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Giro Goloso is the new project related to Giro d'Italia dedicated to Italian country.
Italy has set the record as far as Unesco world heritage sites: 54 and also the highest level of bio-diversity. Giro Goloso wants to celebrate Italy's beautiful landscape, rural and food and wine richness through the storytelling of the typical receipts of the Giro regions to describe the most beautiful country in the world.
Text written by Andrea Grignaffini
STAGE 1: "Bologna la Grassa"
Mortadella, Crescente bolognese, Tagliatella, Ragù, Passatelli and Lasagne verdi
In 1907 it was unusual to see in the streets of Bologna a poster depicting a pig that, instead of the body, had a mortadella surrounded by a goliardic strip stating in capital letters: ALMA MATER MAGNORUM. Conceived to represent the pleasure-loving character of the typical citizen of Bologna of the times, it would still be consistent today in the jumble of historical shops in the Quadrilatero, that used to be called "salsamenterie". The mortadella was made here and the pig was prepared so that all the cold cuts were tanned. Now mortadella is a PGI product since 1998 and is well-known both in Italy and abroad just as "La Bologna", by metonymy. Since the mortadella is a stewed salami, the slowlier its cooking process is, the more uniform it will be. This is why, ultimately, the bogger it is, the more delicate its flavour and the softer its slices. It is to be eaten diced or in very thin slices and almost shredded and spread on top of the Bolognese crescenta, that is to say, a focaccia with ciccioli (greaves) in its dough – another delicatessen in Bologna's tradition. But among these streets, an intricate maze of tastes where our story starts off, the traditional ragù (meat sauce) – a term coming from the French verb ragoûter, which means to spark the appetite – finds its home. In this case, also the recipe was sealed on 17 October 1982 in the rooms of the Royal Carlton Hotel where, in front of the most influential celebrities of the culinary, cultural, and academic world of the times, the Bolognese Delegation of the Academy of Cooking declared the universal recipe of the classic Bolognese ragù. It requires a piece of beef "cartella", i.e. the diafragm of the beef, just as red as it is juicy. But Bologna has deposited also its different kinds of pasta. Indeed its pasta and its future is in the hands of the sfogline – ladies who, by rolling out the pasta dough (sfoglia), decree the destiny of the city itself. An unsaid imperative dictates that the tagliatelle dough needs to be as thin as semi-transparent, and its widht – that has been deposited on 16 April 1972 – should be the 12,270th part of the height of the Torre degli Asinelli, that is to say, 8 millimetres sharp. The same strict requirements go for the soft and vibrant lasagna verde, established by Paolo Monelli who mentioned it in his book "Il ghiottone errante" in 1935, or by Artusi, and by Francesco Leonardi who talked about the fragrant passatelli in "L'Apicio Moderno" dated 1790. The best places where you can taste these delicacies are the famous osterie in Bologna, like the resilient and ever-lasting Osteria Bottega, as well as Oltre which is run by young chefs who prepare slightly Neo-classic and contemporary courses. If you prefer more Baroque-style dishes, we suggest to pop in at Vincenzo Vottero's lounge, aka ViVo.
The wines:
STAGE 2: the Tuscan-Emilian Appennines
Streghe, Gramigna di pasta fresca, Torta di riso, Fegatello, Pane toscano, Zuccherino
Al Sâs, the name by which the Bolognese people fondly call it, is the last outpost at the foot of the Appenines before trespassing into Tuscany. The fame of "Il Sasso" comes mostly from ones of its prominent citizens, the Nobel laureate in physics, and encompasses the entire Appenines ridge. But Sasso Marconi, and all its district, is part of the National Associations of the Wine Cities, so that before reaching and passing the summit, we suggest at least a foray in the local culinary tradition both at the bakeries in the villages – where you can hoard the streghe (witches), called ostrie in dialect, bearing this name because of their colour that reminded the colour of the witches' skin. You can also pop in the local osterias to taste a steaming-hot dish of gramigna and salsiccia. It is a very popular yellow-green bucatino pasta with uncanny origins. We are leaving Emilia sweetly, with an enchanting taste of the torta degli addobbi, or torta di riso, that has been made according to the same recipe since 1470.
You have hardly time to taste it, and off you go again for other culinary specialties, starting with the "saltless" bread. By the way, the Tuscany cold cuts are so salted that insipid bread is necessary for a well-balanced taste rather than being a whimsical tradition, even though its origin seems to go back to the old tax that the authorities in Pisa imposed on the city of Florence. Once again, the limits of the parochial tendency common in central Italy, or perhaps throughout Italy, can be a source of richness from the culinary point of view. On the one hand, the saltless bread makes sense with Tuscany raw ham sliced by hand, on the other, the Fegatello is a pork liver and meat-based recipe where the meat is stewed in lard and flavoured with wild fennel that grows everywhere in the countryside surrounding the medieval hamlets of Cerreto Guidi, San Miniato, Vinci and Empoli. It is a strategic area set at the same distance from FLorence, Pisa and Lucca, with the outstanding Padule di Fucecchio that covers about 2000 hectars and today is a protected oasis for native plants and animals. Both these cold cuts are actually used artfully in the culinary culture of the local people and can be tasted in sound restaurants such as the Cavavoglie in Fucecchio or at the Bisteccheria in San Miniato, a sacred place for meat coming from Pisa and elsewhere. For a bolder experience still rooted in the local culinary tradition, Papaveri e Papere will offer you joyful experiences, especially in autumn when the white truffle is on stage in San Miniato.
The wines:
Stage 3: sprinting in Maremma
Capocollo, Fagiolo zolfino, Acquacotta, Pici, Bottarga of Orbetello, Ficamaschia a stocchetto
Immersed in the splendid hills outlined by the countours of the vineyards and dotted with the olive trees, Vinci stands out with its peculiar almond-shaped map. Its fame is due to the fact od heing the birthplace of Leonardo, a multifaceted genius from the Renaissance. It is not accidental that the Road of the olive oil and the wine from Montalbano runs through the hamlet and climbs across Leonardo's hills, involving eight municipalities of the district – Capraia and Limite, Cerreto Guidi, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Monsummano Terme, Quarrata, Serravalle Pistoiese and Vinci. This project aims to safeguard and promote the environment through the rural culture and its typical produces. Spiced and seasoned cold cuts, such as the capocollo, vegetables and beans, such as the fagiolo zolfino that has almost no skin, characterize this area. The beans, along with the veggies from the Maremma, are combined in simple and hearty soups, including acquacotta, typically with a poached egg floating in the soup. This dish, a food rich in mineral salt and calories, will help our riders to race the initial hilly kilometres and through the area of Grosseto with the easy climb of Poggio dell'Apparita, in Civitella Paganico, which used to be a free-zone between the Republic of Siena and the Papal State. From here to Orbetello the final course section runs downhill and then rolls completely flat through what used to be a marshland and is still surrounded by the Lagoon between two stripes of land: the Tombolo della Feniglia and the Tombolo della Giannella, with magnificent beaches on the Tyrrenian Sea. It is on the strada provinciale of the Giannella that you will find L'Oste e la Dispensa. Here a purely sea and lagoon cuisine is maintained. The delicious local pici – a handmade pasta of flour and water – are flavoured with fish marinated by the Orbetello fisherman and with roe. But the city, with a wider municipality including Talamone, Fonteblanda and the hamlet of Ansedonia with its dark beaches not far from Capalbio, claims the peculiarity of being connected to Monte Argentario. The latter is a small cape wherem within a handful of kilometres, all the beauties of Mediterranean Italy are gathered, through an artificial dam that was built in 1841. Here Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, very characteristic small fishing villages stand out. The former is hardworking and busy, the latter is more pleasant and smaller, as well as being renowned for its tasty ficamaschia, named as such because its lack of attractiveness. The Monte Argentario, for its landscape and breath-taking views, offers wild and pristine nature that is reflected in some of its culinary interpreters, restaurants floating in the blue, such as Gourmet con Gusto in Porto Santo Stefano or the simple but sophisticad culinary temptations of the Pellicano in Porto Ercole.
The wines:
Stage 4: eating with the Etruscans
Ciaffagnoni, Ricotta of Manciano, Mazzafegato of Pitigliano, Gunciale, Pupazze, Wild strawberries of Nemi
Another Maremma, although coyer because it lays inland, characterizes this long itinerary that, though without any real summit, is extremely winding. We are guests of the very old Etruscan civilization that crosses the roads with its underground network as a symbol of a markedly hypogean culture. It is already palpable when, past the flat section between the Albinia and the Marsiliana, the first climbs lead to Manciano, renowned for its "beautiful sign" and for the ciaffagnoni, the forebears of the French crêpes, as well as for the sheep ricotta of the dairy farm of the same name. As the route rolls to the heart of central Italy, and Tuscia, past a number of bends, Pitigliano stands out, completely carved in the tuff highland, and will charm you because of its typical culinary spells, often borrowed from the local Jewish community which explains its name as "small Jerusalem". Here you needs to try the mazzafegato stew with orange zest and the Goym sfratto.
