The Palio del Pettine took place between October 24th and 25th in Gavello di Mirandola (MO). A month after the event, just enough time to digest at least some of the succulent dishes we tasted, we’ve found the strength to tell you the details of this third edition.

First and foremost, the Palio del Pettine is a food and wine initiative aimed at promoting the Maccherone al Pettine of the Mirandolesi Valleys. For those unfamiliar with the authentic Mirandolese Maccherone, it’s cylindrical in shape and lacks the two pointed ends characteristic of Garganello. It’s the latest traditional product to earn the prestigious “Tradizione e Sapori di Modena” label.

This year, Acetaia del Cristo was among the event’s sponsors. We gave the judges a gift box of Extravecchio:

– Luca Marchini, Chef of the Erba del Re restaurant and President of Modena a Tavola;

– Luca Bonacini, food and wine journalist;

– Luigi Marchi, the President of the Committee;

– Enrico Belgrado, expert in Territorial Marketing;

– Giuseppe di Biasi, journalist for Repubblica and Bell’Italia;

– Luigi Franchi, coordinator of the Chef to Chef association;

– Simona Vitali, FoodBlogger;

Not content with such celebrities, the ambassador and testimonial of honor of the challenge invited was Valerio Massimo Manfredi, the well-known writer, who contributed to the election of Quarantoli, the winning fraction.

There was also a People’s Jury, made up of satiated diners who voted for their favorite dish from the six Maccheroni al Pettine tastings proposed by the respective participating hamlets: the acclaimed Quarantoli, Cividale, Gavello, San Giacomo Roncole, Mortizzuolo, and San Martino Spino.