January 12, 2011: Our guide, Anne Robichaud [visit her website: Annesitaly.com for more info about Assisi and the region of Umbria, its food and culture], led us in three large taxi-vans to an old country store and restaurant called Da Giovannino near her home and farm several miles outside of Assisi. She has known the family that operates the store and restaurant for some 30 years and recounted how she and her Italian husband celebrated their wedding feast there. The restaurant is famous in the region for the quality of its polenta, a simple dish of tomato sauce and meat served on a bed of corn meal spread out on wooden boards over a yard in length. Most of the ingredients are grown and raised on the local farms. Below you can read the descriptions of this unique experience by several of our student participants [photos will be posted shortly]:
The corn meal was heavy, yet wonderful.The texture complements the taste. The meat sauce was, in short, incredible. The several types of meat, along with a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, made the meal a real treat. (Karl Gilbertson)
My favorite part of the lunch at Giovannino’s was knowing the history of the restaurant. It was great to hear stories about the role the family and their business has played in the community. (Kia Johnson)
I really enjoyed the sense of community of the meal, which was apparent in the presentation of the polenta as well as the stories we heard about the restaurant. The fact that it is run by the same family that started the original grocery store also evokes a warm sense of community. Sharing the experience with classmates and professors was an important aspect as well. (Kirsten Indrelie)
As a guest in the restaurant, I could really feel a sense of pride in family. It was a truly wonderful and unique experience to hear the history of the restaurant and the grocery store, then getting to experience the food first-hand. The “family meal” was an absolutely fantastic experience that will surely stand as one of my favorite meals in Italy, and a memorable experience that I will treasure for a lifetime. (Michaela Hill)
My experience at this lovely restaurant was definitely a highlight of my stay in Assisi I really enjoyed meeting the workers and chefs as well as seeing all of the fresh ingredients first-hand. Of course, eating the polenta was an extremely delicious experience! What a treat! (Michele Boursier)
Our experience at Giovannino’s ristorante was truly unique. It was so fascinating to hear the history of the area, store, and restaurant before we ate, and to learn about the food of the area. The polenta was delicious, and I loved how everyone just ate right off of a communal board in the middle of the table! (Matthew Umphreys)
Giovannino’s ristorante was an excellent experience. I really loved being able to have an authentic eating experience while in Umbria. Thank you so much for your hospitality! (Erin McWilliams)
Giovannino’s provided an fabulous experience. It was amazing to see how peasant culture and traditions have been preserved to inform today’s culture. Polenta starts as such a simple dish, but can be transformed into something really fantastic. (Benjamin Kofoed)
Who knew “peasant food” could be so tasty? I have had polenta before but none quite like this! It was especially memorable eating it in the “peasant” family style, which Anne recommended. It provided a deeper look into the Umbrian culture. When I bring my parents to Italy in the future, Giovannino’s will be a must. (Collin Meyer)
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