Il Primo or "The First Course", is the first substantial part of the meal and normally consists of a plate of pasta,gnocchi or risotto, or possibly minestrone or a hearty soup.
At L'Osteria all of the fresh pasta items and gnocchi are made in house and all of the ingredients used are local or from the surrounding regions.
Pictured, from the top, is the potato and eggplant gnocchi with sundried tomatoes, oregano, cherry tomatoes,and pine nuts. The dish is finished with fresh grated ricotta salata which is not pictured.
Next is the local dish of "Strengozzi al Tartufo", strengozzi pasta with extra virgin olive oil, black truffle puree, and fresh grated black truffles.
Whole wheat "Maltagliati" pasta is next with porcini mushrooms, parsley pesto and cherry tomatoes. Very earthy and rustic...very delicious. I was never really into whole wheat pasta before, but I certainly am now. Various dishes made with whole wheat pasta have really opened my eyes and broadened my horizons.
The risotto is not on the menu,but there is a risotto special every night. Chef rocks the risotto. No pre-cooking involved, from start to finish each order takes from 20-25 minutes to prepare. It is definitely worth the wait. Pictured is "Risotto con Sagrantino di Montefalco e Pecorino" a local favorite made with Sagrantino di Montifalco wine and Umbrian Pecorino Cheese.
Last but not least is Tortelli pasta stuffed with borlotti bean and rosemary puree, with a white sardine ragu,cherry tomatoes and basil oil. I'm not big on sardines, but I absolutely love this dish. Great flavor combinations.
All of the pastas are outstanding and learning about all of the fresh pastas, and local pasta dishes has been one of my favorite parts of my journey thus far. I hope to be able the do another post on the production of fresh pasta if I get the chance. I hope that everyone has been having a great holiday weekend!!!Ciao!!!!
