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. This year, Bocca di Lupo, the Soho restaurant known for its regional Italian cuisine, is bringing the spirit of Ferragosto to Somerset with its 'Bocca in the Field' event. This unique dining experience takes place at Wyke House, a Grade II-listed Georgian house surrounded by six acres of countryside, on August 15th and 16th.
A Taste of Italy in the English Countryside
Bocca di Lupo's menu for 'Bocca in the Field' is a journey through Italy, showcasing the distinct traditions of each region. From the brittle shell of a freshly fried courgette flower to the sweet-sour depth of caponata, the earthiness of porcini, and the crunch of a cannolo filled at the last possible moment, each dish tells a story.
Personally, I find it fascinating that Bocca di Lupo has made a career of showing that there is no single Italian cuisine. Instead, they celebrate the diversity of Italian cooking, treating each region's dishes as distinct traditions rather than variations on the same theme. This approach is particularly intriguing in the context of Ferragosto, a holiday that originally celebrated the harvest and the hard work of the summer.
A Family-Style Feast
At 'Bocca in the Field', fifty guests each night will sit shoulder to shoulder at long tables in the field, passing dishes family-style as the light begins to soften and the evening stretches out. This communal dining experience is a nod to the central idea of Ferragosto: a pause at the height of summer, best spent outdoors, at a table, with other people.
One thing that immediately stands out is the emphasis on local produce. The menu features dishes like Tuscan-style Dexter beef fiorentina, paired with Puglian tomato and purslane salad, and beans cooked slowly in a fiasco. This focus on local ingredients is a refreshing change from the typical tourist traps and a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy.
A Taste of Tradition
The dishes themselves are a delightful mix of traditional and innovative flavors. For example, the fried courgette flowers, a Roman classic, combine mozzarella, anchovy, and basil in a way that is both familiar and surprising. Similarly, the porcini risotto, made with fresh porcini mushrooms, has an intense, earthy flavor that is both comforting and exciting.
What many people don't realize is that these dishes are not just a taste of Italy, but also a taste of tradition. Each dish has a story to tell, a history that goes back centuries. For example, caponata, a Sicilian dish, balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors while allowing the vegetables to retain their individual character. This attention to detail and respect for tradition is what makes 'Bocca in the Field' such a special event.
A Summer to Remember
In my opinion, 'Bocca in the Field' is more than just a dining experience; it's a celebration of the Italian spirit. It's a chance to escape the crowd, find the right table, and enjoy a meal that is both delicious and meaningful. The event is limited to fifty guests each night, which is probably as it should be: Ferragosto has always been about escaping the crowd, then finding the right table.
If you take a step back and think about it, 'Bocca in the Field' is a perfect example of how food can bring people together. It's a chance to share a meal with friends and family, to appreciate the beauty of the countryside, and to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Italy. So, if you're looking for a summer dining experience that is both unique and memorable, I highly recommend 'Bocca in the Field'.
Practical Information
Tickets for 'Bocca in the Field' cost £140 per person and include all food and drink, with a vegetarian menu available. You can book for Saturday, August 15th, here, and for Sunday, August 16th, here. Places are limited, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
