Tag Archives: centro storico

Which restaurant has the best Champagne list outside of France?

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Champagne heaven – Can you guess where it is?

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A champagne lineup like this can only mean one thing: Ciccio is involved.

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Ever been to Vinoteca Centro Storico before? If not, you should go! Ciccio, the boss, along with his wife and mother in law, runs the place where you can get the best champagne outside of France. I guess you could say that it’s his passion – besides food of course. The list of bottle he has is non existent (because it’s all in his head) but I can guarantee he will find something that suits your mood. Philipponnat, Pierre Peters, Pol Roger – you name it.

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Centro Storico is a legendary place, and all the locals seem to think so as well, because you are very likely to run into them there (especially late at night). If you follow Ciccio on Instagram you will see incredible lineups and crazy pictures. Basically, you are bound to have a good time if you go! And try the ham as well; he hand carves it right in front of you!

Half way to 50

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My birthday is coming up and what better way to celebrate than spending a weekend in Barolo with some of my closest friends. Since I am a Norwegian and the area is becoming more popular, I have planned ahead and the itinerary is almost complete.

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When planning the trip I kept a few things in mind. First of, I want to make sure I visit as many of my favorite restaurants as possible. Second, I try to visit a few of my “regular” wineries so that I get to see my friends. And lastly, I want to make sure my guests have a good time as well. Hopefully there will be a good mix of food, wine and wonderful people. Below you can find the agenda for my birthday weekend!

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Top 5 restaurants in Barolo

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  1. Mangè
  2. Centro Storico
  3. More e Macine
  4. Osteria Veglio
  5. Osteria dei Vignaiolo

 

Mangè

At Mangè you will find Maria Kristina and her husband. Maria is the chef, and her food is out of this world. The atmosphere at Mangè is friendly and you feel like you are surrounded by family and friends. You can come here for lunch or dinner, but also if you just want a glass of wine, a snack or a gin tonic. They have a little patio outside, where you have a view of the barolo hills and can catch the action of La Morra. Since the restaurant is located in the middle of La Morra, you are sure to witness the local life at its best.

Centro Storico

At Centro Storico, a small restaurant hidden in Serralunga d’Alba, you will find the best Champagne list outside of Champagne. You will also find Ciccio. Ciccio, which means little fat, is the owner. He, alongside his wife, make incredible food, and will serve it to you at one of the 8 tables they have. It may be small, but it’s a can’t miss if you are in the Piemonte region.

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More e Macine

Located in La Morra, Ito and his crew will serve you good food and wine in a fantastic atmosphere. If you look around, it is almost guarenteed one of the winemakers in the area will sit at one of the tables, drinking coffee or wine, chatting with their friends.

Osteria Veglio

You can find Osteria Veglio along the widning road leading up to La Morra, in Annunizata. The restauarant recently changed chefs, and it has become a *must* when we are in the Barolo area. The food is incredible, and if you’re lucky, the terrace has room so that you can eat with a view.

Osteria dei Vignaiolo

This little gem can be found at a crossroads in Santa Maria. Weather permitting, sitting outside is a treat! The food is very good, but I go for the Panacotta! Truly amazing. I haven’t found panacotta that good anywhere else.

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My upcoming trip to Barolo

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With the trip fast approaching, many plans have fallen into place. This time I would like to try a few new things as well as revisiting my favorite spots and my favorite people. Here are some of my stops this trip.

More e Macine

This osteria has become a staple during my trips, usually with multiple visits. Lunch, dinner, aperitivo, coffee; whatever it may be, this place always welcomes you. It also happens to be where I am celebrating my birthday!

Manzone

I always try to do something new, visit someone new or try something different, and this time I am visiting Manzone. Manzone is located in Monforte and the family has been making wine since 1925. Today it is Mirella and Mauro along with their father Giovanni who are working at the winery. I’m excited to meet them!

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Centro Storico

Tucked away in Serralunga you find Ciccio at his wonderful restaurant Centro Storico. I already reserved a table and I can’t wait to sit down and watch him carve prosciutto at the counter.

Silvia Altare

I can’t wait to wrap my arms around my dear friend Silvia. It has been way to long since I saw her! And, they got a new puppy at the winery! The picture below is Silvia’s mother, Lucia, with their new puppy.

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Osteria Veglio

Since the new owners have taken over, this is one of my favorite places to go. Sitting on that balcony overlooking the vineyards while eating one of the best panna cotta’s ever know to man is always on the list!

 

 

Centro Storico

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Welcome to Vinoteca Centro Storico! This is where the infamous Ciccio works, a man who also goes by the name Alessio. He is said to have the best champagne list outside of France, and I don’t think that is far from the truth.

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Apart from his excellent taste in Champgane, you also get really good food, a freindly staff and a great wine list. Ciccio’s wife also works there, and the two of them have created a marvelous restaurant. There is room for everyone, not just the regulars that have accumulated over the years.

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And more often than not, Ciccio does something crazy, like offer a blind tasting of a 1978 Barbaresco, Albino Rocca. If you’re lucky you will witness or even take part in these crazy shenanigans, and have a good story to tell your friends. You will also often run into winemakers from the area, who are there to enjoy a meal or have a quick drink with Ciccio.

Centro Storico is located in Serralunga, in the center, (Via Roma 6). You can call them at +39 0173 613203. They are closed Monday.