While exploring the charming, medieval hillside town of Cortona, located on the Tuscan border with Umbria, we happened upon the picturesque Osteria del Teatro. This was fortuitous as the three hungry children in our group were at their wits’ end, and we probably would have stopped anywhere to avoid the chorus of, “I’m so hungry! When can we eat?!”
We were drawn in by the lovely setting and menu (as well, I admit, as the promise of three happy girls), where everything looked delicious and there was something to tempt the palate of any age child or adult. Our daughters, who fall between 4 and 6 years old, felt very grown up when the waiter offered them their own table, and the grownups were able to enjoy adult conversation as the children happily colored, knowing that food was one the way.
Elisa enjoyed the Fagottini filled with Italian goat cheese and pears with walnut pesto, mopping up her spare sauce with the fresh bread. I feasted on Ravioli with Squash blossoms and zucchini, and Erik indulged in the Porco Brado, which was accompanied by the following description:
“Recipe that echoes an ancient Etruscan tradition. Free range Grigio de Cassentino (ancient pork breed originating from the Casentino Valley) skewered and lightly smoked with bay leaf. Served with grilled spelt polenta and beans from nearby Transimeno.”
For the more selective diners, there was a simple risotto or tagliatelle al rago. After lunch, we managed to find room for a tiramisu and coffee. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.
If you go with kids, the rest rooms are worth a visit. The ladies’ room is stuffed with dolls of every shape, size and genre, while the men’s is a tribute to trains. Lots of fun!
Address: Osteria del Teatro, Via Maffei 2, Cortona, Arezzo, Italy
Closed on Wednesdays. Tel. +39.0575.630556
Email: [email protected]
And for more food stories, go to Wanderfood Wednesday.