Archive for category: Imperia

A walk at Dolceacqua is always a wonderful experience, and the many tourists, who visit it every year, know it. This year on the occasion of the exhibition dedicated to Monet they will have one more reason to return. A recommended stop is at the restaurant ”A Viassa”, opened a few years ago by two young enterprising and passionate, Stefano and Aimone, who have conquered an enviable place in the gastronomic offer of Val Nervia. The cooking of the chef Aimone, assisted by Andrea and Crina, is based on local products, following their seasonality, and with the addition of a bit of imagination. In the appetizers, always present, among others, the brandacuiun (stoccafisso with oil, potatoes and parsley), the barbagiuiai (fried ravioli stuffed with rice and pumpkin), and the previ (rolls of savoy cabbage and sausage). Among the first courses, tagliatelle with clams, artichokes and bacon, gnocchi with calamari and cream of turnip tops, and pumpkin risotto, pistachios and brigasca sheep toma. To follow we mention the baked lamb with the beans of Pigna or the fish of the day with broccoli and carrots. Homemade desserts, all to taste, such as the ice cream of michette and Rossese reduction, the sacripantina cake and the chocolate and pear crumble, to mention just a few. Stefano and his stuff assure a courteous and professional service. Good wine list, with the best labels of the Ponente.

A charming residence in the Argentina valley, midway from the sea and the mountain, an enchanted place in all seasons, that its owners, Tiziana and Gigi, have created with lots of passion. In its six stylish rooms it can welcome many tourists, from Italy and abroad, that appreciate the hinterland and its cuisine. The restaurant internal part is very characteristic, with its wooden tables and two fireplaces always on in the wintertime, that make the environment very hospitable. In the summertime it is possible to have a lunch in the garden. Giancarlo Borgo, the chef, whose cuisine is based on the products of the territory, according to the Seasons, with traditional dishes with creative ideas, always presented with a pinch of originality. He tasting menu for 35 Euro, changes every month, includes the appetizers, among which we mention the brandacujun, creamy stockfish with potatoes and the fillo pasta roll with artichokes and crunchy warts. Among the first course dishes durum wheat semolina tagliolini with saffron, dehydrate Taggia olives and crunchy onions and the delicious risottos made by the chef. Among second courses the specialty of the restaurant, the sliced steak, as an alternative lamb, rabbit or dried salted cod. Original and delicious homemade cakes. Tiziana is always smiling and will describe you all the dishes while Gigi will be able to give you advice on the proper wine to combine with them. Broad list of wines, with particular attention to the local ones.

Since 25 years he has been managing this restaurant, Marco Cuccuvè has been able to offer a high level cuisine, with always fresh fish, coke with prowess by a well rehearsed kitchen brigade. Splendid is its location, in front of the beach, and on nice days, even in the wintertime, it is very pleasant to have lunch by the sea heated by the tepid Ospedaletti sunshine. In the hall Mrs. Carla and her friendly and professional staff guarantee an impeccable service. In the kitchen the chef Gennaro Vivo comes up with dishes studied with care, even from their presentation, based on high quality seasonal products. Much sought after, in the appetizers, the “fantasy of raw stuff” consisting of oysters, prawns, shrimps, tuna tartars, seared tuna, scallop, swordfish, smoked wild salmon or tepid octopus with salad. In the first course dishes shall be highlighted anglefish ravioli with clams and lemon, or lobster tagliolini, a specialty of the chef. In the second course dishes cannot be missed either mixed fried seafood, light and crunchy, or the tasty frilled fish. Extended section of delicious desserts hat shall all be tasted like rum babà, ricotta cannoli, tiramisu, the superb mille feullie. The environment is stylish and refined, perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings. Good selection of wines with particular focus on the area wines. Booking is always recommended.

The restaurant is a small traffic-free street in the center of Imperia. The restaurant, even from the outside, offers an elegant and refined atmosphere. The first dining room is large with classic decor and mood lighting, on the walls drawings by famous artists who have frequented the restaurant, on warmer days you can have dinner in the cellar downstairs. Enrico Calvi, young and passionate, Agostino’s nephew, who founded this restaurant in 1905, will welcome you with a smile and will recommend you. The tasting menu at 45 euro is preceded by three beautifully presented amuse-bouche, the appetizer is a bowl of veal with vegetable mixed pickles and pepper mayonnaise followed by a baked pumpkin with celeriac and Parmesan cheese, the first course is a delicious risotto with parsnip puree, crunchy roots, bruss and honey, followed by sea bass with shrimp bisque, seaweed salad, fennel and green apple. You can end with a Martine pear with red wine and eggnog. A la carte dishes such as the lamb buttons, butternut squash, milk of prescineusa (fresh Ligurian cheese), and among the second dishes we mention the Mulard duck breast and the rich local fish soup. Cuisine based on local, genuine products, such as the “Agostino” oil dedicated to his grandfather, a pioneer of the Mediterranean diet, and often cultivated in the family vegetable garden. Wide selection of wines, with prevalence of local labels. The price is about 60 euro.

Located in a magical setting surrounded by the mountains and forest, the restaurant offers homemade traditional cuisine together with authentic ingredients and a warm welcome. The inn was re-opened in 2010 after having been closed for many years by Pierangelo Borfiga and his wife Laura, the third family generation to manage the historic “Locanda Colle Melosa”. A hike around these parts is always suggested in any season; the inn offers delicious dishes using local seasonal ingredients. During theme nights in the winter you can try their “bagna cauda nel fojòt” in its characteristic terracotta dish as well as the polenta and wild boar. You must try their ravioli with alpine herbs, the goat with beans and the lamb with artichokes. During the summer you should try the “gran pistou”, crushed grains with ham. You should also try their homemade desserts such as the bonet and apple cake. Wine from local producers such as Rossese or Ormeasco are available as well as wines from nearby Piemonte. There’s also the possibility of staying overnight but it’s best to book in advance. Tasting menu priced from 22 to 32 euro.