Desiree Koh:
My very first exploration in the Boot began in Bologna, the gastronomical capital of the country.
Desiree Koh:
My first stop was Tamburini, salami-maker and rotisserie, also the most popular delicatessen in town. Parmagiano cheese is native to Parma, of course.
Desiree Koh:
And prosciutto is also commonly known by its most famous nickname, Parma ham.
Desiree Koh:
Baloney in Bologna!
Desiree Koh:
Reminiscent of the Spanish tapas bars, lots of proscuittos hanging to dry and age.
Desiree Koh:
Most Bologna delis have seating areas so you could pack up a lunch picnic for yourself.
Desiree Koh:
I gave taking a shot of the rotisserie a whirl, but it didn't quite whirl... I mean, work out.
Desiree Koh:
Ready-made proscuitto on flat bread.
Desiree Koh:
The Quadrilatero is a compact gridlock of streets just west of Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square, full of delis, fresh produce stands and cafes. And one florist.
Desiree Koh:
I basically spent part of the morning deli-hopping. Many have existed for generations.
Desiree Koh:
I would love to build a cheese castle for myself, using these blocks of cheese exclusively.
Desiree Koh:
A butcher sharpening the tools of his trade before making the cut.
Desiree Koh:
Vegetable tales.
Desiree Koh:
Legs up!
Desiree Koh:
Cheeseheads.
Desiree Koh:
Wieners take it all.
Desiree Koh:
Lunch was at Trattoria del Rosso, the oldest in the city and perennially popular. The set menu was heartily great value - 10 euros for appetizer, entree and coffee (which I skipped). There was a choice of three for each, I picked the gnocchi al ragu becau
Desiree Koh:
Then I picked the stinco al forno con patate - I didn't realize the potatoes would be fries, but it makes sense - the pork shoulder off the roast yielded easily under my fork, and each shred was perfectly proportioned and tender.
Desiree Koh:
I didn't have room to eat any of the bread. In fact, I didn't even finish any of my courses. Yes, quite out of character, but it was a LOT of food. And people around me wolfed everything and wiped their plates clean. I was afraid it might have seemed like
Desiree Koh:
Well, saved room for dessert! At Gelateria delle Moline in the University quarter, I had pistachio served in their unique style - betewen warm foccacia. Pretty good!
Desiree Koh:
Strolling in the university quarter - Bologna's college is the second oldest in Italy.
Desiree Koh:
Bologna is not known as "La Rossa" for nothing - the city is a sea of different shades of red buildings.
Desiree Koh:
Le Due Torri - Bologna's twin towers. The shorter Torre Garisenda actually tilts 3.2 meters off - very drunken tower. Typically, the taller Torre degli Asinelli is open for climbing to the top of its 498 steps, which I was looking forward to, but it's clo
Desiree Koh:
The drunken tower is the prettier one.
Desiree Koh:
A pretty neat building next to my hotel.
Desiree Koh:
My hotel, which looks mucho fancy, but it's just a nice little Best Western converted from an older building. Nice hotel with some character, and great staff. I'd recommend it.
Desiree Koh:
There's even a good-sized terrace outisde my room - actually, almost the same size as my room - with this view of neighboring roofttops.
Desiree Koh:
I liked this sculpture right next to Tamburini's front door.
Desiree Koh:
I liked the gigantic artichoke. Sounds like one of my softball teams.
