"I am always amazed by the Italians' ability to turn a pile of pasta, a few vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheese into a feast fit for the gods."
In the heart of Modena, Italy, a culinary story unfolds, centered around the life and passions of Massimo Bottura, the world's best chef, and his wife, Lara. Together, they have created a gastronomic empire, with their world-famous Osteria Francescana, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to dine within their walls.
Casa Maria Luigia, their enchanting country house nestled in the Emilian countryside, serves as both a luxurious retreat and an embodiment of their combined vision. The house, a testament to their love for art, design, and culture, is filled with eclectic pieces, each telling a story of its own.
When you arrive at Casa Maria Luigia, you are welcomed into their world, enveloped by the warmth of Italian hospitality. The anticipation of the meal to come is palpable as you stroll through the property's lush gardens, basking in the sun-dappled beauty that surrounds you.
Jessica Rosval, the talented Canadian chef and protege of Massimo, plays a pivotal role in the culinary experience at Casa Maria Luigia. She skillfully brings together the innovative techniques and soulful ingredients that have made Osteria Francescana renowned, crafting each dish with precision and care.
As you sit down to dine with fellow guests, strangers are transformed into friends, united by a shared love of food and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Conversation flows effortlessly over each meticulously prepared course, as the magic of Massimo's culinary genius unfolds on the plate before you.
The meal, a symphony of flavors and textures, is more than just sustenance; it is a life-changing experience, awakening a newfound appreciation for the art of cuisine. And as you share this transformative moment with the people around you, the connection deepens, weaving a tapestry of memories that will endure long after the final bite. In the presence of Massimo and Lara, their passion and dedication to their craft are evident, their warmth and generosity extending beyond the confines of the dining room. As you walk through the garden once more, the lingering taste of the meal still on your lips, you are left with an indelible sense of gratitude - for the food, for the experience, and for the unforgettable journey you have shared with like-minded souls, all brought together by the magnetic pull of Massimo Bottura's culinary world.
The Grounds ...
The Garden ....
The B&B ....
The Best Part - The Meal Experience!!!!
It is truly a culinary journey like no other at Casa Maria Luigia. From the moment you step into this Italian paradise, you are transported to a world of excitement and discovery. The atmosphere is rich with a sense of anticipation for the feast that awaits.
One of the standout dishes is the Five Ages of Parmigiano, a dish that showcases the versatility and complexity of this Italian cheese. Each layer is aged for a different amount of time, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue.
Another must-try dish is the Tortellini in Parmigiano Creme, a dish that is rich, creamy, and indulgent. The perfectly cooked pasta is filled with a flavorful filling and swimming in a decadent sauce that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
The crunchy part of the Lasagna is also a standout dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. This innovative take on a classic dish is a textural masterpiece that is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Oh!!! - the Lemon Tart. This heavenly dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and with every bite, you'll be transported to citrus heaven. Even if you accidentally drop a piece on the floor (oops!), the taste is so divine. It is truly a reflection of the perfection of Italian ingredients and the evolving art of Massimo Bottura.
To top it all off, the food is presented with flair by Massimo, Lara, and Jessica Rosval, who add to the excitement of the dining experience. The wine pairings are perfectly divine, elevating each dish to new heights. All in all, dining at Casa Maria Luigia is a life-changing experience that should be on every foodie's bucket list. The food, the atmosphere, and the people all come together to create a magical experience that you'll never forget.
The Perfect Wine Pairing
When it comes to wine pairings, some are simply divine. But among all the memorable matches at Casa Maria Luigia, there was one that stood out as the pinnacle of perfection: the Marsanne Roussane blend from the Poderi A Bertelli winery in the Piemonte region.
This wine was in perfect harmony with itself, a true testament to the winemaker's dedication to the craft and the terroir of the region. Aldo Bertelli's commitment to sustainable viticulture practices, including organic farming and minimal intervention in the vineyard, is evident in every sip.
As for the wine itself, it is a dry white with a pale lemon color and intense aromas of lemon, pear, and white flowers, with a subtle hint of honey. On the palate, it is dry, with high acidity and flavors of lemon, green apple, and a hint of almond. The wine has a medium body, a long finish, and a pronounced mineral character that reflects the mountain terroir where the grapes were grown. But what makes this wine truly exceptional is the way it paired with the Five Ages of Parmigiano. The nuttiness and intense flavors of the cheese were met with equally intense flavors in the wine, while the high acidity refreshed the palate for the next bite. It was a match made in heaven, each element elevating the other to create a harmonious culinary experience.
Even the sommelier struggled to express her love of the wine and the pairing in English. But when I asked her to describe it in her native tongue, she came alive, able to fully express her enthusiasm for the wine itself through the lens provided by the food. The food opened up the wine for her, revealing new depths of flavor and potential. In short, the Marsanne Roussane blend from Poderi A Bertelli, when paired with the iconic Five Ages of Parnigiano, is a wine that defies explanation. It simply must be experienced to be believed.