Solo Polenta a Castiglione d'Asti
An autumn polenta dinner and lunch from the Pro Loco of Castiglione, a hilltop frazione of Asti: a set menu of polenta three ways, with mushrooms, with gorgonzola and with braised pork cheeks, served in a heated marquee in front of the parish church.
Why it's special
It's a simple, cheap and very local meal: one set menu built around polenta, cooked by the village volunteers and served at long tables, with a children's menu and a take-away option. Booking is compulsory, which keeps it relaxed.
Programme · 2026
In a covered and heated marquee on the square in front of the parish church.
- Booking is compulsory, by phone to Carmen on 347 0492581; in 2026 the deadline was Wednesday 11 November.
- The take-away menu must also be booked, and is collected at fixed times before each sitting.
- Drinks are not included in the menu price.
The Pro Loco 'La Castiglionese' runs a calendar of village food days in Castiglione, a frazione on the hills about five kilometres from the centre of Asti, and Solo Polenta is its autumn one. Polenta is the whole menu: a trio of polenta to start, then polenta with mushrooms, with gorgonzola and with braised pork cheeks, followed by dessert and coffee.
It's served twice, on the Saturday evening and the Sunday lunchtime, in a heated marquee on the square in front of the parish church. Places have to be booked by phone a few days before, and the same menu can be booked to take away.
A week earlier the village celebrates its patron saint at the Festa di San Martino, with the Pro Loco's tripe and roast chestnuts.
Past editions
| Year | Dates | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14–15 November 2026 | In a covered and heated marquee on the square in front of the parish church. Sat 14 Nov, 20:00 – dinner Sun 15 Nov, 12:30 – lunch Menu, €25 (drinks extra) – gourmet trio of polenta; polenta with mushrooms; polenta with gorgonzola; polenta with braised pork cheeks; dessert; 'caffè della nonna' and pusa café Children's menu, €10 (up to 10 years) – ham, a slice of pizza, chips, a canned drink and dessert Take-away – on booking only; collect Sat 19:00–19:30 or Sun 11:30–12:00 Booking – compulsory, by Wednesday 11 November, on 347 0492581 (Carmen) |
| 2023 | 13–14 October 2023 | Held as 'Non solo Polenta!' |