The first months of 2024 marked a new beginning for the renowned restaurant La Sorgente in Vico Morcote, Ticino, the management of which was recently taken over by Relais Castello di Morcote. There are just around twenty seats in the two historical rooms and the terrace of the Relais Castello di Morcote, a 17th century building that is now a boutique hotel with twelve exclusive rooms. The interiors balance modern elegance and timeless charm, with warm tones that exude peace and tranquillity. In fine weather guests may opt for the charming terrace overlooking Lake Lugano and the small spring to which the restaurant owes its name. This outdoor space is perfect for enjoying moments of peace at the typical Ticino stone tables in the shade of the vine pergola.
The kitchen is run by a young chef who has had experience in starred restaurants, working alongside masters of contemporary cuisine such as Carlo Cracco and Gennaro Esposito. Born in Brescia in 1989, Francesco Sangalli was a semi-finalist in the 2015 Sanpellegrino Young Chef competition and was Sous Chef at The View, where he played his part in its earning for him his first Michelin star. The authentic but sophisticated cuisine is a result of the chef’s meticulous studies that have seen him finding ways of bringing out the very best in the local ingredients with the use of special cooking techniques such as open flames, charcoal and smoking. The result is an ethical and sustainable cuisine with an eye to the future, while at the same time preserving the ancient roots of the tradition and respecting the seasonality and availability of ingredients. Among the many dishes that make up La Sorgente's original menu, Chef Sangalli recommends the especially tempting "Ceviche di lago, buttermilk, burnt leek and cauliflower salad", a dish that celebrates the aromas and flavours of this area through combinations that are simple but carefully studied and nuanced to the palate.
As an ambassador for Ticino's illustrious wine-growing tradition, the Tenuta Castello di Morcote estate ensures that the wine list at La Sorgente restaurant also reflects ethical values and respect for the environment and the local area itself, favouring labels produced by small farmers and local wineries. The selection is based on three principles, that of geographical provenance, i.e. the Alpine and pre-alpine region of Ticino, Graubünden, Valais, Piedmont, Valtellina and Trentino-Alto Adige, with some forays into the Po Valley; labels of their own production, including old vintages from their archives; and thirdly wines produced by friends and fellow winegrowers that they particularly appreciate.
Housed in a historic building in an exceptionally beautiful natural setting, La Sorgente restaurant and its new management aim to offer customers gastronomic experiences of the highest level, without neglecting the ancient heritage of the agricultural traditions of the host region.
