Benvenuti
The inspiration for Le Virtù (The Virtues) comes from our experiences at the tables of family, friends and restaurants all over Abruzzo, where the cucina tipica varies with geography from the highest peaks of the Apennines to the pine-shaded Adriatic coast. We strive to honor the diversity of the Abruzzese table and use products from its provinces, such as DOP olive oil from Loreto Aprutino and saffron from the Navelli plain, considered by many the best in Europe. While our focus is Abruzzo, we also present dishes from other regions, particularly those of Ascoli Piceno which lies just beyond Abruzzo’s northern border.
Le Virtù, a rich minestrone, is made on the 1st of May in Teramo, Abruzzo. Traditionally, the town’s most virtuous girls use the legumes, pastas and other ingredients left in the cupboard after the hard Abruzzese winter. It is a dish that expresses both the sense of tradition and the ingenuity of the region’s people and cuisine. We have created this restaurant to celebrate these qualities and share them with our guests.
Antipasti
Degustazione dei Formaggi Abruzzesi: Marcelli Formaggi's award-winning artisanal cheeses and aged ricottas from Anversa degli Abruzzi, made from unpasteurized sheep's milk and served with artisanal Abruzzese honey and condiments: $27.00
Antipasto Misto del Giorno: a selection of frittata, roasted peppers, cheese, prosciutto, crostini misti (toasted bread with various toppings) and other daily offerings: $16.50
Mozzarella con Carciofi Arrosto: Fior di latte mozzarella with roasted artichokes: $13.00
Arancini: two lightly fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and mini-meatballs: $11.00
Olive all’Ascolana: breaded fried olives stuffed with braised beef, pork and chicken: $12.50
Cozze allo Zafferano: mussels in a garlic and white wine saffron broth: $11.50
Spiedini di Calamari con Gamberi: seasoned grilled calamari and shrimp on skewers: $10.50
Zuppa
Scrippelle M’Busse: crepes rolled with pecorino cheese in chicken broth: $8.50
Primi
Linguine al Cartoccio (dried pasta): calamari, clams, mussels and shrimp sauteed in olive oil and garlic and steamed in parchment: $18.50
Spaghetti Aglio Olio con Peperoncino (dried pasta): spaghetti and olive oil sautéed with garlic and red pepper: $15.50
Maccheroncini alla Chitarra con Ragù d’Agnello (fresh pasta): "guitar" cut pasta with a lamb ragù (the “chitarra,” a wire-strung board, was passed down in families from mother to daughter): $18.00
Fazzoletti al Ragu d’Anatra (fresh pasta): “handkerchief” pasta in braised duck and beef ragù with shaved parmigiano: $18.00
Ravioli al Cioccolato Ripieni di Coniglio (fresh pasta): from the town of Sant’Omero…savory cocoa pasta raviolis filled with braised rabbit and grated amaretto cookies in butter-sage sauce: $18.00
Timballo di Scrippelle (fresh pasta): seven pecorino crepes layered with tiny meatballs, tomato sauce, spinach, mozzarella and parmigiano cheeses: $18.00
Pappardelle con Funghi Porcini e Tartufo Nero (fresh pasta): ribbon-shaped pasta with porcini mushrooms and black truffle: $23.00
Secondi
Porchetta: roast pork (from Country Time Farm in Berks County) seasoned with garlic, hot pepper and fresh herbs: $24.50
Costolette d'agnello alla Griglia: lamb rib chops marinated in olive oil and fresh herbs and grilled: $26.00
Bistecca alla Griglia: grilled 12-ounce ribeye seasoned with olive oil, fresh herbs and cracked pepper: $26.00
Petto d’Anatra ai Sette Pepi: pan-seared roasted duck breast with seven-peppercorn cream sauce: $26.00
Pollo al Mattone: garlic and pepper-marinated half-chicken grilled under a brick: $21.00
Rana Pescatrice alla Pizzaiola: monkfish sautéed with black olives, capers, cherry tomatoes and garlic in a white wine broth with mussels and clams: $27.00
Orata alla Griglia: whole grilled orata: $26.00
Contorni
Insalata Primavera: seasonal mixed salad: $8.00
Verdure Grigliate: grilled seasonal vegetables: $8.00
Dolci (made in-house): $8.50
Pizza Dolce: tradtional Abruzzese sponge and chocolate cream cake
Panna Cotta: vanilla custard
Mousse al Cioccolato: chocolate mousse
Tiramisu Semifreddo: the classic dessert, served chilled
