Tiny Urban Kitchen

Exploring Food from Boston to Hong Kong and Beyond

  • About
    • About Me
    • Tiny Urban Kitchen’s Favorite Equipment
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Asian
      • Chinese
      • Taiwanese
      • Thai
      • Malaysian
      • Japanese
      • Korean
    • Appetizers
    • Soups
    • Salad
    • Pasta
    • Noodles
    • Rice
    • Vegetarian
    • Meat
    • Sweets
      • Baking
      • Ice cream
      • Cookies
    • Misc
    • Kawaii (Cute)
  • Travel / Restaurants
    • United States
      • Boston
        • Jen’s Picks
        • Boston
          • Allston
          • Back Bay
          • Brighton
          • North End
          • South End
        • Cambridge
          • Kendall Square
          • Inman Square
          • Central Square
          • Harvard Square
          • Porter Square
          • North Cambridge
        • Somerville
          • Davis Square
          • Union Square
        • Greater Boston
          • Brookline
          • Arlington
          • Belmont
          • Watertown
          • Newton
          • Lexington
          • Concord
          • Burlington
          • Natick
        • Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Berkshires
      • Vermont
      • Maine
      • New York
      • Washington DC
      • Philadelphia
      • Orlando
      • Chicago
      • Las Vegas
      • California
        • Los Angeles
        • San Francisco
        • Napa
        • Sonoma
      • Seattle
      • Hawaii
    • Canada
      • Montreal
      • Canadian Rockies
      • Toronto
    • Argentina
    • Europe
      • United Kingdom
        • London
        • Oxford
      • Italy
        • Rome
        • Piedmont
      • France
        • Paris
        • Bordeaux
      • Spain
        • Madrid
        • Barcelona
        • Catalonia / San Sebastian / Girona
      • Germany
      • Belgium
        • Brussels
      • Switzerland
      • Greece
      • Finland
      • Norway
      • Denmark
    • Japan
      • Japan Guide
      • Tokyo
      • Osaka
      • Kyoto
    • China (Mainland)
      • Beijing
      • Chengdu
      • Shanghai
      • Shaanxi
      • Shenzhen
      • Xiamen
      • Yunnan
    • Singapore
    • Hong Kong
    • Malaysia
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Australia/New Zealand
  • Michelin
    • Formerly had a star
    • Michelin Recommended
    • 1 Star
    • 2 Stars
    • 3 Stars
  • Jen’s Eating Guides!
    • Boston Restaurants
    • Boston Dishes
    • Tokyo
    • Hong Kong
    • Las Vegas
    • Napa / Sonoma
    • Taiwan (night markets)
    • Taiwanese (casual eats)
    • Street Foods of Bangkok (Part I)
    • Street Foods of Bangkok (Part II)
    • Kitchen Equipment
  • Trip Reports
    • All trip reports
    • New England
    • New York
    • Washington DC
    • Las Vegas
    • California
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Florida
    • Japan
    • China

Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce

February 28, 2016 by Jennifer Che 18 Comments

DSC4569.jpg
This is the fifth post in the Around the World Birthday Extravaganza Series. Because there will be many, many posts in this series, please scroll to the bottom of the post to see all the other posts in this series.

In the tiny village of Monchiero (population: 594), nestled between rolling hills and vineyards, lies a house. It’s a farmhouse, in fact, converted into a quaint little bed and breakfast with just six rooms. Ezio and Clelia own the house and the beautiful, white truffle-filled, property surrounding it. Ezio, the husband, comes from a family of truffle hunters and is himself a highly regarded truffle hunter in the area. They train their own truffle dogs, sell truffles on the side, and run a restaurant right inside their inn.
D4C3742.jpg
The restaurant is called Tra Art e Querce, which means “between art and oak”. The wife, Clelia Maria Vivalda, runs the restaurant and works with Chef Maurizio Regis to create all sorts of hyper-regional dishes that truly reflect the terroir of the area. The food is outstanding and pairs exceptionally well with white truffles.
151115-00025.jpg
This place, my friends, is truly a hidden find. So hidden, in fact, that we found ourselves the only guests the Monday evening following the last day of the truffle fair.

