Piedmont

Piedmont - "at the foot of the mountains" - consists mainly of the extensive Po Plain. Between the Alps and the Apennines this fertile area is intersected with long rows of poplars where grassland alternates with cereals and rice growing. Three fifths of the Italian rice production is concentrated in the districts of Vercelli and Novara. Southeast of Turin the gently rolling chalk hills of the Monferrato bear the well-known Asti vines and produce the Gorgonzola cheese. Numerous hydro-electric power stations supply electricity for the textile factories of Biella and the metal, engineering and chemical works of Turin. Turin, home to Fiat, is a dynamic town which attracts followers of fashion and those with a passion for cars.

Cooking here is done with butter. A popular dish is fonduta, a melted cheese dip of milk, eggs and white truffles (tartufi bianchi). Polenta is a staple. Cardi (chards) are prepared alla bagna cauda, i.e. with a hot sauce containing oil or butter, anchovies, garlic and truffles. Monferrato produces the famous Gorgonzola cheese and delicious wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Grignolino, red Freisas, white Asti, still or sparkling (spumante). with a strong flavour of grapes.

From the 'Michelin Guide to Italy'

Appetizers

Bagna Cauda

OVOLI MUSHROOM AND TRUFFLE SALAD - Insalata di ovoli e tartufi

Pastas

RAVIOLI WITH BEEF AND BROWN SAUCE - Ravioli [agnolotti] alla Piemontese