The allure of truffles at Mi Piace

Now is the time to go black truffle hunting in Italy, when experts of this prized fungi lead enthusiasts on guided foraging walks, chefs demonstrate cooking techniques in special classes and winemakers pair their best offerings with the wide variety of truffle dishes that make up special menus.

But for those who can’t take time off to fly to Italy this July for a firsthand experience of truffle hunting and tasting, The Peninsula Manila’s Mi Piace Italian restaurant has its ongoing food festival from July 6 to 21, featuring a menu created around the seasonal Italian black truffle.

Black truffle lovers can totally indulge in a special degustation menu or choose individual menu items from the limited menu created by Mi Piace’s Resident Italian Chef Massimo Veronesi. A sampling of the festival menu: US Beef Carpaccio with Fresh Truffle Polenta; Artichoke Royal with Truffle Cappuccino; Parmesan Cheese Arborio Risotto with Black Truffle and White Truffle Oil; Truffle-crusted Alaskan Cod with Cauliflower Purée, Potato Gnocchi and Truffle Chives Sauce; and Black Truffle Ice Cream with Pistachio Soufflé.

Chef Massimo promises that the truffles he will be using for his dishes will “impart a rich aroma and flavor to even the simplest dishes that can’t be matched by anything else. One whiff and you will be in heaven!”

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For inquiries and table reservations, call The Peninsula Manila at 887-2888, extensions 6737 and 6738 (Mi Piace) or  6694  (Restaurant Reservations).