Explore Va Sano, a charming French shop in Rome offering exquisite cheeses, wines, and gourmet products. A must-visit for food lovers!
Introduction to Va Sano
In the heart of Rome, Va Sano stands out as a delightful French gourmet shop that combines the best of French culinary traditions with the vibrant local culture. Founded in 2013 by Laurène Brayda, a passionate lawyer and sommelier, and her husband David Bilski, a tech engineer with a knack for pairings, this quaint store has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. After leaving Paris with dreams of sharing their love for fine food and wine, they opened their first location in Piazza Quadrata.
What began as a modest 25-square-meter shop has transformed into a bustling epicenter of French gastronomy. With its selection of freshly baked baguettes and exceptional wines from across France, Va Sano captures the essence of French culinary art right in the heart of Italy. The couple’s journey took another leap forward in March 2022 when they relocated to an elegant space on Via Po, just steps away from Villa Borghese, allowing them to expand their offerings further.
A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
At Va Sano, cheese is the star of the show. The shop boasts an impressive array of French cheeses, including renowned varieties such as Brie de Meaux, Mont d’Or, and Comté. Each cheese is carefully selected not only for its quality but also for its story. The owners believe that every product deserves attention and respect; thus, they engage customers in conversations about how to best enjoy these delicacies.
David emphasizes the importance of pairing: "Two great delicacies can ruin each other if not paired correctly." At Va Sano, customers are encouraged to explore different combinations through informal chats with staff members who share their expertise about sustainability and perfect pairings with jams or wines.
Moreover, visitors can sample cheeses before purchasing them, enhancing their shopping experience while learning about each product’s unique characteristics.
Wine Selections and Expert Advice
The wine selection at Va Sano is nothing short of impressive. With options ranging from Champagne to Bordeaux and Burgundy, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an expert or just starting your wine journey, Laurène provides tailored recommendations based on personal taste and occasion.
The commitment to quality extends beyond mere selections; it’s about building relationships with suppliers. David shares that over their eleven years in business, they’ve fostered strong ties with local producers while remaining open to new collaborations—like working with tea specialist Linda Reali for exquisite blends that complement their cheese offerings perfectly.
This dedication is evident in every bottle sold at Va Sano, where customers receive not only excellent products but also valuable insights into wine tasting and appreciation.
Events and Tastings at Cincineria
Va Sano isn’t just a store; it’s also a hub for culinary education. The shop features an event space called Cincineria, which hosts various tastings focused on wine and gastronomy. This intimate venue can accommodate up to 20 guests around a communal table where both private tastings and public events occur.
By subscribing to their newsletter, patrons can stay updated on upcoming events featuring local producers or guided tastings designed to deepen knowledge about French cuisine. Collaborations with institutions like the Stendhal Bookstore offer shelves filled with literature on wine and cheese, enriching the cultural experience offered by Va Sano.
Bringing Gourmet Delights Home
One innovative offering from David and Laurène is the AperiVia, a convenient ready-to-go aperitif box priced starting at €45. This elegant package includes assorted cheeses, artisanal pâtés, charcuterie like duck breast slices, seasonal vegetables, refined dips such as tapenade, all accompanied by a fresh baguette—perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!
Available in two sizes—mini (for 3-4 people) or maxi (for 6 people)—these boxes make gourmet dining accessible anywhere. Furthermore, their e-commerce platform allows customers throughout Rome—and beyond—to order wines and specialty items online.
As demand grows (certain products like Beaufort d’apleggio have already sold out!), it’s clear that Va Sano is making waves in the culinary scene of Rome.
Conclusion
Va Sano embodies everything we love about gourmet food: quality ingredients sourced from passionate producers combined with expert knowledge shared through engaging conversations. If you’re looking to explore the rich flavors of France without leaving Rome—or simply want to indulge in some delightful cheese or wine—this charming little shop should be your next destination.
Photo by Isaiah-Phillips Akintola on Unsplash
