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Culinary Traditions and Treasures of the Truffle
Le Marche
About the location: Tucked away between the Adriatic Sea and the Appenine mountains, this region is enchanting; a patchwork of small charming towns, scenes of rolling vineyards ( to rival Tuscany), and long stretches of sandy beaches. When you visit Le Marche you will be struck by the wonderful bucolic landscape, the rich cultural heritage, the historic architecture and the quality of the local produce. This cooking vacation includes meeting local artisans and experiencing the true rural life. The region’s economy has traditionally been based upon agriculture and the fantastic locally made products.
The Agriturismo for your stay is located in the magic truffle area, nestled in the sweet hills of the Marche Region, 30 minutes away from both the sea and the National Sibillini Park. The country house was renovated with original materials using typical local ancient techniques: wooden girders and shutters, stone pavement and fireplaces with some elegant ancient touches. A small property of four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, you can enjoy the lovely pool and jacuzzi, or take a walk through the woodland and grassland area that is reserved for our guests. Wake up to the sounds of birds: a concert of nature!
About the lessons: Chef Moreno has always appreciated “the sweet breath of the earth.” On his father’s farm they specialize in the production of old varities of apples such as the Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini, presenting to the Slow Food movement in Turin and receiving some of the best national gastronomic reviews. A graduate of the University of Macerata, Moreno has had the good fortune to know and work with many influential thought leaders on the Slow Food Movement and frontrunners in Italian gastronomy and tourism. He has also been featured in Italy on “Feast with Heston Blumenthal” on Channel 4.
Chef Paolo lived in the UK dedicating his time to the export of local black and white truffles for the London restaurants and the borough market. His truffles were quickly appreciated by important chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsey, Antonio Carluccio, Giorgio Locatelli and others. He returned to Marche in 2005 to restore his old family home and to continue his successful truffle business. Together they make a unique and wonderful team to present to you the wonderful spectrum of Marche cuisine, and for a special experience, Paolo’s Mamma will also be there.
- Transfer from Falconara Airport to the Agriturismo.
- Enjoy a welcome drink and a short presentation on your cooking courses from Paolo and Moreno
- In the evening, enjoy dinner and a welcome night’s rest at your agriturismo.
- After breakfast, your introduction to classic Marche cooking gets underway with the presentation and preparation of Gnocchi with truffles.
- Lunch based on your efforts.
- In the afternoon depart for Fioranas for a wine and olive oil tasting.
- Dinner out at the Osteria dei Venti or similar.
- After breakfast, depart by minibus around 9:00 a.m. for a guided tour of Ascoli Piceno, the city of church and pottery.
- Lunch in a typical restaurant.
- Afterwards, it’s on to the famous town of Offida, land of the rosso Piceno red wine, visit of a local winery where you will be invited to taste wonderful wines.
- Return and dinner at the agriturismo.
- Breakfast, followed by truffles hunting and cooking course with truffles. You will spend about an hour with the truffle hunter and his special dog and then on to your lesson.
- Some dishes you may make are Fried Olives all’Ascolana, Green vegetables with Ascolana olive oil and homemade pasta with Mamma.
- In the afternoon, free time.
- Dinner at Restaurant Mamma Rosa.
- Breakfast in the Agriturismo.
- Cooking class on the preparation and tasting of sweets Tiramisu at Vino Cotto.
- Depart at 12:00pm for a visit the medieval village Loro Piceno, home of the Black Truffle.
- Lunch in Loro Piceno in a Typical restaurant.
- Following lunch, visit the famous butcher Peppe Cotto, where he will prepare a delicious apertif.
- Dinner in the Agriturismo.
- Breakfast in the Agriturismo.
- After breakfast, visit the Fontregranne farm in Belmonte Piceno, where they specialize in a variety of cheeses.
- Lunch in an typical restaurant.
- Leisure time: perhaps a last stroll or pack for your departure.
- Dinner at the agriturismo where all participants will receive their “Italian Cooking Course Certificate.“
- Breakfast at the agriturismo, final farewells.
- Depart for your transfer to Ancona Airport in Le Marche.