The still uphill route then runs through Poggio Evangelista and climbs more steeply by Mentana, as an introduction to the biting finale, in terms of altitude and gradient. And then comes the city of Frascati, possibly the most famed town of the Roman Castles area, renowned for its Tuscolano Villas, lavish patrician mansions of the late Renaissance and Baroque times, often obfuscated by the wine and culinary delicacies of this area, such as the porchetta, the wine of the Castles and the coppiette, that are usually eaten straddling the benches in the shade of the trees. For those who are seeking more sophisticated alternative culinary experiences, you will find them in the neighbouring towns, such as at the cosy restaurant Monte Porzio Catone where, a few metres away from the highway exit, at the Poggio le Volpi wine-maker's, the German chef Oliver Glowing works according to the best Italian tradition. He has become successful for his traditional dishes and the meat hung up to 90 days. If you are around, do not forget to try the guanciale, an unavoidable ingredient that flavours every carbonara pasta worth this name and, to refresh the mouth, the tiny, scented wild strawberry of Nemi. A wonderful souvenir will be the special pupazze, honey biscuits to dip in the local wine, shaped as men, animals or women with three breasts – two for the milk and one for the wine. But if you are not yet satisfied with the Latium revels, pop in at L'Oste della Buon'ora in Grottaferrata, where the well-read owner will provide you with a theoretical and empirical description of the local culinary culture, or in Frascati itself, sitting on the panoramic terrasse overlooking the Castles as you taste the unsophisticated dishes at Zarazà.
The wines:
Stage 5: surf and turf cuisine, between Naples and Rome
Porchetta, Pan giallo, Pettola, Artichoke, Ciammaruche, Tortolo
One cannot leave the Roman Castles without having tasted the porchetta of Ariccia. Its story intertwines with the fertile territory spanning at Rome's gates where it stood on the slopes of the Monte Cavo, at pre-Roman times, a theatre offering delicious banqueting. Another peculiarity, though less popular, is the Latium, or Roman, pangiallo,. It was typical of the Imperial Rome when, in order to propitiate the coming back of the sun, people used to eat it during the winter solstice festival. In this respect, just know that there is not one, but rather a large number of recipes. If you want to make it yourself, do not forget dried fruit, honey, candied citrus and egg batter, enriched with dried plums and apricos. As to the pasta dishes in general, the closer you get to the Tyrrenian Sea, the more the local people enjoy preparing home-made pasta, such as the pettola, fettuccini made with water, flour, eggs, and often seasoned with beans, pork rind, tomato, garlic, oil and peperoncino, as if it were a stronger version of pasta and beans. Very often, as we are approaching the finishing line, mostly at the end of spring, snails are included in a variety of recipes, an old legacy from the local home cooking traditions.
In Sezze, at approx. 35 km from Terracina, the Artichoke Festival has been recently introduced on the calendar. In the area local varieties are grown, such as the large, round Romanesco, the Catanese and the Violetta of Tuscany, an average sized and delicate flavoured artichoke. As one understands from its wide variety, the Terracina cuisine is affected by its geographical features, standing half-way between Rome and Naples. It enjoys both the mountains and the sea, rich of blue fish, red fish, tracine, fragolini, lufer, sole, thuna, gry mullets, squids, octopuss, shellfish and sea food, that are possibly to be tasted on the pleasant terrace of the restaurant Il Granchio, not far from Jupiter Temple in Terracina. Along the same road, it is a must to visit the Bottega Sarra 1932 where the cosiness of family management is combined with freshly caught fish cooked with consistency and some amount of boldness. Last but not least, for a cuisine more open to the produces of the inland area, that is, vegetables declined with sea flavours, go to the Osteria Borgo Pio where you will experience real elation thanks to the favette, the tasty and sweet local strawberries and – since it is spring – the Tortolo, an Easter dessert prepared with the so-called "cresciuto" of the bread, fennel seeds and grated lemon zest.
The wines:
Stage 6: the agricultural-sheperding tradition of central Italy
Pecorino of Picinisco, Prosciutto of Guarcino, Sagne e fagioli, Caciocavallo Podolico, Musciska, Extra virgin olive oil of San Giovanni Rotondo
Cassino, an open air monument, today is home to a lively university as well as the famous Abbey, built in 529 by Saint Benedict as a monastery on the mountain of the same name.
All around it, the local communities have maintained an agricultural-sheperding culture where the cheese Pecorino di Picinisco, typical of the Comino Valley, north of Cassino, is a local symbol along with the product that, more than anything else, talks about Guarcino's vocation to the production of cold cuts, as the pigs live wild to this day in the Ciociaria woods, where for centuries the ham has been seasoned under a characteristic layer of blended peperoncino and juniper berries. We are on the border with Abruzzo, a feature celebrated in the home dishes that typically include the sagne, or sagnette, or tagliolini, a special pasta eaten daily and made with water, durum wheat flour and salt. Like all home-made courses, the sagnette change from one village to the other, from one family to the other, in their name and size.
The sheperding vocation of these people can be also found in the popular podolico Caciocavallo, that is made with the milk from cows of the same name that graze wild in this inland area. Here, the people needed to have long-lasting products, up to six years, such as the caciocavallo and the traditional musciska, a typical dried meat eaten by the sheperds during the time of cattle-drive. It does not matter that it is a legacy from the Arab culture, as its name derives from the word mosammed which means "hard thing". In this area they used to produce it with lean meat of local goat, sheep or calf, possibly of the podolica race.
And so, while we are pedalling and tasting, we sprint to San Giovanni Rotondo, renowned for the extra virgin olive oil, at the foot of the Monte Calvo, the highest summit of the headland. The small village, in the heart of the National Park of Gargano, has become an important place for mystical tourism, as Padre Pio from Pietrelcina lived and preached here. Near the sanctuary, after having worked for 15 years in the historical centre, the Antica Piazzetta will welcome you with a typical cuisine with produces from the Gargano, including the marzipan sweets. However, those who do not want to leave the historical centre, will find the Opus Wine in a venue dating back to the 1500 and overlooking the charming little square. Not far from the Chiesa di Sant'Onofrio, the Locanda al Vaglio combines typical local dishes with a moderate but personal revisitation.
The wines:
Stage 7: deep Abruzzo
Ventricina, Spaghetti alla chitarra, Pallotte cace e ove, Zafferano, Mortadella di Campotosto, Confetti di Sulmona
The stage course rolls initially along the sea, then climbs inland, between Ripa Teatina and Chieti. A thoroughly Abruzzo stage witnesses the proximity between the Vasto gulf and its Appenines summits that surround it and offer products such as the ventricina, from black or red pigs that populated this area. This salami, made of a peculiar mixture of salt, sweet pepper powder, wild fennel and pepper, celebrated the rural festivals such as the wheat and the grape harvests. The spaghetti alla chitarra are just as representative of the link between this region and its territory and carry an intense home value, as they symbolize the Abruzzo cuisine. To prepare this pasta one needs the carraturo, commonly known as 'guitar' because of the noise it makes when the dough is rolled on tight threads pinned on a wooden frame to get thick and square-shaped spaghetti.
Even more typical of this area than the ventricina and the chitarra, the pallotte cace represent the home smartness in combining the left overs to make a tasty and delicious dish of clear popular origin, made with stale bread. The result is so successful that it is one of the favourite holiday courses as well as it got a place in the best professional Abruzzo cuisine, that by the way does not lack of inherently noble ingredients, such as the safran from the highland of Navelli, close to the city of L'Aquila. Here it is difficult to resist the temptation of the local cuisine that implies a wide range of peculiar cold cuts from the area of the Mountains of the Saga and, in particular, from the Gran Sasso. Here in Campotosto, you can taste the mortadella of the same name with a central core of lard, that is prosaically named the "mule's balls", given their egg-shape assembled in pair.
As to the finish town, L'Aquila – despite the last earthquake in 2009 – has a centuries-old heritage including Medieval walls, Renaissance buildings and Baroque and Neo-classic churches. Nested in these buildings you can find a clear professional culinary vocation that is represented by restaurants such as the Mangione Papale, where the chef William Zonfa combines local stradition and a dream-like touch from his childhood's memories. A more moderate and yet sound cuisine is offered at the Connubio (the Blend), in the historical Palazzo Fibbioni, in the very heart of the city. For an easy but sophisticated break, we suggest La Fenice: kiosk, winebar and shop just steps away from the Parco del Castello.
