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Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table: Book Three: Lombardy

Gilbert Cox

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Published in September To Remember: Searching For Culinary Pleasures At The Italian Table (Book Three) Lombardy Tuscany Compania Apulia And Lazio (Roma) (Savoring The Olde Ways 3)

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Lombardy, a region in northern Italy, is renowned for its rich culinary tradition, which has evolved over centuries to reflect the region's diverse geography and history. From the bustling metropolis of Milan to the picturesque lakeside towns of Como and Garda, Lombardy offers a tantalizing array of culinary experiences.

September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table (Book Three) – Lombardy, Tuscany, Compania, Apulia, and Lazio (Roma) (Savoring the Olde Ways Series 3)

by Carole Bumpus

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	273 pages

A Culinary Journey through Lombardy

Our culinary journey through Lombardy begins in Milan, the region's capital and a culinary hub. Here, we'll explore the city's vibrant food scene, from traditional trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants. We'll also visit the city's renowned food markets, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats.

From Milan, we'll head to Bergamo, a historic city known for its medieval architecture and its delicious casoncelli, a type of filled pasta. We'll also visit the nearby town of Brescia, home to a thriving culinary scene and the annual Brixia Forum, a food festival that celebrates the region's culinary heritage.

Next, we'll journey to Cremona, a city famous for its violin makers and its rich culinary tradition. Here, we'll sample the local tortelli cremonesi, a type of stuffed pasta, and the city's renowned nougat.

Our culinary journey continues to Mantua, a city with a rich history and a sophisticated culinary scene. We'll explore the city's historic center, visit its magnificent Palazzo Ducale, and sample the local risotto alla pilota, a creamy rice dish made with bone marrow and sausage.

From Mantua, we'll head to Pavia, a city known for its medieval university and its delicious certosino, a type of cake made with almonds and honey. We'll also visit the nearby town of Sondrio, home to the annual Sagra dei Pizzoccheri, a food festival that celebrates the region's buckwheat-based pasta.

Our final stop is Varese, a city located on the shores of Lake Varese. Here, we'll enjoy the local cuisine, which features dishes made with fish from the lake and vegetables from the region's fertile plains.

Traditional Dishes and Modern Gastronomy

Lombardy's cuisine is a blend of traditional dishes and modern gastronomy. Traditional dishes include risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish made with saffron, and cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded and fried veal cutlet. Other traditional dishes include polenta, a cornmeal porridge, and osso buco, a braised veal shank.

In recent years, Lombardy's culinary scene has been influenced by modern gastronomy, with chefs experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create innovative dishes. Michelin-starred restaurants such as Enrico Bartolini al Mudec and Osteria Francescana have gained international recognition for their creative and sophisticated cuisine.

Food and Wine Pairings

Lombardy is also known for its excellent wines, which pair perfectly with the region's cuisine. Some of the most popular wines from Lombardy include Franciacorta, a sparkling wine made in the province of Brescia, and Valtellina Superiore, a red wine made in the province of Sondrio.

Here are some suggested food and wine pairings:

Risotto alla Milanese with Franciacorta
Cotoletta alla Milanese with Valtellina Superiore
Osso buco with Amarone della Valpolicella
Polenta with Lugana
Certosino with Moscato d'Asti

Lombardy Recipes

If you're inspired to try some of Lombardy's delicious cuisine at home, here are a few recipes to get you started:

Risotto alla Milanese
Cotoletta alla Milanese
Osso Buco
Polenta
Certosino

Lombardy is a culinary paradise, with something to offer everyone. From traditional dishes to modern gastronomy, from food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, Lombardy has it all. So next time you're planning a trip to Italy, be sure to add Lombardy to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed.

Buon appetito!

September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table (Book Three) – Lombardy, Tuscany, Compania, Apulia, and Lazio (Roma) (Savoring the Olde Ways Series 3)

by Carole Bumpus

4.2 out of 5