April 25 and May 1: tasty outings to savor spring.

The April 25th and May 1st are two dates always eagerly awaited by Italians. Two holidays that carry significant historical and moral value: the Liberation from Nazi oppression and the day celebrating Labor. Two indispensable dates for all Italians that cannot be forgotten on one hand and which must be celebrated on the other. On the other hand, it is also the preview of spring and the time for rest. The crisp April air accompanies us through these two days which, this year as well, benefit from a nice "bridge" that, let’s be honest, doesn’t hurt anyone. 

The centuries-old tradition of the Italian people, with its various regional declinations, makes it so that this time is used for the so-called “outing”. A time when the gates on the walls used to separate the cities from external "adversities"; today, more simply, it is the open spaces of the countryside, the still empty beaches, and the green hills that return to smell of nature that divide us. But what do we do during an outing with family or friends? Of course, we organize a picnic! And, in this time of gastronomic invasions, here come ideas and proposals of all kinds. 

We at Spaghetti & Mandolino want to tempt you with a return to pure tradition, that of the mythical smoking grill. We will do this by proposing a series of products to best enhance your "fire" noon, which will not consist solely of meats. As a delightful appetizer, let’s start with a nice slice of homemade potato bread from our Forno Maria Rosa Vittoria in Molise. Let’s toast the grilled bread well and then let a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil drizzle over it. Rub a bit of garlic on top if you like. Then, let’s take some Piennolo Tomatoes from Vesuvius DOP in Pacchetella and place them on the warm bread. If you have some fragrant oregano to flavor it, even better. 

Let’s then move directly to the grilled meats and prepare a trio of Luganega, Fresh Sausage, and Salted Meat from Trentino. These are all new products at Spaghetti and Mandolino, from the ancient Salumificio Pavoncelli that we chose for their tradition and goodness. Salted meat is a product that you can slice and enjoy both raw (its creaminess on the palate is exceptional) and grilled: you won’t be able to help but let out a "wow" of pleasure! 

To keep the freshness of the vegetables, we recommend grilling some cut into moderately thin slices: peppers, eggplants, and zucchini. For those who love grilled cheese, nothing better than a slice of at least one centimeter thick Scamorza Dolce or Affumicata grilled. If there’s nice sun, it would be great to pair it with an excellent Prosecco Valdobbiadene Conegliano DOCG or a good spicy Valpolicella Classico DOC .

The creativity of outings is what distinguishes our "gastronomic" Italian identity. A quality that the whole world envies us.

Bernardo Pasquali
 

S&M