Grape Wine Journey

Slow Food University

Chef's Hand

When we walked out from Guido, the Michelin 1 star restaurant in Piemonte, it was dark; the air was fresh and crisp, the stars were bright … and I was thinking “how much is a Michelin star worth?”

Guido is on the grounds of the Slow Food University. The ambience was sort of like a barn, with high ceiling, brick wall and wooden floor.  The décor was quite simple but functional.  Our table was in the middle of the restaurant, there was a huge black and white poster hanging on the wall.  It was a hand of an old lady; apparently, it was the hand of the owner’s mother – the hand that prepared a lot of food.

Sometimes, the décor and the ambience could probably give you a hint of the style of the food.  The table setting was simple but stylish.  The food was also elegant and delicious.

Steamed Cod Fish

It was a 5-course meal:

Baked Stuffed White Onion

Steamed Cod Fish with Puree of Fresh Fava Beans and Peas

Baked Stuffed White Onion Au Gratin

Ravioli Stuffed with Duck and Foie Gras and Asparagus Sauce

Braised Veal Stew

Pistachio and Chocolate Parfait

Giacosa Barolo

There were 4 wines serving with the menu, starting with a simple white wine, then 2 excellent red wines – La Spinetta Barbaresco 2004 and Barolo Giacosa Le Rocche di Castilione 2001.  The dessert wine was Loazzolo Passito Isolabella 2005.

Inside Guido

As we were finishing the dinner, it was hard not to compare Guido with Piazza Duomo , the 1 star with the 2 star restaurant.   They were indeed very different, Guido was down to earth and Piazza Duomo was very trendy and flashy.  Both were very delicious.   But judging from the patronage, Guido seemed to be more popular than Piazza Duomo.  It was almost full when we dined at Guido.  Probably it was

more affordable!