ステファノ（Stefano）  神楽坂・牛込柳町/イタリアン（Kagurazaka-UshigomeYanagicho/Italian）

北イタリアにあるヴェネト州の本格的な味わいを楽しめるステファノがあるのは、東西線の神楽坂の1番出口から歩いて1分弱の距離。そこは便利ではあるが隠れたロケーション。

しかしながら、このイタリア北部の田舎町にありそうな小さなレストランが2004年にオープンして以来、主に地元の食通、そしてイタリアの郷土料理を愛する人たちに支持されてきた理由は、この店には『ヴェネト』という明確なテーマがあり、それが料理の味わいに実直に反映されているから。

このレストランのオーナー・シェフ、ステファノ・ファストロの出身地は、ヴェネト州にある有名な『水の都』ベニスのあるヴェネツィアと隣接するトレビソ。

ステファノの話では、ヴェネトが位置するイタリア北部の料理の特徴は、オリーブ・オイルではなく、バターやラードなどを主に使うこと。（とは言っても、最近は北でも料理は軽くなる傾向あり）野菜に関しては、南ではトマトやパプリカが多いが、ヴェネトのある北イタリアではアスパラガスやラディッキオも使う。さらに南ではチーズを料理に添えるが、冬には寒くなる北ではチーズは溶かして料理の中に使う事が多い。

ステファノがレストランで料理を始めたのは15歳の時。それ以前から父親がワインやグラッパをつくり、母親がリキュールやジャムなどをつくるのを見ながら育ったステファノの店のメニューには『自家製』という表記が目立つ。自家製のフォカッチャを焼いて、パスタやサルシッチャをつくるだけでなく、肉や魚も自分でスモーク。そして自家製のブルーベリーのグラッパまであり。

そしてステファノはキッチンの中で料理をつくるだけでなく、その料理をテーブルまで運び説明し、時には流暢な日本語と英語でオーダーまで対応。そんなステファノの隠れた場所にある小さなレストランに集まるのは、ステファノの人柄と料理に魅せられた人たち。

まさしくステファノはカジュアルで家庭的な雰囲気の中で、シェフの出身地ヴェネトにこだわった料理を質量共に満喫できる価値ありのレストラン。

ステファノは東京には23しかないイタリア・ホスピタリティー国際認証マークを授与されたレストランになりました。

これはイタリア本国と同様の質の高いサービスと料理を提供するレストランにだけ与えられる栄誉です。

Stefano is now one of only 23 Italian restaurants in Tokyo awarded the Ospitalità Italiana Seal which is given only to restaurants serving the highest quality of Italian cuisines outside Italy.

Stefano, an Italian restaurant serving authentic Veneto cuisine is located less than one minute walk from Exit 1 of Kagurazaka Tokyo Metro station. It is very convenient but is very obscure as well.

This is an area packed full of some Tokyo’s finest restaurants, primarily French and Japanese. The restaurant area lies between two stations; Iidabashi and Kagurazaka. Interestingly, most establishments are located on the charming back streets and alleys of this neighborhood off Waseda Dori usually referred as Kagurazaka, retaining its old time flavor. Stefano stands somewhat apart, and located between two buildings it does not necessarily derive its style from the old neighborhood of Kagurazaka.

In spite of its somewhat bland location, Stefano has successfully established itself as Kagurazaka’s go-to Italian restaurant with the local gourmet community since opening its doors in 2004 because of the Chef’s warm and pleasant personality, and the authentic food he prepares so true to his origins.

Owner-chef of this restaurant, Stefano Fastro is himself from Treviso, Veneto. It is very close to Venice which is the capital of the Veneto region. Therefore patrons are assured that what Stefano cooks at his namesake restaurant is authentic Veneto cuisine.

According to chef Stefano, what separates Veneto and Northern Italian food from Southern Italian food is that in the North butter and lard, in addition to olive oil, are used. (Stefano also confirms, contrary to what many people think, Northern Italian food is getting lighter, therefore healthier these days). Vegetables are another differentiating factor, with asparagus and radicchio used more prevalently in the North while tomato and bell pepper are more dominant in the South. Cheese is another example, as it is typically placed along side of other items on the plate in the South, whereas in the North where it gets very cold during winter cheese is more often melted and used inside of recipes.

Chef Stefano started cooking professionally when he reached the age of 15. Prior to that, he grew up watching his father make wine and grappa while his mother made jam and liqueur at home. On the menu of his namesake restaurant in Kagurazaka, you will find many homemade items. He bakes his own Focaccia, makes Salsiccia and Pasta, and even smokes the meat and fish himself. True to his origins, he can also pour you a glass of his handmade blueberry infused grappa.

Chef Stefano also respects seasonality. He uses white asparagus and green peas in Spring, and porcini in Autumn. And then, during winter, he makes Radicchio Rosso Tardivo, a signature dish of Vento.

Not content to simply work his craft in the kitchen, Stefano likes to interact with the guests and often personally serves what he has cooked for them. From the time guests arrive, his passion is obvious as he explains, in his almost fluent English and Japanese, the preparation and characteristics of the restaurant’s many dishes and takes the customers’ orders

Please discover and savor the cuisine of the ancient region of Veneto in a very casual and at home atmosphere at this small ristorante. You will find that your appetite and palate will both be very contented at Stefano.