A good friend who travels to Italy extensively recommended this place to us, calling it a “must visit.” We would have never known about it otherwise since it doesn’t show up in American guidebooks. In fact, our tour guide Robert (who really seems to know everybody and everything in the Piedmont region), had never heard of this place. He was thrilled to discover it, and vowed to come back for more meals.
DSC4565.jpg
We asked Robert (a wine expert) to pick the wines for us. He chose two fantastic bottles: a 2012 Barbera d’Alba called “Trevigne” and a Marcarini Barolo called “La Serra”. If we had wanted, we could have also ordered house made wine from Ezio and Clelia’s own vineyards. It seems like the land in the area is really great for winemaking, and many people grow their own grapes and wine their own wine.
151115-00034.jpg
Photo credit: Robert Alexander from Travel Langhe

Of course, white truffles are the focus here, and there are plenty of menu items which work well with the truffles. Like silly tourists, we took endless photos with this newfound and novel celebrity, knowing our time together would be short.
D4C3728.jpg
Bryan with the huge white truffle we were about to eat.
DSC4566.jpg
Pumpkins were in season at the time, and we noticed many seasonal pumpkin dishes on menus all around the Piedmont region.
DSC4567.jpg DSC4568.jpg
This pumpkin custard, served over a pastry shell and topped with generous amounts of white truffles, was fantastic.
DSC4574.jpg
I love how they used the sage leaves both as an herb and as a form of decoration.
D4C3735.jpg
My favorite dish, however, had to be the pasta, simply tossed in butter and topped with a mountain of white truffles.
D4C3741.jpg
Interestingly, the pasta here was not the popular tajarin version (the yellow pasta made with many egg yolks – see this post for a detailed explanation). Instead, their version had a little less egg yolk, but – in my opinion – had the best flavor out of any pasta dish I had on the trip. It’s hard for me to discern why it was so much better. Perhaps Ezio’s white truffles were just much more flavorful and fresh than the other ones I had. Or perhaps the butter used was exceptionally good. I personally have a hunch that too many egg yolks actually results in a pasta that interferes with the white truffle flavors. I found that I preferred the less eggy pasta because it seemed to highlight the truffle flavors even more.

In any event, definitely get this dish if you come. It was one of my favorite food memories from the entire Italy portion of the trip!
DSC4572.jpg
Beef tartare is a very traditional dish in the Piedmont region, and their version was delicious. I thought it was cute how they made it look like a bunch of grapes. I guess it pays a homage to the winegrowing area around them.
D4C3729.jpg
Such fragrant truffles!
D4C3733.jpg
We ended with a filet of meat (I think it may have been veal, but I honestly can’t remember!) served in a cream sauce and topped with even more truffles. It came with a side of peas and carrots.
D4C3737.jpg
Though the dish was very good (Bryan loved it), I remember being a bit less impressed with this dish compared to the other two.
DSC4580.jpg
Because our tour guides Robert and Leslie agreed to join us for dessert, were able to order several items off the menu. Robert and Leslie ordered their favorite, red wine poached pears.
DSC4579.jpg
The chocolate cake was divine.
DSC4577.jpg
My favorite was the panna cotta, which was silky, creamy, and beautifully decadent.
DSC4584.jpg
And finally, a shot of espresso to finish off the meal.
151115-00033.jpg

This was a really special dinner for so many reasons. The white truffles were phenomenal, and I will never forget the simple pasta with butter topped with white truffles. Simply unforgettable. We also liked the idea that we were eating at the home of a truffle hunter, and really appreciated the dedication that both Ezio and Clelia put towards the food they served. If I ever come back, I would seriously consider try to stay here and perhaps join in a truffle hunt or two!

All Posts In This Series
Around the World Birthday Extravaganza
Alba White Truffle Fair
Osteria Dei Sognatori – A Traditional Piedmontese Dinner
Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco
Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy

Filed Under: Europe, Italian, Italy, Piedmont, World Travel

« New series! Winter in Las Vegas
G.D. Vajra Winery in Barolo, Italy »

Recent Posts

  • Bozar Restaurant Brussels – 1 Michelin Star February 25, 2021
  • Fin de Siecle Brussels February 23, 2021
  • Happy Lunar New Year – a Different Celebration During an Unusual Year February 12, 2021
  • The Araki Hong Kong February 1, 2021
  • L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Hong Kong January 18, 2021
  • Nostalgic Reminders of Home: Five Guys Hong Kong January 6, 2021
  • Elementary Hong Kong January 5, 2021
  • Happy New Year 2021! A Look Back at 2020 January 1, 2021

Latest Chinese recipes!

