Eats in Alba, Italy

Alba, the historical and economic capital of Langhe region, is located in the Piedmontese region of Italy. Its wine-growing hilly landscapes crossing the south and east of the Tanaro river are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a great region to enjoy the view wile drinking the highest-quality glasses of wine. Apart from the amazing wine, Alba is also known world wide for its production of white and black truffles. Every year during the fall, the city hosts a truffle festival allowing producers to show-off their goods, and for visitors to get truffl-immersed. 

With only a 30 min train ride from Bra to Alba, I was able to visit this architectonically and vibrant city a couple times. During the spring I was able to attend Vinum, a once a year wine festival, celebrating the magic of Piedmontese wines like the famous and complex King Barolo. What makes these wines so unique and delectable, is its terroir, blending the crisp Alps and the soothing Mediterranean. During this wine festival, we got to try 17 different wines, from the King, to Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Pela Verga, and Roero.

This day was one to never forget, not only did I learn so much about the wine variety in the region I live in, but I became a Gualinetti ❤️‍🔥 I also got to try many staples of the area:

🤌🏼 Agnolotti del Plin al Sugo d’Arrostro from La Piola. Agnolotti are small and stuffed (with meat or vegetables) fresh pasta traditional from this area. They usually just served them with sage and butter, but this one had a roasted veal sauce. 

🤌🏼 The famous Salsiccia di Bra, both cooked and raw,

🤌🏼 Fried bread balls with thinly sliced Pancetta

🤌🏼 This region is also famous for their Antipasti, you must try Vitello Tonnato, Acciughe al verde or Tagliata di fassona (lightly cooked Piedmontese beef meat).

As mentioned, truffle season arrives in this region during the fall season. All restaurants adjust their menus to cater to customers a touch of white or black truffles to degustate. To get a taste, we headed to Osteria dell'Arco, recognized by many as “the best restaurant in Langhe”. There I tried their seasonal Chestnut Pasta drenched in a cozy and earthy Porcini Mushroom sauce finished with black truffle 🖤

🤌🏼 For all the sweet tooths, a hazelnut cake coated with zabaione (a Piedmontese cream made from eggs). Piedmonte is producer of one of the most exquisite variety of hazelnuts, called Tonda Gentile Tribolata. 

Have you ever been to Alba? Let me know in the comments below!