Wednesday 4th May

Just like it was medieval towns, castles and scenery in Umbria and Le Marche, it is FOOD here in Bologna.
Food existed in those other two regions of course, with their own specialities, but here in Bologna it goes to another level. Not that Bologna does not have its castles and old architectuure, but  for Ann it is the food - the different types, the history, the cooking of it and for Bob, the eating.
Today we explored the area of Bologna known as the "Quadrilatero".This is a relatively small area in a grid of streets around via Clavature (Street of Locksmith) and the former Roman Bologna. This bustling district is one of the city's most enticing -where colourful market stalls, full of all the vegetables and fruit from everywhere, fresh fish shops, butcher shops, condiments and oil shops and delicatessans open onto cobblestone medieval streets lined with trendy cafes, swish bars and neighbourhood eateries of all descriptions. It is the area where we had lunch on Monday with the motor scooters.  Ann reckons the Quadrilatero is just like a Vic Market but with more character, history and tradition.
This is where you will find the "Tamburini" delicatessan which has enjoyed a world wide reputation since 1932 and which has a self serve lunch set up not to be missed. But we didn't stay as it looked like a bus load of German tourists had taken the joint over for lunch.
We ventured into another delicatessan called  La Baita to have a look around and take in the aromas and found a small dining area up a flight of stairs and a table was available for us. Very different - here we were sitting amongst prosciutto, parmigiano reggiano, and wines and oils from all over Italy. The menu was limited to dishes of meats, salami and cheeses from various regions, so that if you ordered "Toscana" or "Emilio" off the menu you got meats etc from Toscana or Emilio only on your dish. It was wonderful as we could compare different meats and cheeses by sharing.

Tamburini's

Market Stall Scene

Fresh Fish

Outside our Lunch Deli

Ann Testing Toscana Cheese inside our Lunch Deli

Looking down from our table into the deli.