Dolomiti: Lunch at Da Aurelio

When we first arrived in Colle Santa Lucia, Raffaella — our host at Cesa dele Angele — texted me recommendations … what to do, where to eat, etc. Amogst the suggestions was what she described as a ‘chic restaurant’ … Ristorante Da Aurelio overlooking the Giau Pass (7,335 feet/2,236m asl).

We drove through the pass early on during our stay … it connects Colle Santa Lucia with Cortina d’Ampezzo. We passed the restaurant at the time, but other plans were calling us, so we postponed our lunch to another day. That day turned out to be today.

The plan was to have lunch first, and then do two easy hikes in the immediate area. It all worked out beautifully — with the weather cooperating … comfy temps and sunshine … with ‘sun-ray-filter-clouds’ eventually giving way to puffy clouds as the afternoon progressed.

The road to get to the pass is twisty-turny. Coming from Colle Santa Lucia, one has to drive through 3 tunnels … easy peasy; and tight, hairpin bends … 29 of them to be exact. No, I didn’t count them myself … each one was clearly numbered with a sign.

Da Aurelio is at the rifugio by the same name … located at 7,135 feet/2,175m asl. We had no reservation for lunch. But that actually worked out in our favor as we were invited to dine at one of the tables on the deck instead of the dining room inside. Perfect. (Soon after we were seated, the remaining tables on the deck were filled by others who had not made reservations.)

What can I say! It was a wonderful dining experience. Not surprising since the restaurant bills itself as “A gourmet’s paradise at 2,175 meters in the heart of the Dolomites.” The menu is inspired by nature and features traditional Alpine fare … with a twist — meaning that the chef adds his own interpretation to the recipes. Products are sourced locally and wild herbs and high-altitude edible Alpine flowers are used for flavor and color.

A delightful meal. And now to hike-off some of the calories.Read more