A far cry from nonna’s Italy further south, Lombardy seems to have more in common with its European neighbours than with the rest of the country.
Stretching from Switzerland’s Alps to the lowlands of the Po Valley, the region is distinctive and dynamic, taking its lead from Milan, the regions capital and pulse of the nation. It isn’t all sophisticated chic however; fairy-tale medieval towns coexist alongside romantic lakeside villages and austere mountaintop abbeys throughout the territory.
Lombardy is also one of the richest regions in Italy, and the resulting culture is reflected in the food. Decadent cuisine revolving around meat and poultry loaded with lashings of butter and cream is the focus of this area, creating heart-warming comfort food that makes it the perfect cuisine to explore as we head into the winter months.
Pasta takes a back seat in this region; instead polenta and rice take pride of place with dishes like Milan’s signature dish, risotto alla Milanese, a rich, creamy risotto flavoured with saffron for a distinctive golden colour.
Lombardy is also the region we can thank for ossobuco, rich, tender braised lamb shanks and tortelii alla zucca, pumpkin filled ravioli, as well as being Italy’s largest cheese-making region. Gorgonzola, a pungent and buttery blue cheese with its distinguishing bite, is a signature.
It might be lacking in the typical “Italian” flavours of tomato, olive oil, pasta but the unique cuisine of Lombardy is an extravagant fare full of flavour that will leave you begging for more.
Join us as we explore this rich, varied region for lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11am throughout June – click here to see the menu.
