The inspiration for Le Virtù (The Virtues) comes from our experiences at the tables of family, friends and farm restaurants all over Abruzzo. Local ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors characterize the cuisine, which is at once elegantly simple and remarkably ingenious. The "cucina tipica" varies with the region's geography, which includes the highest ranges of the Apennine chain, rolling agricultural hill country and the Adriatic coast. Wild game, lamb, pork and fish are all integral components.
To honor the traditions and diversity of the Abruzzese table, we use locally and, where possible, organically grown ingredients. To accurately recreate the flavors of the region, we also use products from its provinces, like the saffron of the Navelli plain, considered by many the best in the world. In season, we also cure our own pancetta, guanciale and salame, and make our own Abruzzese-style sausages.
While our focus is Abruzzo, we also present some of our favorite dishes from other regions, especially those of Ascoli Piceno, which lies just beyond Abruzzo's northern border.
Our wine list features some of Abruzzo's best producers, as well as varietals from throughout the peninsula.
We want to honor the strong Abruzzese traditions of hospitality. We want our guests to feel "a casa" (at home) with us in an unrushed, casual and unpretentious atmosphere.
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 at once the love of tradition and ingenuity of the region's people and cuisine. We have created this restaurant to celebrate these qualities and share them with our guests.
trattoria e taverna cucina abruzzese e ascolana 1927 e. passyunk ave. philadelphia, pa
