Visit Italy: Truffle Hunting

One of the most amazing experiences I've had while in Italy was Truffle Hunting.  Arranged through Castello di Bossi, where we stayed while in Tuscany, we went on a truffle hunting expedition with a couple of truffle hunters and their truffle hunting dogs, and it was simply such a memorable adventure.

We were warned ahead of time that because of the dry weather, we may not have much luck in finding truffles, and if we did find them, they'd probably be small, but we were totally eager just to go on the experience.

The hunting dogs were incredible.  They are so trained and their sense of smell so fine-tuned, that as soon as they are let loose, they start hunting and digging.

Most of the truffles found were small and / or dried up, but there were many truffles that were of decent size.

Once the dogs start digging, the truffle hunters start doing their thing, digging around to extricate the truffle, smelling and examining it before deeming it suitable for harvesting.  

We (or the dogs, rather) found a truffle the size of a tennis ball!

We ended up with a pretty nice haul of truffles, which were used in our dinner that night.

Dessert is not a big thing in Italy (or at least in Tuscany), but they do eat cheese with truffles to end the night.  How decadent!

Truffle Hunting in Italy was one of the most amazing experiences ever!

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Visit Italy: Arnolfo Ristorante

While in Tuscany, we had dinner at 2-Michelin Star Arnolfo Ristorante, led by Chef Gaetano Trovato and his brother, Giovanni, the manager and head sommelier.

Everyone in our party had the Eight Two Twenty Two Tasting Menu, while I enjoyed the Vegetable Impressionism Menu.

Vegetable Impressionism

Amuse: Raspberry, Amberjack, Chickpea

Assorted breads

Zucchini (Veg)

Cacciucco

Cuttlefish

More bread

Tiger Prawns, Pink Prawn, Nectarine Peach, Herring Caviar

Melon, Watermelon, Cucumber, Mint (Veg)

Caponata, Aubergine, Pepper, Celery (Veg)

Sea Bream, Basil, Lemon, Perlina Aubergine

Piramidi Fresh Pasta, Valdarno Duck, Yellow Tomato, Wild Fennel

Fresh Pasta, Zucchini, Courgette Flower, Ricotta

Tagliolino, Datterino Tomato (Veg)

Green Tomato (Veg)

Wild Salad

Chianina IGP, Giardiniera

Laura Peri Pigeon, Black Gruffle, Potato, Certaldo Onion

Duck Egg, Carrot, Elderberry

Wild Berries

Cherry (Veg)

Milliefoglie, Honey

Cherry, Almond (Veg)

Petit Four

My favorite dish of the night was the Tagliolino, which was served with a myriad of tomato preparations -  tomato water, tomato sauce, confit tomato, foam made with the water of tomato, and dust made with the skin of the tomato.  That's definitely not your ordinary pasta dish!  It tasted absolutely delish, and the different preparations of the tomato contributed to a seamless course.

I also really enjoyed the Duck Egg, with botarga, charred celery, and heart of palm.  It was a work of art!  

Many of Arnolfo's dishes included their own innovative spin on traditional Italian dishes, and I loved that the menu incorporated wild foods, as well as lots of fresh pasta.  It was quite interesting that there was a lot of bread service, but for me, that's nothing to complain about, since I love bread!

It was a wonderful dining experience, with brilliant dishes and amazing presentations, as one would expect, although a little bit too long (our host, who has been there before, said it was exceptionally long).  Our reservation was for 8pm, and we didn't leave until after midnight! (Someone in our party said there was an "influencer" in a private room with a lot of guests, who may have caused a lot of the service delays).

Despite the delays, service was top notch, and both Chef Gaetano and Giovanni were very friendly and took the time to talk to us and take photos.  Giovanni even gave us a glimpse into their new space, which they have since moved into. 

The services offered at the restaurant are on another level - they have babysitting, dogsitting, and even helicopter service!  You can also rent a room in their lodging for the complete experience.

Arnolfo was definitely a highlight in Italy!

Arnolfo Ristorante
Viale della Rimembranza

24, 53034 Colle di Val D'Elsa SI, Italy

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