Hello all,
Difficult to get connected last night, and we were so full from our delicious truffle dinner that my post had to wait until this morning. It is pouring rain yet again - the worst May weather in many many years in Umbria. It is cool, too, which may be enough of an incentive to buy one of Gianni's beautiful alpaca sweaters that he sells in his shop here at Maridiana. We understand that New Brunswick is getting deluged with rain as well.....our sympathies!
Yesterday we visited a local honey/wax producer at his apiary and workshop, and a glass artist who demonstrated how she makes beads. She kindly provided a snack for us. Before heading to Citta di Castello to see the hand-weaving museum Tela Umbra, we stopped at a 12th century church to wander around amongst the stones and arches within.
The day ended with a tour of the laboratory and small museum at Tartufi Biancini, the area's leading truffle producer. Mrs. Biancini conducts cooking classes and produces gourmet dinners for guest featuring truffles, of course. At the risk of inciting jealousy, here's the menu:
-Bread squares with assorted spreads, Pro Secco (a light champagne)
-Truffle flan on a bed of baby arugula, local white wine
-Homemade ravioli with truffle mashed potato stuffing, grated parmesan, cheese sauce
-Rolled chicken breast stuffed with truffle spread, green salad with honeyed vinegar
-Almond biscotti for dipping in local Vin Santo
And so our tour is at the half-way mark.......5 more days in beautiful Umbria.
