Rifugio Della Rocca - CALASCIO

Food was ok but service really poor. They left out one dish from my order but added it on the bill. The atmosphere and surroundings is great. Put on proper shoes as there is a small hike up the hill

Arrived from Luxembourg to see Ladyhawke castle on our way back to the down town we came across this little but fairy-tale place. My friends and I were quite suspicious because the settings was marvelous like being in the Middle Ages but we were afraid about the quality of the food. Following the suggestion of the friendly waiter we chose: the big ravioli with ricotta cheese, lentin soup, lamb, wild boar. We had to regret ourselves for being suspicious, all the plates were delicious so we even decided to overeat and order the dessert. Millefoglia with foamy pastry cream and wild-berries pie. Only one thing left to say: we were in the gluttony paradise. We bet sooner or later Ladyhawke (turned back into a wonderful woman because of the night), attracted by the good smell of food, could have come as well (but we had drunk too much local red wine).

We ate dinner at the Rifugio twice and were truly impressed with the quality of the pasta dishes and the wines. The local game meat dishes were outstanding. The setting (try to sit by the window to see the sunset over the valley) and the service were excellent.

Coming back down our historic walk from Il Castello, I could not help but notice this quaint little spot around one of the bends as you head back into town. It was still early and the owner was behind the bar with his amico, and was gracious enough to refill my empty water bottle and even added some ice. We struck up a conversation in typical Abruzzese dialect and they wanted to know where I was from back in the US. We chatted some more, and even though they were not open yet for food, as our clan was starving after the long hike up to the ancient castle, he apologized to me and offered me an espresso or a glass of wine on the house. His hospitality was contagious to the point where I promised to return another time to sample his fine food, which smelled fantastic as it was being prepared. Never go the chance this time, but like Arnold Schwartzennager, I promised I 'll be baack!

A good rustic lunch at the halfway point of a circular walk. Delicious local antipasti and good pasta.