Casa Fantini, Italy announces new food concept and guest ‘experiences’

Nestled on the shores of Lake Orta, the most romantic of the Italian lakes, Casa Fantini is a contemporary and elegant five-star concept hotel designed by world famous Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The hotel will be reopening this Easter with a brand-new food concept and special guest ‘experiences’ for 2021.

Eating at Casa Fantini is centred around the idea of the home – or Casa. Casa Fantini offers a very personalised approach to dining. Meals are all about sharing and conviviality. Guests can choose from the seasonal Spring menu, a 4 or 7 course tasting menu or go off menu, requesting a delicious and simple pasta. Dishes are prepared by chef Paolo Bullone (from Michelin starred Agrodolce Restaurant in Imperia). Starters include Eel “al cartoccio” and artichoke, parmesan and egg; first courses include rice "in flower", green tomato, lemon and red shrimp carpaccio, spaghettoni, goat butter, white asparagus and caviar or tortellini with Breme onion, parmesan and black truffle. Second course options include Catch of the Day, lamb, cherries and onions from Tropea and for dessert there is a sublime Passion fruit soufflé, chocolate ice cream.

All the dishes are made using the highest quality seasonal ingredients, locally sourced where possible from small artisan producers. Signature dishes include the risotto, made from Vercelli rice, a super nutritious organic rice that is unique to the region. The Vercelli area has long been renowned for its rice, which was grown as far back as 1860. The chef at Casa Fantini has selected the top quality producer in the area, who produce a type of organic rice 100% free from phytosanitary residues.

Wines are of highest quality - the Piedmont region is known for its wines, such as Gattinara and Barolo, and International wines are also on offer.

The food at Casa Fantini is central to the hotel’s Lake Time concept. A stay at Casa Fantini is about slowing down, retreating from the world, taking in your surroundings and becoming at one with nature and the environment.

Guests at Casa Fantini can sign up for custom-tailored “Experiences” which will take you on a voyage of discovery of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Surrounded by woodland and mountains, Lake Orta is one of Italy’s little known hidden gems, bursting with myths and legends. An enchanting freshwater lake overflowing with natural beauty and surrounded by secret forest and beaches, and medieval villages with a fascinating history.

The lake and its natural surroundings are also the inspiration for Casa Fantini’s interior design. Lissoni’s signature style is a blend of elegance and understatement. He uses warm materials such as wood and textiles integrated with iconic pieces of contemporary design ensuring all blends in harmoniously with the natural environment.

The 11-room hotel (which can also be hired out for exclusive use) is split between two buildings- one a X1X century house and the other thoroughly contemporary, resulting in a unique design with perfect symmetry.

New ‘Experiences’ for 2021

Lake Tour and Picnic Experience

On board a private boat, guests can explore the secret corners of the lake and its magic. Picnic on the lake with a delicious picnic specially prepared by chef. Stop for an aperitive on San Giulio Island, followed by a personal historical tour of the island with your own private guide. Price starting from € 150.00 per person (minimum 2 people.)

E Biking Experience

Immerse yourself in nature and explore the stunning landscape surrounding Casa Fantini and Lake Orta.

Accompanied by an expert local guide, riding top quality Thok and Ducati e-bikes, guests can choose one of three itineraries. Chef will prepare a delicious picnic for your trip.

The first route is designed to explore the beautiful countryside behind Casa Fantini. This 2-hour itinerary will take you to one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Lake Orta - the Madonna del Sasso. From there you can continue up into to the mountains or return at a leisurely pace to the hotel.

The second route is dedicated to culture lovers: a simple and undemanding journey will take guests from Casa Fantini to Orta San Giulio, passing through little known places, a hidden wood and a secret beach. The tour also travels through villages around the lake, such as the village of Legro, described as the ‘painted villa’, where every house has a painted mural and colourful frescoes adorn the centre. d Pella, Lido di Gozzano, Castello di Buccione, Miasino, Ameno, Orta and the Sacro Monte are just some of the stops in this wonderful 2.30 / 3-hour experience.

The third itinerary will take guests to the Pescone waterfalls, a hidden natural oasis near Orta San Giulio, little known even to locals. From here a road through the woods will take guests to discover Pettenasco and Omegna before returning to Casa Fantini.

Prices at Casa Fantini start at 484 euros for a super double room in April.

www.casafantinilaketime.com/en/

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