This place is stuffed.
Once a pharmacy, glass apothecary jars are still standing on the wooden shelves looking at their past ; on the shelves, on the wall, books, bottles, puppets, frames, plates, mirrors, all kinds of decorations, even a picture of Albert Einstein – making a relaxed crowd all together, personal, bursting with character.
Prosecco was poured right after being seated, and the incredibly charming owner Emanuele Addone was toasting with us, explaining the menu as it varies depending on the season and local market’s best supply. A local Sangiovese from the region of Emilia Romagna was as well recommendation to pair with our food.
After some sips of Prosecco, and the pleasant chat with Mr. Addone, we felt like we had known this place since eternity…
Welcome dish was guinea fowl, came with some vegetable and a slice of cheese dripped with olive oil. It is, well, perhaps one of the very best guinea fowl I’ve ever had – flavour so smooth yet penetrating, modestly showing off the restaurant’s very profound understanding of its business.
First courses were classic homemade pastas of 5-6 kinds; my conchigliette with souce made of goat cheese was well made. For main course, I took filetto (beef tenderloin) with Modena’s balsamic vinegar dressing, which was another nice surprise – the honest, juicy meat tasted very tender, went so well with the dressing as if there should be no other ways to make dressing for a thick and tender piece of filetto – the subtle touch of sour sweetness makes the beef tasting very gentle, and added a long finish lingering in the mouth, without overshadowing its natural flavour; not so impressive as the guinea fowl, but excellent nonetheless – not pretentious nor ambitious, just simply honest and tasty; and it was served in a perfectly civilized portion, made it possible to still enjoy desert – the perfect place for lunch.
According to Milan Kundera, there are generally two ways of building up uniqueness of the self : the method of addition (adding up different elements to make one different among the others) and the method of subtraction (reducing all remarkable features to avoid being similar with people who share the same features).
The cosy and interesting interior of the little Drogheria Della Rosa may suggest the former type, while the way of cooking here is definitely under the category of the latter – not that it lacks of complexity or sophistication though – it’s just charming and proud, knowing exactly how splendid it is, therefore is comfortably relaxed and simply fabulous… It relies on its sheer personality.
In the end, a few details to be noticed –
- A) There doesn’t seem to be a menu or wine list, the staff or owner comes to explain the offers of the day and recommends wine to go with your order;
- B) The bills are not itemized, though they tend to be a nice surprise;
- C) Ladies (at least some of them) are likely to receive a rose upon departure, and some even with an intention of a kiss from our charming Mr Emanuele Addone.
Prix : € 35 – 40 par personne, vin inclus.
Via Cartoleria 10, 40124 Bologna, Italy. +39 051 222529