October 9th 2010 began the single event I was most excited about – the start of the Tartufo Bianco festival in Alba. Truffle hunters from all over Piedmonte showcased their prized white truffles selling them at prices of 180 to 250 Euros per gram. Translated to a dinner this meant a few shavings over your pasta or eggs would add 30 Euro or more to a 10 Euro dish. And worth every Euro.
Entering the marketplace you could not help but feel the intoxicating aroma enter your very soul. I was in heaven. Even the powerful smell of various cheeses everywhere could not compete, and that is saying something. Words simply cannot describe the euphoria experienced by someone who loves wine, cheese, and truffles – they were all around me like a warm blanket on a cold and rainy day.
Truffle Marketplace
Truffle Market
Tartufo bianco for sale
Great cheese
Cheese guy
The festival is more though than just buying and eating. There were several fascinating educational booths including one that presented examples of nearly every mushroom conceivable – who knew there were so many.
Loads of shrooms
That's one big mushroom
It is unfortunate that these wonderful treats do not make it to America. They do not pack well and last only several days after being unearthed. I look forward to the next time I experience the Tartufo Bianco.
Here is a short CBS News video shot during this festival. Pam and I were singled out for being uniquely American – Italians do not drink wine and walk at the same time.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7022626n
Ciao,
Mark
Posted on November 7, 2010
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