The becoming of time…
I cross the threshold, once again, of this historic venue: it made and still makes the history of catering in the area around San Daniele del Friuli and, for a while, of mine too. I enter in a concise, almost religious way, into this cathedral of indelible memories. My father loved celebrating his name days here with family and friends.
I am fascinated by the well-kept environment in pure rustic tavern style: wood and stone are the absolute protagonists.
They make me sit at a table and I immediately realize how much attention is paid to the preparation of the meal, down to the smallest details. The fabric napkin, now in danger of extinction, makes a fine display here: it seems banal but it brings me back to those that are traditional canons. A tiny geranium plant in a cup decorated "home sweet home" as a sui generis ornament: a touch of class that could recall the flowered balconies of the Friulian houses of the past.
After the usual interview with the maître to acquire preferences regarding drinks, the menu is left: very minimalist, paper without any plastic to protect it which, however, winks at technology because a QR Code appears on it with a link to the web page of the restaurant where you can consult both the wine list and the actual menu.
I choose the dishes quickly, I have no doubts or hesitations...
The first course is fresh pasta maccheroncini with duck ragout. Rich and well-seasoned portion: the shape of the pasta lent itself very well to welcoming the pieces of meat in the sauce in a sort of embrace. Perfect pasta cooking, al dente. What surprises more than anything is the extreme balance of flavours: the delicacy of the ragù is not covered by the flavour: the level of salting is almost impalpable, and brings out the flavor of the meat without being too persistent. It's almost a shame to add grated cheese. In fact, I prefer to do without it and taste without it to make the palate better perceive the harmony of flavors of the dish. A very, very satisfying first course.
The second course is a grilled trout fillet. The apotheosis of delicacy of taste…
Even the color of the fillet is very delicate: an antique pink with some intense orange reflections. A feast for the eyes. I soon realize that I am faced with a masterpiece: the trout is cooked to perfection and has a flavor that I had almost forgotten but which comes to the fore even more decisively when I taste the scales and skin. The light smoky note given by grilling embellishes and discreetly accompanies the symphony of taste. The trout steak falls apart easily under the pressure of the cutlery and this shows how well cooked it is. Once in the mouth, chewing is not necessary: once the meat is tender it dissolves, gradually releasing all the juices.
The dessert I chose was the home-made pear and amaretti tart. A very generous portion and, even in this case, it is clear with how much care and love this dish was prepared. Served piping hot, I was amazed by the very soft consistency not only of the internal layers of pear and amaretti filling but also of the pastry which almost resembles sponge cake. Delicate and harmoniously assembled flavors that make you close your eyes and abandon yourself to the sweetest and sweetest thing that can exist. The lines of “And the shipwreck is sweet to me in this sea” by Leopardiana memoria strongly echo in the mind.
I almost forgot: the house Cabernet wine, of good quality and structure, accompanied and enhanced the entire meal very well.
The dining room staff went out of their way to welcome me and make me feel right at home. Always with affability and a smile on their lips: they manage to convey and instill good humor in their customers.
Excellent service, fast, effective and discreet. Few frills and a lot of substance: the best business card for the Da Catine restaurant…
Paolo Cozzarizza
.
15 Marzo 2024
10,0
My knowledge of this almost century-old "trattoria" was surprising due to the quality of its culinary offerings, distinction in service and environment in keeping with expectations in this location.
Raoul Tommasi Crudeli
.
21 Febbraio 2024
10,0
Great food in an environment with friendly staff
Mauro Frucco
.
07 Febbraio 2024
8,0
ottimo tranquillo
atmosfera con camino
Francesco De Bernardo
.
30 Gennaio 2024
10,0
Posto molto accogliente e caldo, personale molto disponibile, pietanze buone!!
Chiara Petrilli
.
23 Gennaio 2024
8,0
È una mia prima esperienza in questo locale e devo dire che si merita il massimo dei voti! Ovviamente il cibo è ottimo e assolutamente curato ma questo per il cliente potrebbe essere un'ovvietà. Quello che invece stupisce, è la preparazione e la disponibilità del personale: essendoci tanti ospiti allo stesso tavolo, abbiamo commesso degli errori che sono stati abilmente attenuati dalle cameriere.
Il caminetto acceso, la varietà del menù e l'atmosfera generale hanno avuto la loro parte nella decisione unanime degli ospiti: BRAVI & COMPLIMENTI veri! Torneremo quanto prima!!
Albertino Duranti
.
14 Gennaio 2024
10,0
Servizio ottimo, personale preparato e gentile, buon cibo tipico friulano. 5 stelle.
Eddy
.
13 Gennaio 2024
10,0
Gentili Ottimo cibo e prezzi. Consiglio.
Leticija Jurinčič
.
17 Dicembre 2023
10,0
Ci siamo fermati in questo posticino vicino a San Daniele consigliati da amici. Dobbiamo dire che ci siamo trovati immersi in una atmosfera casalinga, cucina semplice, essenziale ma fatta molto bene, con piatti tipici e caratteristici. Qualità prezzo davvero super.
528denisf
.
11 Dicembre 2023
8,0
Locale molto accogliente, personale gentilissimo. Piatti tipici della cucina friulana ottimi e porzioni abbondanti. Prezzi corretti per la qualità e quantità delle porzioni servite. Consigliatissimo!
robyt34
.
02 Novembre 2023
10,0