The news makes noise: the Cerea brothers with theirs Da Vittorio a Brusaporto tristar Michelin land on the exclusive Piazzetta di Portofino thanks to a agreement with Splendido Mare, Belmond Hotel.
An exemplary operation for the panorama of high-level Italian restaurants penalized by the pandemic. DaV Sea will officially reopen together with the hotel the 16 April 2021 after a complete renovation, and with its open terrace, it aspires to become the place of choice in the Piazzetta di Portofino.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Da Vittorio Group – comments Robert Koren, SVP EMEA of Belmond – when we looked for a partner who could interpret the relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere that reigns at the Splendido Mare, offering a refined and informal dining experience in the meanwhile, the Cerea family, with its undisputed reputation, was the natural choice. And together we want to make DaV Mare the most desirable place to meet, sharing the extraordinary dishes created by an incomparable team”.
DaV Mare was born from the search for the best seasonal ingredients and raw materials of local origin; Fresh fish and seafood from the Riviera will be the protagonists of the menu, together with the flavors of the regional tradition, such as the "cappon magro", revisited in a creative way. The menu will feature the iconic signature dishes of the Brusaporto restaurant, such as the 'Paccheri alla Vittorio', creamed with ritual mastery at the table, in front of the guests, together with new creations, such as the "Creamy risotto with pesto, prawns and tomato emulsion" .
“When we opened our first restaurant “Da Vittorio” in Bergamo 55 years ago – comment the Cereas for their part – we wanted to innovate, offering fish cuisine in a city devoted to meat; we are now bringing our experience to the sea, thus realizing a family dream. As for Belmond, simplicity is what excites us, enriched by a current touch that reinterprets tradition and, also for this reason, we can't wait to start this stimulating collaboration".
DaV Mare will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, for a morning coffee, an afternoon snack and for evening aperitifs. Guests of the 14 rooms and suites of the Splendido Mare will have room service available 24 hours a day, and will be able to taste the creations of the kitchen from their own terrace overlooking the marina.
The experience of Enrico and Roberto Cerea and Paolo Rota is combined with the deep knowledge of the area and the expertise of Roberto Villa, executive chef of the Splendido Mare. Together, they will constantly search for the best raw materials, using simple cooking techniques to enhance the flavours, in compliance with the Slow Food® Presidia. Added to this is the international vision of Enrico, 'Chicco', and Roberto, 'Bobo', who developed, while travelling, an early interest in the cuisines of the world, experimenting with many realities and skilfully mixing them with family recipes, inspired by most authentic tradition of Mediterranean cuisine.
Paolo Rota, to whom First&food dedicated a profile a year ago, he joined the “Da Vittorio” family in 1990, at the age of 24. Passionate and curious, he was immediately noticed by Vittorio Cerea who decided to focus on him, making him train in international brigades: in the Basque Country, at Lasarte of the multi-starred Martin Berasateguì, in England at Michel Roux, the noble father of world cuisine. Together with his brothers-in-law Chicco and Bobo, today he is the creative mind of Da Vittorio.
Roberto Villa began working at the Splendido Mare twenty years ago, and is known in the Portofino gastronomic scene for having developed an in-depth knowledge of the local cuisine, establishing relationships of trust with those fishermen and local suppliers who guarantee him the freshest ingredients , perfectly calibrated for his cooking style.
The interior design of DaV Mare, curated by Festen Architecture, reflects the relaxed refinement of the Splendido Mare, a charming inn with 14 rooms and suites. Details and references to the marina's seafaring history blend with the iconic glamor of the 50s. Every detail has been designed and thought out to make guests feel at ease and to experience the historic soul of the hotel. Taking advantage of the privileged position, in the heart of the iconic square, the indoor and outdoor restaurant of DaV Mare will offer impeccable service in a welcoming place, where you can take time to enjoy excellent cuisine, surrounded by the natural beauty of Portofino and the spirit of the Sweet Life.