Trackbacks

  1. G.D. Vajra Winery in Barolo, Italy - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    March 11, 2016 at 8:51 am

    […] All Posts In This Series Around the World Birthday Extravaganza Alba White Truffle Fair Osteria Dei Sognatori – A Traditional Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce […]

    Reply
  2. Osteria dell Arco - Alba, Italy - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    March 13, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  3. Une Cuisine en Ville - Bordeaux France says:
    April 12, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  4. Touring Bordeaux Wineries - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    May 16, 2016 at 9:11 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  5. La Tupina Bordeaux - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    May 31, 2016 at 1:09 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  6. A Different Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    June 26, 2016 at 12:03 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  7. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    August 2, 2016 at 11:58 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  8. L'Arpege Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    August 12, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  9. Florilege Tokyo - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    October 4, 2016 at 8:43 am

    […] When we were in the Piedmont region, on the other hand, we ate handmade pasta with white truffles every single […]

    Reply
  10. Sushi Harutaka Tokyo - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    October 12, 2016 at 8:25 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  11. Nakameguro Iguchi yakitori (中目黒いぐち) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    October 26, 2016 at 9:35 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  12. Sushi Ya Tokyo (すし家) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    October 28, 2016 at 8:35 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  13. Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory - Totoro Cream Puff - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    October 31, 2016 at 11:44 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  14. Sushi Yoshitake (Tokyo, Michelin 3 Stars) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    November 8, 2016 at 12:17 am

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  15. New series! Weekend in Sonoma + Napa - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    November 10, 2016 at 12:43 am

    […] incredible. One bite transported me back to Alba, where I had last enjoyed such fragrant white truffles. Our last evening we celebrated Bryan’s birthday at Farmhouse Inn, a lovely Michelin […]

    Reply
  16. Din Tai Fung Hong Kong - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    November 30, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    […] Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a […]

    Reply
  17. Torc Napa - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    December 7, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    […] Wines. Robert has traveled the world and seeks out incredible food finds everywhere (like this unforgettable hidden find in Alba). Needless to say, we really trust his food […]

    Reply
  18. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana Hong Kong - 3 Michelin Stars - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
    December 1, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    […] truffles is to have them with something simple. In Alba, most people either eat them with eggs, beef tartare, or a simple egg pasta. This is why I opted for a simple poached egg, which was delicious. Before […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome to Tiny Urban Kitchen!

JenChe

Hi, my name's Jen and welcome to my cooking, eating, and travel site! I am a Boston to Hong Kong transplant, born and raised in Ohio with parents from Taiwan. Feel free to head on over to the About page if you want to learn more about me, or just explore away, maybe starting with the Recipe Index or one of the travel pages! I hope you enjoy this site!
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Archives

Categories

Awards

Saveur
PFB

BostonGlobe

Most Recent Posts

Bozar Brussels

Bozar Restaurant Brussels – 1 Michelin Star

Fin de Siecle Brussels

Fin de Siecle Brussels

Happy Lunar New Year – a Different Celebration During an Unusual Year

The Araki Hong Kong

The Araki Hong Kong

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Hong Kong

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Hong Kong

Five Guys Hong  Kong

Nostalgic Reminders of Home: Five Guys Hong Kong

Elementary HK

Elementary Hong Kong

Happy New Year 2021! A Look Back at 2020

Restaurant Le George Paris

Restaurant Le George Paris

Great Yakiniku and Fine Wine

Nice Yakiniku and Fine Wine Hong Kong

France!

Yam'Tcha Paris
David Toutain Paris
Divellec Paris
Breizh Cafe Paris
Clamato Paris

Kawaii! (Cute)

Norway!

Food Advertising by logo

Chinese Recipes

Okra with Chicken
Food Advertising by logo

Shop & Support us!

Spain!

Girona Spain
Amelia San Sebastian

Japan!

Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin
Sukiyaki Imafuku Tokyo
Sushi Ishimaya Tokyo
Disney Sea Tokyo
Tempura Fukamachi Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen

Cambridge restaurants

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress