Words by Germaine Stafford
Germaine Stafford suggests ten fun things for food lovers to do in this increasingly appetizing region..

1. Hire Luca and Fabio Ridolfi for the night

The two brothers from the distinguished restaurant Lo Scudiero in Pesaro now offer a bespoke service and will come to your home, cook dinner, and serve at table. (+39 072 164107 www.ristoranteloscudiero.it)

2. HIt a Truffle hotspot

In his restaurant Anticofurlo near Acqualagna, let Alberto Melagrana bewitch you with his fabulous repertoire of truffle dishes. (+39 0721 700096 www.anticofurlo.it)

3. Buy a bottle of Varnelli

Drink this distinctive aniseed liqueur straight, splash it in cocktails or use it for cooking. (See website for recipes.) (www.varnelli.it)

4. Visit a Winery

Sample some of Le Marche’s finest offerings at the Umani Ronchi winery in Osimo. Their range stretches from typical regional wines to fuoriclasse, and clients can take part in tastings and visit the cellars before they buy.
(+39 071 7108019 www.umanironchi.it)

5. Spend a weekendat le Case

At Le Case in Macerata, indulgence lies round every corner: beauty treatments with chocolate, massages with grape must, seriously good cooking and one of the best wine cellars in the country! (+39 0733231897 www.ristorantelecase.it)

6. Retire to the Country

Unwind at the elegantly restored agriturismo Il Giardino Degli Ulivi in Castelraimondo. Go for walks, relax by an open fire but, most importantly, sample the wonderful cuisine. (+39 0737 642121 www.ilgiardinodegliulivi.com)

7. Scoff down some stockfish

Join locals for a plate of award-winning stoccafisso (dried cod) at Gino opposite Ancona’s main train station. Piazza Rosselli, 26 (+39 071 43310)

8. Pick up some Pasta

Vincenzo Spinosi is one of Marche’s most important pasta producers. Visit his shop in Campofilone where you’ll find everything from tagliolini al peperoncino to fettuccine ai funghi porcini. (+39 0734 9322196 www.spinosi.it)

9. Catch a Match Cheer

Ancona’s football team at the town’s Conero stadium. At half-time copy the locals and grab a turchetto: strong black coffee laced with black rum and lemon. (www.anconacalcio.it)

10. Walk off dinner

Girosole Walking Tours organises tailor-made walking and hiking trips through Le Marche, planning particular hotel and restaurant bookings for gourmets who want to eat and drink well after a day’s hard walking!
(+390733904131www.girosole.com)