Mamma mia!

I really had no idea what I was getting into but I sure am glad I went.  Multiple exhibition halls and so many people and producers – I was completely overwhelmed and awed.  And odd.  Though I am shyly impressed that I managed to go through it and survive and enjoy the whole experience.

The picture simply cannot capture the scale of the event:

I realized as I walked through how I am becoming quite skilled at observing others to learn what to do… At the metro, to tap my ticket.  At the exhibition, to have my bag checked.  At the food stalls, to take a sample with the toothpick on the side.  At other stalls, to buy the food.  Quite proud really.  These are simple things when you know but intimidating when you don’t and I managed just fine.

In many ways, it turned out to be an ideal eating experience for me.  I could go and try little bits of many things with no pressure to eat more.  I could be selective about which booths I visited and no one was watching me eat.  As such, I managed to try items I normally wouldn’t get the chance to try… so many types of cheeses, a Ligurian pesto, olive pate, and chocolates from many Italian regions.  And beer tasters too.  Aside from the beer, the food was fantastic.  I’ve yet to find a good Italian craft beer.

It was a very different experience than I believe it would have been in North America.  The samples were very small and people seemed quite happy with this.  No one appeared to be overindulging and most were also buying items.  I can imagine people taking much more advantage of the tasting in North America but that just didn’t seem to be the case here.

Salone del Gusto – another reason for me to love Italy and Turin.  Another chance to push my limits just a bit more.

And my BS at the moment?  10.2.  A little high but not bad given the unknowns in my intake.

A taster and teaser…