Turin: Touring and Eating

Most tourists would put Milan in their itinerary if one wishes to tour the Italian North. But what about Turin or Torino? Unless you are familiar with the car races, you may never check it out. As for me, I got the chance to visit Turin because of Salone del Gusto Terra Madre, a biennial event celebrating Slow Food.

After landing in Milan’s Malpensa airport, a shuttle bus or rented car can take you to Turin which is about 170 kms away.  Turin is quiet compared to Milan’s touristy vibe. You can book at Du Parc Contemporary Suites on Corso Massimo D’Azeglio, where service apartments are huge and can comfortably fit a family of four. Or, take a one-bedroom which is perfect for two.

Taxis are aplenty and the metro is friendly, too. But discovering Turin on foot is yet a nice experience, especially in October. It is cool, yet not cold. Warm at noon, but not hot. So here are some places to discover in Turin while taking leisurely walks:

CAFFE GHIGO

The ultimate in Marron Glace and freshly-whipped cream. Have a cream croissant, or another pastry with your double espresso (doppio espresso). But don’t miss the cream and the marrons.

Via Po, 52 near Corso Vittorio Emmanuel

AL BICERIN

Famous for the Bicerin drink — coffee with chocolate from Tobler (maker of Toblerone) and a fine layer of fresh cream served in a small wine goblet or whisky glass. It almost tastes like Irish Coffee without the whisly but with fine chocolate. Sip through the cream and the chocolate and coffee mix in wonderful pleasure.

Piazza della Consolata, 5, 10122, Turin

RESTAURANT MONFERRATO

This is also the time of year to get fresh truffles shaven into your taglierini. The truffle are from next door Alba, about an hour away from Turin. Try the Mushroom tart also or the Steak Tartare.

Via Monferrato, 6, 10131, Turin

ENOMAGOTECA

Come for yet another truffle dish or a plate of fresh Chevre and hard cheese. Enomagoteca has all the local favorites served Piemontese style. Try the Piemontese standard banner dish Vitello Tonnato ala Vecchia Maniera. Thin slices of veal topped with a light tuna sauce.

Via Matteo Pescatore 10, Turin

FIORIO

Ice cream at its best. Try the Cream or Fior de Latte flavors. Fiorio has been there since the 1780s. Still making ice cream the old fashioned way.

There a branches in many places but Via Po, 8 is the original.

Via NIzza near Lingotto

If you feel like splurging on calories, Turin has got to be it. Cream, marron glaces and ice cream. If you are looking for truffles, this is also the place to be (unless you go to Alba which is an hour away by car). Just make sure you come at this time of the year — truffle season.

And if you are looking for an excuse to come to Turin, make it to Salone del Gusto.  The next one is in 2016. But if you can’t wait come next year – 2015 – go to Expo Milano, the world expo is just next door, located in beautiful Milan.