In today’s hyper-connected world, true luxury lies in disconnecting. Our modern fast-paced society heavily relies us being tuned into technology for literally everything. It’s not just at work anymore, it’s easy to get sucked into devices wherever you are. And if you’re reading this, you already know it. Everyone is feeling a growing need to disconnect, to grant ourselves the luxury of switching off our mobile phones and stepping away from chats, WhatsApp groups, emails, and social media.
Whether it’s during dinner, a weekend getaway, or a holiday, there’s a rising trend known as “digital detox.” This trend encompasses activities aimed at enhancing people’s well-being and leisure time, ranging from vacations and trips to remote locations to spending a few hours at a tech-free restaurant, like “Al Condominio” in Verona.
“We live with our cell phones always in our hands,“and this is making us unaccustomed to socialization and communication.“
Angelo Lella, co-founder of Al Condominio
Al Condominio Restaurant in Verona
A restaurant in Via Marconi, Verona, called “Al Condominio” recently launched a program to get diners back to the Italian roots of enjoying a meal together and not enjoying it with your screen. Alongside its offerings of traditional Italian dishes blending flavors from the North and South, this restaurant also offers a unique way to incentivize a tech-free dining experience. As far as we are aware, this is the only restaurant in the Veneto region, and possible all of Italy, to have a program like this. Come to think of it, we aren’t aware of any restaurants that do this in the United States either.
At “Al Condominio,” guests have the choice to disconnect from their smartphones at the start of the evening and fully engage with their loved ones, family, or fellow diners. Those opting for the “tech-free” option can store their devices in secure boxes and receive a complimentary bottle of free wine.
“We live with our cell phones always in our hands”, explains Angelo Lella, co-founder of the restaurant, “and this is making us unaccustomed to socialization and communication. The need to ‘detoxify’ myself is a need that I feel and that many others realize, which is why we thought we would encourage our customers to put aside their phone, chat and social media when they come here, and take some time to look at the people I’m with, chatting with, interacting with.”
The Restaurant Itself
Besides the free bottle of wine, the food itself at “Al Condominio” is great too, with dishes that blend flavors from both the northern and southern regions of Italy. And it’s somewhat of a concept restaurant with the theme of everything revolving around living in a Condominium. For example, the dishes themselves are named after ironic stereotypes commonly associated with condominium living. For starters, options like “Quelli del Primo Piano (Those on the First Floor),” “Il Giardiniere (the Gardener),” and “La Matta (Mad Woman)” set the tone. With first courses, some of the popular options are “La Guardona” and “La Vecia,” before diving right into second courses like “I Morosetti,” “La Sportiva,” and the ever-present “Spiona (He Spies).” Additionally, a weekly highlight is the “Lo Straniero (The Stranger)” dish, offering an exploration of ethnic flavors.
Adding to the ambiance, chefs wear themed outfits such as “The Maintenance Man,” “The Administrator,” and “The Gardener.” They bring traditional Italian recipes into the modern era, and guests can watch their culinary skills themselves thanks to the restaurant’s spacious open kitchen, fostering interaction and engagement.
More Information on Al Condominio
Website: https://alcondominio.it/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al_condominio/
Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 25/A, 37122 Verona VR, Italy
Phone: +39 366 5340950
