bottura state of mind: tòla dòlza, slow food, fast cars
Tòla Dòlza. Emilian dialect for “take it easy'“ - the words that greeted us when we entered Bottura’s Gatto Verde.
When you hear Modena, you hear Massimo Bottura. The two are linked. Modena is Bottura’s playground and both home as well as the main inspiration behind his creations. Massimo Bottura. 3 Michelin Stars. Osteria Francescana. Food. Modena.
Foodie Disneyland: a creative genius’ home
A few days in foodie Disneyland - in Bottura’s home away from home. Everything here has a story. Every single thing. The gym - or “playground”, as they call it – is full of Ducati motorcycles and Ferrari cars, with the occasional Warhol painting on the wall. The record room is a one-person venue to disconnect from the day-to-day on the only armchair in the room, playing a record of your choice from his ample collection. Then you’ve got my favourite room - the “hello” room as I call it - filled with framed photos of famous “waves”. It’s brilliant. Then… a big seller: the house kitchen that is open 24/7. And it IS a kitchen - you can go rummaging through the fridge at any hour of the day or night. Go ahead and choose your afternoon pick-me-up or midnight snack… all Bottura signed, of course. A gourmet fridge that is constantly refilled with new delicious treats… honestly, what can be better?!?
The acetaia - more about this later. The cocktails - yes, also balsamic vinegar flavoured! The ice cream sculptures on top of the balconies (cutest idea!). The ART. Every room has art from previous installations hung up in Osteria Francescana or his other restaurants. You really feel like you’re in a home. A creative genius’ home. This place is an experience in and of itself.
If you’re already a Bottura culinary fan, you know the playfulness he brings to the table. Literally. Well in Modena, he takes it to another level - way beyond the dining room. He’s found a space to manifest in and it’s a beautiful experience to be a part of.
The Stars
Dining at THE Osteria Francescana… voted “Best Restaurant in the World” on several occasions. 3 Michelin Stars: an intimate dining area that hosts an entire world to textures and flavours. Discovering the famous 5 ages of parmigiana reggiano where, I quote, “there are only two things on your plate: parmigiano reggiano and the passing of time”. How beautifully said, right? Where “Oops! I dropped the lemon tart” and “This little piggy went to the market”… are just an order away… along with all his other classic dishes. A feast for the eyes, the palate and all your senses. Impossible to get into without a reservation made waaaaaay in advance. Unless you know the right people (hint hint).
But of course… there is also Francescana at Casa ML - the “at your doorstep” version of the Osteria, hosting only a tasting menu of the “best of” dishes in an intimate gathering at a communal table where guests can share a fantastic dining experience together and get to know each other too!
Al Gatto Verde - a fusion of tastes. Three words come to my mind: burnt, charcoal and lime. This is my personal favourite. “A journey of wood-fire cooking and smoky flavours” as he describes it… presented in a playful, colourful manner. And it’s right in between the Acetaia and the Playground so when it’s a full experience altogether.
The Christmas Morning Breakfast. No, really. This is not ‘my take on it’… this is actually Bottura’s intention with their breakfast proposal here. “Every breakfast should feel like Christmas Morning”. Enough said - I leave it to your imagination. Go wild, trust me. It’s fabulous.
A drive away is another one of my favourites… always signed by the master himself: Cavallino. The tortellini. The incredible cherry jam. The ambiance…. and the colours! One of his coolest places, design-wise in my opinion. Ferrari meets Bottura…
This is not meant to be a review, but rather a highly-conservative overview of this incredible Emilian experience. The heart and core of our Made in Italy: Behind the Brands proposal… and definitely my (and sure very soon yours too) favourite food destination.
The Disclaimer
*Disclaimer: do not opt to come here if you’re on a diet / if you’re not into carbs… honestly, even if you’re intermittent fasting. Leave it all at the door, take a break, and enjoy it. It’ll be good for the soul - I promise.