So I just realized, that in my truffle induced excitement yesterday, I completely forgot to mention our new companions!! Considering the jet lag and lost luggage situation, I was very impressed how they rallied for the truffle dinner last night! Everyone seems really nice and super excited about the trip, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them over the next week and a half.
Today, we had a pretty easy day, which was good, because I have to admit that all this eating, drinking and sitting in the car is really wearing me out. (Insert miniature violin serenade here). The only producer we saw was an olive oil company called Antico Frantoio Muraglia.
Just like me, Savino Muraglia is 5th generation in his family’s business. They have been operating since 1900. We got a tour of their facility then went to the olive grove where his dad and grandfather joined us and showed us around. His grandfather was so cute, speaking to us in Italian even though we couldn’t understand.
When he started plucking plums right off the tree, juice running down his chin, I couldn’t help but think of my own Italian grandfather. Actually, this whole trip has been reminding me of him, Rocky Palmer for those of you who knew him, because I know he would have loved this!
After stopping to take pictures with a 300-year-old olive tree we went out for an incredible lunch paired with their olive oils. We had a really interesting pasta course; thinly sliced raw tuna, topped with spaghetti, of course lots of olive oil and bottarga. Even the dessert had an olive oil emulsion on it!
Their olive oil was very flavorful with a peppery bite at the end like I like. The best part is, that in addition to packaging the oil in traditional bottles, they also have the most beautiful collection of hand painted ceramic jugs. They would make a fabulous hostess gift or just look nice on your kitchen counter.
Tonight we have dinner on our own and tomorrow is more olive oil and cheese!!
Let the eating continue!
Ciao,
Megan
