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Food + Travel: The Palace of Venaria + Dolce Stil Novo (Italy)

On the outskirts of Torino, Italy, within a 20 minute drive of the center of the city, there is a stunning property called The Palace of Venaria.  The palace, which was built in the 17th Century, was originally constructed as a royal residence and hunting lodge.  During Napoleon’s reign, it was turned into a training ground for army troops.  Today, the property houses an impressive art gallery that includes a collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture.

It is also the location of Dolce Stil Novo, a Michelin-starred restaurant run by Chef Alfredo Russo.   The food is a spin on Piedmontese cuisine and while the first course was rather whimsical, filled with dishes like oyster ice cream (pictured below), salmon infused with rosemary smoke (also pictured), and his take on a Shepard’s Pie, Chef Russo showed what was truly special about the local dishes by using seasonal ingredients native to the land and presenting us his take on the classics.  If there’s one thing I’d like to highlight about our meal at Dolce Stil Novo, it was the service, which managed to be professional while allowing every customer to feel comfortable.  It’s impressive when a restaurant’s staff can manage to make you feel at home, especially when you’re about to throw down some dough for your meal.

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15 comments

Cookin' CanuckMay 15, 2012 - 8:21 pm

This post makes me yearn to go back to Italy. Your beautiful photos captured the setting so well, Brian.

GeorgieMay 15, 2012 - 10:12 pm

What an amazing and wonderful opportunity! I love the way these photo’s make you feel, like your experiencing that particular time period in the 17th century.

JessMay 15, 2012 - 10:46 pm

Great photos and post and you’re making everyone jealous!

Lora @cakeduchessMay 15, 2012 - 10:47 pm

Stunning, Bri. That prosciutto is gorgeous and so is every photo. The evening looks magical. You captured some nice shots of Chef Alfredo (and the waiter;)

foodwanderingsMay 15, 2012 - 11:44 pm

Aww baby boi such beautiful photos. Crystal clear flutes and drinks. I so wish to go to Italy will fix this Istanbul mishasp soon. Though I hear Istanbul is nice too. Great trip and am happy you got to experience it!

EhaMay 16, 2012 - 2:05 am

A cool early winter evening on the Highlands south of Sydney, Australia. Looking at the series of evocative photos, I wish I was there with you. We could lift a glass at the end of the walk and all would be well with the world . . .

Italian NotesMay 16, 2012 - 3:40 am

Great to reexperience the molecular adventure in Venaria. Too bad the salmon smoke trick doesn’t show on the picture.

Sylvie @ Gourmande in the KitchenMay 16, 2012 - 4:38 am

You are seriously making me want to visit!

Andrew FrishmanMay 16, 2012 - 6:19 am

Mnnn. . . I LOVES me some palace, especially when it is Italian.

Ogni uomo un re.

Jeanne @ CookSister!May 16, 2012 - 6:33 am

Sigh. Italy… LOVE the shot of that long monochrome hallway, and the pink sparkly wine being poured. Sounds like a fantastic meal (and BTW does the waiter come in a takeaway box?!) ;o)

art and lemonsMay 16, 2012 - 8:13 am

Gorgeous! Not sure how much longer I can put off a trip to Italy, so glad you were able to go.

KristenMay 16, 2012 - 8:49 am

Oh wow – I knew I could count on you to make me feel like I’ve been there. Those pictures are amazing!

Rachel @ Baked by RachelMay 16, 2012 - 10:10 am

Absolutely incredible Brian. My favorite photo is of the wine glass on the ledge. So beautiful.

JeanetteMay 16, 2012 - 10:13 pm

Brian – I just love how you tell a story through your beautiful photography. I feel as if I was on that trip with you (and I wish I was!). What a wonderful opportunity.

MikeVFMKMay 16, 2012 - 10:21 pm

Even though I didn’t get the chance to go myself, I’m so glad I can live through your photos. They’re fantastic by the way and I can’t wait to see more posts on the region. Love all the food and landscape shots, B!

Pesto-Coated Carrot and Parsnip Fettucini

Every time I look at that picture, I think, “Wow, you could really fool someone into believing that it’s a big bowl of pasta.”  Sure, there are the uneven ends that make it look a bit funky, but if you aren’t paying attention, you could be tricked. In fact, that there is just a bunch of parsnips and carrots that have been peeled into thin ribbons.  Amazing, isn’t it?

There was no reason for this recipe to be as successful as it was.  Believe me, I was skeptical.  The folks at Easy Eats passed it along and asked me to write a blog post for them in conjunction with the release of a new gluten-free cookbook.  But this recipe isn’t just gluten-free… it’s vegan and it’s raw.

