Oh the enticing allure of truffles. From their magical history dating back when Ancient Babylonian royals preferred them "wrapped in papyrus and roasted in ashes", to present times when Michelin starred chefs shave them atop the most world-class haute cuisine, truffles are a highly sought after luxurious edible gift from Mother Nature.
Truffles are not just any store bought edible fungi. They are in an elevated class all their own. These underground harvested mushrooms which grow on the roots of specific trees, can fetch over $1,000 a pound wholesale for the black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) and thousands more for the white truffle varietal. You will often find these seasonal treasures offered on restaurant menus of the most discriminating, top-rated chefs in the world.
One whiff or touch on the tongue of truffle will have you in a europhic state of mind and body. The meeting, no doubt will be heavenly...one you will never forget but hope rather for an imminent repeat performance.
Well my friend, if you want to experience the wonders of truffles yourself, you are in luck with exactly a month to plan for the celestial convergence. The Napa Truffle Festival is coming to the Wine Country for a dream filled weekend equipped with a marketplace, seminars, pairings, tastings, tours, brunches and a 13-Michelin star 6-course dinner prepared by chefs Josiah Citrin, Ken Frank, David Kinch, Gabriel Kreuther, Nancy Oakes, and Sylvain Portay. Another major weekend high point will be the presence of well-respected, world expert truffle scientists Dr. Paul Thomas and Alexander Urban.
The Napa Truffle Festival will showcase the black Périgord truffle and the black summer Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum/uncinatum). A portion of the proceeds of the festival will be donated to Feeding America and The Hunger Project.
For those who want the whole Michelin experience, you can have Michelin Food & Travel create a customized itinerary just for you. Better yet, stay a few extra nights in the Wine Country and make a visit to 3-star Michelin rated restaurants French Laundry and the newly bestowed Restaurant at Meadowood. Now, that would be a culinary-filled week one would never forget.
