By Federico Donti
On February 27, 2016, Silvia and Riccardo Donti officially opened what is now one of the meeting and reference points of the historic centre of Perugia: the DAJE. Dynamic, youthful, typical, just like this small business located in one of the side streets of Corso Vannucci. Not a simple commercial activity, rather a project of an ethical and cultural nature – born over fifteen years ago between purchasing groups for families and cultural meetings on issues related to environmental impact and conscious consumption. A natural development, on the field, of all those ideas that have contributed to defining the identity of the Daje today.
“Providing products from small artisanal activities, mainly local, was not only a commercial need but a necessity: that of concretely contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact of production,” they tell us.
“We believe, we have fought and we have set our company from the very beginning on a very simple principle – that is, that commercial choices must be subordinate and go hand in hand with very clear and precise ethical principles”, they add.
Let’s take a specific example, the ‘Brado – exclusive cured meats from nature‘ brand: a selection of animals in small local farms where welfare is the first requirement: “A set of factors contribute to our philosophy of reference, from the semi-wild state (extensive, fenced) to the closed supply chain and a healthy and integrated diet (without, of course, the use of soy). Only from a raw material of the highest quality can follow a meticulous processing, without preservatives, of our trusted butchers”.
The same principle for the ‘Torta al Testo‘: “If producing with refined flours apparently results in a simpler, cheaper process, with organoleptic results that more reflect market demands, it does not necessarily mean that you have to fall into the trap. Now let’s not forget that marketing certain products means contributing to the increase in food intolerances that are already arising; For these reasons, the use of the least refined flours possible, of small local productions and without preservatives, can make a fundamental contribution to conscious consumption”.
Their strengths? Undoubtedly retail and serving, accompanied by the inevitable motto “Eat, drink and take away!”
“Nature is not standard” is a slogan very dear to them, which reflects a bit of the whole place. It is no coincidence that the furniture was also created from top to bottom, with their own hands. In good ‘DIY’ style they have grown slowly and evolved to be able today to be competitive and be an alternative in the city not only for quality aperitifs, but also for lunches and dinners, with a proposal of very tasty dishes – which go beyond the simple platter of cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal products, in perfect DAJE philosophy”.
A place that knows how to give the best of itself – with its well-defined identity – both indoors and at the outdoor tables, in the unique context of Via Danzetta.
Handcrafted products from A to Z! Not only wines, soft drinks and liqueurs, but also cocktails.
In the small side street of Corso Vannucci, you can really breathe an air of typicality, which is not just a concept; Equally ‘typical’ are, in fact, both the restaurant and the staff.
“In addition, thanks to the collaboration with local cultural associations, we offer a banqueting service, attending dedicated events on request, with our appreciated ham cutting. We will celebrate our first 3650 days with a two-day event that will see tastings by our main supplier companies, meetings on food culture themes, as well as performances by figurative artists and musicians. We look forward to seeing you on May 16 and 17 and, ҫa va sans dire, on the other days of the year!”, they conclude.
‘DAJE Degusteria’: more than a place, an invitation to discover, savour and share.
Info: DAJE Degusteria
Via Danzetta,5 – Perugia, Centro Storico (Pg)
Tel. 075.8674275
