Half way to 50

My birthday is coming up and what better way to celebrate than spending a weekend in Barolo with some of my closest friends. Since I am a Norwegian and the area is becoming more popular, I have planned ahead and the itinerary is almost complete.

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When planning the trip I kept a few things in mind. First of, I want to make sure I visit as many of my favorite restaurants as possible. Second, I try to visit a few of my “regular” wineries so that I get to see my friends. And lastly, I want to make sure my guests have a good time as well. Hopefully there will be a good mix of food, wine and wonderful people. Below you can find the agenda for my birthday weekend!

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Top 5 restaurants in Barolo

  1. Mangè
  2. Centro Storico
  3. More e Macine
  4. Osteria Veglio
  5. Osteria dei Vignaiolo

 

Mangè

At Mangè you will find Maria Kristina and her husband. Maria is the chef, and her food is out of this world. The atmosphere at Mangè is friendly and you feel like you are surrounded by family and friends. You can come here for lunch or dinner, but also if you just want a glass of wine, a snack or a gin tonic. They have a little patio outside, where you have a view of the barolo hills and can catch the action of La Morra. Since the restaurant is located in the middle of La Morra, you are sure to witness the local life at its best.

Centro Storico

At Centro Storico, a small restaurant hidden in Serralunga d’Alba, you will find the best Champagne list outside of Champagne. You will also find Ciccio. Ciccio, which means little fat, is the owner. He, alongside his wife, make incredible food, and will serve it to you at one of the 8 tables they have. It may be small, but it’s a can’t miss if you are in the Piemonte region.

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More e Macine

Located in La Morra, Ito and his crew will serve you good food and wine in a fantastic atmosphere. If you look around, it is almost guarenteed one of the winemakers in the area will sit at one of the tables, drinking coffee or wine, chatting with their friends.

Osteria Veglio

You can find Osteria Veglio along the widning road leading up to La Morra, in Annunizata. The restauarant recently changed chefs, and it has become a *must* when we are in the Barolo area. The food is incredible, and if you’re lucky, the terrace has room so that you can eat with a view.

Osteria dei Vignaiolo

This little gem can be found at a crossroads in Santa Maria. Weather permitting, sitting outside is a treat! The food is very good, but I go for the Panacotta! Truly amazing. I haven’t found panacotta that good anywhere else.

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My upcoming trip to Barolo

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With the trip fast approaching, many plans have fallen into place. This time I would like to try a few new things as well as revisiting my favorite spots and my favorite people. Here are some of my stops this trip.

More e Macine

This osteria has become a staple during my trips, usually with multiple visits. Lunch, dinner, aperitivo, coffee; whatever it may be, this place always welcomes you. It also happens to be where I am celebrating my birthday!

Manzone

I always try to do something new, visit someone new or try something different, and this time I am visiting Manzone. Manzone is located in Monforte and the family has been making wine since 1925. Today it is Mirella and Mauro along with their father Giovanni who are working at the winery. I’m excited to meet them!

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Centro Storico

Tucked away in Serralunga you find Ciccio at his wonderful restaurant Centro Storico. I already reserved a table and I can’t wait to sit down and watch him carve prosciutto at the counter.

Silvia Altare

I can’t wait to wrap my arms around my dear friend Silvia. It has been way to long since I saw her! And, they got a new puppy at the winery! The picture below is Silvia’s mother, Lucia, with their new puppy.

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Osteria Veglio

Since the new owners have taken over, this is one of my favorite places to go. Sitting on that balcony overlooking the vineyards while eating one of the best panna cotta’s ever know to man is always on the list!