What's on this week in Sabina (23rd-29th January 2012)

This is our guide to what's on in Sabina this coming week. You can also have a look at our full list of events in Sabina if you're planning a little further ahead :)

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Now - Sat January 28th 2012
Photography exhibition | Rieti

What: Exhibition of local Rieti-based photographer Filippo Maria Gianfelice. An exhibition dedicated to 'industrial archaeology'; a series of black and white photographs taken in various disused and abandoned factories. Free entrance.
Where: Studio7 Arte Contemporanea, via Pennina 19, Rieti (View on Map)
More info: on Filippo Maria Gianfelice on his personal website here (In Italian)

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Sun 22 January - Sun 26 February 2012
Print exhibition | Farfa

What: An exhibition of the print collection of Farfa Abbey. The exhibition can be visited during the guided tours of the Abbey. Tour times are 10am, 11am 12midday, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Where: Inside the Farfa Abbey (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Sun 29th January 2012
Sagra (Festival) of Bruschetta | Casaprota

What: This Sunday sees the 50th anniversary of the festival of Bruschetta in the village of Casaprota. The feast begins with a tasting of the new season's olive oil, drizzled over traditional Bruschetta (a slice of artisan bread, simply toasted over a fireplace.) Then the fun really starts at midday, with sausages cooked on the grill, spelt soup with truffles, and fregnacce alla Sabinese, a simple pasta dish comprising mushrooms, black olives and tomatoes. Then, at 4pm, the meal continues with 'spaghetti all’Amatriciana' , one of the most well-known dishes of this part of Italy. The festival finishes with 'frittelle', little bite-sized, deep fried sweet, (or savoury) bites. Make sure you don't eat breakfast...

Accompanying the wonderful food will be a series of events, including a visit from Angelo Tombolillo at 11.30am, who is on the panel of tasters for the National olive oil Council; the reopening of an old olive oil mill; an art exhibition; music in the streets throughout the day, and entertainment for the children. Finally, there will also be a market selling typical products and local handicrafts of the Rieti area.
Where: Casaprota (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)


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Sun 29th January 2012 @ 10am - 16.30pm
Excursion | Cottanello

What: A group walk through the fields of Cottanello to the Hermitage (religious retreat) of San Cataldo. On this beautiful, picturesque walk in the Sabine Hills, you will see animals grazing in the fields, and make a stop at the old village of the shepherds - "Le Cassette".


Le Cassette in Cottanello. Photo by Giuliano Pettini

In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the impressive Hermitage of San Cataldo.

The length of the walk is about 8 km and estimated to take around 4 hours. The cost is €10.00 (+ guided tour of the Hermitage.) 14 years and under are free. Bring a packed lunch and water,a and wear suitable shoes and clothing. Reservations are required by calling (+39) 329-8194632 or emailing info@avventurasoratte.com. In the event of bad weather, the walk will be cancelled.
Where: Meet at 10am in Cottanello, in front of the only petrol station in the village. We've pinpointed the location on a Google Map.
More info: here (In Italian)

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Sun 29th January 2012 @ 6pm
Theatre - 'Non ti conosco più' | Montopoli di Sabina

What: Theatre show 'Non ti conosco più' (I don't know you anymore), the 1932 comedy written by the Roman screenwriter Aldo De Benedetti. Directed by Marina Vitolo. This play is part of the 12th cultural festival of Montopoli di Sabina; a celebration of film, theatre and music.
Where: Teatro San Michele Arcangelo, Montopoli di Sabina (View on Map)
More info: Link to the full festival programme here (In Italian)

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Sun 29th January 2012 @ 5.30pm
Japanese Animation - 'Arrietty' | Toffia

What: The screening of Japanese animation film 'Arrietty', (in English known as The Secret World of Arrietty), by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. One in a series of Japanese animations, organised by the Officina Creativa 33 in Toffia. Free entrance.
Where: Teatro del Complesso di San Bernardino, Piazza Lauretana 3, Toffia, RI 02039 (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Looking for more events in Sabina....?
Check out our full list of future events in Sabina.