The raw food movement is even more intriguing to me than veganism.  From my perspective, there’s nothing that can surpass the challenge of making a delicious meal without touching a flame.  I want to sauté everything in butter, I want to roast and steam.  I want to “cook”.

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30 comments

Russell at Chasing DeliciousMay 11, 2012 - 8:01 am

You fooled me! It may be that I just woke up and am still lying in bed but even while I read the post, I kept thinking, “my gosh that pasta looks scrumptious.” I am in love with the idea of it being carrots and parsnips though – those are two of my favs!

Katrina @ Warm Vanilla SugarMay 11, 2012 - 8:07 am

This looks fabulous! Awesome idea!

Marc @ NoRecipesMay 11, 2012 - 8:22 am

Yum! I love veggie noodles! I do an asparagus linguine in pesto using a negicutter for the asparagus.

Ken┃hungry rabbitMay 11, 2012 - 8:22 am

Just like Russell, you fooled me as well. A fresh take with bold flavors. LOVE!

JoanneMay 11, 2012 - 8:53 am

I literally gasped when I saw that photo. It just looks so spectacular!

If you spend more than fifteen minutes preparing something and none of those involve pulling some pre-cooked food from the freezer and throwing it in the oven or microwave, then I consider it cooking. And this is cooking at it’s finest! Who knew raw could look SO GOOD.

baker in disguiseMay 11, 2012 - 8:55 am

it really does look like pasta!!! it looks beyond amazing!! this sounds perfect for summer.. that first pic has me hooked!!!

SuziMay 11, 2012 - 8:59 am

Wow, I thought it was pasta, this looks fantastic, I’ve made this with zucchini but never carrots and parsnips. Definitely going to try this.

MeganMay 11, 2012 - 9:42 am

I thought it was a bowl of pasta! And I was so impressed you made two different kinds. Ha. It’s absolutely picture-perfect. Sounds like a fabulous dish.

Bev WeidnerMay 11, 2012 - 10:16 am

GEEE-ORRRR-GEOUS.

JenniMay 11, 2012 - 10:18 am

I want to cook, too. I have a hard time w/some vegetables since they have that weird wet-crunchy thing when raw, but turning them into thin, delicate ribbons could definitely help with that.

Georgia @ The Comfort of CookingMay 11, 2012 - 10:43 am

Wow, what a creative way to serve some of my favorite vegetables! This looks so delicious, Brian. You are quite talented!

NaomiMay 11, 2012 - 10:50 am

How cool is this recipe! Love it! No carb- wow. Looks and sounds Delish. I love that second shot!

thelittleloafMay 11, 2012 - 11:00 am

My boyfriend is on a crazy no carb diet at the moment and will LOVE you for this…bookmarking right now, amazing!

Lauren at Keep It SweetMay 11, 2012 - 11:34 am

That looks fabulous, I love having veggies in the form of pasta but have never tried it with carrots or parsnips!

Thyme (Sarah)May 11, 2012 - 1:37 pm

This will come in handy for us. Just returned from vacation and we’re going carb free for awhile. Something like this will fit in nicely next to our fish recipes we have lined up.

JeanetteMay 11, 2012 - 2:08 pm

I have been intrigued by raw food “cooking” as well. This looks just like fettucini – beautiful!

JessMay 11, 2012 - 4:14 pm

Dang! I like pesto on everything, but this is definitely the healthiest option I’ve ever seen. It looks fantastic.

GeorgieMay 11, 2012 - 9:51 pm

It really does look like a bowl of pasta! I actually would consider this a bowl of vegetarian pasta! I want some now!

Sommer@ASpicyPerspectiveMay 11, 2012 - 9:54 pm

Sneaky…. I like it!!

We order the zucchini “pasta” at a favorite Jamaican restaurant and its so good.

Amy @ FragrantVanillaCakeMay 11, 2012 - 10:17 pm

This dish is so beautiful and it sounds amazing! I love the idea of a raw fettucini and the carrots and parsnips would be wonderful with the pesto! Love it :) !

MikeVFMKMay 12, 2012 - 3:35 pm

That is one helluva good looking bowl of pasta. And the yum factor? So high!! Love this recipe, Brian!

Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.May 12, 2012 - 5:52 pm

This is calling my name! Fabulous!

You had me fooled! I really thought those are linguine and I was wondering if you put carrot juice in the dough to get that color.

Lovely and delicious dish Brian

HollyMay 13, 2012 - 12:59 pm

This looks fabulous. I love vegetable “pasta.” I’m sad to see there is no actual pesto involved in the original recipe though. :)

DB-The Foodie StuntmanMay 13, 2012 - 1:44 pm

Congratulations on making the foodbuzz Top 9!

