WALNUTS protagonist in Poggio ... and by PUBLIUS!
The Walnut is the fruit of a characteristic tree of the half-mountain forests, also on the Isle of Elba, traditionally known for its sea and its beaches. In fact, as the locals know very well, "Elba is wonderful, unexpectedly, all year long (LA STAMPA TRAVEL Magazine)." The autumn, just started, is rich in scents and warm colors: just think about the vineyards, mushrooms and chestnuts, with trees ranging from green to ocher yellow.The area ranging from the ancient villages of Marciana and Poggio and the slope that reaches the Monte Capanne is the natural habitat ideal for thousands of plants. This is where the air smells of moss, resin, and wet ground, and in this period the sharp crescent leaves abound with their brown fruits: walnuts.
Linked to this food every year there is an unmissable event: the CASTAGNA FESTIVAL, organized by Slow Food - Elba Island. This year the event will be held on SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER and will be at its 38th edition.
In the alleys of the country you can enjoy the delicacies prepared by local women, with many elasthan walnut specialties: first and second courses, chestnut bread, chestnut ice cream and even chestnut beer. And still dry pastries and lots of caldron! All accompanied by the loveliest red wines produced by local wineries. For a whole day, Poggio is transformed into an open-air food and wine path linked to the oldest traditions. Yes, because of their nutritional properties, for centuries, chestnuts have been the "bread of the poor" for many mountain populations in the coldest months ... and for this reason there are many recipes, both sweet and salty, which today we can taste .
An example comes from the rich menu, created for the Chestnut Festival, by the famous PUBLIUS Restaurant for SATURDAY SUNDAY 28th October at the SPECIAL CASTAGNATA DINNER.
Publius, the local historical site of Poggio, has been run by the Fontana family for over forty years and features original Italian and Tuscan specialties. For this special evening, the chef will prepare a special menu from the chestnut dessert starter, accompanied by a selection of wines and liqueurs to match.
Appetizer: Pumpkin Patchwork, Mushrooms and Chestnuts with Truffle Cream and Potato Mushroom.
First: Raviolone of Chestnut Flour filled with Ricotta and Pears on Pumpkin Cream.
Second: Chicken breast cut into Rosemary with Menu-glace to Chestnuts.
Dessert: Chestnut Crespella with Ricotta and Marron glacèe on Cachi Cream
Wines Proposed: Sparkling Brut Rose, Rosé, Red, Alea Ludendo
Lovers of good cooking and autumn flavors will not be able to escape the opportunity to enjoy these delicious dishes, overlooking directly on a magnificent view over Marciana Marina.
The appointment, therefore, is for the next weekend at Poggio!
We are waiting for you!
