Living in Italy or visiting Italy for extending periods of time enables one to attend many local festivals. Invariably, these festivals offer local dishes which are generally seasonal. Many assume this is only the case in regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont or Le Marche. Instead, it is just part of the Italian way of life and takes place all over the country, every weekend.
One great fall festival happens about 40 kilometers outside of Milan in a town called Lodi is the Rassegna Gastronomica Lodigiana.
Numerous local restaurants offer menus complete with Grana Lodigiano or a local cheese also known as ‘raspadura’ which can be eaten as an aperitif with a fresh white Verdea di San Colombano wine and the ‘fritada rugnusa’ or risotto with cream or sausages. The area is also known for the Torta di Lodi which is a dessert said to come from the Middle ages. It is made with almonds and is delicious.
The month long festival includes bike rides and the ability to visit cultural institutions and churches that are seldom open to the public.
The Strada del Vino is a 120 kilometer road passes through small cities and vineyards with numerous hotels and restaurants to take a rest or have a break, The area is very well known for its ceramics as well, goldsmiths and iron works.
San Colombano has a number of red and white wines. San Colombano DOC is made largely rom red grapes only: Croatina, Barbera and Uva Rara. Verdea is an IGT wine, an indigenous variety which does very well in this area and is classified as an IGT.
If a visit to Milan permits it, taking a side trip to one of the restaurants in Lodi could be a lovely Sunday excursion.
