Location: Contrada Scoscesa, 10
23828 Varenna (Lc) - Italy
Tel. e Fax: 0341 830793
http://www.vecchiavarenna.it/vecchiavarenna2/index.html
Lovely and quaint restaurant - with quite possibly one of the most well thought out and executed meals I experienced in the Milan region this last trip. Arriving at the restaurant by foot is the climax to the picturesque and reminscent stroll on the footsteps of Lake Como, as described by the restaurant: "On the shore of the lake, in the foot-path, at the harbour (at the end of the lake walk)."
Link to the picture of walking directions:
http://www.vecchiavarenna.it/vecchiavarenna2/dovesiamo.html
The style of Italian cooking boasts seasonal ingredients as well as local fish from the pristine, crystal clear Lake Como. If you've never been, the waters in this lake are absolutely sparkling. It is very well preserved as a national park. Absolutely a must-visit destination; the drive is scenic and well worth the 1.5 hour trek. Luckily we had a close friend who was our tourguide this very cold and beautiful, memorable day!
I had the best risotto of my life here. Risotto Mantecato cooked with butter and lake-fish ragout et marjoram. The 4 of us ordered 2 risotta plates (serves 2 each) and of course there was nothing left. Soledad style cleaned the plates with the delicious hot bread that was served. One of our appetizers was a memorable Aubergine (eggplant) mini-tower prepared with delicate tomate et mozzarella and a very tasty balsamic chicken reduction sauce (I am guessing here, it was incredibly savory). There was also an extremely fresh and vibrant salad that was dressed beautifully with tomato, olive, fish, and very a savory EVOO based dressing drizzled around the side. We shared everything, so we also shared 2 additional main courses. Rabbit served on polenta and another lake-fish served fresh with a delightful mixture of seasonal vegetables (squash, carrots, potatoe).
Not to forget, naturally we started with Prosecco (Valdobbiadene Colmei al bicchiere Bisol et La Contea Triacca) and awhite from La Contea, Lombardy region. A lot of white wine today due to the white fish dishes.
Nearing the end of our eating experience, for our digestif I had my first ever taste of Braulio, a traditional Italian digestif. Interesting and I would try it again! Dessert consisted of a rich slice of homemade chocolate cake served with base of lemon (olive oil?) sauce and a generous dollop of mascarpone! We finally ended with the must-have customary post-meal Italian espresso. Probably had we not been the last patrons that late afternoon, we would have stayed on for another hour.
It was a perfect late afternoon lunch, with the best of friends who came from all around the world to meet together on this happenstance weekend! San Francisco, New York, Geneva, and Milan. Typical Soledad style - bringing together an electic international mix of interesting friends from diverse backgrounds, makes for a very rich eating experience replete with amazing food and deep conversations.
Luckily for us, it was not the end of our day; for we then ventured back into Milan for siesta-pre-fiesta (yes, Soledad always mixing cultures) then went back out to eat again!
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