The wines:
Stage 8: Between the sea and the hills
Fish broth, Salami of Frattula, Crescia, Truffle of Sant'Angelo in Vado and Acqualagna, Ham of Carpegna, Olive oil of Cortoceto
If we look carefully, the leitmotif connecting the Marche and the Abruzzo is the fish broth, a recurring theme, even in terms of colour, of the longest Giro stage – a 239-km course, out of which 140 km along the coast, that climbs up on hilly sections and some biting "walls" up to the finish on the Monte di Gabicce. Of course, we cannot overlook the fish dishes, because along the entire coast of the Marche until Pesaro there is a great tradition among the local families that pass on the trade: the men fishing in the sea, the women at the fish auction and later at the family-owned fishmonger. But the culinary world does not only focus on the sea, since in this area it survives the tradition of little risen dough, borrowed from the encounter with the Byzantine people. A typical example is the crescia of Macerata. This bread, although typical also in the region of Ancona, is most popular in Filottrano, Cingoli and Apiro. This kind of bread has a variety of names and variations but, as we said, originally came from the Turkish pita, although here the local extra virgin olive oil is used instead of the lard or the milk. In this respect, we cannot forget to mention the oil made in Cartoceto where, since 2004, it has been recognized as dedicated PDO. As to the meat, since we are in a region of rolling hills that recall the wavy motion of the sea in the hinterland, the northern Marche are renowned for the local pig of Frattula, the basic ingredient of the salami of the same name, seasoned with pepper and red wine, moistened with garlic and wild thyme. The ham of Carpegna, PDO, has a similar fate. It has been produced in the municipality of the same name since 1463, when the profitable exchange of salt established by Cervia, to conceive a preservation technique that is as established as this ham to be sliced by hand and served along with the apricots from the surrounding hills.
As far as delicatessen are concerned, we highlight the season of the noble truffle of Sant'Angelo in Vado, a charming medieval village. A restaurant that offers this encounter between the sea and the hills, a few metres from the renowned sphere sculpted by Pomodoro, is Nostrano of Stefano Ciotti, a smart pioneering place overlooking the sea, a characteristic common to virtually every place here. The same is true for Lo Scudiero, although this one is located in the evocative underground rooms of a XVI century palace and displays a praiseworthy cellar. For those who prefer a more informal approach, Pizzeria Farina allows you to choose between real Napolitean and gourmet pizzas with an ease and stylish approach.
The wines:
Stage 9: Romagna of fishermen and farmers
Blue Fish, Piadina, Cold cuts of Mora Romagnola, Cheese of Fossa di Sogliano, Strozzapreti, Bustrengo
An exquisite Romagna stage, running along the Adriatic coast only in the initial part. Let's begin with a literary note: D'Annunzio qualified amarissimo the Adriatic Sea because it is more salted than the Tyrrenian. Therefore, its fish is tastier, particularly the blue fish that you will mostly find char-grilled, without any frills or seasoning, safe some breadcrumbs and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. Of course, the fish cuisine also includes fish broths and fish stews, but the rustìda – a brochette originally made of tamerisk twigs – is the shiniest example of Romagna's culinary tradition. As to the fish fry, ask for scented oil, and never sprinkle any lemon on it, otherwise you risk to be ostracized.
Upon leaving the seaside, along the river Sillaro, you cannot avoid the piadina, that Marino Moretti and Giovanni Pascoli sang in their poems. Romagna was the border between the Gaul-Germanic North and the Greek-Latin, Byzantine and Arab Centre-South. The piada from Romagna, also called pié, pjida, pieda o pji, originated here. It is a simple dough without yeast, a blend of flour, lard, salt and water along with milk, olive oil or baking soda. We mention here its richer sibling, the opulent crescione – a piada folded and stuffed with vegetables and some cold cuts. By the way, as we are climbing into the inland on hilly roads, we cannot fail to speak about the pig of Mora Romagnola, an autochton heavy breed that was spared from extinction by the heroic Mario Lazzari. This kind of pig grows slowly and, by virtue of this peculiar relation with time, develops a very noble fat that is used in producing dainty cold cuts. It is a breed that lives wild. But the sheperding vocation here is also to be found in the formaggio di fossa of Sogliano and of Talamello – a cheese made with cow and sheep milk and matured for about three months in pits in Sogliano that are excavated in tuff and flavour the cheese with powerful and sometimes balmy undergrowth fragrancies, such as mushrooms and truffle. And when we talk of local sweets, the hills of Romagna offer a wide repertoire of wild fruit, peaches and cherries, including the region's symbolic bustreng, blended with honey. If you are in this area, especially in San Marino, do not miss Luigi Sartini at the Righi, overlooking the beautiful square of the village. At the Cantina di Bacco, always in the historical centre, you will find a nest of traditional, superlocal cuisine, a venue excavated in the rocky spur of the village. For a piadina, worth its name, an authentic legacy of the popular opulency of Romagna, nothing is better than a delicious stop at Matterello.
The wines:
Stage 10: the hyphen that both divides and joins Romagna and Emilia together
Cappelletti, Mussels of Marina di Ravenna Salt, Tortellini, Balsamic Vinegar, Cotechino
In one of the previous episodes we told you how important it used to be, for the producers of cold cuts, to have good commercial relations with salt-producing cities. This was the case for Cervia and Bologna, before Venice imposed its embargo on the latter. Today the salt from Cervia is taking centre stage again, not only because of its inherent smoothness but also because of the dedicated work made by the Salt Pan Park of the same name that has disseminated its name and value in the last years. It is a captivating area that has gained fame not only for the magnificent mosaics that Ravenna shields in its eight churches which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, but also for the wild mussels of Marina di Ravenna that are still picked by the cozzari at about 12 metres undersea. Last but not least, another peculiarity of Romagna leads us to Emilia. Next, we must talk about the cappelletti. From Pellegrino Artusi, born in Forlimpopoli, we learn that their name comes from their form: hat-shaped dumplings that here are stuffed with ricotta and raveggiolo and are associated with lean days, since the Longobard culture of pig farming never crossed Bologna's border. Whilst in Bologna and, no doubt, in Modena the tortellini are stuffed with meat. In the latter they are smaller than those made in Bologna and are called "pinky's" because they are so tiny that only the snall finger of a woman's hand could make them. It is this pasta, stuffed with mortadella and ham, that marks the borders between Emilia and Romagna. And yet, since the area of Modena is also a land dear to Dionisus, it is impossible not to mention the balsamic, or ducal, vinegar of Modena, an artful human product. Finally, back to the 'salt business', the need to use all the parts of the pig honed the wit of the inhabitants of Mirandola when, in 1511, the army of the Pope Giulio II besieged the town. On that very occasion, they began to stow pork meat in the pig skin, and invented the cotechino and, later, in the pig feet, making up the zampone. With such a strong culinary tradition, the standard of the restaurants in Modena is just as high. We mention here the Erba del Re, which represents a noble and creative version of the culinary tradition, distilling in its dishes an Emilia-and-Romagna combination of symbolic dishes such as the Tortellini bugiardi and mussels and sour cream. Another inspired and textured menu is offered at the Franceschetta, a bistrot-restaurant run by Massimo Bottura wherw the local and the elsewhere are finely-tuned. We cannot forget Il luppolo e l'Uva that stands out for its intriguing wine and bier list.
The wines:
Stage 11: each Municipality is a Food Valley
Tosone, Ciccioli, Parmigiano Reggiano, Corzetti, Focaccia novese, Agnolotti
The ciccioli, pressed cakes of pork fat, is a typical street food of Modena. That is why, in the past, each family had their stock to munch on, as it lasts up to three-four months.
The stage course running from Carpi to Novi Ligure and rolling through Parma is a stage thoroughly linked to the culinary world, as it crosses most of the so-called Food Valley. So, we cannot fail to talk of the Parmigiano Reggiano, of which the oldest evidence dates back to 1348, when Giovanni Boccaccio wrote conveniently about it in his description of the Bengodi (i.e. enjoy well) district in the 3rd story of the 8th day of the Decameron. Whereas the tosone is a sort of embryonic Parmigiano Reggiano to which it is closely related, but beware, as it is fairly rare nowadays.