Lora @cakeduchessMay 13, 2012 - 7:18 pm

I wish I had more time to explore healthy raw dishes. This dish looks so fresh and flavorful…wonderful for those cutting carbs or that have gluten issues. Just love. <3

CarolynMay 14, 2012 - 7:23 am

It really DOES look like pasta. Beautifully presented, Brian.

ShellyMay 14, 2012 - 1:53 pm

Dude. So trying this.

Jeanne @ CookSister!May 16, 2012 - 6:37 am

Love this! I’ve always wanted to try making vegetable “pasta” – your photos are an inspiring reminder.

Andrew FrishmanMay 16, 2012 - 4:03 pm

Mnnn. . . I LOVES me some pesto, especially when it is trompe l’oeil and trompe la bouche.

la honestidad no es siempre la mejor política

Food and Travel: Torino, Italy + Porta Palazzo

The city of Torino, the capital of the Piedmont region, lies in the northwest corner of Italy.  As of 2009, there were just under a million residents, with even more in the suburbs.  There are countless museums (something I admire about European cities) and piazzas to explore and each block has at least three cafes for you to get your coffee fix. The streets feel busy, but not overcrowded. It’s a lively city, though you can casually stroll around without feeling rushed.

On a clear day, the Alps can be seen, a backdrop to the city that feels a bit surreal.  To get the best view of them, I decided to take a little trip to Mole Antonelliana, a building which was originally conceived as a synagogue but is now the location of the National Museum of Cinema.  To get to the top of the building, you must take a glass elevator (think Willy Wonka) through the center of the museum.  It’s a fantastic experience and, if you happen to travel to Torino, you should put this on your “Must Do” list.

Italy’s largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo, is also located in Torino.  To wander through the sea of people can be a bit overwhelming, but if there’s something special you are looking for, this is where you can find it.  Besides carrying local produce, vendors sell a variety of ingredients from China, Japan, and India.  One can also find any type of cheese, meat (including, but not limited to, chicken, cow, pig, and horse), flowers, pasta, olives… they have it all.

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44 comments

ElizabethMay 7, 2012 - 5:43 pm

Brian, seriously stunning. These photos make me happy and more than a little bit nostalgic. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Cookin' CanuckMay 7, 2012 - 5:43 pm

Ahh, Italy. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places on the planet. You captured the feel of the market, and the fresh produce and meats so well.

Cathy/ShowFoodChefMay 7, 2012 - 5:51 pm

I could almost smell the market and feel the heat on those strawberries. Lovely post. I leave for Italy next week and this was just the appertivo I needed :D

NaomiMay 7, 2012 - 5:55 pm

Wow, Brian, I love how you captured the feel of the market and love those shots of the city. I have been to Italy, but not there. The photos definitely have me marking it as a place to visit when I go back to Italy!

Sneh | Cook RepublicMay 7, 2012 - 6:09 pm

Strengthens my resolve even more to go to Italy one day :-) Lovely photos!

NisrineMay 7, 2012 - 6:25 pm

I love the Italy pictures, Brian. I bet you wanted to stay. :)
Btw, the new look of your site is fantastic.

Prerna@IndianSimmerMay 7, 2012 - 6:32 pm

OH MY GOSH, those cheeses and those radishes and the salami! Gorgeousness! I am glad you had a great trip my friend.

JessMay 7, 2012 - 6:43 pm

Looking forward to the rest of the series. And that egg is massive! I love the farmer’s markets where I live, but nothing compares to an Italian marketplace.

MikeVFMKMay 7, 2012 - 6:55 pm

Incredible! And how fortunate to take part in a trip of such a wonderful city. Love the pics! Can’t wait to see more.

FlaviaMay 7, 2012 - 8:19 pm

What beautiful pictures, Brian! I have been traveling to Italy all my life, and although I have never been to Torino, I can say with certainty that you captured the essence of the Italian landscape and people perfectly. I am looking forward to reading your subsequent posts. Bravissimo! xo

MeganMay 7, 2012 - 8:49 pm

Wow! Great pictures. They are making me more excited for my own upcoming trip to Italy. I wish we had time to squeeze in a stay in Torino.

I love Italy. Beautiful pictures, I can’t wait to read more about your trip!

baker in disguiseMay 8, 2012 - 1:23 am

u lucky man!!!u have no idea how much i envy you… :)

BitegMay 8, 2012 - 4:52 am

The pictures are simply fantastic, thank you for your partecipation, see you!

CeciliaMay 8, 2012 - 9:16 am

My city :)
This post made me proud of my city, even though sometimes I wish I could live somewhere else..

Amelia KleinMay 8, 2012 - 10:23 am

Gorgeous photos! Ah, Italy, I miss you.

Diane {Created by Diane}May 8, 2012 - 12:05 pm

Thanks so much, I feel like I went on a mini vacation this morning!

