Whilst researching for the filming at Campodimele we had the pleasure of being introduced to Maria and Fausto who run a bar and the village’s petrol station located at the foot of the ancient village. Annexed to the bar is their little trattoria called La Casareccia. We had already heard by word of mouth that this was a rather good place to eat.
To be honest, the restaurant doesn’t look much from outside, but inside past the bar it is homely and cosy. In the warmer summer months one can eat “al fresco” in the tented extension.
Maria and Fausto were very friendly.
Maria is clearly passionate about cooking and puts her heart and soul into whatever she creates. She explained to us that she uses fresh wholesome locally sourced produce to create authentic traditional dishes of this beautiful region. It could possibly be called “cucina povera”, which literally translated means food of the poor. It is rustic Italian country cooking at its best, humble yet packed with flavour.
On this morning she was going to cook “Ciammotte” one of the village’s local delicacies (snails flavoured with mint and other herbs). She showed me the snails that she was preparing.
Maria showed us how she makes her own pasta including the typical “Laina” which is made with wheat flour, water and a pinch of salt, without the addition of eggs. The dough must be worked vigorously to obtain a uniform mass and then rolled out thinly. This is then covered with a thin layer of flour and allowed to stand for a few minutes. The it is then rolled up and then cut into uneven strips.
It is typically served with a sauce containing fagiole beans or “la Cicerchia” (the grass pea), an unusual type of chickpea / pulse widely used during Roman times.
Maria also makes her own delicious Ravioli.
We booked a table for four for the following weekend to celebrate our friend’s birthday. Maria and Fausto were very attentive and helpful. We all ordered the “Antipasti della Casareccia” which was made from typical local produce and had a delectable range of flavours and textures.
In addition we were presented with crunchy “bruschetta”, little fried dumplings ……
and the typical “Zuppa di Cicerchia”.
Then I ordered Gnocchi with Wild Asparagus and Mushrooms
while the boys chose Tagliatelli with a Pork Ragu. Absolutely delicious.
The prices are very modest and the portions are generous – so we recommend expandable waistbands !!!
We have eaten here 4 times in the last two months and on every occasion we were very impressed by Maria’s dishes. It is soooo good – we just can’t wait to go back again !!!
The last occasion was Easter Monday or “Pasquetta” and the place was full and buzzing with people.
During the winter months the restaurant is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings, but during the summer months it is open most evenings.
Highly Recommended !!!
The Casareccia reviewed on TripAdvisor
Bar Trattoria La Casareccia
Stazione di servizio Repsol, 04020 Campodimele, Italy
Tel: 07715980207
All photos by me © Louise Shapcott
#LaCasareccia #campodimele #italy #ciammotte #cicerchia
Read more about Campodimele The Village of Longevity here
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Tre Cancelle Farmhouse Apartments Near Sperlonga Beaches and Historic Itri, South Lazio, Italy
The food looks delicious
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