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.
©Blogginginitaly.com
Today, there are many intimate settings for dining…(if only these walls could talk!)
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
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.
©Blogginginitaly.com
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.
©Blogginginitaly.com
At AD, the fish is always fresh.
©Blogginginitaly.com
We have dined here many times with local and visiting friends and have enjoyed a variety of dishes each time.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
Our meals have been delicious and beautifully presented, and we often let Anna decide our menu. Here’s a sampling:
Shrimp carpaccio with burrata:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Breaded Clams:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Seafood salad with five grains:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Salmon marinated with citrus fruits:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Octopus salad with mashed potatoes:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Mixed grilled seafood:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Len having fun:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Handmade fresh pasta stuffed with sea bass, shrimp and tomatoes:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Rigatoni with artichokes, bacon and pecorino:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Grilled chicken (wait time 35 minutes and well worth the wait!)
©Blogginginitaly.com
Grilled fillet with rosemary:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Handcut veal with rosemary:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Fresh green beans with balsamic:
©Blogginginitaly.com
And my very favorite –
Paccheri with braceria ragu (veal and pork):
©Blogginginitaly.com
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:
©Blogginginitaly.com
Daily fresh fruit sorbet, (on left) …Typical dessert from Napoli on right:
©Blogginginitaly.com
We are delighted with the addition of this restaurant in Cortona. Incredible food in an incredible setting – Perfetto!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 