Afterwards a wonderful 5-course hosted by Sextantio in the candlelit Locanda degli Archi, which would be my choice of romantic venue if I was getting married in Abruzzo. All ingredients are sourced locally, cutting down on food miles and making every effort to ensure that historical cooking traditions from the region including the use of unique grains and plants that sustained local people over many generations do not die out. We’ll write a full review soon on the Locanda degli Archi, but for those holidaying in Abruzzo wanting to explore unique & delicious flavours from an Italy of times gone by this is the place to visit.
We were delighted to assist Breaking Bread in L’Aquila return to its roots this weekend, with its official launch in the beautiful Abruzzo hill-top town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, hosted at Italy’s most authentic & fascinating boutique hotel, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso.
Despite coast-to-coast downpourings, the event was well attended by not just Abruzzesi and ex-pats living now in the region, but from people that had travelled from Rome and even Calabria to attend the event. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s famous food & wine portal, and C Come, Abruzzo’s local food magazine, both attended, alongside a smattering of local dignitaries, to hear how relief can taste sweet and cooking some of the basics can be fun! Maria Filice, author of the cook book, was “Bowled over by her dream come true”.
After a graceful and sensitive introductory speech by Sextantio owner & visionary Daniele Kihlgren, attendees were treated to a talk and accompanying video by author Maria Filice before being given the opportunity to purchase a copy of Breaking Bread in L’Aquila personally inscribed by the author, all net profits from which go toward helping those that continue to suffer from the devastating earthquake of last year.
This was followed by a 5-course meal with excellent wine hosted by Sextantio, held in their candlelit Locanda Sotto gli Archi. All the ingredients here are sourced locally, cutting down on food miles and making every effort to ensure that historical cooking traditions from the region, including the use of unique grains and plants that sustained local people over many generations, do not die out. We’ll write a full review soon on the Locanda sotto gli Archi, but for those holidaying in Abruzzo wanting to explore unique & delicious flavours from an Italy of bygone times this is the place to visit.
View all the images from the event
Further information
Maria Filice’s Food & Fate blog
Gambero Rosso feature on Daniele Kihlgren
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso official site
Roddy Newlands is co-editor for lifeinabruzzo.com, Abruzzo allows him to get his mountain-air fix, & satisfy his passion for pasta & panettone. He works full-time for 
Now if I was in Abruzzo today, I'd quite like to hop on a bus to Rome and see the snow clad Colosseum 
3 Responses to “Return to L’Aquila – Caring Tastes Wonderful”
Tweets that mention Abruzzo Cherry-Picked: Life in Abruzzo Holiday & Lifestyle Guide - Return to L’Aquila – Caring Tastes Wonderful -- Topsy.com said on May 17th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laurentiius and Lindsay Heller, Janet Bianchini. Janet Bianchini said: Via @lifeinabruzzo Return to L'Aquila, caring tastes wonderful http://ht.ly/1Mbpz -shame I missed the book launch. I love Santo Stefano! [...]
Peet said on May 26th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
looks like Maria can actually SMELL the food in the top pic! Great evening, thanks to all. Nice work Roddy!!
Denysé Bridge said on May 29th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Congratulations to Maria, and everyone else who attended and participated in this wonderful event. The book is fabulous, of course, but what is truly special is the spirit of giving and the passion for life and love that inspires it all. Fabulous job and inspiration from all who are/were part of this!!
Love to all…
Denysé
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