a celebration of Humans, Food, & Culture
THE FANTASTIC MAMA ANGELA
We visited Mamma Angela with Anthony’s parents after receiving a recommendation from two locals in Orvieto. Upon arriving, we saw a sign with the story of the restaurant: a mom of two boys who cooks for an entire restaurant just like she cooks at home...could this be true? When we walked up two flights of stairs to the restaurant, Simone and Luca asked us for our reservation number. We did not have one. Luca apologized, telling us the place was full except for a table for 2 and that he was sorry. We explained that we would be happy to squeeze but Simone and Luca insisted that we shouldn’t, explaining that they do not want us to be uncomfortable while dining. This only escalated our appetite to eat at the restaurant both literally and figuratively. After some more back and forth, our table was ready. Each of us ordered something different off of the menu so we could share and try everything!
The dishes were spectacular, antipasto, pistachio cream gnocchi, umbrecelli amatriciana, and more. Simone, Luca and the staff continually apologized for the size of our table and they even brought us some complimentary antipasto even though we were so happy and content at our table. Their kindness and good spirit made us so comfortable that when we saw Mamma Angela peak her head into the restaurant from the kitchen, Anthony and I went over to introduce ourselves and we asked if we could return one day to document some recipes for Made with Love. She immediately smiled, saying “I would not be here if it were not for the Love I provide to my children and all our friends that come to the restaurant, it would be an honor to have you back here!”
And so we came a week later to spend the afternoon with Mamma Angela, learning her Almond Biscotti Recipe, Porchetta Ripiena Recipe (Stuffed Porchetta), and homemade gnocchi in a pistachio cream sauce.
Tell us about L’Antica Rupe
L’Antica rupe is a family restaurant owned by two brothers, Simone and Luca, and their mom, Angela. Angela cooks each and everyday as if she is cooking for her family. In actuality, before she makes any new dish, her two sons try the dish and give her feedback. Once satisfied she then imagines cooking for her sons, but just in bigger quantities. Eating at L’Antica Rupe is like eating at Mamma Angela’s house, but better, since you don’t have to do the dishes! Mamma Angela chooses her dishes for the day based on what she finds fresh at the market. This means a diverse, creative menu everyday! They only serve their own handmade pasta and Mamma Angela puts so much love and passion into the food that you can taste it!
THE RECIPE HUNTERS
TRADITIONAL RECIPES
Where did the idea of L’Antica Rupe come from?
Simone was in the Military while Luca was studying at university. When Simone came home from the military he was in need of a job. There were a few truths in their lives: they loved to work hard, they loved being around people, and boy was their mom an incredible cook! Their business idea fell in place easily as they opened up a restaurant with their mom’s traditional cooking as the centerpiece. In the beginning, Mamma Angela did not want to open the restaurant because she never cooked in a commercial kitchen, never provided food to strangers, and never took a culinary course. Simone and Luca had so much faith in her, they promised that it would be just as if she were making food for the family. With that promise, Mamma Angela has been providing her home-cooked meals since, considering each and every one of her customers, family.
How does L’Antica Rupe decide on their menu?
“When you go shopping do you try to buy fresh food, take the butcher’s recommendation, or ask the farmer about his produce? Of course you do, so why shouldn't we!”
Before any new dishes are brought to the restaurant's menu, Mamma Angela surprises Luca and Simone with the dish and asks them to try it. They give their feedback, and voila, the meal is on the daily menu. The restaurant runs on a seasonal and daily menu schedule. If the butcher had no good pork but had good rabbit, then rabbit would be served. If the family was unable to get mushrooms or if the spinach wasn’t fresh, then you won’t find either of those items on the menu. Our recommendation: Ask for Mamma Angela’s special of the day and you will not be disappointed, except for when you’ve finished your last bite and you crave more!
Written by The Recipe Hunters: