Today The Weather Didn't Take The Shine Off Gualdo's Sparkle!

What an amazing day - we started with glorious sunshine and because we live in the mountains nothing is guaranteed.

However, the warm temperatures and the slight drizzle didn't take the shine off Gualdo's big day. I had no idea that cheese could be such a major attraction to young ( the not so very young) and old alike.  The festival atmosphere was a joy to be part of.

Cheese, Cheese and more Cheese - I don't think I have seen so many different shapes, sizes and varieties. And, of course, we had to try them all!

One thing that stands out in my mind is the different flavours. Amazing - the discovery of the day has to be the local honey served with sharp bitter and creamy Pecorino from the Sibilini Mountains.  Its a ballet on your palate!

Apart from Cheese there were loads of other local delicacies. Marche is famous for its black truffles.  Wow! This vendor had organic chicken liver and truffle pate - you have to taste this to believe it!

Look at the size of these Pecorino and Salami's - we bought some amazing goats cheese Pecorino and the lady was quite insistent that she didn't understand "piccolo". So happily we got more than we wanted and I am thrilled to say she was right.

The village of Gualdo looked wonderful with all the people, the plants and the architecture .  So nice to see so many people enjoying the labours of the local farmers and of course, the local artists. The art was really interesting and very evocative of the local surroundings.

To celebrate the Festival Of Cheese we cooked up our own version of Tagliata Pomodorini.  Fresh wild rocket from the garden, organic tomatoes, Gualdo veal steaks and of course Pecorino from the lady that doesn't understand "Piccolo".  Absolutely glorious way to end a fabulous day in Gualdo. Washed down with a small bucket of Soave of course!