The beauty of Italy is in full spring bloom during the month of May. It is a time of school field trips and student exploration of historical sights and gardens. In recent years, it has become earmarked as the beginning of the busy tourist season. Not too hot in the south and not too cold in the North; Italy is just perfect in May. The spring harvest is bountiful and restaurants are bustling to feature seasonal favorites. Fine dining Orlando at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano brings the flavors of springtime in Italy to your table without leaving Central Florida.
If you are a foodie, there are many festivals and fairs that you should work into your itinerary. The Sagra di Sant’Efisio, Cagliari, and Nora, Sardegna take place annually on May 1st. This is a four-day event which begins with a statue of the saint being carried in an elaborate procession that begins in Cagliari and ends in Nora. There are many feasts and regional dishes to savor along the way.
Also celebrated the first weekend in May is La Festa del Risotto a Sessame in Piedmont which celebrates, you guessed it: risotto! This festival features educational opportunities regarding the long, rich history of risotto, and, of course, provides fabulous sampling opportunities of some of the best and unique preparations of this favorite Italian dish.
The second weekend in May ushers in the Sagra del Pesce in Camogli. Saint Fortunato is the patron saint of this village’s fishermen and fresh fish abounds during this festival which is replete with fireworks and a bonfire competition. What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in Italy!
For the wine connoisseur, the month of May offers wine tours throughout the Tuscany region and the famous Mostra del Chianti a Montespertoli. There are tours to observe the wine making process, from vineyard to bottle and numerous opportunities to sample the best Chianti in the world. Local farmers get in on the action by preparing regional favorites developed to pair perfectly with the vintages available. There are vintage car displays, tractor meets, and other fun events planned during this celebration highlighting the wines of Tuscany.
While it would be amazing to take a trip to Italy this May, for many it is something that will remain on the “Bucket List” for right now. However, you don’t have to miss out on the fresh flavors of the season! Fine dining in Orlando at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano will bring May in Italy right to your table. Let our skilled staff help you select the right wine to pair with your meal from our acclaimed wine cellar. You will feel as if you’ve been transported straight to Italy. Reservations are recommended. Call us to experience Italy in May.