Trattoria Bertozzi - Bologna (Italy)
When thinking about a trip to Italy, most people associate it almost automatically with the likes of Rome, Florence, Venice and other hotspot destinations. Emilia Romagna is definitely not in that shortlist. That is, if you are not a food lover. Because for people like me, this beautiful region is one of the most incredible experiences that you can possibly think of in all of Europe, let alone in Italy.
This region, which encompasses culinary mecas like Bologna and Modena, has more certificated products than anywhere else in the country. By that I mean the DOP/IGP classifications, which are assigned by specialized consortia to assure that the products are produced according to very strict guidelines or from a specific location. Such products are an integral part of the region’s culinary tradition, and many of them are also known worldwide, such as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Mortadella Bologna and much more.
Emilia Romagna is also home to one of the best restaurants in the world, Osteria Francescana. But while I dream to visit it someday, I am dedicating my first trip here to the more casual restaurants that locals go to and that make the region such an important gastronomic hub when it comes to everyday food.
One of those is @trattoria_bertozzi, in Bologna.The place offers typical Bolognese/Emilian classics and also a few more modern and authoral dishes, of which I would highlight the gramigna with saffron, guanciale, zucchini and parmigiano. Another standout dish was the cotoletta alla bolognese, a thin veal cutlet breaded and fried, with prosciutto on top and grated Parmigiano Reggiano
To top things off, the trattoria has a very casual atmosphere, and I would even say that it is a bit chaotic in the best possible sense of the word. A true welcome to Italy moment, where the whole restaurant, led by its host Fabio, is just having a great time, playing drinking, , laughing and enjoying life to the most.
(Versão em Português nos comentários)
