May 2011
I was introduced to the word, agriturismo, on a recent
trip to Sardinia. Agriturismo has different
definitions in different parts of the world; in Italy, it can mean
a stay in a farm and participation in farming activities. At
Azienda Agrituristica Sa Mandra in Northern Sardinia, one
can also enjoy a three-course meal: antipasti, pasta, and meat,
with unlimited wine and water. The philosophy at Sa Mandra is
"food at zero kilometers", meaning that all ingredients are
produced in the farm, from the incredibly sweet and creamy ricotta
cheese drizzled with honey to the porcetta, suckling pig
roasted on spits in a huge fireplace for five hours. The
dinner starts with aperitifs and wine outside, guests can enjoy
local cheese, olives and wine while exploring the farm grounds.
Renowned chef, author and traveler, Anthony Bourdain, visits an
agriturismo in Sardinia in his television show, No
Reservations. Perhaps the best job in the world, Anthony
Bourdain travels far and wide to eat. In this episode, Mr.
Bourdain visits his wife's family in Sardinia, allowing the viewer
an intimate, insider view of the island and its cuisine- something
one would never find in a tourism book. The imagery is
seductive- Sardinian prosciutto sliced with a hunting knife, meat
sizzling fireside, old Italian women with thick wrists kneading
dough for Pane Carasau. As Mr. Bourdain says, "If
you don't have family in Sardinia, the agriturismos are as
close as you can get to a real home cooked meal." Click here to
view the video.
Farah, VILA Blogger
