For all of the truffles, wine tours, and olive oil slurping that occurs during a food and wine tour, there is also a simpler side of Umbrian cuisine. While we love the gourmet, there is one Umbrian specialty that stuns with its straightforward deliciousness. Let me introduce you to the torta al testo.

A lightly leavened bread made on a huge flat round stone in a fire, this bread is classically Umbrian, and specifically from Perugia. Like a Christmas cake made once a year, this bread is made even more delicious by the fact that you essentially must be in Umbria to eat it.

Somewhat like a pita, the torta can be stuffed with any number of grilled meats and veggies. Customizing your own is part of the fun, though as Italians are creatures of habit, most people have their favorite combination they stick to. Once you find the best, why change?

When I was taken to one of the more famous torta al testo restaurants by a local winemaker back in August, I was halfway through my piece when I fully registered how simple my torta was. Comprised of only eggplant, mozzarella, and olive oil, it was easily one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Paired with a Birra Perugia golden ale, it was a lunch from heaven.

Umbrian street food at its most essential, Via Umbria just wouldn’t be complete with out it. Which is why we are very excited to announce that when we re-open, we will be offering the official sandwich bread of Umbria in Georgetown.

We can’t wait to savor the bites straight out of Umbria with you in the Fall!

Ci Vediamo!

–Elsa at Via Umbria