Truffles are a relatively rare species of an underground mushroom that grows on the roots of some trees or bushes, highly prized for their unique aromas, and it’s hard to find a culinary expert or a gourmand who wouldn’t like to see and taste them in their dish.
Istria is one of the world’s largest natural habitats of white truffles (Tuber Magnatum), a variety that’s considered to be the most expensive and valuable due to its incredibly intensive scent and flavor. Only few thin slices of Istrian white truffle are enough to turn a simple dish like omelet or pasta into a specialty which will captivate your senses.
If you are a fan of truffles, or you want to become one, the small Istrian village called Livade is definitely the best place to visit. During autumn you can enjoy delicious white truffle delicacies and homemade products at Zigante Truffle Days, the largest regional truffle fair which stretches for 10 weekends in a row. It starts in the middle of September and lasts until the mid-November, and apart from degustations, you can also buy truffles, participate in various activities such as truffle hunting, and learn more about this mysterious mushroom from true experts.
Also, Livade is the home of Zigante restaurant, famous for preparing and serving creative truffle dishes under the strict supervision of a well-known chef, Damir Modrušan, a true artist when it comes to truffle specialties. The restaurant is open every day from 12:00 to 22:00h and offers an amazing menu with fresh seasonal truffles, which is mostly white truffles at this time of year. Visit us in Livade, feel the excitement, and experience what truffles are really all about.