It is one of those places that makes you fall in love: the Lake Orta is very romantic, a little because of its being collected and secluded (although just over an hour from Milan and 45 minutes from Malpensa), a little because of that tiny island of San Giulio in the center. The perfect place to celebrate it, Relais & Châteaux Villa Crespi, where even Cannavacciuolo himself (his patron) decided to get married here with his Cinzia (as well as Michelle Hunziker and Tomaso Trussardi).
FROM BAGHDAD TO ORTA SAN GIULIO
But what is special about this villa that towers from the top of a centuries-old park in Orta San Giulio? And what are Moorish arches and a minaret doing in this little one village of Upper Piedmont? To want one neo-Moorish style villa on the shores of Lake Orta, he was the cotton entrepreneur in 1879 Cristoforo Benigno Crespi. He was inspired by business trips to the Middle East, where he was struck by the Baghdad architectures. And among its inlays and fine decorations you can find other references such as the seductive atmosphere of Damascus or the Alhambra. The work was carried out by the local architect Angelo Colla and after thirty years this one came out eclectic and arabesque jewel unique of its kind, where each inner and outer corner is decorated with arches, friezes, stuccos, up to starry skies of the ceilings. Passed from family to family, it bewitched poets, nobles and crowned heads until in 1999, after an impressive restoration, it became the reign of Cinzia and Antonio Cannavacciuolo.
THE STARRY MENU
The suites? They all have names of Arab princesses, such as Rania, Amira, Sherazade, Leila, Samar. They are lined with precious silks and enjoy a postcard view of the lake. But the spearhead is the gastronomic offer that makes Villa Crespi a kitchen temple thanks to the touch of Antonio Cannavacciuolo which brought well two Michelin stars. The menu is a real journey through the flavors of his homeland, Campania, which is found in pasta and fish, and that of adoption, Piedmont, which is expressed with meats and cheeses. All ingredients that are then combined with herbs and essences picked from the garden, in the shade of centuries-old trees. In a secluded corner of the park there are also 5 arnie, which produce a miele a cm zero to be enjoyed at breakfast or in desserts.
THE CHEERFUL BRIGADE
And next to chef Antonino there is a team that works hard, but with a smile. A young and motivated brigade who carries on cooking even when Cannavacciuolo is absorbed by his many commitments between TV recordings and new openings, such as LAQUA by the Lake a few kilometers from here, in Pettenasco. At his side there has been the sous chef Simone Corbo. «What’s it like working with chef Antonino? Funny! From his position in the kitchen he checks that everything is perfect, but he is always ready to joke and give the whole team a boost ». Virtually the perfect skills of a leader. And the pats on the back? “If he starts not giving them to me again, I’ll worry! When I entered I was much taller than that! ” jokes chef Corbo. After all, in this kitchen from which you are greeted by a great portrait of chef Antonino, organization and cleanliness reigns, but also a lot of joy.
A COOKING LESSON
You can read it in the eyes of those who participate in cooking classes with the brigade to steal the chef’s secrets. One of the experiences that can be done at Villa Crespi, in fact, is the very popular morning demonstration lesson in the kitchen. From Wednesday to Sunday for two hours the brigade is at the service of the participants unveiling the secrets of three historical recipes by Antonino Cannavacciuolo, which can be easily replicated at home. Maybe wearing the embroidered apron included in the package and proudly brandishing the certificate of participation signed by the chef.
THE VISIT
And to atone for the sins of gluttony you can always go up to Sacro Monte of Orta San Giulio, Unesco Heritage, from the path that starts right outside the villa. Along this wooded path dotted with twenty frescoed chapels you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the island. From there you then descend towards the enchanting Piazza Motta, the heart of Orta open on the lake. While to recover from the fatigue of the walk you can book a relaxing massage in the wellness suite, among rose petals, essences and mini aquatic oases.
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