By the way, in Italy there is a Food Valley at each turn. As soon as you pass the first Tortonesi hills, you find some intriguing, appealing discs, the origin of which dates to the dawn of time. They are the corzetti novesi, a farly unknown pasta outside Novi Ligure, in the province of Alessandria, where it is a popular dish that has given birth to an Academy of the same name. Their round and thin shape reminded of a coin and bore a seal that changed from family to family and epitomized the border identity of Novi Ligure between Liguria, Emilia and Piedmont. The sauce also changed from family to family: pesto, mushroom or sausage sauce. The history of the corzetti is also an old one coming from far away. It is supposed to be a pasta from Provence brought here by the countess of Provence, married to Charles I Anjou. Today its production survives in some bakeries only in the municipality of Novi Ligure. As to the bakeries, the city is famous for its focaccia, a specialty made by the bakers of Novi Ligure and Ovada as a variation of bread. Its origin dates back to the practical need of the baker: to reduce the temperature of the oven where the bread will then be baked. Back to the pasta dishes, we must mention the agnolotti novesi stuffed with pork loin, sausage, veal, Parmigiano Reggiano and borage. To try the variety of this cuisine at the border, La Gallina in Monterotondo boldly serves impressive Piedmontese dishes in a solemn venue with a breathtaking terrace overlooking the vineyards. Charming, cosy and rich of details, the culinary scenario of the Degusteria Forlino also includes interesting local wines at the lavish cellar of the Vineria Derthona.
Stage 12: the inherent aristocracy of the humble culinary tradition in the mountains
Marrone of Cuneo, Salsiccia of Bra, Castelmagno, Tomino of Talucco, Seirass del fen, Mustardela of the Waldesian Valleys
Being a hilly course and all in all fairly tough, it requires a good amount of energy. Nothing better than the marrone or chestnut from Cuneo, that has been cultivated since the 12th century, and was mostly used as chestnut flour to make the bread. Today, especially the marroni are blended with chocolate to make local sweets, such as the mundaj, the marron glacé, or are used in savoury recipes with pork and deer roasts. To mention other typical dishes, this is the area of the famous salsiccia (sausage) of Bra, that is eaten freshly made with lean beef and bacon all the year round. This specific cold cut, officially acknowledged by a Royal Decree issued after the Statuto Albertino, comes from the custom of refraining from eating pork in the Jewish community of Cherasco. Always about the subject of cold cuts, the local sanguinaccio (a kind of blood pudding), conceived to use all the parts of the pig, is a very interesting dish, seasoned with red wine and cinnamon, salt, pepper and other spices. The mustardela, an aubergine-coloured, little sausage with a soft and mushy texture and a slightly sweet-and-sour taste, must be boiled and eaten with potatoes or polenta. And as far as Piedmontese energy-source food is concerned, we must mention the Castelmagno, a cheese made with a blend of cow and sheep or goat milk, possibly from alpine pasture, with very old origins, slightly 'younger' than the Gorgonzola and already popular in year 1100. Still in the dairy world – and the region is very rich in this department – the Tomino di Talucco is a cheese appreciated by connoisseurs although it is not much known outside Val Lemina, a hamlet of Pinerolo nested in the Cozie Alps. Pinerolo was considered by the writer De Amicis as the most lovely town in Piedmont. It is a very representative cheese, since here everyone used to have at least a cow and a few goats, as in this part of the region an ante-litteram pastorization process was introduced. This makes the cheese soft and virginally white. In Val Pellice, a neighbouring valley, the Saras del Fen is made by the Alpine farmers who patiently collect a floating creamy buttermilk, pour it in a cloth-lined mould and store it in the hay, from which this cheese takes its name. It is an artisanal product; that is why everyone keeps its making, including the maturing time, secret. You can find a convincing interpretation of Piedmontese cuisine, still maintaining a traditional breath, in a restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and beautiful interiors – Trattoria Zappatori by Cristian Milone, in Pinerolo. Here at a short walk from the city park, we also suggest you to try the Taverna degli Acaja that offers a wider range of courses and wines, including quite a good choice of sparkling wines. If you want to stick to the local tradition, the Locanda la Posta in Cavour will be the right place for you.
The wines:
Stage 13: eating in the metropolitan mountains of Turin
Toma d'Alpeggio, Salame di Turgia, Polenta concia, Paste di Meliga, Torcetti of Lanzo, Rodhodendron Honey
Today's it is a more complex stage from the very start on the Colle del Lys as the route climbs along its hardest side. There is no better occasion to tackle the ascent head on with a Toma cheese from the Alpine pastures, a classic and unavoidable local product made with cow and sheep milk, fifty-fifty, according to the regional dairy tradition. The polenta concia is tightly related to the toma – a recipe of the polenta with melted cheese and butter. It's a perfect dish to recuperate after a day hiking in the mountains.
For those wishing a more specific culinary product or one more tightly linked to the cattle tradition, a taste of the salame di Turgia, called salam ëd turgia, typical of the Valli di Lanzo and in the metropolitan city of Turin. As it happens with the Salsiccia di Bra, the former is also made with beef meat. It is a poor and very tasty food. The old recipe is passed on from generation to generation and it is eaten either raw ot cooked, fresh or matured according to the local wisdom.
But since we are in Piedmont, we cannot refrain from making some foray in the world of the sweets. Let's start with the paste di Meliga, cookies made with simple and tasty butter from the alpine altitudes and corn flour. It is the ideal food to recover strength after the tough and winding climb of Pian del Lupo. No less important are the Torcetti di Lanzo, with their typical cylindric shape and a dough made with flour, butter and caramelized sugar. But this is not the end of it, as at the bottom of the descent to Pont Canavese the final climb kicks off. It is longer than 44 km with steeper and not so steep sectors. Let's tackle it with one or two spoons of the exquisite rhododendron honey from Canavese, made by nomadic bees that thrive in Ceresole Reale.
We do suggest to whoever is in that area to stop at La Genzianella, at the foot of a majestic dam in a typical mountain cabin, where a rigorously local cuisine takes central stage… at more than reasonable prices. Just a few minutes walk and you will find the Osteria dei Viaggiatori, in an intimate venue where you are warmly suggested to reserve a table. It is a place of authentic comfort where you can taste the local produces combined with grace and knowledge. Finally, farther away but absolutely charming, the Albergo Ristorante Tre Re. The legend says that in approx. 1150 the Redbeard carrying the relics of the three Wise Men stopped and slept there. Hence, the restaurant's name. Today, after three catering generations, the chef and his staff express an authentic though smoothed-out and ennobled local cuisine.
The wines:
Stage 14: alpine pasture tables – and bike rides
Motsetta, Toma of Gressoney, Fontina, Lard of Arnad, Rye bread, Teteun
Out of 131 km of the course only 14, around the city of Aosta, are flat; the remaining course is either up- or downhill. This is the short but intense essence of this thoroughly Alpine stage. It needs to be dealt with the proper sprinting spirit as well as a protein-intake that the Val d'Aosta people get, among other food, from their cold cuts. First of all the elegant Motsetta, dried cow, sheep or goat meat – although in the past it used to be made with ibex and today very rarely with chamoix meat – stemmed from the need to preserve the meat as long as possible for its consumption in the winter. It has a unique taste due to the aromatic herbs, used to season it with salt, garlic, juniper berries, and it must be sliced thin and served with rye or roasted bread. In the exquisite cold cuts realm, the renowned POD Vallée d'Aoste Lard d'Arnad, is a complex alchemy of water, salt, aromatic herbs and spices masterfully blended with lard. It comes from the village of Arnad and its pleasant flavour recalls the herbs used in the pickle: each slice is white, with a thin slightly pink core stripe. But Val d'Aosta also means some more prosaic products such as the Teteun that was originally conceived to save the sacrifice of each cow. It is the pickled cow breast that is then sliced and eaten possibly with some jam or a sweet-and-sour sauce. We have just mentioned the bread – rye and oat used to be cultivated up to 1600-m altitude. Their flour, blended and enriched with chestnuts, dried figs and walnuts, is also used to prepare a famous dish with stale bread, the ever-present fontina, with butter, cinnamon and broth. As to the Fontina, since 1200 it has been identified with the regional dairy production and the culinary tradition and, by no accident, it carries all the Alpine herbs and flowers' scents. But it is not the only local cheese. The Toma of Gressoney is produced in no more than 1000-1500 pieces yearly. It is matured on wooden boards in cellars or caves for two to four months. Our favorite inns includes the panoramic Baita Ermitage, nested in the hamlet of Villair. It is a restaurant that gets to the heart and the pallet of local people because of the excellent ingredients in each of its dishes. For those with strong appetite and sophisticated tastes, Dandelion–Cuisine de Montagne is going to satisfy their wishes. But if you are looking for new flavours, in the old centre of Courmayeur, Pierre Alexis 1877 will surprise you with his artful use of wild herbs.
