At the beginning of summer the town of Fano celebrates the typical fish stew, a dish born on board fishing boats. BrodettoFest has a great programme with cooking show, local excellence, talk about food and history

di Marco Giovenco

Four days dedicated to the typical fish stew (called “brodetto”) and the flavors of the Italian tradition. From 30th of mat until 2nd of june in Fano, a nice town in the Marche region on the Adriatic Sea coast, returns BrodettoFest, 22nd edition of the international festival of fish stew and soups. The kermesse represents the excellence of the region's gastronomic and cultural seafaring tradition. In fact, there are two strands of the festival: the wisdom of the fishermen and the great guests from the world of food who have created a winning mix between tradition and renewal of the brodetto, symbolic dish of Adriatic cuisine.

To welcome the public on the seafront of the Lido there will be stands of restaurateurs and producers of local excellence. In addition in the Palabrodetto will be concentrated all the shows and food exhibitions. A winning format for its innovative formula of food protection, enhancement and narration of food in its cultural dimension. A bond that emerges in the space dedicated to talk shows and editorial presentations. The event has taken on an increasingly engaging approach by addressing families and children to whom a space of their own is dedicated: Brodetto&Kids in cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture.

A tasty competition between brodetto and fish soups

There are many versions of fish stews and soups in Italy. But which is the best? We will find out at the end of the “National brodetto and fish soup competition” scheduled on the Lido with the challenge between the Italian regions. During the event there are other initiatives dedicated to clams, ad then cooking shows with famous chefs and local excellence. Brodetto&drinks is back for beverage lovers: a full immersion in the world of drinks through meetings and tastings. A stage for the best wine, beer and spirits labels for excellent quality tastings.

A dish born on board fishing boats

The brodetto is part of the history of Fano like archaeological evidence, churches and ancient vestiges: it was born on board fishing boats so as not to waste that small or ruined fish that was impossible to sell. They were cooked in a pan with oil, onion, tomato paste and vinegar. Everything was accompanied with stale bread. A simple and versatile recipe around which, twenty-two years ago, Confesercenti Pesaro and Urbino – creator and organizer of the kermesse – built a great territorial, cultural and tourist promotion event.

During the festival it is possible to taste the brodetto at a special price in a series of restaurants participating in the event. But in Fano the brodetto is at home in all months of the year, except those when fishing is closed.

La Moretta, a "must" not to be missed

La Moretta is the worthy conclusion of an excellent Brodetto tasting. It is a coffee-based drink, typical of the Marche region and originally from the city of Fano. A tasty and joyful mix of poetry and history concentrated in a small glass slightly larger than a cup: coffee, rum, brandy, a dash of anise, a lemon zest and sugar. The perfect alchemy to enjoy Fano brodetto even better.

Info: www.brodettofest.com 

WHERE TO ENJOY AFFORDABLE BRODETTO

The Brodetto alla fanese, (a specific version of a traditional Italian fish soup from Fano) is the star of the festival to be enjoyed in the participating restaurants in the city, where they offer the typical recipe of the maritime tradition during the festival days and throughout the summer season. Each restaurant presents its own personal version of brodetto, with delicious and sometimes even spectacular reinterpretations. Reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting the individual restaurant. Here are some recommendations:

Vecchia Fano (historic centre): A refined setting with a familiar atmosphere that offers a rich menu featuring typical dishes of the Fano cuisine, including the famous brodetto. The wine cellar is excellent and allows for perfect pairings.

Address: Via Bonaccorsi 12/14, Fano (PU)
Tel: +39 0721.803493
Website: www.ristorantevecchiafano.it

Taverna dei Pescatori (Lido): An elegant and refined venue nestled in the characteristic area of the Fano canal port. The common thread is traditional seafood cuisine, sometimes with interesting experiments using local ingredients. The wine selection is also extensive, offering well-balanced pairings.

Address: Piazzale Calafati 1-2, Fano (PU)
Tel: +39 0721.805364
Website: www.tavernadeipescatori.it

Yankee (Sassonia): A historic seasonal establishment, very modern and elegant, with two beautiful terraces overlooking the sea. The menu is closely tied to tradition and the local area, but it also features elaborate and refined dishes. The wine cellar offers excellent local wines to accompany the traditional menu, as well as labels from all over the world.

Address: Via Ruggero Ruggeri, Fano (PU)
Tel: +39 0721.807748
Website: www.ristoranteyankeefano.it

Dalla vecchia zia Ada (Off the map): Located in Gimarra di Fano, just a stone's throw away from Lido and the sea, this establishment offers an interesting and, above all, genuine menu of traditional dishes and more, with a focus on quality ingredients and proposed dishes. At Dalla vecchia zia Ada, for example, you can taste niche products from artisanal productions in the local area and from all over Italy. The recommended pairings with both local wines and craft beers from the area are extraordinary. Definitely worth a try.

Indirizzo: Viale Romagna 83/B Fano (PU)
Tel: 0721.820797
Website: www.metropizzafano.com