Tasty Travels with Sarina Fazan

By Ashley L. Hunt

The best way to truly experience Italy is by taste, and Sarina didn't waste a bite. In the city of Bologna, there is so much to choose from.

Trattoria Anna Maria offers a feast for all the senses, with dishes such as Tagliatelle al Ragù, a rich red meat sauce, slow cooked from a soffritto base (Finely diced carrot, celery, and onion) and passta tomatoes (a special puree), with a wine finish. The sauce is then served on wide egg tagliatelle (Ribbon noodles) and topped with Parmigiano cheese. Cicoria ripassata offers a delicious healthy dish made from chicory greens that are boiled until tender, then sautéed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and chili pepper for a little heat. It's the perfect side for perfectly grilled lamb.

Another option is Tortellini alla Panna. Tortellini is a varied dish, and can be stuffed with meat, cheese, or a mix of both. Panna is a simple cream sauce.

There are of course antipasti options as well such as Cotoletta alla Bolognese, a breaded veal cutlet covered with Parma ham and cheese.

If you're looking for something lighter, there is a wonderful array of grilled vegetables. Sarina was able to have Eggplant, portobello mushrooms, and a stuffed pepper. Filling and healthy, you're sure to find something you love.

Of course, no Italian meal is complete without the best wine parings, and Trattoria Anna Maria offers the best in local red and white wine options.

What perfect way to end the night than on a sweet bite? Sarina found the perfect sweet treat in a chocolate lava cake. It's a simple single serve dessert with a cakey exterior and a warm, liquid chocolate center that flows out when cut open. It's warm and soft, with the perfect mixture of solid and liquid.

A great option for breakfast, or a simple snack is Eggs Royale a luxurious dish often served at brunch.

Eggs Royale, a variation of Eggs Benedict with Salmon in place of Bacon, often featuring a toasted English muffin and rich, tangy hollandaise sauce. Served with fresh salad and other vegetables.

If salmon and hollandaise isn't your thing, there's always the option of Onsen tamago. This is a Japanese inspired dish where the egg is cooked in hot spring water. In Italy, Sarina was able to get black truffles, the gold standard in the culinary world.

Either one is perfect with a fresh cup of Italian coffee

After burning off the calories with a nice stroll through Portico di San Luca, Donatello is the perfect lunch spot. This is a feast for all the senses, with rich fragrant wine filling the air. Artwork is on every wall, and even the ceiling. The menu as well is decorated with whimsical art

Sarina was able to get a slice of Eggplant Parmigiana, an Italian fried eggplant casserole layered with tomato sauce, and different kinds of cheese. (Parmesan and mozzarella is the most common)

Another popular option is sautéed spinach. a thick, creamy dish rich in iron and vitamin B9. It pairs perfectly with prosciutto, a thin sliced Italian meat, or Salmon Crudo, a thin sliced raw salmon in a light citrus sauce garnished with onions and green peppercorns. If you prefer a heartier meat option, Tournedos Rossini, a delicately cooked beef filet mignon.

If you're looking for a more traditional dish, you can't go wrong with a nice thick slice of fresh lasagna.

Cesari is a lovely and whimsical place for dinner. Since 1955, Da Cesari has been in the wine business with a wide selection on the menu. It makes sense, given Da Cesari began as a wine retailer. Now, it's a restaurant, with dishes like Passatelli, a unique noodle recipe made with nutmeg and sometimes lemon zest. Pappardelle, a Tuscan dish is another option. The substantial texture of the wide egg-based noodles makes it a great canvas for a thick sauce. Tagliata ai funghi porcini, is a wonderful mushroom dish, offering a more earthy, less acidic option.

The ultimate comfort food for so many people is Fries. Sarina is no exception. In Europe (Particularly Amsterdam), there is a specialty for Cone fries. Crispy, fresh fried potatoes served in a cardboard cone with dipping sauce. they can be ordered with a wide variety of toppings and sides, including a thick delicious cheese sauce.

Food has a way of uniting us and finding new flavors while traveling brings more senses to our memories.