REPORT

TALES OF TURIN 2006

SLOW FOOD LUNCH AT BARCLAY HOUSE NOVEMBER 2006

There was an air of eager anticipation amongst both members and guests as they arrived at the recent Slow Food Cornwall lunch that was hosted by Nick Barclay at his restaurant in Looe.

The lunch was inspired by Nick’s recent visit to the Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre in Turin, Italy. The guests were not to be disappointed as the menu was both varied and every mouthful a delight to the senses.

Upon arrival everyone was presented with a glass of sparkling Camel Valley which slipped down nicely with the exquisitely prepared canapés of locally smoked fish.

After chatting amicably for a while Nick Howell (Slow Food Cornwall) then welcomed everyone and thanked Nick Barclay for hosting the event. We then listened as Nick Barclay recounted his adventures in Italy. His passion and enthusiasm for locally sourced/grown produce inspired everyone and we listened with baited breath as he described the hustle and bustle of the packed food halls and the meeting rooms filled with producers and chefs.
He spoke of the importance of everyone just doing their little bit towards sustainable living emphasizing that we all could make a difference to the bigger global picture and help preserve traditional crafts and unique foods for future generations to enjoy.

The view from the dining room at Barclay House is awesome – with a vista overlooking the grounds, river and surrounding countryside which was particularly colourful with the autumn hues. It quite matched our superb menu.

The first course was a sample platter with mozzarella, prosciutto, smoked trout, kalamata olives and duck confit. Each a delight that inspired the taste buds…

The main course was equally exciting – slow roast pork belly with assorted beans from Italy and red cabbage. The pork was beautifully cooked and almost melted in your mouth it was so tasty and fresh…then onto dessert of yet another sample platter of chocolate tart, caramelized oranges and mascarpone orange ice cream, mini cornetto with grand marnier green peppercorn ice cream – absolute heaven – each mouthful left you wanting more – the perfect way to end a meal….

Thank you for such a memorable meal Nick, you really captured the moment – Italy and your interpretation of tales from Turin so succinctly in your choice of foods and wines. We look forward to returning again soon!


Helen Hatcher
Slow Food Cornwall.
November 2006

Tales from Turin Menu