ぱりそら
◇Second Visit (September 2022) After a hiatus of 4 and a half years, I visited Trattoria ALBERO near Sakuragawa Station. For lunch, they offer three types of pasta for 1,000 yen each, and three types of pizza for 1,200 yen each, each served with a salad buffet. They also have lunch sets like pasta + meat for 1,600 yen and a pasta course with appetizers and dessert for 2,000 yen (menu changes weekly). The restaurant is still as stylish as ever, located in a chic standalone house. The overflowing greenery in the courtyard and the terrace seating give it a foreign vibe. The interior is dimly lit, with a tastefully decorated space. It's spacious and open, with many sofa seats, and simple yet stylish decor and artwork. Since it was close to lunchtime, there were only a few other groups dining. Lunch is available on weekdays and weekends from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm (please check the latest information from the restaurant).
◇Lunch Menu (all prices include tax)
(all come with salad buffet and a drink)
■Pranzo A - Pasta 1,000 yen
Grilled salted mackerel with celery, Aglio e Olio with yuzu scent
Extremely rough beef belly stew with red wine and seasonal vegetables, Pappardelle
Fig and prosciutto, tarragon and mint cold Capellini +400 yen
■Pranzo B - Pizza 1,200 yen
Margherita
Mortadella and seasonal vegetables, Calzone with cream sauce, Pizza Parma with the scent of spices +300 yen
■Pranzo C - Meat + Pasta (one choice from Pranzo A) 1,600 yen
Grilled chicken thigh
Grilled pork shoulder loin +1,000 yen
Grilled beef harami marinated in kelp +1,650 yen
■Pranzo E - 2,000 yen
Assorted appetizers + pasta + dessert (Tiramisu and today's gelato)
This time, I ordered my favorite Pappardelle. While waiting for the pasta to be ready, I headed to the salad buffet corner.
◇Pasta Lunch - 1,000 yen (including tax)
■Salad Buffet
There were several types of vegetables at the counter in front of the kitchen. Compared to before, the variety and toppings of vegetables have decreased, which is a bit disappointing, but the dressings are unique and plentiful. The staff kindly added more vegetables even though it was close to the end of lunch service. While the vegetables are common, the dressings are unique and delicious, which adds to the enjoyment of the meal.
The pasta arrived piping hot in less than 15 minutes.
■Extremely rough beef belly stew with red wine and seasonal vegetables, Pappardelle
The aroma of this pasta was delightful. The "extremely rough beef belly" was a large chunk of juicy beef belly with fried eggplant. The sauce had an Oriental scent of cumin and curry, which was intriguing. The sauce is made with 7-8 different spices to create a deep flavor that complements the beef belly well. The handmade Pappardelle was delicious, with a wide and smooth texture that paired perfectly with the rich sauce and ingredients. It was a unique and satisfying dish.
■Pizza
The focaccia-like bread made with pizza dough was fluffy and chewy, with a nice crispy crust. Its simple and rustic flavor paired well with the pasta sauce.
This restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its stylish ambiance, delicious food, and attentive staff.