Last week, I clicked my heels together walking down a Trastevere street. My mind, eyes and stomach were delightfully confused. I had just finished a 5 hour fine dining experience at Glass Hostaria.
Located in the heart of Trastevere, Glass boasts the highly creative cuisine of Chef Cristina Bowerman, modern décor, professional service and an extensive wine list. Our table chose the 90 euro tasting menu. Dishes included ravioli filled with liquid 60-month aged parmesan topped with white truffle shavings and duck breast with pumpkin and glazed banana in a red wine sauce.
Each course was well executed and beautifully presented. Red shrimp covered with dehydrated prosciutto from Parma in a lettuce and oyster coulis served with a scoop of Barlotti ricotta di bufala was a powerful flavor combination. The savory bacon-like morsels, succulent shrimp and luscious cheese melted on the tongue. Sea bass, edamame, algae and lotus root salad crowned with apple granita was crisp and clean.
Three pasta themed dishes followed. Pastificio dei Campi linguine cooked in roasted red pepper water looked like a miniature beehive garnished with cilantro. It was sweet and smokey. Floating in a tuber broth, button pasta stuffed with pine nuts and herbs was fresh and delicate. The favorite in the pasta category was the 60-month aged parmesan ravioli with white truffle shavings; piquant, earthy and aromatic.
Duck breast with pumpkin and glazed banana in a red wine sauce was served next. The meat was nicely cooked and tender. The main dessert was a yogurt semifreddo with verbena oil. Adorned with flowers and sprouts it was an unexpected delight.
Be sure to leave room for the gorgeous petits mignardises.
A 65 euro and 90 euro tasting menu are available or you can order à la carte. We agreed that the tasting menu was one of the best and most unique meals that we have enjoyed in Rome. I can’t wait to return and sample more of Bowerman’s unique dishes…I’ve got glazed eel on my mind.