimo Bottura continues in his flagship restaurant in the heart of Modena, which can be easily approached by car if you’re staying at CASA MARIA LUIGIA.
Elegant interior with bright modern art, ironed tablecloths, polished silver, strict waiters — It is an ensemble of gestures that define a way of life. The table is where the journey begins.
This understated style is also reflected in the kitchen, where grand gestures are replaced by a measured approach that pays close attention to every detail.
“Osteria Francescana gave us the idea to create CASA MARIA LUIGIA to further enhance the hospitality around the restaurant, — continues Massimo. — Our guest house is like a restaurant that has become even bigger, where we share our stories, ideas with guests, give them something of our own very personal. After all, the very word “restaurant” in Latin means to restore – so we want our guests to restore their thoughts and souls, let themselves have complete freedom. For us, hospitality is a great joy.”
The tasting menu VIENI IN ITALIA CON ME — COME IN ITALY WITH ME tells about an exciting journey through sunny Italy, varied and full of contrasts.
– Ribollita, A Ciaccio like Blinis, Bigne
Including the delicacies of Modena and the Emilia region, as well as classic international dishes, which Massimo interprets with a light and playful touch, reminding us that food should not be a boring ritual but instead an enjoyable experience influenced by memory and culture.
– Panettone, cotechino e lenticchie 365 days a year — thanks to its incredibly airy texture, this perfect interpretation of traditional Italian delicacy disappears from the plate in an instant
– Textures of the North Adriatic Sea
– Climate Change: Drought of the Po River
– Risotto that wants to be a Borlengo
– Un viaggio nel Bel Paese: the North meeting the South
– Turbo Porchetta
– Grilled Venison and sides
– Think Green is a state of Mind
– Spaghetti with tomato sauce (almost)
– Macaron of Venezian liver, Carbonara cannoli, Chocolates from the garden at Casa Maria Luigi
The dinner ends with a dessert that has become the hallmark of the restaurant: Oops! I forgot the Caprese salad
This dessert periodically changes in form and ingredients, but the essence remains the same. It came from the famous “Oops! I dropped the lemon tart!” when the accidentally broken lemon tart delighted Massimo with crumbs, splashes of cream and splinters all over the floor. This picture led to the creation of a unique dessert. Massimo himself calls it “one of his main achievements, born out of an oversight.”
The menu is complemented by an excellent list of classic and rare vintage wines, which can be ordered by the glass, by bottle or in a form of wine accompaniment, specially compiled by the restaurant’s sommelier.
In addition to the tasting menu, you can get acquainted with the cuisine of Osteria Francescana by ordering dishes À la carte.
12-Course tasting menu — 320€
Wine pairing — 210€
VILLA MANODORI — Treasury of Massimo Bottura
Massimo Bottura has applied all his creativity and effort to the creation of the unique VILLA MANODORI Balsamic Vinegar, which is produced using artisan techniques in the traditions of the Old World.
The name VILLA MANODORI harks back
to a 16th century estate located near CASA MARIA LUIGIA. Great feasts of local game were often the custom at the Estensi Estate. Their renowned aceto balsamico was served as a digestive at the end of each meal. Massimo takes great pride in Modenese culinary traditions and products. He has been commited over the past twelve years to restoring the VILLA MANODORI Acetaia to its noble past.
In the Photo: Massimo Bottura
“We produce balsamic vinegars in very small quantities, — says Massimo. — Villa Manodori Artigianale is crafted from the must of locally grown trebbiano grapes and aged red wine vinegar and it’s matured for 10 to 20+ years in small barrels of oak, chestnut and juniper woods, yielding a balsamic of dark rich color, intense aroma and thick consistency. The pearl of our collection is Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, a refined and luxurious balsamic vinegar that acquires its extraordinary taste and aroma during 30 years of aging. When it comes to producing the best balsamic vinegar, there are no shortcuts!
But the most important thing is not aging but quality and taste. Villa Manodori is our long-standing family business, our child. We make absolutely traditional Modena vinegar — very delicious and foul of soul, indeed.”
Balsamic vinegar is widely used, adding a sophisticated touch to meats, seafood, risottos, cheeses, and is also great in desserts and ice cream.
VILLA MANODORI balsamic vinegars have won special attention from both professionals and gourmands. They are used in all restaurants of Massimo Bottura (everyone can purchase them as a special memory gift), and also in many other restaurants around the world.
Massimo Bottura is not only a talented chef, he is a great conversationalist and an excellent guide. With great enthusiasm and passion he presents his private car museum, which is located next to VILLA MANODORI. Here you can see exclusive models of ones of the most prestigious brands of fast cars — Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Massimo Bottura: “I was born and raised in Emilia, my family is here, my business is here. This place is one of the most beautiful ones on earth with the richest resources. Throughout my life I travel a lot, observe and absorb gastronomic and cultural experiences in all parts of the world, this allows me to continue to look further, dream and create. Everything that we have created here is our great work, our pride, and we want to share it with our dear guests, bringing them happiness and joy. And we keep on dreaming to move forward.”
CASA MARIA LUIGIA
Address: 2019 Stradello Bonaghino 56 – San Damaso – Modena · Italy
Contacts: info@casamarialuigia.com
tel. +39 059 469054
Instagram: @casamarialuigia
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA
Openig hours: Everyday, from Monday to Sunday
Address: Via Stella, 22 41121 Modena MO Italy
Contacts: Phone from 10.00AM to 6.30PM
+39 059 223912; reserve@osteriafrancescana.it
Instagram: @massimobottura
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
