Ferragosto, the Italian summer holiday, is a time for escape, relaxation, and, of course, delicious food. It's a tradition that dates back to ancient times, when Emperor Augustus introduced a period of rest after the hard work of the harvest. This year, Bocca di Lupo is bringing the spirit of Ferragosto to Somerset with its 'Bocca in the Field' event, a celebration of regional Italian cuisine and the beauty of the countryside. In this article, I'll explore the concept of Ferragosto, the unique collaboration between Bocca di Lupo and Pharmacy Field Kitchen, and the mouth-watering recipes that will be served at the event. I'll also share my personal thoughts on the significance of this event and the broader implications of Ferragosto in Italian culture.
Ferragosto: A Summer Holiday Like No Other
Ferragosto is more than just a summer holiday; it's a time-honored tradition that reflects the Italian love of food, family, and the outdoors. The name itself, derived from the Latin Feriae Augusti, or 'the holidays of Augustus', speaks to the ancient origins of the celebration. Originally, Ferragosto marked the beginning of the harvest season, a time when hard work was done in the fields and a well-deserved break was taken. Over time, it merged with the Catholic feast of the Assumption on August 15th, but the core idea remains: a pause in the middle of summer, best spent outdoors, at a table, with loved ones.
Bocca di Lupo's 'Bocca in the Field'
Bocca di Lupo, the Soho-based Italian restaurant, is bringing this spirit to life with its 'Bocca in the Field' event. For two evenings in August, the restaurant will leave its usual Archer Street location for Wyke House near Bruton, a Grade II-listed Georgian house surrounded by six acres of countryside. The event will feature long tables in the field, where 50 guests per night will enjoy a family-style feast, passing dishes between them as the evening unfolds. This collaboration with Pharmacy Field Kitchen, the new events project from the team behind The Pharmacy in Bruton, brings together Bocca di Lupo's regional Italian cooking with produce from Somerset and the southwest, much of it shaped by the farms and landscape around them.
A Menu That Travels Through Italy
The menu for 'Bocca in the Field' is a journey through Italy, with dishes from all 20 regions. From Modenese tigelle with mortadella, pesto, and garden giardiniera to Roman courgette flowers filled with mozzarella and anchovy, Sicilian caponata, and a rich porcini risotto, each course is a celebration of a distinct Italian tradition. The centerpiece is Tuscan-style Dexter beef fiorentina, served with Puglian tomato and purslane salad, beans cooked slowly in a fiasco, and whole lettuces dressed simply with oil and lemon. Dessert is equally generous, with peaches in wine and crisp cannoli filled with local Westcombe Dairy ricotta.
Fried Courgette Flowers: A Roman Classic
One of the standout dishes on the menu is the fried courgette flowers, a Roman classic. The flowers of almost any edible pumpkin or squash can be used, but courgette flowers are the most traditional and easiest to find. Male flowers are ideal, as harvesting them does not reduce the courgette crop and they have a lighter texture. Stuffed with mozzarella, anchovy, and basil, these flowers are a perfect example of the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. The recipe is a testament to the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the art of cooking with minimal intervention.
Caponata: A Sicilian Delight
Another standout dish is caponata, a sweet-sour delight from Sicily. Every Sicilian has their own version of caponata, but this recipe balances the flavors while allowing the vegetables to retain their individual character. The dish is a perfect example of the diversity of Italian cuisine and the importance of regional traditions. The recipe is also a testament to the art of preserving and cooking with seasonal ingredients, a skill that has been passed down through generations.
Porcini Risotto: An Earthy Delight
Porcini risotto is a classic Italian dish that showcases the intense, earthy flavor of fresh porcini mushrooms. Smaller porcini are ideal for their firmer texture and more delicate taste. The recipe is a perfect example of the importance of using high-quality, seasonal ingredients and the art of cooking with minimal intervention. The dish is also a testament to the versatility of risotto, a dish that can be adapted to suit a wide range of flavors and ingredients.
Cannoli: A Sicilian Icon
Finally, cannoli, the crisp Sicilian pastry tubes, are a must-try. These shells are best filled just before serving so they stay perfectly light and crisp. The recipe makes around 40 small cannoli shells, with enough filling for 6-8 people. The dish is a perfect example of the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the art of cooking with minimal intervention. The cannoli shells are best eaten on the day they are fried but can be stored in an airtight container for a short time.
Personal Thoughts and Implications
Bocca di Lupo's 'Bocca in the Field' event is a celebration of the Italian love of food, family, and the outdoors. It's a testament to the importance of regional traditions and the art of cooking with minimal intervention. The event also highlights the significance of Ferragosto in Italian culture, a time when the hard work of the harvest is celebrated and a well-deserved break is taken. In my opinion, this event is a perfect example of how food can bring people together and create a sense of community and connection.
A Takeaway and Provocative Idea
In conclusion, Bocca di Lupo's 'Bocca in the Field' event is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food and culture. It's a celebration of the Italian love of food, family, and the outdoors, and a testament to the importance of regional traditions and the art of cooking with minimal intervention. As we reflect on the event, I'm left with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of Italian cuisine and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Perhaps, in our own lives, we can find ways to bring the spirit of Ferragosto into our daily routines, creating moments of connection and celebration that honor the traditions of the past and the promise of the future.
