I choose to celebrate my 50th Birthday (50 years old!) in a special place: Le Calandre in Rubano, a suburb of Padova. Under the magnificent guidance of Massimiliano Alajmo (the youngest chef to be awarded 3 Michelin Stars in the world; in 2018 was confirmed among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants) La Calandre offers a quite unique experience combining innovation with tradition linked to the territory (not necessarily local territory)
The location is quite weird (de facto it is in a high traffic road towards Padova next to large discounts or megastores), nevertheless once inside the atmosphere is minimalist and at the same time quite sophisticated. You also have the chance to see the kitchen right at the entrance thanks to a large window in front of you.
We had the possibility to choose among 3 tasting menus (but in case you want to go a la carte you also have the possibility to ask for it even if you need to follow a predetermined number of courses chosen from the menus, from 3 to 5): Classic, Max and Raf. We opted for the Classic one because it proposes all the historical signature dishes of the restaurant, therefore allows you to have a clear idea of the philosophy of Alajmo’s cuisine. All the 3 menus have the same price.
Here below our journey…
HOT AND COLD CAULIFLOWER, CAVIAR AND OYSTERS
CUTTLEFISH CAPPUCCINO (one of the most popular dishes of Alajmo, probably the one that made him famous, you have the option to choose a variant: MURRINA)
CUSTOZA BROCCOLI PUREE WITH TUNA BELLY GELATO
NAPUL’È (this was intriguing. It is the Alajmo’s interpretation of the fried Neapolitan pizza dedicated to Alfonso Mattozzi, popular neapolitan chef)
SMOKED TAGLIOLINI WITH EGG YOLK SHAVINGS
SAFFRON RISOTTO WITH LICORICE POWDER AND ARTICHOKE CONSOMMÉ (another famous signature dish, I must admit, my preferred one of the menu)
HAND-CHOPPED RAW PIEMONTESE BEEF WITH CURRY
BONE MARROW WITH HERBS
RED RADICCHIO WITH SPICY SAUCE
ROAST SUCKLING PIG WITH MUSTARD SAUCE AND COFFEE POWDER
FAITH (must have faith! sooner or later you will find what you will eat…spoiler in the photo…)
ALMOND MOZZARELLA (intriguing and delicious dessert)
Yes a properly celebrated birthday 🙂
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