During a recent jaunt to Lake Fiastra (in the Marches region), we discovered that gem, the Rifugio di Tribbio, thanks to a tip from our daughter Giulia. Even if you are not seeking a stay in a mountain refuge (rifugio) during a trekking trip, do drop in to taste the goodness at the ristorante of the Rifugio di Tribbio as we did recently: che bonta’! (“What goodness!”)
Backdropped by the wooded mountains, a family was feasting there as we arrived, served by young helper, Giulia:
On arrival, guests are greeted with a simple blackboard near the outdoor bread oven and fountain, offers the menu of they day:
Pino and I sat not far away, enjoying tasty selections from that menu del giorno (“menu of the day”):
Pino opted for stinco di maiale (pork shin) with sauteed chicory (and other wild field greens) on the side. I chose a pasta dish, margherite porcini con quattro formaggi (literally, “porcini daisies with four cheeses”):
Those cheese-filled ravioli-like “daisies” topped with a porcini sauce were an enticing temptation to eye and palate:
I ordered vegetables as a second course.
Buonissimi those baked onion seasoned with thyme, majoram, diced garlic and drizzled with olive oil….
..but the fava beans with wild fennel headed home with us: too abundant!
We’d intended to skip the dolce but tiramisu made without mascarpone intrigued. I had to try the Rifugio di Tribbio version made with sheep’s milk ricotta:
Pino decided to try their version of la sbricciolona (“crumbly cake”):
Typical of the Italians, Pino ordered his espresso for AFTER his dolce.
I wanted my espresso along WITH my dessert (as always): the American way?
The Sybilline mountains rose in the distance as we left the Riufugio di Tribbio.
The Marches region entices – and for many a reason…
See this video about Meriggio, not far from Lake Fiastra
See a video about a past stay near Lake Fiastra
Read here about another trip to the Lake Fiastra area.
Read here about a favorite place to stay near Lake Fiastra area.
