Right on the artists’ street, in via Margutta, in the heart of Rome, Osteria La Segreta has opened, a new project by the architect Antonio Girardi, which wanted to unite different worlds, the Campania tradition and the Coastal one, where the quality of the raw materials lives within a refined context, between art and design. Fitting into the artistic context of this neighborhood, Osteria La Segreta wants to be an oasis of peace and relaxation where you can venture on a culinary journey of authentic Campania flavors.
The entrance is suggestive, with its imposing blue door, while the style and design of the interior reflect the creative flair of the owner capable of combining a series of works of art linked to the history of the street with eclectic design elements. As Antonio Girardi himself says: «Many of the selected paintings are the work of artists who have made the history of Via Margutta and Italian art in general. In fact, we have two Schifanos and a Picasso, who in 1917 stayed right in the building in front of the Osteria. Many of the works present in the restaurant also depict images or symbols from Campania, which in this case represent my origins and the culinary offering of the restaurant. Works by modern and contemporary foreign artists associated with more classical images have also been included. This context is also typical of my more eclectic design.”
Art and design at Osteria La Segreta
Osteria La Segreta was born inside the historic Osteria Margutta which, since 1964 and for decades, has been a meeting place for artists, writers, musicians and intellectuals frequenting the street of the same name.
«When I undertook the restoration process – states architect Girardi – I tried to keep alive the historical and artistic atmosphere of the place, as happens with most of my projects, where I keep alive their historicity and their uniqueness by implementing my eclectic design. In the case of the Osteria I kept alive the emblematic blue color of the entrance door both outside and at the entrance. Materials and symbols present in the previous venue were re-proposed in my design, such as a grid of horseshoes present at the entrance to the room was recovered by the artist Patrick Alo in the creation of the two Corinthian columns that frame the bar counter, also he’s a native of the place.
Even the subdivision of the spaces has maintained its originality which has managed to inspire my design vision for the venue, colonial and light at the same time, which combines luxury elements, such as the Murano chandelier with elements such as the palm trees, which they give lightness to the room atmosphere. The history and tradition of the Osteria are also remembered by the rich picture gallery that adorns the walls, also a recurring element in my projects which in this case also recalls the history of Via Margutta, which has always been remembered as the street of art” .
The entire project is signed by Studio Antonio Girardi Architect who oversaw the renovation. The walls of the restaurant, covered in raffia, display works of art that pay homage to the artistic history of Via Margutta, thus transforming Osteria La Segreta into a small art gallery with kitchen. Osteria La Segreta also aspires to become a real exhibition space in which the different works of art are exhibited cyclically, depending on the collaborations with the galleries of the street and beyond.
The sign, with its frames, the marble and the columns of the bar area, is already today a spokesperson for the great skill of the Framer of Via Margutta, of the historic Marmoraro and of the sculptor Patrick Alò, with his studio adjacent to the Osteria La Segreta . A way to give even more prestige to the artisans of Via Margutta, thus helping to keep its timeless history alive.
Antonio Girardi concludes: «As in all my projects, craftsmanship has had and has a fundamental role in the tavern too. All the seats are made by Italian artisans, the marble fireplace in the center of the room was created, under my design, by a Campanian craftsman. Most of the frames of the works of art are handmade by Stefano Mucci, a historic framer in Via Margutta. Likewise, the marble plaque at the entrance is the work of the street’s marble worker. I like to involve the artisans of Via Margutta so as to further enhance the historical and artistic importance of the street and at the same time enhance historical crafts, preserving the know-how».
The culinary proposal
The culinary philosophy is inspired by the Campania tradition. The menu offers the tasting of various appetizers following the principle of “Neapolitan spicciolata” or the traditional sharing of various dishes at the center of the table, including very fresh raw seafood, to start the meal in the name of conviviality. The recipes are simple, daughters of the Neapolitan home tradition but all made with first choice ingredients.
The menu includes dishes such as scapece courgettes or peppers sautéed with olives and anchovies, the inevitable fried seafood, aubergine parmigiana, buffalo mozzarella and thinly sliced raw ham. All accompanied by the exceptional “pane rude”, which comes directly from Naples.
Following are the dishes of Campania cuisine, seafood but also land: spaghetti with clams, paccheri with Vesuvian tomatoes or traditional Neapolitan meatballs. A menu without any doubt of identity that truthfully recounts the authentic flavors of the past, bringing to the table the best of the ingredients: pasta from 28 pasta makers from the Pastificio di Gragnano, anchovies and tuna in oil from the Cetarii company of Cetara, organic buffalo mozzarella from Paestum up to the desserts, strictly from the king of Costiera pastry shops, Sal de Riso.
A good combination of the menu with cocktails and above all refined and quality wines, with an eye to the territory such as those of Abbazia di Crapolla, is a must. A true experience of art and taste.