What's on this week in Sabina (16th-22nd January 2012)

Here's our round-up of what's on in Sabina this coming week. You can also have a look at our full list of events in Sabina if you're planning a little further ahead :)

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Sat January 14th @ 5pm- Sat January 28th 2012
Photography exhibition | Rieti

What: Exhibition of local Rieti-based photographer Filippo Maria Gianfelice. An exhibition dedicated to 'industrial archaeology'; a series of black and white photographs taken in various disused and abandoned factories. Free entrance.
Where: Studio7 Arte Contemporanea, via Pennina 19, Rieti (View on Map)
More info: on Filippo Maria Gianfelice on his personal website here (In Italian)


Photo credit: Filippo Maria Gianfelice

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Sun 15th January 2012 @ 5.30pm
Japanese Animation - 'I racconti di Terramare' | Toffia

What: Screening of Japanese animation 'I racconti di Terramare' (Tales from Earthsea), by Goro Miyazaki. One in a series of Japanese animations, organised by the Officina Creativa 33 in Toffia. Free entrance.
Where: Teatro del Complesso di San Bernardino, Piazza Lauretana 3, Toffia, RI 02039 (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Tue 17th January 2012
Excursion / Food Festival | Monte Soratte

What: A midweek walk in the heart of the Monte Soratte nature reserve. The medium-level difficulty walk will last around 4 hours, and culminate in a visit to the local Sagra (food festival). This particular festival, which celebrates Anthony the Great, will be complete with plenty of local food (lamb, sausages, homemade dolci), good wine and a bonfire in the square. € 8.00 each, and booking is required: +39 329 8194632 or info@avventurasoratte.com.
Where: Meet in front of the information centre in Piazza Italia in Monte Soratte at 10am. (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Sun 22nd January 2012 @ 6pm
Film screening of 'The Immature' | Montopoli di Sabina

What: Film screening of 'Immaturi' (The Immature). This screening is part of the 12th cultural festival of Montopoli di Sabina; a celebration of film, theatre and music.
Where: Biblioteca comunale, Montopoli (View on Map)
More info: Link to the full festival programme here (In Italian)

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Sun 22nd January 2012 @ 5.30pm
Japanese Animation - 'Ponyo sulla scogliera' | Toffia

What: A screening of 'Ponyo sulla scogliera' (Ponyo on the Cliff), a Japanese animation by Hayao Miyazaki. One in a series of Japanese animations, organised by the Officina Creativa 33 in Toffia. Free entrance.
Where: Teatro del Complesso di San Bernardino, Piazza Lauretana 3, Toffia, RI 02039 (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Sun 22nd January 2012
Seminar - 'Culinary Etiquette in the Renaissance' | Fiano Romano

What: Ok, so this talk will won't be in English, but if your Italian is up to it, we think this event would be well worth a visit. Antonella Ciccarese will be hosting a seminar in the Hall of the Guards in the Castle Orsini in Fiano Romano. There will be a re-enactment of Pope Alexandria VI Borgia's visit in 1497, and then Antonella will be discussing the style of food in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in different social classes; the cutlery on the table; etiquette in the period, and medieval recipes. The event will begin at 11 am and end around 12:30 pm with a tasting of biscuits, which will be faithfully reproduced according to the original recipe from the Italian Middle Ages. The event is free and open to everyone.
Where: Castle Orsini, Piazza Matteotti, Fiano Romano. (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Sun 22 January - Sun 26 February 2012
Print exhibition | Farfa

What: An exhibition of the print collection of Farfa Abbey. The exhibition can be visited during the guided tours of the Abbey. Tour times are 10am, 11am 12midday, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Where: Inside the Farfa Abbey (View on Map)
More info: here (In Italian)

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Looking for more events in Sabina....?
Check out our full list of future events in Sabina.

What's on in Sabina - Feast day of the 'Immacolata Concezione' (Thursday 8th December 2011)

This Thursday, 8th December 2011, is a public holiday and religious 'feast day' in Italy to celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. As a result, there are a number of festivals, markets and gastronomic events being held in and around Sabina on this day. Here we have put together a selection for you... the only difficulty is choosing which one(s) to visit!

Nativity / market | Greccio (View on Map)
When: From 8th - 11th December 2011, every day from 9am-7.30pm, Piazza Roma. A nativity and market to celebrate the traditions and crafts behind the Nativity. Held in the historic centre of Greccio, said to be the location of the first Nativity scene created by St Francis after his return from Bethlehem.
More info: here (In Italian)


Nativity in Greccio

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'Oil and Culture' | Coltodino (View on Map)
When: Starts at 10am with a shuttle departing for a visit to an olive oil mill and museum. (Another shuttle departs at 3.30pm). Continues throughout the day with artisan food stalls, music, and entertainment for the kids at 4pm. Finishes with fried Pizza and other 'Frittelli' (fried foods such as fried broccoli or Cauliflower) at 6.30pm.

