Truffles are no trifle

Jerry, Steve and I got to pursue a local delicacy and enjoy a singular experience only available in Umbria. In a week filled with rich, memorable feasts and enjoyable activities, the truffle hunt might be the most fun, unique experiences we’ve had in Italy. We met up with the Italian brothers who own and operate the Seven Cafe in Monteleone d’Orvieto —- the starting point for our hunt. There we met Argo, the lovable, lively truffle hunter dog who was as energetic and spirited as his human masters. We drove to the wooded property, rather like being privileged to go to a fisherman’s secret fishing hole, and immediately began to see why Argo is so prized. He races ahead at top speed, nose to the ground, tag wagging, stopping only when he smells the truffle and frantically started digging. His master Michel commands him to stop and he waits patiently until we catch up and the truffle is unearthed. This chase took place along the banks of a small stream under a canopy of oaks and other trees, along an embankment. The scene was unassuming and there was no indication of buried treasure underfoot. Our hunt lasted only two hours and a pile of the fragrant black truffles were the bounty, along with two small precious white truffles. The delicacies are quite ugly, but the odor is unmistakable. Back to the starting point for a rewarding lunch featuring pasta with freshly shaved truffles on top and tiramisu all paired with Orvieto area wines. What an unforgettable experience!

Yesterday we were treated to a cooking class where we made our own lunch of tagliatelle from scratch and a decadent tiramisu. The creamy sweet treat seems to be the favorite of all the chefs and it is lovely end to many extravagant meals paired with the great Torre Bisenzio wines. A tour of the small winery culminated by creating our own red blend, bottling, corking and labeling one very special bottle. Our hope is that this treasure survives a trip back to Denver snug in our luggage to be enjoyed, perhaps with a truffle dinner, and reprising such an incredible trip. We cannot allow ourselves to think of the calories of all of this wonderful dining and drinking, but want only to savor every moment under the Umbrian sun! Mangia!