november on the lake

Written By Genevieve Meier

As the air grows cooler and the autumn colours deepen, November in Lake Como is all about savoring the rich, earthy flavors of the season. This month, we’re excited to highlight Gastrolario Food Festival 2024, a culinary celebration that spans over two months and features exclusive tasting menus at top restaurants around Tremezzina area of the lake. The Gastrolario festival is an invitation to explore the traditional and innovative dishes of the Lake Como region, with a special focus on seasonal ingredients, local lake fish, and the prized truffle.

Gastrolario Food Festival 2024

Below are the November dates and locations for this year’s Gastrolario festival, featuring tasting menus and culinary events at some of the region’s most beloved restaurants (for more information click here):

1. Albergo Lenno – Ristorante Giglio

  • Dates: November 1 – November 21, 2024

  • Location: Via Lomazzi, 23, 22016 Lenno, CO

  • Why Go: Located in the charming village of Lenno, Ristorante Giglio is known for its elegant take on Italian classics. Their Gastrolario menu celebrates the best of Lake Como’s local ingredients, with dishes inspired by seasonal flavors.

2. Hotel Rusall - our highest recommendation #1

  • Dates: Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, 2024

  • Location: Via San Martino, 2, 22019 Tremezzina, CO

  • Why Go: Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Como, Hotel Rusall offers stunning views alongside a seasonal menu that highlights truffle-based dishes and other local specialties.

3. Ristorante La Fagurida - our highest recommendation #3

  • Dates: Every Friday in November (November 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024)

  • Location: Via Rogaro, 17, 22019 Tremezzo, CO

  • Why Go: This rustic and charming restaurant specializes in traditional Lombardian cuisine. Each Friday in November, La Fagurida offers a menu focused on hearty, dishes that capture the essence of autumn in Lake Como.

4. Villa del Balbianello - will be an event not to be missed

  • Dates: Saturday, November 9, 2024

  • Location: Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzina, CO

  • Why Go: For one exclusive evening, Villa del Balbianello opens its doors for a luxurious dining experience as part of Gastrolario. Set in a historic villa with panoramic lake views, this dinner event is a unique chance to enjoy gourmet cuisine in one of the most iconic locations on Lake Como.

5. Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento - our highest recommendation #2

  • Dates: November 1 – November 24, 2024

  • Location: Via Sant'Abbondio, 8, 22010 Mezzegra, CO

  • Why Go: Known for its rustic, charming setting and commitment to slow food principles, Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento offers a Gastrolario menu that celebrates local produce, and traditional Lombardian flavors.

6. Musa Lago Di Como - special place in our heart as they are in our village

  • Dates: Saturday, November 30, 2024

  • Location: Via Statale, 45, 22010 Sala Comacina CO, Italy

  • Why Go: Musa hosts an exclusive Gastrolario 2024 closing dinner in a modern lakeside venue. With a menu focused on seasonal ingredients and local wines with a modern twist, this event is the perfect finale to the festival.

Ingredient of the Month: Truffle (Tartufo)

November is the perfect month to spotlight the funghi of all funghi the truffle, one of Italy’s most prized culinary ingredients. In the Lake Como area, you’ll primarily find black truffles, thanks to the region’s specific climate and soil conditions. These truffles are typically found in the forests around the lake, where the rich soil and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions.

Here are four ways to enjoy truffles in seasonal Italian recipes:

Truffle Risotto (Risotto al Tartufo): This classic dish is elevated by the addition of fresh truffle shavings. The creamy risotto base allows the earthy truffle to shine. White truffle is typically shaved on top just before serving, while black truffle can be stirred into the risotto for a deeper infusion.

Tagliolini with Truffle Butter (Tagliolini al Burro al Tartufo): Fresh tagliolini pasta tossed in truffle-infused butter and finished with Parmesan and shaved truffle. This simple yet luxurious dish lets the delicate texture of the pasta and the rich truffle flavor take center stage.

Truffle and Mushroom Bruschetta: For an elegant appetizer, try this seasonal bruschetta. Freshly toasted bread is topped with a mixture of sautéed wild mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil or fresh truffle shavings. The combination of mushrooms and truffle creates a perfect balance of earthy flavors.

Truffle Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are enhanced with truffle oil or truffle shavings, adding a gourmet twist to this comforting side dish. The truffle complements the richness of the potatoes, making it an excellent pairing for roasted meats or poultry.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Truffle-Infused Polenta with Wild Mushrooms

Our recipe this month brings together two of Northern Italy’s favorite autumn flavors: truffle and wild mushrooms. Truffle-Infused Polenta with Wild Mushrooms is a comforting, rustic dish that’s perfect for a cozy November evening. The creamy polenta is enhanced with truffle oil or fresh truffle shavings, while the sautéed mushrooms add an earthy richness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)

  • 4 cups good vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

  • 1 tablespoon truffle oil (or a few fresh truffle shavings if you have it)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 250g mixed wild mushrooms (such as porcini, chanterelles, and cremini), cleaned and sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Fresh thyme leaves

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Additional Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

  • Cook the Polenta:

    • In a large saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the polenta is smooth and creamy. Stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and 2 tablespoon of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Infuse with Truffle:

    • Once the polenta is ready, stir in the truffle oil. If you have fresh truffle, shave it directly onto the polenta just before serving

  • Prepare the Mushrooms:

    • While the polenta is cooking, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and fresh thyme, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Serve:

    • Spoon the creamy truffle polenta onto plates, top with the sautéed mushrooms, and garnish with additional truffle shavings if desired and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve immediately, enjoying the earthy, aromatic flavors

Why We Love It: This Truffle-Infused Polenta with Wild Mushrooms dish captures the essence of Italian autumn cooking. The creamy polenta and earthy mushrooms are elevated by the luxurious aroma of truffle, making it a perfect choice for a special November meal.

Wine Pairing: For this earthy, truffle-infused dish, a Valtellina Superiore DOCG from the nearby Valtellina region in Lombardy would make an excellent pairing. This red wine is made primarily from Nebbiolo grapes offers a delicate balance of red fruit, subtle spice, and minerality, with enough acidity to cut through the richness of the polenta and the savory depth of the truffles and mushrooms.

We hope you take the opportunity to experience the rich flavors of the Gastrolario festival and explore the wonders of the autumn season on Lake Como this November. As always, we look forward to sharing more seasonal recipes and culinary inspiration with you next month!

See you on the lake,

The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team

Genevieve Meier
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October on the lake