Gennaro Esposito arrives in Umbria. Here's how the new Evo Bistrot of Centumbrie will be

Umbria is now "Umbria felix" after amassing stars, and the region, which surprised everyone in the latest guide season, is enriched with another excellence: Evo Bistrot of Centumbrie by Gennaro Esposito in Agello, a small hamlet (with just under 800 inhabitants) in the province of Perugia. The Campanian chef, following his recognition in Milan in September 2023, places his unmistakable touch on this captivating and multifunctional agricultural project, inaugurating a long-term collaboration with the Cinaglia Menicucci family.

"I see the Centumbrie project as a key that opens the doors to this wonderful territory, populated by extraordinary people and artisans. We are building a visionary and concrete structure rooted in the products of this magnificent area," comments the chef from Torre del Saracino in Vico Equense (Three Forks for the Gambero Rosso Restaurant Guide and two Michelin stars). Miriam Cinaglia, owner alongside her husband and the "frontwoman" of Centumbrie, echoes this sentiment, speaking of a novel encounter between two traditions, the Campanian and the Umbrian, both characterized by a strong connection to the land.

The Centumbrie Project

Centumbrie is a young and innovative story for Umbria, which has already made a name for itself in the past. It encompasses agricultural land, a cutting-edge oil mill, a winery, a mill, a bakery, and pastry laboratory, accommodation spaces (from luxury villas on the lake's shores to designer apartments in the village), the newly established Itaca Park (a green oasis of 7,000 square meters), and the Libera Lepre osteria and cellar, along with a bistro, all set in a charming green context among the hills and Lake Trasimeno. The philosophy promoted by the Cinaglia and Menicucci spouses, who returned to their homeland a few years ago, has focused on sustainability, enhancing local agricultural resources, and creating a unique space conceived to revitalize tourism in the area. They started by acquiring farmhouses with olive groves and subsequently brought the entire project to fruition within a couple of years.

What the new Evo Bistrot by Gennaro Esposito will be like

Photo by Alberto Blasetti

Now, after a targeted restyling, here is the new project shared with the Campanian chef: 150 square meters of open-view kitchen, a dining room for 100 people plus 80 outdoor covers, a diverse offering ranging from aperitivo to late-night dinner, brunch, and special events. Evo Bistrot will provide a 360-degree culinary experience, welcoming guests in a "metropolitan club" atmosphere. The menu is also eclectic: seafood crudos and "n’è na pizza" in various flavors (a low and crispy pizza with very little yeast), burgers and tapas, Vesuvius tomato spaghetti, and meats cooked in the Josper, along with vegetarian specialties like sweet and sour red turnip petal carpaccio with pecorino and green sauce. Most of the ingredients are sourced from internal agricultural projects (primarily extra virgin olive oil and vegetables).

For beverages, in addition to CM Centumbrie natural wines, the selection includes passionate small producers who respect the land, both classic and lesser-known names from the region and beyond, as well as cocktails from the bar. The brigade, led by the young Campanian executive Raffaele Iasevoli, consists of 15 individuals in the kitchen, dining room, and cocktail bar. The bistro also serves as the starting point for all of Centumbrie's catering services, from light lunches to home catering.

Evo Bistrot by Gennaro Esposito di Centumbrie - Magione (PG) - fraz. Agello - 0758 244790 - centumbrie.com