France may be the originator of haute cuisine but there is just something about Italy – from side-of-the-road Roman pizza joints and Venetian cicchetti to steaming bowls of pasta and great hunks of Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak, the Italians know how to eat. In celebration of this rich gastronomic identity, Tuscan hotel Castelfalfi has just announced the opening of its new fine dining restaurant, La Rocca.
Helmed by Italian chef Davide De Simone, La Rocca is located in the hotel’s (or entire Italian hamlet, as it would be more accurate to describe it) medieval castle, overlooking the surrounding hills.
Below it, Castelfafli cascades – the hotel/resort/hamlet encompasses over 2,700 acres, with stylish villas and a luxe hotel seamlessly co-existing alongside a traditional Italian village. Guests are spoiled with a bounty of activities, experiences and landscapes to discover, from golf and truffle hunting to wine tasting and outdoor pursuits. La Rocca opens as yet another authentic Italian experience to indulge in.
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Chef
Executive chef Davide De Simone was born in Palermo, Sicily and came to Castelfalfi via London, where he trained in several of the city’s finest restaurants. Blending his international experience with the cuisine of his native country, Simone’s signature culinary style is inventive but with its roots in classic, hearty Italian culinary traditions.
“My journey in haute cuisine is one of continuous evolution, and with La Rocca, I invite guests to join me on this path of discovery and delight,” says Simone.
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“Each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the natural beauty of Tuscany. I’m thrilled to bring my culinary experiences to craft tasting menus that reflect both my Sicilian roots and the authentic, local flavors of Tuscany.”
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Menu
In line with Castelfalfi’s strict sustainable principles, Simone’s recipes at La Rocca prioritize fresh, seasonal produce with a focus on zero-km ingredients, sourced from either the estate itself or nearby farms. The result is a menu that highlights the vibrancy of Italian produce and culinary traditions, while simultaneously injecting hints of international influence.
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Offered tasting menu only, guests have two options. The first is the vegetarian ‘The Tuscan Garden,’ where highlights include courgettes with truffle and bearnaise sauce, and goat’s cheese risotto.
The second, My Own Country, journeys through Italy with an offering of its finest seafood and meat, from veal cheek with red Mazara prawns to Tuscan sea bass enlivened with black tea.
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Interiors
As with the rest of Castelfalfi, La Rocca’s interiors are stylish yet understated, with natural tones combined with earthy materials such as wood, stone and reclaimed terracotta. The restaurant has just 24 covers, creating an intimate, exclusive atmosphere.
But, while the interiors are special, it is La Rocca’s aperitivo terrace that really sparkles. Head here for pre-dinner sunset drinks and lap up the views over Tuscany’s verdant hills and neighboring towns.
La Rocca, Località Castelfalfi, 50050 Montaione, Firenze, Italy, castelfalfi.com
