Umbria is a land locked region, but it is still a region that has access to plentiful amounts of top quality fresh fish and shell fish. The majority of the fish at L'Osteria comes from the Atlantic Ocean, while the majority of the shellfish comes from the Mediterranean, as well as from some of the near by rivers.
Pictured, from the top, a variety of shrimp. The large ones with claws are know as Scampi(prawns), then there are gamberi rossi(red shrimp) and gamberi tigre(tiger shrimp). All are normally split down the center, grilled and served family style on a platter.
Next up is the Orata(sea bream). All of the fish at L'Osteria comes whole, in the round, and needs to be gutted and cleaned according to how it will be used. the Orata is often pan roasted whole, or baked in the oven, but as a current menu item it is cured with citrus fruit, salt and sugar and then served with puff pastry and beans from Lake Trasimeno with fresh herbs.
Gamberi di fiume(crayfish) is the next pick. These guys are steamed, and them their tails are removed and the rest of the body is used to make a bisque. The bisque and the tail meat are then used to make a pasta dish.
Following the crayfish is a photo of the cured Orata, and up last is the Frutti di Mare. Two types of clams, and mussels, along with garlic,shallots and parsley are placed in Carta Fata,a clear heat resistant cooking foil. The pouch is cooked in a pan and then placed in a bowl. The server opens the pouch table side for the customer. Pretty interesting stuff. The pouch can also be baked in the oven.
All has been going well here. Last week was crazy busy with lots of parties on and off premises. It appears as though the fall weather has finally arrived to cool things off quite a bit. We have been getting a lot of rain, and the nights have actually been pretty cold. I've had to put extra blankets on the bed, but I've been sleeping like a baby. Ciao!!!
