Caldesi in Campagna: a rural addition for Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi

Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi have come straight from the buzzing centre of London’s Marylebone where their two restaurants ‘Caldesi Tuscan’, ‘Caffe Caldesi’ and their cookery school ‘La Cucina Caldesi’ are located, and have now launched their first restaurant in the country – ‘Caldesi in Campagna’. Called in to consult the previous owner of the restaurant in February 2007, Katie and Giancarlo were so drawn to the buildings charm and surroundings that they made a successful offer and opened doors in October 2007. Katie and Giancarlo have lovingly decorated the interior, which boasts two traditional log fires and a sumptuous contemporary decor, interspersed with old photos of Giancarlo’s childhood in Tuscany. The beautiful garden, which houses their authentic wood burning oven, is another lovely feature of the restaurant and will be a wonderful outdoor dining area in the summer months. Katie and Giancarlo are more than happy with their move to the country and they have gone to great lengths to reflect this in their food which is full of flavour and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The couple along with Gregorio Piazza, head chef at Caldesi in Campagna, have created an authentic Italian menu brimming with dishes and specialities inspired by the regions of Sicily, Tuscany and Liguria. Dishes such as ‘Corsetti’, a Ligurian hand made pasta branded with a wooden stamp, ‘Scottiglia’, a traditional Tuscan stew made with a selection of game and slow cooked to ensure depth of flavour, and ‘Pannacotta all’Amaretto con prugne arrostite’ – amaretto pannacotta with roasted plums, feature regularly on the menu. Richard Bertinet, renowned chef and owner of the Bertinet Kitchen, has also designed some bespoke breads for the restaurant. Caldesi in Campagna is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through to Saturday and on a Sunday there is a special set Tuscan Sunday lunch menu consisting of a traditional Italian feast inspired by Giancarlo’s childhood memories of Tuscan family gatherings. Guests are welcomed with prosecco and crostini before they sit down for a set menu, which includes meats roasted in the outdoor oven. Caldesi in Campagna is ideal for all occasions, with its’ elegant decor and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff make you feel like part of the extended Caldesi family. It is perfect for an intimate dinner, a business lunch or for a large family get together. Join our database of regular customers by emailing us at campagna@caldesi.com and you will receive information on all events at Caldesi in Campagna held throughout the year, such as: cookery lessons with Katie, Giancarlo and Gregorio, visiting celebrity chefs cooking their favourite food (Gino d’acampo, Valentina Harris and others) and regular visit from experts from the food and wine world.