Operators of establishments specializing in foreign cuisines necessarily make some concessions to the adopted land in which they find themselves, but how many and which concessions they make determine how authentic and good their restaurants will be. As anyone who has spent time in Italy knows, if you’re going to approximate its food, the one concession you can’t make is in the quality and freshness of your ingredients. Its uncompromising approach to quality and freshness is one of the reasons I praise La Cupola Ristorante & Inn, which is located in the Bantam section of Litchfield.
But I also find La Cupola’s facilities quite impressive. La Cupola is set in a handsome stone manor which presides over a gorgeous, sprawling property, making it a popular place to hold weddings and other special celebrations ranging from 35 to 300 guests. I will give readers a tour of the grounds, my wife and daughter as guides. Remember that, if you click on my photos, you can access a larger image.
So here is a view of the quiet pond,
which, as you can see, transforms when the fountain is turned on.
As if the pond isn’t scenic enough, La Cupola presides over a hairpin bend of the Bantam River.
In fine weather, a stroll to the overlook is irresistible.
The river made me yearn for my neglected fly-fishing equipment.
La Cupola’s grounds and gardens are beautifully maintained.
A beautiful garden requires loving care.
The grounds represent one “photo opp” after the next.
Say goodbye to your lovely tour guides now.
The interior of the granite mansion, which was constructed in 1849, is also quite lovely. Here you see the entrance to the inn,
and here you see the dining room.
And here, you see owner Frank Rosa, peeling back the casing on some sausage.
But most venues that do strong wedding business have merely acceptable food. La Cupola, on the other hand, features terrific—and authentic—Italian food. Some of the best things La Cupola serves aren’t even on the wine list or menu. For instance, Rosa makes his own wines (not available for sale), and while I’ve had some really bad homemade wines over the years, his are just lovely. He also makes sausage, and his tomato sauce is a thing of beauty. Here is Rosa’s delightful pickled eggplant and green pepper.
Here you see a cheese and sausage platter.
Here you see a scrumptious salad of mesclun greens with poached pear, heart of palm, Gorgonzola and candied walnuts served in a housemade vinaigrette.
Here are veal chops the way God meant them to be served.
And here is a pork chop with polenta that will get you a step closer to heaven.
And most refreshing and unusual, we got to finish off our meal with a fresh fruit platter.
I’ll close now with one of my favorite views of La Cupola.
La Cupola Ristorante, 637 Bantam Road, Litchfield, 860-567-3326