| La Vita Le Marche |
| Restaurant of the Month |
| Osteria dell'Arco Piazza Gramsci, Magliano di Tenna (Fm). 0734 631630 www.osteriaarco.it Within the walls of the pretty hilltop village of Magliano di Tenna is the equally jewel-like Osteria dell'Arco. This small but perfectly formed restaurant is a real credit to the enthusiastic couple, Tiziano and Nataliya, who own and run it. They have created a stylish setting for beautifully executed classic Marchigiani dishes. Their skill and pride is evident throughout. The self-taught Nataliya creates such wonderful and delicious dishes as Rabbit Porcetta and Pumpkin Souffle which the best chefs in Rome, Florence and Milan would envy. If you are not tempted by the Boned Shoulder of Lamb with Artichoke stuffing then perhaps you would prefer the local meat alla brace,cooked au point in front of you eyes over the huge corner fireplace. The puddings like Pistachio Semifreddo with rich Chocolate Sauce are imaginative and elegantly presented Tiziano's eye for details has been honed since his formative years in Rome at Al Ceppo and the Hilton. A certified Sommelier, he has drawn up one of the best wine lists in the area. There is an intelligent and well-priced selection of Marchigiani wines as well as Italian classics. His wine/dish recommendations are absolutely spot on. Dell'Arco is a real treat and great value. Everything from the home-baked breadsticks to the chestnut beams and terracotta floors will enchant you. Gracious service and memorable cooking are all part of this wonderful experience. Big city quality and sophistication at down to earth prices. Three courses with wine for Two under E75 |
| OCTOBER I Piceni in Ortezzano is awarded the accolade of Restaurant of the Month. Well done Gianpiero and Team. I Piceni 0734 778000 Closed Tuesday B Exciting food in the quiet centro storico of Ortezzano. Modern interpretations of traditional rural and coastal dishes like Laurel-smoked Beef with Pecorino shavings, Leek Risotto, and Salmon poached in Falerio wine. Delicious, elegant puddings, so spare some room for them Gianpiero has cooked all around the world and introduces an international twist to fundamentally local dishes. During Autumn he sources the most fantastic truffles and mushrooms. His white Truffle Risotto is quite simply the best risotto I've ever tasted, and I've had a few in my time! The knowlegeable and helpful staff will rightly recommend the puddings. Great views over the Aso Valley and outside seating during the summer.Capital city quality at marchigiani prices. Rooms available. Piazza M Savani. www.locandaipiceni.it |
| I Piceni Ortenzano Le Marche One Day Cookery Courses Learn the Art and Secrets of Modern Italian cooking from an Award winning Chef In a Beautiful Hill Town in Le Marche. Email: For information and reservation write an email to: locandaipiceni@virgilio.it B&B Available/Lunch Included |

| RESTAURANTS OF THE MONTH; November San Ginesio Il Borgo 0733 653135 Closed About €55 for 3 courses for 2 Piazza A Gentili www.albergocentralesanginesio.com Since its recent refurbishment, this restaurant on the ground floor of the Albergo Centrale, has introduced a bit of chic to the stylish Piazza Gentili. Not just with its elegant little dining room (which opens out onto the piazza during summer) but with the chef’s deft touch with traditional maceratese dishes. The house antipasto is a wonderful selection of mini dishes like Spinach Sformata with balsamic reduction, Mini Wild Boar Stew on Pureed Potatoes and Aubergine Ratatouille. Traditional dishes like Tagliatelle with Porcinis & Wild Asparagus and Raviolini with Sundried Tomatoes & Olives are given a modern twist. Really impressive fresh fish from the coast include a mega Tempura Catch of the Day. Lovely local meat dishes and refreshing puddings. Intelligent and well priced wine list. Refined without being fussy, a really nice find. Porto San Giorgio Damiani & Rossi Mare 0734 674401 Open daily. Closed January. About €65 for 3 courses for 2 Concession 29 Lungomare Gramsci, by Via Barracca turning. www.damianierossi.com Situated right on the sand overlooking the aquamarine sea is a seafood trattoria making the most of the delicious ingredients literary on its doorstep. The mega fish antipasto (€32 between 4 but feeds 6 no probs) is a must. Then depending on your girth, go for a pasta dish like Lobster Spaghetti with garlic and chilli or rich Seafood Risotto and other classic coastal dishes. Alternatively, head for the excellent mains like Pan fried Sea Bream with Asparagus and Artichoke or Amberjack Mackerel. Slowly digest a delightful dolce and watch the world go by from your cool perch. Sensibly chosen and priced menu. Not the cheapest but quality food, service and location. |


| December: Urbisaglia Locanda Le Logge 0733 506788 Closed Wednesday B* Corso Giannelli, 34 www.locandalelogge.it This smart, sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant in centro storico is famous for its modern and exciting interpretations of traditional dishes. The degustazione menu is fantastic and is incredibly good value. There are five interestingly varied antipasto dishes served and these might include treats like tomino cheese with prosciutto,pepper and vanilla oil, followed by cannelloni di Logge, red wine risotto and roast leg of lamb with rosemary and marjoram. The pudding selection is truly mouth watering. Superb wine list and excellent staff. About €65 for 2 enjoying 3 Courses & Wine |
| January Macerata Osteria dei Fiori 0733260142 Closed Sunday C Via Lauro Rossi, 61. www.osteriadeifiori.it This tiny family-run restaurant in the heart of the centro storico has been delighting diners with its honest, seasonal, local dishes for over 30 years. This family run outfit specialises in maceratese and traditional historical dishes.Classic dishes like panzanella, vincisgrassi, rabbit with fennel and pork fillet with vin cotto are given a lively spin by chef Iginia. These are complimented by the excellent locally sourced wine list. Try the Tasting Menu and keep an eye out for their Special Dinner Nights; seating outside- but you'd have to be a little crazy at this time of year. A lovely, cosy and cheerful place full of family bonhommie |
| March 2012 |

| Porto San Giorgio Figaro 0734 677708. Lungomare Gramsci Nord Conc 42 ristofigaro@gmail.com B Situated right on the sand overlooking the aquamarine sea is a cool seafood restaurant making the most of the delicious ingredients literary on its doorstep. The mega fish antipasto is a must. Then depending on your girth, go for a pasta dish like Mixed Shellfish Spaghetti or rich Seafood Risotto and other classic coastal dishes. Alternatively, treat yourself to some super-fresh grilled fish straight out of the sea. Probably the best Sushi on the Adriatic is prepared here by a specially flown in chef. Slowly digest a delightful dolci and watch the world go by from your cool perch. Sensibly chosen and priced wine list. Good Value, easy going. Excellent pizzas straight from the wood-burning oven, snacks and Childrens’ menu available. Big Screen area for sporting events. Concession. San Severino Osteria Ninetta 0733 634962 Closed Tuesday B V del Teatro, 1 www.osterinineta.com Just off the Piazza del Popolo, Ninetta may not look presupposing- appearing charming and understated- but the food is breath-taking. Chef Alberto has used oriental influences to add zing to the flavours and presentation of his exciting dishes. They’re not just eye-catching with their bright colours- they’re delicious and bursting with bright flavours: Cod with Foie Gras, Pidgeon with Fava Puree and Rare Steak with Rocket and Parmessan Shard. The pace does not slacken with pudding- you’ll be blown away by the likes of Coconut Cream with Liquorice and Mint. Impressive wine list and all sensibly priced. A wonderful series of works of Art that you will never forget. |

