Warm breezes, trees in bud, the ground carpeted in flowers – In Italy, spring is a time when the world suddenly seems fresh and exciting after the long haul of winter. It’s also an important period in the Italian culinary calendar, and a great opportunity for some healthy seasonal eating. The ancient farms of Puglia and Tuscany kick into action, serving up leafy salads, peas, beans, leeks, asparagus and the first crops of strawberries and cherries. Here at Eataly we’re making the most of this abundance, bringing spring to your table via our stores and restaurants.
Eating seasonal starters
Eataly’s spring menu showcases the best the season has to offer in a range of flavoursome dishes. To begin, you might want to try our vellutata di piselli e carote (pea and carrot velouté). This refreshing chilled soup is the perfect palate cleanser. Or go for our insalata primavera, a salad of quinoa, pomegranate and tangy lamb lettuce, finished with a cranberry yoghurt dressing.
And for a main course…
We’re adding to our selection of delicious pizzas this spring with the pizza leggera. The base is made with rye flour for a full, nutty taste, and the topping features authentic ricotta and mozzarella along with two of the season’s star ingredients, spinach and artichoke. Meanwhile, our lasagnetta all’ortolana is a must for vegetarians. And seafood lovers won’t want to miss our filetto di orata, a fillet of sea bream steamed to perfection and served with an aromatic ensemble of boiled new potatoes, fruity Taggiasca olives and fresh basil.
Shopping this spring
When you’re not dining at our restaurants, don’t forget to check out our stores for olive oil, pesto, pasta, flour and other genuine key ingredients, all sourced from the Belpaese. With these, you’ll have everything you need to rustle up your own springtime feast, bringing your favourite Italian recipes to life in your very own kitchen.
Seasonal cookery lessons
And just in case you want to brush up on your culinary skills, we’ve also arranged a series of three inspirational cooking classes this spring. On 17 March, there’s an introduction to tiramisù, the coffee-flavoured sponge cake which is Italy’s national dessert. And on 24 March, we’ll show you how to whip up some tortelli pasta with pesto. The classes start at 11 a.m. and run for 90 minutes, just enough time to work up an appetite for lunch.