The cuisine of Tuscia conquers the experts of "La prova del cuoco". Felice Arletti, from the Agriristoro “Il Calice e la Stella” in Canepina beats Campania in the direct challenge and wins the right to fight next Saturday (same network, Rai1, and same time, around midday) against Piedmont. A great result obtained using the traditional and typical products of Cimini and through a simple but tasty preparation that conquers the palate of a qualified juror like Beppe Bigazzi, journalist and gastronome, who has been entrusted with the task of awarding the best dish.
“A great satisfaction for me – confesses Felice Arletti, upon returning from Rome, after yesterday's episode at lunchtime – but above all an extraordinary promotion for our land. I was given the opportunity to talk about Canepina, the Cimini, Viterbo, in short, the whole of Tuscia.
They told me, during the breaks in the program, that last Friday's event had attracted more than 2.5 million viewers and that on Saturdays, viewing figures usually increase slightly. However, that's the average and therefore I was able to reach an unimaginable amount of people through normal communication channels."
The presenter Antonella Clerici and the gastronome Beppe Bigazzi
Meanwhile, it must immediately be said that the menu prepared for the occasion deviated slightly from local customs. “They explained to me – continues the Cimino restaurateur – that for reasons of time it would not be possible to prepare our classic ragù to season the hay and they asked me to prepare something that recalled the flavors of the territory as much as possible, using seasonal products.
So we thought of proposing as a first course a traditional hay dish seasoned with nettle pesto: we usually make it with basil pesto, but in winter, as we know, it's not available. 
The second course was prepared by our cook Carla Evangelistella and this was the award-winning dish that will allow us to return to the show next Saturday. Also in this case, we used strictly cimini ingredients: pork raised in the area and aromatic herbs (thyme, bay leaves, fennel). Simple preparation with pan-frying and flavoring with the aromas of our land. The extra touch was the addition of hemp seeds, to refer to our Canepinese tradition. But I also brought other products that best represent our land: cheeses and susianella". Nothing to doking for the competitor from Campania who had also prepared a menu of all importance.
“I believe – adds Felice Arletti – that the secret of success is to be found in the authenticity and ease with which this recipe can be prepared by everyone. Furthermore, respect for the territory and tradition, combined with a necessary revisiting and modernization of the dishes, are the fundamental characteristics of the dishes offered in my restaurant. And they are also the main characteristics that are required of all those who participate in the broadcast."
During the program, images of Canepina will also be aired
The program is strictly live and Antonella Clerici, who has hosted it for years with notable audience results, is a loving hostess. “The real mother of Italians” according to Felice's definition. “I got very emotional – he lets it slip – because Clerici by choice does not meet any of the contestants before going on air. So I didn't know what kind of questions he would ask me... However, I am very happy because I was given the opportunity to talk not only about my AgriRistoro, but also about the beauty of our land, the quality products we are able to offer, the our kitchen. We must be able to offer a perfect welcome to those who come to Tuscia: only in this way can we think of establishing ourselves on a tourist level as a pleasant area worthy of being visited and experienced". It should be added that Anna Moroni, another protagonist of the program, stated that she already knows Canepina, while Antonella Clerici has already booked for a next visit.
In his television adventure, Arletti wanted to involve the municipality of Canepina and the Museum of Popular Traditions, thus giving an almost institutional aspect to his participation. On Saturday, as mentioned, we repeat with a new challenge. The dishes that will be presented are top secret, but one is certainly not far from the truth if one assumes that the focus will once again be on tradition and typical ingredients. The secret to success is simply this.
Press review
http://www.viterbopost.it/2016/01/la-prova-del-cuoco-premia-felice-arletti/
The pork with aromatic herbs that won at “La prova del cuoco”
http://www.viterbopost.it/2016/01/complimenti-al-calice-e-la-stella/
“Congratulations to the Chalice and the Star”
http://www.newtuscia.it/interna.asp?idPag=83831
FELICE ARLETTI WINS THE COOK TEST. A CHALLENGE FROM THE FLAVORS OF TUSCIA
http://www.viterbonews24.it/news/canepina-in-gara–alla-prova-del-cuoco_58526.htm
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