For the second consecutive year, Nice is becoming Italian… in terms of cuisine. Across from Albert 1st Garden, professionals are offering a thousand and one Italian products to taste or buy. From 10AM to 10PM, until June 4th, the people of Nice and tourists will have the opportunity to appreciate (or not) the dishes from the Mediterranean.
“What is this fragrant smell?” Martine can hardly believe it. This 54-year-old grandmother from Nice is at the entrance of the second edition of the Italian gastronomic expo.
She had planned to sunbathe but has eventually changed her plans: she prefers to weave through the hundred stalls set up. Located on the Promenade des Anglais, they offer a thousand and one products from different regions of the “boot” of Italy. From Piedmont to Tuscany, via Liguria, the choice is vast and the temptation too great for Martine: “Let’s see what our neighbors from the Mediterranean eat! And besides, it doesn’t cost me anything…”. With determination, the Nice local approaches the first stall, surrounded by a group of curious onlookers.
Wheels of cheese are stacked one on top of the other. Everyone can taste them. The “Parmigiano Reggiano” is unanimously popular. Hard to the touch, it can be grated over pasta in sauce to flavor the dish or simply eaten at the end of a meal. Facing this dairy product, the middle-aged woman’s mouth waters, and she asks the exhibitor for a piece. Her first tasting is a success.
The taster is delighted. But there is no time to linger; other products await to be discovered like the “porchetta”, a roast suckling pig. The exhibitor understands this. Noticing Martine’s child-like gaze, he offers, “Vuole gustare?” In no time, Martine puts the delicacy in her mouth without even taking the time to say thank you. Passionate about discovery, the grandmother is enjoying herself and lets the vendor know: “The porchetta has a special taste. It’s different from other charcuteries.”
While talking, her eyes drift towards another treat, sweet this time: the “cannoncino.” This typical Italian pastry does not leave our visitor indifferent. Approaching the display, Martine helps herself and relishes this tender pastry filled with cream. The Nice local can’t help but comment: “This dessert could melt the least sweet-toothed Niçois. I can assure you!”
Just as present, the fresh pasta attracts a crowd a few meters further. Yellow, green, short, long or stuffed, they are the benchmark of Italian cuisine and sell like hotcakes.
After such a culinary journey, Martine leaves with a full belly: “It was so good that I overindulged a bit. I think I had my lunch, and what’s more, for free. I can’t wait for next year!”
