Restaurant: Locanda della Luna

Local Chef Honors Traditional Flavors Through Modern Cuisine

[Autumn 2011] – Every time I find myself visiting friends and relatives in southern Italy (Campagna), it has become a tradition to enjoy a delicious meal at La Locanda della Luna in San Giorgio del Sannio (Benevento). Owned and run by my friend, local chef Daniele Luongo, the establishment overlooks the hills of Sannio and offers a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients.

Chef Luongo’s menu is derived from traditional family recipes and dishes typical to the vicinity. Daniele leads the direction for local research and requires the use of the area’s ingredients as main component of each dish.

Each plate is a modern culinary stage that honors the flavors of the Sannio and Irpinia area – seen by the panoramic view that surrounds his guests. In fact, the area’s seasonal offerings determine his menu, including the handmade pastas and baked breads – he makes on site. In addition, Luongo uses the fruits, vegetables and herbs growing on his establishment’s surrounding gardens.

Chef Daniele Luongo and La Locanda della Luna have been featured in many magazines and newspapers including L’Espresso, and quality-focused food guides including Gambero Rosso and Touring Club. As a member of local and national Slow Food chapters, Daniele constantly participates in events both voluntary and by request. Chef Daniele lives in San Giorgio del Sannio with his wife and children.

Daniele promised me some cooking lessons next time. I may have to make that happen.

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Pictured: (1) Potato and sausage stuffed raviolo, topped with pumpkin puree, chopped hazelnuts & grated local cheese. (2) Autumn soup made with assorted local legumes. (3) Carpaccio of local beef, drizzled with homemade sauce. Accompanied by artichoke fritters with housemade mayonnaise & pea puree.

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• La Locanda della Luna – Località Marzani traversa, Via delle oche, 7, 82018 San Giorgio del Sannio BN, Italy

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NOTE: This is an updated version of an article originally posted in 2011 on a previous blog I ran called Modern Culture: Italy. The article was part of a series called Adventures in Rome. The blog no longer exists; however, I am pulling and updating some of the articles that I found to be interesting enough to have a life here on Magnusmade.com.