Diving deeper into Truffle in the Tuscan/Florintine culture-in my biased opinion.
Hey Traveler! Welcome back! We are going to be doing a deeper dive into my favorite seasoning(truffle is a seasoning in my world-back off).
Truffle is an umami flavor that can be served on many things. In Florence, truffle can be found in various cheeses, salami, on steak, and of course pasta. What better restaurant to recommend to you to explore your truffle desire than Trattoria ZaZa in Florence(ofc). When I lived in Firenze(Florence in italian because I am helping you become bilingual now), Trattoria ZaZa was just a couple of blocks from my apartment. This restaurant is literally a MAZE. Literally, its HUGE. BUT, worth it. I went several times while living there.
In italian culture there are many unspoken DOs and DONTs(thats for another day) but the one DONT we are focusing on, is ordering a sweet drink with your dinner. Sweeter coacktails are meant for Aperitivo(the pregame for dinner). When you actually sit down for dinner you are only supposed to have either wine, beer, soda, or water with your meal. Why am I letting my undiagnosed ADHD get on this whole tangent right now? Because Trattoria ZaZa has AMAZING cocktails, I got the Passionfruit Mojito. I recommend. I also got a glass of Chianti with my main course. I don’t care if they blend or not chill-you’re in Italy.
Back to Trattoria ZaZa-I highly recommend trying any of the pastas in the Truffle section of their menu. My favorite was the Truffled heavy cream and ham sauce Tortellini. I also tried the Truffled Gorganzola creamy Gnocchi with Fresh Truffle but the Gorganzola was a little too overpowering for me, but if that’s your thing definatly try that. For the secondi(second) course I always got the Green peppercorn and Cognac creamy sauce Beef Fillet with Rosemary Potatoes. I have tried to replicate this but never was able to get the recipe as perfect as they have.
Steering away from ZaZa specifically to more generic truffle information. Most Wineries I went to in Tuscany served their own type of truffle oil in the tastings that I went to. But even at Central Market in Firenze there are many ways to experience truffle throughout the building.
If you’re looking to experience truffle beyond taste, you can actually go truffle hunting. With dogs and all. I haven’t yet-its on my bucket list, but I have looked into it. I have seen apps like “Get Your Guide” and “Viator” both offer truffle hunting experiences so check out those apps if you are interested in that and trying to stay on budget.
So to answer the question of the article: What even is Truffle? It is the best and you should try it. Try it with some of your favorite foods, the taste enhances food to a new level.
Until next time
Safe Travels,
The Wanderer
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