Think of Italy and no doubt culture, food and wine come to mind and no where is this more evident than at Lake Como where all 3 dominate. But when it comes to food, a small geographic area on the West side of the lake becomes a focal point for gastro tourists
The area is known as Tremezzina, a collective name for a series of beautiful lakeside towns namely Tremezzo, Lenno, Mezzegra and Ossuccio. Each year between October and December this area becomes a foodies magnet drawn by Tremezzina Gastronomica.
This festival of food suits all tastes as it spans the rustic tables of the mountains with the fish focused tables of the lake. But unlike traditional food festivals dominated by crowded street market style stalls, this event sees 20 local restaurants, trattorias and mountain rifugi and crotti into specific locations offering the traditional food of the area.
Each establishment participating in the Tremezzina Gastronomica design a dedicated menu that celebrate traditional kitchens of the past. This ranges from the hearty plates of the mountains to the lighter plates from the lake. Examples of these dishes include:
- Misultini: fish from the lake sun dried, pressed in salt in the summer months and served with polenta
- Polenta Uncia: not a pasta but a hearty dish made from flour to form a porridge consistency then mixed with cheese, butter and garlic. You definitely won’t be asking for seconds!
- Pesce di Persico: pieces of fish (usually perch) in breadcrumbs served on a bed of rice mixed with butter, garlic and sage leaves
- Risotto ai Funghi: Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms
In addition to these seasonal dishes, traditional plates from the mountains include foraged chestnuts (roasted or in a Torta) and mushrooms along with artisan cheeses and honey.
Whilst each establishment will offer a specific menu throughout the Tremezzina Gastronomica others focus on specific themed events at a number of locations including:
- Osteria Al Vecchio Bacucco
- Villa del Balbianello
- Locanda Il Grifo
- Hotel La Darsena
- Rifugio Boffalora
- Albergo San Giorgio
- Albergo Lenno – Ristorante Giglio
- Trattoria Rana
As you can imagine this annual event is very popular and so it is advisable to reserve a table to avoid any disappointment, in particular for the themed events.
Part and parcel of the Tremezzina Gastronomica are festivals that take place in public parks celebrating the seasonal local harvests, like the chestnut festival at Mezzegra and Lenno, where reservations are not always required
So whatever your preference, a mountain hike to visit a crotto or taverna or a leisurely stroll by the lake to visit a restaurant or trattoria you will be spoilt for choice not only by the amazing dishes on offer, but also the stunning location.
More information about this autumnal gastronomy can be found www.visit-tremezzina.it
However, for a more personal perspective you can always ask call in to our office and ask Gemma and Alina both of whom have first hand knowledge of sampling food at most of restaurants and trattorias that take part in this ‘eating extravaganza.
