My dear readers, forgive me the delay posting a monthly round-up of gastronomic events in Abruzzo. I am away in Val D’Aosta, enjoying hikes in the Alps and tasty local food, so have to squeeze work in whenever I get a moment. This month there will be some truly delicious events in the region that you, foodies, will certainly enjoy.
Sapori d’Autunno, Canistro Superiore (Aq), October 18
The “Falvours of the Autumn” is a big event for this ancient village with less than 1000 inhabitants. The festival celebrates the chestnut season as it has played an important role in local economy for centuries. Apart from roasted chestnuts you can gorge on arrosticini, polenta, grilled sausages while listening to folk music. Make sure you fill up a bottle with the local spring water as it is known for its healing qualities.
Lungo Le Antiche Rue, Civitella Roveto (Aq), October 16-18
Another sagra in honour of the local chestnut called Roscetta, or Marrone della Valle Roveto. The old streets (called “rue” on the local dialect) of Civitella will be decorated with chestnuts and lined up with gastronomic stands selling caldarroste e vin brulè (roasted chestnuts with hot young wine), frittelle (traditional fritters) and other seasonal delicacies.
Saffron weekend “Raccogli, Conosci e Degusta”, San Pio delle Camere (Aq), October 24-25
The weekend’s programme includes degustation dinners in local restaurants (scroll down the page to see the menus of the seven participating restaurants) that will serve local dishes with saffron on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, everyone is invited to saffron fields to see the harvest. During the day, there will be tastings, and a small market with local produce.
Truffle Hunting, Roccamontepiano (Ch)
The season of burgundy and white truffles has arrived and I am very excited to offer truffle hunts that you can book via Abruzzo With Gusto. You will be hunting for the precious tubers with a young local family and their three dogs. I will be posting more details shortly, in the meantime, feel free to contact me to book your truffle adventure.
Photos: Anna Lebedeva, ©bykofoto/ Dollar Photo Club