February on the lake
February brings a serene and romantic charm to Lake Como, offering couples a perfect getaway to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With its tranquil waters, breathtaking views, and cozy accommodations, Lake Como is the ideal destination for a memorable winter escape and we have a few suggestions to make it even more magical.
This month, we also highlight hazelnuts as our featured ingredient. Their rich, nutty flavor adds depth to both savory and sweet dishes, making them a versatile choice for winter cooking.
Romantic Getaways
While this time on the lake is slow and tranquil with many hotels still closed for the winter, there are a few delights still open and ready to welcome visitors into the warm, cozy abodes
Palace Hotel Lake Como (Como City)
Overview: Nestled along the lakefront, the Palace Hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy elegant accommodations with lake views and proximity to Como's historic center.
Dining: The on-site Antica Darsena restaurant offers Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in an intimate lakeside setting.
Availability: Open in February 2025.
Albergo Terminus (Como City)
Overview: A historic 19th-century hotel located in the heart of Como, Albergo Terminus features elegant rooms and stunning views of the lake.
Dining: The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a romantic garden setting.
Availability: Open in February 2025.
Restaurant Recommendation
Ristorante Antica Darsena (Como City):
Overview: Located on the lakefront in Como, this elegant restaurant offers a refined atmosphere with an exquisite menu highlighting classic Italian flavors.
Menu Highlights: Seasonal dishes such as risotto, fresh lake fish, and handmade pastas. A perfect choice for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.
Availability: Open on February 14, 2025. (View on OpenTable)
Bottega Comacini (Como City):
Overview: A chic, modern dining space focusing on local ingredients with a contemporary twist.
Menu Highlights: Known for creative appetizers, seasonal tasting menus, and high-quality wine pairings.
Ambiance: Stylish yet cozy, perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration.
Availability: Confirmed for February 14, 2025, on OpenTable. (View on OpenTable)
Ingredient of the Month: Hazelnuts
Just west of Lake Como lies Piedmont, a region renowned for producing Italy’s finest hazelnuts, where rolling hillsides are blanketed with trees bearing these prized nuts. Piedmont is also the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous hazelnut confections, including Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, both of which celebrate the nut’s rich, buttery character.
A staple of Northern Italian cuisine, hazelnuts bring depth and warmth to winter cooking. Their toasty, buttery flavor effortlessly enhances both savory and sweet dishes, adding a delicate crunch to roasted meats, blending into velvety sauces, or transforming into decadent chocolate desserts.
Here are four ways to enjoy hazelnuts:
Hazelnut and Chocolate Tart: A decadent dessert featuring a buttery hazelnut crust filled with rich, silky dark chocolate ganache. A perfect balance of nutty warmth and indulgence, best served with a dusting of cocoa or a dollop of mascarpone.
Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken: Tender chicken fillets coated in finely crushed hazelnuts, pan-seared to golden perfection, and served with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce. The crunch of the hazelnuts adds texture and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Hazelnut Pesto: A bold twist on traditional pesto, blending toasted hazelnuts with fresh basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil. Toss with pasta, spread on crostini, or use as a dressing for roasted vegetables.
Hazelnut Gelato: A creamy, smooth gelato that highlights the natural richness of hazelnuts. Made with toasted hazelnut paste, this Italian classic is both simple and elegant, offering the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Hazelnut Butter: A silky, homemade spread made by blending toasted hazelnuts with a touch of honey and a pinch of sea salt. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, spreading on warm toast, or stirring into yogurt for a rich, nutty boost.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Hazelnut and Chocolate Tart
A decadent dessert featuring a buttery hazelnut crust filled with rich, silky dark chocolate ganache. A perfect balance of nutty warmth and indulgence, best served with a dusting of cocoa or a dollop of mascarpone.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups (200g) toasted hazelnuts
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
200g dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Icing sugar for dusting, raspberries, mascarpone, roasted hazelnuts to dress top of tart (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Blend hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground.
Add flour, sugar, butter, egg, and salt. Process until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
Bake the Crust:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Press dough into a tart pan and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.
Make the Filling:
Heat cream until simmering and pour over chocolate. Let sit, then stir until smooth.
Assemble the Tart:
Pour filling into the crust and refrigerate until set.
Garnish with anything that brings you joy, like raspberries, a dusting of icing sugar, roasted hazelnuts, and a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream.
Why We Love It: Hazelnut and Chocolate Tart is the perfect balance of decadence and simplicity, combining the rich nuttiness of toasted hazelnuts with the deep, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate. This elegant dessert feels indulgent yet effortless, making it an ideal way to elevate a cozy winter evening.
Wine Pairing: Barolo Chinato (from the Piedmont Region)
The warm, spiced notes Barolo Chinato enhance the chocolate intensity of the tart while complementing the subtle sweetness of the hazelnuts. Whether served as the grand finale to a romantic Valentine’s dinner or enjoyed with espresso by the fire, this tart embodies the refined flavors of Northern Italy in the winter season.
This February, let Lake Como’s romantic charm inspire you, whether enjoying a lakeside retreat, a fine dining experience, or a homemade dessert. Embrace the season of love and create unforgettable moments.
We look forward to sharing more seasonal inspiration and culinary traditions with you next month. Until then, may your February be as rich and inviting as the aroma of toasted hazelnuts on a winter afternoon.
See you on the lake,
The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team