Authentic Italian cuisines

Dinner Buffet from 29 January – 8 February 2004 at The Garden Café- Raddison GRT Hotel- Chennai

It's a rather unique kind of fair. The food is exquisite and distinctly Italian. A tradition that started over a thousand years ago when Saint Orso emerged from his self-imposed exile and brought hand-crafted goods that he distributed among his people. Ever since, this is a significant event that has been celebrated in Italy - Full of fanfare, locally crafted items and authentic Italian food - Pappa al pomodoro, Malfatti, Agnello alla cacciatora, Calzoneai funghi, Crostata di Marmellata to name a few. It's the idyllic setting of a bygone era.

Legend has it that the Fair took place in that area of the ancient town of Aosta around the Collegiate Church known as Saint’Orso. It all began in front of the church itself, where Saint Orso, who probably lived during the early years of the 6th Century, used to stand distributing clothing and sabots (traditional wooden shoes which can still be seen at the fair) to the poor. Now the event covers the whole city centre as well as the area around the Roman city wall. The Fair of Saint Orso is now a great event that highlights the creativity of the area's mountain people. Each year artists and craftsmen from the Aosta Valley exhibit their work, showing with pride the fruits of their labour.

Cooking styles in the various regions of Italy diversify notably, from the rich and creamy dishes of the north to the hot and spicy specialities of the south. Northern places have produced the best-known dishes - Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagne, Tortellini, Prosciutto, Mortadella and Pesto, to name a few. Spectacular vegetable and pasta dishes feature just as predominantly as seafood and exotic meats. Cassata, Cannoli, Zabaglione, Granita, Tirarnisu and Marzipan are popular options to end the meal. Coffee, beer and wine are of course magnificent countrywide.