Terrae Madre - CARSOLI

As lunchtime arrived driving from Rome to Ascoli, we noticed a beautiful hillside town to our left and decided to look for a place for lunch. Terrae Madre looked nice on the outside and stunning on the inside. We ordered an antipasto featuring several local meats, fresh ricotta, fresh provolone, homemade honey, and homemade jam with some local beers from Umbria. We enjoyed delicious pastas as our first course, and shared lamb skewers and baked prosciutto with provolone, having Luigi's freshly grown green beans as our side. He also brought is an order of his potato chips (we did not order them he just wanted us to enjoy them) he explained he grew the potatoes outside the restaurant, hand slices, and fries in olive oil. One normally would not boast about potato chips, but these were uncommonly fantastic. And the bread was extraordinary as well. Luigi, the owner, noticed our enjoyment and invited us to his cellar for a digestive of homemade ginseng liquor, telling us his story of moving away near Rome for over 20 years and deciding to return home to open this restaurant. We will make a point of returning to eat at the restaurant and to say hi to Luigi.

This is our 5th time eating here. First time was accidental, but others we have driven up to 2 hours. Everything local, simple, seasonal, and outstanding. Must start with antipasta platter with house cured meats, cheeses, honey, and more. Every dish is oustanding.