piadine con tartufi

We'd been looking forward to the Apecchio Festa di Tartufi all week. Located in the next town over from our agriturismo, the it promised to be a celebration of Italy's earthiest treat: truffles!

polenta with ragu and vino della casa

We sampled truffle spreads, truffle-infused oils, truffle cheese, truffle salumi. And of course there were plenty of other wonderful local dishes, like polenta smothered in ragu and the most fabulous buttery green olives I've ever tasted. Abbondanza, indeed!

Club dei Brutti play a festival tune

The festival also provided an amusing window into small-town Le Marche life. It seemed like the entire region came out for this delightful Sunday afternoon celebration. The people-watching was exquisite. And as an extra treat, the famous Club dei Brutti ("Ugly Club") strolled down the main drag to play an impromptu concert in medieval costumes. True to form, the tune was a bit ragged. But what they lacked in musical chops they more than made up for in spirit, and soon the entire town was dancing and clapping along. Add in a generous splash (or ten) of vino rosso della casa, served out of recycled plastic water bottles, and you have one festive day!

Be sure to check out more delicious foodie travel tales at Wanderlust and Lipstick's WanderFood Wednesday!

RELATED LINKS:
* browse all Apecchio pics
* Get down get funghi (San Sisto mushroom festival)
* La Tavola Marche blog: Introducing the newest members of the Ugly Club
* WanderFood Wednesday

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