The wines:
Stage 15: from the mountains of Canavese to Lake Como
Miassa and salignùn, Castagne of Settimo Vittone, Burro of Trovinasse, Misultitt, Lavarello of the Lario, Semuda
An unusually anthropomorphic stage, in that it initially rolls through totally flat and highly populated areas for 160 km. In the whole area and especially in north-western Canavese, specifically in the municipality of Quincinetto and in the mountain areas of Biella, one often finds the Miassa, corn waffles made instead of bread and flavoured with the Salignùn, an intensively tasty cheese: a mix of ricotta, salt, red hot pepper and caraway seeds – altogether a very strategic dish. In Settimo Vittone, same area not far from Ivrea on the road leading to Pont San Martin and the Valle d'Aosta, you will find an old tradition connected to the local chestnuts used in a variety of dishes. Here we mention the most impressive one because of its simplicity and effectiveness: chestnuts blended with Trovinasse butter. This is a very special product, a blend of cow milk – the red and black piebald cow breed from Valle d'Aosta that is fed with fresh grass growing in Trovinasse valley at 1200-1500 m of altitude. But the panorama changes quickly, as we past the fast-running descent to Nesso and the lakeside road heading to Como starts. It is a hilly course section requiring the athletes to be focused. 'We' may decide to recuperate after such an effort with the most typical dish, yet very rare nowadays, from the tradition of the fishermen in Lario: the Misultitt, that is, dried shads soaked in milk and served char-grilled with laurel or grill cooked and sprinkled with parsley. More about lake fish of this area: the Lavarello, or coregone, that can be found especially in Lenno, though quite rarely. It is a low-fat fish with a very tasty meat. The ideal way to have it is char-grilled or stewed with polenta. And if we are to talk about polenta, the Semuda – semüda or furmagela, in dialect – is also a particularly rare cheese from the western Lario, originally made not to waste the very skimmed milk left from the butter production. It used to represent the greatest source of gain for the cheesemakers. If you wish to have an original and even ingenuous approach to the local culinary tradition, do not hesitate and go into the splendid 15th century building where Franco Caffara runs the three-storey restaurant I Tigli in Theoria. Similarly, but much more open to a dialogue with Asia, Davide Caranchini's veggie- and spices-orientated cuisine at Materia will please your tastebuds. You find a more easy-going range of pizzas, char-grilled dishes and gourmet sandwiches at Pizza Garage, that recently moved to the city centre.
The wines:
Stage 16: the cuisine from the Alps
Stracchino Bronzone, Silter, Salami of Montisola, Casoncelli, Fatulì, Donkey Stracotto
Like all the Alpine stages – this one is 226 km-long, with over 5,000 m of total elevation – the energy need climbs up. We too climb as we seek the best mountain produces, including some niche production like the Stracchino Bronzone, uncooked whole cow milk cheese with an intense taste made according to the old traditions. The DOP stracchino is produced in area including both the Monte Bronzone and the neighbouring areas in the pre-Alps of Bergamo – a portion of the Orobic Alps and pre-Alps, that are characterized by hilly fields reaching the western side of Lake Iseo. Still about dairy products, those who have already been in Valle Camonica knows the delicious Silter, an excellence whose name of Celtic origins borrows ist denomination from the place where it matured. In Italy it is better known as Casera, a semi-fat cheese made with semi-cooked milk from brown cows throughout the whole year. The other half of the cold cut dish here includes a product with a high local identity: the Salami of Montisola. It is made with the meat of pigs fed mostly with chestnuts and corn mixed by hand with a blend of wine and garlic. And we reach the Valtellina, where the tough Mortirolo Pass is to be climbed, with gradients up to 18%. Nothing better than some Casoncelli to get psychologically ready for the ascent. Their old origin is still passed on in the local families, each family keeping a different recipe secret. As second course, in this area, the donkey stracotto (stew) is still very popular – typically a winter dish, to be eaten with a good steaming polenta. The range of local delicatessen, though, cannot but include the historical Fatulì (called with a dialectal endearement name) made in the Park of Adamello, Val Saviore, according to the old traditional methods. It is a small-size cheese, made with the milk of the light-furred goats grazing on the Adamello slopes. It is easy to recognize it for its smoked, herbal and dry fruit scents.
The gluttonous reaching the summit ought to stop at the San Marco restaurant, where the chef of the same name, the symbol of the Camuns' cuisine, was the first one who used the local produces that would have been forgotten otherwise. An example? The Fatulì that, mixed with leeks, is turned into the protagonist of an unusual and delicious risotto. A few km away the Focolare offers a tasty cuisine made with some strong products such as the puzzone cheese, the key ingredient of a walnut sauce for the semolina gnocchi. Back to our destination, the historical pizzeria Giusy is going to entince you with its slow-leavening pizzas.
The wines:
Stage 17: the essence of Trentino-South Tyrol at the table
Casoleti, Speck, Polenta rostida, Schüttelbrot, Canederli, Apples
In Val di Sole, Val di Rabbi and Val di Peio, among the numerous culinary peculiarities we highlight what suits best this stage at altitude which is both testing and has some tricky urban passages. The so-called Casoleti or Casolèt from Adamello, a mountain cheese called after the Latin endearement name caseolus, i.e. small cheese, is a home-made cheese to be eaten mostly during the winter months.
Past the first descent onto Val di Non and the second one onto Bolzano, Isarco and Brixen, we cannot refrain from paying homage to the so-called törggelen tradition. Nothing better than late spring to have a snack in the open air, with speck sliced by hand and Schüttelbrot, as we do not forget that South Tyrol is a region between the Northern and the Mediterranean cultures. Here the sunny climate of the Alpine valleys and the crisp and clean air play a key role in the production of this smoked ham that, by the rules, needs to season outdoors. As to the Schüttelbrot, the name literally means "shaken bread" because of the unusual production method inaugurated by farmers and breeders in Fiè. This bread, made of rye flour, yeast, water, salt, cumin, is shaken by hand and baked in the oven until it becomes crispy. It goes perfectly not only with the speck, but also with smoked sausages. At dinner, do not skip a taste of Polenta rostida, the left over polenta, moistened with butter and baked shortly, and the robust South-tyrolian Canederli. The captivating legend says that a group of women made the canederli up, as they were emprisoned by the Lanzneckts and prepared it with what was available to them. The mercenary soldiers appraised this dish so much to release them.
Last but not least, a crispy, healthy staple, rich in vitamins, microlelements, potassium and mineral salts – shortly, a natural supplement. It is the South-tyrolian apple, in all its juicy variations.
A green-oriented, extremely sophisticated cuisine in a glass cube standing in the middle of a garden is the original location for the five tables that the chef at the Grand Hotel Dobbiaco, Chris Oberhammer, has chosen to make his contemporary culinary art. Not far from our destination, in Falzes, you will find the romantic stübe and Schönecke's succulent cuisine, successfullly enriched a measured touch of creativity. A good amount of tradition, though revisited with a contemporary taste, is also the character at Oberraut, the restaurant in the woods located in the maso of the same name.
The wines:
Stage 18: sprinting from the Dolomites to the plain
Pastin, Mais sponcio, Schiz, Spätzle, Tome di Piave, Sopressa de casada
This downhill stage of the Giro, once past a mild climb, rolls down onto Ponte nelle Alpi and Pieve d'Alpago and then to Conegliano, where the flat road becomes a long straight stretch up to the finish line. Yet, despite the little effort required today, it is the gluttonous occasion to taste at leat a Pastin, a typical dish from the province of Belluno, made with fresh and spiced minced meat. It is different from valley to valley, and the people of the area of Belluno are accustomed to eating it either raw or as the classic pastin sandwich. The Mais Sponcio from Val Belluna is just as typical of this area. It is a particular strong and robust variety of corn, with tapered stinging spikes, hence the name sponcio, that is to say, stinging. Today it is the favourite cultivar among the local farmers who combine it in a variety of dishes such as the recipe with the Schiz, a typical cheese from the Alpine cottages in the area of Belluno, made with fresh milk curd. Its name dates back to the farmers' habit of collecting the splashing out milk – in local dialect "schizar" – during the stage of shaping the cheese. It is fresh, nutritious and easy to digest.
Still in terms of characterizations, almost charicatural ones, this is also the area of the Spätzle, typical irregularly shaped small gnocchi that are eaten with game meat and come from neighbouring Austria.
But, although the race course rolls back to the plain, we cannot leave the Dolomites without mentioning their most typical cheese, the Piave, that borrows its name from the most important river in Val Belluna, a valley that provides 80% of the milk and the cow breeds used in its production.