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La polentata collegiovese (The Polenta of Collegiove) | Collegiove (View on Map)
When: Starts at 9.30am with a band / parade through the village. The main 'Polenta event' is at 1pm, and this year's festival organiser will be offering refreshments in their home at 4.30pm.
More info: here (Poster in Italian)

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Natale a Casperia (Christmas in Casperia) | Casperia (View on Map)
When: 10am - late afternoon. Food stalls, traditional Christmas gifts and crafts in the winding streets of Casperia.
More info: here (Poster in Italian)

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Christmas Market | Borgorose (View on Map)
What: Artisan food, crafts and Christmas gift stalls.

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Sagra della Polenta con Salsicce (Food festival of Polenta and Sausage) | Montopoli di Sabina (View on Map)
When: The polenta and sausage starts at 12 Midday. Before then, at 10am, there is a classic car rally, and at 3.30pm, christmas carols.
More info: here (Poster in Italian)

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Sagra del Frittello e del Vino Novello (Food festival of fried dishes and new wine) | Castelnuovo di Farfa (View on Map)
When: Food stalls open at 9.30am. The main food event is at 1pm with typical plates from the surrounding 'Castelnuovese' area, including fried dishes such as Broccoli (below).
More info: here (Poster in Italian)


Fried Broccoli www.dueincucina.it

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What's on in Sabina this weekend (3rd/4th December 2011)

Because it's never too early to start planning for next weekend ;-) Here are a few ideas to get you started if you are in Sabina from Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th December 2011.

Group hike in the Monte Soratte Nature Reserve | Saturday 3rd December 2011
5km / 6.5 hour walk along the ridge and up to the summit of Monte Soratte. Breathtaking views of the Tiber Valley, lower Sabina and surrounding areas. Walking shoes are mandatory. Bring a packed lunch!

Where: Meet in front of the 'centro informazioni' in Piazza Italia in Sant'Oreste at 10am
When: Saturday 3rd December, 10am - 4.30pm.
How much: 6 Euros pp (Book in advance on 329.8194632 or info@avventurasoratte.com)
More info: here (Italian / some English)


Photo: Paolo Fefe

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Christmas Market | Saturday 3rd December - Sunday 4th December 2011
Christmas gifts, crafts and sweets. Nativity scene and local produce including bread, honey liqueurs and roast chestnuts.

Where: Forano (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele / Via San Martino)
When: Saturday 3rd December - Sunday 4th December 2011
Opening times: Saturday starts at 2pm, Sunday at 9am. Lunch with Polenta at 1pm on Sunday
How much: Free entrance
More info: here (Poster in Italian)

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Festival of new olive oil | Saturday 3rd-Sunday 4th December 2011
Lots to do at this festa, including cookery demonstrations, stalls selling local produce, guided tours to the largest olive tree in Europe (11am, 2pm, 4pm), food, drink and entertainment.

Where: Canneto
When: Saturday 3rd December 2011 - Sunday 4th December 2011
Opening times: Opens at 9am both days with local 'Sabini' dressed in traditional costumes
How much: Free entrance
More info: here (Italian)

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Exhibition: 150 years of a United Italy | Opens Friday 2nd December 2011
Opening day of an exhibition at the council hall in Magliano Sabina - 'Rieti and its territory: 150 years of history in the United Italy'.

Where: Magliano Sabina Council hall (Sala Consiliare)
When: Friday 2nd December - Sunday 11th December 2011
Opening times: Opens at 10am on Friday 2nd. For the remaining days it is open every day 9am - 1pm. It is also open 3pm - 6pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
How much: Free entrance
More info: here (Poster in Italian)

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Feast day for Saint Barbara | Sunday 4th December 2011
The feast day or 'festa del patrono' for Santa Barbara will feature a procession, stalls with artisan crafts, local foods and entertainment.

Where: Scandriglia
When: Sunday 4th December 2011
Opening times: 9am - 9pm
How much: Free entrance

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Art exhibition - Armando Orfeo | Opens Saturday 3rd December 2011
Beautiful, dream-like paintings by artist and illustrator Armando Orfeo. The exhibition is entitled 'The Travelling Apprentice'.

Where: Rieti (Studio7 Arte Contemporanea, via Pennina 19)
When: Saturday 3rd December 2011, 5pm (Opening night) – finishes 30th December 2011
Opening times: Thursday – Saturday 5pm – 8pm
How much: Free entrance
More info: here (Italian)



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Observatory open evening | Saturday 3rd December 2011
The observatory in Frasso Sabino will be open to the public, with a session in the planetarium, observations through a telescope and entry to the museum.

