Emilia-Romagna Foodie Experience
The Emilia-Romagna region is known as the foodie capital of Italy. We heard this over and over from Italians while traveling throughout Tuscany in 2022. After the third mention, we decided we needed to plan a foodie trip.
Our last adventure to Italy focused on small villages. This time around, it’s a little different. As the name implies, we're focused on food.
What are the secret ingredients?
What’s special about these ingredients?
Why does Italian food in America taste different from dishes with the same name in Italy?
How can food prepared in Emilia-Romagna be that much tastier than the rest of delicious Italy?
Our 2022 Village Italy Adventure was focused on experiencing life in a small hamlet with little to no traffic. Dolce Far Niente…the sweetness of doing nothing. There was nothing to do except wander cobblestone streets and look for the next place to eat, plus visit any important historical, architectural or art sites.
On our 2024 foodie adventure, our itinerary will be designed around food experiences. When we’re not eating, we’ll visit any important sites that happen to be open. But food will come first. Il cibo verrà prima.
Overview: June 2024
Meet in Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, which is the region just north of Tuscany. Bologna is accessible by train from most major cities including Venice, Florence and Rome.
Bologna
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, has the nick name of La Grassa, which means the fat lady. This is the birthplace of ragu alla Bolognese and mortadella sausage. We’ll visit the Tamburini food emporium and the Quadrilatero food district with family run shops. When we take a break from eating, we’ll visit the longest portico in the world, the oldest university in the western world, and the piazzas and churches that have shaped Bologna over the last thousand years.
Modena
We’ll soak up as much aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena (don’t call it balsamic vinegar when we’re there!!) and tortelloni di zucca as we can. Sites we’ll visit include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Piazza Grande, plus a cathedral with grand works of art, and Museo Enzo Ferrari (yes, that Ferrari).
Parma
You might have guessed from the name that Parma is the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano (kindly refrain from using the word “Parmesan” while in the region) and Parma prosciutto. We’ll spend time in the countryside of the region to taste their delectable products.
Ravenna (optional add on)
Ravennese salt, chestnuts and extra virgin olive oil flavor the local dishes here. Only 10 km from the coast, fish and shellfish are a big part of the menu. If you’re not a fan of seafood, have no fear! Ravenna is also known for housemade egg pasta, grilled meats, cheeses, and broths. To walk off our meals, we’ll visit basilicas filled with gorgeous mosaics in Byzantine architecture from the fifth century.
