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GemmaC274
We were lucky enough to dine at Gusto al Borgo as part of our fairytale wedding in Casperia.After a moving ceremony at the local Comune followed by a fun-filled apertivo at Osteria Vigna, our little group of six headed for this fabulous palazzo where we were given a warm welcome by chef Paola and Sallie, our hostess for the dinner.What followed was quite simply the best meal any of us had ever experienced, in the most stunning setting. Five exquisite courses were accompanied by excellent wine - the outstanding red actually produced by the venue - and of course Prosecco for the toasts. Another wonderful touch was the wedding cake produced by Paola, which we didn't know she was planning. All this for 60Euros per head - unbelievable value.We are already planning to book for our first anniversary - and we haven't even been married two weeks!
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juand398
This was a real fun experience! Paula was a very nice host and a great teacher. She showed my brother and I, step by step, how to make the meal we were going to eat later. My Mom was even there to take pictures and video of us! The food was delicious and we had a great wine with it too. A must do while in Casperia.
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LeighR341
While spending 5 days in Casperia during a 17 day holiday in Italy, my Mom and I had the pure joy of attending a cookery class at Gusto al Borgo. I just can't say enough good things - Paola created the perfect learning environment with a mix of no-nonsense instruction with relaxed humor. The delicious decanter of homemade wine (compliments of her husband) didn't hurt either! After making homemade pasta (for the first time), along with a delicious eggplant dish and dessert, we were ready to sit down and enjoy our creations. Everything was delightful - including their service during the meal. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who has the chance to visit Casperia.
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RichardRooney
We were staying In Casperia for 1 week, and dined at Gusto al borgo twice for lunch. The variety of dishes we were served, all ingredients from their farm, the flavours and textures, wine, dolci, were the best we could have asked for. Franco very kindly gave us a surrounding tour, and took us to a graveyard, monastery, and then home, which was great, as we had all consumed a wee bit of wine. We are returning this March, and hopefully will be taking a cooking course there. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it ! We were visiting in 2009, so above date is innacurate.
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DnK_Staffs
An altogether wonderful experience of turning simple ingredients into fantastic meals which were accompanied by Franco and Paola's excellent home produced red wine. Paola's calm approach and gentle humour created a no-fuss, relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen and even when our Gnocchi fell foul of potatoes that didn't cook as expected she managed to turn the unused mixture into a very tasty snack! We were privileged to spend our two days in two different venues; The farm where we ate the fruits of our labours in the garden, and their spectacularly restored Palazzo in the centre of Casperia with stunning views across the valley.
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CRomero07
Five months after visiting Gusto and learning to cook some of the best food I've ever tasted, I am STILL raving over this place. Whether you're there just for a meal or a cooking class taught by Chef Paola, you will not be disappointed.Their fixed multiple-course menu consists of local organic ingredients and they top your meal with Franco's own wine and olive oil (he will be your most entertaining host). You have the option of dining in or outdoors, but why not enjoy a view the Italian countryside by sitting at one of their perfectly angled tables in their beautiful garden. You'll be surrounded by fruit trees, herb plants, and peace and quiet.If you have the better option of taking a cooking class, do it! Paola will expertly guide you through the art of 'impress-your-friends-and-family-back-home', (you'll learn to make anything from pasta to tiramisu). At the end of your night, you will leave with a smile on your face and good food in your belly. Take my word for it, I was there for 6 weeks!
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mtnbkjim
Of my 9 weeks in Italy several of them were spent with Paola and Franco. Here is where I learned to cook great Italian dishes using locally grown organic ingredients from their gardens and local farms.My experience at Gusto al Borgo will be long remembered and I think of my friends in Italy as my second family.CiaoJames
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GregSimms
Upon landing in Italy, after getting settled into your hotel, unpacking, and hitting the streets, your first stop is usually finding your first bite of true, authentic Italian food. With all the trattorias, osterias, and pizzerias you see on every corner, you may find yourself overwhelmed to say the least.! Well, you won’t find it in any of the major cities, Rome, Venice, Florence, or Napoli. You WILL find the BEST food and the BEST experience in a little village north of Rome called Casperia. Gusto al Borgo, or “Taste of the Village”, is an agriturismo located just outside the Medieval village of Casperia. You will pull up to a warm reception by the owners, Franco and Paola Angelelli. Next you’ll be sat at a beautiful table in the garden under the umbrellas overlooking the Italian countryside. If you’re there at the right time, an amazing Italian sunset will be off in the distance. Franco will pour you a glass of their own red wine. Within minutes of sitting, the food begins arriving. Deep fried pumpkin blossoms stuffed with proscuitto and smoked mozzarella, Eggplant alla parmesana. Zucchini marinated in garlic, white wine vinegar, mint, and chilies. Figs wrapped in proscuitto or stuffed with gorgonzola and mascarpone. Samples of local pecorino cheese, melons, and other vegetables grown right there on their farm. Then the 2 pasta courses start arriving. Pasta alla’Amatriciana with guanciale and fresh picked tomatoes. Spinach and ricotta Ravioli – fatta en casa, lasagna, citrus risotto, home made fettuccine with marinara, ragu, or Bolognese, everything is home made. Then the main course, usually a delicious meat dish such as; Saltimboca, Pork Medallions with roasted peppers, capers, and olives. Roasted Veal with garlic, and rosemary, Involtino- rolled veal and proscuitto stuffed with bread crumbs, pasley and parmesan cheese in a balsamic reduction. Free-range and raised on their farm Chicken braised in white wine, olives and fresh tomatoes. These are just to name a few of the dishes served at Gusto al Borgo. Then dessert, which is usually Paola’s own tiramisu or semi-freddo covered in chocolate ganache. There are no menus, and you will need a reservation. Be prepared for not only the best traditional Italian food you will eat in Italy, but also for the best experience nestled in the Italian countryside surrounded by hills, vineyards, and miles of olive groves. Even if you make the drive up from Rome just for the day it will be worth it and will be something you will never forget. You won’t feel like you’ve truly ‘been to Italy’ until you’ve eaten here at Gusto al Borgo!
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BlueFlash
Our group booked two visits to this place. First off was a cooking lesson which we all enjoyed especially as we got to eat all that we made :) . The price was very reasonable and included the owners red wine and olive oil - both very good. We returned for a set 3 course meal that again was very good - there were few extras that were added in but not to the price - the owners laurel liquer (fire water :)) as an example. Both of these events we had organised in advance. Apparently all that we ate/cooked is grown within view of the house. The husband and wife team that run the place made us feel at home throughout our visit.
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987LucaP
Per farla semplice da gusto al Borgo si mangia bene, molto bene. Merito indiscusso di Paola che nulla delega e tutto prepara con amore e competenza. Se volete fare un pasto frugale avete sbagliato posto: le proporzioni sono abbondanti e le portate numerose. Ma siccome l'alchimia dei sapori e degli ingredienti è sorprendente alla fine del pranzo o della cena pantagruelica si può tornare a Roma in macchina senza abbioccarsi.Il locale è molto piacevole e in sala c'è Franco, nomen omen, asprese, cioè di Casperia, d'origine, ma romano di cuore e di spirito; caciarone e compagnone nel caso, ma capace anche di non essere invadente. insomma Casperia è un presepe e la sosta a Gusto al Borgo rende la giornata "memorabile" nel senso di una piacevole esperienza da cercare di ripetere.