Upon entering the hilly area surrounding Treviso, we shall celebrate with Pan e Sopressa, a custom that, in its simplicity, ends up indicating an authentic lifestyle. However, the sopressa is one of the most characterizing products in Treviso's identity at the foot of the mountains. Although this salami is less famous than the one made in Vicenza, its long home tradition earns it the qualification "de casada", by which it is known. To further explore the local cuisine do pop in this country house, a former cultural club, the Trattoria Il Sogno, just a few minutes from Santa Maria di Sala. The cuisine of the Osteria – that is very much anchored in the territory but has an exhilarating creative enthusiasm – stands where the wine used to be produced. Those who want to experience a fish-based meal characterised with a double prestige – in terms of both the dish preparation and the venue – must go to the Antica Osteria da Cera.
The wines:
Stage 19: meandering among the summits of Primiero
Red radicchio, late cultivar, Casatella from Treviso, Asparagus of Cimadolmo and Badoere, Tosèla, Botiro di Primiero, Carne Fumada di Siror
It is a short yet hilly mountain stage. As our athletes kick off from Treviso, we cannot but mention the ultrasweet, virtuous red radicchio – a late cultivar – which was already documented at the end of the 16th century. Today only the asparagus coming in the 24 municipalities of the typical area, in the provinces of Treviso, Padova and Venezia, that grows on the line of the springs dividing the high and the low plains, after the second frost, receives the IGP mark. This is why it is such an exquisite and renowned produce.
Another unavoidable delicatessen, though less known perhaps, is the Casatella Trevigiana, named after the humble home origin of this cheese that was made mostly in winter, when the milk was fatter. It is a generally sweet cheese, ready after a short maturation time.
Another peculiar produce from Treviso is another exquisitely spring vegetable that needs a sandy soil and loads of water. It is the asparagus and in Treviso the Cimadolmo and Badoere asparaguses stand out: they are both IGPs.
Meandering among vegetables and cheese, we go back to the dairy world with another peculiarity of the territory: the typical Tosèla of Primiero, a fresh, in fact an extremely fresh cheese that needs to be eaten within 2-3 days after it is produced. It is made with fresh cow milk that still carries all the essece of the high mountain pasture herbs. Its close relative, especially because of the altitude characterising the mountain pastures, is the valuable Botìro of Primiero, butter made with uncooked cream that naturally surfaces in the milk produced in the alpine farms in summer when the cattle graze in the altitude fields of Trentino rich of variegated grass. Finally we get to the meat dishes that are clearly based on beef meat with the Carne fumàda di Siror, a marinated and smoked round steak that later is seasoned for at least one month. This traditional preparation is the characteristic meat preservation method used directly where the meat is produced. It dates back to the last century. Today the butcher Macelleria Bonelli in Siror has the original recipe and has been producing it in the last 40 years approximately.
Located in a strategic position, in the heart of the skiing park, the malga Ces, in San Martino di Castrozza, will offer you a taste of what we have just described, yet with some gentle gourmet touch to it. The same is true for Da Anita, a bulwark among the restaurants in San Martino where, in the range of the most traditional dishes made by Anita herself, the more contemporary inputs of her son blend smoothly. Along the same line, even with the juicy possibility to eat in the garden, you will find the pleasant universe of La Pajara, a dimension where the cuisine brings together past and present also.
The wines:
Stage 20: the tastes from the Feltrino
Beans of Lamon, Lamb of Alpago, Noce feltrina, Casunzièi, Pòm prussian, Pedavena bier
Our "Alpine" riders are asked to make their last effort along five long climbs. Let's start with our protein advice, although of vegetal origin, with the beans of Lamon. This small and round kind of beans is universally known as the best quality of Borlotto beans that must be tasted both in the salad and in the soup, traditionally enriched with lard, bacon, or pork rind.
Still dealing with nutrients and calories, how can we not mention the Noce Feltrina (walnut from the area of Feltre) the production of which, until the mid-20th century, was about a third of the entire production in Veneto. This old nut has some peculiarities, such as a thin shell that makes it easily accessible, and its prodigality in terms of organoleptic properties.
A completely different kind of fruit, still typical from Feltre's area, the Pòm Prussian – also called Mela di Faller, after the village in the municipality of Sovramonte where this apple is mostly grown. This fairly big, bright red, crispy and very tasty fruit came from Prussia in the early 1900.
Half-way between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Venice, the valley of Alpago has always been considered as the ideal place for lifestock raising. It is after Alpago that a local ovine breed with a thick, fine and wavy fur takes its name. Nowadays this valuable breed – because of its meat, milk and wool – is grown almost exclusively for its meat that is naturally tasty, soft and compact.
If we move on to the culinary tradition of the Ladinia, north of Belluno, the Casunzièi are the half-moon shaped dumplings typically stuffed with boiled potatoes and red turnip. Seasoned with melted butter, smoked ricotta and poppy seeds, according to the local area, the casunzièi can have slightly different stuffing. In Comelico, for example, the casunzièi – here called csanzöi – are made with potatoes and wild mint, or with sauerkrat, bacon and onion. In the area of Ampezzo the cooks prefer to use the red turnip. In any case, once you get to the finish, whatever you eat is to be accompanied by copious sips of Pedavena lager bier. The brewery was founded in 1897 by Luigi, Sante and Giovanni Luciani.
To taste the local delicatessen, although transformed in mostly fish-based creative dishes, we suggest you to get a regenerating stop at Panevin, just out of Feltre. But if you prefer an irremovable solidity of the tradition, at very competitive prices, we prompt you to go to Aurora, a historical restaurant in Feltre. A more informal and contemporary meal can be celebrated at the Enoteca Contemporanea, surrounded with art pieces, wine bottles and dim lights.
The wines:
Stage 21: noble and popular, the many temptations of the local cuisine in Verona
Bollito with pearà, Pastissada de Caval, Paparele, Tortellini of Valeggio, Polenta infasola, Nadalin
The final urban stage against the clock. And you need to keep the time to engross all the noble and popular delicatessen in the city of Verona. Starting with the Pastissada de Caval, that according to a legend dates back to 30 September 489 when the fierce battle between Odoacer and Theodoric took place. At the end of the fight, won by the latter, the dead horses in the battle field became part of the local cuisine, slowly stewed in red wine and loads of spices. Just as slow, in fact extremely slow is the cooking time of the renowned Bollito Veronese (the boiled meat typical of Verona), that also includes the cotechino, served with the famous mashed grated bread seasoned with abundant pepper called pearà. It is a functional dish as it requires the broth where the meat has boiled for several hours. Each family, and each restaurant, in Verona has their own recipe and loudly claims that theirs is the original one.
Another thoroughly Veronese dish is the Paparèle, just a local version of the tagliatelle, served in more characteristic ways, such as it is served in Colognola ai Colli, with the bìsi, i.e. green peas, or in broth with liver, figadìni in dialect, a dish from Verona's tradition, usually eaten in winter time and, in many families, a special course at Christmas dinner. But the Paparèle are also used to make a delicious cake: layers of noodles alternating with a special almond cream.
Still talking about pasta courses, do not forget to try the tortellini of Valeggio, with such a rich stuffing of pork, chicken, veal and beef meat that they require an austere seasoning: either broth or butter & sage. As far as austerity is concerned, the Polenta Infasolà, that is, polenta and beans, is a dish from the popular culinary tradition that Verona borrowed from the province of Rovigo and the southern Padova's area. It originated in the 16th century. Let's close our meal on a sweet note with the Nadalin, a leavened cake with pine nuts created at the end of the 13th century to celebrate the first Christmas following the investiture of the noble Della Scala family. Its star-like shape reminds us of the Pandoro, a very close 'relative' to it.
If you are in town, try not to miss a visit at the 12 Apostoli , but just at lunch, a restaurant rich of history and elegance that has been brought back to centre stage by Mauro Buffo's very local creative flair. But if you prefer to enjoy the dinner, do go to the Osteria Ponte Pietra overlooking the river with its romantic little balconies and a well stocked wine cellar. To feel well, both at lunch and at dinner, hurry to the TapaSotto, run by Giancarlo Perbellini, the Veronese chef par excellence.
The wines:


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You are here: > Audio > Audio dramas > Eighth Doctor Audio Adventures > Human Resources: Part 2
Note: Follows Human Resources: Part 1.
Cover blurb:Lucie Miller's been headhunted to join the staff of Hulbert Logistics, a respectable blue-chip firm in Telford. Great prospects, competitive salary — you don't have to be mad to work here! But wasn't she made for better things, like travelling by TARDIS through time and space? The Doctor, meanwhile, has been fired — into a confrontation with the most terrifying of enemies...