StephanieMay 8, 2012 - 4:56 pm

Breathtaking so far. Can’t wait for the remaining posts!

Russell at Chasing DeliciousMay 8, 2012 - 6:02 pm

The strawberry/fennel shot and that egg shot are killer! Looks like a fun, and visually stunning trip!

GeorgieMay 8, 2012 - 6:25 pm

Love, love, love all the photos! Have a wonderful time!

SMITH BITESMay 8, 2012 - 7:10 pm

fabulous – cannot wait to see more!

CarolynMay 8, 2012 - 7:38 pm

My husband lived in Italy for a year and I’ve never actually been…how terrible is that!??? Your pics are gorgeous. I want to hang on your coattails ;)

ElMay 8, 2012 - 10:05 pm

Looks like an amazing place to visit. So glad you had fun!

Sarah KlinkowitzMay 9, 2012 - 6:50 am

I am blown away by the simplicity in some of these pictures. My favorites especially: the radishes and the vendor staring straight into the camera! You’re very lucky – a paid trip to Italy! These pictures started my AM with a smile!

LirenMay 9, 2012 - 9:32 am

I can hardly believe the color on those radishes, Brian! Stunning. What a wonderful tour you are giving us, looking forward to more.

DonnaMay 9, 2012 - 1:19 pm

Ummmm…i’m thinking you need someone a “secretary” or something to help you along on your journey? lol! wow…..a-mazing photo’s…..everything….can’t wait to hear more / see more photo’s…….like someone said before…..lucky you! have a wonderfully blessed time and above all…use all of your 5 senses…see/taste/touch/smell and feel…and I like to include…listen. :) God bless!

DB-The Foodie StuntmanMay 9, 2012 - 1:56 pm

Congratulations on making the foodbuzz Top 9!

PatriciaMay 9, 2012 - 4:11 pm

If you ever feel like learning more about Torino, its places, its history, culture, even its cuisine! e-mail me: turineducational@gmail.com
turineducationalconsortium.blogspot.it

Simply great pictures! Bravo Brian!

KaseyMay 9, 2012 - 5:17 pm

Ahhh! This sounds amazing, and is getting me SO excited for my trip to Italy this summer. Pretty much my favorite place in the world.

TidyMomMay 10, 2012 - 8:45 am

oh these pictures are just incredible Brian! you make me feel (and WISH) I was there!

Karen (Back Road Journal)May 10, 2012 - 10:07 am

Your photos of the market are great. I love northern Italy…it is a shame that more Americans don’t visit that area as it has so much to offer.

WinnieMay 10, 2012 - 1:18 pm

Incredible photos Brian. Cannot wait for more ;)

Lora @cakeduchessMay 10, 2012 - 10:00 pm

Love every photo:)Especially the cheeses and salami! Wow! I can’t wait to see what else you experienced there. Beautiful photos, Bri.

abrilMay 11, 2012 - 4:10 am

Gorgeous!!!!

Sylvie @ Gourmande in the KitchenMay 11, 2012 - 5:15 am

So jealous!! Great captures of an amazing place!

Melissa MMay 11, 2012 - 12:10 pm

I keep coming back to look at the picture of the figs in the red basket. And now I want figs and cheese for lunch. That cheese and those figs…. which are in Italy (or by now someone’s stomach) and not in my pantry.

Maybe Fig Newtons and cream cheese would work for now….

sam hendersonMay 12, 2012 - 10:20 am

I adore Torino and you’ve captured it so beautifully. Great post, Brian!

argoneMay 12, 2012 - 10:33 am

What a nice trip … Torino is not my favourite town in Italy, but your pictures are stunning !

Rosie @ SweetapolitaMay 12, 2012 - 8:35 pm

Wow, you’ve captured the complete essence of Torino, and in such true Brian style. I’m in love with them all, but I am utterly in love with the berry shot and the asparagus shot–divine! xo

BunkycooksMay 13, 2012 - 11:22 am

What a beautiful part of Italy. I have never been, so I look forward to seeing the rest of your photos!

Taylor BrownMay 14, 2012 - 3:07 am

Beautiful!

My girlfriend and I are lucky enough to live a couple of blocks away from this market here in Torino, and you captured it perfectly! We are there virtually every Saturday to get our groceries. We’ve never eaten so well. Thank you for your beautiful photos!

ShellyMay 14, 2012 - 1:56 pm

Wow. That picture of the radishes just about knocked me over! And I don’t even really like radishes :)

Griffin53May 15, 2012 - 8:53 am

Wow! This kind of travel is really great, I can’t wait to explore like this… Paul Wilson Aesthetics

Andrew FrishmanMay 16, 2012 - 2:22 pm

Mnnn. . . I loves me some italy, especially when it’s italian.

Silvio Berlusconi – no mas bunga bunga.

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