Italy and Scotland not so far apart this January
THINKING of heading north on Burns Night and naturally you’d type Scotland into your sat nav. But we’re sure poet Rabbie wouldn’t mind if you bucked the trend in favour of a trip to northern Italy, where locals have their own take on haggis.
The Italian delicacy Zampone hails from the foodie region of Modena and gives the Scottish national dish a real run for its money. Traditionally a stuffed pig’s trotter, today’s Zampone is more sausagey, not unlike a haggis. A mixture of pork cheek, shoulder and thigh meat is seasoned with salt, pepper and spices including cinnamon, coriander, cumin and cloves then wrapped in a sack made from skin and trotter, which is tied together at one end and boiled.
The Italian delicacy Zampone hails from the foodie region of Modena and gives the Scottish national dish a real run for its money.
The best fresh Zamponi are only available in the winter months and traditionally served throughout Italy, with lentils for good luck, to welcome in the new year – so January is the best time to try them. And as no one loves a celebration more than Manchester’s oldest Italian indie Don Giovanni, the Bard of Ayrshire’s birthday is the perfect excuse for a party – so head chef Marvin Galdo is laying on a long-table supper club-style feast at the Castlefield branch, DG X Per Tutti, on Thursday 25 January.
You can expect a true Zampone Modenese IGP alongside classic North Italian side dishes including mashed potatoes, fagioli di spagna (stewed, large white beans), buttered spinach and, of course, those lucky lentils. And for some added Burns Night merriment, brand-new premium Scottish gin brand Blackwoods will be served – complete with the flavour of botanicals from the Shetland Isles!
Places are just £15 (+ £4.33 booking fee and VAT) and limited, so book a table via Eventbrite pronto.
