From Piedmont's commencement to Liguria's finale: the odyssey of black truffles

In the picturesque town of Sanremo, the Alimentary Concert kicked off an extraordinary gastronomic journey, centred around the esteemed black truffle. The project, directed by the Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board, led by Bruno Bertero, was a collaboration between Piedmont and Liguria regions.

The Ligure interpretation of the project was spearheaded by Renata Cantamessa, affectionately known as the Fairy Zucchina. The Piedmont regional assessor for truffle cultivation, Marco Gallo, was also present, lending his expertise to the cause.

The project, titled "Reise des Schwarzen Truffels" (Journey of the Black Truffle), extended beyond traditional pairings with cuisine and transformed into an identity symbol, a gateway to Piedmont, and a key to thematic and experiential tourism. Itinerant Black Dinners were organised in various towns, including Alassio, Villanova d'Albenga, Spotorno, Laigueglia, Diano Marina, and Albenga.

The grand finale of this culinary odyssey was held at the Hostaria del Viale in Albenga, signed by chef Federico Scardina. The event was a grand affair, attended by institutional guests from both Piedmont and Liguria. Luigi Barbero, the founder-director of the Protection Consortium, signed off the event with a promise of a tribute to the black truffle and sausage duo at the BRA'S Festival 2026.

The Rotonda sul Mare hosted a "festival within the festival" called Gourmet Stage, while Alassio Aperilibro took place in Alassio. The black truffle was the central theme in the Alassio Hotel Institute's show cooking, and the black truffle was the protagonist in the cuisine of the Itinerant Black Dinners.

The Alimentary Concerts will resume in October, providing food lovers another opportunity to immerse themselves in the delightful world of black truffles. The Journey of the Black Truffle is not just a culinary adventure; it's a testament to the rich gastronomic heritage of Italy and a celebration of one of its most prized delicacies.