Torino Under the Radar

Ciao amici,

Have you been to Torino (Turin)?  While Torino is the fourth largest Italian city by population, it is still relatively under the radar for tourism. Known for chocolate, truffles, Nebbiolo wine and FIAT, this northwestern Italian city is somehow off the beaten path for many foreign visitors exploring Italy.

My dear friend and collaborator from Salsa Pistolero, Miguel Banuelos, had the unique opportunity to live in Torino for nearly three months. After his return a couple weeks ago, I was eager to hear all about his experiences and observations in the city. Below were my three burning questions and his replies!

1. What traditional foods of Torino did you most enjoy?

I'll preface this by saying that when it comes to food, I usually like the weirder and more "out there" options on every menu. That said, I particularly enjoyed the raw meat offerings like Salsiccia di Bra and carne cruda, and the finanziera made with chicken and veal offal. As for the less adventurous items, other ubiquitous classics that I enjoyed were agnolotti di plin con sugo d'arrosto, gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese, and the infinitely snackable grissini.

2. How is chocolate integrated into the culture and cuisine? 

Obviously, chocolate is a point of pride in Torino so gianduja and giandujotto are available throughout the city, but for me, the more interesting uses were different applications of those flavors. While a bicerin reads like a dessert, it definitely drinks more like a coffee. Italian espresso, topped with thick hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream or frothed milk. It's strong and rich, but much less sweet than the average Frappuccino. I also preferred the traditional Bonet/bunet as a gelato flavor of amaretti, rum, and chocolate rather than the original pudding dessert. Also, don't be surprised to find cacao in a pasta dish or two! (Lisa’s note: So Cincinnati chili pasta sauce isn’t so barbaric after all!)

3. How would visiting Torino be unique for someone who has already visited the major Italian cities (Florence, Rome, Milan, Naples)?

In my experience, Torino is the least "Italian" of the major Italian cities. By that, I mean no disrespect. In fact, this is a huge positive. Torinese food, art, and history have a complex French, Alpine, industrial and political history that bleeds into its current culture. It's more European, it's more cosmopolitan and modern, and it's definitely more open to foreign food, music and cinema. It is also much less religiously focused than most other Italian cities, probably due to the French influence. While most Italian cities and towns are built around their churches and cathedrals, Torino is not.

Would you like to go to Torino? What part of Italy have you not yet explored but piques your curiosity?

Grazie!

Un abbraccio,

Lisa

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