Gustaus
End of October
Gustatus is one of, if not the largest, food festivals in the Maremma. Gustatus is Latin for 'The Sense of Taste' and this festival attempts to offer locals and visitors just that.
The traditional peasant and lagoon cuisine of Orbetello is the protagonist of this festival.
Passionate lovers of their cuisine, the Orbetellians join restaurateurs and farmers to set up stalls displaying the best of the region's food and wine, including the coveted spaghetti alla bottarga.
Bottarga is the egg sac of tuna or mullet. This so-called "poor man's caviar" is delicious and highly regarded in the area.
Fishermen harvest kilos of bottarga every year, dry it with traditional smoking methods and sell it to supermarkets around the world.
The dried fish is then shaved lightly over the pasta dishes, a bit like truffles. The flavor is also similar to truffles in that it's bold, earthy, and a little goes a long way.
There is nothing better to do during the Gustatus than strolling through the streets of Orbetello gorging on the many local delicacies offered by the various kiosks.
When you're full to the brim and can't eat anything else, you can take a break and admire the stalls and arts and crafts demonstrations.
Much more than your local knitting, these handcrafted products recreate the knowledge and traditions of the past.
For more information: visit the Gustatus official website
