GrapeHops Blog

How to describe Eataly? I could say it is like Whole Foods on steroids but that doesn’t even begin to describe this Italian gourmet superstore. Located in the southern outskirts of Torino (a 15 minute bus ride from the centro), across from the Gallery 8 mall (which we didn’t check out), it’s definitely worth the trip.

Eataly overwhelms the senses and I found my eyes glazed over as we walked from the section devoted entirely to pasta and its condiments (aka sauces), to the one devoted entirely to wine, or the one to truffles (yes large white truffles sat in a display case; I do not know if they were real), to the one devoted to fish, or yes, what we came for, the one devoted to beer! And each section (there were more, wine, general household items, bakery, gelato, coffee, etc.), had its own restaurant/snack area with a smattering of tables around at which people sat enjoying their Sunday lunches.

We were on two missions though – one to check out the extensive beer department and the other to meeting friends from SlowTrav, Diana and her husband Micha, and spend an afternoon catching up. As we arrived a bit early, we checked out a chunk of the store before settling into the beer area, checking out the selection which includes not only artisanal Italian beers, but beers from the UK, Belgium, Germany, and even the US (yes, that was Brooklyn Lager on the shelves; I felt so proud). As I noted all the different producers, Diana and Micha found Shannon (who went to wait outside because cell service inside was spotty), and joined me in the beer area.

Then the “work” of the day began as we scoured the store looking for a place to sit where we could enjoy each other’s company and some food. Unfortunately, we hit the service hour dead on, and seats were hard to come by. We finally stood outside the wine “restaurant” and waited for a group to leave (took about 15 minutes) and we settled in for some spotty service but good food and wine. We split a mixed plate of cheese and another of sausage and meat, along with some bread, and an incredibly delicious bottle of Timorasso (Masso, I believe). I like the way someone, maybe Diana or Paolo described it, a red wine masquerading as a white, very dry, holds up well to food, and as Shannon said, with hints of honey on the finish. It actually reminded her of a dry Gewurtzraminer . I know, I know, we’re supposed to be on a beer tour but the counter in the beer area was completely full and really not conducive to four people dining together and wanting to talk. We may head down there though Monday to check it out thoroughly.

After enjoying each other’s company at lunch, strolling through the store and spending time together, Diana and Micha headed back to their B&B (the Baur B&B), and Shannon and I proceeded to contribute to the Italian economy by purchasing several beers, some Dolcetto that Micha recommended, chocolate hazel nut spreads, salt, capers, mushrooms, and anything else we thought we could easily (and legally) transport home.

Afterward, it was back to the bus, with laden arms to drop our purchases back at the hotel, before heading out for some more café research and dinner. We spent almost four hours at Eataly, and definitely could have spent more.