10-5-17 Beautiful Frescos and Food Porn – Lover of Wine – Travel along on our adventures

Today we headed out on foot to visit the Scuola della Carita is a real gem hidden in the heart of the city center. Beautiful Roman architecture, grandeur, breathtaking. What’s best about it – free entry. The second floor is a masterpiece of wall murals painted in the sixteenth century. The history reflects those times when many people suffered hard situations where the community helped through charity. It looks rather plain from the outside, but when you go up the stairs and see the murals you will be in awe.

There is a series of 12 fresco’s on the walls painted by Dario Varotan in 1579 with stories from the Life of the Virgin.

#1: Gioacchino’s thrown away from the temple

#2: Joachen among the shepherds. Dario Varotari’s ability to paint animals is manifested here fully well before others in the 17th century.

#13 – The assumption. The Virgin reappears according to the elongated form present in the relief in front of which the Bonafari spouses pray.

All of the paintings were well done and looked beautiful – they had a restoration about 10 years ago – and the entire room is quite stunning. Well worth a visit.

Listed as number 29 on the best restaurants in the world, Le Calandre was a goal to reach while in Italy. Located not far from our hotel, what a surprise, we taxied over for a late lunch. Located in lovely space, Chef Alajmo is presenting wonderful and delicious dishes. Together with brother Raffaele and sister Laura, he is part of the 5^th generation of the family of Chefs. This place was awarded its third Michelin Star in 2002!

After meeting both Chef Alajmo and his brother Raffaele, we had a wonderful glass of Prosecco and looked over the menu. Raffaele came by and asked about our likes and dislikes and said he would plan our menu accordingly. We really didn’t have to decide ANYTHING which is always a treat. There were at least five course and as many wines over the next couple of hours.

Janeen and Raffaele – brother of the Chef.

David and Chef Alajmo before the start of our meal.

There were three little bits- each an explosion of flavor.

At one point, one of the waters brought over a copy of Chef Alajmo’s book showing us the recipe for the dish we were having – saffron risotto with licorice, rosemary chanterelles and king oyster mushrooms – which was neat.

Lobster carpaccio with cold avocado and bergamot cream green apple and prataioli mushroom salad with sauce

Saffron risotto with licorice, rosemary chanterelles and king oyster mushrooms

janeen with saffron risotto with licorice, rosemary chanterelles and king oyster mushrooms

David with saffron risotto with licorice, rosemary chanterelles and king oyster mushrooms

Jon Marko our primary water was great and poured some great wines.

Smoked tagliolini with egg yolk shavings

Cuttlefish cappuccino – dig deep and drag the flavors up in your spoon.

Braised red beef cheek with celery root cream and black truffle – no knife was provided and it was certainly NOT needed.

A ball containing almond mozzarella. Crack the ball to release the flavors.

Fried soft-shell crabs with turmeric sauce

Of course, we ending up buying the book and having them ship it home for us after getting several signatures and notes from the Chef. It will be interesting to see the book once we get back.

The pictures really are food porn – it was a great meal and ranks right up there at the top for all meals we have had over the years.

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