This story takes place after the TV movie.


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Transportation Update for 2019-20
Transportation Update for 2019-20
The Transportation Department of the Wake County Public School System has begun to get ready for the 2019-20 school year. They are contacting Fuquay-Varina High School families with students that live in the school's No Transport/Walk Zone.
Students who live in the 2018-19 No Transport/Walk Zone will be eligible for school bus transportation while Fuquay-Varina High moves into swing space at the Willow Spring High campus for the next two years. If these families want bus service for 2019-20, they must request it. Families may go online at www.wcpss.net/busrider to request bus service.
In order to ensure your child's bus transportation for the start of the school year, please make the request by July 29. Families that request service will receive bus stop and route information at least 10 days prior to the first day of school.


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Ps. I plan to release a couple of screensavers soon with some of these wallpapers as soon as I have enough photos to use.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wallpaper: more Sigma wallpapers!!!
Here are some more cool Sigma wallpapers. As always, click on the images below for the larger versions:
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Daily Archives: September 24, 2014
AT&T Mojio carrier in USA: free service for first year
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Pioneer App Radio issues with iOS 8 & CarPlay delay?
Pioneer AppRadio users should think twice before upgrading to iOS 8. There are problems with the in-app keyboard, general compatibility and display issues with AppRadio Mode apps. Therefore Pioneer suggests not updating to iOS 8
Telmatics West Coast is a big hit with Californians & connected car influencers
Telematics Update prior to Telematics West Coast 2014 Conference & Exhibition (Oct 30-31, San Diego) reproted that over 150 senior influencers have registered with over 75% from the golden state including automakers OEMs, TSPs, and


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Manhood Development Program
The Manhood Development Program provides a character development experience to young men aged 11-18. The Program includes recurring group meetings, community service, and a trip to a Vermont camping site. At no cost to the students, these activities serve as an opportunity for young men to grow and learn under the guidance of trained, caring staff. To learn more about the program, please visit the "About Manhood" tab under Programs and Outreach in the above menu. If you would like to donate to the Manhood Development Program, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
S.H.E Program
The S.H.E Program is a sister character development service for young women aged 11-18. The Program teaches valuable lessons about health, self-image, and bonding to its members. SHE program is in its inaugural stages and is consistently growing to benefit more young women across the community. To donate, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Job Enterprise Program
The Job Enterprise Program pairs students with a partnering business for an extended work period. Students are employed with the business and working for a wage. Job Enterprise program participants receive the opportunity to harness essential job skills in preparation for future career endeavors. To learn more about the Job Enterprise Program, please visit the "Job Enterprise" tab under Programs and Outreach in the above menu. To donate, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Give to a Program
Interested in making a donation to a specific program? Please fill out this form, and a representative will be in contact with more information concerning how to proceed.
"I don't just learn about Math, Science and reading, I also learn about growing plants, business and about myself."


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Mrs. Bookworm
Join me on this adventure called life!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I am now back in my apartment in Korea, I got in a little before midnight and was sound asleep at one am. My trip home was very nice, though it was very chaotic and there wasn't as much time as I would have liked to catch up with everyone. I will be returning back home in approximately five months though. So tere is always later.
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Last Thursday the kids in Little Blessings Christian Preschool had a special Thanksgiving snack and shared this Thanksgiving song.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Your Moment of Thanksgiving Cuteness
Posted by pastorfritz at 3:05 PM No comments: Links to this post
Bowery Mission Women's Center Gift Drive
CPC's Presbyterian Women are sponsoring a gift drive for the women of The Bowery Mission Women's Center in New York City. The gifts will go toward helping homeless women rebuild their lives.
- Any and all sizes are welcome. Gifts that do not suit women currently in the center will be stored and shared later.
- Do not wrap.
- Items should be in the church, under the Christmas tree, by Sunday, December 15.
The Items:
Rain Boots
Pajamas, robes
Gloves & scarves
Carrier book bags
Purses, wallets
Toiletry items
Lotions/Body Washes
Picture frames
Pocket calendars
Appointment books
New Living Translation hardcover Bibles
Devotional books
Gift Cards (Walgreens, Payless, JC Penny, Starbucks, etc.)
Water bottles
Travel mugs
Sweaters & sweatshirts
Stationary & stamps
Resume/document folios
Pen & pencil sets
Personal CD players w/ Earphones
Rain boots
Posted by pastorfritz at 3:04 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Advent/Christmas, Mission
2013 Advent / Christmas Schedule
First week of Advent
Sunday, December 1 (First Sunday of Advent)
9:45 – 12:00 Worship & church school
5:30 – 8:00 Family Advent kick-off (Pot Luck Dinner, Family Advent activity, church decoration & evening worship)
Second week of Advent
Saturday, December 7
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Done in a Day Hurricane Sandy Relief @ First Presbyterian, Freeport
5:00 – 9:00 pm Lighting of Malverne table w/ hot cider & cookies
Sunday, December 8 (2nd Sunday of Advent)
9:45 – 11:00 Worship & church school; Decorating of Sanctuary after church
Third Week of Advent
Sunday, December 15 (3rd Sunday of Advent)
9:45 am Worship & Church School, Decorating of Christmas Tree, Dedication of Gifts for the Bowery Mission Women's Center
11:00 am Presbyterian Women Cookie Walk
4:00 pm Pre-caroling simple supper
4:45 pm Christmas Caroling
Thursday, December 19
11:00 am Little Blessings Preschool Christmas Party
Saturday, December 21
10:00 – 12:00 Christmas pageant rehearsal
Fourth Week of Advent
Sunday, December 22 (4th Sunday of Advent)
9:45 am Worship, Christmas Pageant
11:00 am Birthday Party for Jesus
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
4:00 pm Family Service w/ Communion
11:00 pm Service of lessons and carols
Posted by pastorfritz at 2:55 PM No comments: Links to this post
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Regular price $ 24.95 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
These long sleeve tops are the perfect addition to your fall and winter wardrobe! These tops are form fitting with ruched sides. With that combo they create a flattering silhouette. Wear comfortably while pregnant and after!CONTENT + CARE:
- 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
- Machine Washable Cold
- Fits true to size.
For any questions please email us at email@example.com


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I love this Surya Botanical 18x18x0.25 Green Pillow Cover,it inspiring me everyday. Find it at marketplace with price around $31.43
Description of Surya Botanical 18x18x0.25 Green Pillow Cover:
- Model: FF027-1818
- Construction: Hand Crafted
- Navigational Color: Green, Blue
- Colors: Grass Green, Aqua, Ivory, Lime, Denim, Dark Green
- Pantone #: 16-0237,15-4707,11-4301,18-4215,18-0135,15-0548
- Style: Contemporary
- Shape: Square
- Outdoor Safe?: N
- Product Warranty: Manufacturer's 30 Day Limited
Product Care:
- Spot Clean Only, Line Dry
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Luca Mihaela, 3 years
Dear friends, funds collection for Mihaela Luca is officially closed!
Mihaela was born on 12/10/2007. When she was 10 month old her mom noticed an uncommon light in her pupil. Parents went to the opthalmologist at the children hospital «E. Kotsaga», in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. She urgently was rushed to Odessa, Ukraine to the Filatov's Institute. Physicians confirmed worst diagnosis after the examination under the general anaesthesia – retinoblastoma (retinal cancer). First of all doctors said her eyes need t be removed, and then chemotherapy was prescribed, which was performed in Cisinau, Republic of Moldova. Then examination in Odessa again, and chemotherapy. Meanwhile we looked for any clinics in Europe, Moscow (Russia), Israel and on 11/24/2008 we departed to Germany for an examination. The doctors gave us a hope, her eyes could be saved but irradiation treatment is needed.
«We applied to Chisinau Administration, published our application of help in «Aif» magazine. We would like to thank everyone who helped us. Money we collected where enough for treatment and next examinations. Mihaela took irradiation treatment in a clinic in Essen, Germany.
She needs to undergo an examination every 10 weeks during the next 5-6 years at least to prevent new nidus of tumour. Mihaela was examined by German doctors five times after irradiaton treatment. The next one is scheduled to take place in November, 2010. Every trip cost about 800 Euro for family.
Mihaela's father works at glass factory as senior shift and his salary is not enough. Her mother is a nurse in kindergarten. Mihaela has an older brother. He is in primary school 3rd year. The Luka family can't afford to collect this amount of money every 3 month. That's why parents decided to ask for a help.
Mihaela is beloved child. She is a very wise girl. Parents hope that with the help of good people they will put this to an end!!!