Where: Frasso Sabino (Link in Google Maps)
When: Saturday 3rd December 2011
Opening times: 5.45pm-8.30pm
How much: Free, no booking required
More info: here (Italian)

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'Christmas in the Villages' | Sunday 4th December 2011
Music, food and Entertainment in the historic centre of the village of Tarano. Jugglers, artists, children's entertainment, candy floss, mulled wine and snacks.

Where: Tarano
When: Sunday 4th December 2011
Opening times: 'Dall'alba al tramonto' (from sunrise to sunset)
How much: Free
More info: here (Italian)


Photo: Benessere on Flickr

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Authentic Pollo alla Romana (Roman-style chicken) recipe

This traditional, rustic Roman dish of chicken with bell peppers, onion and tomatoes takes a bit of time because all the ingredients are cooked quite slowly, but this makes for a very tasty dish that is definitely worth waiting for!

You will need (for 4):

- 1 chicken, jointed and broken into smaller pieces (or 8 chicken thighs, cut into smaller pieces probably in halves is enough). Leave the skin on. 

- 4 bell peppers

- 1 large onion

- 1 quantity passata or 1 tin plum tomatoes

- 3 garlic cloves, cut into smaller chunks

- White wine (optional)

- Salt and pepper

- 2 non-stick frying pans with lids (or some robust, good-quality foil if you don't have lids)

Time:

around 1.5 hours

Start by adding the pieces of garlic to the pan in some olive oil. Season the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper and place in the pan with the garlic. Fry over a low heat, covered, for around 45 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally.

In a separate pan, sweat some onion rings until they start to go floppy, but not brown.

Meanwhile, de-seed and slice the peppers into ~2cm strips.

 Put the peppers in with the onions.

Add the Passata or plum tomatoes. Season with salt and mix together, then cover and leave to cook over a low heat until the peppers are just starting to soften. 

When the peppers are ready, take them off the heat and go back to the chicken. The pieces should be cooked through by now; nice, tender and juicy. At this stage (if you like) you can add the white wine bit by bit, with the pan uncovered, until all the wine has evaporated. 

Remove the chicken from the pan using a slotted spoon and put in with the peppers. Stir well to mix everything together. Cover again and leave to cook for another 10 mins or so...

...and done! This dish is full of flavour and the chicken melt-in-the-mouth tender.

Authentic Bucatini all'Amatriciana recipe

This ultra simple tomato-based pasta dish originates from Amatrice, a town in North-East Lazio. The traditional recipe uses Bucatini pasta (which is a bit like a thick spaghetti with a hole in), but spaghetti is a pretty good substitute. This pasta sauce is so famous that it is recognised as a traditional dish of Lazio by the Italian ministry of agriculture, food and forestry. 

You will need (for 4):

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 fresh chilli, finely chopped

- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

(yes, this recipe involves a bit of chopping)

- 120g cubed panchetta (or Guanciale -dried pork cheek- if you can find it. This is what the original Amatriciana is made with.) 

- 500g fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes)

- 500g Bucatini or spaghetti

- Pecorino or parmesan for grating 

Time: 

45 mins - 1 hour (depending on how good you are at chopping)

Heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the panchetta or guanciale until crispy and golden. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil behind.

Fry the onion, garlic and chilli until the onions are soft, (but don't let them brown).

Add the tomatoes to the pan with the onion, garlic and chilli, and season.

Simmer until the sauce has thickened and lost its 'watery' appearance. Add the bacon back into the pan with the sauce.

Boil the pasta according to the instructions. Beautiful pasta, isn't it?

When the pasta is cooked, drain the water and then return the pasta to the pan. Pour over the sauce, mix well, top with the grated cheese and serve. Simple!

And so the journey begins...

Welcome to the Monti Sabini olive oil blog...

The Griscioli family have been cultivating their olives in the Sabine Hills in Italy for over a hundred years. It is only now since Paolo, the youngest member of the family, moved to England that the opportunity has arisen to bring their olive oil to the UK.

Our aim is absolute transparency in everything we do to create our olive oil. We believe it is nice to know where your food has come from, and what has happened to it along the way. Our website, www.MontiSabini.it, contains details of the Monti Sabini olive groves, so you can see exactly where your olive oil started its life.

Here on our blog we aim to keep a diary of the 'Monti Sabini' olives and to track their progress... from the branch to the bottle.

We hope you enjoy the journey!