Nevertheless, I did visit Norcia, which had substantially less damage; and enjoyed seeing a city famous today for its meats and meat products (especially pork) along with its black truffles. Norica butchers are famous throughout italy. It may explain that the city was once famous for producing surgeons, including those who helped young boys keep their voices from ever changing. Pity the castratos.
Historically, it was the home of St. Benedict, the founder of western monasticism, and this twin sister, St. Scholastica. The town Piazza features a statue of St. Benedict (Benedetto) shown below.
This pork butcher really knows how to advertise his wares, and reminded me about a marketing consultant who said, "When marketing a hog, the best sign to use is Pig for sale" The inside of the store was equally exciting with every imaginable version of pork you could want.
Less intimidating, however, it was this smiling young lady's pitch that convinced me to purchase my sausage (Salame) and truffles (Tartufo) from her.
Tonight, I'll be cooking in the apartment with what I purchased in Norcia. Strangozzi ai funghi porcini (pasta infused with Porcini mushrooms), tarfudu (black truffles), Parmigiano Reggano (cheese), Amatriciana Pomodoro Sauce with pancetta, and of course some local olive oil. Washing it down with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and then frutta fresca. Come join me. There is plenty.
Following Norcia, I drove into the mountains, found what my little 5-speed could do on the narrow mountain roads, and then returned to Spoleto where I found a little road on the opposite side of the valley where I could better photograph the aqueduct and some of the ruins looking back towards Spoleto.
Ciao
If I had known meals were included, I would have booked a spot on this tour
ReplyDeleteThere is always next year!
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