Alba

Between exhaustion from the lack of sleep and the difficult to hear Italian announcement over PA system in the trains, we thought that the train was going to the wrong stop in Turin, also known as Torino. Not to be mistaken for Tirano.
We finally arrived in Turin and met by our host called Tiziana. She was so delightful. She not only came to pick us up from the train stazione but also gave us a mini tour of the city and its layout for our future wanderings. Even pointed out major landmarks so we would not get hopelessly lost. She said ,"Please remember big black ball ok?" "Later I tell you again about big black ball ok?" Punctuating all her sentences with ok and a big smile.
After checking us into The Attic our host took us back to the train station for my travel to Alba in search of truffles at the Alba truffles festival.
Alba is not only the home of white and Nero truffles but it is also the new home for Ferrara Rocher and hazel nut spreads aka nutella.
Whilst I was merely tasting truffles infused spreads, dips, creams, cheeses, pasta, oils and salamis, Ruby was acquainting herself with the chocolates, hazelnut spreads, cheeses and yummy wine tastings. I never knew you could infused truffles into so many different foods. Truffles were also sold like gold nuggets by weight and judged by the smell and size. At some stands they allow the smelling of truffles directly but at others you could only sniff the plastic cups that had been covering the truffles hence truffles infused cups.
We then caught the train back to Turin to have dinner at a restaurant that served typical Piedmont foods. We had our first veal tatare that had a to be prepared with hilarious gusto by a very animated waiter. He was mixing so quickly and furiously, tatare was flying onto the floor and into the air.
The meal was yummy and entertaining.Read more