Exercising the Shoulder in Piedmont

Titans of the financial markets and other assorted desk jockeys, of whom there are ever a few among one’s companions, struggle to take seriously the travails of the modern-day publican. Like Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, they raise an especially skeptical eyebrow when the important topic of research and development comes up.

It really isn’t my fault that keeping the Stoops au courant involves – crucially – frequent visits to new and old competitor restaurants, not to mention the odd trip to the historic beer and wine producing areas of the world. Including, yes, an annual pilgrimage to Munich for Oktoberfest with associated UDIs. It’s important, after all, to keep the shoulder firmly applied to the wheel.

And never was the shoulder more firmly applied than in Piedmont last week. There, at the kind invitation of that most convivial of men, Eddie Hart, we went hunting for Tuber magnatum, the elusive white truffle. Eddie co-founded Barrafino, among other noted hostelries, with his brother Sam. Latterly he has been making waves in Mallorca with his terrific restaurant El Camino.  

The expedition was a tremendous success with (see pic) baskets of white gold being harvested, aided by Lisa the truffle-hound. The resulting celebrations were long and thorough.

Most excitingly, the trip has inspired another dinner, see Happenings section on this website!

‍