Piedmont can be a somewhat challenging destination if you’re a first time visitor. It’s incredibly beautiful, but it’s many hilltop villages leave you wondering where to start. During our time in Piedmont, our friend and winemaker Fabio Gea took us to one of his favorite restaurants near Nieve, Ristorante Bandini in Portacormaro, Asti. We asked him to help us choose the best dishes and wines. He of course brought some of his own wine too, which if you can find it, you must try!
We started dinner with a crudo of local fish and an asparagus soup with red shrimp and shiso, which was followed by local sausage along with veal cheeks and polenta. This is also where we developed a love for tajarin, a very thin handmade pasta that’s typically served with a meat sauce. We’ve recreated it at home several times since.
Massimo’s food is solid, and Antonello is a master at perfectly pairing interesting wines with the food. If you ask for recommendations, his pairings will exceed your expectations. Antonello brought out a special bottle of Giuseppe Rinaldi wine that neither Fabio nor Ceri had seen before, and we were all blown away. The service, flavors, and wine at Ristorante Bandini were all fantastic! If you are in Piedmont, we’d highly recommend a visit.
Via Cornapo’ (Strada Provinciale 38) 135, Portacomaro Asti, Italy Postal Code 14037
