The Secret to the Perfect Dish

At Alfredo alla Scrofa, the art of mantecatura is at the heart of our culinary philosophy, the key to the renowned creaminess of our Fettuccine Alfredo. Originally created as a gesture of love by Alfredo di Lelio for his pregnant wife in 1914, the dish was later adorned with two golden cutleries, gifted to the restaurant as a token of gratitude by Hollywood actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.

What is Mantecatura?

Mantecatura is the magical process that happens when the finest ingredients blend, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s more than just mixing; it’s the moment when pasta, butter, and parmesan cheese turn into a smooth, velvety cream that wraps each fettuccine in a delicious embrace. For the perfect mantecatura, the quality of the ingredients is key, and our three main stars are:
The handcrafted mountain butter: made in the Dolomites with fresh milk from pastured cows, it delivers a genuine flavor and a unique, unmatched texture. Its natural creaminess is the secret of our success.
Parmigiano Reggiano: aged 24 months and rich in aromatic hints, it melts seamlessly with the butter, adding richness and depth to the dish.
Fresh Fettuccine: made daily with carefully selected flour and eggs, are the ideal canvas to paint on this sensory experience.

Mantecatura: A Perfectly Synchronized Dance

The mantecatura is a process that demands precision, passion and dexterity. A waltz where the ingredients come together to enhance each other's flavors. Fettuccine, after being immersed in boiling water for just 30 seconds, are then tossed onto the classic oval serving plate of Alfredo alla Scrofa. Here, with room-temperature butter and 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano the mantecatura begins, expertly carried out by the finest Mantecatori. Each mouthful of Fettuccine Alfredo reflects this meticulous attention to detail. Mantecatura is more than just a technical step; it's a tradition of love passed down through generations, turning a few simple ingredients into a masterpiece that wins over palates worldwide.