Civita is a surreal place, going there is going back 2,500 years in time. I consider it a must see, less than two hours drive from Rome. My fear was that it would be touristy, but going in late November, and staying in this spectacular Air B&B after all the tourists leave every day, made it a once in a lifetime adventure.
Our Air B&B, Domus Civita was a fully restored 14th century palazzo with impeccable design, connected to underground caves, Etruscan tombs and a Roman water cistern. It had a magnificent cliff garden, formal italian parterre and fountain. A very well heated pool and jacuzzi inside an ancient cave sealed the deal. The "house" is a unique adventure its-self and the surrounding and views are exceptional. They arranged private cooking lessons with Valeria Fradiani, an expert chef in typical tuscan and roman cuisine. Of course, it was fantastic.
The Menu
Eggplant rolls with Provola cheese
Bruschetta with field herbs (arugula)
Hand made Pappardelle pasta with wild boar ragout Real Roman chicken “cacciatora” with olives and herbs Hand made Biscotti with Vin Santo wine
I've posted her fresh pasta pappardelle recipe here, it's perfect, as was she, with her great laugh, her passion and her strength, a Roman Chef. Such an honor to get to learn these ancient cooking skills and in such an overwhelmingly beautiful place. For the boar ragout she ground boar meat, tomatoes, garlic, onions and carrots & cooked them down simply with salt and pepper and it was marvelous.
See you out there ~ Lynette La Mere, Executive Chef, Pure Joy Catering
Photo Credit Lucas Oliver Oswald