Il Borgo Selvaggio: 4-Hands Lunch Dedicated to Foraging and Forest-Raised Animals at Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia in Umbria

When the curtains closed on another successful chapter of "Il Borgo Selvaggio" before the cold Umbrian winter engulfed the picturesque landscape of Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia, the resounding applause of the participants were more amplified with the excited anticipation for the next round of events the year 2024 will take. Il Borgo Selvaggio is a series of extraordinary lunch events dedicated to the celebration of game, forest, and forest-raised animals, that has captivated diners and garnered widespread enthusiasm throughout its tenure. The events are hosted by Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia with a prominent guest chef in collaboration with Les Collectionneurs, a distinguished community of restaurateurs, hoteliers, and adventurers bound by a passion for travel.

On its introductory year in 2023, three memorable four-hands events took place with Alessio Pierini, resident chef of Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia. The first was with the chefs of Sintesi (1 Michelin star) of Ariccia, Sara Scarsella and Matteo Compagnucci. The second appointment was with the chef of Marennà (now called Ristorante San Gregorio) Roberto Allocca of Sorbo Serpico and the final event was with Daniele Usai, chef of Il Tino (1 Michelin star) of Fiumicino.


The grand finale saw the convergence of land and sea, as renowned chefs Alessio Pierini and Daniele Usai joined forces to orchestrate a symphony of flavors that transcended traditional boundaries. Against the picturesque backdrop of the estate, guests were treated to a feast for the senses, where the rugged allure of the wild intertwined seamlessly with the refined comforts of the country setting.


Guided by the expert hands of Giuseppe Onorato and Serena Sebastiani, the couple behind Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia whose mastery of wildlife hunting lent an authentic flair to the proceedings, the culinary presentation unfolded with unrivaled creativity and superior quality. The lunch started with slices of Onorato's own artisan salumi to which Usai paralleled with slices of dry-aged fish from his own kitchen. Alessio Pierini and Daniele Usai, fueled by a shared passion for the art of gastronomy, embarked on a culinary voyage that showcased the diversity and richness of game and fish. They have brought a unique experience to the table, made up of dishes with highlighting the strengths of their flavors and characters.


The highlights of the lunch were Pierini's exquisite entrée, featuring a medley of roots, dog rose, and musk, evoking the essence of the autumnal forest floor. Meanwhile, Usai's cappelletti with aged Parmigiano Reggiano and red prawns evoked a journey to the depths of the sea, with each bite revealing layers of complexity and depth. The Mediterranean kebab concluded the savory course with a delicious impact on its intense flavors. All the dishes were complemented with the excellent wines of Umbrian producers Francesco Annesanti and Leonardo Bussoletti. 


Now that the spring weather is starting to warm up the hilly terrain of Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia, the new edition of Il Borgo Selvaggio is poised to once again immerse guests in the authentic flavors of Umbria and beyond where gastronomic delights and culinary adventures await in the heart of this Italian countryside. The memories of this extraordinary event linger, serving as a preview of the culinary surprises yet to come.


Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia

Nestled amidst the lush woodlands, Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia stands as a testament to timeless charm, offering a captivating blend of history and modern luxury. Located just a stone's throw away from the Sanctuary of Santa Cecilia and the historical town of Gubbio, this small ancient hamlet has been lovingly renovated and transformed into a prestigious resort by Giuseppe Onorato and his wife Serena Sebastiani. 

A unique place, Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia is immersed in an expansive estate spanning 320 hectares where it boasts a wildlife hunting preserve, in which 200 hectares are woodlands and 120 hectares are cultivable land. At the estate, you can immerse in the sights, scents, and flavors of nature, while indulging in the hospitality of the eco-sustainable resort and in the authentic and refined cuisine of the onsite restaurant in an uncontaminated setting.


Les Collectionneurs

Les Collectionneurs is a distinguished community of restaurateurs, hoteliers, and adventurers bound by a passion for travel, with the esteemed Alain Ducasse serving as Brand President. As of 2023, this prestigious community boasts 540 hotel addresses and restaurants spanning across 11 countries in Europe and beyond. Handpicked for their commitment to community values and dedication to providing unforgettable experiences centered around fine dining and luxurious accommodations, each establishment within Les Collectionneurs epitomizes the art of hospitality. Whether nestled within the serene countryside or tucked away in bustling urban hubs, from gourmet restaurants to charming boutique hotels, every address offers a bespoke haven where travelers can indulge in unparalleled experiences that celebrate the joy of connection and discovery.

Tenuta Borgo Santa Cecilia

Address: Frazione Montelovesco, Strada Provinciale 206 al Km. 15,500 - 06024 Gubbio (PG), Italy
Tel: +39 075 9252157
Website: https://borgosantacecilia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borgosantacecilia/

Les Collectionneurs

Website: https://www.teritoria.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Teritoria11