There is a wonderful new restaurant in Cortona called Ristorante AD Braceria. The ancient setting was rebuilt several times over many years from four small homes with a street down the middle and the building is still owned by the original family. What was the old street now runs through the center of the restaurant.
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Today, there are many intimate settings for dining…(if only these walls could talk!)
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Business partners Anna and Tito opened this wonderful restaurant which specializes in meat and fish, the latter being a great addition to Cortona, more known for Chianina beef. I felt an instant connection with Anna, as she is from Naples and her husband Marco is from Nola, southern towns where my maternal grandparents were born.
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Braceria can be translated as a carvery, or a place where they slice the meet to order, whether it is prosciutto, veal, or a chianina beef steak.
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At AD, the fish is always fresh.
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We have dined here many times with local and visiting friends and have enjoyed a variety of dishes each time.
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Our meals have been delicious and beautifully presented, and we often let Anna decide our menu. Here’s a sampling:
Shrimp carpaccio with burrata:
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Breaded Clams:
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Seafood salad with five grains:
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Salmon marinated with citrus fruits:
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Octopus salad with mashed potatoes:
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Mixed grilled seafood:
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Len having fun:
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Handmade fresh pasta stuffed with sea bass, shrimp and tomatoes:
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Rigatoni with artichokes, bacon and pecorino:
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Grilled chicken (wait time 35 minutes and well worth the wait!)
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Grilled fillet with rosemary:
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Handcut veal with rosemary:
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Fresh green beans with balsamic:
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And my very favorite –
Paccheri with braceria ragu (veal and pork):
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This pasta is a traditional peasant dish from Naples, made from the various cuts of meat, and simmered for 12 hours with tomatoes and wine. Note: THIS IS THE BEST PASTA I HAVE EVER EATEN!
As one might expect, the desserts are incredible.
Hot and dark chocolate cake with gelato:
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Daily fresh fruit sorbet, (on left) …Typical dessert from Napoli on right:
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We are delighted with the addition of this restaurant in Cortona. Incredible food in an incredible setting – Perfetto!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
How did we miss this one? Yum!!!
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We were just so busy this is a good excuse to all return together!
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Wow delicious food! I had the best food and beautiful memories in Cortona! Love that place! 🙂
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I’m afraid we are having too much of the best food, but never too many beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome !!! 🙂
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I think I need a trip to Cortona.
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Besides all the food, this weekend is the big music festival!
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Wow, looks amazing. Sorry we missed it in September. Another compelling reason to return to Cortona very soon!
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One of our favorites! I think you’d love it too.
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