In Italy, families might spend a sunny Saturday afternoon strolling through a farmer’s market, picking up fresh meats, seafood and vegetables for a succulent evening feast.
This winter, Camelia brings this warm Italian tradition to the coldest months at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai. Each Saturday, guests can shop for straight-from-the-butcher’s-block cuts of meat and just-caught seafood inside the warm, bustling Italian restaurant. Best of all, Four Seasons chefs do the cooking, preparing selections however guests like, accompanied by mouth-watering antipasto, salad and dessert bars.
To set the mood for an Italian country Saturday, Four Seasons introduces some of Italy’s best small towns and highlighting menu selections native to each.
Saluzzo
This picturesque town of winding cobblestone streets sits on top of a hill in Italy’s northwest corner. But don’t be fooled by its small, sleepy feel: Saluzzo dates back to the medieval period and was once the home of a powerful count. Today, travellers can visit an 700-year-old castle and the famed Saluzzo Cathedral. Look up, and catch a glimpse of the Alps’ snow-covered peaks.
The Piedmont region is known for its flavourful truffles and mushrooms. Guests can sample the local speciality with Camelia’s truffle and mushroom sauces, perfectly prepared to top off fresh chicken, lamb chops, and beef tenderloin.
Palmanova
Visitors might not initially notice that Palmanova is shaped like a star. But if they climb one of the surrounding hills, they’ll see that the settlement is laid out according to classic Renaissance principles. The nine-pointed star shape is actually a defensive measure. The points were connected by ramparts that allowed the outposts to defend each other, and the entire town was surrounded by a moat.
Pork and sausages are a specialty in this seaside border region. Try Camelia’s Italian pork sausage to feel like strolling through Palmanova’s ancient streets.
Castelsardo
Located on the island of Sardinia, this sleepy southern town was once the site of an 11th century monastery. Today, it’s a beachside town built on a rocky outcropping that’s part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Tourists flock to this sun-drenched village to see one of Sardinia’s most famous symbols: Elephant’s Rock.
Although the ancient Sardinians were surrounded by sea, they weren’t able to enjoy the fruits of the ocean because of constant threat of invasion. Today, their descendants have more than made up for lost time, and the area has embraced its geography in its local cuisine. To feast like a Sardinian, try Camelia’s sea bass, red snapper, scallops, or prawns.
