written by Erika Mantovan
A place been missing in Udine
Le Fucine is an ambitious project not afraid of challenges. Opened in 2022, in the wake of covid, immediately making a name for itself, including by organizing events such as Wine Dream , promoted by a local wine trade agency; an event dedicated to the Ho.Re.Ca world in which great Italian and French wines accompanied by traditional delicacies, from flours to yeast and chocolate.
A luxury hotel with several gourmet offerings, large sports areas in a strategic location (for wine) starting by the Café Bistro : where you can stop for a quick lunch or an aperitif. Made out of an old gas pump, it has been recovered and transformed into Le Fucine . A beautiful name that makes explicit to us its being, as the dictionary states, “An environment that encourages the carrying out of activities not necessarily praiseworthy or the formation of socially and culturally relevant personalities.” A total renovation work commissioned by the Danieli Group , developed by Marco Zito who respected the architecture of the ten supporting columns present enhanced by an arched canopy designed by Marcello D’Olivo in 1962. The concrete sail effect, covering the structure, mitigates the whole , the glass windows lighten the imposing volume. Inside, a powerful lighting design does the rest: it attracts.
At the core is being a ‘Cultural Enterprise’
When one stumbles upon projects of this kind, we must think is mandatory. Danieli Group of Buttrio mission was to make a commitment to hospitality by following an important and enduring theme of feeling before being a “Cultural Enterprise.” Sustainability is evident in every corner of the structure, among materials and geometries. Surrounded by greenery, we are just a few kilometers far from Buttrio, City of Wine. The land of wine is well known: Colli orientali del Friuli , almost at the Italian border. This 4 Star Superior is composed by 64 rooms, a gourmet restaurant, brasserie, gym, beauty and wellness area inside.
Zero-kilometer materials, such as Bross of Moimacco, LaCividina of Martignacco, Moroso of Tavagnacco, Mattiazzi of S. Giovanni al Natisone, and Potocco of Manzano, that emphasize cult models by other designers (Gio Ponti, Pierre Paulin, and Patricia Urquiola, especially in exteriors). Pastel and natural colors that tell the story of where we are. Still unspoiled. In the center of the hotel, between the reception and the firesides at the restaurant an incredible lounge where guests can read the great classics, especially great English novels like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. All there. Colorful, but never lit, cozy seating.
Be someone: the restaurants of Le Fucine
The kitchens, led by chef Andrea Fantini , flanked by the capable and bold sommelier Nicolas Chiarcossi, host a miscellany of flavors, with meat in the foreground, especially in the Brasserie. International taste with genuine but light flavors. An offering contagious over the family. On the menu, more than 1,200 references, especially from Italy, France also a good representation of the world’s leading top terroirs. Upcoming opening of fine dining, a must-try.