In the heart of the Dolomites, a short distance from Cortina d'Ampezzo, the romantic Baita Prà Solìo in San Vito di Cadore with its original gourmet giant barrel reminds us of a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers.
Located in a large green expanse crowned by the most beautiful Dolomite peaks, from Antelao to Sorapis up to Tofane, Baita Prà Solìo is a true paradise for lovers of good traditional cuisine and refined wines. Here, thanks to a successful contamination between generations, father Tito and his daughter Arianna work side by side between tradition and innovation, giving their guests a true experience of exquisite Cadore’s flavor.
At the end of the nineties, Arianna’s parents decide to invest in a piece of land in San Vito di Cadore on which there is also a small bar. The property is beautiful and panoramic but suddenly, after a few years, the building is destroyed by a fire. This is how Tito, carpenter by profession and creative by nature, rolls up his sleeves to literally “rebuild” his business, piece by piece, using only recycled wood and materials. The result, thanks to his artisan skill, is truly unique and in 2004 Baita Prà Solìo was born. Its name in local slang means “sunny meadow”, an homage to the splendid position enjoyed by the structure.
For us, tradition is closely linked to the culture of the territory. We cultivate and pass it on with care, enhancing local products and recipes of the past, with an eye for innovation.
(Tito and Arianna De Sandre, owners)
Embellished with wooden frames that look like laces and Cadore-style details tastefully chosen by Arianna among the original creations of local artisans, the Baita looks like a tiny museum of ancient crafts. Shelves and walls have been enriched over time by hundreds of objects and tools recovered from old barns and antique markets. There are also many family memories, such as the sewing machine that furnishes the exterior or the old carpenter’s tools. In the mise en place, which highlights the beautiful wooden tables, stand out the typical hand-painted jugs personalized with the name of the hut, made in Faenza, and the bread boxes made with the old flour baskets.
Tito’s creative spirit and love for the authentic flavors of his mother’s recipes lead him to experiment even in the kitchen to keep alive a tradition that has ancient roots. Thus, on the menu, we find grilled polenta, prepared on the stove to be cooked “over a high heat” as it once was, barley soup, as well as many local meat dishes such as venison stew and goulash.
Great attention is paid to local excellences such as cow’s milk cheeses from Piccolo Brite in Cortina and goat cheeses from the nearby Sanwido company, protagonists of delicious platters that are also excellent as an aperitif. Jams, marmalades and vegetables in oil are prepared at home using only seasonal products from the garden, as well as the potatoes used for the exquisite gnocchi made with nettles or beetroot.
Arianna, in addition to organizing the room and the reception in a masterly way, takes care of the selection of products and wines. Professional sommelier since 2017, she prefers natural wines which make up 90% of the list today. Her constant search for excellence is concentrated above all in Veneto, especially the Belluno‘s area where she enjoys finding new original labels to be included in her proposals.
From this super creative family, another original idea has recently been born, capable of making all romantic spirits fall in love. In fact, at Baita Prà Solìo, you can book a very unique table built inside an old wine barrel by the tireless hands of Tito who created a small work of art. Very intimate and super instagrammable, the barrel is the ideal place to pamper yourself with a candlelit dinner, choosing between the two tasting menus for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Secret
Among the many family objects that decorate the rooms, there is a very special one, it is the spinning wheel of Arianna’s grandmother, Tito’s mother, which peeps out over the stube as a presence of love and protection.
Useful Info
Baita Prà Solìo
Via Geralba 11
32046 San Vito di Cadore, Belluno
Tel. +39 347 1628505
Starters: 13 — 16 euro
First courses: 13 — 16 euro
Second courses: 13 — 22 euro
Tasting menu in the barrel: 50 — 55 euro (wines excluded)
