For connoisseurs and hobby cooks
The surprises of an unknown region - Le Marche
Times change and preferences too. What used to be reserved for women has now become a hobby in the men's world: cooking. This journey is therefore dedicated to the Lords of Creation and therefore also provided with some more masculine program points such as digestif production. Of course, you are welcome to bring your wives, but in this case, men are preferred
1st day: arrival in the Marche
Upon arrival, move into your accommodation, the Agriturismo Vecchio Gelso in Ortezzano. Depending on how much time is left until dinner, you can take a little stroll through the hotel's own cultivation, where almost everything grows, which is then used in the kitchen. You also have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the covered and heated pool. For dinner you will make the first acquaintance with the marchigianischen kitchen.
2nd day: A look into another world
Today, the journey takes you into the magical world of the sibillines, the Monti Azzurri, as they are affectionately known. You will also visit the Piano Grande, the great plateau that runs through the territory of the Marche and Umbria. It would be pointless to describe this incomparable landscape at 1550 m altitude. In the spring a sea of wild tulips and daffodils, in the early summer a spectacle of colors of all rainbow colors and more, in the autumn just wonderful to look at in the colors that are no less iridescent, just different, a true "Indian summer". The most important thing, though, is that it is home to some of the world's most expensive lentils, as well as the ancient farro (farro) and an ancient pea variety, the rovejia. Of course, you will enjoy on site these absolutely organic delicacies for a small lunch. Do not say, I do not like lenses! Try it, because they have nothing in common with the "normal" lentil stew! Return to the agriturismo in the late afternoon for cooking and then for a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Ice and Italy - something that simply goes together
In the morning we go to Offida. Not only that Offida is one of the places in the list of "Borghi piu belli d'Italia". It is the town that is famous for its red wines, the Rosso Piceno Superiore and whites made from autochthonous grape varieties, Pecorino and Passerina. First, however, today's cooking class will be a little different: at a renowned ice cream maker you will learn to make delicious and special ice cream. You do not need any preservatives and dyes, only the seasonal fruits and a little imagination. A tasting of 6 wines will then be combined with the right dishes in a charming showroom of the Cantina Ciu 'Ciu', where even vegan wines are not missing! Before returning to the agriturismo, a visit to the church of S. Maria della Rocca is almost a must. Their exciting story (s) fascinate even non-churchgoers. Later in the afternoon you will be back to the cooking class at the agriturismo. At dinnertime you will be served local delicacies.
Day 4: Cheese, truffles and liquid secrets
Once again, the morning drive goes to the high mountains, the Sibillinen. In the morning you will visit a pecorino cheese and ricotta maker. These specialties are still produced here on small farms, where the sheep graze right outside the door. Of course, they also like to lend a hand themselves, and then understand why sheep cheese "fatto a mano" is a completely different caliber than that in supermarkets.
At Madonna dell'Ambro, near Montefortino, you will have lunch in a small, special restaurant. Clear that also here own products are used. Here you will be introduced to the wine that is said to accompany the Marchigians from birth to death, the Vino Cotto and also a special kind of digestif!
As the owner is also a truffle finder, you will surely enjoy these precious and expensive tubers at lunch. Return to the agriturismo in the afternoon for a cooking class. In the process, you will also learn what you can do with the ricotta made in the morning. Culinary dinner with the home-cooked.
5th day: travertine and anise - there is a parallel!
Not for nothing Ascoli Piceno is considered the most beautiful city in the region. Built entirely of travertine, with its Roman remains and medieval jewels, in addition the towers of dynasties and last but not least two superlatives in one place: the Piazza del Popolo, which is considered the most beautiful piazza in central Italy and among the 10 most charming in all Italy is considered, as well as the Caffe Meletti, one of the 10 most beautiful Art Nouveau cafes in Italy. In the Marche anise has been given a lot of attention and made a special feature of it. The most well-known creation is certainly the Anisetta by Meletti, but there is another manufacturer that creates three very special types of Anisetta in the stronghold of the anise. No mass production, but top-quality products and distilled directly from the producer Giovanni himself. These homemade distillates will taste you together with some special features that enhance the taste sensation. The green anise won here. Taste it yourself what else you can do with anise! (For guests who do not like anise we have alternatives). In the afternoon we will go to the cooking lesson back to the agriturismo. In the evening a delicious final dinner!
Day 6: Return to normal
After these days of enjoyment, it's time to say goodbye to the Marche. We hope you have been able to experience many new and almost forgotten things in the past few days. We would be glad if we could welcome you again in Le Marche. Transfer to the airport depending on departure time.
© ulla kastner
Minimum number of participants: 2, max. 8
Dates:
8th to 13th March 2020
March 22-27, 2020
April 19-24, 2020
03. to 08. May 2020
07th to 12th June 2020
30.Aug. until 04. Sept. 2020
20 to 25 Sept. 2020
04. to 09. Oct. 2020
18th to 23rd of Oct. 2020
other dates on request