The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
‘Where I come from, there are fast cars and slow food. It’s where Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, Lamborghini are all built. But also it’s a place where they grow balsamic vinegar, parmigiano reggiano, ham and mortadella. It’s an incredible place, and I have a big responsibility to the region’, says Massimo Bottura, the renowned owner of Osteria Francescana—an epicurean haven that transcends the boundaries of mere dining. Here, the time-honoured traditions and avant-garde innovation intertwine, guided by the visionary mind of the chef. The Michelin starred Osteria Francescana has become a pilgrimage drawing a plethora of notable figures like Hollywood elite to culinary luminaries, the walls have whispered secrets shared by the likes of fashion icons, and even esteemed heads of state.
Osteria Francescana has become a destination for culinary enthusiasts, food connoisseurs, and adventurers seeking a remarkable gastronomic experience. Its global recognition and influential position in the culinary world have put Modena on the map as a must-visit destination for food lovers. The restaurant’s dedication to quality, innovation, and the preservation of Italian culinary heritage makes it a place worth exploring and celebrating.
From deconstructed classics to playful reinterpretations of Italian favourites, the menu at Osteria Francescana is a reflection of Bottura’s artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship. Beyond its exceptional cuisine, it is a place where passion, craftsmanship, and hospitality converge. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with attentive and knowledgeable staff, ensures that every guest feels welcomed and taken care of. The attention to detail extends to the presentation of the dishes, which are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Osteria Francescana was founded by chef Massimo Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore, in 1995. The restaurant is named after a character from a popular Italian children’s story, La Scienza in Cucina e l’Arte di Mangiar Bene (Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well), written by Pellegrino Artusi in 1891. From its inception, Osteria Francescana aimed to offer a unique and innovative dining experience rooted in traditional Italian cuisine while pushing the boundaries of creativity and culinary artistry. Massimo Bottura’s vision was to showcase the rich culinary heritage of Modena while infusing it with his own artistic flair and contemporary influences.
Over the years, Osteria Francescana has garnered international recognition and acclaim for its inventive approach to cuisine. It has received numerous accolades and prestigious awards, including three Michelin stars. In 2016, it was ranked as the best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, solidifying its status as one of the most exceptional dining destinations globally. In addition to his culinary prowess, Massimo Bottura is known for his philanthropy and dedication to social issues. He established Food for Soul, a non-profit organisation that aims to combat food waste and promote social inclusion through community kitchens and educational initiatives.
Osteria Francescana challenges the norms of Italian cuisine by deconstructing traditional dishes and reassembling them in innovative ways. Chef Massimo Bottura takes classic Italian recipes and deconstructs them, extracting the essence of the dish and presenting it in a new and unexpected form. This deconstruction allows for a fresh interpretation of familiar flavours, textures, and ingredients, offering diners a unique culinary experience. Osteria Francescana embraces influences from various culinary traditions and incorporates them into Italian cuisine. Bottura seamlessly blends elements from different cultures, such as Japanese, Spanish, and French, with Italian ingredients and techniques. There are only twelve tables available to book and due to its global acclaim, securing a reservation requires planning well in advance.
At Osteria Francescana, one of the standout culinary experiences is the ‘Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano’. This unique and inventive dish takes the beloved Italian cheese, parmigiano reggiano, and presents it in five different forms, each representing a different age and flavour profile of the cheese. The dish begins with a creamy foam made from young parmigiano reggiano, showcasing its fresh and delicate flavours. This is followed by a velvety mousse created from a slightly older cheese, bringing out richer and more complex notes. Next, a slice of parmigiano reggiano aged for 24 months is presented, allowing guests to savour the intense and nutty flavours that develop over time.
Continuing the journey, the dish features parmigiano reggiano aged for 36 months, where the cheese becomes even more robust, with a crystalline texture and a depth of flavour that lingers on the palate. Finally, the culinary adventure concludes with a serving of parmigiano reggiano aged for 50 months. At this stage, the cheese reaches its pinnacle of complexity, with deep umami flavours and a distinctive character. The ‘Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano’ is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of Osteria Francescana. It showcases the versatility and depth of flavours that can be derived from a single ingredient, elevating it into a multi-sensory experience.
‘Oops! I dropped the lemon tart’ is a famous and innovative dessert created by chef Massimo Bottura. The dessert is an artistic representation of a culinary mishap transformed into a delightful experience. The dish consists of a deconstructed lemon tart, with each element carefully placed on the plate to resemble a lemon tart that has fallen apart. The presentation captures the essence of an accidental drop, with scattered lemon tart components arranged in a playful and visually appealing manner. The dish has garnered international acclaim and has become synonymous with the innovative and boundary-pushing approach of the restaurant.
The dessert features a vibrant lemon cream, tangy lemon gel, delicate pieces of pastry crust, and a dollop of creamy mascarpone. The combination of textures and flavours creates a harmonious balance between sweet and tart. Despite its unconventional appearance, ‘Oops! I dropped the lemon tart’ showcases the culinary mastery of Osteria Francescana and its ability to transform ordinary ingredients and accidents into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Exploring Modena is a captivating journey through the heart of Italy, filled with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and, of course, exquisite cuisine. As the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and home to Osteria Francescana, this charming city offers a sensory delight for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. Local markets delight with aromas of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and regional delicacies and Osteria Francescana waits patiently, inviting you to savour imaginative creations which elevate Italian gastronomy to new heights. Modena is awaiting exploration, promising an enchanting blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights that will leave an indelible impression on senses and souls.
As you bid farewell to this culinary oasis, you carry with you a cherished memory of old-world beauty, tantalising gastronomy, and the knowledge that in this haven of culinary brilliance, you have tasted the very essence of passion and artistry. Modena’s Osteria Francescana stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of Italian cuisine, forever inspiring the pursuit of culinary excellence and reminding us of the magic that unfolds when tradition meets innovation. Until the next gastronomic escapade, let the memory of this extraordinary culinary odyssey at Osteria Francescana linger, a treasure to be savoured for a lifetime.
