Palmabella's Passions

What makes women smile? Outlet malls!

On our way to Sunday pranzo in Zibello, we stopped for a couple of hours at the Fidenza Outlets for some great shopping. Lots of bags came back aboard our bus! Then we headed to the tiny town of Zibello to eat at Trattoria La Buca.

This was my fourth visit to La Buca. On my first visit, I bonded with Signora Miriam, fifth generation chef of this fabulous restaurant. Yes, she is the one who taught Mario to make tortellini! She always remembers me, and came out for a warm hug and chat. I send her photos every year, and she gave our guests a tour of the cellar full of wheels of cheese, wine, prosciutto and of course the special culatello that is made in this region.

It was just a year ago that I was here with Jerry, Sandi, Marcia and David, and seated at this same shady spot on the terrace!

We began with two platters of culatello:

Next came some of the luscious pasta dishes: tortelli di zucca, anolini La Buca, and "Bucaneve" (baked pasta stuffed with ricotta and topped with bechemel):

We had some adventurous eaters try some special entrees: roast guinea hen, Lumache (snails), and Anguilla (Eel with tomatoes and peas)!

We had a long, delicious lunch and were full and happy!

Time for dessert!

I will return next year to La Buca. It is always a pleasure!