Carlo Cracco, one of Italy's most revered chefs, is set to mark the arrival of 2025 with two exclusive dining experiences at his newly directed restaurant, "Via Roma 2," located within the Grand Hotel of Castrocaro Terme. This event promises to be not just another New Year's Eve celebration but rather a gastronomic voyage crafted by the culinary master himself.
After taking charge of the restaurant at the historic Grand Hotel, Cracco invites guests to indulge in two carefully curated options for ringing in the New Year. The first, aptly titled the "Long Life" package, combines a glamorous overnight stay with a gourmet dinner. For €499 per room per night, guests can enjoy the full experience, featuring not only Cracco's exquisite cuisine but also access to the opulent facilities of the Grand Hotel, including the celebrated bar Tito Chini.
The "Long Life" package requires a minimum two-night stay and includes not only the New Year's Eve dinner but also brunch on January 1, complete with local wines and water. Upon arrival, guests will find their accommodations decorated with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit, setting the tone for an indulgent getaway.
For those who prefer to focus solely on the culinary experience without the overnight package, Cracco is also offering the option of participating just for the New Year's Eve gala dinner at "Via Roma 2." The gala, priced at €250 per person (beverages not included), promises to be lively with musical entertainment from the band Nessuna Pretesa. The evening will kick off with a welcome aperitif, followed by the multi-course dinner featuring creative dishes such as lobster cappuccino with Russian salad and black lemon.
The menu, crafted with Cracco's signature flair, includes intriguing appetizers like tartlets infused with dill and char, along with flavorsome bites of salmon madeleine and curry mussels. It moves gracefully to amusing compositions, such as the faux tomato filled with red shrimp and burrata, and savory gougères flavored with whiskey and honey, served alongside house-made bread with whipped butter infused with maple syrup and Cervia salt.
Guests can expect more surprises as they navigate through the culinary offerings. The first course features an intense pumpkin risotto garnished with sweet shrimp and bottarga, paving the way for the second course, which showcases amberjack prepared both raw and cooked, complemented by clam reduction, roasted cauliflower, and citrus notes.
The sweet conclusion to this culinary adventure includes a refreshing raspberry sorbet accompanied by frozen raspberries and meringue, as well as a rich chocolate dessert to delight the senses. True to tradition, the celebration will culminate at midnight with the customary cotechino and lentils, symbolizing prosperity for the New Year.
Cracco's rise to fame is not limited to his culinary prowess alone; his appearances on popular cooking shows like MasterChef Italia have made him a household name. His latest venture at the Grand Hotel marks not only another feather in his cap but also positions Castrocaro Terme as a new hotspot for gourmet dining during the holiday season.
Located approximately three hours from Milan, this elegant retreat offers not just gastronomic delights but also the promise of relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Italy's famed thermal resorts. With Cracco at the helm, guests can expect nothing short of culinary excellence combined with the warm ambiance of the Grand Hotel, making this New Year's Eve affair one to be remembered.
Whether opting for the full experience complete with accommodation or simply joining for the sumptuous gala dinner, attendees will be treated to the best of Cracco’s culinary capabilities, enveloped in the luxurious setting of Castrocaro Terme. The New Year's Eve dinner at Cracco’s restaurant is not just about good food but is also about celebrating community, new beginnings, and the unparalleled joy of shared experiences over finely crafted dishes.
For food lovers and those seeking to celebrate the New Year with style, Carlo Cracco's special event promises to be the perfect opportunity to indulge, enjoy, and embrace the spirit of 2025 with flair.
