Yesterday I
promised to tell you more about the “Estate di San Martino” in Paroldo (every
year in November), but where to begin?
There was
the wonderful historical diner based on antique local recipes in the only
restaurant in town, the old troubadour who entertained us with stories and
music, the night walk, a congress in the church, the musical aperitivo on the
piazza … But for me the highlight of this event was the bagna cauda evening!
Italian
village sagra’s are always fun, however they usually take place in large halls
or tents, but not in Paroldo! Every year 1000 visitors are invited to the
people’s houses or one of the municipal buildings for a delicious dinner based
on the local specialty, the bagna cauda, a warm dipping sauce with anchovies
and garlic. It is served with vegetables that you can dip in this “hot
bath”.
We were
seated in the future museum of Paroldo, a beautifully renovated stone building
with high ceilings and local artwork on the wall, the dining tables spread over
several attractive rooms.
Every year
it is a surprise for everyone where they will end up and with whom they will
share the table. I would have liked to experience this evening in one of the
Italian homes too, but as we were there “for work” we were seated near the
table of the mayor in the VIP-room. Not bad either ?.
And not only
was there the delicious bagna cauda in a unique setting, but also a wonderful
atmosphere. During the evening musicians went from door to door. And as always,
everyone sang along with the music. Pure joy!
For the
younger generation there was also an open-air disco starting at midnight, but we
chose to stumble with a full belly to our bed.
