With truffles – seasonal is the way to go. And fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy this pungent delicacy in Italy. We were delighted to taste a number of regional specialties in Lombardia, Lazio, and Umbria – each with their own distinctive character and provincial flare.

One concept that we didn’t indulge in, but worth mentioning is Tartufi & Friends in Rome. Its sheer existence is somewhat of a cultural disconnect in a country that uses fresh raw truffles only in fall. But, by capitalizing on supply and demand of tourists shopping near the Spanish Steps, this “Truffle Lounge”, has leveraged one of the most expensive foods in the world, year-round. 

Like it or not, Tartufi & Friends is clearly turning trends into a marketable opportunity. Like hocus-pocus truffle oil, the attempt does not capture the true essence.