As of today, new niduses are not developing. It's very important not to miss this moment.
Help Mihaela to continue her treatment and be happy!
Donations via cards Visa and MasterCard
Individuals can make donations at any branch of the banks listed below:
When donating via bank, please indicate NGO "Salvati Viata" as beneficiary. Step-by-step guide
For donations in MDL:
BC Moldova-Agroindbank SA filialaMironCostin
Code Iban: MD23AG000000022511573734
Current account: 22511573734
Fiscal code: 1010620005807


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Kim Burnett
Strengthening Weak Market Cities
The decade of the 1990s was a time of growth for some, but not all, American cities. Fifty-five percent of metropolitan areas with populations...
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We believe that when something is beautiful, it's beauty is from the source.
True beauty radiates from within.
Within the individual, within the product sourcing and within the entire process of concept to wearability.
We believe there is unity in our actions, our words, what we choose to wear and how we wear these choices.
The more that the principles and values we hold at our personal source are applied to all facets of our lives, we become confidently aligned, and in the right direction.
We have created a process for our clothing that falls into alignment with our core principles and values of sustainability, quality and an overall peaceful, harmless process.
We hope you find our process, as you read it here and now, in alignment with your own values, and make our story, a part of your story.


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The Workshop for Gifted Students is specially designed for children and young adults who need additional challenge because of their exceptional potential.
Gifted students spend about two-thirds of their school time taking part in regular lessons. During the remaining third, these students move to a specially equipped classroom, where they are taught subjects and themes according to their talents, or are supported along the course of larger projects.
Gifted students are placed in regular classes at the Progymnasium Plus. Year level is based upon the child's academic level as well as emotional and personal development. The goal of the placement is always to offer gifted students the most optimal situation possible, taking into account both the necessary intellectual challenges and the child's social well being.
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If you desire a harvest down the road, it's best to be planting seeds today. Do you foresee a workforce shortage ahead? Take action now by planting seeds.
Here is a creative approach for future workforce needs—reach out to your local high schools and find ways to get involved so that teachers and students in your community become more familiar with your company.
Many high schools offer the opportunity to host high school interns, and in some cases they will offer a job shadow program.
Students need opportunities to deepen their classroom learning by applying their skills, passions and interests to authentic workplace experiences. Students benefit from early exposure to the world of work, and employers enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that students, interns, and teachers bring to their business.
Think of the possibilities for future harvests—go plant some seeds today.


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Dieser Benutzer hat noch keine Informationen zu ihrem Profil hinzugefügt.
Born in Riga, Latvia, I spent every summer near the sea - exploring the nearby forest, connecting with nature and embracing all its characters and seasons. I knew that it is very important to stay close to nature and not to forget how it makes me feel. Growing up in a poor family, eating heavy and low-quality food was a normal thing, as well as having one or another disease at some point - be it obesity, diabetes, heart diseases or other. Being the only one in the family who was not overweight (yet) I was driven by the fear to become like the rest in my family so I started to explore ways of living a healthy life. Having lived in Sweden and England and settled in Switzerland, I had experienced life and witnessed consumerism like never before. I also learned that the mainstream food that people love so much is extremely far from the real food that we should be putting into our body. Paleo opened my eyes to a lot of things, and I am dedicated to helping as many around me as possible to make a smooth transition to a life where making healthy choices is not a challenge and not even a question - rather a way of life. In this case, one size does not fit all - but there are things you can start implementing already today to become healthier. I will be more than happy to help you with that.
- Certified PALEO COACH®
- Nutrition and Health
My biggest passion is cooking. I love trying out recipes and perfecting those of my own. My goal is to come up with the most efficient and delicious recipes to show people that living healthily can be done with little effort and time at hand. I also love movement and working out, and I prefer to do so outside of the gym - we have everything we need to stay fit! 🙂 For some years, I have done running and bodyweight exercises, but, currently, I am exploring the Primal Play fitness method - it is absolutely fantastic as a family activity and can be done anywhere. Last but not least, I love being outdoors in the nature - exploring and capturing it on camera. In fact, my camera is also my companion during my food experiments. 🙂


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Most of the people living outside Mumbai think that boarding a train in Mumbai is too tough. But that's not the case with Mr. Sanil Jain who has been a regular commuter in the Mumbai local since last 5 years. Sanil goes inside and comes out of the compartment with as much ease as a knife on soft butter. But yesterday he got a shocker of a lifetime when he had to board a train in Pune. Sanil was not able to board it, the reason being that he din't get the push from behind which he usually gets on crowded Mumbai platforms.
Sanil regularly catches local from the over crowded Ghatkopar station in Mumbai during peak hours. People make queues on the platform and their judgement while entering a local is precise. Their brain calculates the relative velocity with which the train is approaching the platform, the angle at which people come out of the compartments, the force generated from the push one will get from behind and much more. Sanil had a similar precision when it came to calculations on Mumbai platforms. But Pune is a different city with different way of working, the platforms are not crowded, something which is a surprise for a Mumbaikar wherever he travels.
Sanil had to board a train from Pune while returning back from his short trip. The train arrived at the designated time, but Sanil, who is habituated of getting a push from behind, din't get that push as there was no rush and consequently lost his chance of getting inside the train compartment. Sanil felt embarrassed and din't narrate this story to anyone. But a fellow passenger on the same platform reported this incident to the Faking News reporting team in Pune.


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Hershey, Pennsylvania is located just east the state's capital, Harrisburg. When you think of the name "Hershey," you might think of chocolate, and you wouldn't be wrong! This city is home to Hersheypark, a chocolate themed amusement park, and Hershey World, a park and museum, of sorts. And while all of that will be fun for you and your human friends, everyone knows that chocolate isn't good for dogs, so it's probably best your canine companion stay away from these places.
Hershey does have a couple of dog-friendly restaurants, but if you're looking to have some serious fun with your dog, considering visiting a nearby city. Within a twenty-mile radius of Hershey, there's plenty to do with your pooch. There are several walking trails, a few dog parks, and many more restaurants where your dog can join you for a meal that'll make you say "Bone Appetit!"
Hershey does, however, have several different veterinarian clinics, including one that's open twenty-four hours to handle any emergencies your dog might have. If you're looking for somewhere with easy access to dog-friendly activities, check out Hershey, Pennsylvania!
If you're looking for a delicious place to dine with your dapper dog, make sure to check out The Chocolate Avenue Grill – despite the name, the restaurant is dog-friendly! The Chocolate Avenue Grill serves up classic American dishes, including tasty Philly hoagies, which are a Pennsylvania classic. The restaurant has a large patio with fifteen tables, and all of them are dog-friendly. Your dog must stay on his leash at all times, and good behavior is required. Can you resist the temptation to give Fido just one bite? You probably won't want to share! The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday.
If your dog loves going for walks, head to nearby Colebrook, Pennsylvania, where there's an access point to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. The access point is located about twenty minutes southeast of Hershey. At 14.5 miles long, this trail is sure to tire out even the most energetic of dogs, even if you don't walk the entire length. Your dog is allowed to join you on the trail, but he must stay on a leash at all times. Water is not provided, so you'll want to bring some for you and your dog. You'll also need to bring along waste disposal bags to clean up after your pooch.
Located about thirty minutes from Hershey is the capital city of Harrisburg, which is home to Kohl Park's Happy Tails Dog Park. This dog park features two separate areas: one is for smaller dogs, and the other is for larger dogs. However, larger dogs who aren't as socialized are allowed in the smaller dog section of the park until they become comfortable. This park is usually pretty busy, allowing your dog to make plenty of pawesome new pals. Water and waste disposal bags are not provided, so you'll need to bring along your own. This is an off-leash dog park.
About twenty minutes south of Hershey is Elizabethtown, where you'll find another fun trail to walk with your dog. The Conewago Recreation Trail is just over five miles long, making it an easy walk for routine hikers. But what's a hike without your best four-legged pal with you? Fido can join you on this trail, as long as he stays on a leash that's no longer than six feet in length. You should also make sure to bring along plenty of water for both you and your dog, along with waste disposal bags to clean up after your dog.
About twenty miles west of Heshey is Mechanicburg's Lower Allen Park, home to the locally famous Doggie Dugout! This dog park has plenty of room for your pooch to run around and burn off any pent-up energy he might have. This dog park provides water, toys, and waste disposal bags for your dog, and there's also plenty of seating for pup parents! Doggie Dugout also has picnic tables if you want to bring a snack. Your dog can explore the rest of Lower Allen Park with you, but he'll need to be on his leash once he leaves the designated dog park.