Text, images and recipes by Mario Matassa
In the twenty years I have been living here in Italy, I have never tired of the weekly forays to the market. Here in the provinces every town has its designated market day. I have long since surpassed the stage of arbitrary thinking when it comes to choosing which market I visit. I have developed a system based on rational and non-negotiable criteria. The quality of produce on offer is not a particular concern as they’re all pretty much of a standard which, as you would expect, is high. My decision-making is based on (a) quality of cappuccino and brioche at the local bar, and (b) freebies! As for the former, this comes down to a process of trial and error. Finding just the right coffee and brioche is a good excuse to try them all. As for the latter, over time you develop a rapport with your market purveyors of choice to the point where they
