Ferragosto, the Italian summer holiday, is more than just a day off from work and a beach getaway. It's a celebration of the harvest, a time to pause and appreciate the fruits of the land, and a reminder of the importance of community and connection. This year, the spirit of Ferragosto is being brought to life by Bocca di Lupo, a Soho restaurant known for its regional Italian cuisine, in collaboration with Pharmacy Field Kitchen. The result is a unique dining experience, 'Bocca in the Field', that takes place in the heart of Somerset's countryside.
A Taste of Italy, with a Somerset Twist
Bocca di Lupo's Jacob Kenedy and his team have crafted a menu that takes diners on a journey through Italy, with a focus on regional specialties. The dishes are a testament to the restaurant's philosophy of celebrating the diversity of Italian cuisine, rather than treating it as a monolithic entity. Each course is a celebration of a different region, with ingredients sourced from Somerset and the South West, adding a local twist to the traditional recipes.
One of the standout dishes is the Fried Courgette Flowers, a Roman classic that combines mozzarella, anchovy, and basil. The dish is a perfect example of how Bocca di Lupo's menu travels through Italy, with a focus on the lighter, more delicate flavors of the Roman region. The batter, made with plain flour, cornflour, and yeast, is light and airy, and the dish is fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy filling.
Another standout dish is the Caponata, a sweet and sour vegetable stew that is a staple of Sicilian cuisine. The recipe balances the flavors of the different vegetables, allowing each one to shine, while the addition of capers and anchovies adds a savory depth. The dish is a perfect example of how Bocca di Lupo's menu celebrates the diversity of Italian cuisine, with a focus on the rich, flavorful dishes of Sicily.
A Risotto to Remember
The Porcini Risotto is a standout dish, with its intense, earthy flavor that comes from the fresh porcini mushrooms. The dish is a perfect example of how Bocca di Lupo's menu celebrates the regional specialties of Italy, with a focus on the rich, flavorful dishes of the northern regions. The risotto is creamy and al dente, with a rich, concentrated flavor that comes from the slow-cooked porcini mushrooms.
A Sweet End to the Meal
The Cannoli, a crisp Sicilian pastry tube, is a perfect ending to the meal. The recipe makes around 40 small cannoli shells, with enough filling for 6-8 people. The shells are best filled just before serving, so they stay perfectly light and crisp. The filling, made with ricotta and sugar, is smooth and creamy, and the addition of bitter chocolate and candied orange peel adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
A Ferragosto to Remember
Bocca in the Field takes place at Wyke House near Bruton on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August from 5.30pm. Tickets cost £140 per person and include all food and drink, with a vegetarian menu available. The event is a perfect example of how Ferragosto can be celebrated in a modern, innovative way, with a focus on community, connection, and the celebration of the harvest. It's a reminder that, at its core, Ferragosto is about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and the beauty of the natural world.
In my opinion, Bocca in the Field is a must-attend event for anyone who loves Italian food and the spirit of Ferragosto. It's a unique dining experience that celebrates the diversity of Italian cuisine, with a focus on regional specialties and local ingredients. The event is a perfect example of how food can bring people together, and how a simple meal can become a memorable celebration of culture and community.
